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Sergio's main research line focuses on the development of sustainable polymer technologies for food preservation within the frame of the Circular Economy.
In the present study, poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) with 44 mol % ethylene content (EVOH44) was managed to be processed, for the first time, by electrospinning assisted by the coaxial technology of solvent jacket. In addition to this, different suspensions of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), with contents ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 wt %, were also electrospun to obtain hybrid bio-/non-bio nanocomposites. The resultant fiber mats were thereafter optimally annealed to promote interfiber coalescence at 145 °C, below the EVOH44 melting point, leading to continuous transparent fiber-based films. The morphological analysis revealed the successful distribution of CNCs into EVOH44 up to contents of 0.5 wt %. The incorporation of CNCs into the ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer caused a decrease in the crystallization and melting temperatures (TC and Tm) of about 12 and 7 °C, respectively, and also crystallinity. However, the incorporation of CNCs led to enhanced thermal stability of the copolymer matrix for a nanofiller content of 1.0 wt %. Furthermore, the incorporation of 0.1 and 0.5 wt % CNCs produced increases in the tensile modulus (E) of ca. 38% and 28%, respectively, but also yielded a reduction in the elongation at break and toughness. The oxygen barrier of the hybrid nanocomposite fiber-based films decreased with increasing the CNCs content, but they were seen to remain high barrier, especially in the low relative humidity (RH) regime, i.e., at 20% RH, showing permeability values lower than 0.6 × 10−20 m3·m·m−2·Pa−1·s−1. In general terms, an optimal balance in physical properties was found for the hybrid copolymer composite with a CNC loading of 0.1 wt %. On the overall, the present study demonstrates the potential of annealed electrospun fiber-based high-barrier polymers, with or without CNCs, to develop novel barrier interlayers to be used as food packaging constituents.
Beatriz Melendez-Rodriguez; Sergio Torres-Giner; Lorenzo Zavagna; Chris Sammon; Luis Cabedo; Cristina Prieto; Jose Lagaron. Development and Characterization of Electrospun Fiber-Based Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl Alcohol) Films of Application Interest as High-Gas-Barrier Interlayers in Food Packaging. Polymers 2021, 13, 2061 .
AMA StyleBeatriz Melendez-Rodriguez, Sergio Torres-Giner, Lorenzo Zavagna, Chris Sammon, Luis Cabedo, Cristina Prieto, Jose Lagaron. Development and Characterization of Electrospun Fiber-Based Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl Alcohol) Films of Application Interest as High-Gas-Barrier Interlayers in Food Packaging. Polymers. 2021; 13 (13):2061.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBeatriz Melendez-Rodriguez; Sergio Torres-Giner; Lorenzo Zavagna; Chris Sammon; Luis Cabedo; Cristina Prieto; Jose Lagaron. 2021. "Development and Characterization of Electrospun Fiber-Based Poly(ethylene-co-vinyl Alcohol) Films of Application Interest as High-Gas-Barrier Interlayers in Food Packaging." Polymers 13, no. 13: 2061.
In the present study, three different newly developed copolymers of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) with 20, 40, and 60 mol % contents in 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV) were produced by the biotechnological process of mixed microbial cultures (MMCs) using cheese whey (CW), a by-product from the dairy industry, as feedstock. The CW-derived PHBV copolyesters were first purified and then processed by solution electrospinning, yielding fibers of approximately 2 μm in cross-section in all cases. The resultant electrospun PHBV mats were, thereafter, post-processed by annealing at different temperatures, below their maximum of melting, selected according to their 3HV content in order to obtain continuous films based on coalesced fibers, so-called biopapers. The resultant PHBV films were characterized in terms of their morphology, crystallinity, and mechanical and barrier properties to assess their potential application in food packaging. The CW-derived PHBV biopapers showed high contact transparency but a slightly yellow color. The fibers of the 20 mol % 3HV copolymer were seen to contain mostly poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) crystals, the fibers of the 40 mol % 3HV copolymer a mixture of PHB and poly(3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHV) crystals and lowest crystallinity, and the fibers of the 60 mol % 3HV sample were mostly made of PHV crystals. To understand the interfiber coalesce process undergone by the materials during annealing, the crystalline morphology was also assessed by variable-temperature both combined small-angle and wide-angle X-ray scattering synchrotron and Fourier transform infrared experiments. From these experiments and, different from previously reported biopapers with lower 3HV contents, all samples were inferred to have a surface energy reduction mechanism for interfiber coalescence during annealing, which is thought to be activated by a temperature-induced decrease in molecular order. Due to their reduced crystallinity and molecular order, the CW-derived PHBV biopapers, especially the 40 mol % 3HV sample, were found to be more ductile and tougher. In terms of barrier properties, the three copolymers performed similarly to water and limonene, but to oxygen, the 40 mol % sample showed the highest relative permeability. Overall, the materials developed, which are compatible with the Circular Bioeconomy organic recycling strategy, can have an excellent potential as barrier interlayers or coatings of application interest in food packaging.
Beatriz Melendez-Rodriguez; Maria A. M. Reis; Monica Carvalheira; Chris Sammon; Luis Cabedo; Sergio Torres-Giner; Jose Maria Lagaron. Development and Characterization of Electrospun Biopapers of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Derived from Cheese Whey with Varying 3-Hydroxyvalerate Contents. Biomacromolecules 2021, 1 .
