Submit to Polymers Review for Polymers Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Lignocellulosic Polymer Composites

Print Special Issue Flyer
Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Biobased and Biodegradable Polymers".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2024) | Viewed by 14571

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Adrian Moreno

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Department of Analytical Chemistry and Organic Chemistry, Rovira i Virgili University, Tarragona, Spain
Interests: lignin-based polymeric materials; lignin nanoparticles; biodegradable polymers; biopolymers; biocomposites; polymer synthesis; smart materials; colloidal chemistry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Polymeric composites are multi-phase materials in which reinforcing fillers are integrated within a polymeric matrix, resulting in a synergistic effect on different material properties (e.g., mechanical, electrical, optical, magnetic and catalytic, among others) that cannot be achieved from their constituent single components. With the widespread interest in the development of functional materials for a plethora of applications, polymeric composites with enhanced properties have attracted considerable attention during the last few years. However, most of the polymeric composites developed so far are composed partially, if not completely, from monomers derived from petroleum resources. This fact, together with the concerns about rising plastic pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, has shifted the interest towards the preparation of polymeric composites with a more favorable carbon footprint via the implementation of renewable resources. In this regard, lignocellulosic biomass, which is present in a wide variety of agricultural, forestry, municipal and industrial waste biomass sources, has attracted global interest as an alternative to fossil resources. Lignocellulosic biomass is considered as one of the most valuable types of biomass forms due to its inedibility, low cost, renewability, carbon neutrality, and wide distribution. Therefore, this Special Issue is focused on the development of polymeric composites derived from lignocellulosic biomass, either from raw lignocellulosic biomass (i.e., lignin or cellulose) or monomers derived from it (lignin-derived phenols such as eugenol, C5/C6 sugars derived from cellulose, among others). Original research papers and short reviews addressing the synthesis, characterization and application of lignocellulosic polymeric composites are invited for submission.

Dr. Adrian Moreno
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Polymers is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

polymeric composites
lignocellulose
lignin
cellulose
bio-based polymers

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

14 pages, 8788 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Starch–Garlic Husk Polymeric Composites through Mechanical, Thermal, and Thermo-Mechanical Tests

by Cynthia Graciela Flores-Hernández, Juventino López-Barroso, Beatriz Adriana Salazar-Cruz, Verónica Saucedo-Rivalcoba, Armando Almendarez-Camarillo and José Luis Rivera-Armenta

Polymers 2024, 16(2), 289; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16020289 - 20 Jan 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1792

Abstract

The present work evaluates the influence of different properties of composite materials from natural sources. Films were prepared using the evaporative casting technique from corn starch reinforced with a waste material such as garlic husk (GH), using glycerin as a plasticizer. The results of the syntheses carried out demonstrated the synergy between these materials. In the morphological analysis, the compatibility and adequate dispersion of the reinforcer in the matrix were confirmed. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the interaction and formation of bonds between the matrix and the reinforcer were confirmed by the presence of some signals such as S-S and C-S. Similarly, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed that even at low concentrations, GH can slightly increase the decomposition temperature. Finally, from the results of dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), it was possible to identify that the storage modulus increases significantly, up to 115%, compared to pure starch, especially at low concentrations of the reinforcer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulosic Polymer Composites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bamboo Pulp Toughening Poly (Lactic Acid) Composite Using Reactive Epoxy Resin

by Krittameth Kiattipornpithak, Pornchai Rachtanapun, Sarinthip Thanakkasaranee, Pensak Jantrawut, Warintorn Ruksiriwanich, Sarana Rose Sommano, Noppol Leksawasdi, Thorsak Kittikorn and Kittisak Jantanasakulwong

Polymers 2023, 15(18), 3789; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15183789 - 17 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1625

Abstract

A novel poly (lactic acid) (PLA) composite with excellent mechanical properties, toughness, thermal stability, and water resistance was developed using a reactive melt-blending technique. PLA was melt mixed with epoxy resin (EPOXY) and bamboo pulp (PULP) to improve its reaction and mechanical properties. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful reaction of the PLA/EPOXY/PULP composites; the epoxy groups of EPOXY reacted with the –COOH groups of PLA and the –OH groups of PULP. The PLA/EPOXY/PULP5 composite showed a high tensile strength (67 MPa) and high toughness of 762 folding cycles, whereas the highest tensile strength was 77 MPa in the PLA/EPOXY5/PULP20 sample. SEM images presented a gap between the PLA and PULP; gap size decreased with the addition of EPOXY. The T_g of the PLA decreased with the EPOXY plasticizer effect, whereas the T_m did not significantly change. PULP induced crystallinity and increased Vicat softening of the PLA/PULP and PLA/EPOXY/PULP composites. The EPOXY reaction of the PLA/PULP composites improved their tensile properties, toughness, thermal stability, and water resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulosic Polymer Composites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3355 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surface-Modified Carboxylated Cellulose Nanofiber Hydrogels for Prolonged Release of Polyhexamethylene Biguanide Hydrochloride (PHMB) for Antimicrobial Applications

by Pichapar O-chongpian, Tanpong Chaiwarit, Kittisak Jantanasakulwong, Pornchai Rachtanapun, Patnarin Worajittiphon, Nutthapong Kantrong and Pensak Jantrawut

Polymers 2023, 15(17), 3572; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15173572 - 28 Aug 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1756

