Biopolymer Applications Journal

SILICONE INSULATION TILT ANGLE IMPACT ON ITS PERFORMANCE UNDER 1000 h OF SALT FOG AGING AND AC VOLTAGE

SLIMANI SLIMANI — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0800

The investigation focusses on the impact of the inclination angle with respect to the horizontal of hydrophobic elastomer silicone insulation on its performance during aging under salt fog and high AC voltage. The objective of this study is to quantify the leakage current along the surface of silicone insulation as a function of its inclination angle and duration of exposure to salt fog over 1000 hours ageing period. Upon completion of the ageing process, the silicone elastomer samples were characterized through surface roughness measurements, visual inspection of surface morphology, and evaluation of their hydrophobicity.
The results indicated that no burn marks or surface erosion was observed on the insulation after exposure to salt fog. Furthermore, the hydrophobic properties of silicone insulation were effectively retained over time under salt fog conditions, particularly at high inclinations. These findings suggest that increasing the tilt angle contributes to improving insulation performance during 1000 h of salt fog exposure.

Advances in Polymer Nanocomposites for Efficient Photocatalytic Dye Degradation: Synthesis, Mechanisms, and Environmental Applications

Vikram Uttam Pandit — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0800

The discharge of synthetic dyes from various industrial activities poses a severe environmental threat due to their high stability, toxicity, and resistance to biodegradation. Polymer nanocomposites, which integrate functional polymers with semiconductor nanoparticles, have emerged as promising materials for the photocatalytic degradation of organic dyes under ultraviolet and visible light irradiation. This review comprehensively examines recent progress in the development of polymer nanocomposite photocatalysts, focusing on their synthesis methodologies, structural attributes, and underlying degradation mechanisms. The synergistic interactions within these hybrid systems facilitate improved charge separation, extended light absorption, and enhanced dye adsorption, leading to superior photocatalytic performance. Various classes of polymer nanocomposites, including polymer–metal oxide, conducting polymer-based, biopolymer-based, and hybrid composites, are discussed with respect to their functional roles in dye degradation and wastewater remediation. Furthermore, the review addresses recyclability, long-term stability, and practical applicability in real effluent systems. Future perspectives emphasize the advancement of green, biodegradable, and multifunctional polymer nanocomposites with enhanced durability, scalability, and environmental compatibility for sustainable wastewater treatment processes

Flexural properties of the composites polystyrene/fiber natural Alfa treated.

Bahia MEGHLAOUI — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0800

The influence of chemical treatment on the flexural properties of Polystyrene/plant fiber composites has been studied. The Alfa fiber is used as reinforcement after been treated with a NaOH aqueous solution 3% for 24, 48 and 72 hours at 25°C. The results obtained show that the chemical modification of the Alfa fiber affects the mechanical properties of the composites. The flexural strength and flexural modulus were clearly improved with the treatment compared to the composites with the untreated fiber. In addition, an increase of the mechanical properties is observed with the increase of the treatment time. This improvement in the flexural properties is attributed to the good adhesion between the matrix and the reinforcement. SEM results show that treated Alfa fiber with 3% NaOH for 72 h makes the fiber surface smooth after removal of the non-cellulosic components and the water absorption rate decreases with the during treatment. This decrease is due to the reduction of hydroxyl groups in the fiber, following the removal of amorphous compounds

Development of a Stirred Yogurt Enriched with Carob Syrup and Powder

Nabila BRAHMI-CHENDOUH — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0800

Yogurt is a widely consumed dairy product appreciated for its taste, nutritional quality, and versatility. Carob (Ceratonia siliqua L.), a naturally gluten-free leguminous fruit, is rich in sugars, dietary fiber, and antioxidant compounds. Its consumption is associated with several health benefits, including weight management, relief from digestive disorders and diarrhea, and potential protective effects in individuals with hypertension or kidney stones. Recognized as safe by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), carob represents a valuable functional ingredient.
This study aimed to evaluate the incorporation of carob powder and syrup into yogurt to develop a functional dairy product with improved nutritional and physicochemical properties. Three formulations were prepared: a control E (without carob), E1 (1% powder, 15% syrup), and E2 (3% powder, 9% syrup). E1 showed the highest acidity, °Brix, and viscosity, reflecting the strong structuring effect of combined carob powder and syrup. E2 exhibited intermediate values, while the control had the lowest measurements.
The results demonstrate that carob addition enhances yogurt’s nutritional profile, texture, and overall quality. The strategic combination of powder and syrup provides both functional and technological benefits, creating a marketable product that aligns with consumer preferences and health-promoting properties

