The rapid growth of the global population has led to two pressing challenges: the increasing demand for food and the escalating production of plastic. A higher rate of food consumption inherently results in greater waste generation, while the surge in plastic production contributes to the accumulation of plastic waste, ultimately leading to the formation of microplastics. Addressing these interconnected issues requires a sustainable approach, and the circular economy presents a promising solution. By repurposing food waste to mitigate the microplastic problem, this approach offers a strategy to reduce environmental impact while promoting resource efficiency.
Fruit waste is an attractive source of essential nutrients and sugars, offering significant opportunities for recycling and conversion into valuable commodities, such as bacterial cellulose (BC). BC is a biomaterial with a unique 3D and nanoporous structure and biodegradability. Here, we report a straightforward synthesis of BC from mixed fruit waste of watermelon, cantaloupe, and cayenne pineapple peel waste aqueous extracts by Gluconacetobacter xylinus under static cultivation. The results revealed that the yield of mixed fruit-BC with the addition of a nitrogen source (peptone or yeast extract) was almost threefold greater than that of standard Hestrin and Schramm (HS) media and watermelon peel BC but slightly lower than that of cantaloupe and pineapple BC. Moreover, FTIR analysis of mixed fruit BC revealed similarities to the HS medium and other BCs. This study evaluates the potential of mixed fruit waste BC for microplastic removal, leveraging its microporous structure, high porosity, and excellent water-holding capacity.

Radiotherapy is a key cancer treatment, used in about 50% of cancer cases, but its effectiveness is limited by potential harm to surrounding healthy tissue1. Nanotechnology has introduced promising strategies to enhance radiotherapy by locally increasing radiation doses. High-atomic-number nanoparticles (NPs), particularly gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), can act as radiosensitizers and targeted delivery agents to improve treatment efficacy2. .
Here, we prepared Poly (2-oxazoline) (PAOx) coated gold NPs using poly[(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline)-co-(ethylenimine)] (P(EtOx-co-EI)) as radio enhancer. As the POx-PEI copolymer could work both as reducing and coating agent during the synthesis of AuNPs, no external reducing or coating agents were required during the synthesis process. The PEtOx-co-PEI copolymer was synthesized through the acid-catalyzed partial hydrolysis of poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) (PEtOx)3. This approach allows for the synthesis of copolymers with different PEI unit ratios by controlling the degree of hydrolysis. PEtOx-co-PEI copolymers retain the beneficial properties of both poly(2-alkyl-2-oxazoline) (PAOx) and PEI while exhibiting lower cytotoxicity than L-PEI. To investigate the effect of the PEI unit ratio on nanoparticle size, partial hydrolysis was conducted at varying degrees (20%, 60%, 80%, and 100%).
The synthesis of AuNPs using the synthesized P(EtOx-co-EI) offers a one-step, eco-friendly, biocompatible, stable, and efficient approach without requiring additional reducing or stabilizing agents. The ethylenimine (EI) groups can reduce the gold salt, while the oxazoline (EtOx) segments stabilize the formed AuNPs, ensuring controlled size and properties.
The radioenhancing effect of PAOx-coated NPs was then evaluated through a series of in vitro assays, which confirmed their radioenhancing properties.

This study investigates the use of Anton Paar's pressure cells in combination with an MCR rheometer to analyze the high-pressure rheological behavior of polymers under supercritical carbon dioxide (CO₂) conditions. Designed to simulate industrial environments, the pressure cells operate at up to 400 bar and 300 °C, enabling detailed evaluation of polymer processing, oil recovery, and food-related applications.
The research focuses on the role of CO₂ as a plasticizer and processing solvent, examining its influence on key rheological properties such as viscosity, melting point, and internal structure in polymer systems like Polylactic Acid (PLA), High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and others. Preliminary results indicate that CO₂ significantly modifies polymer behavior by reducing viscosity and lowering melting points, compared to tests performed in nitrogen atmospheres. These changes enhance the processability and flow properties of the materials, particularly under supercritical conditions.
The findings highlight the critical role of high-pressure rheological measurements in optimizing polymer modification, foaming, and blending processes. By revealing how CO₂ interacts with polymers under extreme conditions, this study provides a foundation for advancing both material performance and industrial processes. Further research will expand our understanding of CO₂’s effects across diverse polymer systems and processing parameters, offering valuable insights for industrial applications.

