445 research outputs found
Biomimetic multifunctional materials: a review
No full textInspired from nature, material scientists design and fabricate fascinating multifunctional composites for various applications. The profound insight on hierarchical micro/nanostructures or biological functions behind biomimetic properties and functions and their proper integration in a material for specific applications are crucial in developing biomimetic multifunctional composites. The current review discusses in detail the integration of potentially relevant biomimetic properties and/or functions such as self-cleaning with anti-reflection, self-cleaning with anti-corrosion, self-healing with self-cleaning, shape memory and wettability, super strong and tough, and self-healing with super tough. This review also outlines potential applications of such multifunctional composites in biomedical, oil-gas industry, aviation, marine, wearable electronics, fabrics, sensors, energy harvesting devices, and many more
Polymeric composites and nanocomposites containing lignin
No full textThe growing interest to develop green and biobased products promoted the investigation and the use of lignin-based systems. Several factors have been found to affect the active properties (UV-absorption, antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties) of lignin: the origin of the extracted lignin, shape, particle size, charge, surface chemistry, and the type of tested microorganisms. Lignin at micro and nanodimensions is considered a strategic additive to be used in several specific sectors. The characteristic of lignins allows the application of this natural and green active ingredient in food and feedstuff, commodity products with antimicrobial or antioxidant activities, and UV absorption. This chapter aims to summarize the main applications of lignin at the microscale and nanoscale when dispersed in different polymeric matrices. The main roles of lignin-based materials considered in this chapter are oriented to the study and analysis of UV absorption, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antiviral, and antimutagenic properties. The overall performance of different systems will be briefly revised, stressing and highlighting the role of lignin in different application sectors, such as UV absorption, food, drug delivery, medical, plant protection, environmental remediation, photocatalysis, and photovoltaics sectors
Lignin for metal ion remediation in aqueous systems
No full textThis chapter deals with the pollution of aquatic environments due to heavy metals and the use of lignin to remediate water-contaminated environments. Firstly, aspects of their toxicity, content in the environment, and remediation technologies are presented and discussed. Particular emphasis has been made on the use of lignin and its derivatives to remediate polluted water with a double benefit: to prompt effective solutions to restore polluted water and use a natural material that otherwise could impact on the environment, being lignin biomass produced in high amounts, often burned regardless of the value of this precious material. We demonstrated that lignin that does not have specific selectivity for complex polluted water can be chemically modified, promoting at the same time adsorption capability, stability, selectivity, and recyclability. Lignin chemical modification that gives desired physical, chemical, and mechanical properties is crucial to achieving hydrophilicity, hydrophobicity, and broadening pollutant kinds for efficient removal. Analysis of the published literature also confirmed that the development of nanoscaled lignin-based adsorbents is under investigation and could represent the advanced solution in the coming decades
Effect of cellulose nanocrystals and bacterial cellulose on disintegrability in composting conditions of plasticized PHB nanocomposites
No full textPoly(hydroxybutyrate) (PHB)-based films, reinforced with bacterial cellulose (BC) or cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and plasticized using a molecular (tributyrin) or a polymeric plasticizer (poly(adipate diethylene)), were produced by solvent casting. Their morphological, thermal, wettability, and chemical properties were investigated. Furthermore, the effect of adding both plasticizers (20 wt % respect to the PHB content) and biobased selected nanofillers added at different contents (2 and 4 wt %) on disintegrability in composting conditions was studied. Results of contact angle measurements and calorimetric analysis validated the observed behavior during composting experiments, indicating how CNC aggregation, due to the hydrophilic nature of the filler, slows down the degradation rate but accelerates it in case of increasing content. In contrast, nanocomposites with BC presented an evolution in composting similar to neat PHB, possibly due to the lower hydrophilic character of this material. The addition of the two plasticizers contributed to a better dispersion of the nanoparticles by increasing the interaction between the cellulosic reinforcements and the matrix, whereas the increased crystallinity of the incubated samples in a second stage in composting provoked a reduction in the disintegration rate.Fil: Seoane, Irene Teresita. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales; ArgentinaFil: Manfredi, Liliana Beatriz. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales; ArgentinaFil: Cyras, Viviana Paola. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mar del Plata. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales. Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Facultad de Ingeniería. Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencia y Tecnología de Materiales; ArgentinaFil: Torre, Luigi. Università di Perugia; ItaliaFil: Fortunati, Elena. Università di Perugia; ItaliaFil: Puglia, Debora. Università di Perugia; Itali
First record of Colletotrichum acutatum on strawberry in Malta
No full textDisease note describing the first record of Colletotrichum acutatum on strawberries in Malta.peer-reviewe
Preparation and Applications of Green Thermoplastic and Thermosetting Nanocomposites Based on Nanolignin
No full textThe development of bio-based materials is of great importance in the present environmental circumstances; hence, research has greatly advanced in the valorization of lignin from lignocellulosic wastes. Lignin is a natural polymer with a crosslinked structure, valuable antiradical activity, unique thermal- and UV-absorption properties, and biodegradability, which justify its use in several prospective and useful application sectors. The active functionalities of lignin promote its use as a valuable material to be adopted in the composite and nanocomposites arenas, being useful and suitable for consideration both for the synthesis of matrices and as a nanofiller. The aim of this review is to summarize, after a brief introduction on the need for alternative green solutions to petroleum-based plastics, the synthesis methods for bio-based and/or biodegradable thermoplastic and thermosetting nanocomposites, along with the application of lignin nanoparticles in all green polymeric matrices, thus generating responsiveness towards the sustainable use of this valuable product in the environment
Lignin nanoparticles: A promising tool to improve maize physiological, biochemical, and chemical traits
No full textLignin, and its derivatives, are the subject of current research for the exciting properties shown by this biomass. Particularly attractive are lignin nanoparticles for their eco- and biocompatibility compared to other nanomaterials. In this context, the effect of nanostructured lignin microparticles (LNP), obtained from alkaline lignin by acid treatment, on maize plants was investigated. To this end, maize seeds were primed with LNP at five concentrations: 80 mg L−1 (T80), 312 mg L−1 (T312), 1250 mg L−1 (T1250), 5000 mg L−1 (T5000) and 20,000 mg L−1 (T20000). Concerning the dose applied, LNP prompted positive effects on the first stages of maize development (germination and radicle length). Furthermore, the study of plant growth, biochemical and chemical parameters on the developed plants indicated that concerning the dose applied. LNP stimulated beneficial effects on the seedlings (fresh weight and length of shoots and roots). Besides, specific treatments increased the content of chlorophyll (a and b), carotenoid, and anthocyanin. Finally, the soluble protein content showed a positive trend in response to specific dosages. These effects are significant, given the essential biological function performed by these biomolecules. In conclusion, this research indicates as the nanostructured lignin microparticles can be used, at appropriate dosages, to induce positive biological responses in maize. This beneficial action deserves attention as it candidates LNP for biostimulating a crop through seed priming
Micro and Nanolignin in Aqueous Dispersions and Polymers: Interactions, Properties, and Applications
No full textA review on natural fibre-based composites. Part II: application of natural reinforcements in composite materials for automotive industry
No full textA review on natural fibre-based composites. Part I: structure, processing and properties of vegetable fibres
No full text- …
