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Polymers
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Lignocellulosic Polymer Composites
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Lignocellulosic Polymer Composites

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomacromolecules, Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2024 | Viewed by 9190

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Adrian Moreno

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Analytical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, Rovira i Virgili University, Tarragona, Spain
Interests: lignin-based polymeric materials; lignin nanoparticles; biodegradable polymers; biopolymers; biocomposites; polymer synthesis; smart materials; colloidal chemistry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymeric composites are multi-phase materials in which reinforcing fillers are integrated within a polymeric matrix, resulting in a synergistic effect on different material properties (e.g., mechanical, electrical, optical, magnetic and catalytic, among others) that cannot be achieved from their constituent single components. With the widespread interest in the development of functional materials for a plethora of applications, polymeric composites with enhanced properties have attracted considerable attention during the last few years. However, most of the polymeric composites developed so far are composed partially, if not completely, from monomers derived from petroleum resources. This fact, together with the concerns about rising plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, has shifted the interest towards the preparation of polymeric composites with a more favorable carbon footprint via the implementation of renewable resources. In this regard, lignocellulosic biomass, which is present in a wide variety of agricultural, forestry, municipal and industrial waste biomass sources, has attracted global interest as an alternative to fossil resources. Lignocellulosic biomass is considered as one of the most valuable types of biomass forms due to its inedibility, low cost, renewability, carbon neutrality, and wide distribution. Therefore, this Special Issue is focused on the development of polymeric composites derived from lignocellulosic biomass, either from raw lignocellulosic biomass (i.e., lignin or cellulose) or monomers derived from it (lignin-derived phenols such as eugenol, C5/C6 sugars derived from cellulose, among others). Original research papers and short reviews addressing the synthesis, characterization and application of lignocellulosic polymeric composites are invited for submission.

Dr. Adrian Moreno
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • polymeric composites
  • lignocellulose
  • lignin
  • cellulose
  • bio-based polymers

