Iranian Polymer Journal最新文献

{"title":"Development of eco-friendly superabsorbent composites using natural polymers and waste-derived fillers for agricultural applications","authors":"Adesh A. Siddhamsittiwar,&nbsp;Aarti P. More","doi":"10.1007/s13726-026-01641-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13726-026-01641-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The effect of different concentrations of citric acid and phosphorus oxychloride, as crosslinking agents, on the role of phosphorus oxychloride is examined on the swelling behavior of superabsorbent composites based on xanthan gum and guar gum polymer matrices. The study further explores the enhancement of these composites by incorporating fillers such as cow dung powder, incense stick ash, and lemon peel powder in varying weight percentages. The results demonstrated that a formulation consisting of 100% xanthan gum crosslinked with 10% (w/w) citric acid exhibited significantly superior swelling capacity compared to those crosslinked with phosphorus oxychloride. Among different filler combinations tested 0.4 g lemon peel powder incorporation, as filler, produced the best results. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FTIR) analysis confirmed both the successful formation of crosslinks within the composite matrix and the incorporation of lemon peel (LP) as a filler material. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that the addition of lemon peel reduced the crystallinity of the composite, indicating a more amorphous structure. SEM analysis revealed an increased porosity upon filler addition, which enhances the material’s swelling capacity. Water swelling tests demonstrated that the xanthan gum-lemon peel (XG + LP) composite exhibited the highest swelling ratio of 6466%. Biodegradation studies confirmed the excellent environmental degradability of the (XG + LP) composite. Additionally, seed germination evaluations showed that the (XG + LP) composite promotes faster seed growth by providing essential nutrients and moisture, highlighting its potential application in agricultural and environmental fields. The (XG + LP) composite’s enhanced porosity and swelling capacity under various conditions may promote efficient seed germination and soil moisture retention.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":601,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Polymer Journal","volume":"35 10","pages":"2205 - 2221"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148909562","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Study of non-woven fabrics based nylon 6 and modified carbon nanofibers by melt-blowing to identify their physical, chemical and electrical changes","authors":"Marlene Andrade-Guel,&nbsp;Christian J. Cabello-Alvarado,&nbsp;Carlos A. Avila-Orta,&nbsp;Gregorio Cadenas-Pliego,&nbsp;Pascual Bartolo-Pérez,&nbsp;Diego Martínez-Carrillo,&nbsp;Zoe V. Quiñones-Jurado,&nbsp;Carlos Rodrigo Muñiz–Valdez","doi":"10.1007/s13726-026-01637-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13726-026-01637-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study reports the use of nanocomposite of nylon 6 and modified carbon nanofibers (CNF) for production of new non-woven fabric by melt blowing, which is a simple, solvent-free and easily scalable method. In this research, concentrations of 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 wt % of CNF were used. The obtained nonwoven fabrics were evaluated to identify their physical and chemical changes using: X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), SEM-EDS, contact angle, mechanical properties, thermicity index and electrical resistivity. The thermal stability of the obtained materials increased with higher modified CNF content, this behavior was observed in the TGA analysis. Visually, by SEM, it was observed that with higher CNF content, the fiber diameter increased from 11.31 μm for nylon 6 to 21.75 ± 9.7 μm for the sample with the highest modified nanoparticle content (Nylon 1% CNF). The contact angle evaluation showed the same trend, with higher particle content, the value increased, from 127° for nylon 6 to 132° for the sample Nylon 1% CNF. Mechanical tests show that compared to pure nylon 6, maximum breaking strength and elongation break increase as the percentage load increases. From thermicity index results, nylon 6 non-woven fabrics have very good heat retention, only 21.21% of the infrared radiation could be reflected in the atmosphere. For Nylon CNF 0.5% and Nylon CNF 1%, the thermicity was better, because the infrared radiation only leaked at approximately 8%. Black plastic mulch is widely used to warm the soil and prevent heat loss from the soil at night. Furthermore, the electrical resistivity improved by adding modified CNF.