AMA StyleBeatriz Melendez-Rodriguez, Maria A. M. Reis, Monica Carvalheira, Chris Sammon, Luis Cabedo, Sergio Torres-Giner, Jose Maria Lagaron. Development and Characterization of Electrospun Biopapers of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Derived from Cheese Whey with Varying 3-Hydroxyvalerate Contents. Biomacromolecules. 2021; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBeatriz Melendez-Rodriguez; Maria A. M. Reis; Monica Carvalheira; Chris Sammon; Luis Cabedo; Sergio Torres-Giner; Jose Maria Lagaron. 2021. "Development and Characterization of Electrospun Biopapers of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Derived from Cheese Whey with Varying 3-Hydroxyvalerate Contents." Biomacromolecules , no. : 1.
This study reports on the development and characterization of organic recyclable high-oxygen-barrier multilayer films based on different commercial polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) materials, including a blend with commercial poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), which contained an inner layer of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and an electrospun hot-tack adhesive layer of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) derived from cheese whey (CW). As a result, the full multilayer structures were made from bio-based and/or compostable materials. A characterization of the produced films was carried out in terms of morphological, optical, mechanical, and barrier properties with respect to water vapor, limonene, and oxygen. Results indicate that the multilayer films exhibited a good interlayer adhesion and contact transparency. The stiffness of the multilayers was generally improved upon incorporation of the CNC interlayer, whereas the enhanced elasticity of the blend was reduced to some extent in the multilayer with CNCs, but this was still much higher than for the neat PHAs. In terms of barrier properties, it was found that 1 µm of the CNC interlayer was able to reduce the oxygen permeance between 71% and 86%, while retaining the moisture and aroma barrier of the control materials.
Beatriz Melendez-Rodriguez; Sergio Torres-Giner; Inmaculada Angulo; Maria Pardo-Figuerez; Loïc Hilliou; Jose Escuin; Luis Cabedo; Yuval Nevo; Cristina Prieto; Jose Lagaron. High-Oxygen-Barrier Multilayer Films Based on Polyhydroxyalkanoates and Cellulose Nanocrystals. Nanomaterials 2021, 11, 1443 .
AMA StyleBeatriz Melendez-Rodriguez, Sergio Torres-Giner, Inmaculada Angulo, Maria Pardo-Figuerez, Loïc Hilliou, Jose Escuin, Luis Cabedo, Yuval Nevo, Cristina Prieto, Jose Lagaron. High-Oxygen-Barrier Multilayer Films Based on Polyhydroxyalkanoates and Cellulose Nanocrystals. Nanomaterials. 2021; 11 (6):1443.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBeatriz Melendez-Rodriguez; Sergio Torres-Giner; Inmaculada Angulo; Maria Pardo-Figuerez; Loïc Hilliou; Jose Escuin; Luis Cabedo; Yuval Nevo; Cristina Prieto; Jose Lagaron. 2021. "High-Oxygen-Barrier Multilayer Films Based on Polyhydroxyalkanoates and Cellulose Nanocrystals." Nanomaterials 11, no. 6: 1443.
In the present study, a new poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate) [P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHx)] terpolyester with approximately 68 mol% of 3-hydroxybutyrate (3HB), 17 mol% of 3-hydroxyvalerate (3HV), and 15 mol% of 3-hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx) was obtained via the mixed microbial culture (MMC) technology using fruit pulps as feedstock, a processing by-product of the juice industry. After extraction and purification performed in a single step, the P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHx) powder was melt-mixed, for the first time, in contents of 10, 25, and 50 wt% with commercial poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). Thereafter, the resultant doughs were thermo-compressed to obtain highly miscible films with good optical properties, which can be of interest in rigid and semirigid organic recyclable food packaging applications. The results showed that the developed blends exhibited a progressively lower melting enthalpy with increasing the incorporation of P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHx), but retained the PHB crystalline morphology, albeit with an inferred lower crystalline density. Moreover, all the melt-mixed blends were thermally stable up to nearly 240 °C. As the content of terpolymer increased in the blends, the mechanical response of their films showed a brittle-to-ductile transition. On the other hand, the permeabilities to water vapor, oxygen, and, more notably, limonene were seen to increase. On the overall, this study demonstrates the value of using industrial biowaste derived P(3HB-co-3HV-co-3HHx) terpolyesters as potentially cost-effective and sustainable plasticizing additives to balance the physical properties of organic recyclable polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA)-based food packaging materials.
Beatriz Meléndez-Rodríguez; Sergio Torres-Giner; Maria Reis; Fernando Silva; Mariana Matos; Luis Cabedo; José Lagarón. Blends of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyvalerate) with Fruit Pulp Biowaste Derived Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyvalerate-co-3-Hydroxyhexanoate) for Organic Recycling Food Packaging. Polymers 2021, 13, 1155 .
AMA StyleBeatriz Meléndez-Rodríguez, Sergio Torres-Giner, Maria Reis, Fernando Silva, Mariana Matos, Luis Cabedo, José Lagarón. Blends of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyvalerate) with Fruit Pulp Biowaste Derived Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyvalerate-co-3-Hydroxyhexanoate) for Organic Recycling Food Packaging. Polymers. 2021; 13 (7):1155.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBeatriz Meléndez-Rodríguez; Sergio Torres-Giner; Maria Reis; Fernando Silva; Mariana Matos; Luis Cabedo; José Lagarón. 2021. "Blends of Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyvalerate) with Fruit Pulp Biowaste Derived Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate-co-3-Hydroxyvalerate-co-3-Hydroxyhexanoate) for Organic Recycling Food Packaging." Polymers 13, no. 7: 1155.