Abstract

The surface modification of cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) using a 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)/sodium bromide (NaBr)/sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) system was successful in improving their hydrophilicity. Following that, we fabricated hydrogels containing carboxylated cellulose nanofibers (c-CNFs) and loaded them with polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) using a physical crosslinking method, aiming for efficient antimicrobial uses. The morphological and physicochemical properties of all hydrogel formulations were characterized, and the results revealed that the 7% c-CNFs-2 h loaded with PHMB formulation exhibited desirable characteristics such as regular shape, high porosity, good mechanical properties, suitable gel content, and a good maximum swelling degree. The successful integration of PHMB into the c-CNF matrix was confirmed by FTIR analysis. Furthermore, the 7% c-CNFs-2 h loaded with the PHMB formulation demonstrated PHMB contents exceeding 80% and exhibited a prolonged drug release pattern for up to 3 days. Moreover, this formulation displayed antibacterial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa. In conclusion, the novel approach of c-CNF hydrogels loaded with PHMB through physical crosslinking shows promise as a potential system for prolonged drug release in topical drug delivery while also exhibiting excellent antibacterial activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulosic Polymer Composites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 10968 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Bleaching Processes on Physicochemical and Functional Properties of Cellulose and Carboxymethyl Cellulose from Young and Mature Coconut Coir

by Warinporn Klunklin, Sasina Hinmo, Parichat Thipchai and Pornchai Rachtanapun

Polymers 2023, 15(16), 3376; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15163376 - 11 Aug 2023

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3472

Abstract

The objective of this study was to characterize the properties of cellulose and CMC synthesized from young and mature coconut coir with different bleaching times (bleaching for the first time; 1 BT, bleaching for a second time; 2 BT, and bleaching for the third time; 3 BT) using hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). The surface morphology, structural information, chemical compositions, and crystallinity of both cellulose and CMC were determined. H₂O₂ bleaching can support delignification by reducing hemicellulose and lignin, as evidenced by FTIR showing a sharp peak at wave number 1260 cm⁻¹. The cellulose and CMC from coconut coir can be more dispersed and have greater functional characteristics with increasing bleaching times due to the change in accessibility of hydroxyl groups in the structure. The CMC diffraction patterns of coconut coir after the bleaching process showed the destruction of the crystalline region of the original cellulose. The SEM images showed that the surface of CMC was smoother than that of cellulose. The CMC_y had a higher water holding capacity (WHC) compared to the CMC_m as the bleaching can increase interaction between the polymer and water molecules. Therefore, the best quality of CMC corresponds to CMC_y. Based on these findings, bleaching time has a strong effect on the functional properties of cellulose and CMC from coconut coir. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulosic Polymer Composites)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

13 pages, 4249 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Vinyl Acetate Content and Melt Flow Index of Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate Copolymer on Physico-Mechanical and Physico-Chemical Properties of Highly Filled Biocomposites

by Pavel G. Shelenkov, Petr V. Pantyukhov, Matheus Poletto and Anatoly A. Popov

Polymers 2023, 15(12), 2639; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15122639 - 10 Jun 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2200

Abstract

Highly filled biocomposites may be used as biodegradable masterbatches that manufacturers add to traditional polymers for making plastic goods more biodegradable. Biocomposites based on various trademarks of ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and natural vegetable fillers (wood flour and microcrystalline cellulose) were studied. The EVA trademarks differed both in terms of the melt flow index and in the content of vinyl acetate groups. The composites were created as superconcentrates (or masterbatches) for the production of biodegradable materials based on vegetable fillers with polyolefin matrices. The filler content in biocomposites was 50, 60, 70 wt.%. The influence of the content of vinyl acetate in the copolymer and its melt flow index on the physico-mechanical and rheological properties of highly filled biocomposites was evaluated. As a result, one EVA trademark with high molecular weight that has a high content of VA was chosen because of its optimal parameters for creating highly filled composites with natural fillers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulosic Polymer Composites)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 10950 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Surface Modification and Mechanical Properties Improvement of Bamboo Fibers Using Dielectric Barrier Discharge Plasma Treatment

by Choncharoen Sawangrat, Parichat Thipchai, Kannikar Kaewapai, Kittisak Jantanasakulwong, Jonghwan Suhr, Pitiwat Wattanachai and Pornchai Rachtanapun

Polymers 2023, 15(7), 1711; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15071711 - 29 Mar 2023

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3158

Abstract

The effect of argon (Ar) and oxygen (O₂) gases as well as the treatment times on the properties of modified bamboo fibers using dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma at generated power of 180 W were investigated. The plasma treatment of bamboo fibers with inert gases leads to the generation of ions and radicals on the fiber surface. Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed that the functional groups of lignin and hemicellulose were reduced owing to the removal of the amorphous portion of the fibers by plasma etching. X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) results in an increased crystallinity percentage. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results showed the oxygen/carbon (O/C) atomic concentration ratio increased with increasing treatment time. The fiber weight loss percentage increased with increased treatment time. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that partial etching of the fiber surface led to a higher surface roughness and area and that the Ar + O₂ gas plasma treatment provided more surface etching than the Ar gas treatment because of the oxidation reaction of the O₂ plasma. The mechanical properties of fiber-reinforced epoxy (FRE) matrix composites revealed that the F_(tr)RE-Ar (30) samples showed a high tensile strength, whereas the mechanical properties of the F_(tr)RE-Ar + O₂ sample decreased with increased treatment time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lignocellulosic Polymer Composites)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Lignocellulosic Polymer Composites

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI