Journal of Polymers and the Environment最新文献

{"title":"An Integrated NaClO-dimethyl Carbonate Process for Efficient Recovery of Polyhydroxyalkanoate from low-PHA-content Mixed Microbial Cultures","authors":"Tong Wei,&nbsp;Qian Fang,&nbsp;Hao Cui,&nbsp;Shanshan Ma,&nbsp;Xinlu Liu,&nbsp;Mingye Jiang","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03791-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03791-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) represents a promising biodegradable alternative to conventional plastics, yet its extraction from mixed microbial cultures (MMC) remains challenging owing to low intracellular accumulation (&lt; 35% of cell dry weight) and robust cell envelopes. Notably, the use of short-term acclimated sludge, while reducing cultivation time and cost, results in such low-PHA-content biomass (LPCB), further complicating extraction. The present study addresses these limitations by establishing an optimized and scalable recovery protocol for PHA derived from LPCB obtained from activated sludge acclimated under short-term anaerobic-aerobic conditions (24.6% PHA content). This focus on short-term acclimated sludge is pivotal for industrial scalability, as it leverages readily available wastewater treatment sidestreams and eliminates the need for costly, dedicated long-term acclimation reactors. To facilitate efficient cell disruption, pretreatment strategies were systematically investigated to weaken the hydrolysis-resistant MMC cell walls and reduce the dominance of the non-PHA cellular matrix (NPCM). Subsequent extraction employed dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as a green solvent. Critical extraction parameters—including solvent concentration, temperature, and reaction time—were optimized using a Taguchi orthogonal array design, with Minitab^® employed to quantify the relative contribution of each parameter to recovery efficiency. The optimized process not only significantly enhanced PHA recovery from LPCB but also preserved polymer quality. Scale-up experiments demonstrated consistent performance under extended operational conditions, confirming the method’s potential for industrial application. This work thus proposes a scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally benign downstream strategy for PHA production from waste-derived biomass, contributing to more sustainable bioplastic manufacturing.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147362787","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"4D-Printed Polymer Devices With Programmable Self-Positioning Behavior For Personalized Arthrodesis","authors":"Polina Kovaleva,&nbsp;Anna Cheremnykh,&nbsp;Vladislav Lvov,&nbsp;Polina Kachalina,&nbsp;Daria Stepanova,&nbsp;Fedor Senatov,&nbsp;Natalia Anisimova","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03792-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03792-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study shows the creation of an intelligent orthopedic device for arthrodesis using a 4D-printing method. This device has great potential for use in veterinary medicine. The key purpose of such a product for veterinary medicine is to position the joint at a natural angle for the animal, which in modern practice is performed manually by the surgeon. Polylactide (PLA) is selected as the polymer matrix of the composite materials as a biodegradable and bioresorbable polymer obtained from renewable resources that meets the goals of sustainable development by reducing the environmental impact of medical implant production. The effect of secondary temperature treatment and 3D-printing features PLA on the implementation of the shape memory effect (SME) was studied. For a better understanding two well-known dispersed fillers – nanoparticles of hydroxyapatite (HA) and microparticles of silicon dioxide (SiO₂) were chosen. Analyzing the effects of multiple thermal cycling (extrusion followed by 3D-printing), we demonstrate how 4D-printing conditions alter the microstructure, crystallinity, and shape-recovery ability of these materials. The importance of choosing a filler for these technologies is shown, since HA nanoparticles improve interlayer adhesion, while SiO₂ causes cavitation defects. Consequently, 4D-printed PLA/HA showed a high degree of shape recovery (~ 85% recovery coefficient and ~ 3.2 MPa recovery stress) and was used to manufacture orthopedic structures. The attachment and activation of self-positioning of the arthrodesis are demonstrated for the accuracy of limb angles and shortening the recovery time of the animal.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147362861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Green Synthesis Of Bio-Based Benzoxazines And Epoxies From Thymol-Citronellal For Low-Toxicity Thermosets","authors":"Priyanka Madesh,&nbsp;Balaji Krishnasamy","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03793-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03793-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div>\u0000 \u0000 <p>As an alternative to petroleum based raw materials, bio-based bisphenol (TC) was derived from thymol (T) and citronellal (C) emphasizing two principles of green chemistry by employing safer solvents and auxiliaries for synthesis and utilization of renewable feedstocks are justified. The novelty of this work lies in demonstrating the dual utility of this renewable bisphenol (TC) for the first time in the synthesis of two commercially significant thermosets polybenzoxazines and epoxy resins establishing a sustainable possible replacement for conventional petrochemical monomers. Benzoxazines (TC-fa, TC-la and TC-sa) were synthesized using TC with three different primary amines viz. furfurylamine (fa), laurylamine (la) and stearylamine (sa) separately. Also, TC was epoxidized to obtain bio-based epoxy (TC-E). The molecular structure of the targeted benzoxazines and epoxy were confirmed by spectral analysis. TC-fa showed lowest temperature of 205 °C to undergo polymerization. Whereas, poly(TC-sa) was found to possess highest water contact angle of 144^o with a corrosion inhibition efficiency of 98.8% which was further supported by DFT studies. On comparing the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxic effects of TC with benzoxazines, TC exhibited greater bacteriostatic property with 30 and 20 mm inhibition zone against <i>E.coli</i> and <i>S.aureus</i>. Also, TC coated cotton fabric exhibited 99.9% bacterial growth inhibition efficiency. Mild toxicity with IC50 value of 138.81 µg/mL was exhibited by TC when compared to benzoxazine. The epoxidized bisphenol (TC-E) was cured with different curing agents and found the suitable catalyst to cure the epoxy resins at a least temperature of 141 °C. Thermally cured epoxy material was subjected to flexural test which revealed a maximum flexural stress of 0.77 MPa and a modulus of 40.20 MPa.</p>\u0000 </div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147363081","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Polyphenol-Loaded ZnO–CuO Hydrogel with Enhanced Structural and Biological Properties for Advanced Wound Dressing Application","authors":"Nasrin K. Ramtan Gadaime,&nbsp;Rabiatul Basria S. M. N. Mydin,&nbsp;G. Ambarasan Govindasamy,&nbsp;Yazmin Bustami,&nbsp;Siti Salmah Noordin,&nbsp;Srimala Sreekantan","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03781-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03781-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Chronic wounds are often characterized by persistent inflammation and oxidative stress, which impair fibroblast function, disrupt extracellular matrix formation, and delay tissue regeneration. Bioactive hydrogels that incorporate natural polyphenols and functional nanomaterials offer a promising strategy to accelerate healing through synergistic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, creating a favorable microenvironment for tissue repair. Building on previous work with a ZnO–CuO nanocomposite–embedded PEG–chitosan hydrogel, this study developed a novel polyphenol-loaded ZnO–CuO polysaccharide hydrogel (CPZCH-X) for advanced wound dressing applications. Structural and chemo-mechanical characterization using FTIR, XRD, SEM, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and tensile testing confirmed successful polyphenol incorporation, resulting in improved structural integrity and mechanical stability. The functional assays showed favorable cytocompatibility, hemocompatibility, and wound closure activity, along with regulated inflammatory, oxidative, and repair biomarkers, demonstrating enhanced wound-healing potential. Overall, CPZCH-X is a multifunctional, polyphenol-enriched hydrogel with superior physicochemical and mechanical properties, showing strong potential as a bioactive wound dressing. Future in vivo studies are warranted to validate its therapeutic efficacy and clinical applicability in chronic wound management.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10924-026-03781-y.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147362789","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Tamarindus indica L. Seed Kernel Extract as a Sustainable Xenofree Coating for Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Expansion: Comprehensive Structural, Functional, and Biocompatibility Evaluation for Optimized Stem Cell Culture","authors":"Ruban Hentry Arulgunasekaran,&nbsp;Gayathri Anoop,&nbsp;Raghu Babu Pothireddy,&nbsp;Mehraj Ud Din War,&nbsp;Vijayakumar Raman","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03788-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03788-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Efficient in vitro expansion of human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) requires biocompatible, xenofree culture surfaces. Here, <i>Tamarindus indica L.</i> seed kernel powder (TKP) was evaluated as a natural, cost-effective alternative to xenogenic gelatin. Preliminary phytochemical screening and GC–MS profiling confirmed bioactive compounds in TKP. FTIR and XRD analyses revealed functional groups and structural differences compared to gelatin (GEL) and regular tissue culture dishes (TTP), supporting enhanced hUC-MSC adhesion and proliferation. SEM demonstrated the favourable surface roughness of TKP coatings. DPPH assay showed 51.35% radical scavenging at 1 mg/mL with an IC₅₀ of 0.96 mg/mL. MTT assay indicated 90% cell viability at 2% TKP. Optimized TKP coating (2%, 0.1 mL/cm² area) enabled efficient expansion at passages P0–P2, yielding 0.7 × 10⁶ cells/mL (95% viability) on TKP and 0.82 × 10⁶ cells/mL (94% viability) on GEL. AO/EtBr staining confirmed higher viable cell numbers on TKP against GEL and TTP. Flow cytometry (CD90⁺, CD105⁺, CD31⁻) and RT-PCR (CD90, CD73, CD105) verified retention of hUC-MSC markers. All experiments were performed in triplicate; results are mean ± SD, with <i>p</i> &lt; 0.05. Culturing hUC-MSCs on TKP in human platelet lysate (HPL) media establishes a fully xenofree system. Collectively, TKP represents a sustainable, bioactive coating for scalable hUC-MSC culture, offering a promising alternative to conventional gelatin-based surfaces for regenerative applications. Although TKP enables efficient hUC-MSC expansion, potential batch-to-batch variability, unexamined protein expression under diverse culture conditions, and the absence of long-term or in vivo validation highlight the need for further studies.