This study focuses on the potential uses in textiles of fibers of soy protein (SP) and chitin, which are naturally occurring polymers that can be obtained from agricultural and food processing by-products and wastes. The as-received natural fibers were first subjected to a three-step manufacturing process to develop yarns that were, thereafter, converted into fabrics by weft knitting. Different characterizations in terms of physical properties and comfort parameters were carried out on the natural fibers and compared to waste derived fibers of coir and also conventional cotton and cotton-based fibers, which are widely used in the textile industry. The evaluation of the geometry and mechanical properties revealed that both SP and chitin fibers showed similar fineness and tenacity values than cotton, whereas coir did not achieve the expected properties to develop fabrics. In relation to the moisture content, it was found that the SP fibers outperformed the other natural fibers, which could successfully avoid variations in the mechanical performance of their fabrics as well as impair the growth of microorganisms. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of the natural fibers was assessed against different bacteria and fungi that are typically found on the skin. The obtained results indicated that the fibers of chitin and also SP, being the latter functionalized with biocides during the fiber-formation process, showed a high antimicrobial activity. In particular, reductions of up to 100% and 60% were attained for the bacteria and fungi strains, respectively. Finally, textile comfort was evaluated on the weft-knitted fabrics of the chitin and SP fibers by means of thermal and tactile tests. The comfort analysis indicated that the thermal resistance of both fabrics was similar to that of cotton, whereas their air permeability was higher, particularly for chitin due to its higher fineness, which makes these natural fibers very promising for summer clothes. Both the SP and chitin fabrics also presented relatively similar values of fullness and softness than the pure cotton fabric in terms of body feeling and richness. However, the cotton/polyester fabric was the only one that achieved a good range for uses in winter-autumn cloths. Therefore, the results of this work demonstrate that non-conventional chitin and SP fibers can be considered as potential candidates to replace cotton fibers in fabrics for the textile industry due to their high comfort and improved sustainability. Furthermore, these natural fibers can also serve to develop novel functional textiles with antimicrobial properties.
Marcela Ferrándiz; Eduardo Fages; Sandra Rojas-Lema; Juan Ivorra-Martinez; Jaume Gomez-Caturla; Sergio Torres-Giner. Development and Characterization of Weft-Knitted Fabrics of Naturally Occurring Polymer Fibers for Sustainable and Functional Textiles. Polymers 2021, 13, 665 .
AMA StyleMarcela Ferrándiz, Eduardo Fages, Sandra Rojas-Lema, Juan Ivorra-Martinez, Jaume Gomez-Caturla, Sergio Torres-Giner. Development and Characterization of Weft-Knitted Fabrics of Naturally Occurring Polymer Fibers for Sustainable and Functional Textiles. Polymers. 2021; 13 (4):665.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMarcela Ferrándiz; Eduardo Fages; Sandra Rojas-Lema; Juan Ivorra-Martinez; Jaume Gomez-Caturla; Sergio Torres-Giner. 2021. "Development and Characterization of Weft-Knitted Fabrics of Naturally Occurring Polymer Fibers for Sustainable and Functional Textiles." Polymers 13, no. 4: 665.
Poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF) films were first produced using thermo-compression. Thereafter, the chemical recyclability was demonstrated in the presence of a thermally stable organocatalyst followed by its repolymerization.
Elena Gabirondo; Beatriz Melendez-Rodriguez; Carmen Arnal; Jose M. Lagaron; Antxon Martínez de Ilarduya; Haritz Sardon; Sergio Torres-Giner. Organocatalyzed closed-loop chemical recycling of thermo-compressed films of poly(ethylene furanoate). Polymer Chemistry 2021, 12, 1571 -1580.
AMA StyleElena Gabirondo, Beatriz Melendez-Rodriguez, Carmen Arnal, Jose M. Lagaron, Antxon Martínez de Ilarduya, Haritz Sardon, Sergio Torres-Giner. Organocatalyzed closed-loop chemical recycling of thermo-compressed films of poly(ethylene furanoate). Polymer Chemistry. 2021; 12 (10):1571-1580.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElena Gabirondo; Beatriz Melendez-Rodriguez; Carmen Arnal; Jose M. Lagaron; Antxon Martínez de Ilarduya; Haritz Sardon; Sergio Torres-Giner. 2021. "Organocatalyzed closed-loop chemical recycling of thermo-compressed films of poly(ethylene furanoate)." Polymer Chemistry 12, no. 10: 1571-1580.
