Chemical Papers最新文献

{"title":"Green synthesis of a reduced graphene oxide–strontium oxide–poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) nanocomposite for enhanced photocatalytic dye degradation","authors":"Uma Koul,&nbsp;Ruchi Bharti,&nbsp;Renu Sharma,&nbsp;Annu Pandey","doi":"10.1007/s11696-026-05107-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11696-026-05107-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A facile green synthesis route was used to fabricate an rGO–SrO–PVP nanocomposite using <i>Kalanchoe pinnata</i> leaf extract as a dual reducing and stabilizing medium. Structural analyses confirmed the partial reduction of GO to rGO and the in situ formation of crystalline SrO nanoparticles (~ 50–100 nm) anchored on rGO sheets within a PVP-assisted matrix. The composite exhibited a mesoporous H3-type architecture with a moderate BET surface area of 17.05 m² g⁻¹. Although this value is lower than that of highly exfoliated rGO, the enhanced photocatalytic response is likely associated with accessible mesopores, reduced SrO agglomeration, and close rGO–SrO interfacial contact, which may facilitate charge migration and reduce recombination, as inferred from the improved kinetics and radical-trapping results. Under UV irradiation (365 nm), the rGO–SrO–PVP composite degraded approximately 95% of bromophenol blue (BPB) within 60–80 min, with an apparent pseudo-first-order/Langmuir–Hinshelwood rate constant of ~ 0.030 min⁻¹ exceeding pristine SrO (~ 0.010 min⁻¹) and rGO (~ 0.006 min⁻¹). Radical trapping experiments showed that hydroquinone and 2-propanol strongly suppressed BPB degradation to approximately 14% and 17%, respectively, indicating that ·O₂⁻ and ·OH are the principal reactive oxygen species, whereas AgNO₃ and EDTA showed lower inhibition and allowed approximately 80% and 76% degradation, respectively. Reusability testing demonstrated that the catalyst retained 84% BPB degradation after the fourth cycle, corresponding to 87.5% retention of the initial activity. The UV dependence is linked to the wide-band-gap nature of SrO; therefore, the present system is best described as a UV-assisted dye-degradation platform, while rGO integration provides a basis for future visible/solar-light optimization through doping or heterojunction engineering. Overall, this work presents a plant-assisted strategy for constructing rGO-supported alkaline-earth oxide photocatalysts for dye-contaminated wastewater treatment.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":513,"journal":{"name":"Chemical Papers","volume":"80 10","pages":"11963 - 11979"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149007430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"First-principles insights into cation-dependent properties of Na2CuRhF6 and Rb2CuRhF6 double perovskites for UV optoelectronic applications","authors":"Hadjer Bendjilali,&nbsp;Debidatta Behera,&nbsp;Aiswarya Priyambada,&nbsp;Kalpana Sahoo,&nbsp;Sanat Kumar Mukherjee,&nbsp;Adnène Arbi","doi":"10.1007/s11696-026-04996-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11696-026-04996-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Density functional theory was used to evaluate the structural, mechanical, electrical and optical properties of Na₂CuRhF₆ and Rb₂CuRhF₆ perovskite fluorides. According to the structural relaxation the two compounds were stable with cubic double-perovskite structure. The computed elastic parameters meet Born stability criteria that show the mechanical stability of the studied compounds. Furthermore, the computed poison ratio of the Na₂CuRhF₆ and Rb₂CuRhF₆ compounds were found to be 0.32 and 0.27 respectively reflecting their ductile nature. According to their electronic band structures, both materials, Na₂CuRhF₆ and Rb₂CuRhF₆ are indirect semiconducting with band gap 0.94 eV and 0.77 eV respectively. Their valence band and conduction band are due to Cu-3<i>d</i>, Rh-4<i>d</i>, and F-2<i>p</i> orbitals. Substitution of the larger Rb cation by Na results in the lattice structure being opened somewhat, and the band gap and electronic states near the Fermi level undergo some small changes. According to the outcomes, the electronic properties of fluorinated double perovskites depend on the size of the A-site cation. Based on the optical analysis, the two substances have a high UV absorption. The dielectric function has the real and imaginary components which provide it with distinctive properties that change the refractive index spectrum. The high-energy absorption edge of the materials suggests the prospects of radioactivated technology and optical electrotechnology with UV applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":513,"journal":{"name":"Chemical Papers","volume":"80 9","pages":"10131 - 10146"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148871581","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization