Petroleum-based Polymers Research Articles

Effect of different proportions of CNTs/Fe3O4 hybrid filler on the morphological, electrical and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of poly(lactic acid) nanocomposites

Abstract Due to the shortage of petroleum resources, poly(lactic acid) (PLA), a biodegradable polymer, has been widely considered as a replacement for traditional petroleum-based polymers. Therefore, multifunctional PLA composites have become increasingly popular. In this study, conductive carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and magnetic nano-Fe3O4 fillers were melt-blended with PLA. The impact of CNTs and nano-Fe3O4 composition on the electrical and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties of PLA nanocomposites was investigated in detail by adjusting the CNTs-to-nano-Fe3O4 ratio. When the hybrid filler content was fixed at 10 wt%, the electrical conductivity results indicated that the addition of single CNTs could effectively improve the conductivity of the nanocomposites, while nano-Fe3O4 contribution was hardly noted. A suitable ratio of electromagnetic hybrid fillers can yield excellent synergistic effects in EMI shielding properties. The nanocomposites containing CNTs and nano-Fe3O4 in a 50:50 ratio exhibited excellent electrical conductivity (90.6 S·m−1) and EMI shielding effectiveness (EMI SE ∼ 40.5 dB). This is primarily because CNTs provide good electrical conductivity, but the addition of magnetic nano-Fe3O4 provides additional interfacial polarization and eddy current losses caused by its dielectric and magnetic properties. These properties synergistically result in an impedance mismatch, dielectric loss, and polarization relaxation of the composite materials, improving the shielding properties against electromagnetic waves. Further, it was found that changing the ratio of electromagnetic hybrid fillers also affected electromagnetic wave absorption. When the ratio of CNT-to-nano-Fe3O4 was 25:75, the nanocomposites had an EMI SE of 24.6 dB, and the absorptivity could reach the maximum (40.3%). Thus, this study provides a valuable reference for preparing multifunctional polymer nanocomposites by constructing electromagnetic hybrid filler networks.

Development of citric acid crosslinked biodegradable chitosan/hydroxyethyl cellulose/organo-modified nanoclay composite films as sustainable food packaging materials

ABSTRACT Chitosan/hydroxyethyl cellulose-based sustainable food packaging composite films (CS/HEC/NC) crosslinked with citric acid (CA) and containing organophilic nanoclay were prepared using the solvent casting method. The physical, thermal, mechanical and barrier properties of as-synthesized composite films were evaluated toward their use as an alternative to petroleum-based polymers. A considerable improvement was observed in surface hydrophobicity, water resistance, barrier properties, tensile strength, and thermal stability of the composite films with increasing nanoclay ratio. CS/HEC/NC3 film loaded with 5 wt% nanoclay exhibited the best physical properties with percent enhancements of 22.94°C, 52.56% and 36.53° in maximum degradation temperature, tensile strength, and water contact angle, respectively, over the neat CS/HEC film. In addition, low permeabilities against water vapor (1.240 × 10−11 gs−1m−1Pa−1) and oxygen (1.12 × 10−16 m3s−1m−1Pa−1), and also strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli were obtained for this film. The food preservation effects of CS/HEC/NC composite films against cherry tomatoes were also studied, and less than 20% mass loss was achieved in five weeks. Consequently, CS/HEC/NC composite films can be considered competitive packaging materials with great potential to improve safety and quality and extend the shelf life of packaged foods.

Studying the Fabrication and Characterization of Polymer Composites Reinforced with Waste Eggshell Powder

Polymeric and plastic materials currently have numerous positive impacts due to their unique properties that make them important for various engineering applications. However, sustainability is a vital factor that should be considered, because of environmental issues. Eggshells (ES) are an important way to reduce the impact of nondegradable materials when applied to reinforce different types of polymer matrices, whether natural or synthetic polymers. Therefore, this study is an attempt to explore the potential application of waste eggshell fillers for the first time as a natural reinforcement in polyamide 12 (PA) composites. PA was loaded with three different ratios (3, 5, and 10 wt. %) of eggshell powder. Morphological studies of the PA powder, ES powder, and their composites were carried out by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Furthermore, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy were performed to study the thermal and chemical properties of the raw materials and the produced composites. The results indicate ES fillers’ potential usage as a reinforcement material to develop the thermal and chemical properties of the PA polymer matrix composites, thereby reducing costs and minimizing the environmental pollution caused by waste eggshells and petroleum-based polymers.