This study originally explores the use of naringin (NAR), gallic acid (GA), caffeic acid (CA), and quercetin (QUER) as natural antioxidants for bio-based high-density polyethylene (bio-HDPE). These phenolic compounds are present in various citrus fruits and grapes and can remain in their leaves, peels, pulp, and seeds as by-products or wastes after juice processing. Each natural additive was first melt-mixed at 0.8 parts per hundred resin (phr) of bio-HDPE by extrusion and the resultant pellets were shaped into films by thermo-compression. Although all the phenolic compounds colored the bio-HDPE films, their contact transparency was still preserved. The chemical analyses confirmed the successful inclusion of the phenolic compounds in bio-HDPE, though their interaction with the green polyolefin matrix was low. The mechanical performance of the bio-HDPE films was nearly unaffected by the natural compounds, presenting in all cases a ductile behavior. Interestingly, the phenolic compounds successfully increased the thermo-oxidative stability of bio-HDPE, yielding GA and QUER the highest performance. In particular, using these phenolic compounds, the onset oxidation temperature (OOT) value was improved by 43 and 41.5 °C, respectively. Similarly, the oxidation induction time (OIT) value, determined in isothermal conditions at 210 °C, increased from 4.5 min to approximately 109 and 138 min. Furthermore, the onset degradation temperature in air of bio-HDPE, measured for the 5% of mass loss (T5%), was improved by up to 21 °C after the addition of NAR. Moreover, the GA- and CA-containing bio-HDPE films showed a high antioxidant activity in alcoholic solution due to their favored release capacity, which opens up novel opportunities in active food packaging. The improved antioxidant performance of these phenolic compounds was ascribed to the multiple presence of hydroxyl groups and aromatic heterocyclic rings that provide these molecules with the features to permit the delocalization and the scavenging of free radicals. Therefore, the here-tested phenolic compounds, in particular QUER, can represent a sustainable and cost-effective alternative of synthetic antioxidants in polymer and biopolymer formulations, for which safety and environmental issues have been raised over time.
Sandra Rojas-Lema; Sergio Torres-Giner; Luis Quiles-Carrillo; Jaume Gomez-Caturla; Daniel Garcia-Garcia; Rafael Balart. On the Use of Phenolic Compounds Present in Citrus Fruits and Grapes as Natural Antioxidants for Thermo-Compressed Bio-Based High-Density Polyethylene Films. Antioxidants 2020, 10, 14 .
AMA StyleSandra Rojas-Lema, Sergio Torres-Giner, Luis Quiles-Carrillo, Jaume Gomez-Caturla, Daniel Garcia-Garcia, Rafael Balart. On the Use of Phenolic Compounds Present in Citrus Fruits and Grapes as Natural Antioxidants for Thermo-Compressed Bio-Based High-Density Polyethylene Films. Antioxidants. 2020; 10 (1):14.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSandra Rojas-Lema; Sergio Torres-Giner; Luis Quiles-Carrillo; Jaume Gomez-Caturla; Daniel Garcia-Garcia; Rafael Balart. 2020. "On the Use of Phenolic Compounds Present in Citrus Fruits and Grapes as Natural Antioxidants for Thermo-Compressed Bio-Based High-Density Polyethylene Films." Antioxidants 10, no. 1: 14.
In the last few years, a remarkable growth in the use of functional polyesters has been observed.
Rafael Balart; Nestor Montanes; Octavio Fenollar; Teodomiro Boronat; Sergio Torres-Giner. Advances in Manufacturing and Characterization of Functional Polyesters. Polymers 2020, 12, 2839 .
AMA StyleRafael Balart, Nestor Montanes, Octavio Fenollar, Teodomiro Boronat, Sergio Torres-Giner. Advances in Manufacturing and Characterization of Functional Polyesters. Polymers. 2020; 12 (12):2839.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRafael Balart; Nestor Montanes; Octavio Fenollar; Teodomiro Boronat; Sergio Torres-Giner. 2020. "Advances in Manufacturing and Characterization of Functional Polyesters." Polymers 12, no. 12: 2839.
Active multilayer films based on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) with and without high barrier coatings of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were herein successfully developed. To this end, an electrospun antimicrobial hot-tack layer made of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) derived from cheese whey, a by-product from the dairy industry, was deposited on a previously manufactured blown film of commercial food contact PHA-based resin. A hybrid combination of oregano essential oil (OEO) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) were incorporated during the electrospinning process into the PHBV nanofibers at 2.5 and 2.25 wt%, respectively, in order to provide antimicrobial properties. A barrier CNC coating was also applied by casting from an aqueous solution of nanocellulose at 2 wt% using a rod at 1m/min. The whole multilayer structure was thereafter assembled in a pilot roll-to-roll laminating system, where the blown PHA-based film was located as the outer layers while the electrospun antimicrobial hot-tack PHBV layer and the barrier CNC coating were placed as interlayers. The resultant multilayer films, having a final thickness in the 130–150 µm range, were characterized to ascertain their potential in biodegradable food packaging. The multilayers showed contact transparency, interlayer adhesion, improved barrier to water and limonene vapors, and intermediate mechanical performance. Moreover, the films presented high antimicrobial and antioxidant activities in both open and closed systems for up to 15 days. Finally, the food safety of the multilayers was assessed by migration and cytotoxicity tests, demonstrating that the films are safe to use in both alcoholic and acid food simulants and they are also not cytotoxic for Caco-2 cells.
Kelly J. Figueroa-Lopez; Sergio Torres-Giner; Inmaculada Angulo; Maria Pardo-Figuerez; Jose Manuel Escuin; Ana Isabel Bourbon; Luis Cabedo; Yuval Nevo; Miguel A. Cerqueira; Jose M. Lagaron. Development of Active Barrier Multilayer Films Based on Electrospun Antimicrobial Hot-Tack Food Waste Derived Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) and Cellulose Nanocrystal Interlayers. Nanomaterials 2020, 10, 2356 .