of polyester composites reinforced with Clitoria ternatea microfibers and toughened with lignin biopolymer","authors":"Shaik Gulam Abul Hasan,&nbsp;Syed Azharuddin,&nbsp;Aatef uddin Mohammed,&nbsp;Shahed Qureshi Mohammed,&nbsp;Abdul Naseh Khan Mohammed","doi":"10.1007/s11696-026-05031-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11696-026-05031-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The growing demand for sustainable and high-performance materials has driven increasing interest in natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites as alternatives to conventional synthetic systems. In this context, this study investigates polyester composites reinforced with <i>Clitoria ternatea</i> microfiber and varying lignin biopolymer content (0–4 vol. %), with emphasis on mechanical, wear, and water absorption behavior. The results demonstrate a clear dependence of performance on lignin concentration. Among all compositions, the PBL3 composite (2 vol. % lignin) exhibited optimal mechanical properties, achieving a peak tensile strength of 125 MPa, compared to 65 MPa for the neat polyester (PB), representing nearly a 90% improvement. Similarly, the impact strength increased from 3.2 to 6.2 J, while interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) reached 27 MPa, indicating enhanced stress transfer and interfacial adhesion. The improved performance is attributed to effective dispersion of lignin and its role as a compatibilizing toughening agent, promoting stronger fiber-matrix bonding rather than biocompatibility, which is not appropriate in this structural context. At higher lignin loading (PBL4, 4 vol. %), mechanical properties showed a marginal decline; however, hardness increased to 85 Shore D. In addition, PBL4 exhibited superior tribological performance with a specific wear rate of 0.015 mm³/m and a coefficient of friction of 0.25, along with water absorption of 2.4%, indicating improved resistance to surface degradation and environmental exposure. Water absorption remained relatively low across all compositions, with the polyester matrix governing hydrophobic behavior, although slight increases were observed with fiber and lignin incorporation. Overall, the optimized composite (PBL3) demonstrates a balanced combination of strength, toughness, and interfacial integrity, while PBL4 offers enhanced hardness, wear resistance, and environmental stability. These findings highlight the potential of lignin-modified natural fiber composites as lightweight, sustainable materials for semi-structural applications such as automotive interior components, building panels, and consumer products.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":513,"journal":{"name":"Chemical Papers","volume":"80 9","pages":"10613 - 10621"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148871580","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sublethal dichlorvos exposure induces cytogenetic damage in Apis mellifera hemocytes","authors":"Sadia Maalik,&nbsp;Mehar-un-Nisa Butt,&nbsp;Sajida Mushtaq,&nbsp;Ayesha Hafeez,&nbsp;Naheed Bano,&nbsp;Tauseef Anwar,&nbsp;Huma Qureshi,&nbsp;Salohiddinjon Yunusov,&nbsp;Shuqurillo Ziyadov,&nbsp;Muydinjon M. Muminov,&nbsp;Khudiyev Orkhan,&nbsp;Maksudkhon Sarimsakov,&nbsp;Ibtisam M. Alsudays,&nbsp;Khalid H. Alamer,&nbsp;Asqar Quvatov","doi":"10.1007/s11696-026-05010-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11696-026-05010-1","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Organophosphate pesticides are widely used in agriculture and may pose significant risks to pollinators such as <i>Apis mellifera</i>. The present study evaluated the acute toxicity and sublethal cytogenetic effects of dichlorvos (DDVP) in adult worker honeybees using mortality assessment and micronucleus-based nuclear abnormality analysis. Worker bees were collected from agricultural fields in Sialkot, Pakistan, and exposed under laboratory conditions (25 ± 2 °C; 60 ± 5% RH) to dichlorvos concentrations ranging from 1 to 40 µL/L. Mortality was recorded after 24 h, LC₅₀ was estimated by probit analysis, and hemocytes from control and exposed bees were scored for micronuclei, nuclear buds, and binucleated cells. Results showed a clear dose-dependent increase in mortality, with 16.67 ± 4.71% mortality at 1 µL/L, 46.67 ± 4.71% at 10 µL/L, and 96.67 ± 4.71% at 40 µL/L; the LC₅₀ was estimated at 10 µL/L. Sublethal exposure also increased cytogenetic abnormalities relative to the control group. At 1/3 LC₅₀, micronuclei reached 5.0 ± 1.2% and total genomic damage 9.3 ± 1.7%, whereas at 1/7 LC₅₀, micronuclei were 2.1 ± 0.5% and total genomic damage was 3.9 ± 0.7%. Micronucleus frequency differed significantly among treatment groups (F₍3,8₎ = 341.00, <i>p</i> &lt; 0.001). These findings indicate that dichlorvos exposure is associated with acute toxicity and increased cytogenetic abnormalities in honeybee hemocytes, highlighting the importance of including sublethal and cytogenetic endpoints in pesticide risk assessment and pollinator protection strategies.