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is a promising bio-based polymer of high interest in additive manufacturing (AM) [1]. Its immanent brittleness makes it necessary to blend it with flexible polyester, such as poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) [2]. Blending PLA with PBS is an effective way to fine-tune PLA properties and change the properties of neat polymer. However, the immiscibility between PLA and PBS polymers leads to their performance impairment and application limitations. Block copolymers which work as a plasticizer, compatibilizer and nucleating agent for properties improving can be used as a multifunctional additive for polymer blends [3]–[5]. This work represents a block copolymers, i.e. poly(lactide-b-butylene succinate) (PLA-b-PBS) with ratios 75-25 and 25-75. The chemical structure was determined using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and size exclusion chromatography (SEC). PLA/PBS blends with different mass ratios of 625/75, 50/50, and 75/25 were produced by dissolving all components (PLA, PBS, and PLA-b-PBS) in CHCl3 and casting them in a petri dish. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheometry, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to assess the changes in phase structure of PLA/PBS blends. Tensile tests demonstrated the addition of PLA-b-PBS 25-75 marked improvement in uniform elongation to 4% and elastic modulus to 0.2 GPa for L25/S75 L75/S25 blend, respectively. In addition, synthesized bio-based monomers using polycondensation could obtain copolymers that modified blends' miscibility and replaced widely used rubber-like petrochemical compatibilizers.

Flame retardant nanocomposite hydrogels offer superior fire resistance due to their high-water retention capacity, charring ability and mechanical adaptability. In this study, we aimed to provide an environmentally sustainable flame retardants by developing CNC-borax-lignin composite hydrogels. The structural, rheological, thermal and flame-retardant properties of the developed hydrogels were systematically investigated. CNC, showing a synergistic effect with borax, promoted cross-linking and strengthened the stability of the hydrogel and the integrity of the carbonization process. Lignin strengthened hydrogen bonds in the CNC-Borax gel matrix, forming a denser and homogeneous structure, reducing the pore size and increasing the water retention capacity. This enabled the water molecules released during combustion to support the flame-retardant effect through cooling effect and oxygen dilution mechanisms.
Combustion tests revealed that CNC-borax-lignin hydrogels significantly delayed the ignition time and improved the charring quality. Moreover, maintaining the structural stability of the hydrogel prevented the formation of deformation in the combustion process, increasing the effectiveness of the protective char layer. Our study reveals that lignin and borax enhanced cellulose nanocrystals composite hydrogels improve the fire-retardant performance of cellulose nanocrystals composite hydrogels and shows that these hydrogels are a strong candidate for sustainable and high-performance fire prevention solutions.

Resorcinol based aromatic polyesters exhibit a rigid aromatic backbone, high refractive index and high glass transition temperatures (Tg) which are important factors for polymer processability. These polyesters are typically synthesized via solution or interfacial polymerization, involving controlled mole fractions of diacid chlorides and resorcinol in the presence of a catalyst. The molecular design of resorcinol-based polyester affects solubility, compatibility, thermal stability, and UV absorbance of final polymer, which are critical for tailoring material performance. Upon UV exposure, these polyarylates undergo a photo-Fries rearrangement and form o-hydroxybenzophenone derivatives that act as self-renewing UV absorbing layers. In this study, various aliphatic diols were introduced to the solution polymerization of resorcinol based polyesters to enhance chain flexibility while maintaining desirable UV absorption. The effect of aromatic to aliphatic diol ratio on the molecular weight (Mn, Mw, PDI), glass transition temperature and UV absorbance of final polymer will be investigated. The chemical structure of final polymers will be characterized by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were performed to evaluate thermal behavior and degradation stability of these polymers as protective UV resistant coatings.