AMA StyleKelly J. Figueroa-Lopez, Sergio Torres-Giner, Inmaculada Angulo, Maria Pardo-Figuerez, Jose Manuel Escuin, Ana Isabel Bourbon, Luis Cabedo, Yuval Nevo, Miguel A. Cerqueira, Jose M. Lagaron. Development of Active Barrier Multilayer Films Based on Electrospun Antimicrobial Hot-Tack Food Waste Derived Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) and Cellulose Nanocrystal Interlayers. Nanomaterials. 2020; 10 (12):2356.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKelly J. Figueroa-Lopez; Sergio Torres-Giner; Inmaculada Angulo; Maria Pardo-Figuerez; Jose Manuel Escuin; Ana Isabel Bourbon; Luis Cabedo; Yuval Nevo; Miguel A. Cerqueira; Jose M. Lagaron. 2020. "Development of Active Barrier Multilayer Films Based on Electrospun Antimicrobial Hot-Tack Food Waste Derived Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) and Cellulose Nanocrystal Interlayers." Nanomaterials 10, no. 12: 2356.
In the last decade, continuous research advances have been observed in the field of environmentally friendly polymers and polymer composites due to the dependence of polymers on fossil fuels and the sustainability issues related to plastic wastes. This research activity has become much more intense in the food packaging industry due to the high volume of waste it generates. Biopolymers are nowadays considered as among the most promising materials to solve these environmental problems. However, they still show inferior performance regarding both processability and end-use application. Blending currently represents a very cost-effective strategy to increase the ductility and impact resistance of biopolymers. Furthermore, different lignocellulosic materials are being explored to be used as reinforcing fillers in polymer matrices for improving the overall properties, lower the environmental impact, and also reduce cost. Moreover, the use of vegetable oils, waste derived liquids, and essential oils opens up novel opportunities as natural plasticizers, reactive compatibilizers or even active additives for the development of new polymer formulations with enhanced performance and improved sustainability profile.
Rafael Balart; Nestor Montanes; Franco Dominici; Teodomiro Boronat; Sergio Torres-Giner. Environmentally Friendly Polymers and Polymer Composites. Materials 2020, 13, 4892 .
AMA StyleRafael Balart, Nestor Montanes, Franco Dominici, Teodomiro Boronat, Sergio Torres-Giner. Environmentally Friendly Polymers and Polymer Composites. Materials. 2020; 13 (21):4892.
Chicago/Turabian StyleRafael Balart; Nestor Montanes; Franco Dominici; Teodomiro Boronat; Sergio Torres-Giner. 2020. "Environmentally Friendly Polymers and Polymer Composites." Materials 13, no. 21: 4892.
Sergio Torres-Giner. Preparation of conductive carbon black-filled polymer nanocomposites via melt compounding. 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleSergio Torres-Giner. Preparation of conductive carbon black-filled polymer nanocomposites via melt compounding. . 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSergio Torres-Giner. 2020. "Preparation of conductive carbon black-filled polymer nanocomposites via melt compounding." , no. : 1.
The influence of the addition of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the intra/inter – molecular segmental motions of poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVOH) was assessed by means of dielectric thermal analysis (DETA). The relaxation spectra were studied in terms of the dielectric permittivity (ε′) and the dielectric loss tangent (tan δ) at wide ranges of frequency (from 10−2 to 107 Hz) and temperature (from -150 to 140 °C). Two relaxation zones were disthinguished. Below the glass transition temperature (Tg), two β-relaxations were observed, which are characteristic local modes of mobility of the EVOH side groups, and related to the influence of the different surroundings of ethylene or vinyl alcohol units. At higher temperatures, the dielectric α-relaxation in the vicinities of the glass transition of EVOH was determined. The thermal activation of the β-relaxations was explained by an Arrhenius model, and showed activation energies (Ea) around 55 and 80 kJ·mol−1. The α-relaxation was explained by the Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann-Hesse (VFTH) model. The study of the segmental dynamics showed an increase in the dynamic fragility parameters with the addition of GNPs. The permittivity was increased at preferential concentrations of GNPs. In particular, the addition of GNPs up to 0.5 wt% increased the dielectric permittivity of the electrospun EVOH/GNPs nanocomposite fibers, specially at low frequencies.
J.D. Badia; R. Teruel-Juanes; Y. Echegoyen; S. Torres-Giner; J.M. Lagarón; A. Ribes-Greus. Effect of graphene nanoplatelets on the dielectric permittivity and segmental motions of electrospun poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) nanofibers. Polymer Degradation and Stability 2020, 183, 109404 .
AMA StyleJ.D. Badia, R. Teruel-Juanes, Y. Echegoyen, S. Torres-Giner, J.M. Lagarón, A. Ribes-Greus. Effect of graphene nanoplatelets on the dielectric permittivity and segmental motions of electrospun poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) nanofibers. Polymer Degradation and Stability. 2020; 183 ():109404.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ.D. Badia; R. Teruel-Juanes; Y. Echegoyen; S. Torres-Giner; J.M. Lagarón; A. Ribes-Greus. 2020. "Effect of graphene nanoplatelets on the dielectric permittivity and segmental motions of electrospun poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) nanofibers." Polymer Degradation and Stability 183, no. : 109404.
