10 research outputs found
Biodegradable Nonwoven Materials with Antipathogenic Layer
Biopolymer composites have received increasing attention for their beneficial properties such as being biodegradable and having less influence to the environment. Biodegradability of materials has become a desired feature due to the growing problems connected with waste management. The aim of the paper is to emphasize the importance of biodegradable textile materials, especially nonwoven materials with an anti-pathogenic layer. The article refers to the definitions of biodegradation, degradation and composting processes, as well as presenting methods of testing biodegradability depending on the type of material. The study gives examples of biodegradation of textiles and presents examples of qualitative and quantitative methods used for testing antimicrobial activity of biodegradable nonwovens with an anti-pathogenic layer
Effect of Accelerated Ageing on the Mechanical and Structural Properties of the Material System Used in Protectors
Currently, there is a wide range of materials for motorcyclists available on the market that have a significant ability to absorb impact energy. Understanding the aging processes of materials is crucial for guaranteeing the long-term durability and safety of a new product. For this reason, the effect of accelerated aging on the mechanical and structural properties of the multifunctional materials used in commercial protectors was analyzed. The accelerated aging considered in this study simulated 3 years of use under real conditions. Then, DMTA and FT-IR research, as well as impact tests, were carried out on the commercially available protectors for motorcyclists, before and after the accelerated aging processes. Structural analysis using FT-IR showed no significant changes in the structure of the polymers used for producing the protectors. The DMA test results are consistent with those obtained from the impact study. Both methods showed that the samples maintain their protective properties, after accelerated aging. All of the examined protectors show that an increase in force is transferred through the sample, after the accelerated aging processes, but they still provide protection, according to the ISO standard
Biopolymers and Biomaterials for Special Applications within the Context of the Circular Economy
The main challenge of the economy is counteracting the adverse effects of progressive industrialisation on the environment around the world. Economic development that accompanies this trend correlates to production increase in not only consumer articles but also special application articles that are difficult to remanufacture, such as medical supplies. For many researchers, discovering innovative materials for special applications that could become an essential element of circular economy production is important. Measures to reduce the production of industrial materials whose waste is difficult to recycle are more and more apparent to manufacturers, especially when faced with the new financial situation in European Union, as one of its priorities is to implement the principles of circular economy. The purpose of the article is to analyse the current state of research on special-application biomaterials within the context of the circular economy. Empirical analysis is conducted for Poland compared to the rest of the European Union (EU) within the time-frame of 2014–2020, which is the most recent financial timeframe of the EU. The submitted studies are based on secondary data obtained mainly from European databases, as well as primary data resulting from the research works at Łukasiewicz Research Network—Institute of Biopolymers and Chemical Fibres
Biopolymer Composites with Sensors for Environmental and Medical Applications
One of the biggest economic and environmental sustainability problems is the over-reliance on petroleum chemicals in polymer production. This paper presents an overview of the current state of knowledge on biopolymers combined with biosensors in terms of properties, compounding methods and applications, with a focus on medical and environmental aspects. Therefore, this article is devoted to environmentally friendly polymer materials. The paper presents an overview of the current state of knowledge on biopolymers combined with biosensors in terms of properties, compounding methods and applications, with a special focus on medical and environmental aspects. The paper presents the current state of knowledge, as well as prospects. The article shows that biopolymers made from renewable raw materials are of great interest in various fields of science and industry. These materials not only replace existing polymers in many applications, but also provide new combinations of properties for new applications. Composite materials based on biopolymers are considered superior to traditional non-biodegradable materials due to their ability to degrade when exposed to environmental factors. The paper highlights the combination of polymers with nanomaterials which allows the preparation of chemical sensors, thus enabling their use in environmental or medical applications due to their biocompatibility and sensitivity. This review focuses on analyzing the state of research in the field of biopolymer-sensor composites
Biodegradable Nonwoven Materials with Antipathogenic Layer
