Dispersion Polymerization Research Articles

Synthesis of Acrylic–Urethane Hybrid Polymer Dispersions and Investigations on Their Properties as Binders in Leather Finishing

This study investigates the synthesis and application of acrylic–urethane hybrid polymer dispersions as advanced binders for leather finishing. Two polymerization techniques—seeded emulsion and miniemulsion—were used to produce hybrid polymer dispersions by varying the ratios of polyurethane (PU) and acrylic (AC). The synthesized dispersions, i.e., the hybrid polyurethanes, showed stable, uniform particle sizes, inferring good compatibility and interaction between the PU and AC phases, as confirmed by particle sizes, FTIR, and DSC analyses. The performance of the coating on leather surfaces was assessed by using standard physical tests, including rubbing fastness, flexing endurance, water spot resistance, and grain strength. The results showed that the hybrid polymers outperformed their individual PU and AC counterparts, particularly in terms of abrasion resistance and mechanical integrity. Of the two polymerization techniques, the seeded emulsion hybrids exhibited superior coating properties, providing greater resistance to cracking and abrasion under stress, improved grain strength, and better color retention during rubbing tests. These findings highlight the potential of acrylic–urethane hybrids, particularly those prepared via seeded emulsion polymerization, to address the limitations of traditional binders in high-performance leather applications.

The mechanism of activity-controlled release of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl degradation by polystyrene microcapsulated nanoscale zero-valent iron.

Nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) is widely used for polychlorinated biphenyl (PBDE) remediation due to its cost-effectiveness and strong reduction capacity. However, its practical application is limited by poor stability, mobility, and antioxidant performance, as well as high reactivity that leads to side reactions and activity loss. To overcome these challenges, a poly(styrene)-encapsulated nZVI (PS-nZVI) core-shell structure was developed using dispersion polymerization. The resulting 10-15 nm polystyrene coating improved antioxidation, stability, mobility, and pH resistance (pH 5-9) compared to conventional nZVI. Incorporating a controlled release agent (20% acetone) at the start and midpoint of the reaction enhanced BDE-47 removal efficiency by 2.64 and 2.02 times, respectively, achieving nearly 100% activity release. Mechanistic studies revealed that the release agent promotes microcapsule corrosion and improves nZVI-BDE-47 interaction, enhancing both removal and debromination efficiency. PS-nZVI thus mitigates activity loss during storage and transport while enabling controlled reactivity for effective remediation.

Evaluation of 2,3-butanediol derived from whey fermentation as an effective bio-based monomer for waterborne polyurethane dispersions.

Within the context of the circular economy, the transformation of agri-food waste or by-products into valuable products is essential to promoting a transition towards more sustainable and efficient utilisation of resources. Whey is a very abundant by-product of dairy manufacturing. Apart from partial reutilisation in animal feed or some food supplements, the sustainable management and disposal of whey still represent significant environmental challenges. In this work, whey is considered a valuable resource for producing high-value products, specifically 2,3-butanediol (2,3-BDO), which was produced through fermentation using the bacterial strain Lactococcus lactis 43103. The described process yielded a >90% purity of 2,3-BDO, which was evaluated as a potential chain extender in the synthesis of bio-based waterborne polyurethane dispersions (PUDs). The incorporation of whey-derived 2,3-BDO led to the development of PUDs with up to 90% bio-based content without detrimental effects on the process or liquid-phase properties. The combination of 100% bio-based polyether polyols with partially renewable L-lysine ethyl ester diisocyanate and whey-derived 2,3-BDO as a chain extender generated totally stable, low-particle-size water dispersions of amorphous polymers characterised by similar structure and molecular weight compared to those of alternative petroleum-based PUDs. These results open up the possibility of incorporating fermentation-derived 2,3-BDO as a totally renewable component in bio-based PUDs as potential sustainable resinous systems for further formulation of water-based coatings or adhesives.

