Polymer Bulletin最新文献

{"title":"Structure–property relationships in biowaste-filled natural rubber: effects of particle size and ageing on mechanical and thermal performance","authors":"Waroonsiri Jakarbutr,&nbsp;Kullawadee Sungsanit,&nbsp;Suchalinee Mathurosemontri,&nbsp;Nichanan Phansroy,&nbsp;Chuntip Sakulkhaemaruethai,&nbsp;Warunee Ariyawiriyanan,&nbsp;Nathapong Sukhawipat,&nbsp;Wichain Chailad","doi":"10.1007/s00289-025-05940-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00289-025-05940-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigates the potential of spent coffee grounds (SCG) and spent tea grounds (STG) as biowaste-derived fillers for reinforcing natural rubber (NR) composites. The effects of filler contents (0–10 phr), particle sizes, and thermal ageing were examined using mechanical, morphological, and thermal analyses. At an optimal loading of 5 phr and particle size &lt; 44 µm, STG-filled composites exhibited the best overall performance. Compared to unfilled NR, tensile strength increased from 15.41 MPa to 20.10 MPa, elongation at break improved from 531 to 608%, and cross-link density rose from 147.3 to 239.8 mol/m³. The bound rubber content reached 19.6%, indicating a stronger filler–rubber interfacial interaction. SEM images confirmed more uniform filler dispersion and reduced surface defects in fine-particle composites. FTIR analysis revealed decreased carbonyl absorption and improved retention of C = C double bonds after thermal ageing, particularly in STG-filled NR, indicating reduced oxidative degradation. These stabilising effects are attributed to the antioxidant activity of polyphenols and lignin derivatives inherent in the biowaste fillers. Although the improvements were moderate, the consistency of several properties supported the assumption that particle size plays a role in optimising the performance of the composite. These findings highlight the potential of SCG and STG as viable, eco-friendly, and reinforcing fillers that improve the durability and sustainability of soft rubber materials.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":737,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Bulletin","volume":"82 15","pages":"10197 - 10234"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145248340","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":"Synthesis, green chemistry metrics, and performance of bio-based ketal esters as dual-purpose additive for polyvinyl chloride (PVC)","authors":"Sepideh Alijanian,&nbsp;Mohammad Jalal Zohuriaan-Mehr,&nbsp;Hossein Bouhendi,&nbsp;Zeinab Karami","doi":"10.1007/s00289-025-05929-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00289-025-05929-7","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A series of novel bio-based ketal esters were successfully synthesized using glycerol and bio-based dicarboxylic acids varied in their chain length. The performance of the novel modifiers, as plasticizer and thermal stabilizer, and the effect of chain length were examined as poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) films prepared via the solution casting. Their properties were compared to those modified by a fossil-based additive, di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DOP). Furrier transform infrared (FTIR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (¹H- and ¹³C-NMR) spectroscopy confirmed the structures of the synthesized modifiers. The “greenness” and efficiency of the synthesis procedure were evaluated using green chemistry metrics and simplified life-cycle assessments (EcoScale and GREEN MOTION). Based on the greenness assessments, the synthesis process had both high efficiency and environmentally friendly characteristics, aligning with the principles of green chemistry. The films were characterized using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), tensile strength, and migration testing. The flexibility of the films increased with the enlargement of the dicarboxylic acid moiety, so the film modified by 60% of GC-SEB was the softest showing flexibility similar to the film containing 40% of DOP. On the other hand, the films containing the novel bio-based modifiers demonstrated remarkably high thermal stability as the incorporation of 60% of GC-SUC enhanced the thermal stability of the film up to 34.3 °C comparing to unmodified PVC film. Despite slightly lower plasticizing ability, final products incorporating newly synthesized modifiers exhibited high compatibility, migration resistance and thermal stability, making them more cost-effective and durable when compared to products containing DOP. Overall, the modifiers can be green potential substituents for petroleum-based plasticizers and thermal stabilizers.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":737,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Bulletin","volume":"82 15","pages":"10167 - 10196"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145248197","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":"Design and thermal profiling of ethyl carbazole-based poly(phenoxy-imine)s: synthesis and characterization","authors":"İsmet Kaya,&nbsp;Mehmet Hakan Yılmaz,&nbsp;Feyza Kolcu","doi":"10.1007/s00289-025-05932-y","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00289-025-05932-y","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>A series of Schiff base monomers were synthesized via the condensation of 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole with various aldehydes, including 3-hydroxybenzaldehyde (3-HBA), 4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (4-HBA), 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde (2-HNA), and ortho-vanillin. These monomers were subsequently polymerized through oxidative polycondensation using NaOCl as the oxidant to yield corresponding poly(phenoxy-imine)s, namely Poly(3ECIMP), Poly(4ECIMP), Poly(ECIMN), and Poly(ECIMMP). The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed using FTIR, UV–Vis, and both 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Thermal characterization using TG–DTA and DSC demonstrated that the synthesized polymers possess excellent thermal stability, as evidenced by their glass transition temperatures between 145 and 161 °C and char yields reaching up to 38.22% at 1000 °C. Furthermore, limiting oxygen index values exceeding 28% indicate that these materials exhibit self-extinguishing behavior. Photoluminescence studies conducted in DMF demonstrated intense fluorescence, particularly for Poly(ECIMN), which exhibited yellow–orange emission upon excitation at 502 nm due to the presence of naphthalene moieties that enhance <i>π</i>-electron delocalization. Optical and electrochemical band gap analyses indicated significantly reduced <i>E</i>_g values for the polymers compared to their monomers, with Poly(ECIMN) showing the lowest band gap of 2.39 eV. Cyclic voltammetry results aligned with optical measurements, confirming improved charge-transfer characteristics in the conjugated polymer backbone. Surface morphology assessed by FE-SEM revealed porous structures, suggesting applicability in gas adsorption or catalytic systems. Size exclusion chromatography confirmed the formation of high molecular weight polymers with narrow polydispersity indices. Collectively, the unique combination of thermal durability, photophysical responsiveness, and structural robustness highlights the potential of these ethyl carbazole-based poly(phenoxy-imine)s in applications spanning optoelectronics, thermal protection, and fluorescence-based sensing.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":737,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Bulletin","volume":"82 15","pages":"10139 - 10165"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145248376","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":"Navigating solutions: a comprehensive review on plastic pollution in marine ecosystems and the vital role of biodegradable polymers","authors":"Aqsa Kanwal,&nbsp;Faisal Sharaf,&nbsp;Tehmina Zafar,&nbsp;Saba khan Khurshaid,&nbsp;Sundus Farooq","doi":"10.1007/s00289-025-05938-6","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00289-025-05938-6","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Plastic pollution is a serious anthropogenic hazard to marine life and is led by the increasing usage of long-lasting petroleum-based polymers. The present review contains an in-depth summary of the accumulation of plastic in coastal and marine ecosystems, with particular emphasis on the increasing rate of microplastics (MPs) and their ecological and human health consequences. Due to poor management, inefficient waste disposal and waste by industries, marine environments, surface water, sedimentation and biota are becoming highly polluted. When those plastics enter the bodies of marine organisms, they lead to gastrointestinal obstruction, as well as physical stress, and the introduction of invasive species and poisonous pollutants into the organism. The review analyses the existing methods of mitigation, such as source reduction, riverine interception systems, and advanced wastewater technologies. The special concern is paid to biodegradable plastics, i.e., polylactic acid (PLA) (polylactic acid), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT) (polybutylene adipate terephthalate), thermoplastic starch (TPS) (thermoplastic starch), as well as the polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) (polyhydroxyalkanoates) being the alternative to traditional ones. Such materials can break down into non-toxic products under certain environmental circumstances, hence reducing their long-term persistence. Nevertheless, due to the increasing level of difficulties that exist in regard to degradation efficiency, cost, and regulatory control. The review is a synthesis of the existing recent data, global policy initiatives, and technological advancements that demonstrate the prospect of the use of biodegradable polymers in the control of marine plastic pollution and justify the necessity of a multidisciplinary focus in the effort to maintain the well-being of the oceans of the world.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":737,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Bulletin","volume":"82 15","pages":"9623 - 9646"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145248339","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":"Halloysite nanotubes grafted with polyetheramine to reinforce epoxy composites for high strength and toughness","authors":"Tianyuan Gong,&nbsp;Liuyue Zhong,&nbsp;Haixiong Tang,&nbsp;Tingcheng Li,&nbsp;Junheng Zhang","doi":"10.1007/s00289-025-05890-5","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00289-025-05890-5","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs)-reinforced epoxy composites are commonly utilized in a multitude of applications due to their excellent mechanical properties. However, the development of epoxy composites with high interfacial strength remains a significant challenge. In this work, polyetheramine-grafted halloysite nanotubes (PEA-HNTs) were prepared to fabricate strong and tough epoxy composites. The influence of polyethylene amine-functionalized halloysite nanotubes (PEA-HNTs) incorporation on both the mechanical performance and free volume holes in epoxy matrix composites was systematically investigated through positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy (PALS). The results demonstrated that PEA-HNTs were uniformly dispersed in the epoxy matrix, forming strong interfacial interaction. The nanoscale dispersion architecture effectively decreased the free volume hole size (<span>(V_{f})</span>) and relative free volume <span>((f_{r} ))</span>, resulting in the improved mechanical properties. This work presents a novel and scalable strategy for developing high-performance epoxy composites through rational nanotube functionalization and interfacial engineering.