Development and Characterization of Prickly Pear Seed Oil Microcapsules in a Biopolymeric Alginate-Gelatin Matrix for Controlled Release

Rebiha BELLACHE — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0800

This study aimed to encapsulate the sensitive bioactive compounds of Prickly Pear Seed Oil (PPSO) (Opuntia ficus-indica) using a biopolymeric matrix composed of sodium alginate and gelatin. PPSO, which is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants, is highly susceptible to degradation caused by light, oxygen, and heat. Microcapsules were prepared using the complex coacervation technique to enhance oil stability and ensure controlled release under physiological conditions. The physicochemical, structural, and thermal properties of the microcapsules were evaluated using UV–Visible spectroscopy, FTIR, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results confirmed successful oil encapsulation and improved thermal stability compared to pure PPSO. The formulation containing 0.75 g of oil exhibited the highest encapsulation efficiency (93.51%) and the most favorable controlled release behavior. Release studies demonstrated low oil release in simulated gastric fluid (pH 1.2), followed by a sustained and controlled release in simulated intestinal media (pH 6.8 and 7.4). These findings highlight the effectiveness of the alginate–gelatin system for stabilizing PPSO, offering promising potential for applications in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries.

Rheological Behavior of Polymeric Drilling Fluids: A Comparative Study of Carboxymethyl Cellulose, Polyanionic Cellulose, Hydroxyethyl Cellulose, and Xanthan Gum.

Kaci CHALAH — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0800

The use of water-soluble polymers has increased significantly in many industrial fields. Cellulosic polymers such as carboxymethyl cellulose high viscosity (CMC HV), polyanionic cellulose (PAC R), and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), along with the biopolymer xanthan gum (XG), are widely used to increase the viscosity of drilling fluids. This study analyzes and compares the rheological behavior of aqueous solutions based on these viscosifiers at a concentration of 0.4 wt. %. The results showed that only the XG solution exhibited viscoplastic behavior. While the CMC HV, PAC, and HEC solutions exhibited pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) behavior, the HEC solution displayed a high degree of shear thinning. The apparent viscosities measured at a shear rate of 10 1/s were 0.526, 0.268, 0.153, and 0.050 Pa.s for XG, HEC, PAC and CMC HV, respectively. At a high shear rate of 500 1/s, the apparent viscosities were comparable: 0.026 Pa.s for XG, 0.054 Pa.s for HEC, 0.029 Pa.s for PAC, and 0.025 Pa.s for CMC.

Orthotropic Elastic Characterization of FDM PLA via Multi-axial Mechanical Testing

Youcef MEHIR — Sun, 18 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0800

This study investigates the orthotropic elastic behavior of Polylactic Acid (PLA) manufactured using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). According to ISO 527-2 and ASTM standards, standardized tensile and shear specimens were printed along the X, Y, and Z axes. A Box–Behnken Design of Experiments (DoE) was employed to investigate the influence of three key process parameters on the mechanical response: layer thickness, raster width, and printing speed. Directional Young’s moduli (Ex, Ey, Ez) and shear moduli (Gxy, Gyz, Gzx) were obtained through mechanical testing. The results revealed a pronounced anisotropy induced by the layer-by-layer deposition process. We used the experimental data to make the full elastic stiffness matrix for the PLA, which is an orthotropic material. Statistical analysis (ANOVA) confirmed that process parameters had the biggest effect on changes in stiffness. The results give us a lot of information that we can use to model printed PLA parts in finite element simulations and help us come up with better ways to design 3D printed parts that work well mechanically.