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

14 pages, 8788 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Starch–Garlic Husk Polymeric Composites through Mechanical, Thermal, and Thermo-Mechanical Tests
by Cynthia Graciela Flores-Hernández, Juventino López-Barroso, Beatriz Adriana Salazar-Cruz, Verónica Saucedo-Rivalcoba, Armando Almendarez-Camarillo and José Luis Rivera-Armenta
Polymers 2024, 16(2), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16020289 - 20 Jan 2024
Viewed by 837
Abstract
The present work evaluates the influence of different properties of composite materials from natural sources. Films were prepared using the evaporative casting technique from corn starch reinforced with a waste material such as garlic husk (GH), using glycerin as a plasticizer. The results [...] Read more.
The present work evaluates the influence of different properties of composite materials from natural sources. Films were prepared using the evaporative casting technique from corn starch reinforced with a waste material such as garlic husk (GH), using glycerin as a plasticizer. The results of the syntheses carried out demonstrated the synergy between these materials. In the morphological analysis, the compatibility and adequate dispersion of the reinforcer in the matrix were confirmed. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the interaction and formation of bonds between the matrix and the reinforcer were confirmed by the presence of some signals such as S-S and C-S. Similarly, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that even at low concentrations, GH can slightly increase the decomposition temperature. Finally, from the results of dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), it was possible to identify that the storage modulus increases significantly, up to 115%, compared to pure starch, especially at low concentrations of the reinforcer. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulosic Polymer Composites)
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15 pages, 2607 KiB  
Article
Bamboo Pulp Toughening Poly (Lactic Acid) Composite Using Reactive Epoxy Resin
by Krittameth Kiattipornpithak, Pornchai Rachtanapun, Sarinthip Thanakkasaranee, Pensak Jantrawut, Warintorn Ruksiriwanich, Sarana Rose Sommano, Noppol Leksawasdi, Thorsak Kittikorn and Kittisak Jantanasakulwong
Polymers 2023, 15(18), 3789; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15183789 - 17 Sep 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1049
Abstract
A novel poly (lactic acid) (PLA) composite with excellent mechanical properties, toughness, thermal stability, and water resistance was developed using a reactive melt-blending technique. PLA was melt mixed with epoxy resin (EPOXY) and bamboo pulp (PULP) to improve its reaction and mechanical properties. [...] Read more.
A novel poly (lactic acid) (PLA) composite with excellent mechanical properties, toughness, thermal stability, and water resistance was developed using a reactive melt-blending technique. PLA was melt mixed with epoxy resin (EPOXY) and bamboo pulp (PULP) to improve its reaction and mechanical properties. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful reaction of the PLA/EPOXY/PULP composites; the epoxy groups of EPOXY reacted with the –COOH groups of PLA and the –OH groups of PULP. The PLA/EPOXY/PULP5 composite showed a high tensile strength (67 MPa) and high toughness of 762 folding cycles, whereas the highest tensile strength was 77 MPa in the PLA/EPOXY5/PULP20 sample. SEM images presented a gap between the PLA and PULP; gap size decreased with the addition of EPOXY. The Tg of the PLA decreased with the EPOXY plasticizer effect, whereas the Tm did not significantly change. PULP induced crystallinity and increased Vicat softening of the PLA/PULP and PLA/EPOXY/PULP composites. The EPOXY reaction of the PLA/PULP composites improved their tensile properties, toughness, thermal stability, and water resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulosic Polymer Composites)
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18 pages, 3355 KiB  
Article
Surface-Modified Carboxylated Cellulose Nanofiber Hydrogels for Prolonged Release of Polyhexamethylene Biguanide Hydrochloride (PHMB) for Antimicrobial Applications
by Pichapar O-chongpian, Tanpong Chaiwarit, Kittisak Jantanasakulwong, Pornchai Rachtanapun, Patnarin Worajittiphon, Nutthapong Kantrong and Pensak Jantrawut
Polymers 2023, 15(17), 3572; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15173572 - 28 Aug 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1067
Abstract
The surface modification of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) using a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)/sodium bromide (NaBr)/sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) system was successful in improving their hydrophilicity. Following that, we fabricated hydrogels containing carboxylated cellulose nanofibers (c-CNFs) and loaded them with polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) using a physical crosslinking [...] Read more.
The surface modification of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) using a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)/sodium bromide (NaBr)/sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) system was successful in improving their hydrophilicity. Following that, we fabricated hydrogels containing carboxylated cellulose nanofibers (c-CNFs) and loaded them with polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) using a physical crosslinking method, aiming for efficient antimicrobial uses. The morphological and physicochemical properties of all hydrogel formulations were characterized, and the results revealed that the 7% c-CNFs-2 h loaded with PHMB formulation exhibited desirable characteristics such as regular shape, high porosity, good mechanical properties, suitable gel content, and a good maximum swelling degree. The successful integration of PHMB into the c-CNF matrix was confirmed by FTIR analysis. Furthermore, the 7% c-CNFs-2 h loaded with the PHMB formulation demonstrated PHMB contents exceeding 80% and exhibited a prolonged drug release pattern for up to 3 days. Moreover, this formulation displayed antibacterial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. In conclusion, the novel approach of c-CNF hydrogels loaded with PHMB through physical crosslinking shows promise as a potential system for prolonged drug release in topical drug delivery while also exhibiting excellent antibacterial activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulosic Polymer Composites)