Thermoplastic Polyolefins (TPOs) are widely used in the automotive sector due to their superior elastomeric properties compared to conventional polyolefins. TPOs are obtained by blending a polyolefin, typically copolymer polypropylene, with a plastomer in specific ratios to enhance elastomeric characteristics. A significant challenge in TPO production is controlling mold shrinkage, especially for parts with high aspect ratios, such as bumpers and exterior trims.
Therefore, this study aims to develop TPO formulations with minimum mold shrinkage by optimizing mechanical properties. To achieve this, TPO formulations were created by melt-blending plastomers with varying physical and mechanical properties into the polyolefin phase. To understand the co-working mechanism of polypropylene and plastomers and the effect of different types of plastomers yielding minimum mold shrinkage, the relationship between the structure of the plastomer and the performance of the final TPO product was investigated through structural characterization and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations.
The mechanical test results reveal that the ideal TPO compound, designated as "sample A," consists of 70% plastomer with medium crystallinity and 30% copolymer PP. This formulation demonstrates low mold shrinkage values both parallel (0.19%) and perpendicular (0.2%) to the flow direction, along with optimal mechanical properties, including tensile strength (13.4 MPa), tear strength (74.4 N/mm), and elongation at break (815%). These findings provide valuable insights into the micro-events occurring during the compound process of PP and plastomers and clarify the necessary PP-plastomer ratio to achieve the desired mechanical performance.

Hydrophobic and especially superhydrophobic surfaces are of great interest in industry due to their potential advantages in terms of corrosion resistance, self-cleaning, anti-fogging and anti-icing, as they increase the service life and performance of equipment.
Fluorinated compounds are generally used to produce such coatings as they have a low surface energy. [1] However, these compounds are associated with bioaccumulation and toxicity issues, so their use is restricted. [2]
Therefore, research has focused on exploring more environmentally friendly alternatives to impart hydrophobicity to coatings. Materials such as polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), waxes, long-chain alkanes, carbon-based materials and nanoparticles have been investigated. [3]
In addition, industry, including the automotive sector, is increasingly looking to aqueous coatings as a replacement for solvent-based formulations due to volatile organic compound (VOC) regulations and safety considerations. [4] Aqueous acrylic-based emulsions have emerged as a viable option that requires further research to incorporate additives to improve certain properties.
In this study, various compounds, including waxes, siloxane-based molecules and nanoparticles, were incorporated into an acrylic emulsion to evaluate their effects on the hydrophobicity of coatings on metal and glass substrates.
The results showed that the hydrophobicity of the waxes was influenced by the surfactants used in their original dispersion. Synergistic interactions between nanoparticles and PDMS were also observed, leading to contact angle values of over 100°.
These findings contribute to the further development of superhydrophobic coatings.

Due to its excellent properties, mimicry of spider silk has been considered a holy grail of materials science research for many years. Natural spider silk typically shows high tensile strength and extensibility, with some types being tougher than any man-made material[1]. The strength of spider silk is in part attributed to the α-helix to β-sheet transition of the spidroin upon fiber spinning. It is now believed that gradients, for example in pH, shear or ionic strength, along the spinning duct play an important role in this process[2]. To study this natural processing system, we use a simplified spidroin-mimic by synthesizing poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and peptide-polymer conjugates of polyalanine and poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA-Ala) and processing these polyelectrolytes to form a complex coacervate. Complex coacervates of PAA/PDMAEMA have been studied extensively and are known to have pH and salt dependent properties[3,4]. Synthetic polyelectrolytes are a simpler alternative to the recombinant spidroins typically used in the production of artificial spider silk[5] and can be processed under mild conditions. The formed liquid coacervate is processed in a microfluidic device, fabricated to generate gradients, such as pH or ionic strength, along the spinning channel. By careful design, we induce a gradual coagulation process in which the liquid material hardens into a fiber. By incorporation of poly(alanine) units, we aim to mimic the α-helix to β-sheet transition, which we plan to study by coupling the microfluidic device to scanning-SAXS. Finally, we will collect the formed fibers and study the mechanical properties using DMA and tensile testing.

Thermosensitive hydrogels can be used in the preparation of smart grippers, valves or dressings, but are currently slowed down in their applications due to poor deformability and response kinetics. Thermosensitive microgel-embedding has emerged as a promising strategy for the preparation of Lower Critical Solubility Temperature (LCST) polymer-based hydrogels with enhanced deswelling properties. Upon heating, microgels shrink faster than the matrix owing to their smaller sizes, generating pores which facilitate water exchanges enhancing deformability and deswelling kinetics. Microgels can also enhance the mechanical strength of hydrogels by promoting energy dissipation within the network. Herein, we adapted the strategy to prepare nanosized-gel-embedded hydrogels, which to our knowledge has not yet been studied. Our results suggest incorporating nanogels better improve swelling ratios and kinetics, but microgels are needed for superior mechanical properties. This work provides better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of nano/microgel-embedding needed to fully benefit from this strategy.

When biological systems come in contact with materials, precise control over the materials’ surface properties is required to ensure desired functionality. Polymer brushes are excellent candidates to modify surface properties on demand, finding applications in biosensors, microelectronic parts, tissue engineering substrates, or microfluidic devices [1]. Already established ways to produce such brushes include use of photomasks, direct laser writing and more. However, the achievable pattern resolution is limited. In this work, polymer brushes were photopatterned on confined glass substrates via two photon initiated reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer, 2PRAFT [2]. The biocompatible and hydrophilic monomer N-acryloylmorpholine (NAM) was chosen for the synthesis of the polymer brushes. To establish the composition of the polymerisation mixture, the system was initially optimised using RAFT polymerization and blue light irradiation. The glass wafers were covalently modified with RAFT agent 4-cyano-4-(((dodecylthio)carbonothioyl)thio)pentanoic acid (CDTPA) via a two-step procedure, using Ivocerin as the photoinitiator. Firstly, the kinetics of the polymer brushes formation were monitored. Ellipsometry was used for brush thickness measurements, observing a maximum of 10.4±1.5 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was utilised to determine the chemical composition of the brushes. Finally, the established system was further expanded and applied on 2PRAFT, using an established 2P fabrication initiator. The patterned brushes and their morphology were characterised using confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The possibilities of this method were further highlighted not only by the ability to print patterns of various colours, but also by the ability to print on vertically stacked surfaces.

Plastics are widely used today, but their dependence on fossil fuels raises sustainability concerns highlighting the need for bio-based alternatives. Nature provides raw materials with valuable properties that are gaining interest due to their availability, sustainability and ease of modification.
The RN21 project is leading research into the use of natural resin from pine trees as a renewable resource. With a focus on rosin derivatives, the project aims to meet the growing demand in the automotive industry for durable and environmentally friendly materials. By incorporating bio-based alternatives, this initiative contributes to sustainability, paving the way for greener industrial solutions in the sector.
This study investigates the integration of rosin derivatives into bio-based polymers, specifically for automotive interior parts applications. The research includes formulation, compounding and processing of these materials, followed by testing their mechanical, thermal, density and rheological properties. The goal is to develop high performance, sustainable materials that meet the automotive industry’s standards, ensuring optimal strength, processability and compatibility with current manufacturing technologies. The Life Cicle Asessment analysis has been conducted as part of this study to evaluate the environmental impact of rosin-based biopolymers against the petroleum-based ones, normally used to such application.

The authors acknowledge the financial support from integrated project RN21 (TC-C12-i01, Sustainable Bioeconomy No. 02/C12-i01.01/2022), promoted by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP), Next Generation EU, for the period 2021-2026. 

