Models describing the behavior of selected polymer and paper surfaces, designed to simulate surface degradation processes, were presented. A scaling system was developed based on key surface parameters: environmental conditions, pH of the polymer surface layer, surface composition determined by electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy, and the contact angle of the polymer and paper surfaces. These models enable the identification of strategies for limiting polymer surface degradation and extending their service life. FT-IR spectroscopy was used for the preliminary characterization of paper materials relevant to cultural heritage collections. The research results will be used to develop a web application, ARTEMISA, for simulating long-term surface behavior and optimizing storage conditions.

Using a seatbelt buckle as an example, based on a CAD model, the suitability of Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology for rapid prototyping of functional automotive components using PLA filaments was evaluated. The effects of different PLA filaments and printing conditions on the printed parts tensile properties were investigated. Stress-strain curves, tensile strength, and deformation at the yield point were determined. FDM technology was confirmed to be effective for conceptual and functional prototyping, especially for unavailable spare parts, enabling rapid design evaluation and iterative improvements.

Microporous products were obtained by injection molding. The effect of adding 1-5 wt% of a foaming agent (Expancel® FG92 MB 120) on selected properties of TPS/PBAT blend compatibilized with maleic anhydride-grafted PLA (MPLA) was investigated. The addition of a foaming agent did not significantly affect the wetting properties or the energetic character of the surface. SEM analysis showed that, unlike blow molding, injection molding, due to the high flow rate, high pressure, and rapid cooling, leads to the formation of closed but deformed pores. Significant structural variability and increased surface roughness occur along the flow direction, which is not fully correlated with internal porosity. This structure results in only minor changes in mechanical properties compared to the solid material. Density, hardness, tensile strength and elongation at break gradually decrease and moisture absorption increases with increasing foaming agent content.

The paper outlines the objectives and assumptions of an evolutionary operation aimed at optimizing polymer processing and tracking the drift of optimal operating conditions. The method is based on two-level multifactor experimental designs and, depending on the form of the objective function, can be applied both numerically and experimentally. The concept, purpose, and implementation scenarios of the proposed method were characterized. As an example, the results of studies on the optimization of the low-density polyethylene injection molding process were presented.

Effect of weathering on the surface properties of PP, PE, and PP+PS blend intended for outdoor use was investigated. Contact angle, surface energy, thermal stability, and hardness were compared before exposure to the test chamber, after a 288-hour test, and after six months in a real atmosphere. The PP+PS blend proved to be the most suitable material for outdoor applications among the materials tested, as evidenced by its superior thermal stability and hardness. No surface degradation was observed after either accelerated or natural aging.

Effect of a blowing agent (Expancel 920 MB 120) in the form of polymer microspheres on the optical properties of LDPE films for use as light diffusers was investigated. The blowing agent was used at 1, 3, and 5 wt% amount. The films were obtained by extrusion blow molding. The addition of microspheres resulted in a reduction in the transmittance of the film below 0.1%. Using these films, the desired light diffusion for a point source can be achieved.

The first part of the research presented in this article, related to the geometric accuracy of models made using four specific additive manufacturing methods: Material Extrusion Modeling (MEM), PolyJet Modeling (PJM), Digital Light Processing (DLP), and Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS), focuses on the accuracy of rectangular and cylindrical models. For this purpose, research models were developed containing cylindrical and rectangular solids and holes in the dimensional range 0.1-10 mm. Based on the results, it was found that DMLS models are characterized by the highest geometric accuracy.

Effect of mixing pressure in a high-pressure machine on the structure and physical properties of flexible polyurethane foams was investigated. The foams were produced under industrial conditions using the PLUSOL-F-201-05 polyurethane system and pressures ranging from 90 to 170 bar. Apparent density, cell structure (SEM), chemical composition (FT-IR), thermal properties (TGA), hardness, SAG (comfort index), resilience, and deformation stability were assessed. Samples taken from the lower and middle sections of the blocks differed in density, urea group content, and degree of phase separation, which influenced their thermal resistance and degradation. The key effect of mixing process parameters on the structure and properties of flexible foams was confirmed. As mixing pressure increased, hardness decreased and flexibility increased, while their cellular structure changed.

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer was synthesized using 2-pyrrolidinoacetonaphthone (MPY) as a photoinitiator, and the obtained PMMA was used as an adsorbent of Fe³⁺ ions. Under optimal conditions (0.2 g PMMA, 15 mg/L Fe³⁺, 40 min contact time, 30°C, pH 10, 150 rpm) 99.98% Fe³⁺ ions were removed from natural water samples. The obtained results indicate that UV-synthesized PMMA has the potential not only to remove Fe³⁺ but also other heavy metals and may constitute a sustainable solution for wastewater treatment.

Zanieczyszczenie tworzywami sztucznymi stanowi narastający globalny problem. Mikroplastik definiowany jest jako cząstki polimerów o wielkości poniżej 5 mm. Zostały one wykryte w wodzie, glebie, żywności oraz powietrzu. Wskazuje to na powszechną ekspozycję człowieka na mikroplastik. Trwałość mikroplastików w środowisku, w połączeniu z ich zdolnością do adsorpcji i transportu zanieczyszczeń, stwarza wielowymiarowe wyzwanie. Niezbędne jest podjęcie pilnych działań w celu ograniczenia zanieczyszczenia mikroplastikiem, w tym usprawnienie gospodarki odpadami oraz przeprowadzenie wiarygodnych badań dotyczących wpływu mikroplastiku na zdrowie człowieka.