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":513,"journal":{"name":"Chemical Papers","volume":"80 9","pages":"10355 - 10364"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148871664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Promotional effect of NdOx on MnCo2O4 spinel oxide for NH3-SCR reaction: activity and mechanism study","authors":"Hong An,&nbsp;Dan Zhang,&nbsp;Yun-wei Xu,&nbsp;Yi-zhen Dong,&nbsp;Dong Ye,&nbsp;Fei-ni Chen,&nbsp;Rui-tang Guo","doi":"10.1007/s11696-026-05116-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11696-026-05116-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>To address the issue regarding the effective removal of NO_<i>x</i> under conditions with fluctuating temperatures, developing a catalyst that exhibits satisfactory selective catalytic reduction (SCR) performance in a wide temperature range is the research hotspot in environmental field. In this study, the virgin and NdO_<i>x</i>-doped MnCo₂O₄ spinel catalysts were prepared using the sol-gel method, aiming to investigate the effect of NdO_<i>x</i> on SCR performance. The optimal sample, with an Nd/Mn molar ratio of 0.1, showed &gt; 90% NO_<i>x</i> conversion within a temperature range of 200–350 °C and maintained &gt; 96% N₂ selectivity over the whole temperature range. The enhanced SCR performance of the NdO_<i>x</i>-doped catalysts could be attributed to several factors, including enlarged specific surface area, more developed pore structures, greater acidity and oxidizability, and improved NO oxidation capability. The Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism contributed to the SCR reactions for the pristine and NdO_<i>x</i>-doped catalysts; doping NdO_<i>x</i> improved the reactivity of the formed intermediates during the catalytic cycle. Finally, the NdO_<i>x</i>-modified catalyst exhibited better sulfur resistance; during the 10-h sulfur deactivation cycle, catalyst’s NO_<i>x</i> conversion remained above 86%, ~ 13% higher than that of the pristine MnCo₂O₄. Given its good SCR performance under high gas hourly space velocity conditions, it seems that the NdO_<i>x</i>-modified catalyst shows certain industrialization prospects.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":513,"journal":{"name":"Chemical Papers","volume":"80 10","pages":"12063 - 12072"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149007385","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multiphysics simulation and optimization of a Fe3O4–Au core–shell electrochemical aptasensor for ultrasensitive detection of aflatoxin B1","authors":"Faiz Mahmood,&nbsp;Noman Nazeer,&nbsp;Shayan Amiri,&nbsp;Vikram V. Patel,&nbsp;K. S. Kiran,&nbsp;Sanjeev Kumar,&nbsp;Gazal Sharma,&nbsp;Mahnur Jafarli,&nbsp;Ruziyeva Gulsara,&nbsp;M. Atif","doi":"10.1007/s11696-026-05109-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11696-026-05109-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is one of the most toxic and carcinogenic mycotoxins commonly found in food products, creating an urgent need for rapid, highly sensitive, and reliable detection platforms. Although numerous electrochemical immunosensors and aptasensors have been developed for AFB1 monitoring, the simultaneous optimization of magnetic trapping, analyte transport, and electron-transfer efficiency remains insufficiently understood. The major objective of this work was therefore to develop a predictive multiphysics modeling framework for the rational design and optimization of a Fe₃O₄–Au core–shell electrochemical aptasensor for low-limit AFB1 detection. A three-dimensional COMSOL Multiphysics model was developed by coupling magnetic field distribution, magnetophoretic nanoparticle transport, Fickian analyte diffusion, Langmuir adsorption kinetics, charge conservation, and Butler–Volmer electrochemical reactions. The effects of Fe₃O₄ core radius, Au shell thickness, and nanoisland spacing on sensor performance were systematically investigated using a composite figure of merit integrating electrochemical current, magnetic force, and active aptamer area. The simulations identified an optimized configuration consisting of a 50 nm Fe₃O₄ core radius, 15 nm Au shell thickness, and 400 nm nanoisland spacing. Under these conditions, the aptasensor achieved a predicted peak current of ~ 66 nA, sensitivity of 6.7 nA/nM, and a low detection limit of approximately 0.12 nM within a linear detection range of 0.1–10 nM. The simulated calibration behavior showed good agreement with reported experimental trends (R² ≈ 0.988), while uncertainty analysis confirmed robust sensor performance