Biopolymer Applications Journal

Study of the physical and mechanical properties of a naturally reinforced composite after several recycling processes

Samira SAHI — 2025-07-08

Composites based of Poly (vinyl Chloride) (PVC) reinforced with maize flour (MF) at proportion of 30 (%.Wt) were prepared. The objective of this work is to study the effect of the number cycle of the recycling in the physical, chemical and mechanical properties in this composite. Different characterization techniques were used to study the effect of the number of recycling cycles on the mechanical, physical and chemical properties of the materials developed. The results recorded after three cycles of recycling show an increase in tensile strength, in Young’s modulus and in water absorption of composites. However, a decrease in hardness is recorded. FTIR analysis showed no change in the absorption bands after recycling.

Effect of physical treatment on the performance of thermoplastic matrix composites with natural fillers

Nadira BELLILI — 2025-07-08

Date stone flour was, valorized for use as a reinforcement in the manufacture of polyvinyl chloride matrix composites. Gamma irradiation was, used to improve PVC/FND interfacial adhesion. A reduction in the hydrophilic character of the filler after treatment was, demonstrated by the decrease in the water absorption rate of irradiated DSF -reinforced composites, and this was, confirmed by the good dispersion of the treated filler in the matrix, observed by optical microscopy. As a result, better mechanical properties were, obtained.

Development of a Moisturizing Cream based on Prickly Pear Seed Oil

Lisa KLAAI — 2025-07-08

In this work, we developed a moisturizer based on prickly pear seed oil, highly valuable oil for its anti-aging benefits on the skin.
To achieve this, we conducted several research studies and analyses. First, we studied the raw materials: prickly pear seed oil, Shea butter, and surfactants, in order to create a stable oil-in-water emulsion. In the second part, we performed several tests and analyses: a centrifuge test, which allowed us to choose the right surfactants for a better emulsion; a pH test, which assesses the effectiveness of the cream produced. This is often considered a significant parameter in order to ensure a cream's pH is close to that of human skin; viscosity measurement determines whether it is viscous enough to be "sticky" or easy to spread; and finally, we performed five antibacterial tests: enumeration and detection of mesophilic aerobic bacteria, enumeration of yeasts and molds, Staphylococcus aureus, detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and detection of Escherichia coli. From this, we obtained our glossy, white, highly viscous moisturizer with a pleasant odor that poses no harmful effects on human skin.

Development and validation of a routine UV spectroscopic method for determination of camptothecin in cyclodextrin complexes, liposomes, niosomes, and solid dispersions in PEG 6000

Sofiane FATMI — 2025-07-08

A robust UV–Vis spectroscopic assay was developed and validated for quantifying camptothecin (CPT) in complex drug carriers, including cyclodextrin inclusion complexes, liposomal and niosomes suspensions, and PEG 6000 solid dispersions, addressing persistent analytical challenges posed by CPT’s poor solubility and labile lactone ring. The method exhibited exceptional linearity over 1–50 μg·mL⁻¹ (y = 0.0198 x + 0.0032, R² = 0.9991), specificity with no interference from excipients (102.17 % recovery; RSD = 0.85 %), and accuracy/precision meeting ICH Q2 criteria (mean recovery = 99.96 %; RSD < 2 %). The limit of detection (0.5 μg·mL⁻¹) and quantification (1.5 μg·mL⁻¹) enabled rapid (< 5 min) throughput without the need for costly HPLC columns or organic solvents, substantially reducing per-sample cost and environmental burden. This UV method not only surpasses many chromatographic techniques in speed and simplicity but also preserves the CPT lactone form by minimising exposure to aqueous neutral pH, thereby providing a reliable analytical tool for routine industrial quality control of advanced CPT formulations

Effect of olive husk flour silanization on the mechanical and thermal properties of high-density polyethylene composites

Chadia IHAMOUCHEN — 2025-07-08

The present paper summarizes an experimental study on the mechanical and thermal behavior of olive husk flour (OHF) reinforced high-density polyethylene (HDPE) composites. Several formulations of PE filled with 10, 20 and 30 % by weight of untreated olive husk and that treated with vinyltriacetoxy-silane (VTAS) were prepared. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to analyse involved silanization reactions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to show the morphology of the flour surface. Furthermore, the mechanical and thermal characteristics of the various composite samples were investigated as a function of both loading contents and chemical treatment. The results showed that the properties of the composite materials are positively affected by silanization treatment of OHF.