Poly(Lactic Acid) / Polyester Blends: Review of Current and Future Applications

Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is a promising polymer with its value and potential due to its sustainability, low carbon footprint, and being a superior bio-based polymer compared to other bioplastics. Since it is also a compostable aliphatic polyester, has been frequently subjected to research.
 Researchers have conducted studies on the compatibility of PLA, which is a bio-based, biodegradable, and compostable, renewable polymer, with traditional petrochemical-based polymers, especially polyesters such as polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). It is highly important that applications of PLA/polyester blends will ensure that the materials developed are not only economically and sustainable but also can meet current and future appropriate needs. PLA-based materials have some disadvantages such as slow biodegradation rate, high cost, and low toughness, and to eliminate mentioned drawbacks generally blends are prepared with petroleum-based polymers.
 In this review, information about the perspectives with studies for PLA/polyester blends; approaches to the subject, potential application areas, and contributions for the future were given.

Strategies for Exploiting Milk Protein Properties in Making Films and Coatings for Food Packaging: A Review.

Biopolymers of different natures (carbohydrates, proteins, etc.) recovered from by-products of industrial processes are increasingly being studied to obtain biomaterials as alternatives to conventional plastics, thus contributing to the implementation of a circular economy. The food industry generates huge amounts of by-products and waste, including unsold food products that reach the end of their shelf life and are no longer usable in the food chain. Milk proteins can be easily separated from dairy waste and adapted into effective bio-based polymeric materials. Firstly, this review describes the relevant properties of milk proteins and the approaches to modifying them for subsequent use. Then, we provide an overview of recent studies on the development of films and coatings based on milk proteins and, where available, their applications in food packaging. Comparisons among published studies were made based on the formulation as well as production conditions and technologies. The role of different additives and modifiers tested for the performances of films and coatings, such as water vapor permeability, tensile strength, and elongation at break, were reviewed. This review also outlines the limitations of milk-protein-based materials, such as moisture sensitivity and brittleness. Overall, milk proteins hold great potential as a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based polymers. However, their use in food packaging materials at an industrial level remains problematic.

Recent trends in nanocomposite packaging films utilising waste generated biopolymers: Industrial symbiosis and its implication in sustainability.

Uncontrolled waste generation and management difficulties are causing chaos in the ecosystem. Although it is vital to ease environmental pressures, right now there is no such practical strategy available for the treatment or utilisation of waste material. Because the Earth's resources are limited, a long-term, sustainable, and sensible solution is necessary. Currently waste material has drawn a lot of attention as a renewable resource. Utilisation of residual biomass leftovers appears as a green and sustainable approach to lessen the waste burden on Earth while meeting the demand for bio-based goods. Several biopolymers are available from renewable waste sources that have the potential to be used in a variety of industries for a wide range of applications. Natural and synthetic biopolymers have significant advantages over petroleum-based polymers in terms of cost-effectiveness, environmental friendliness, and user-friendliness. Using waste as a raw material through industrial symbiosis should be taken into account as one of the strategies to achieve more economic and environmental value through inter-firm collaboration on the path to a near-zero waste society. This review extensively explores the different biopolymers which can be extracted from several waste material sources and that further have potential applications in food packaging industries to enhance the shelf life of perishables. This review-based study also provides key insights into the different strategies and techniques that have been developed recently to extract biopolymers from different waste byproducts and their feasibility in practical applications for the food packaging business.

Synthesis of Furan-Based Diamine and Its Application in the Preparation of Bio-Based Polyimide.

