Studies on the Enzymatic Degradation Process of Epoxy-Polyurethane Compositions Obtained with Raw Materials of Natural Origin.

Along with the development of technology and the increasing consumption of polymeric materials, which have become an integral part of man's everyday life, problems related to their disposal are arising. The presented research concentrates on the studies on the enzymatic degradation of selected epoxy-polyurethane materials filled with 2 or 5 wt.% of waste unmodified or chemically modified through mercerization wood flour.

Multielectron Redox Chemistry of Ytterbium Complexes Reaching the +1 and Zero Formal Oxidation States.

Lanthanide redox reactivity remains limited to one-electron transfer reactions due to their inability to access a broad range of oxidation states. Here, we show that multielectron reductive chemistry is achieved for ytterbium by using the tripodal tris(siloxide)arene redox-active ligand, which can store two electrons in the arene anchor. Reduction of the Yb(III) complex of the tris(siloxide)arene tripodal ligand affords the Yb(II) analogue by metal-centered reduction.

Screening method for differentiation of plastic and non-plastic microparticles contaminating store-bought rice.

This article presents a simple and low-cost screening method based on optical microscopy and FT-IR spectroscopy for assessing microparticles found in rice. Five brands of rice packed in paper and foil bags from both the European Union (EU) and non-EU region were tested. Microparticles of various shapes have been found in the rice regardless of the packaging type and origin of the rice.

Design and development of multibiocomponent hybrid alginate hydrogels and lipid nanodispersion as new materials for medical and cosmetic applications.

The multibiocomponent hybrid alginate hydrogels based on brown and sea algae, containing 100 % ingredients of natural origin were prepared by ionic crosslinking reaction of a polymeric matrix with lipid nanodispersion. To the best of the Authors' knowledge such multicomponent biobased hydrogel of promising medical and cosmetical applications for the first time was obtained in the environment of flower water, received earlier as a waste by-product from various chemical processes. An innovative hybrid alginate hydrogel that is completely biodegradable and eco-friendly was obtained following waterless and upcycling trends that are in line with the principles of sustainable development.

Tuning the color of high-karat gold in Au-TiO nanoparticle composites all the way to black.

For centuries, artisans have harnessed gold nanoparticles to imbue their creations with the vibrant hues that captivate the eye through interactions with visible light. In modern times, these distinct optoelectronic characteristics have pivoted toward the forefront of innovative technologies, finding their niche in advanced applications from solar energy to medicine, overshadowing their artistic heritage. This investigation reimagines the utilitarian scope of gold by innovating the optical characteristics of gold-titania nanostructures.