Attività di divulgazione progettata e realizzata presso l'I.C. F. Petrarca, su invito del Dirigente Scolastico, sul tema "Tessile circolare e sostenibile". Un incontro tra i ricercatori dell'IPCB ed i bambini delle classi quinte della scuola primaria, e delle classi prime e seconde della scuola secondaria di primo grado. Attività svolta in due giornate, il 20 e il 21 aprile 2023, presso l'I.C. @Francesco Petrarca di Catania, che ha coinvolto circa centocinquanta alunni delle classi quinte della scuola primaria, e delle classi prime e seconde della scuola secondaria di I grado. Gli studenti sono stati resi partecipi di un esperimento, preparando una #bioplastica dal latte; hanno imparato a distinguere tra diverse tipologie di fibre, giocando a leggere le etichette dei loro indumenti; hanno affrontato il tema delle problematiche ambientali connesse alla produzione dei tessuti, ed assistito alla preparazione del nylon, in collegamento dai laboratori dell'IPCB.

Questo report descrive le attività scientifiche svolte, le azioni intraprese per la diffusione dei risultati e lo stato d'avanzamento finanziario ad opera del CNR-IPCB, CNR-ICB e CNR-IPCF nell'ambito del progetto NUSTEO "Nuove Strategie Terapeutiche in Oftalmologia: Infezioni Batteriche, Virali e Microbiche" per l'intero arco temporale di durata, dal 14/01/2020 - 30/06/2023 (http://www.ipcb.ct.cnr.it/Nusteo/). Gli obiettivi ed i risultati raggiunti sono frutto della collaborazione del personale dei tre istituti coinvolti e del supporto fornito dal Capofila, Medivis srl. Codice Progetto: 08CT2120090065 - CUP: G68I18000700007 Azione 1.1.5: "Sostegno all'avanzamento tecnologico delle imprese attraverso il finanziamento di linee pilota e azioni di validazione precoce dei prodotti e di dimostrazioni su larga scala" del PO FESR Sicilia 2014/2020

In this study, antibacterial polymer blends based on Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Polystyrene-Ethylene-Butylene-Styrene (SEBS), loaded with the ionic liquid (IL) 1-hexadecyl-3-methyl imidazolium 1,3-dimethyl 5-sulfoisophthalate (HdmimDMSIP) at three different concentrations (1%, 5%, and 10%), were produced. The IL/blends were characterized by their thermo-mechanical properties, surface morphology, and wettability. IL release from the blends was also evaluated. The agar diffusion method was used to test the antibacterial activity of the blends against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Escherichia coli. Results from thermal analyses showed compatibility between the IL and the PVC matrix, while phase separation in the SEBS/IL blends was observed. These results were confirmed using PY-GC MS data. SEM analyses highlighted abundant IL deposition on PVC blend film surfaces containing the IL at 5-10% concentrations, whereas the SEBS blend film surfaces showed irregular structures similar to islands of different sizes. Data on water contact angle proved that the loading of the IL into both polymer matrices induced higher wettability of the blends' surfaces, mostly in the SEBS films. The mechanical analyses evidenced a lowering of Young's Modulus, Tensile Stress, and Strain at Break in the SEBS blends, according to IL concentration. The PVC/IL blends showed a similar trend, but with an increase in the Strain at Break as IL concentration in the blends increased. Both PVC/IL and SEBS/IL blends displayed the best performance against Staphylococcus epidermidis, being active at low concentration (1%), whereas the antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli was lower than that of S. epidermidis. Release data highlighted an IL dose-dependent release. These results are promising for a versatile use of these antimicrobial polymers in a variety of fields.

L'attività svolta presso il CNR IPCB S.S. Catania, relativa al "Contratto di Ricerca" dell'azienda Cielle Imballaggi S.r.l, protocollo IPCB n. 0002100/2021 del 04/10/2021, ha riguardato lo sviluppo e la prototipazione di nuove miscele polimeriche a partire da materie prime individuate dal contraente. La ricerca è stata focalizzata su: -Formulazione di miscele polimeriche a partire da formulazioni individuate dalla parte contraente -Realizzazione di film in pressa -Analisi morfologiche dei film -Caratterizzazione Termica

