Publications by authors named "Elisabetta Arato"
A series of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(lactic acid)-based bio-composites (sisal PLA) were prepared and studied by spectroscopic and microscopic techniques as such and after immersion at room temperature in different degradation mediums (i.e., distilled and natural sea water and solutions at pH = 2, 6, and 8).
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- The study assessed the recyclability of biocomposites made from polylactide acid (PLA) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) with natural sisal fiber, showing they have mechanical and thermal properties similar to standard plastics.
- After three recycling cycles, PLA's tensile modulus improved, while PHBV remained largely unchanged; however, both materials became more brittle after the first cycle.
- The properties of the biocomposites remained stable through the third recycling phase, indicating promising recyclability, and their processing conditions align with conventional plastics, enhancing their viability for eco-friendly applications.
Cryosurgery is a rapidly developing discipline, alternative to conventional surgical techniques, used to destroy cancer cells by the action of low temperatures. Currently, the refrigeration is obtained via the adiabatic expansion of gases in probes used for surgeries, with the need of inherently dangerous pressurized vessels. The proposed innovative prototypal apparatus aims to reach the cryosurgical temperatures exploiting a closed-loop refrigeration system, avoiding the hazardous presence of pressurized vessels in the operating room.
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