Coffee husk, a major lignocellulosic waste derived from the coffee industry, was first ground into flour of fine particles of approximately 90 µm and then torrefied at 250 °C to make it more thermally stable and compatible with biopolymers. The resultant torrefied coffee husk flour (TCHF) was thereafter melt-compounded with polylactide (PLA) in contents from 20 to 50 wt% and the extruded green composite pellets were shaped by injection molding into pieces and characterized. Although the incorporation of TCHF reduced the ductility and toughness of PLA, filler contents of 20 wt% successfully yielded pieces with balanced mechanical properties in both tensile and flexural conditions and improved hardness. Contents of up to 30 wt% of TCHF also induced a nucleating effect that favored the formation of crystals of PLA, whereas the thermal degradation of the biopolyester was delayed by more than 7 °C. Furthermore, the PLA/TCHF pieces showed higher thermomechanical resistance and their softening point increased up to nearly 60 °C. Therefore, highly sustainable pieces were developed through the valorization of large amounts of coffee waste subjected to torrefaction. In the Circular Bioeconomy framework, these novel green composites can be used in the design of compostable rigid packaging and food contact disposables.
Diana L. Ortiz-Barajas; Johan A. Arévalo-Prada; Octavio Fenollar; Yesid J. Rueda-Ordóñez; Sergio Torres-Giner. Torrefaction of Coffee Husk Flour for the Development of Injection-Molded Green Composite Pieces of Polylactide with High Sustainability. Applied Sciences 2020, 10, 6468 .
AMA StyleDiana L. Ortiz-Barajas, Johan A. Arévalo-Prada, Octavio Fenollar, Yesid J. Rueda-Ordóñez, Sergio Torres-Giner. Torrefaction of Coffee Husk Flour for the Development of Injection-Molded Green Composite Pieces of Polylactide with High Sustainability. Applied Sciences. 2020; 10 (18):6468.
Chicago/Turabian StyleDiana L. Ortiz-Barajas; Johan A. Arévalo-Prada; Octavio Fenollar; Yesid J. Rueda-Ordóñez; Sergio Torres-Giner. 2020. "Torrefaction of Coffee Husk Flour for the Development of Injection-Molded Green Composite Pieces of Polylactide with High Sustainability." Applied Sciences 10, no. 18: 6468.
Copper(II) sulfate-loaded chitosan microparticles were herein prepared using ionic cross-linking with sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) followed by spray drying. The microencapsulation process was optimal using an inlet temperature of 180 °C, a liquid flow-rate of 290 mL/h, an aspiration rate of 90%, and an atomizing gas flow-rate of 667 nL/h. Chitosan particles containing copper(II) sulfate of approximately 4 µm with a shrunken-type morphology were efficiently attained and, thereafter, fixated on a paper substrate either via cross-linking with STPP or using a chitosan hydrogel. The latter method led to the most promising system since it was performed at milder conditions and the original paper quality was preserved. The developed cellulose substrates were reduced and then exposed to different humidity conditions and characterized using colorimetric measurements in order to ascertain their potential as irreversible indicators for moisture detection. The results showed that the papers coated with the copper(II) sulfate-containing chitosan microparticles were successfully able to detect ambient moisture shown by the color changes of the coatings from dark brown to blue, which can be easily seen with the naked eye. Furthermore, the chitosan microparticles yielded no cytotoxicity in an in vitro cell culture experiment. Therefore, the cellulose substrates herein developed hold great promise in paper packaging as on-package colorimetric indicators for monitoring moisture in real time.
Sandra Rojas-Lema; Jorge Terol; Eduardo Fages; Rafael Balart; Luis Quiles-Carrillo; Cristina Prieto; Sergio Torres-Giner. Microencapsulation of Copper(II) Sulfate in Ionically Cross-Linked Chitosan by Spray Drying for the Development of Irreversible Moisture Indicators in Paper Packaging. Polymers 2020, 12, 2039 .
AMA StyleSandra Rojas-Lema, Jorge Terol, Eduardo Fages, Rafael Balart, Luis Quiles-Carrillo, Cristina Prieto, Sergio Torres-Giner. Microencapsulation of Copper(II) Sulfate in Ionically Cross-Linked Chitosan by Spray Drying for the Development of Irreversible Moisture Indicators in Paper Packaging. Polymers. 2020; 12 (9):2039.
Chicago/Turabian StyleSandra Rojas-Lema; Jorge Terol; Eduardo Fages; Rafael Balart; Luis Quiles-Carrillo; Cristina Prieto; Sergio Torres-Giner. 2020. "Microencapsulation of Copper(II) Sulfate in Ionically Cross-Linked Chitosan by Spray Drying for the Development of Irreversible Moisture Indicators in Paper Packaging." Polymers 12, no. 9: 2039.