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3>\u0000<div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":737,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Bulletin","volume":"82 15","pages":"10127 - 10138"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145248157","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":"Mechanical, rheological, physical, and thermal proprieties of poly (lactic acid) composites reinforced by walnut and apricots shells flour","authors":"Yasmine Mahmoud,&nbsp;Hicham Zeghioud,&nbsp;Naima Belhaneche-Bensemra","doi":"10.1007/s00289-025-05943-9","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00289-025-05943-9","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this work, flour of apricots shells (AS) and walnut shells (WS) was valorized for the preparation of various composites, employing poly (lactic acid) as the polymeric matrix. The composites were successfully prepared using the cast-solution method. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed no significant changes in peak positions, indicating that the incorporation of WS and AS in PLA did not result in any notable alterations to the chemical structure of PLA. Tensile testing demonstrated an increase in both tensile modulus and tensile strength, while the elongation at break decreased for most composites. The composite containing 4% AS exhibited a maximum tensile modulus of 1680.32 MPa, whereas the composite loaded with 2% WS showed a maximum tensile modulus of 1862.10 MPa. The composite loaded with 4% WS displayed the minimum tensile modulus (708.40 MPa), and the composite loaded with 7% AS showed the minimum elongation at break (2.2%), compared to pure PLA. The melt flow index reached its lowest value in the composites loaded with 7% AS and 2% WS. Moisture absorption decreased after the incorporation of AS and WS, and was almost negligible in the composites loaded with 2% WS, 4% AS, and 7% AS. Thermal analyses indicated an increase in thermal stability for all composites after the incorporation of AS and WS. Crystallinity rate increased in all composites loaded with AS, in comparison with pure PLA, while it decreased in the composites loaded with WS, for the heating cycles.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":737,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Bulletin","volume":"82 15","pages":"10105 - 10125"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145248375","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":"Fabrication of effective polyamide-amine acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene composites using recycled ABS waste plastic for removal of malachite green from aqueous solutions","authors":"Arya S. Raj,&nbsp;M. Loganathan,&nbsp;A. Murugesan,&nbsp;Thankam Regi","doi":"10.1007/s00289-025-05899-w","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00289-025-05899-w","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>In this study, polyamide-amine acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (PAABS) composites were fabricated using pyromellitic anhydride (PMDA) as a chelating agent and tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) as a cross-linking agent via two-step chemical process. Dicarboxylic diketo-functionalized ABS (DDABS) was synthesized using RABS and PMDA with AlCl₃ as a catalyst via Friedel–Craft acylation and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) as a solvent. Functionalized ABS was treated TEPA and N, N’-diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC) via amidation reactions to form PAABS with amide–amine repeating units. Functionalized PAABS was used as an effective adsorbent for the removal of malachite green (MG) dye from aqueous medium. The crystallinity, functional groups, and surface morphology of PAABS were studied using XRD, FTIR and SEM analysis respectively. Adsorption parameters were optimized, and kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamic parameters were evaluated using adsorption experimental date. The result suggests that derived <i>q</i>_e (416 mg/g) value of second-order kinetics is well matched with experimental <i>q</i>_e values (408 mg/g) and the maximum monolayer adsorption capacity was found to be 383 mg/g. Finally, the adsorbed–adsorbent was blended with PLA (MG-PAABS/PLA) to convert into thin film and filaments to avoid solid pollution. Mechanical properties (569 kgf/cm²) and stability of thin film and filaments were performed to enhance the properties of waste by-products.</p><h3>Graphical abstract</h3><div><figure><div><div><picture><source><img></source></picture></div></div></figure></div></div>","PeriodicalId":737,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Bulletin","volume":"82 15","pages":"10075 - 10103"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145248160","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":"Characteristics of a novel poly (methyl methacrylate-gel) dosimeter doped with copper oxide nanoparticles for radiotherapy applications","authors":"Mohammed Dawood Salman,&nbsp;Yasmin Md Radzi,&nbsp;Nabeel Ibrahim Ashour,&nbsp;Ammar A. Oglat,&nbsp;Azhar Abdul Rahman","doi":"10.1007/s00289-025-05863-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00289-025-05863-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>This study investigates the characteristics of a novel poly (methyl methacrylate-gel) (PMMAG) dosimeter doped with copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) for radiotherapy applications. The dosimeter was evaluated based on its optical density, mass density, dose resolution, thermal stability, and toxicity. Irradiation was performed using a 6-MV photon beam and a dose range of 0–10 Gy from a medical linear accelerator (LINAC). Measurements were conducted using UV–Vis spectrophotometry, a digital density meter, and thermal analysis