Il 28 novembre, presso l'I.C. Pizzigoni Carducci di Catania, si è svolto un incontro sul tema "Tessile circolare e sostenibile", nell'ambito della Settimana Europea per la Riduzione dei Rifiuti, #SERR 2022. L'attività di #divulgazione, progettata e realizzata dai ricercatori dell'#IPCB #CNR, Paola Rizzarelli, Giuseppe Recca e Marco Rapisarda, ha coinvolto circa cento alunni delle classi quarte della scuola primaria. Gli studenti sono stati resi partecipi di un esperimento, preparando una bioplastica dal latte, curiosi ed appassionati, hanno imparato a distinguere tra diverse tipologie di fibre, affrontando il tema delle problematiche ambientali connesse alla loro produzione, e assistito, con stupore, alla preparazione del nylon, in collegamento dai laboratori dell'IPCB. A conclusione dell'incontro, sono intervenute la Dott.ssa Enrica Arena e la Dott.ssa Graziella Valenti, di #OrangeFiber, che hanno raccontato come creano fibre di successo da scarti di lavorazione degli agrumi e fatto toccare con mano i loro filati e tessuti, donati come gadget ai giovani ed entusiasti studenti.

The aim of this work was to scale up the synthesis of CrioPurA, a proof of concept chelating material for the removal of toxic metal ions, in more sustainable and costsaving ways. The scaling up was referred to functionalization of the 4-vinyl-benzyl chloride with N-methyl-D-glucamine to form 4-vinyl-benzyl-N-methyl-D-glucamine (VbNMDG) monomer. Also, its polymerization to produce the adsorbent cryogel, was achieved on a bench-scale, to obtain up to 1 kg of production for the cycle. Specifically, methanol used as a solvent for monomer synthesis was recycled with a loss of 10%, whereas the purification protocol of VbNMDG performed by crystallization in CHCl3 and used in a lab-scale, was modified to avoid both environmental concerns and high production costs [1, 2]. The scale-up process was performed in three different steps (350 gr, 750 gr, 1 Kg), obtaining a yield of 80% for each of them. Using this new approach, the crude monomer contains also a di-substituted N-methyl- D-glucamine compound that was exploited as a crosslinking agent during the cryogelation. Since intrinsically sustainable (water is used as a solvent), the latter process was addressed to reduce the cost of production in terms of energy consumption. Furthermore, the use of CriopurA under different pH and flux conditions were also tested comparing it with similar competitors.

The aim of this study was the development of antimicrobial polyvinylchloride (PVC) blends loaded with 0.1-10% (w/w) of the ILs 1-hexadecyl-3-methylimidazolium 1,3-dimethyl 5-sulfoisophthalate (HdmimDMSIP) and 1-octyloximethyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (OOMmimPF). The synthetized ILs were characterized by HNMR, MALDI-TOF, DSC and TGA. PVC/ILs films were obtained by solvent casting.Thermal and mechanical properties (tensile stress TS and elongation at break EB), morphology by SEM, surface wettability, antimicrobial activity, cytotoxicity and ILs release in sterile water from PVC/ILs film blends were determined. Results demonstrated that the presence of both ILs in PVC formulation slightly affected thermal and mechanical properties of blends. The loading of both ILs into PVC matrix made PVC/ILs films hydrophilic, especially at the highest concentration of HdmimDMSIP. The PVC/ILs blends displayed antibacterial activity up to ILs lowest concentrations (0.1-0.5%). The inhibition of Escherichia coli growth was lower than that showed toward Staphylococcus epidermidis. The addition of 10% ILs concentration resulted excessive as demonstrated by accumulation of ILs on film surfaces (SEM) and ILs high release from PVC/ILs blends during the first day of water immersion. Biocompatibility studies highlighted that the addition of low amounts of both ILs into PVC matrix is not cytotoxic for mouse fibroblast cells (L929), supporting their potential use for biomedical porposes.

New functionalized Poly(ether sulfone)s having different molar ratio (10, 20, 30, 50, 70, 100 mol%) of 4,4-bis phenoxy pentanoic acid unit (diphenolic acid; DPA) units were synthesized and characterized by (1H and 13C)-NMR, MALDI-TOF MS, FT-IR, DSC and DMA analyses. The microstructural analysis of the copolymers, obtained by 13C-NMR using an appropriate statistical model, shows a random distribution of copolymer sequences, as expected. The presence of different amount of DPA units along the polymer chains affects the chemical and physical properties of the copolymers. The Tg and the contact angle values decrease as the molar fraction of DPA units increases, whereas the hydrophilicity increases. NMR and MALDI-TOF MS analyses show that all polymer chains are almost terminated with hydroxyl and chlorine as end groups. The presence of cyclic oligomers was also observed by MALDI-TOF MS analysis.