</p><h3>Graphical Abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147362783","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"UV-Induced Crosslinking of Poly(tetramethylene itaconate): Toward Sustainable Polymer Networks","authors":"Magdalena Miętus,&nbsp;Maria Marecka,&nbsp;Tomasz Gołofit,&nbsp;Aleksandra Bandzerewicz,&nbsp;Maciej Pilarek,&nbsp;Kamil Wierzchowski,&nbsp;Miroslav Šlouf,&nbsp;Jiří Hodan,&nbsp;Paweł Falkowski,&nbsp;Agnieszka Gadomska-Gajadhur","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03780-z","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03780-z","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Herein, a novel potential ink for 3D bio-printing, composed of itaconic acid and 1,4-butanediol, was prepared and analyzed. This study investigated the effect of curing time on UV-crosslinked polymer films. The degree of curing was studied using FTIR and gel content analyses. The evaluation of thermal properties was conducted using DSC and TG analyses. The mechanical properties of the polymer films were evaluated using bending strength, tensile strength, and DMA analyses. Some of the polymer films were investigated for their cytotoxicity (cell viability &gt; 80% for every investigated material). The proposed poly(tetramethylene itaconate) (PBItc) with DEAP photoinitiator as a composition remains underexplored. The UV-crosslinked polymer films exhibit good mechanical properties (Young’s Modulus = 0.32–1.64 GPa) and thermal properties (heat resistance = 116–130 °C). PBItc films underwent acidic, hydrolytic, and alkaline degradation for 60 days (remaining mass &gt; 80%). The properties of the PBItc films show potential for applications in tissue engineering scaffolds with slower biodegradation rates.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147362784","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Role of Mixing Conditions in Governing Thermoplastic Starch Dispersion and Glycerol Migration","authors":"Nattawat Surathin,&nbsp;Rungsima Yeetsorn,&nbsp;Jatesuda Jirawutthiwongchai,&nbsp;Siwarutt Boonyarattanakalin,&nbsp;Werawat Lertwanawatana","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03802-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03802-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Glycerol migration in thermoplastic starch/poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (TPS/PLA/PBAT) blends presents a critical challenge by compromising melt stability, interfacial adhesion, and mechanical performance. This study reveals that strategic control of twin-screw extrusion parameters can induce a processing-driven multiscale physicochemical confinement, effectively limiting glycerol diffusion and thereby eliminating the requirement for external additives. Comprehensive characterization via oscillatory shear rheology, capillary rheometer, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and Fickian diffusion modeling reveals that optimized conditions enhance TPS dispersion and interfacial adhesion. The effective glycerol diffusion coefficient decreased by approximately 38% with increased screw speed at 180 °C and by around 69% with elevated temperature at 180 rpm. The combination of morphological and rheological evidence elucidates a confinement mechanism induced by processing. SEM directly verified interfacial expansion resulting from shear, while a distinct viscoelastic relaxation mode, serving as a rheological fingerprint, was identified. We interpret this confinement to arise from a synergy of three effects: the partial weakening of hydrogen-bond relaxation in the TPS-glycerol network, polarity-mediated interfacial resistance that enhances tortuosity, and the encapsulation of refined TPS microdomains by the PLA/PBAT matrix. The latter critically depletes accessible –OH groups and prolongs bulk diffusion pathways. The established processing window (≈ 190 °C, 180–200 rpm) ensures sustained melt processability while suppressing diffusion, as evidenced by a coefficient of around 1.23 × 10⁻⁷ cm² s⁻¹, a 48% reduction from the 170 °C baseline. This synergy between processing parameters and material properties offers a controllable route to stabilize plasticizer content and tailor morphology in TPS-based systems.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147362786","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of Polysaccharides from Sargassum Fusiforme via Different Degradation Methods","authors":"Muhammad Amir Ali,&nbsp;Yongchao Jiang,&nbsp;Keyong Tang","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03800-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03800-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>To enhance the biological activity of <i>Sargassum fusiforme</i>, a brown algae, polysaccharides were extracted and degraded using two methods: ultrasound-assisted hydrochloric acid (yielding U-SFP) and α-amylase-assisted hydrolysis (yielding M-SFP). A Box-Behnken response surface design (BBRS) was used to optimize the degradation conditions. Structural changes before and after treatment were analyzed, including molecular weight variations during in vitro digestion. The relationship between the structural characteristics and antioxidant activity of the degradation products was established, revealing significant impacts on surface morphology, solubility, crystallinity, and triple-helix structure. The DPPH radical-scavenging activities of U-SFP and M-SFP were 0.106 mg/mL and 0.045 mg/mL, respectively, compared to 0.029 mg/mL for native SFP. Similarly, the ferric reducing power of both U-SFP and M-SFP was significantly higher than that of native SFP. These results demonstrate that controlled degradation enhances the antioxidant capacity of <i>Sargassum fusiforme</i> polysaccharides, highlighting their potential for industrial and biomedical applications.