Chitosan/vanillin/polydimethylsiloxane scaffolds with tunable stiffness for muscle cell proliferation

The mechanical properties of scaffolds can significantly influence cell behavior. We propose a methodology for producing chitosan and vanillin-crosslinked chitosan films with tunable mechanical properties to be applied as scaffolds for C2C12 myoblasts. In this approach, aqueous polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomeric dispersions were prepared using polysorbate 20 as emulsifier. These dispersions were then cured and incorporated into chitosan or vanillin-crosslinked chitosan polymeric dispersions at two different volume fractions (1 % and 10 %), followed by casting into films. Atomic force microscopy in force spectroscopy mode was used to characterize the mechanical properties of the swollen systems in PBS buffer. The mechanical properties of the chitosan and vanillin-crosslinked chitosan scaffolds were modulated by the incorporation of the elastomer. The elastic modulus (E) of chitosan-based scaffolds varied from 60 to 200 kPa, while for vanillin-based scaffolds, it ranged from 200 to 600 kPa with the addition of PDMS elastomers. A general trend observed was that the softest scaffolds exhibited the highest swelling degree and the lowest gel content. After 24 h, good cell viability was observed for chitosan and chitosan-PDMS scaffolds, whereas vanillin-based scaffolds showed borderline cytotoxicity (~70 %). C2C12 cells demonstrated good adhesion on scaffolds with E values ranging from 114 to 568 kPa.

The Stability Evaluation of Ceria Slurry Using Polymer Dispersants with Varying Contents for Chemical Mechanical Polishing Process.

The chemical mechanical polishing/planarization (CMP) is essential for achieving the desired surface quality and planarity required for subsequent layers and processing steps. However, the aggregation of slurry particles caused by abrasive materials can lead to scratches, defects, increased surface roughness, degradation the quality and durability of the finished surface after milling processes during the CMP process. In this study, ceria slurry was prepared using polymer dispersant with zinc salt of ethylene acrylic acid (EAA) copolymer at different contents of 5, 6, and 7 wt% (denoted as D5, D6, and D7) to minimize particle aggregation commonly observed in CMP slurries. Among them, the D7 sample exhibited smaller particle sizes compared to commercial ceria slurry, which was attributed to the influence of the carboxyl groups (-COOH) of the polyacrylic acid polymer coating the ceria particles. It is believed that the polymer dispersant more effectively adsorbs onto the particle surfaces, increasing electrostatic repulsion between particles and thereby reducing particle size. Furthermore, the stability of the prepared slurry was evaluated under extreme conditions over three months at 25 °C (both open and closed conditions), 4 °C, and 60 °C. The D7 slurry remained stable with no significant changes observed. In addition, the prepared D7 ceria slurry exhibited a slightly higher removal rate (RR) and better uniformity, which can be attributed to the smaller particle sizes of the ceria nanoparticles compared to those in the commercial slurry. This suggests that the colloidal stability of the D7 ceria slurry is superior to that of the commercial ceria slurry.

Improving the Elastic Response of Tanned Leather by Treatment with a Carboxylic Elastomer.

The elastic response of chromium-tanned leather was successfully improved by treatment with XSBR, a carboxylated styrene-butadiene copolymer. The carboxylic groups pending from a styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) backbone were found to promote penetration of the aqueous polymer dispersion into the fibrous tanned leather and participated in pH-reversible physical crosslinking by H-bonding. The different penetrations of XSBR or SBR were investigated using a micro-FTIR cross-sectional analysis from the grain (outer) to the flesh (inner) side of 18 wt% elastomer-treated samples, based on the shaved leather weight. In particular, the profile of the diagnostic out-of-plane =C-H bending of butadiene and styrene units was consistent with a more effective penetration of XSBR. The leather with XSBR showed a comparatively lower elastic modulus of 10-15% and roughly a 10% increase in elongation at the break, indicating better flexibility and shape recovery. Also, the leather was characterized by a 15% higher burst strength. These results suggest the better swelling of the ionomeric XSBR in the initial stage of retanning performed at a pH higher than the isoelectric point of the leather when both the tanned leather and the XSBR ionomer had a negative surface charge. The high pH favored the penetration of XSBR due to a poor attractive interaction with the tanned fibrous leather network. Subsequent processing in an acid bath caused further physical crosslinking through hydrogen bonding between XSBR and the leather.

New Insight into Industrial Lignin Intermolecular Force Heterogeneity Mitigation: Monodispersed Lignin Colloidal Sphere Synthesis and Full Biomass Photonic Material Preparation.