Furan-based compounds are a new class of compounds characteristic of wide abundance, feasible availability, and environmental friendliness. Presently, polyimide (PI) is the best membrane insulation material in the world, which is widely used in the fields of national defense, liquid crystals, lasers, and so on. At present, most polyimides are synthesized using petroleum-based monomers bearing benzene rings, while furan-based compounds bearing furan rings are rarely used as monomers. The production of petroleum-based monomers is always associated with many environmental issues, and their substitution with furan-based compounds seems a solution to addressing these issues. In this paper, t-butoxycarbonylglycine (BOC-glycine) and 2,5-furandimethanol, bearing furan rings, were employed to synthesize BOC-glycine 2,5-furandimethyl ester, which was further applied for the synthesis of furan-based diamine. This diamine is generally used to synthesize bio-based PI. Their structures and properties were thoroughly characterized. The characterization results showed that BOC-glycine could be effectively obtained using different posttreatment methods. And BOC-glycine 2,5-furandimethyl ester could be effectively obtained by optimizing the accelerating agent of 1,3-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide(DCC) with either 1.25 mol/L or 1.875 mol/L as the optimum value. The PIs originated from furan-based compounds were synthesized and their thermal stability and surface morphology were further characterized. Although the obtained membrane was slightly brittle (mostly due to the less rigidity of furan ring as compared with benzene ring), the excellent thermal stability and smooth surface endow it a potential substitution for petroleum-based polymers. And the current research is also expected to shed some insight into the design and the fabrication of eco-friendly polymers.

Multifunctional Bacterial Cellulose Films Enabled by Deep Eutectic Solvent-Extracted Lignin.

Inspired by natural plant cells, lignin is utilized as a filler and a functional agent to modify bacterial cellulose (BC). By mimicking the lignin-carbohydrate structure, deep eutectic solvent (DES)-extracted lignin serves as a glue to strength the BC films and endows the films with diverse functionality. The lignin isolated by the DES (formed by choline chloride and lactic acid) is rich in phenol hydroxyl groups (5.5 mmol/g) and exhibits a narrow molecular weight distribution. A good interface compatibility can be obtained in the composite film, and lignin fills the void/gaps between BC fibrils. The integration of lignin endows the films with enhanced water-proof, mechanical, UV shielding, gas barrier, and antioxidant abilities. The BC/lignin composite film with 0.4 g of lignin addition (BL-0.4) exhibits an oxygen permeability and a water vapor transmission rate of 0.4 mL/m2/day/Pa and 0.9 g/m2/day, respectively. The multifunctional films are promising candidates for packing materials and exhibit a broad application prospect in the field of petroleum-based polymer replacement.

Biodegradation of Different Types of Bioplastics through Composting—A Recent Trend in Green Recycling

In recent years, the adoption of sustainable alternatives has become a powerful tool for replacing petroleum-based polymers. As a biodegradable alternative to petroleum-derived plastics, bioplastics are becoming more and more prevalent and have the potential to make a significant contribution to reducing plastic pollution in the environment. Meanwhile, their biodegradation is highly dependent on their environment. The leakage of bioplastics into the environment and their long degradation time frame during waste management processes are becoming major concerns that need further investigation. This review highlights the extent and rate of the biodegradation of bioplastic in composting, soil, and aquatic environments, and examines the biological and environmental factors involved in the process. Furthermore, the review highlights the need for further research on the long-term fate of bioplastics in natural and industrial environments. The roles played by enzymes as biocatalysts and metal compounds as catalysts through composting can help to achieve a sustainable approach to the biodegradation of biopolymers. The knowledge gained in this study will also contribute to the development of policies and assessments for bioplastic waste, as well as provide direction for future bioplastics research and development.

Selected Biopolymers' Processing and Their Applications: A Review.

Petroleum-based polymers are used in a multitude of products in the commercial world, but their high degree of contamination and non-biodegradability make them unattractive. The development and use of polymers derived from nature offer a solution to achieve an environmentally friendly and green alternative and reduce waste derived from plastics. This review focuses on showing an overview of the most widespread production methods for the main biopolymers. The parameters affecting the development of the technique, the most suitable biopolymers, and the main applications are included. The most studied biopolymers are those derived from polysaccharides and proteins. These biopolymers are subjected to production methods that improve their properties and modify their chemical structure. Process factors such as temperature, humidity, solvents used, or processing time must be considered. Among the most studied production techniques are solvent casting, coating, electrospinning, 3D printing, compression molding, and graft copolymerization. After undergoing these production techniques, biopolymers are applied in many fields such as biomedicine, pharmaceuticals, food packaging, scaffold engineering, and others.