Fly ash recycling reduces the amount of waste to be treated or disposed in landfills, allowing both to decrease the environmental damage and to save the costs of transport and disposal of waste. Systems with different percentages in mass of fly ash (20, 50 and 70 mass%) and the remaining part of pure metakaolin were synthesized. The effect of fly ash on the mechanical and thermal properties of a new geopolymer has been investigated in this paper. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy has allowed us to verify the bonds formation between the geopolymeric matrix and the fly ash. The consolidation of the materials has been confirmed by pH and conductivity at up to 28 days of hardening. Dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis were performed in order to evaluate the thermo-mechanical performance of this new geopolymer in comparison with its counterpart pure geopolymer.

Dimostrazioni didattiche su riciclo meccanico, plastiche, polimeri biodegradabili, compostabilità e biodegradabilità per 60 studenti di seconda media e docenti accompagnatori dell'istituto comprensivo statale "Sante Giuffrida" di Catania (Prot. CNR-IPCB 203 del 11/02/2019).

The micro-optofluidic (moF) technology reproduces into a single chip many functionalities of a macro-scale bio-chemical laboratory. However, the high potential of microfluidics will be fully exploited only when all the measurements, detection and control capabilities now available at the macro-scale will be replicated easily and low costly at the micro-scale. For the realization of PDMS moF devices the 3D printing technology is proposed as a low-cost alternative to the soft lithography. Up to now, the PDMS is not used as a 3D printer resin, thus a protocol based on a master-slave procedure coupling the PDMS and a second polymer has been developed . Despite 3D printed structures cannot currently compete with the resolution of structures defined using the most common soft lithography, they do enable an enhanced control of device geometries. 3D printed micro-optical technology will give to researches the ability to quickly and inexpensively create micro-optical devices with unprecedented shape and complexity .

One of the most interesting geometries able to give responsivity to building components are foldable origami surfaces. Contemporary architectural research is increasingly focused on studying envelopes that interact with environmental boundaries. The aim of this research was the study of a material that can provide lightweight solutions for foldable building envelopes. Fiber composite materials seem to be the best solution for these origami surfaces. In fact, the idea is to preserve the typical characteristics of the fabric, such as lightweight and a versatility similar to paper, while ensuring protection from the deterioration caused by atmospheric agents This is ensured by the use of a polymer coating. This composite material can be folded and unfolded easily, like a sheet of paper, but with a higher mechanical performance. It is made with the thermoplastic elastomer SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) as its matrix, as well as a fabric reinforcement. In this research, following a general study on this subject, the authors worked on the composite material's production methods and on its mechanical characterization

Contemporary research is increasingly focused on studying buildings that either interact with environmental boundaries or adapt themselves to their users' needs. In the current literature, this kind of ability is given different names: responsivity, adaptability, smartness. These are different ways to refer to a common concept, with subtle nuances. Foldable surfaces are one of the most interesting geometries able to give responsivity to building components, but often their production is complex and expensive. The aim of this research was the creation of a novel material that can provide lightweight solutions for foldable building envelopes. This composite material can be folded and unfolded easily, like a sheet of paper, but with a higher mechanical performance. It is made with the thermoplastic elastomer SEBS (styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene) as its matrix, as well as a fabric reinforcement. In this paper, following an introduction to this subject, the authors present the composite material's production methods and its mechanical characterization.

Introduction Strength of gelatine is employed by producers and end-users as a key quality indicator. The standard method to define gelatine strength is the Bloom test. However, further information is helpful and required by companies to meet consumers' appeals. We developed a new probe designed ad hoc for a universal testing machine by 3D printing to determine more properties on the same gelatine sample. Material and Methods Probes utilized in mechanical test were designed using the solid modelling software SolidWorks 12. Additive manufacturing models were realized by rapid prototyping technique with the 3D printer Object 30 and the Objet VeroWhitePlus 835 acrylic resin. Mechanical tests were performed on standard gelatines using a Zwick/Roell Z050 universal testing machine. Results A cylindrical-shaped tool and a concentric piston were combined for a fracture/compression test. A device for the classical Bloom test was 3D printed to find a correlation parameter. One part of the probe allowed sampling a cylindrical specimen of gelatine directly from the cup (Bloom-like test), required for the subsequent compression-extrusion test, and acquiring information correlated to gel strength. The probe employed in the Bloom-like test, filled with a cylindrical gelatine portion, was overturned. Then, the concentric piston compressed the cylindrical gelatine portion sampled. Jellied mass flowed out through rectangular slots and was collected on the plate of the probe. Discussion In the Bloom's test, the plunger penetrated into the gelatine up to a depth of 4mm, without cracking the sample. The maximum value of force recorded (the resistance to penetration) was translated as the Bloom degree. In the Bloom-like test a fracture stress, a drop of the force and a subsequent increase up to the bottom of the cup were detected. Remarkably, for all the gelatines, the new probe must penetrate the average depth of 1.40mm ± 0.01 to achieve the corresponding Bloom degree. Furthermore, in the Bloom-like test, the maximum force registered was correlated with the resistance to cut of the sample. In the compression-extrusion test, the mean value of the force necessary to extrude the samples was calculated and correlated to the homogeneity of the jellies with different strength.

