Post-process thermal treatment of electrospun fibers obtained from poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) water and methanol solutions was examined. PEO fibers from methanol solution showed larger diameters as observed by scanning electron microscopy. Fibers both from water and methanol solutions exhibited a significant dimensional stability and surface cracking during the specific exposure time after thermal treatments at 40, 50, and 60 °C. Changes in crystallinity after the thermal treatment were studied by wide-angle X-ray diffraction. The kinetics of secondary crystallization were positively influenced by the as-processed level of the amorphous phase and temperature of thermal treatment. Samples treated at 60 °C were degraded by thermooxidation within the time.

Injection molding technology is widely utilized across various industries for its ability to fabricate complex-shaped components with exceptional dimensional accuracy. However, challenges related to injection quality often arise, necessitating innovative approaches for improvement. This study investigates the influence of surface roughness on the efficiency of conformal cooling channels produced using additive manufacturing technologies, specifically Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) and Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing (ADAM). Through a combination of experimental measurements, including surface roughness analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and cooling system flow analysis, this study elucidates the impact of surface roughness on coolant flow dynamics and pressure distribution within the cooling channels. The results reveal significant differences in surface roughness between DMLS and ADAM technologies, with corresponding effects on coolant flow behavior. Following that fact, this study shows that when cooling channels’ surface roughness is lowered up to 90%, the reduction in coolant media pressure is lowered by 0.033 MPa. Regression models are developed to quantitatively describe the relationship between surface roughness and key parameters, such as coolant pressure, Reynolds number, and flow velocity. Practical implications for the optimization of injection molding cooling systems are discussed, highlighting the importance of informed decision making in technology selection and post-processing techniques. Overall, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the role of surface roughness in injection molding processes and provides valuable insights for enhancing cooling system efficiency and product quality.

Nanofibrous zein/PEG based membranes incorporated with natural antimicrobial compounds were fabricated by electrospinning method. Structural and thermal analysis of prepared nanofibers revealed that the applied processing technique did not significantly affect the structure of pristine zein polymer. Morphological characterization showed a higher degree of polydispersity in the fibers modified with eugenol, thymol, nisin, or their combinations, and an average fiber diameter in the range from 300 to 390 nm. Nanofibrous samples with eugenol and thymol prevented the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, while the nisin or its mixtures with phenols proved a high antibacterial effect against Gram-positive Listeria ivanovii. Zein/PEG membranes with bioactive molecules significantly eliminated biofilm formation, with the most pronounced effect of zein/PEG/Eug/Thy combination. Biodegradability testing of bioactive membranes revealed no significant slowdown of degradation process in comparison to control sample. Zein/PEG hydrophilic nanofibers enriched with phenol/nisin combinations demonstrated a high potential for development of sustainable packaging to improve the shelf-life and quality of foods.

The ever-present risk of surgical items being retained represents a real medical peril for the patient and potential liability issues for medical staff. Radiofrequency scanning technology is a very good means to substantially reduce such accidents. Radiolucent medical-grade polyvinyl chloride (PVC) used for the production of medical items is filled with radiopaque agents to enable X-ray visibility. The present study proves the suitability of bismuth oxychloride (BiOCl) and documents its advantages over the classical radiopaque agent barium sulfate (BaSO₄). An addition of BiOCl exhibits excellent chemical and physical stability (no leaching, thermo-mechanical properties) and good dispersibility within the PVC matrix. As documented, using half the quantity of BiOCl compared to BaSO₄ will provide a very good result. The conclusions are based on the methods of rotational rheometry, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, atomic absorption spectroscopy, and the verification of zero leaching of BiOCl out of a PVC matrix. X-ray images of the studied materials are presented, and an optimal concentration of BiOCl is evaluated.

The current study investigated the impact of two-stage water addition on the selected properties of processed cheese (PC). In particular, the above-mentioned novel approach involved adding water in two stages during the PC manufacturing process. The effects of this process on the physicochemical, viscoelastic, textural, tribological, thermal, and organoleptic properties of PC were evaluated. For all examined PC samples, the elastic modulus consistently dominated over the viscous modulus (G′ > G″) across the entire frequency range. Moreover, it was observed that a smaller amount of initial water addition during the melting process resulted in a slight increase in the values of both viscoelastic moduli. The control sample exhibited the lowest lightness values, while it also showed the highest level of yellow coloring, suggesting that the two-stage addition of water affected the color of the PC samples. The results showed that the two-stage addition of water significantly influenced the physicochemical, viscoelastic, textural, tribological, thermal, and organoleptic properties of PC, leading to a modified texture, and thermal stability. Moreover, firmer PC products were obtained when a greater initial water level (first dosage; in the range of 60 to 90%) was utilized. This study could provide valuable information on the development of high-quality PC products with tailored functional properties, which can be important for the dairy industry.