Industrial lignin is an underutilized resource from the pulping industry due to its high heterogeneity. The transformation of industrial lignin into monodispersed lignin colloidal spheres (LCSs) for the preparation of advanced biomass photonic materials is particularly appealing, because of their unique biocompatibility. However, the LCSs synthesized from industrial lignin generally show a wide size distribution and thus limit this specific application. To address the issue, selective functionalization was carried out to convert phenolic and aliphatic -OH groups into ester groups, decreasing the LCS size distribution to a monodispersing degree. Simulation analysis revealed that the functionalization had narrowed the difference of C-O linkage electron cloud distribution and led to a lignin polarity decrease. Additionally, atomic force microscopy (AFM) quantification of lignin proved a force distribution index (FDI) decrease from 0.38 to 0.11, which was consistent with the LCS polymer dispersity index (PDI) decrease from 0.182 to 0.05. The photonic materials can be readily prepared from monodispersed LCSs with the color precisely adjusted by controlling LCS particle sizes.

Highly efficient iodine capture and selective adsorption and removal of cationic dyes by using a copper-based coordination polymer decorated over graphene oxide and carbon nanotubes

This study focuses on synthesizing hybrid nanocomposites (HNCs) through a one-step solvothermal method, combining highly crystalline and evenly dispersed copper-based coordination polymer (Cu-CP), graphene oxide (GO), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Extensive characterization using elemental analysis, SEM, TEM, EDX, XRD, FT-IR, Raman spectroscopy, TGA, and crystallographic studies confirm the properties of the nanocomposites, with PXRD investigation supporting their clear crystalline structure. Morphological and elemental studies reveal effective adsorption of copper-benzoic acid-containing Cu-CP onto GO and CNT substrates. The synthesized nanocomposites exhibit superior adsorption capacity for iodine (I2), a model radioactive pollutant, attributed to decreased CP size and larger surface area. The strong affinity for I2 arises from various interactions, including conjugated π-electron aromatic systems and halogen bonds. Cu-CP, Cu-CP@GO, and Cu-CP@CNT adsorbents efficiently extract toxic iodine from hexane solution, achieving a substantial capture capacity of 347.85 mg/g over 24 h. In the vapor phase, Cu-CP@GO exhibits an even higher capacity (951.52 mg/g within 25 h). Moreover, the application of Cu-CP, Cu-CP@GO, and Cu-CP@CNT in environmental protection showcases their efficacy in removing cationic and anionic dyes, particularly highlighting remarkable cationic dye selectivity through cation-π and π-π interactions. This research underscores the promising potential of these HNCs in addressing environmental challenges and pollutant remediation.

Control of molecular weight distribution through photoresponsive RAFT polymerization with a temporal program-controlled system

The polymer dispersity index (PDI) is a vital metric for characterizing molecular weight distribution, significantly influencing polymer material performance. However, achieving precise control over PDI in polymer synthesis remains a substantial challenge. In this study, we introduce an approach for modifying the PDI of poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA) in switchable reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer radical polymerizations (RAFT). The devised strategy involves the utilization of photoresponsive hexaarylbiimidazole (HABI) as a mediator, coupled with temporal programming, to cyclically deactivate and reactivate propagating radicals at distinct stages throughout the polymerization process. The precise timing of the light stimulus is facilitated through computer-controlled single-chip microcomputer technology, ensuring automatic modulation of the optical state and mitigating operational inaccuracies. By manipulating external light conditions, the PDI of PMAs can be systematically adjusted within the range of 1.80–2.59. Validation through successful chain-extension experiments and analysis via MALDI-TOF MS confirm the preservation of good chain-end fidelity across PMAs with varying PDIs fabricated through this methodology.

Aqueous Dispersion Polymerization for the Development of Lamivudine-Polyacrylonitrile Nanoparticles through Quality by Design Approach.