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22 pages, 10968 KiB  
Article
Effect of Bleaching Processes on Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Cellulose and Carboxymethyl Cellulose from Young and Mature Coconut Coir
by Warinporn Klunklin, Sasina Hinmo, Parichat Thipchai and Pornchai Rachtanapun
Polymers 2023, 15(16), 3376; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15163376 - 11 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2166
Abstract
The objective of this study was to characterize the properties of cellulose and CMC synthesized from young and mature coconut coir with different bleaching times (bleaching for the first time; 1 BT, bleaching for a second time; 2 BT, and bleaching for the [...] Read more.
The objective of this study was to characterize the properties of cellulose and CMC synthesized from young and mature coconut coir with different bleaching times (bleaching for the first time; 1 BT, bleaching for a second time; 2 BT, and bleaching for the third time; 3 BT) using hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). The surface morphology, structural information, chemical compositions, and crystallinity of both cellulose and CMC were determined. H2O2 bleaching can support delignification by reducing hemicellulose and lignin, as evidenced by FTIR showing a sharp peak at wave number 1260 cm−1. The cellulose and CMC from coconut coir can be more dispersed and have greater functional characteristics with increasing bleaching times due to the change in accessibility of hydroxyl groups in the structure. The CMC diffraction patterns of coconut coir after the bleaching process showed the destruction of the crystalline region of the original cellulose. The SEM images showed that the surface of CMC was smoother than that of cellulose. The CMCy had a higher water holding capacity (WHC) compared to the CMCm as the bleaching can increase interaction between the polymer and water molecules. Therefore, the best quality of CMC corresponds to CMCy. Based on these findings, bleaching time has a strong effect on the functional properties of cellulose and CMC from coconut coir. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulosic Polymer Composites)
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13 pages, 4249 KiB  
Article
Influence of Vinyl Acetate Content and Melt Flow Index of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer on Physico-Mechanical and Physico-Chemical Properties of Highly Filled Biocomposites
by Pavel G. Shelenkov, Petr V. Pantyukhov, Matheus Poletto and Anatoly A. Popov
Polymers 2023, 15(12), 2639; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15122639 - 10 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1520
Abstract
Highly filled biocomposites may be used as biodegradable masterbatches that manufacturers add to traditional polymers for making plastic goods more biodegradable. Biocomposites based on various trademarks of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and natural vegetable fillers (wood flour and microcrystalline cellulose) were studied. The [...] Read more.
Highly filled biocomposites may be used as biodegradable masterbatches that manufacturers add to traditional polymers for making plastic goods more biodegradable. Biocomposites based on various trademarks of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and natural vegetable fillers (wood flour and microcrystalline cellulose) were studied. The EVA trademarks differed both in terms of the melt flow index and in the content of vinyl acetate groups. The composites were created as superconcentrates (or masterbatches) for the production of biodegradable materials based on vegetable fillers with polyolefin matrices. The filler content in biocomposites was 50, 60, 70 wt.%. The influence of the content of vinyl acetate in the copolymer and its melt flow index on the physico-mechanical and rheological properties of highly filled biocomposites was evaluated. As a result, one EVA trademark with high molecular weight that has a high content of VA was chosen because of its optimal parameters for creating highly filled composites with natural fillers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulosic Polymer Composites)
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19 pages, 10950 KiB  
Article
Surface Modification and Mechanical Properties Improvement of Bamboo Fibers Using Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Treatment
by Choncharoen Sawangrat, Parichat Thipchai, Kannikar Kaewapai, Kittisak Jantanasakulwong, Jonghwan Suhr, Pitiwat Wattanachai and Pornchai Rachtanapun
Polymers 2023, 15(7), 1711; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15071711 - 29 Mar 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2144
Abstract
The effect of argon (Ar) and oxygen (O2) gases as well as the treatment times on the properties of modified bamboo fibers using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma at generated power of 180 W were investigated. The plasma treatment of bamboo [...] Read more.
The effect of argon (Ar) and oxygen (O2) gases as well as the treatment times on the properties of modified bamboo fibers using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma at generated power of 180 W were investigated. The plasma treatment of bamboo fibers with inert gases leads to the generation of ions and radicals on the fiber surface. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed that the functional groups of lignin and hemicellulose were reduced owing to the removal of the amorphous portion of the fibers by plasma etching. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) results in an increased crystallinity percentage. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results showed the oxygen/carbon (O/C) atomic concentration ratio increased with increasing treatment time. The fiber weight loss percentage increased with increased treatment time. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that partial etching of the fiber surface led to a higher surface roughness and area and that the Ar + O2 gas plasma treatment provided more surface etching than the Ar gas treatment because of the oxidation reaction of the O2 plasma. The mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced epoxy (FRE) matrix composites revealed that the F(tr)RE-Ar (30) samples showed a high tensile strength, whereas the mechanical properties of the F(tr)RE-Ar + O2 sample decreased with increased treatment time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulosic Polymer Composites)
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