Abstract: Cellulose-based composite material comprising an electrically conductive material dispersed in a matrix comprising at least one plant-derived protein and a polymer of aleuritic acid, said composite material being obtainable by a process comprising the steps of dissolving at least one plant-derived protein and aleuritic acid in a dissolving solution to achieve a first mixture, dispersing an electrically conductive material in said first mixture to achieve a conductive ink, distributing said conductive ink on at least one side of a cellulose substrate to achieve a coated cellulose substrate, hot-pressing said coated cellulose substrate to obtain i) impregnation of the cellulose substrate with said conductive ink and ii) polymerization of aleuritic acid.

Abstract: A process for enhancing biodegradability of polyolefinic materials is provided. The process includes providing a polyolefinic material, mixing the polyolefinic material with at least one fatty reagent, heating up the polyolefinic material mixed with the at least one fatty reagent to the melting temperature of the polyolefinic material to obtain a melted material, letting the melted material cool at room temperature for a time sufficient to obtain a solidified product, and incubating the solidified product with at least one fungal mycelium selected from fungal strains secreting Unspecific Peroxygenases (UPO), in presence of a fungal culture medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to biodegradable composites based on blends of a thermoplastic polymer material with cellulosic materials, useful for several industrial and packaging applications, in particular for the manufacture of biodegradable films and articles of complex shape, having improved mechanical properties, oxygen barrier properties, biodegradation and heat resistance; and to a process for the manufacture of these biodegradable composites.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of biodegradable plastic films in aqueous environment, starting from vegetal wastes in powder form includes dissolution at a temperature lower than 50° C. of waste material in form of a powder in an aqueous solution of hydrochloric acid, and transfer of the aqueous solution in a casting mould and evaporation of the aqueous solution, to yield the biodegradable plastic film. The total concentration of the hydrochloric acid is equal to or lower than 5% by weight. The aqueous solution may include acetic acid. The aqueous solution may also be filtered or centrifuged and/or subjected to dialysis against pure water.

Abstract: Cellulose-based composite material comprising an electrically conductive material dispersed in a matrix comprising at least one plant-derived protein and a polymer of aleuritic acid, said composite material being obtainable by a process comprising the steps of dissolving at least one plant-derived protein and aleuritic acid in a dissolving solution to achieve a first mixture, dispersing an electrically conductive material in said first mixture to achieve a conductive ink, distributing said conductive ink on at least one side of a cellulose substrate to achieve a coated cellulose substrate, hot-pressing said coated cellulose substrate to obtain i) impregnation of the cellulose substrate with said conductive ink and ii) polymerization of aleuritic acid.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of biodegradable plastic films in aqueous environment, starting from vegetal wastes in powder form is provided, without use in any steps of the process of chemical reagents and organic solvents that may leave harmful residues in the film, and without making use of operative conditions potentially compromising the environmental sustainability and an effortless scalability of the process.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for the preparation of a graphene dispersion comprising the following steps: i) providing cellulose acetate flakes or powders; ii) swelling the cellulose acetate flakes or powders in an alcohol having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms; iii) adding acetic anhydride in a concentration range from 30 to 50 wt % referred to the total weight of the mixture; iv) adding graphene nanoplatelets to yield a graphene dispersion. The graphene dispersion is used as ink for composite materials that are employed in the field of foldable electronics. The invention relates also to a composite material comprising uniformly dispersed graphene nanoplatelets and its use for manufacturing electronic devices.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for the preparation of a graphene dispersion comprising the following steps: i) providing cellulose acetate flakes or powders; ii) swelling the cellulose acetate flakes or powders in an alcohol having from 1 to 3 carbon atoms; iii) adding acetic anhydride in a concentration range from 30 to 50 wt % referred to the total weight of the mixture; iv) adding graphene nanoplatelets to yield a graphene dispersion. The graphene dispersion is used as ink for composite materials that are employed in the field of foldable electronics.

Abstract: Globular microstructures comprising a liquid core and a solid shell that envelops the core comprising polymeric micro- or nanofibers, preferably obtained by electrospinning, comprising a hydrophobic polymer or a mixture of hydrophobic polymer with polymers derived from cellulose or with polyacrylates; the microstructures may have a further coating of nanoparticles or polymeric coating. The microstructures have applications similar to those of “liquid marbles” with improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: Process for producing a hydrophobic composite bioelastomer, comprising a cross-linked bioelastomer matrix in which an organic phase is dispersed, comprising the reaction of cross-linking of a hydroxyl-terminated polysiloxane with a silane coupling agent, comprising an acetoxysilane, to obtain a cross-linked polysiloxane with release of acetic acid. The reaction of cross-linking is carried out in the presence of starch to cause at least partial in situ acetylation by the acetic acid released from said starch that is incorporated in the cross-linked bioelastomer matrix.

