Diego David Pinzón-Moreno^*, Eder Clidio Vicuña-Galindo, José Vulfrano González-Fernández, José Luis Soto-Gonzales, María Verónica Carranza-Oropeza^*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.10, No.8, pp. 2179-2201, 2022, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2022.019793

Abstract Several hydrogels were synthesized by free-radical polymerization in an aqueous medium based on potato starch (PS), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and N,N′-Methylenebisacrylamide (MBAm), being possible to study these hydrogels as a function of the proportion of components incorporated. In this way, the products generated from the synthesis were characterized by swelling and deswelling kinetics, the first swelling being verified with Schott and statistical models, allowing to contrast the proximity between the experimental and theoretical behavior. Additionally, water retention in soil (R%), spectroscopy (FTIR), morphological (SEM), and thermal (TGA and DSC) analysis allowing to know the intrinsic characteristics of the material, increasing… More >

C. González-Guisasola¹, O. Gil-Castell^1,2, R. Teruel-Juanes¹, A. Ribes-Greus^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.8, No.9, pp. 1171-1180, 2020, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2020.04399

Abstract Composite polymer electrolyte membranes were prepared with poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA). Two different molecular weight (M_w), 67·10³ and 130·10³ g·mol⁻¹ were selected, cross-linked with sulfosuccinic acid (SSA) and doped graphene oxide (GO). The effects on the membranes obtained from these polymers were characterized in order to evaluate the fuel cell performance. Electron microscopy showed a proper nanoparticle distribution in the polymer matrix. The chemical structure was evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The absence of a crystalline structure and the enhancement on the thermal stability with the addition of 1% of GO was demonstrated by thermal characterization. Total transference number… More >

Olga Mysiukiewicz^1,*, Mateusz Barczewski¹, Joanna Szulc²

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.8, No.4, pp. 347-363, 2020, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2020.09276

Abstract In order to limit the negative impact of industry on natural environment, ecological alternatives to conventional polymers are being proposed. One of the most popular “green” polymers is polylactide, which can also be successfully applied as a matrix of composites. The application of ground linseed cake as a filler for polylactide-based composites is in line with the idea of Circular Economy, and moreover it provides a modifying effect on the polymer by increasing its crystallinity and reducing its brittleness. This effect is caused by the presence of linseed oil which can be released to the polymeric matrix in a non-controlled… More >

Deliane da Silva Cabral, Antonio José Felix Car

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.7, No.4, pp. 325-333, 2019, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2019.01794

Abstract Poly(hydroxybutyrate)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PHB/PVA) blends plasticized with glycerol were prepared by melt blending of PHB and glycerol plasticized PVA. The PHB/PVA-glycerol compositions were 90:10, 75:25 and 50:50 w/w, being the concentration of glycerol in the PVA mixture of 10 wt %. The blends were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, dynamic-mechanical thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscope of the fragile fractured surface. The results showed one single phase blend, indicating miscibility corroborated by the presence of a single glass transition temperature. The blending method proved to be an efficient way to tune PHB properties keeping its biodegradable nature since both PVA and glycerol… More >

O. Gil-Castell^1,2, R. Cerveró¹, R. Teruel-Juanes¹, J. D. Badia^1,2, A. Ribes-Greus^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.7, No.7, pp. 655-665, 2019, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2019.04401

Abstract Crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) based composite films were prepared as polyelectrolyte membranes for low temperature direct ethanol fuel cells (DEFC). The membranes were functionalised by means of the addition of graphene oxide (GO) and sulfonated graphene oxide (SGO) and crosslinked with sulfosuccinic acid (SSA). The chemical structure was corroborated and suitable thermal properties were found. Although the addition of GO and SGO slightly decreased the proton conductivity of the membranes, a significant reduction of the ethanol solution swelling and crossover was encountered, more relevant for those functionalised with SGO. In general, the composite membranes were stable under simulated service conditions.… More >

Elena Fortunati^1*, Francesca Luzi¹, Chiara Fanali², Laura Dugo², Maria Giovanna Belluomo², Luigi Torre¹, José Maria Kenny¹, Luca Santi³, Roberta Bernini³

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.5, No.2, pp. 81-95, 2017, DOI:10.7569/JRM.2016.634132

Abstract Hydroxytyrosol (HTyr), a biophenol found in extra-virgin olive oil or olive oil by-products, well known for its strong antioxidant activity, was used as active ingredient for poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) matrix to develop film formulations by solvent casting process. The effect of HTyr on the morphological, thermal stability, optical, mechanical and release properties of PVA were investigated, while water absorption capacity, migration with food stimulants, water vapor permeability and antioxidant properties were tested taking into account the final application as food packaging systems. Morphological investigations evidenced homogeneity of all PVA/HTyr films, while the presence of HTyr clearly accounted for an increase… More >