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":601,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Polymer Journal","volume":"35 11","pages":"2331 - 2339"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149219441","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Experimental and numerical investigation of CFRP quasi-elliptical honeycomb sandwich structure under bending loading","authors":"Shiming Zu,&nbsp;Qilong Wang,&nbsp;Jianfu Huang,&nbsp;Hengzhuo Gao,&nbsp;Haijiao Wang,&nbsp;Zhengong Zhou","doi":"10.1007/s13726-026-01632-0","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13726-026-01632-0","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigates a novel carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) quasi-elliptical honeycomb sandwich structure, designed by a bio-inspired approach based on the microstructure of beetle elytra. Compared with conventional straight-walled honeycomb connections, the arc-shaped connections in this innovative design significantly reduce stress concentration under external loading, effectively suppressing local failure risks and enhancing overall structural performance. To overcome the limitations of secondary bonding typically used in traditional honeycomb manufacturing, this study developed specialized molds for the integrated fabrication of quasi-elliptical honeycomb cores using unidirectional CFRP epoxy prepreg through hot-press molding. Employing combined experimental and finite element simulation methods, the investigation systematically examined the failure mechanisms and bending behavior under three-point bending conditions, with a particular focus on the effects of relative density and face-sheet thickness. A parametric analysis was conducted to elucidate the influence of the unit cell dimensions on the structural performance. Key findings demonstrate that specimens with medium relative density achieve optimal specific bending stiffness, while increasing face-sheet thickness significantly enhances both specific peak load and energy absorption capacity. A comparative analysis with competing sandwich structures confirmed the exceptional bending characteristics of the proposed design, which maintained a competitive bending modulus and strength even at low density levels, thereby validating its outstanding bending resistance.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":601,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Polymer Journal","volume":"35 9","pages":"2007 - 2020"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148710303","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The combination of graphene and montmorillonite improves the performance of PLA/PCL-based nanocomposites","authors":"Lahouari Mrah,&nbsp;Zoulikha Khiati","doi":"10.1007/s13726-026-01617-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13726-026-01617-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In the context of this study, the synergy between Maghnite® organophilic clays (Mag-TBA and Mag-CTA) and graphene functionalized with epoxy groups (Gr) opens up new possibilities for improving the functional properties of biodegradable matrices based on poly (polylactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL), particularly in their PLA/PCL blends with a mass ratio of 70/30. This research aims to explore the composition of PLA/PCL polymer blends and their ternary and quaternary nanocomposites, using morphological characterization techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy, as well as thermal analysis, to evaluate their behavior and functional properties. Polymer nanocomposites with different PLA/PCL/Mag-Org/Gr ratios were developed using a sustainable and scalable manufacturing approach in the molten state. The synergistic optimization of Mag-Org/Gr reinforcements has significantly improved the rheological behavior of the PLA/PCL matrix, as shown by the results obtained for the loss modulus and storage modulus. This improvement confirms high co-reinforcement, attributable to improved dispersion, as confirmed by transmission and scanning electron microscopy PLA/PCL containing nanoparticle fillers showed a higher barrier. Optimal performance was achieved by combining hybrid compounds of organomontmorillonite and graphene, whose combination produced a synergistic effect. The PLA/PCL and its ternary and quaternary nanocomposites exhibit greatly improved thermal stability.