Waste from non-degradable plastics is becoming an increasingly serious problem. Therefore, more and more research focuses on the development of materials with biodegradable properties. Bio-polymers are excellent raw materials for the production of such materials. Bio-based biopolymer films reinforced with nanostructures have become an interesting area of research. Nanocomposite films are a group of materials that mainly consist of bio-based natural (e.g., chitosan, starch) and synthetic (e.g., poly(lactic acid)) polymers and nanofillers (clay, organic, inorganic, or carbon nanostructures), with different properties. The interaction between environmentally friendly biopolymers and nanofillers leads to the improved functionality of nanocomposite materials. Depending on the properties of nanofillers, new or improved properties of nanocomposites can be obtained such as: barrier properties, improved mechanical strength, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties or thermal stability. This review compiles information about biopolymers used as the matrix for the films with nanofillers as the active agents. Particular emphasis has been placed on the influence of nanofillers on functional properties of biopolymer films and their possible use within the food industry and food packaging systems. The possible applications of those nanocomposite films within other industries (medicine, drug and chemical industry, tissue engineering) is also briefly summarized.

The Effect of Nanofillers on the Functional Properties of Biopolymer-based Films: A Review.

An overview of alginates as flame-retardant materials: Pyrolysis behaviors, flame retardancy, and applications.

Clays and carbon nanotubes as hybrid nanofillers in thermoplastic-based nanocomposites – A review

Recent progress in polymer/two-dimensional nanosheets composites with novel performances

Aluminosilicate clay mineral (ACM) is a kind of typical raw materials that used widely in manufacturing industry owing to the abundant reserve and low-cost exploring. In past two decades, in-depth understanding on unique layered structure and abundant surface properties endows ACM in the emerging research and application fields. In field of solar-chemical energy conversion, ACM has been widely used to support various semiconductor photocatalysts, forming the composites and achieving efficient conversion of reactants under sunlight irradiation. To date, classic ACM such as kaolinite and montmorillonite, loaded with semiconductor photocatalysts has been widely applied in photocatalysis. This review summaries the recent works on ACM-based composites in photocatalysis. Focusing on the properties of surface and layered structure, we elucidate the different features in the composition with various functional photocatalysts on two typical kinds of ACM, i.e., type 1:1 and type 2:1. Not only large surface area and active surface hydroxyl group assist the substrate adsorption, but also the layered structure provides more space to enlarge the application of ACM-based photocatalysts. Besides, we overview the modifications on ACM from both external surface and the inter-layer space that make the formation of composites more efficiently and boost the photo-chemical process. This review could inspire more upcoming design and synthesis for ACM-based photocatalysts, leading this kind of economic and eco-friendly materials for more practical application in the future.

Application of aluminosilicate clay mineral-based composites in photocatalysis

Exfoliation of montmorillonite and related properties of clay/polymer nanocomposites

Dolomite is an abundant, naturally occurring carbonate mineral, but the conventional processes of converting dolomite to new materials are time-consuming and energy-intensive. In addition, products from dolomite such as magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, which are used as adsorbents and additives, are mostly low value-added. Here, we demonstrated the conversion of dolomite to a mesoporous calcium-magnesium silicate (m-CMS) using a green and efficient continuous-flow synthesis method. The samples were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The material possessed mesoporosity and exhibited high a specific surface area of 629 m2/g and a pore volume of 0.66 cm3/g. The maximum water absorptivity of the sample was 52.6%. After the m-CMS immersing in Tris–HCl solution for 56 days, the weight loss ratio reached 30 wt%, indicating its good potential biodegradability. Hydroxyapatite was formed on the surfaces after the m-CMS was immersed in simulated body fluids. The m-CSM provided nucleation sites, and subsequently supplied Ca2+ for hydroxyapatite crystal growth, indicating that the material has potential bone conduction capability. This work suggests that m-CMS can be synthesized from dolomite and tetraethyl orthosilicate through a quick continuous process, and that the m-CMS could be used as a biomaterial.

Freeman Bwalya Kabwe

Papers

Exfoliation of montmorillonite and related properties of clay/polymer nanocomposites

Cleaner continuous flow production of mesoporous calcium-magnesium silicate as a potential biomaterial

Unveiling the contribution of Mo, V and W oxides to coking in catalytic glycerol oxidehydration