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Topic Review
Biography
Topic Review
Microplastics Invading Human Organs and Bodily Fluids Systems
Microplastics (MPs), small plastic particles resulting from the degradation of larger plastic items and from primary sources such as textiles, engineered plastic pellets, etc., have become a ubiquitous environmental pollutant. As their prevalence in the natural environment grows, concerns about their potential impacts on human health have escalated.
218
20 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Engineering of PVA/PVP Hydrogels for Agricultural Applications
Hydrogels have gained significant popularity in agricultural applications in terms of minimizing waste and mitigating the negative environmental impact of agrochemicals. The utilization of environmentally friendly, shapable hydrogels composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in various casings for crop protection are examined against different pests, fertilizing, and watering. To activate their effectiveness, PVA/PVP hydrogels were loaded with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic environmentally friendly pesticides, namely hydrogen peroxide (HP), the essential oil thymol, and urea as a fertilizer, either separately or in combination.
200
20 Nov 2023
Topic Review
The Alphabet of Nanostructured Polypyrrole
Polypyrrole is a significantly useful material derived from an inconspicuous pyrrole ring. The available synthetic procedures allow for the precise sculpturing of both the chemical composition and morphology of the forming polymer. Multiple variations shall be taken into consideration to take advantage of the synergy effect coming from the sophisticated nanostructuring of the material at the stage of choosing the polymer procedure (proper solvent, doping ion, substrate choice), during the polymerization (conditions like temperature, stirring, enhanced impulses, like ultrasounds) or at the post-synthetic functionalization stage.
103
20 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Peer Reviewed
Fluorescence in Smart Textiles
Fluorescence has been identified as an advantageous feature in smart fabrics, notably for the protection of humans during outdoor athletic activities, as well as for preventing counterfeiting and determining authenticity. Fluorescence in smart fabrics is achieved using dendrimers, rare earth metal compounds, and fluorescent dye. The principal method for producing fluorescent fabrics is to immerse the sample in a solution containing fluorescent agents. However, covalent connections between fluorophores and textile substates should be established to improve the stability and intensity of the fluorescent characteristics. Fabric can be fluorescent throughout, or fluorescent fibers can be woven directly into the textile structures, made of natural (cotton, silk) or synthetic (polyamide- and polyester-based) fibers, into a precise pathway that becomes visible under ultraviolet irradiation.
518
14 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Applications of Self-Reparable Antimicrobial Polysiloxanes
Organosilicon polymers (silicones) are an important part of material chemistry and a well-established commercial product segment with a wide range of applications. Silicones are of enduring interest due to their unique properties and utility. New application areas for silicone-based materials have emerged, such as stretchable electronics, wearable stress sensors, smart coatings, and soft robotics.
151
14 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Bigels
Bigels have been mainly applied in the pharmaceutical sector for the controlled release of drugs or therapeutics. However, these systems, with their intricate structures, hold great promise for wider application in food products. Besides their classical role as carrier and target delivery vehicles for molecules of interest, bigels may also be valuable tools for building complex food structures. In the context of reducing or even eliminating undesirable (but often highly functional) food components, current strategies often critically affect food structure and palatability. The production of solid fat systems that are trans-fat-free and have high levels of unsaturated fatty acids is one of the challenges the food industry currently faces.
171
13 Nov 2023
Topic Review
Methods for Reducing Water Absorption of Composite Materials
Plant fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites have attracted much attention in many industries due to their abundant resources, low cost, biodegradability, and lightweight properties. Compared with synthetic fibers, various plant fibers are easy to obtain and have different characteristics, making them a substitute for synthetic fiber composite materials. In order to address the adverse effects of natural fiber moisture absorption on the mechanical properties and dimensional stability of composite materials, researchers have modified fibers through various chemical and physical methods. The various methods to reduce the water absorption of composite materials such as fiber surface chemical treatment, the use of compatibilizers, fiber mixing, nanofillers, and polymer coatings.
454
27 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Chemical Composition of Giant Miscanthus from Different Climatic Regions
Lignocellulosic biomass is of great interest as an alternative energy resource because it has a number of advantages. Miscanthus x gigantis is a lignocellulosic feedstock of particular interest because it combines high biomass productivity with low environmental impact, including control of CO 2 emissions. The chemical composition of lignocellulose determines the possibilities of its use for efficient industrial processing. Here we have collected specimens from a collection of Miscanthus x giganteus, which were grown in different climatic regions between 2019 and 2021. The chemical composition was quantified using traditional wet methods. The results were compared with each other and with known data. It has been shown that already from the first year of vegetation, miscanthus has the following chemical composition: cellulose content 43.2–55.5%, acid-insoluble lignin content 17.1–25.1%, pentosan 17.9–22.9%, ash content 0, 90–2.95%, and 0.3–1.2% extractives. Habitat and environment have been found to influence the chemical composition of miscanthus. It was found that the stem part of miscanthus is richer in fiber than the leaf part (48.4–54.9% versus 47.2–48.9%, respectively), regardless of the age of the plantation and habitat. The data obtained expand the geography of research into the chemical composition of miscanthus and confirm the high value of miscanthus for industrial processing into cellulose products around the world.
236
26 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Polyisoprene Rubber
Rubber materials have been used in a wide range of applications, from automotive parts to special-design engineering pieces, as well as in the pharmaceutical, food, electronics, and military industries, among others. Since the discovery of the vulcanization of natural rubber (NR) in 1838, the continuous demand for this material has intensified the quest for a synthetic substitute with similar properties.
549
25 Oct 2023
Topic Review
Electrospinning Method for Plant Extracts
Since antiquity, humans have known about plants as a medicinal cure. Plant extracts are attracting more attention as a result of their natural origin and wide range of desirable features. Nanotechnology’s progress and innovations enable the production of novel materials with enhanced properties for a broad range of applications. Electrospinning is a cutting-edge, flexible and economical technique that allows the creation of continuous nano- and microfibrous membranes with tunable structure, characteristics and functionalities.
223
25 Oct 2023
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