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":601,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Polymer Journal","volume":"35 8","pages":"1761 - 1773"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148394775","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Flame retardant bio-based hybrid films reinforced with sustainable additives: Capparis spinosa and phytic acid synergy","authors":"Çiğdem Gül,&nbsp;Burcu Oktay,&nbsp;Nilhan Kayaman Apohan,&nbsp;Emine Dilara Koçak","doi":"10.1007/s13726-026-01620-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13726-026-01620-4","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>In this paper, we work on the use of phytic acid as a new flame retardant hybrid coating agent with high alpha cellulose pulp obtained from Capparis Spinosa buds. It is combined with phytic acid to enhance the flame retardant properties of plant buds, being rich in nitrogen. Additionally, non-toxic cross-linking functional monomers poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate, vinyl phosphonic acid, 3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and acrylamide are added to the produced solgel formulation, thus imparting a binary network structure to the hydrogel matrices. The characterization of flame retardant solgel films is carried out using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDX), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) analyses, and also Capparis Spinosa plant and phytic acid containing UV cured hybrid films are studied by Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). As the plant content in the hybrid films was increased, the second thermal decomposition temperatures of the films shifted to a higher temperature compared to the base formulation. The highest thermal stability and charring efficiency were observed in PTXPA films compared to the other films. The second best thermal stability was observed in the hybrid films containing 10% Capparis Spinosa. These studies show promising results for the development of sustainable, non-toxic flame retardant coatings, with the LOI value increasing by 28.9% compared to the base form, reaching 24.5. The combination of Capparis spinosa and phytic acid provides a bio-based alternative to conventional halogenated flame retardants, offering potential applications not only in textiles but also in paper products, packaging materials, and eco-friendly construction composites.</p>\u0000 <span>AbstractSection</span>\u0000 Graphical abstract\u0000 <div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div>\u0000 \u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":601,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Polymer Journal","volume":"35 8","pages":"1833 - 1845"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148394883","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Hydrogel based composite polyvinyl alcohol/sodium alginate/cellulose fiber incorporated gamat gel as potential for wound dressing","authors":"Nurhayati Nurhayati,&nbsp;Diah Ikasari,&nbsp;Murdinah Murdinah,&nbsp;Nunak Nafiqoh,&nbsp;Ifah Munifah,&nbsp;Niken Ratu Rangganis,&nbsp;Bima Khairul Miftah,&nbsp;Asma Nadhifa Zahraini,&nbsp;Hari Eko Irianto,&nbsp;Rini Riastuti,&nbsp;Mochamad Chalid","doi":"10.1007/s13726-026-01636-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13726-026-01636-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>The objective of this study was to develop and characterize hydrogel completes consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), sodium alginate (SA), and cellulose fiber (CF) incorporated with various concentrations of gamat (sea cucumber) gel and evaluate their antibacterial performance for potential wound dressing applications. Comprehensive characterization of the hydrogels involved incorporating gamat gel at concentrations of 0%, 3%, 5%, and 7% of the total polymer weight, which was followed by measurements including moisture content, swelling ratio, gel fraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and bacterial penetration tests against <i>Pseudomonas aeruginosa</i>. The hydrogel samples demonstrated a moisture retention of approximately 93%, a swelling ratio ranging from 18% to 23%, and a gel fraction between 44% and 47%. Analysis by FTIR revealed intermolecular interactions and crosslinking between the polymeric components, and XRD patterns showed semicrystalline characteristics within the hydrogel matrix. Micrographs obtained by SEM showed a well-defined porous structure with larger pores and increased interconnection at higher gamat gel concentrations. Results from the bacterial penetration test showed that the incorporation of gamat gel effectively enhanced the hydrogel’s antibacterial barrier, preventing P. aeruginosa for up to 2 days, with optimum performance observed at a concentration of 7%. The results indicate that gamat gel-enriched PVA/SA/CF hydrogels exhibit desirable physicochemical and antibacterial characteristics, positioning them as promising materials for advanced wound dressings with enhanced moisture balance, structural integrity, and resistance to bacterial penetration.