Biosourced and biodegradable polyesters like poly(butylene succinate--butylene adipate) (PBSA) are gaining traction as promising alternatives to oil-based thermoplastics for single-use applications. However, the mechanical and rheological properties of PBSA are affected by its thermomechanical sensitivity during its melt processing, also hindering PBSA mechanical recycling. Traditional reactive melt processing (RP) methods use chemical additives to counteract these drawbacks, compromising sustainability.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFSome composite materials have been prepared, constituted by a cyclodextrin--urethane-based nanosponge matrix in which a reduced graphene oxide/silver nanoparticles photocatalyst has been dispersed. Different chain extenders were employed for designing the nanosponge supports, in such a way as to decorate their hyper-cross-linked structure with diverse functionalities. Moreover, two different strategies were explored to accomplish the silver loading.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFDuring the processing and during their lifetime, polymers are subjected to several environmental stresses-thermomechanical, photo-oxidative, etc.-that can strongly modify their chemical and molecular structure and, consequently, their morphology. Reduction of the molecular weight and formation of double bonds and oxygenated groups are the main changes observed as a consequence of the degradation.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFInhaled corticosteroids are the mainstay in the management of lung inflammation associated to chronic lung diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Nonetheless, available inhalation products are mostly short-acting formulations that require frequent administrations and do not always produce the desired anti-inflammatory effects. In this work, the production of inhalable beclomethasone dipropionate (BDP) dry powders based on polymeric particles was attempted.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVersatility of the anionic algal polysaccharide carrageenan has long been discussed and explored, especially for their affinity towards water molecules. While this feature is advantageous in certain applications such as water remediation, wound healing, etc., the usefulness of this biopolymer is extremely limited when it comes to applications such as food packaging.
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