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147362788","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quantifying UVC-Induced Aging of Microplastics Using a Multivariate Aging Score","authors":"Yingshu Leng,&nbsp;Daniel Prezgot,&nbsp;Zygmunt J. Jakubek,&nbsp;Xudong Cao,&nbsp;Shan Zou","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03796-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03796-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Microplastics continue to weather as they linger in the environment, yet the roles of polymer type and product formulation in shaping their aging trajectories remain poorly defined. In this work, we examined how commercial polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) microplastics respond to ultraviolet C (UVC) irradiation across doses from 0 to 40 MJ m^-2. Among the three materials, PP changed the most rapidly: its carbonyl index (CI) rose sharply, its melting temperature (T_m) dropped from 157 °C to 141 °C, and its crystallinity (χ_c) declined from 76% to 52%. In contrast, PE and PET showed only modest alterations in their chemical and thermal signatures. Imaging by scanning electron microscopy further highlights the divergence in aging behavior—PP surfaces developed widespread cracks and generated secondary fragments, whereas the other polymers remained comparatively intact. Given that surface oxidation precedes bulk destabilization, we incorporated an infrared (IR)-based surface-crystallinity index (χ_sI) to quantify these early chemical-structural changes. The influence of formulation is investigated using two PP laboratory wastes—transparent centrifuge tubes and blue pipette-tip boxes—both of which show progressive surface cracking, increasing CI, and T_m depression as the UVC dose rises, with the colored material aging faster than the transparent PP. Because aging manifests through several properties that do not evolve in parallel, direct comparisons across polymers and products are challenging. An approach based on principal component analysis integrates CI, T_m, χ_c, and χ_sI into a single quantitative aging score. This unified metric provides an approach for harmonized evaluation of aging levels across polymer types, product formulations, and physicochemical properties. The resulting framework facilitates direct comparisons between materials and provides predictive assessment of microplastic transformation under environmental or laboratory exposure conditions.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10924-026-03796-5.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147362782","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epoxy Latent Systems for Novel Hybrid 3D Printed Metal/CFs Reinforced Composite Joint Disassembly via Chemical Recycling","authors":"Lorena Saitta,&nbsp;Sandro Dattilo,&nbsp;Claudio Tosto,&nbsp;Valentina Giglio,&nbsp;Paolo Maria Riccobene,&nbsp;Ignazio Blanco,&nbsp;Alberta Latteri,&nbsp;Gianluca Cicala","doi":"10.1007/s10924-026-03790-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s10924-026-03790-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study presents the chemical, thermal and mechanical characterization of two bio-based and fully-recyclable epoxy latent resins derived from pine oil, engineered to meet high-performance mechanical and thermal specifications for advanced composite applications. The characterized latent epoxy resins exhibited glass transition temperature (T_g) values ranging between 90 and 120 °C, flexural strength and modulus values within the range of 35–110 MPa and 2.5–3.2 GPa, respectively, making them suitable for structural applications. One of the latent epoxy resin was further employed in the fabrication of a hybrid joint comprising metal and CFs reinforced composites characterized by an average ILSS of 11.9 MPa and a maximum load of 1429.2 N, due to a good mechanical interlocking at the metal/CFs interface. Due to its latent curing behavior, the epoxy resin remains stable until exposed to elevated temperatures (≥ 80 °C), at which point cross-linking is initiated. This property affords an extended pot life and improved control during application and assembly. This feature makes the system especially attractive for hybrid manufacturing approaches, where the extended open time supports accurate positioning of fibers and metal inserts. Furthermore, the epoxy resin was cross-linked by using a cleavable amine hardener to achieve full recyclability, so enabling disassembly under mild acidic controlled conditions. This property facilitated the full recovery of constituent raw materials through a targeted chemical recycling process, achieving a 100% recovery yield. The proposed system offers a sustainable alternative to conventional thermoset-based hybrid metal/CFs composite manufacturing and end-of-life management. This class of hybrid joints can find industrial applications in aerospace and automotive sectors, in electronic and optical applications, in sports equipment and biomedical devices, for the manufacturing of next-generation structural solutions, with enhanced performance and versatility, by also supporting the global shift toward circular design and responsible material use.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":659,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Polymers and the Environment","volume":"34 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":5.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s10924-026-03790-x.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147363164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"工程技术","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}