In this research, different contents of eugenol in the 2.5–25 wt.% range were first incorporated into ultrathin fibers of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) by electrospinning and then subjected to annealing to obtain antimicrobial monolayers. The most optimal concentration of eugenol in the PHBV monolayer was 15 wt.% since it showed high electrospinnability and thermal stability and also yielded the highest bacterial reduction against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). This eugenol-containing monolayer was then selected to be applied as an interlayer between a structural layer made of a cast-extruded poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) sheet and a commercial PHBV film as the food contact layer. The whole system was, thereafter, annealed at 160°C for 10 s to develop a novel multilayer active packaging material. The resultant multilayer showed high hydrophobicity, strong adhesion and mechanical resistance, and improved barrier properties against water vapor and limonene vapors. The antimicrobial activity of the multilayer structure was also evaluated in both open and closed systems for up to 15 days, showing significant reductions (R ≥ 1 and < 3) for the two strains of food-borne bacteria. Higher inhibition values were particularly attained against S. aureus due to the higher activity of eugenol against the cell membrane of Gram positive (G+) bacteria. The multilayer also provided the highest antimicrobial activity for the closed system, which better resembles the actual packaging and it was related to the headspace accumulation of the volatile compounds. Hence, the here-developed multilayer fully based on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) shows a great deal of potential for antimicrobial packaging applications using biodegradable materials to increase both quality and safety of food products.
Kelly J. Figueroa-Lopez; Luis Cabedo; Jose M. Lagaron; Sergio Torres-Giner. Development of Electrospun Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Monolayers Containing Eugenol and Their Application in Multilayer Antimicrobial Food Packaging. Frontiers in Nutrition 2020, 7, 1 .
AMA StyleKelly J. Figueroa-Lopez, Luis Cabedo, Jose M. Lagaron, Sergio Torres-Giner. Development of Electrospun Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Monolayers Containing Eugenol and Their Application in Multilayer Antimicrobial Food Packaging. Frontiers in Nutrition. 2020; 7 ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKelly J. Figueroa-Lopez; Luis Cabedo; Jose M. Lagaron; Sergio Torres-Giner. 2020. "Development of Electrospun Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Monolayers Containing Eugenol and Their Application in Multilayer Antimicrobial Food Packaging." Frontiers in Nutrition 7, no. : 1.
The present study reports on the production and characterization of a new biopackaging material made of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) derived from municipal biowaste (MBW) and produced by the mixed bacterial culture technology. After purification and extraction, the MBW-derived PHBV was processed by electrospinning to yield defect-free ultrathin fibers, which were thermally post-treated. Annealing at 130 °C, well below the biopolymer’s melting temperature (Tm), successfully yielded a continuous film resulting from coalescence of the electrospun fibrillar morphology, the so-called biopaper, exhibiting enhanced optical and color properties compared to traditional melt compounding routes. The crystallinity and crystalline morphology were comprehensively studied as a function of temperature by attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy and combined time-resolved synchrotron small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS and WAXS) experiments, which clearly indicated that the molecular order within the copolyester was improved up to a maximum at 130 °C, and then it decreased at the biopolymer’s Tm. It was hypothesized that by annealing at the temperature at which the thermally induced molecular order is maximized, the fibers generated sufficient mobility to align alongside, hence reducing surface energy and porosity. The data suggest that this material shows a good balance between enhanced mechanical and improved barrier properties to vapors and gases in comparison to traditional paper and other currently used petroleum-derived polymers, thus presenting significant potential to be part of innovative food biopackaging designs for the protection and preservation of foods in a circular bioeconomy scenario.
Beatriz Melendez-Rodriguez; Sergio Torres-Giner; Laura Lorini; Francesco Valentino; Chris Sammon; Luis Cabedo; Jose Maria Lagaron. Valorization of Municipal Biowaste into Electrospun Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Biopapers for Food Packaging Applications. ACS Applied Bio Materials 2020, 3, 1 .
AMA StyleBeatriz Melendez-Rodriguez, Sergio Torres-Giner, Laura Lorini, Francesco Valentino, Chris Sammon, Luis Cabedo, Jose Maria Lagaron. Valorization of Municipal Biowaste into Electrospun Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Biopapers for Food Packaging Applications. ACS Applied Bio Materials. 2020; 3 (9):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleBeatriz Melendez-Rodriguez; Sergio Torres-Giner; Laura Lorini; Francesco Valentino; Chris Sammon; Luis Cabedo; Jose Maria Lagaron. 2020. "Valorization of Municipal Biowaste into Electrospun Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) Biopapers for Food Packaging Applications." ACS Applied Bio Materials 3, no. 9: 1.
Correction for ‘Poly(hydroxy acids) derived from the self-condensation of hydroxy acids: from polymerization to end-of-life options’ by Elena Gabirondo et al., Polym. Chem., 2020, 11, 4861–4874, DOI: 10.1039/D0PY00088D.
Elena Gabirondo; Ainara Sangroniz; Agustin Etxeberria; Sergio Torres-Giner; Haritz Sardon. Correction: Poly(hydroxy acids) derived from the self-condensation of hydroxy acids: from polymerization to end-of-life options. Polymer Chemistry 2020, 11, 1 .
AMA StyleElena Gabirondo, Ainara Sangroniz, Agustin Etxeberria, Sergio Torres-Giner, Haritz Sardon. Correction: Poly(hydroxy acids) derived from the self-condensation of hydroxy acids: from polymerization to end-of-life options. Polymer Chemistry. 2020; 11 (34):1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElena Gabirondo; Ainara Sangroniz; Agustin Etxeberria; Sergio Torres-Giner; Haritz Sardon. 2020. "Correction: Poly(hydroxy acids) derived from the self-condensation of hydroxy acids: from polymerization to end-of-life options." Polymer Chemistry 11, no. 34: 1.
