This study investigates the effect of Eucomis autumnalis (EA) cellulose on the structural, thermal, and crystallization behaviour of polybutylene succinate (PBS) and polycaprolactone (PCL) composites. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results showed that in both matrices, EA cellulose promoted nucleation, as indicated by increased peak intensity, while differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed reduced melting enthalpy, suggesting the formation of smaller, less perfect crystals. In PBS composites, EA cellulose acted as a crystallization disruptor, reducing crystallinity and enthalpy. Moreover, it slightly lowered the melting temperature. This is because EA cellulose contains β-(1→4) glycosidic bonds, which introduce –O– (ether) linkages along its polymer backbone. These linkages allow for a degree of rotational flexibility. When the cellulose is incorporated into PBS, this structural characteristic may contribute to a reduction in T_m, likely by disrupting the crystallization of PBS chains. At 1 wt.% EA cellulose, broader, more intense melting peaks indicated imperfect crystal formation, while higher loadings (3 and 5 wt.%) resulted in narrower, less intense peaks, reflecting reduced crystallinity. These results are consistent with cooling-curve results and SEM images showing structural irregularities. In PCL composites, EA cellulose similarly reduced crystallinity and enthalpy without significantly affecting melting or crystallization temperatures. The decrease in the melting enthalpy from 55.6 J/g to 47.6 J/g suggested the formation of thinner lamellae and less organized crystals, a conclusion supported by stable crystallization temperatures and declining peak intensities in cooling curves. The combination of XRD and DSC data highlighted the dual role of EA cellulose: it enhances nucleation while hindering crystal growth, leading to the formation of more amorphous structures in both PBS and PCL matrices. These findings offer valuable insights into the potential use of EA cellulose as a functional modifier to tailor the properties of biopolymer composites for environmentally friendly, biodegradable applications.

This study investigates the development and characterization of PBS/EA cellulose and PCL/EA cellulose biocomposites in order to understand their structural, morphological, and thermal properties for sustainable applications. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to analyze these properties. FTIR analysis of PBS/EA cellulose composites showed increased hydroxyl peak intensities, suggesting possible interactions, whereas PCL/EA cellulose composites exhibited no significant interactions. XRD results revealed improved crystallinity in both composites with increased EA cellulose content. SEM images indicated enhanced surface morphology and good interaction in PBS/EA cellulose composites while PCL/EA cellulose composites showed a sea-island morphology, implying poor compatibility. DSC analysis showed that EA cellulose lowered the melting temperature of PBS, while minimal effects were observed in PCL composites. TGA results demonstrated improved thermal stability at lower EA cellulose contents in both PBS and PCL composites. These findings provide valuable insights into the potential of PBS/EA cellulose and PCL/EA cellulose biocomposites as biocompatible and sustainable materials, especially for applications in biomedical and environmentally friendly packaging sectors.

Winery wastewater, characterized by high organic load, fluctuating pH, and seasonal variability, presents a major environmental challenge for sustainable water management in viticulture regions. Recent advances in bio-based polymer composites, particularly those incorporating cellulose and chitosan matrices blended with synthetic polymers such as polyacrylamide (PAM), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and polyethylene glycol (PEG), provide promising possibilities for effective wastewater treatment and water reuse in irrigation. This review critically explores the synthesis, structural properties, and functional performance of cellulose/chitosan-based composites, with a particular emphasis on their adsorption, flocculation, and biodegradability in the context of winery effluent treatment. Evidence from recent laboratory- and pilot-scale studies highlights the significance of pH-responsive functional groups, electrostatic interactions, and hydrogen bonding in controlling pollutant capture and regeneration efficiency. While notable removal efficiencies of these composites have been demonstrated to exceed 85–95% for COD, 80–98% for turbidity, and >90% for heavy metals, challenges remain in terms of regeneration, long-term field applicability, and scale-up. Overall, biopolymer composites represent a promising pathway toward sustainable wastewater treatment and irrigation reuse in winery operations.

Development of biodegradable polymer composites provides a sustainable alternative to conventional plastics. This study systematically investigates the effect of Eucomis autumnalis (EA) cellulose on the morphological, structural, and thermal behavior of polybutylene succinate (PBS) and polycaprolactone (PCL) blends. EA cellulose was extracted via delignification and hemicellulose removal, yielding 38% cellulose from the leaf biomass. A series of PBS/PCL/EA cellulose composites were prepared using a solution-casting method. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) confirmed retention of characteristic functional groups, with spectra dominated by PCL features, indicating the absence of new chemical bond formation between EA cellulose and the polymer matrix. X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) revealed that EA cellulose acted as a nucleating agent, enhancing the crystallinity, especially in PCL, while slightly affecting PBS crystallization. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis demonstrated preferential localization of EA cellulose within the PBS phase, contributing to improved phase dispersion and interfacial interaction at the morphological level. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed enhanced crystallization behavior of PCL at higher EA cellulose loading (5 wt.%), with minimal influence on PBS thermal transitions. A thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that the thermal stability depends on the polymer composition and cellulose content, with higher PCL fractions contributing to an improved stability. This study provides insight into the structure–property relationships governing PBS/PCL/EA cellulose systems and highlights the potential of EA cellulose as a bio-based additive for tailoring morphological and thermal characteristics of biodegradable polymer blends. A mechanical performance evaluation is recommended for future studies to correlate structural modifications with macroscopic properties.