Zein-based nanostructured coatings: A green approach to enhance virucidal efficacy of protective face masks.

Face masks represent a valuable tool to prevent the spreading of airborne viruses; however, they show poor comfort and scarce antiviral efficacy. Zein-based coatings are herein exploited to enhance antiviral performance. Zein functionalization is done through acidifying agents (lactic acid, LA).

Synthesis of bio-polyol-functionalized nanocrystalline celluloses as reactive/reinforcing components in bio-based polyurethane foams by homogeneous environment modification.

Nanocrystalline Cellulose (NCC or CNC) is widely used as a filler in polymer composites due to its high specific strength, tensile modulus, aspect ratio, and sustainability. However, CNC hydrophilicity complicates its dispersion in hydrophobic polymeric matrices giving rise to aggregate structures and thus compromising its reinforcing action. CNC functionalization in a homogeneous environment, through silanization with trichloro(butyl)silane as a coupling agent and subsequent grafting with bio-based polyols, is herein investigated aiming to enhance CNC dispersibility improving the filler-matrix interaction between the hydrophobic PU and hydrophilic CNC.

The Role of Superabsorbent Polymers and Polymer Composites in Water Resource Treatment and Management.

In the last century, the issue of "water reserves" has become a remarkably strategic topic in modern science and technology. In this context, water resource treatment and management systems are being developed in both agricultural and urban area scenarios. This can be achieved using superabsorbent polymers (SAPs), highly cross-linked hydrogels with three-dimensional, hydrophilic polymer structures capable of absorbing, swelling and retaining huge amounts of aqueous solutions.

Efficient recycling pathway of bio-based composite polyurethane foams via sustainable diamine.

Aminolysis is widely recognized as a valuable chemical route for depolymerizing polymeric materials containing ester, amide, or urethane functional groups, including polyurethane foams. Bio-based polyurethane foams, pristine and reinforced with 40 wt% of sustainable fillers, were depolymerized in the presence of bio-derived butane-1,4-diamine, BDA. A process comparison was made using fossil-derived ethane-1,2-diamine, EDA, by varying amine/polyurethane ratio (F/A, 1:1 and 1:0.

Do new cement-based mortars pose a significant threat to the aquatic environment?

Nowadays, the use of multi-functional mortars has increased significantly, with interesting applications in the sustainable construction. In the environment, the cement-based materials are subjected to leaching, so the assessment of potential adverse effects upon aquatic ecosystem is necessary. This study focuses on the evaluation of the ecotoxicological threat and of a new type of cement-based mortar (CPM-D) and its raw materials leachates.