Keywords: Rosin resin derivatives, eco-friendly polymers, compounding, material characterization, automotive applications.

The increase in global awareness of environmental concerns has led nations to set regulations that increase the use of sustainable materials. Wood-Plastic Composites (WPCs) from Wood Fiber (WF) and Polypropylene (PP), Polyamide 11 (PA11) are among these materials. However, undesirable odor emissions limit their usage in interior applications. To address this issue, we compared Halloysite Nanotubes (HNT) and Modified Halloysite Nanotubes (Mod-HNT) that have nano size, lumen structure, and absorption and adsorption abilities with B-Cyclodextrin having a toroidal shape that allows encapsulation of hydrophobic molecules and adsorption of aromatic hydrocarbons. For this purpose, PP and PA11 based WPCs containing 30% WF were produced with HNT, Mod-HNT, and β-CD at concentrations of 2 wt. % and 5 wt. %. The odor analysis (Jar and HS GC-MS) and other characterizations such as Mechanical (tensile strength), morphological (SEM imaging), thermal (DSC and TGA), and spectroscopic (FTIR) of all composites were made. The peak intensities of Nonane, 5-butyl and Furfural odorous VOCs in PP-based WPCs were most effectively reduced by 90% with using HNT and Mod-HNT, and by 96% with Mod-HNT. The results of VOC peak reductions and other property changes of PP vs PA11-based WPCs without additives will be discussed.

This study is supported by the Turkish Scientific and Technological Research Council (TUBITAK) and Kastamonu Entegre Wood Industry Co. Inc. with project numbers 118C042 and 5230043.

Graphene and silver nanowires (AgNWs) are promising materials for advanced electronic applications due to their exceptional electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. However, challenges such as poor dispersion stability of graphene and AgNWs and oxidation susceptibility of AgNWs often lead to aggregation and performance degradation. [1]
To address these challenges, we developed a multifunctional polymer dispersant incorporating styrene sulfonate, disulfide-based methacrylate, and potential urethane-forming protected isocyanate groups. The newly developed dispersant facilitated the stable aqueous co-dispersion of graphene and AgNWs while improving the oxidation resistance and conductivity. Structural analysis by NMR, IR, and GPC confirmed the successful synthesis of the polymer, while TEM imaging revealed graphene-coated AgNWs for enhanced oxidation resistance and improved electrical performance (see Figure 1).
This novel nanocomposite exhibits significant potential for advanced electrodes and sensors, overcoming the challenges in graphene/AgNW systems. The proposed approach paves the way for the development of stable, high-performance materials for next-generation electronic devices.

The advancements in energy storage rely heavily on the strategic design of heteroatom-enriched polymer precursors for inherently doped carbon materials. Traditional carbon electrodes in supercapacitors face kinetic limitations, hindering electrochemical performance. To address these challenges, incorporating electrochemically active sites through chemical dopants can modify the carbon structure, enhancing its physicochemical properties. Recently, polybenzoxazine has emerged as a promising thermoset, leveraging amine and phenol precursors to integrate nitrogen and oxygen functionality into its backbone. This makes polybenzoxazine an ideal candidate for producing inherently heteroatom-doped carbon materials, overcoming the limitations of conventional carbon electrodes.
Utilizing a template-free extended sol-gel method in the present work, uniform spherical particles were formed using multifunctional precursors. Subsequent carbonization yielded a partially graphitic structure with a notable 28% nitrogen and 20.5% oxygen content, as confirmed by CHNS analysis. The material's moderate surface area of 221 m2 g-1 and high heteroatom content make it an ideal candidate for electrochemical energy storage applications. In a three-electrode supercapacitor system, the material achieved a remarkable specific capacitance of 728 F g-1 at 10 A g-1, accompanied by a high energy density of 56 W h kg-1 and power density of 14246 W kg-1. The remarkable electrochemical performance of the N,O-codoped carbon structure can be attributed to the heteroatom-rich carbon network obtained from the synergism of multifunctional polymeric precursors that facilitated the Faradaic redox reactions and, their micro-mesoporous pore structure that acted as an electrolytic ion reservoir, thereby providing improved charge transfer for excellent electrochemical performance.

