In this study, we created multifunctional bone tissue engineering scaffolds that combine prophylactic antifungal action with structural support. We produced PVA/CS/HA/BA nanofiber matrices via a specifically designed electrospinning technique to stop early cross-linking. Through SEM, our examination of fiber shape revealed diameters ranging from 178 ± 53 nm to 330 ± 69 nm. We discovered that this variation was closely correlated with the Boric Acid (BA) level. Our EDS and FTIR studies further showed that HA and BA were effectively mixed, with a specific focus on the production of borate-ester linkages inside the network. Mechanical examination revealed that 0.25 wt.% BA maximizes the tensile strength at 9.15 MPa, thereby closely matching HA-reinforced standards, while HA incorporation improved thermal stability. Moreover, in vitro hFOB experiments showed sustained cytocompatibility at 0.25 wt.% BA. While 0.5 wt.% BA showed strong antifungal action against Candida albicans, it sadly harmed cell viability. The 0.25 wt.% BA concentration ultimately offers a better balance between mechanical integrity and antibacterial action, therefore presenting a potential method for scaffold generation for bone regeneration in immunocompromised patients.

Green composites are a special class of composites in which at least one of the components is obtained from natural resources. They are an alternative to traditional composites because of their useful properties such as biodegradability, low cost, easy processability, sound insulation and recycling. Green composites, which emerge as environmentally friendly polymeric composite materials, offer techno-economic advantages in commercial and engineering applications and are among the widely dealt subjects due to the very high demand from the global market. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of chestnut wood flour size on the mechanical properties of chestnut-wood-flour-filled vinyl ester composites. With this aim, composite specimens were produced by using vinyl ester polymer as the matrix material and chestnut wood flour in three different sizes (0–150, 150–315 and 315–400 μm) as the natural filler. In each size combination, four different matrix/filler ratios (5, 10, 15 and 20% by weight) were adopted. These mixtures were then poured into Teflon moulds to produce the test specimens. Izod impact, three-point bending, hardness and tensile strength tests were performed on the composite specimens. In addition, morphological investigations were performed on the fractured surfaces of the specimens by using scanning electron microscopy. It is concluded that composites with a small-sized chestnut wood flour as the filler have superior properties for composite applications.

Composite materials obtained with natural and sustainable fibers can be used successfully in many areas on their own. In recent years, high-strength fibers such as hemp, sisal, linen, jute, wood sawdust and bamboo are more preferred in composite materials. In this study, the effect of the hornbeam sawdust size on the mechanical properties of polyethylene was investigated. For this purpose, different sizes of hornbeam sawdust were added to polyethylene. Hornbeam sawdust was added to the polyethylene matrix in four different weight ratios (5, 10, 15 and 20%) by way of the extrusion method. Test samples were prepared out of those mixtures by injection-molding. Tensile, Izod impact and hardness tests were performed on the samples. The elastic modulus increased with increasing hornbeam sawdust content. However, elongation at break and Izod impact strength values decreased. Modulus of elasticity, tensile strength, elongation at break and Izod impact strength values decreased with increasing hornbeam sawdust size. The morphology of composite samples was examined by scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the hornbeam sawdust can be used as a filler in polymer-based composites.