The development of polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) from preformed polymers usually requires the use of organic solvents and is more expensive. Hence, in this work, the development of polymeric nanoparticles by in situ aqueous dispersion polymerization from the monomers was set as an objective. Acrylonitrile monomer based polymeric NPs comprising Lamivudine (LMV) as a model drug were prepared using the aqueous dispersion polymerization technique. A quality by design approach was applied to optimise various formulation and process factors viz. monomer concentration, initiator concentration, stabilizer concentration and polymerization temperature. Polymerization time (PT), entrapment efficiency (EE), particle size (PS), and drug release rate constant (k) were taken as the responses to define the quality of the prepared NPs. Design of experiments analysis followed by optimization was performed to identify the optimized combination of the factors. Later, the optimized formulation was studied for the physical state of the LMV in the nanoparticles, surface morphology of the NPs and cytotoxicity studies. The optimized formulation was found to have 91.7 min. of PT, 81.4% of EE, 253 nm of PS and a k value of 0.262 h-1 (18 h to release 99%). The cytotoxicity studies indicated that the NPs were highly safe to use. These results altogether inferred that LMV contained NPs were developed effectively from the acrylonitrile monomer by the aqueous dispersion polymerization method.

Introduction of Novel Drug Shipping Gadget Nanocapsule

Nano drugs are vesicular structures in which the medicine is contained in a hollow with an inner liquid middle and a polymeric membrane surrounding it . A Nano pill is nanoscale shall made from a secure polymer Nano pill consists of a thin membrane surrounding a middle (Liquid, stable) with their length starting from 10nm to one thousand nm. Nano capsules are submicroscopic colloidal drug provider structures composed of an oily or an aqueous middle surrounded via a skinny polymer membrane. The membrane can be composed of natural or artificial polymers. Kinds of polymers can be hired inside the manufacture of Nano tablets. 1) Polymers discovered in nature 2) Polymers that have been synthesized . a) Solvent evaporation b) Nano precipitation c) emulsification / Solvent diffusion d) Salting out e) Dialysis f) incredible vital fluid era are some of the strategies used to create nano pills. The nanometric length of Nano capsule may be exciting for many programs like cosmetics, perfumes or pharmaceutical industries. this text is an prolonged overview of these Nanocapsule technologies and their applications for the remedy of diverse diseases. The Nanocapsule is used in various fields for drug transport in case of tumors, as a Nano capsule Bandages to combat infection, as a liposomal Nanocapsule in meals technology and Agriculture, in turning in radio remedy and as a self-recovery material. Nano capsules are subjected to a diffusion of characterization and evaluation methods. To attain managed launch and efficient drug focused on, dispersed polymer nanocapsules can be employed as nano-sized drug providers. Nanocapsules variety in length from 10 nm to a thousand nm and are available in a selection of sizes. Nanocapsule is a Nanoparticle that is spherical, hole shape with a diameter much less than 200nm in which favored substance may be placed. They may be packed with a solvent, both polar or non polar.

Plasma synthesis and characteristics of nanocomposite coatings based on PVA and chitosan with incorporated nanoparticles for the healing of skin wounds

This study investigated the impact of new composites based on PVA and chitosan on wound healing in mice. Metal or metal oxide nanoparticles were synthesized without reagents by creating an impulse discharge between metal electrodes in a polymer dispersion. Polymer composites and coatings were then prepared using these nanoparticles. The composites were analyzed using various techniques, including UV spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmittance electron microscopy, and infrared spectroscopy. The maximum concentration of nanoparticles in the composite was 3.5%. The average diameter of the nanoparticles was approximately 50-60 nm. The inclusion of Ag and ZnO nanoparticles accelerated the healing process by approximately 25%.

Polymer microparticles with ultralong room-temperature phosphorescence for visual and quantitative detection of oxygen through phosphorescence image and lifetime analysis

Room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) materials exhibiting long emission lifetimes have gained increasing attention owing to their potential applications in encryption, anti-counterfeiting, and sensing. However, most polymers exhibit a short RTP lifetime (<1 s) because of their unstable triplet excitons. Herein, a new strategy of polymer chain stabilized phosphorescence (PCSP), which yields a new kind of RTP polymers with an ultralong lifetime and a sensitive oxygen response, has been reported. The rigid polymer chains of poly(methyl mathacrylate) (PMMA) immobilize the emitter molecules through multiple interactions between them, giving rise to efficient RTP. Meanwhile, the loosely-packed amorphous polymer chains allow oxygen to diffuse inside, endowing the doped polymers with oxygen sensitivity. Flexible and transparent polymer films exhibited an impressive ultralong RTP lifetime of 2.57 s at room temperature in vacuum, which was among the best performance of PMMA. Intriguingly, their RTP was rapidly quenched in the presence of oxygen. Furthermore, RTP microparticles with a diameter of 1.63 μm were synthesized using in situ dispersion polymerization technique. Finally, oxygen sensors for quick, visual, and quantitative oxygen detection were developed based on the RTP microparticles through phosphorescence lifetime and image analysis. With distinctive advantages such as an ultralong lifetime, oxygen sensitivity, ease of fabrication, and cost-effectiveness, PCSP opens a new avenue to sensitive materials for oxygen detection.