under parameter variations. The results demonstrate that multiphysics-guided optimization of Fe₃O₄–Au nanoarchitectures can significantly enhance electrochemical sensing performance and provides a valuable computational strategy for the development of next-generation electrochemical aptasensors for food safety applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":513,"journal":{"name":"Chemical Papers","volume":"80 10","pages":"11981 - 12000"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149007357","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Immune-centered toxicity profiling of Tripterygium wilfordii in rheumatoid arthritis using network toxicology and predictive modeling","authors":"Haiyang Kou,&nbsp;Huaiquan Liu,&nbsp;Lingyan Lai,&nbsp;Shili Yang,&nbsp;Xinyan Zhang,&nbsp;Yu Sun,&nbsp;Yunling Xu,&nbsp;Bo Chen","doi":"10.1007/s11696-026-05115-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11696-026-05115-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Tripterygium wilfordii Hook.f. (TW) is widely used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) but is associated with significant safety concerns. This study aimed to characterize the immune-centered toxicity profile of TW using an integrative network toxicology approach. Bioactive compounds of TW were collected from phytochemical databases. In silico toxicity prediction, target fishing, protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction, Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment, and molecular docking were integrated to systematically evaluate potential toxicological mechanisms, with a particular focus on immunotoxicity. In silico toxicity profiling revealed a dominant immunotoxicity signal (probability 0.97), while classical organ toxicities (hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and neurotoxicity) were predicted to be inactive. Network analysis identified key immune-related hub genes, including TNF, IL6, STAT3, MAPK1, and JUN. Pathway enrichment analysis highlighted TNF signaling, NF-κB signaling, JAK-STAT signaling, and Th17 cell differentiation as critical convergent pathways linking therapeutic effects and immune-related adverse outcomes. Molecular docking further confirmed stable binding affinities between major TW bioactive compounds and these core immune targets. This study demonstrates that the toxicity profile of TW is predominantly driven by immune dysregulation rather than direct organ injury. The network toxicology framework provides a systems-level understanding of TW-induced immunotoxicity and offers valuable mechanistic insights for safer clinical application and risk mitigation of multi-component herbal immunomodulators.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":513,"journal":{"name":"Chemical Papers","volume":"80 10","pages":"12053 - 12061"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149007435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A selective charge carrier scavenging strategy to enhance the efficiency of a ZnIn2S4 photocatalyst","authors":"Radik R. Shamilov,&nbsp;Zufar M. Muzipov,&nbsp;Yuriy G. Galyametdinov","doi":"10.1007/s11696-026-05118-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11696-026-05118-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The practical application of efficient visible-light photocatalysts is often hindered by the rapid recombination of photogenerated electrons and holes. Instead of modifying the photocatalyst itself, this work demonstrates a strategy to control the photocatalytic process by selectively scavenging one type of charge carrier. Using unmodified zinc indium sulfide (ZnIn₂S₄) and model pollutants with different charges—cationic rhodamine B, anionic methyl orange, and amphoteric oxytetracycline we show that simple techniques like aerating the reaction mixture or adding selective electron acceptors can dramatically boost degradation rates. For instance, aeration increased the rhodamine B degradation rate constant by 6.3 times, while adding silver nitrate enhanced the methyl orange degradation rate by 3.2-fold. Studies using specific radical scavengers revealed that the degradation of cationic dyes relies on a combination of superoxide radicals and holes, whereas anionic dye decomposition is dominated by direct hole attack. The accelerated performance is attributed to the suppression of charge recombination, which increases the steady-state concentration of the primary active species. This work establishes that the targeted management of photogenerated charge carriers is a simple and effective approach to significantly enhance the efficiency of existing photocatalysts for water purification.