Macromolecular Materials and Engineering

Composite microfibres based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) microgels are fabricated by an electrospinning process. Obtained composite microfibres with variable compositions and morphologies are non-toxic, temperature-sensitive and exhibit superior swelling properties.

Epoxy–ZnO composites are prepared via UV-induced cationic polymerization. Electrical characterization of the cured materials shows that both permittivity and AC conductivity values increase with nanofiller content, especially for the highest contents.

Blends of plasticized polyvinyl butyral (PVB) with plasticized polyvinyl chloride can be used for flooring applications. This offers a recycling route for PVB wastes from safety glasses. The morphology development during melt blending is investigated. The dimension of phases is defined by abalance between break-up and coalescence. Equations already known for drop splitting have been generalized when rupture occurs by fibrillation and capillary instability.

Addition of MWCNTs into EVA copolymers significantly improves their elastic modulus, stress at failure, and creep resistance. The effect of hydrothermal ageing on tensile, thermal, and electrical properties of the neat copolymers and their nanocomposites is reported.

The bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) outbreak in the last decade has led several countries to implement a ban that eliminates certain cattle tissues, known as specified risk materials (SRMs), from all animal feed, pet foods, and fertilizer applications. In this research, SRM is hydrolyzed at sub-critical conditions to break down BSE causing agents, recover safe protein hydrolyzates, and a novel technology platform is developed to convert it into plastics.