Spray drying of polymer dispersions for redispersible powder coatings: Effects of stabilization mechanisms and process conditions

Spray drying of polymer dispersions for redispersible powder coatings: Effects of stabilization mechanisms and process conditions

Preparation and properties of polymer composites filled with modified highly dispersed polyethylene terephthalate

A new method of processing polyethylene terephthalate waste into a highly dispersed polymer filler by chemical treatment in an aqueous ammonia solution has been proposed. The possibility of obtaining highly dispersed polymer filler and polymer composite materials under elevated pressure and temperature by incorporating the filler into an epoxy oligomer has been demonstrated. The size and microphase structure of dispersed modified polyethylene terephthalate were determined using optical microscopy and speckle interferometry. Infrared spectroscopy established the presence of polyamide groups on the surface and preserved polyethylene terephthalate in the center of the particles. The use of 2-(tri-butoxymethyl)oxirane monoepoxide demonstrated that the resulting powder is an active filler and reacts with epoxy groups at elevated temperature, enhancing the strength of the composite after formation. Some operational characteristics of the polymer composites have been determined, and the feasibility of applying the proposed methods to address the disposal of PET containers, including plastic bottles, has been shown. The conditions for producing the fillers, along with the characteristics of the obtained fillers and the polymer composites based on them, have been established.

Enhancing mechanical properties and crack resistance of high-strength SHCC/ECC for durable transportation through ethylene-vinyl acetate polymer modification

Strain-hardening cementitious composites (SHCC) possess excellent ductility and toughness, making them suitable for reinforcement and repair projects of transit infrastructures, such as tunnel linings, bridges, and highways. Especially, polyethylene (PE) fiber is admixed to SHCC for fabricating high-strength PE-SHCC. However, the hydrophobic nature of PE fibers results in relatively weak interfacial frictional bond strength with cementitious matrix, ultimately leading to larger crack widths and wider gaps. This poses durability and safety concerns for the practical applications of PE-SHCC in transit infrastructure. In this study, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) dispersible polymer is selected to address this problem. The effect of admixing EVA on mechanical and direct tensile properties of PE-SHCC is investigated. The compressive strength, first crack strength and matrix fracture toughness of PE-SHCC tended to decrease after EVA modification, however, the tensile strength and tensile strain increased significantly with doping. After that, the single fiber pullout test combined with flaw size/distribution analysis is performed to explore the improvement mechanism of PE-SHCC after EVA modification. It was found that the addition of EVA could significantly improve the interfacial transition zone (ITZ), increase the interfacial friction between PE fibers and matrix, and optimise the defect distribution within the matrix. The recommended dosage of EVA is 3–6 % comprehensive consideration of the tensile strength, strain energy, crack width, and mechanical strengths of the EVA-modified PE-SHCC. The enhancement of mechanical strengths and crack resistance in PE-SHCC contributes to the development of transit infrastructure towards greater reliability, durability, and resilience.

Deciphering Biosynthesis Mechanism and Solution Properties of Cyclic Amylopectin.

A novel cyclic amylopectin (CA) was synthesized from waxy corn starch (WCS) using Bacillus stearothermophilus branching enzyme (BstBE), providing insights into its biosynthesis mechanism and solution properties. During the first 4 h, BstBE partially cyclized WCS, producing 68.20% CA with a significantly reduced molecular weight (MW), from 8.98 × 10⁶ to 3.19 × 10⁴ g/mol and a lower polymer dispersity index (PDI), decreasing from 1.97 to 1.12. This resulted in a uniform CA structure with shorter chain lengths, particularly increasing DP 3-13, especially DP 7-9. Over the subsequent 4-12 h, the PDI slightly increased to 1.18 as the CA content decreased to 50.48%, with an increase in small ring structures (DP 6-12) of CA, suggesting both ring-opening and ring-downsizing due to continued enzyme catalysis. These results propose a two-stage reaction model: initial cyclization followed bybranching and secondary cyclization. CA exhibited excellent solution properties, with BE-4 and BE-12 samples demonstrating high solubility (≥65 g/100 mL), low viscosity (<0.01 Pa·s), and over 90% light transmittance after 14 days at 4 °C, highlighting its broad application potential.