An Overview of Green Bioprocessing of Algae-Derived Biochar and Biopolymers: Synthesis, Preparation, and Potential Applications

Algae have the potential to be used as a feedstock for the synthesis of valuable compounds and biofuels. In addition, algal waste can be further transformed into biofuel, biogas, and biochar using different thermochemical processes such as microwave pyrolysis, pyrolysis, torrefaction, and hydrothermal conversion. Due to its high specific surface area, rapid electron transport, and graphitic carbon structure, algal biochar carbonized at high temperatures has shown outstanding performance for applications as CO2 adsorbents, supercapacitors, and persulfate activation. Due to the combination of various functional groups and porous structures, the algae biomass pyrolysis at a moderate temperature produced high-quality biochar that shows high performance in terms of pollutant removal, while low-temperature pyrolysis produces coal fuel from algae via torrefaction. Over time, there have been exponentially more petroleum-based polymers created that have harmful impacts on both humans and the environment. As a result, researchers are becoming more interested in algae-based biopolymers as a potential alternative strategy for establishing a sustainable circular economy globally. The advantages of microalgal biopolymer over other feedstocks are its capacity to compost, which provides greenhouse gas credits, its quick growth ability with flexibility in a variety of settings, and its ability to minimize greenhouse gas emissions.

Lotus leaf inspired sustainable and multifunctional Janus film for food packaging

Multifunctional and sustainable packaging materials applicable to changeable conditions are in high demand as alternatives to petroleum-based polymers. Soybean polysaccharides (SPS) with remarkable antioxidation and film-formation properties are great candidates for sustainable packaging materials. However, the poor water resistance and mechanical properties of SPS hinder their further application. Inspired by the Janus properties of lotus leaf, we developed asymmetric multifunctional packaging films by addressing the problems of SPS while keeping their merits. Specifically, SPS-stabilized silver nanoparticles were incorporated with gelatin and wax to enhance the mechanical properties and water tolerance of the resulting film. Moreover, hierarchical micro-/nano-structures consisting of carnauba wax were feasibly fabricated on one side of the film, resembling the natural front lotus leaf. This Janus film has outstanding water resistance, outperforming all other SPS-based materials reported to date. In addition, the excellent antibacterial activity (>95 % against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus), antioxidation properties (2-fold enhancements), and UV-blocking performance (∼100 % at 200–400 nm) were well retained. By virtue of these multifunctional properties, the resulting film has been successfully applied in food packaging, as evidenced by meat and fruit preservation experiments. This biomimetic strategy provides a reference for the fabrication of sustainable high-performance food packaging.

Comparative Study of Properties of Biopolymers from Corn Starch with Addition of Microalgae Spirulina platensis

The discovery of the environmental impacts caused by petroleum-based polymers has led to the use of natural polymers gaining more and more space. Naturally occurring polymers, also known as biopolymers, are chemical compounds produced by living things or raw materials from renewable energy sources. Their main advantage is decomposition, while polymers from fossil and non-renewable energies can take hundreds of years to decompose, biopolymers have significantly shorter life cycles. In this study, a study of the application of the biomass of the microalgae Spirulina platensis in biodegradable films with corn starch was conducted, aiming for the development of a functional film with rapid degradability. Approximately 48 biofilms were produced in varying concentrations (w/v), where the visual characteristics of each were observed and the ones that presented the greatest resemblance to conventional plastics were selected, being Trial 4 (T4) and Trial 46 (T46), composed of 2 and 70% v/v of microalgae, respectively. The other tries were discarded due to cracking, high fragility, and very gelatinous or very rigid appearance. The morphological characteristics of T4 and T46 biofilms were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and compared to those of a conventional plastic bag and a commercially available biodegradable plastic bag, where it was possible to prove that the biofilms produced presented good morphological structure. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis provided structural information, proving the presence of polyhydroxyalkanoate in the biofilms produced. Two degradability tests were performed with satisfactory results obtained, proving the rapid degradation of the biopolymers produced. It was possible to prove that the biofilms under study present great potential for replacing conventional polymers.

Lignocellulose-Based Optical Biofilter with High Near-Infrared Transmittance via Lignin Capturing-Fusing Approach.

