This critical review considers the extensive research and development dedicated, in the last years, to a single polymer, the poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate), usually simply referred to as PEF. PEF importance stems from the fact that it is based on renewable resources, typically prepared from C6 sugars present in biomass feedstocks, for its resemblance to the high-performance poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and in terms of barrier properties even outperforming PET. For the first time synthesis, properties, and end-life targeting—a more sustainable PEF—are critically reviewed. The emphasis is placed on how synthetic roots to PEF evolved toward the development of greener processes based on ring open polymerization, enzymatic synthesis, or the use of ionic liquids; together with a broader perspective on PEF end-life, highlighting recycling and (bio)degradation solutions.

Wood modifications are becoming popular as a way to enhance the performance of wood, either to make it more durable, improve the performance of wood, or give it new functionality as a multifunctional or smart material. While wood modifications have been examined since the early 1900s, the topic has become a dominant area of study in wood science over the past decade. This review summarizes recent advances and provides future perspective on a selection of wood modifications, i.e., the methods that are currently commercialized (acetylation, furfurylation, and thermal modification), a rediscovered ancient practice (charring), a family of polymerization modifications that have so far made it to the pilot scale, and examples of novel wood-based functional materials explored at laboratory scale.

Crystallization of PDMS and PDMS silica nanocomposites was studied both from the melt and from the glassy state.