Abstract: Composition in the form of a shaped device, for use as a fiducial marker in tissues in the animal body, in radiotherapy and/or radiosurgery, characterized in that it comprises:—a core consisting of a colloidal dispersion of metal nanoparticles and/or oxides or metal salts having X-ray-contrast properties, where said nanoparticles are stabilized with surfactants, polymers or capping agents in a liquid vehicle, and—a polymeric casing that encapsulates the core, said device having a minimum size of not less than 500 microns and a maximum size not greater than 3000 microns.

Abstract: Composition in the form of a shaped device, for use as a fiducial marker in tissues in the animal body, in radiotherapy and/or radiosurgery, characterized in that it comprises: —a core consisting of a colloidal dispersion of metal nanoparticles and/or oxides or metal salts having X-ray-contrast properties, where said nanoparticles are stabilized with surfactants, polymers or capping agents in a liquid vehicle, and —a polymeric casing that encapsulates the core, said device having a minimum size of not less than 500 microns and a maximum size not greater than 3000 microns.

Abstract: A composite material for the production of a medical device having an antiseptic action includes a matrix of alginate in which the complex of iodopovidone is dispersed. The composite material is used particularly for the production of films, micro-capsules, and suture threads with iodine controlled release.

Abstract: Methods for the production of a biodegradable plastics material obtained from plant waste materials are provided which include the steps of dissolving plant waste material in an anhydrous solvent which includes anhydrous trifluoroacetic acid in order to dissolve a cellulose fraction of the material, the waste material being at least partly dehydrated in such a way that its water content is not likely to cause hydrolysis of the cellulose fraction, and removing the solvent from the solution containing the non-hydrolyzed cellulose fraction.

Abstract: Process for the production of a polymer foam with use of hydrogel pearls as porosity generating template, comprising the steps of:—providing a matrix of polymer or prepolymer in viscous state including, as a dispersed phase, hydrogel pearls, where said pearls are dispersed in said matrix so as to generate intercommunicating cells,—causing the solidification of the matrix of polymer or prepolymer to obtain said polymer foam including said hydrogel pearls, characterised in that it comprises the operation of subjecting the thus obtained foam to conditions which cause the dehydration of said hydrogel pearls so as to obtain a reduction of volume of said pearls and—removing the dehydrated pearls by immersion in water of the polymer foam or by exposure of the foam to a flow of pressurized gas or water.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the production of poly(cyanoacrylate) micro- or nanofibers which include mixing the cyanoacrylate monomer with a dipolar aprotic solvent to form a poly(cyanoacrylate) gel, dissolving the gel in a solvent for acrylates to form a solution suitable for electrospinning, and submitting the solution thus obtained to electrospinning to form said micro- or nanofibers. The micro- or nanofibers thus obtained can be used to form coatings that adhere to a substrate as a result of thermal treatment.

Abstract: Process for treating a fibrous material, to make said material hydrophobic and/or water-repellent, comprising the operation of impregnating said material with a suspension comprising nanoparticles of a hydrophobic material and a cyanoacrylate in an organic solvent and causing the crosslinking of said cyanoacrylate; the process uses an amount of cyanoacrylate and a weight ratio with the nanoparticles such as to produce complete or partial coating of the fibrous material with a matrix of crosslinked cyanoacrylate in which said nanoparticles are dispersed.

Abstract: Globular microstructures comprising a liquid core and a solid shell that envelops the core comprising polymeric micro- or nanofibres, preferably obtained by electrospinning, comprising a hydrophobic polymer or a mixture of hydrophobic polymer with polymers derived from cellulose or with polyacrylates; the microstructures may have a further coating of nanoparticles or polymeric coating. The microstructures have applications similar to those of “liquid marbles” with improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: Methods for the production of a biodegradable plastics material obtained from plant waste materials are provided which include the steps of dissolving plant waste material in an anhydrous solvent which includes anhydrous trifluoroacetic acid in order to dissolve a cellulose fraction of the material, the waste material being at least partly dehydrated in such a way that its water content is not likely to cause hydrolysis of the cellulose fraction, and removing the solvent from the solution containing the non-hydrolysed cellulose fraction.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the production of poly(cyanoacrylate) micro- or nanofibers which include mixing the cyanoacrylate monomer with a dipolar aprotic solvent to form a poly(cyanoacrylate) gel, dissolving the gel in a solvent for acrylates to form a solution suitable for electrospinning, and submitting the solution thus obtained to electrospinning to form said micro- or nanofibers. The micro- or nanofibers thus obtained can be used to form coatings that adhere to a substrate as a result of thermal treatment.