Near-infrared (NIR) transparent optical filters show great promise in night vision and receiving windows. However, NIR optical filters are generally prepared by laborious, environmentally unfriendly processes that involve metal oxides or petroleum-based polymers. We propose a lignin capturing-fusing approach to manufacturing optical biofilters based on molecular collaboration between lignin and cellulose from waste agricultural biomass. In this process, lignin is captured via self-assembly in a cellulose network; then, the lignin is fused to fill gaps and hold the cellulose fibers tightly. The resulting optical biofilter featured a dense structure and smooth surface with NIR transmittance of ~90%, ultralow haze of close to 0%, strong ultraviolet-visible light blocking (~100% at 400 nm and 57.58% to 98.59% at 550 nm). Further, the optical biofilter has comprehensive stability, including water stability, solvent stability, thermal stability, and environmental stability. Because of its unique properties, the optical biofilter demonstrates potential applications in the NIR region, such as an NIR-transmitting window, NIR night vision, and privacy protection. These applications represent a promising route to produce NIR transparent optical filters starting from lignocellulose biomass waste.

Impact fracture mechanism and heat deflection temperature of PLA/PEICT blends reinforced by glass fiber.

To enhance the crack propagation and initiation properties and heat deflection temperature of poly(lactic acid) (PLA), PLA/poly(1,4-cyclohexanedimethylene isosorbide terephthalate) (PEICT) blend systems were prepared and glass fibers (GF) were incorporated as reinforcements. Due to high shear force during extrusion and injection molding the length of GF was reduced and was oriented towards the flow direction. Although the reinforcing effect of the GF deviated from the theoretical values calculated by the Halpin-Tsai equation, both tensile and flexural properties were greatly enhanced with increasing GF content. Dynamic mechanical and thermal testing showed improved storage modulus throughout the entire temperature range showing outstanding reinforcing ability. By incorporating GF into the PLA/PEICT blend, the crack propagation and initiation properties were enhanced compared to pristine PLA. Such an increase in crack propagation properties was the result of enhanced modulus with the added GF. Moreover, because of the increased modulus, the heat deflection temperatures of the GF reinforced blends were drastically increased showing a value of 91.4 °C at 20 wt% GF loading. The high performance reached by the biomass-based composites developed in this research shows great possibility of replacing these conventional petroleum-based polymer systems.

Bio-based monomers for amide-containing sustainable polymers.

The field of sustainable polymers from renewable feedstocks is a fast-reviving field after the decades-long domination of petroleum-based polymers. Amide-containing polymers exhibit a wide range of properties depending on the type of amide (primary, secondary, and tertiary), amide density, and other molecular structural parameters (co-existing groups, molecular weight, and topology). Engineering amide groups into sustainable polymers via the "monomer approach" is an industrially proven strategy, while bio-based monomers are of enormous importance to bridge the gap between renewable sources and amide-containing sustainable polymers (AmSPs). This feature article aims at conceptualizing the monomer-design philosophy behind most of the reported AmSPs and is organized by discussing di-functional monomers for step-growth polymerization, cyclic monomers for ring-opening polymerization and amide-containing monomers for chain-growth polymerization. We also give a perspective on AmSPs with respect to monomer design and performance enhancement.

Isolation and Characterization of Poly-3-hydroxybutyrate (PHB)-producing Bacteria from some Municipal Waste within Maiduguri Borno State Nigeria