Photoluminescence color-tuning with polymer-dispersed fluorescent films containing two fluorinated diphenylacetylene-type fluorophores.

The development of organic light-emitting devices has driven demand for new luminescent materials, particularly after the 2001 discovery of aggregation-induced emission. This study focuses on fluorinated diphenylacetylene-based luminescent molecules, revealing that specific molecular modifications can enhance fluorescence and achieve a wide range of photoluminescence colors. A simple and effective luminescence color-tuning method is proposed to investigate the photoluminescence behavior of two-component polymer dispersion films blended with two types of fluorinated diphenylacetylenes, namely blue- and yellow- or red-fluorescent fluorinated diphenylacetylenes. It is confirmed that if blue and green-yellow or yellow fluorophores are blended in appropriate ratios, a binary blend with color coordinates (0.20, 0.32) can be achieved, which approaches the white point of pure white emission. These findings contribute to the development of effective lighting and display devices as new white-light-emitting materials.

Co-stabilization effects of gluten/carrageenan to the over-heated myofibrillar protein: Inhibit the undesirable gel weakening and protein over-aggregations

High-temperature (120 °C) sterilization is an indispensable process for manufacturing ready-to-eat surimi products, yet risking the denaturation of their myofibrillar proteins (MP), thus significantly reducing the gelling properties. To resolve this problem, herein, a synergistic co-strengthening strategy was designed. The negatively charged polysaccharide carrageenan (CG) was introduced into MP simultaneously with wheat gluten, followed by 120 °C thermal treatment for 30 min. A substantial enhancement in mechanical strength, up to four times greater (from 9.86 to 42.38 g·cm), was observed for MP gels, which even surpassed that subjected to conventional gelation processes at 90 °C (36.53 g·cm). Gels that were concurrently added with gluten and CG exhibited porous networks, uniform water distribution, and improved water holding capacity. Accordingly, over-aggregation behaviors of MP were restricted, as evidenced by their reduced particle sizes and polymer dispersity index. Other heat-induced protein deteriorations at 120 °C, i.e., changes of secondary structures and disulfide bonding conformations, were also alleviated. By varying the CG types, it was shown that the κ-CG/gluten-added MP achieved highest gel strength, while the ι-CG/gluten combination may better stabilize the moisture in gel networks. This study introduces a co-reinforcement paradigm and scientific insights to the quality improvement of ready-to-eat meat products.

Nanocellulose‐polypropylene composites with novel antimicrobial complex salt

AbstractPolypropylene composites with different contents of zinc‐ammonium salts (3, 5 and 7 wt%) and nanocellulose (1 wt%) after enzymatic bioconversion were characterized by structural, dispersion‐morphological, thermal, antimicrobial and mechanical analysis. It was shown that the use of a newly synthesized salt significantly affected the formation of the supermolecular structure of the polymer matrix and increased the nucleation activity, thermostability and flexibility of the composite materials. Moreover, the addition of the inorganic filler allowed to obtain composites with very good antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. An interesting relationship between the degree of filler dispersion in the polymer matrix and the formation of polymorphic varieties was elucidated in the study, which contributes to the improvement of final performance characteristics of composite materials. It is noteworthy that a hybrid filler in the form of nanometric cellulose and a biocidal additive containing zinc‐ammonium complex salt was used for the first time. Research has shown that such polymer composites can find application during the manufacture of smart packaging materials with enhanced barrier properties against oxygen and water vapor as well as improved biocidal characteristics, which will notably extend food storage time. At the same time, the presented process of obtaining the innovative composite materials is an excellent example of sustainable technologies for the design of antimicrobial treatments, while guaranteeing the possibility of further processing of these composite materials through material recycling.Highlights Zinc‐ammonium complex with antimicrobial properties was obtained The strength properties and thermal stability of the composites were improved Degree of filler dispersion in polymer affects formation of polymorphic varieties The composites can be applied in the production of smart packaging materials