techniques (DSC and TGA). The addition of CuO NPs enhanced the optical density linearly with increase in radiation dose, with the greatest enhancement observed at an optimal concentration of 3 × 10⁻² mg/L. This was attributed to increased free radical production via Compton scattering. The same concentration also corresponded to the highest measured mass density, indicating a dual role in enhancing both optical and physical dosimetric response. Dose resolution was optimized at 1% CuO NPs, based on the analysis of the dose–response curve slope and the standard deviation of absorbance measurements obtained via UV–Vis. This concentration achieved improved radiation sensitivity while minimizing signal noise and avoiding absorbance saturation effects. TGA and DSC results indicated that CuO NPs enhanced the gel's thermal stability by delaying weight loss and increasing the decomposition temperature, while only slightly reducing the glass transition and melting temperatures. Replacing acrylamide with methyl methacrylate (MMA) significantly decreased toxicity (LD50 = 7872 mg/kg) and eliminated carcinogenic concerns, making the PMMAG/CuO NP dosimeter a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":737,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Bulletin","volume":"82 15","pages":"10031 - 10050"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s00289-025-05863-8.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145248158","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"化学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Multifunctional polyvinyl alcohol/ionic liquid/silver composite for biomedical and electrical applications","authors":"Itishree Panda,&nbsp;Swayam Aryam Behera","doi":"10.1007/s00289-025-05944-8","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00289-025-05944-8","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>PVA, Silver-PVA (PVA-Ag), and Silver-PVA-ionic liquid (PVA-Ag-IL) composites were successfully synthesized and characterized to evaluate their structural, optical, morphological, electrical, and antibacterial properties using techniques such as FTIR, SEM, UV–Visible DRS, XRD, and NMR. The UV-DRS analysis showed a significant reduction in band gap from 3.38 (PVA) to 2.06 eV (PVA-Ag-IL), indicating improved light absorption. SEM and elemental mapping confirmed uniform dispersion of Ag in the IL-enhanced matrix. Electrical studies revealed that PVA-Ag-IL exhibited superior conductivity (σ_AC ~ 10⁻⁶ S/cm) and reduced impedance (R₁ = 8.68 × 10⁵ Ω·cm²), as confirmed by Nyquist plot analysis. The MIC values for PVA-Ag-IL were 1.4 mg/mL for <i>S. aureus</i> and 2.2 mg/mL for <i>E. coli</i>, significantly lower than the other two materials. Zone of inhibition diameters reached up to 21 mm for <i>E. coli</i> and 19 mm for <i>S. aureus</i>. Furthermore, PVA-Ag-IL films showed enhanced antioxidant activity (~ 73% DPPH inhibition) and low hemolysis (&lt; 5%), confirming their biocompatibility. These results demonstrate the multifunctionality of PVA-Ag-IL films, making them highly promising for applications in antimicrobial coatings, wound healing, and bioelectronic devices.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":737,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Bulletin","volume":"82 15","pages":"10051 - 10073"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145248159","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":"Advanced alginate-pectin-cellulose microbeads for biofertilizer encapsulation in sustainable potato cultivation","authors":"Mohamed R. El-Aassar,&nbsp;Walaa Y. M. El-Khozami,&nbsp;Omar M. Ibrahim,&nbsp;Mohamed. H. El-Sheikh,&nbsp;Ali. A. A. Gabal,&nbsp;Ali. I. A. Abido","doi":"10.1007/s00289-025-05925-x","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s00289-025-05925-x","url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>We explored the development and characterization of a novel polymeric microbead delivery system comprising alginate (Alg), pectin (Pec), and cellulose (Cellu) for the encapsulation of biofertilizers—vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza (VAM), yeast (<i>Saccharomyces cerevisiae</i>), and molasses. The polymer composite was designed to provide controlled release and enhanced protection for biofertilizers, improving nutrient delivery and plant growth in potato (<i>Solanum tuberosum</i>). The Alg/Pec/Cellu microbeads were extensively characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and swelling studies to assess their structural, chemical, and thermal properties. FTIR confirmed the presence of key functional groups, while SEM revealed detailed surface morphology. TGA demonstrated that the polymer composite improved thermal stability, particularly in formulations loaded with biofertilizers, and swelling tests indicated that the polymer matrix provided controlled water absorption, facilitating sustained release of nutrients. The encapsulated biofertilizers showed enhanced performance compared to free additions, resulting in significantly improved nutrient uptake, tuber yield, and biochemical composition. This novel polymer composite not only protects biofertilizers from environmental stress but also enhances their efficacy through controlled-release mechanisms. Our findings highlight the potential of Alg/Pec/Cellu microbeads as an innovative, sustainable approach for biofertilizer delivery, offering significant advantages for agricultural applications. We demonstrates the value of polymer composite optimization in enhancing the stability and functionality of encapsulated biofertilizers, with implications for broader agricultural and environmental sustainability efforts.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":737,"journal":{"name":"Polymer Bulletin","volume":"82 15","pages":"10003 - 10030"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145248374","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}