Monomers derived from renewable feedstocks have emerged as a novel sustainable alternative to petrochemical polymers. One of the biomass derived polymers that is recently gaining attention for food packaging applications is poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF). However, PEF is not biodegradable and its end-of-life options must be considered in order to avoid contributing to the accumulation of plastic waste. In this paper, after analyzing the suitability of PEF for packaging applications using an industrially relevant film-processing method, the chemical glycolysis of PEF was investigated using a thermally stable acid-base organocatalyst. After succesfully deconstructing the PEF films into bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-furan-2,5-dicarboxylate (BHEF), the obtained BHEF was used to resynthesize PEF using the same organocatalyst to sucessfully generate a biopolymer with similar chemical and thermal properties to virgin PEF following a closed-loop cycle according to the Circular Economy principles.
Elena Gabirondo; Beatriz Melendez-Rodriguez; Carmen Arnal; Jose M. Lagaron; Antxon Martínez De Ilarduya; Haritz Sardon; Sergio Torres Giner. Organocatalyzed Closed-Loop Chemical Recycling of Thermo-Compressed Food Packaging Films of Poly(ethylene furanoate). 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleElena Gabirondo, Beatriz Melendez-Rodriguez, Carmen Arnal, Jose M. Lagaron, Antxon Martínez De Ilarduya, Haritz Sardon, Sergio Torres Giner. Organocatalyzed Closed-Loop Chemical Recycling of Thermo-Compressed Food Packaging Films of Poly(ethylene furanoate). . 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElena Gabirondo; Beatriz Melendez-Rodriguez; Carmen Arnal; Jose M. Lagaron; Antxon Martínez De Ilarduya; Haritz Sardon; Sergio Torres Giner. 2020. "Organocatalyzed Closed-Loop Chemical Recycling of Thermo-Compressed Food Packaging Films of Poly(ethylene furanoate)." , no. : 1.
Monomers derived from renewable feedstocks have emerged as a novel sustainable alternative to petrochemical polymers. One of the biomass derived polymers that is recently gaining attention for food packaging applications is poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF). However, PEF is not biodegradable and its end-of-life options must be considered in order to avoid contributing to the accumulation of plastic waste. In this paper, after analyzing the suitability of PEF for packaging applications using an industrially relevant film-processing method, the chemical glycolysis of PEF was investigated using a thermally stable acid-base organocatalyst. After succesfully deconstructing the PEF films into bis(2-hydroxyethyl)-furan-2,5-dicarboxylate (BHEF), the obtained BHEF was used to resynthesize PEF using the same organocatalyst to sucessfully generate a biopolymer with similar chemical and thermal properties to virgin PEF following a closed-loop cycle according to the Circular Economy principles.
Elena Gabirondo; Beatriz Melendez-Rodriguez; Carmen Arnal; Jose M. Lagaron; Antxon Martínez De Ilarduya; Haritz Sardon; Sergio Torres Giner. Organocatalyzed Closed-Loop Chemical Recycling of Thermo-Compressed Food Packaging Films of Poly(ethylene furanoate). 2020, 1 .
AMA StyleElena Gabirondo, Beatriz Melendez-Rodriguez, Carmen Arnal, Jose M. Lagaron, Antxon Martínez De Ilarduya, Haritz Sardon, Sergio Torres Giner. Organocatalyzed Closed-Loop Chemical Recycling of Thermo-Compressed Food Packaging Films of Poly(ethylene furanoate). . 2020; ():1.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElena Gabirondo; Beatriz Melendez-Rodriguez; Carmen Arnal; Jose M. Lagaron; Antxon Martínez De Ilarduya; Haritz Sardon; Sergio Torres Giner. 2020. "Organocatalyzed Closed-Loop Chemical Recycling of Thermo-Compressed Food Packaging Films of Poly(ethylene furanoate)." , no. : 1.
Information about the paper titled "EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE BASED ON INVERSE ENGINEERING TO EXPLAIN THE EMBRITTLEMENT OF MATERIALS. METHOD BASED ON REAL CASE STUDIES" at IATED Digital Library
Emilio Rayon; Luis Quiles-Carrillo; Sergio Torres-Giner; Diego Lascano; Teodomiro Boronat. EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE BASED ON INVERSE ENGINEERING TO EXPLAIN THE EMBRITTLEMENT OF MATERIALS. METHOD BASED ON REAL CASE STUDIES. EDULEARN20 Proceedings 2020, 5415 -5421.
AMA StyleEmilio Rayon, Luis Quiles-Carrillo, Sergio Torres-Giner, Diego Lascano, Teodomiro Boronat. EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE BASED ON INVERSE ENGINEERING TO EXPLAIN THE EMBRITTLEMENT OF MATERIALS. METHOD BASED ON REAL CASE STUDIES. EDULEARN20 Proceedings. 2020; ():5415-5421.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEmilio Rayon; Luis Quiles-Carrillo; Sergio Torres-Giner; Diego Lascano; Teodomiro Boronat. 2020. "EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE BASED ON INVERSE ENGINEERING TO EXPLAIN THE EMBRITTLEMENT OF MATERIALS. METHOD BASED ON REAL CASE STUDIES." EDULEARN20 Proceedings , no. : 5415-5421.