Biopolymer composites have received increasing attention for their beneficial properties such as being biodegradable and having less influence to the environment. Biodegradability of materials has become a desired feature due to the growing problems connected with waste management. The aim of the paper is to emphasize the importance of biodegradable textile materials, especially nonwoven materials with an anti-pathogenic layer. The article refers to the definitions of biodegradation, degradation and composting processes, as well as presenting methods of testing biodegradability depending on the type of material. The study gives examples of biodegradation of textiles and presents examples of qualitative and quantitative methods used for testing antimicrobial activity of biodegradable nonwovens with an anti-pathogenic layer
Influence of the Structure of Low MolecularWeight Esters on Poly(lactic acid) in the Plasticization Process - part 1
Polymers derived from renewable sources which are additionally subject to degradation processes are currently an interesting alternative to conventional polymers of petrochemical origin. One of such polymers is poly(lactic acid) (PLA), which can be used in the packaging, textile and also medical industries. Its great advantage is the susceptibility to biodegradation and the nontoxicity of the degradation products. Because of high brittleness and stiffness, the modification of PLA is necessary to improve its plastic deformability, which can expand the new application possibilities. As part of the research work, the modification of PLA by plasticisation was undertaken to improve its plastic deformability properties. The low molecular mass esters from the citrate group and glycerol triacetate were used. The samples extruded from plasticised polymer were characterised using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Gel Permeation Chromatography/Size Exclusion Chromatography (GPC/SEC). The mechanical properties and melt flow rate after modification were determined. The aim of the research was to determine the relationship between the structure of a plasticiser and its ability to reduce the interactions in the polymer chain in order to develop an optimal polymerplasticiser arrangement. Based on this research, there was no relationship between the efficiency of the plasticisation process and the increasing molecular mass of the plasticiser. The additional chemical (acetyl) group in the plasticiser also does not increase the efficiency of the PLA plasticisation process. In the next steps of the research, functional forms will be produced, i.e. fibers, films, and fittings from the selected polymer-plasticiser systems
Influence of Low-Molecular-Weight Esters on Melt Spinning and Structure of Poly(lactic acid) Fibers
Poly(lactic acid) has great potential in sectors where degradability is an important advantage due to its polymer nature. The medical, pharmaceutical, and packaging industries have shown interest in using PLA. To overcome the limitations of stiffness and brittleness in the polymer, researchers have conducted numerous modifications to develop fibers with improved properties. One such modification involves using plasticizing modifiers that can provide additional and desired properties. The scientific reports indicate that low-molecular-weight esters (LME) (triethyl citrate and bis (2-ethylhexyl) adipate) affect the plasticization of PLA. However, the research is limited to flat structures, such as films, casts, and extruded shapes. A study was conducted to investigate the impact of esters on the process of forming, the properties, and the morphology of fibers formed through the melt-spinning method. It was found that the modified PLA required different spinning and drawing conditions compared to the unmodified polymer. DSC, FTIR, WAXD, and GPC/SEC analyses were performed for the modified fibers. Mechanical tests and morphology evaluations using SEM microscopy were also conducted. The applied plasticizers lowered the temperature of the spinning process by 40 掳C, and allowed us to obtain a higher degree of crystallinity and a better tenacity at a lower draw ratio. GPC/SEC analysis confirmed that the polymer鈥損lasticizer interaction is physical because the booth plasticizer peaks were separated in the chromatographic columns. The use of LME in fibers significantly reduces the temperature of the spinning process, which reduces production costs. Additives significantly change the production process and the structure of the fiber depending on their rate, which may affect the properties, e.g., the rate of degradation. We can master the degree of crystallinity through the variable amount of LME. The degree of crystallization of the polymers has a significant influence on polymer application
Design of New-Generation Usable Forms of Topical Haemostatic Agents Containing Chitosan
Designing usable forms of topical haemostatic agents is the most important activity during the design process, resulting in strengthened functional properties of the final medical devices. This study aimed to propose indications for a research programme based on risk management supporting the development of two usable forms of a topical haemostatic agent: chitosan/alginate lyophilized foam and chitosan/alginate impregnated gauze. Both of the usable forms of the topical haemostatic agent, being the main part of the modified combat gauze, were fabricated using the chitosan/alginate complex. Risk analysis is helpful in developing an appropriate research programme, significantly reducing the risk to an acceptable level