The present work was conducted to isolate, screen and identify polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB)-producing bacteria from municipal wastes. Samples were collected from dumping sites of Maiduguri Borno State and were checked for their bacterial population using nutrient agar and PHB Detection agar (PDA). A total of 20 PHB-producing bacteria were isolated and identified. Of the total, four of the isolates were found to be from Paenibacillus spp. while the remaining 16 were Bacillus spp. Isolates from Ngomari Custin denoted as NC 5, 2; NC 7, and NC 5A were suspected to be Paenibacillus favisporus, Bacillus lentus, and Bacillus firmus respectively while others of NC 7A X, NC 6A and NC 7A Y of the same site were all found to be Bacillus smithii. Isolates from Old Maiduguri Graveyard denoted as OMG 5X, OMG 7, OMG 6 and OMG 5A were all found to be Bacillus smithii. The isolates from Flour Mill Area denoted as FMA 5A, FMA 6A, FMA Y, and FMA7B were found to be Bacillus smithii, Paenibacillus nanensis, Bacillus acidiceler and Paenibacillus septentrionalis respectively. On the other hand, isolates from Ramat Square site denoted as RS 6,2; RS 6A, RS 5, RS 7,2 were registered as Bacillus nealsonii, Paenibacillus cookie, Bacillus firmus and Bacillus megaterium respectively. Those of RS 5B and RS 7A of the same sample site were both Bacillus acidiceler and their granules were stained by Nile Blue A staining and observed under the fluorescence microscope and were classified for the extent of their PHB production based on the intensity of fluorescence emitted under the microscopy. NC 7 produced the highest PHB yield compared to all other isolates. Hence, municipal wastes are a rich reservoir of PHB-producing bacteria and can readily produce (PHB), which has enormous advantages over petroleum-based polymers by means of cost effectiveness and eco-friendliness

Centrifugally Spun PVA/PVP Based B, N, F Doped Carbon Nanofiber Electrodes for Sodium Ion Batteries.

Owing to their high electrical conductivity, high surface area, low density, high thermal stability, and chemical stability, carbon nanofibers have been used in many fields, including energy storage, electromagnetic shielding, filtering, composites, sensors, and tissue engineering. Considering the environmental impact of petroleum-based polymers, it is vital to fabricate carbon nanofibers from environmentally-friendly materials using fast and safe techniques. PVA/PVP nanofibers were fabricated via centrifugal spinning and the effects of variations in the PVP content on the morphology and thermal properties of PVA/PVP-blend nanofibers were studied using SEM and DSC analyses. Moreover, the effects of carbonization conditions, including stabilization time, stabilization temperature, carbonization time, and carbonization temperature on the morphology and carbon yield, were investigated. Centrifugally spun PVA/PVP-based carbon nanofiber electrodes with an average fiber diameter around 300 nm are reported here for the first time. Furthermore, centrifugally spun PVA/PVP-based B, N, F-doped carbon nanofibers were fabricated by combining centrifugal spinning and heat treatment. Through B, N, F doping, CNFs demonstrated a high reversible capacity of more than 150 mAh/g in 200 cycles with stable cycling performance.

An Investigation on the Efficacy of Orotic Acid as a Bio-Nucleating Agent for Poly-Lactic Acid under Quiescent Condition and Injection Molding.

Polylactic acid (PLA) is a bio-based biodegradable polymer and is considered to be an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based polymers for various applications. Neat PLA requires an extended period at elevated temperatures to attain its maximum crystallinity, which can be mitigated by the addition of nucleating agents. Orotic acid is a natural heterocyclic nucleating agent in PLA. The effect of orotic acid on the crystallization behavior of a commercial, high-purity PLA was studied in detail. A differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique was utilized for this purpose. A new protocol for the quantitative characterization of crystallization kinetics from DSC data was developed. It was found that the total crystallinity increased from 26% to 63% at 80 °C with 1% content of orotic acid. Meanwhile, the crystallization rate of PLA-OA blends increased by ~10 times as compared to neat PLA. The addition of orotic acid also reduced the incubation time by >17% under quiescent conditions. Injection molding experiments showed that highly crystallized (>50%) PLA samples could be fabricated with a 1% addition of orotic acid. The required mold temperature was reduced from the 120 °C recommended by the supplier to 80 °C.

Adhesive Interfaces toward a Zero-Waste Industry.

This Feature Article evaluates ongoing efforts to adapt adhesives toward the goal of zero-waste living and suggests the most promising future directions. Adhesives are not always considered in zero-waste manufacturing because they represent only a small fraction of a product and offer no additional functionality. However, their presence restricts the reintegration of constituent parts into a circular economy, so a new generation of adhesives is required. Furthermore, their production often leads to harmful pollutants. Here, two main approaches toward addressing these problems are considered: first, the use of natural materials that replace petroleum-based polymers from which conventional adhesives are made and second, the production of dismantlable adhesives capable of debonding on demand with the application of an external stimulus. These approaches, either individually or combined, offer a new paradigm in zero-waste industrial production and consumer applications.