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":601,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Polymer Journal","volume":"35 10","pages":"2107 - 2116"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148909495","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization of planetary ball-milled pomegranate peel powder reinforced starch composite films for food packaging","authors":"Ayse Kalemtas,&nbsp;Betul Olgac Yavuz,&nbsp;Gulsum Kalemtas,&nbsp;Gozde Gecim","doi":"10.1007/s13726-026-01629-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13726-026-01629-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Adding pomegranate peel powder (PPP) to starch films provides antibacterial properties and improves the films’ physical properties. In this study, before incorporating the PPP into the film-forming solution, planetary ball milling of the PPP was applied to achieve a finer particle size and a narrower particle size distribution. The highest tensile strength (TS) value was achieved with the addition of 0.35% (w/w) of PPP, resulting in a ~ 29% increase compared to the PPP-free starch film. When 0.35% (w/w) of PPP was added to the starch film, the degree of swelling decreased from 165.59 ± 9.74% to 151.66 ± 7.33%. However, at higher PPP concentrations, there was an increase in swelling due to the agglomeration of PPP. Specifically, as the concentration of PPP in starch increased from 0.7% to 1.5%, the swelling degree showed an upward trend. PPP reinforcement results in a significant increase in the solubility of the starch film. The water solubility of the films increased from 18.25 ± 0.58% to 27.99 ± 0.79% with the increasing amount of PPP reinforcement in the starch film. Water vapor permeability of the pure starch film was 1.87 ± 0.51 × 10^–10 gm⁻¹ s⁻¹ Pa⁻¹ and rised to 2.02 ± 0.27 × 10^–10 gm⁻¹ s⁻¹ Pa⁻¹ with increasing amounts of PPP. The PPP reinforcement resulted in a notable increase in the contact angle of the starch film. The pure starch film revealed a contact angle of 20.40 ± 6.11°. However, when 0.35% PPP was added, the contact angle increased to 27.89 ± 1.46°. With further addition of PPP, up to 1.5%, the contact angle increased significantly to 48.47 ± 4.79°. The films exhibited a high antibacterial activity against <i>Staphylococcus aureus.</i></p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":601,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Polymer Journal","volume":"35 9","pages":"1923 - 1939"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148710324","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Functionalized tannic acid/poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) selective ultrafiltration membranes: excellent hydrophilicity and antifouling potential","authors":"Yulan Tang,&nbsp;Dongrui Zhou,&nbsp;Xianyuan Sun,&nbsp;Zesheng Sheng,&nbsp;Diannan Huang","doi":"10.1007/s13726-026-01627-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13726-026-01627-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Fouling is a serious problem during membrane application. To improve antifouling performance, we substituted tannic acid (TA) with the milder tartaric acid. This modification using synthesized TA-modified tannins (denoted as ta-f-TA) with longer molecular chains, are less susceptible to leaching. A high-throughput polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) antifouling membrane was prepared by blending it with amphiphilic polymer poly(vinylidene fluoride)-<i>graft</i>-poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PVDF-<i>g</i>-PEGMA) synergistically. Compared with the pristine membranes, the modified membranes (M0-M2) had increased porosity and average pore size, reduced sponge-like structure, and progressively formed through-pores. Their hydrophilicity and filtration properties were significantly improved. The complete wetting times of the membranes were 50, 30 and 23 s. With moderate addition of ta-f-TA (0.25–0.5 g), the increase in hydrophilicity and roughness of the membranes had a synergistic effect on improving the antifouling performance of the membranes. Among them, membranes M1 and M2 exhibit comparable filtration performance. However, after cyclic testing, M1 maintained stable operation while M2 was ruptured due to inferior mechanical properties. Considering practical applications, M1 delivers optimal performance. Its pure water flux and sodium alginate retention rate reached 1294.61 L/(m² h) and 88.64%, respectively. Furthermore, the M1 membrane exhibits strong tolerance, maintaining optimal filtration performance under harsh conditions such as strong acids, weak acids, weak alkalis, and high salinity.