Il progetto di formazione (durata 40 h, n. partecipanti 14, periodo 5-14/03/2018) ha riguardato lezioni frontali ed attività in laboratorio. Gli alunni, in affiancamento ai ricercatori, hanno potuto acquisire competenze sulle tecniche di polimerizzazione, caratterizzazione, lavorazione ed ingegnerizzazione dei materiali polimerici. Di seguito sono elencate le attività di laboratorio effettuate: -Purificazione dello stirene, sintesi green di PS -Preparazione di film di PS commerciale e di PVC per solvent casting -Preparazione campioni ed analisi ICP-MS e GC-MS -Preparazione di campioni di PS di sintesi e commerciale x analisi GPC -Sintesi del nylon 6.6 e della bachelite -Analisi termica (TGA e DSC). -Analisi GPC, MALDI e NMR dei campioni di PS. -Proprietà meccaniche dei materiali polimerici e loro ingegnerizzazione Codice Scuola CTPS020004

Il progetto di formazione (durata 40 h, n. partecipanti 14, periodo 29/01/2018-14/03/2018) ha riguardato lezioni frontali ed attività in laboratorio. Gli alunni, in affiancamento ai ricercatori, hanno potuto acquisire competenze sulle tecniche di polimerizzazione, caratterizzazione, lavorazione ed ingegnerizzazione dei materiali polimerici. Di seguito sono elencate le attività di laboratorio effettuate: -Purificazione dello stirene, sintesi di PS -Preparazione di film di PS commerciale e di PVC per solvent casting -Preparazione campioni ed analisi ICP-MS e GC-MS -Preparazione di campioni di PS di sintesi e commerciale x analisi GPC -Sintesi del nylon 6.6 e della bachelite -Analisi termica (TGA e DSC) -Analisi GPC, MALDI e NMR dei campioni di PS -Proprietà meccaniche dei materiali polimerici e loro ingegnerizzazione Codice Scuola CTPS020004

Bioepoxy based monomers were formulated with a cure inhibitor and a cleavable amine to obtain a recyclable epoxy system suitable for resin infusion at room temperature. Hybrid flax/carbon fiber layup were used. Tensile, flexural and dynamo-mechanical properties for the composites were studied. The cured laminates were chemically recycled obtaining from the epoxy matrix a thermoplastic. The recycled was processed by fused deposition modelling (FDM) and injection molding after mixing with short kenaf fibers.

Bioepoxy based monomers were formulated with a cure inhibitor and a cleavable amine to obtain a recyclable epoxy system suitable for resin infusion at room temperature. Hybrid flax/carbon fiber layup were used. Tensile, flexural and dynamo-mechanical properties for the composites were studied. The cured laminates were chemically recycled obtaining from the epoxy matrix a thermoplastic. The recycled was processed by fused deposition modelling (FDM) and injection molding after mixing with short kenaf fibers. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Polyetherimide (PEI) blends modified by either polycarbonate (PC) or polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG) were prepared. The latter modifier (PETG) was an industrial grade widely used for fused deposition modelling (FDM) printing. PEI blends were compared to Ultem 9085, which is the standard PEI grade for FDM printing in advanced applications. All the blends were thoroughly characterized in terms of their rheological, morphological, thermomechanical and tensile properties. Ultem 9085 showed improved rheology for processing over standard PEI. PEI/PC blends with 10 wt % of modifier developed here closely matched the viscosity behavior of Ultem 9085. On the other hand, the blends with low PC content (i.e., less than 20 wt %) outperformed Ultem 9085 in terms of thermal and tensile properties. When PETG was added, similar tensile properties to Ultem 9085 were found. The immiscibility for PC contents higher than 20 wt % deteriorated the tensile properties, making it less attractive for applications, although melt viscosity decreased further for increasing PC contents.

A new test has been developed to determine gel strength and, at the same time, fracture and compression parameters. By using an especially designed probe for universal testing machine and standard gelatine gels, we have set up a method to assess gel strength, cut resistance (simulating a teaspoon), food consistency and chewiness, in one experiment. Mechanical properties were evaluated by a new 3D printed device, a cylindrical-shaped tool (designed in order to expose to the gelatine surface the same contact area of the classical Bloom probe) and a concentric piston. Classical Bloom probe was 3D printed and used to find a correlation parameter. The advantage of the new probe is the ability to quantify multiple textural parameters in one experiment.