Exploring sustainable energy has been an urgent challenge for human society due to energy shortage. Harvesting electricity through ubiquitous atmospheric moisture has been an emerging technology to address the energy shortage challenge. Tremendous amounts of gaseous water molecules are stored in ambient air, serving as an overlooked, huge water and energy source [1]. Moisture electricity generators (MEGs) hold the potential to be an exciting next-generation platform for energy harvesting, because electricity can be generated directly through spontaneous moisture adsorption by functionalized nanomaterials [2,3].
Centering on the goal of high performance and continuous electricity output, which is crucial for promoting the practical application of MEGs, our research mainly focuses on material regulation and structure optimization during moisture adsorption. We introduce single-layer crosslinked membranes employing water-soluble functional polymers combined with various carbon nanostructures, that show high sensitivity to humidity [4]. The fabrication processes are cost-effective, scalable, and environmentally friendly. The crucial hydro-interaction between hygroscopic materials and water molecules is determined. Properties of these hygroscopic materials, including their microstructure morphology, physicochemical, mechanical and electrochemical characteristics, as well as humidity-driven response have been extensively studied. These self-standing composite membranes, capable of responding to humidity gradients, can likely enhance energy harvesting performance, and more importantly, unlock more applications in the fields of actuators for non-contact human-machine interfaces and soft robotics.

Shear thickening electrolytes (STE) are materials that exhibit a sudden increase in viscosity with increasing shear rate. They can enhance the safety of lithium batteries by forming a solid-like barrier upon strong impacts, such as car accidents, preventing electrode short circuits and potential hazards like explosions or fires. When no shear forces are applied, these electrolytes remain liquid, providing higher ionic conductivity than typical solid electrolytes, which is crucial for maintaining battery performance under normal operating conditions.
In this study, we developed shear thickening electrolytes containing silica nanoparticles and lithium salt. As the matrix, we used liquid polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, end-capped with 1,3-dioxolan-2-one groups. The matrices were synthesized via a one-step reaction of diglycidyl ethers with CO₂ and a two-step reaction: first, attaching a glycidol molecule to a hydroxyl-terminated glycol (one glycidol per hydroxyl group), followed by the reaction of dimethyl carbonate with vicinal hydroxyl groups.
The use of these matrices enabled the fabrication of stable composite electrolytes exhibiting the characteristic viscosity jump of shear thickening fluids, with values exceeding 10,000 Pa·s. This significant increase in viscosity under shear stress ensures enhanced mechanical stability, which is particularly beneficial for high-performance energy storage systems. By replacing hydroxyl groups with stable five-membered carbonate rings, these electrolytes become compatible with lithium metal anodes, improving their cycling stability and safety, making them promising candidates for next-generation battery technologies.

Elastocaloric cooling is recognized as a promising alternative to current vapour compression cooling systems, which often rely on environmentally hazardous refrigerants. Natural Rubber (NR), a well-known renewable resource, stands out among elastomers exhibiting elastocaloric behaviour due to a peculiar combination of nontoxicity, low cost, softness, long-life fatigue and high caloric power. Despite these properties, research on the refrigeration potential of NR is still in its early stages, and several aspects require attention. This work investigates, for the first time, the effect of nanoclay addition on the elastocaloric properties of NR. Samples with three different nanoclay loadings (1, 3 and 5 phr) were produced by internal compounding and hot pressing and thermo-mechanically characterized. The results have demonstrated that nanoclay incorporation enhances the elastocaloric response, improving performance as nanoclay content increases. Specifically, the heat extracted from the environment per refrigeration cycle increased from 11 J/cm³ in unfilled NR to 16 J/cm³ in NR with 5 phr of nanoclay, highlighting its potential for more efficient and sustainable solid-state cooling applications.