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":601,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Polymer Journal","volume":"35 9","pages":"1953 - 1968"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148710326","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bioactive nanocomposite films from bacterial cellulose and Terminalia catappa: a promising material for antibacterial action and food preservation","authors":"Tuan Anh Nguyen,&nbsp;Thi Thu Trang Bui,&nbsp;Thi Thu Phuong Nguyen,&nbsp;Xuan Thang Dam","doi":"10.1007/s13726-026-01635-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13726-026-01635-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A multifunctional bioactive nanocomposite film based on bacterial cellulose (BC), chitosan (CS), and <i>Terminalia catappa</i> leaf extract (TCLE) was successfully fabricated through a green casting process for active food-packaging applications. Incorporating polyphenol-rich TCLE significantly enhanced the mechanical, thermal, optical, and antibacterial performance of the BC/CS matrix. At the optimized composition (15 wt% TCLE), tensile strength increased from 22 to 27 MPa (+ 22.7%), elongation-at-break from 12% to 15% (+ 25%), and char yield from 21.2% to 28.5% (+ 35%), achieving a UL-94 V-0 classification with a limiting oxygen index of 28.5%. FTIR and XPS analyses confirmed hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions between phenolic compounds and polysaccharide chains, while SEM–EDX revealed uniform morphology and elemental dispersion. The film exhibited strong UV-shielding, reducing color variation (ΔE) from 6.5 to 3.2 after 96 h irradiation, and LC–MS/MS verified the stable retention of gallic acid (m/z ≈ 170) and quercetin (m/z ≈ 305). Thermal analysis showed a T_max of 336 °C and residual char of 24%, indicating improved stability. Antibacterial activity rose markedly, with inhibition zones expanding from 6.2 ± 0.3 to 13.6 ± 0.6 mm against <i>E. coli</i> and 7.2 ± 0.4 to 16.1 ± 0.5 mm against <i>S. aureus</i>. Polyphenol release followed Higuchi and Korsmeyer–Peppas models (R² &gt; 0.98), sustaining antimicrobial action over 200 h. In fruit-preservation tests, spoilage dropped from 72.5% to 12.5%, weight loss from 14.3% to 4.2%, and color change remained minimal (ΔE &lt; 3.5) after 7 days. These results demonstrate that TCLE effectively reinforces the BC/CS network, yielding a durable, flame-retardant, UV-resistant, and antibacterial biofilm suitable for next-generation biodegradable packaging and biomedical coatings.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":601,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Polymer Journal","volume":"35 10","pages":"2141 - 2172"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148909717","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biologically sourced Enteromorpha polysaccharide-based hydrogel as efficient solar steam generators for solar desalination","authors":"Jijin Wu,&nbsp;Wentao Hu,&nbsp;Zhengting Song,&nbsp;Changping Feng,&nbsp;Hongbo Lan,&nbsp;Wei Yang","doi":"10.1007/s13726-026-01633-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s13726-026-01633-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Freshwater scarcity, exacerbated by climate change, population growth, and industrialization, has emerged as a critical global challenge. Solar desalination offers a promising and environmentally friendly approach to freshwater production. Recurring green tides in coastal areas of China caused by Enteromorpha prolifera (E. prolifera) result in severe ecological damage and substantial economic losses, while conventional disposal methods such as landfilling not only waste resources but also cause secondary pollution. To simultaneously address marine pollution and freshwater shortages, we developed a regenerative, eco-friendly, and cost-effective hydrogel-based solar evaporator using polysaccharides extracted from E. prolifera. The evaporator exhibited a high solar energy absorption rate (~ 91%), excellent hydrophilicity, and effectively reduced salt deposition during desalination. Under 1 sun irradiation, it achieved an evaporation rate of 1.53 kg·m⁻²·h⁻¹ and maintained stable performance over 15 solar evaporation cycles. Continuous seawater evaporation for 8 h under the same illumination demonstrated its excellent salt resistance. Outdoor experiments further confirmed its ability to efficiently remove K⁺, Ca²⁺, Na⁺, and Mg²⁺ ions, with removal efficiencies as high as 99%. The recyclability of the evaporator was also confirmed. The integration of E. prolifera-based hydrogels in solar desalination systems provides a sustainable strategy for freshwater production while mitigating environmental issues caused by E. prolifera blooms and minimizing secondary pollution from materials.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":601,"journal":{"name":"Iranian Polymer Journal","volume":"35 10","pages":"2173 - 2180"},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148909718","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}