The fibrous hybrid material was synthesized by suspension radical styrene polymerization on the surface of cellulose microfibers. The resulting material was used to prepare a thermally stable and mechanically strong porous composite matrix that was employed as a carrier for further precipitation of the hygroscopic agents: CaCl₂ and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride. The obtained composite materials were used to capture atmospheric water at different relative humidity levels and extract fresh water. A composite material containing an ionic liquid (1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride) as a hygroscopic agent demonstrated the best water absorption efficiency and reusability potential.

Despite the mechanical and physical properties of polyurethane foams (PUF), their application is still hindered by high inflammability. The elaboration of effective, low-cost, and environmentally friendly fire retardants remains a pressing issue that must be addressed. This work aims to show the feasibility of the successful application of natural nanomaterials, such as halloysite nanotubes and nanocellulose, as promising additives to the commercial halogen-free, fire-retardant triphenyl phosphate (TPP) to enhance the flame retardance of open-cell polyurethane foams. The nanocomposite foams were synthesized by in situ polymerization. Investigation of the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite PUF revealed that the nanoscale additives led to a notable decrease in the foam’s compressibility. The obtained results of the flammability tests clearly indicate that there is a prominent synergetic effect between the fire-retardant and the natural nanoscale additives. The nanocomposite foams containing a mixture of TPP (10 and 20 parts per hundred polyol by weight) and either 10 wt.% of nanocellulose or 20 wt.% of halloysite demonstrated the lowest burning rate without dripping and were rated as HB materials according to UL 94 classification.

—This study explores the potential of creating hybrid porous materials to develop gas storage and transport technologies based on gas hydrates. The research provides a brief overview of materials used as containers for producing and storing gas hydrates. It analyzes the properties of cellulose-based hydrate carriers using FT-IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy, and examines a methane hydrate growth in the proposed hybrid material based on cellulose and polystyrene. The mass fraction of water in the tested material was 44%. The rate of water-to-hydrate conversion during cyclic cooling of this material under a methane pressure of 9 MPa was 61.4%. Cellulose-based materials containing a hydrophobic component that maintains the mechanical strength of the system can be a viable carrier for the cyclic production and decomposition of gas hydrates. The obtained data are of great value for specialists involved in the hydrocarbon production and the study of gas hydrates, though also may be interesting for a broader audience.