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":513,"journal":{"name":"Chemical Papers","volume":"80 10","pages":"12093 - 12103"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149007358","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Aeration-assisted venturi cavitation: a combined CFD and experimental study on cavitation dynamics and COD reduction","authors":"Esmail Noshadi,&nbsp;Maziar Changizian,&nbsp;Morteza Behbahani-Nejad","doi":"10.1007/s11696-026-05111-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11696-026-05111-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) has recently gained attention as a promising technique for wastewater treatment due to its strong oxidation capability. However, the influence of aeration on the internal structure of cavitation and its contribution to pollutant removal performance remains insufficiently understood. This study employs a combined numerical–experimental approach to investigate both the hydrodynamic development of cavitation and its practical impact on chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction. In the first stage, a 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model based on the mixture approach and the k–ε turbulence model is used to analyze cavitation under varying inlet pressures (2, 2.5, and 3 bar) and air injection rates (5, 10, and 15 l/min). The simulations demonstrate that increasing aeration enhances the occupied vapor volume fraction and expands the cavitation zone inside the venturi throat. In the second stage, a hydrodynamic cavitation reactor is experimentally operated to examine how these aeration-induced modifications in cavitation translate into COD reduction. The findings show that the highest COD removal (17.46%) occurs at 3 bar and 15 l/min of aeration, confirming that stronger cavitation activity results in more effective pollutant degradation. Overall, this work establishes a direct link between cavitation enhancement and its treatment performance, providing both mechanistic insight and practical guidance for optimizing aeration-assisted hydrodynamic cavitation systems.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":513,"journal":{"name":"Chemical Papers","volume":"80 10","pages":"12001 - 12021"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149007365","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sustainable cellulose reinforcement from Pithecellobium dulce fruit skin for performance enhancement of Grewia hirsuta fiber composites","authors":"V. R. Sivakumar,&nbsp;M. Vinothkumar,&nbsp;C. Chanakyan,&nbsp;R. Ashok Raj","doi":"10.1007/s11696-026-05023-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11696-026-05023-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigates the mechanical, wear, fatigue, and water absorption behavior of sustainable vinyl ester composites reinforced with <i>Grewia hirsuta</i> microfibers and cellulose particles derived from <i>Pithecellobium dulce</i> fruit outer skin. Cellulose particles (~ 3 μm) were extracted through alkali treatment, bleaching, and ball milling, and incorporated as a microfiller to enhance interfacial bonding and reduce void content. Composites were fabricated via manual layup followed by ultrasonication and room-temperature curing using vinyl ester resin with methyl ethyl ketone peroxide as catalyst. Five composite formulations were developed: V (100 vol% resin, VS0 (60 vol% + 40 vol% fiber), VS1 (30 vol% fiber, 1 vol% cellulose), VS2 (40 vol% fiber, 3 vol% cellulose), VS3 (40 vol% fiber, 5 vol% cellulose), with the remaining fraction being resin. Mechanical (tensile, flexural, compression, impact), tribological (wear rate, coefficient of friction), fatigue, and water absorption tests were conducted. Among all samples, VS2 (40 vol% fiber + 3 vol% cellulose) exhibited optimal performance with tensile strength of 142.1 MPa, flexural strength of 180.8 MPa, compressive strength of 159.9 MPa, and impact strength of 4.9 kJ/m². It also showed superior tribological performance (specific wear rate: 0.023 mm³/Nm, coefficient of friction: 0.25), extended fatigue life (35,920 cycles at 25% UTS), and reduced water absorption (1.45%). SEM analysis confirmed uniform dispersion of cellulose particles, improved fiber–matrix adhesion, and reduced voids. The enhanced performance is attributed to the dual reinforcement mechanism, where <i>Grewia hirsuta</i> microfibers provide load-bearing capacity, while cellulose particles act as microfillers that improve stress transfer, fill microvoids, and strengthen interfacial bonding. This study demonstrates that bio-derived cellulose from <i>Pithecellobium dulce</i> waste can effectively enhance the multifunctional performance of vinyl ester composites for structural applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":513,"journal":{"name":"Chemical Papers","volume":"80 9","pages":"10523 - 10536"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148871574","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}