Occurrence and fate of polyethylene pellets in the Galician coast (N.W. Spain) after the Toconao spillage: study of associated plastic additives and chemical weathering.

Functionalized graphene oxide enhances interfacial activation and combustion performance of aluminum powder

Cuproptosis is a new form of regulated cell death that might help overcome chemotherapy resistance. However, its therapeutic efficacy is significantly undermined by the aberrant activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, conferring an intrinsic tolerance that necessitates innovative strategies. Herein, guided by bioinformatic analysis and prior studies that stated that cisplatin might suppress Wnt signaling via p53-mediated upregulation of RARRES3, a twinborn metallic polymer P(Pt-Cu)-based nanoparticle NP(Pt-Cu) was developed. P(Pt-Cu) was obtained by copolymerization from a cuproptosis inducer (TriPy-Cu) with oxidized cisplatin (Pt (IV)) in an optimized ratio. It was then coassembled with a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive polymer, PHPM, to form NP(Pt-Cu). The incorporation of both Cu and Pt components into the polymer backbone rendered NP(Pt-Cu) with the on-demand release of copper ions and cisplatin, thereby synergizing cuproptosis with chemotherapy. Additionally, NP(Pt-Cu) acted as a type II immunogenic cell death (ICD) inducer, suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway via endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-triggered Ca2+ overload. In vivo studies of an orthotopic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) mouse model demonstrated the superior tumor suppression and immune activation of NP(Pt-Cu) over monotherapies. Overall, this work not only addresses cuproptosis tolerance via Wnt pathway inhibition but also provides a potent chemo-immunotherapeutic strategy for aggressive cancers.

ABSTRACT Laser Powder Bed Fusion (PBF-LB/M) is an emerging technology that enables excellent dimensional accuracy and mechanical performance. In this work, we present a systematic approach to investigate roughness engineering for metal–polymer bonding. By carefully tuning the process, the averaged surface roughness (Ra) of the printed part was precisely modulated while maintaining the relative density (> 99%). The resultant surfaces, ranging from a polished surface (Ra = 2.1 µm) to as-built morphologies with small (26.7 µm), large (56.9 µm), and severe roughness (65.9 µm), were investigated for metal–polymer bonding. Lap-shear tests with representative silicone polymers (EcoFlex, Dragon Skin, and PDMS) revealed that this engineered roughness achieved superior adhesion strength between metal and polymer. Specifically, the large roughness engineered condition (Ra = 56.9 µm) yielded adhesive strengths of 220.8, 321.0, and 717.2 kPa for EcoFlex, Dragon Skin, and PDMS, respectively. Compared to non-treated polished surfaces, this strategy led to a substantial increase in adhesive strength by 214.3% (EcoFlex), 228.5% (Dragon Skin), and 228.7% (PDMS). Finally, the multi-roughness regions were fabricated within a single part, potentially offering the site-specific functional service requirements. This approach establishes a straightforward manufacturing-integrated strategy to achieve high-performance metal–polymer joints, enabling design-flexible multi-material architectures for functional hybrid systems.

MXenes, a cutting-edge family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides, distinguish themselves through an exceptional synergy of metallic conductivity, tunable surface chemistry, and structural versatility, placing them at the forefront of advanced materials research. While extensively studied for energy storage, catalysis, and sensing, their potential in interfacial polymerization for the in situ generation of polymer/nanomaterial hybrids remains largely untapped. In this study, Ti3C2Tx MXene is employed as a conductive and reactive interface to facilitate the in situ generation of Ce-doped MnO2/PEDOT (CMP) nanohybrid through a liquid/liquid (L/L) interface-assisted oxidative polymerization strategy, yielding a MXene-based Ce-doped MnO2/PEDOT nanohybrid (MCMP3). Beyond serving as a structural scaffold, the MXene surface accelerates polymerization, promoting rapid hybrid formation and enabling one-step integration of the conducting polymer and doped metal oxide within a unified architecture. As a result of this MXene-assisted interfacial process, the polymerization proceeds significantly faster, reducing the reaction time from 24 to 4h under ambient conditions. The PXRD, UV-vis, and Raman analyses confirmed the compositional optimization of Ce-doping with the characteristic features of layered K-birnessite-type MnO2. TEM and XPS analyses of the MCMP3 further confirmed its morphology, elemental composition, and successful nanohybrid formation. Pendant drop tensiometry substantiated the MXene-assisted acceleration of polymerization, demonstrating that MXene facilitates rapid polymer growth and interfacial anchoring of amphiphilic intermediates, thereby governing the controlled assembly of MCMP3 at the L/L interface. DFT calculations further elucidated sulfur-mediated chemisorption of EDOT onto Ti active sites of the MXene. These physicochemical characteristics are reflected in the electrochemical response of the MCMP3 nanohybrid, which exhibited a detection limit of 59.7nM toward metronidazole (MDZ), a widely used nitroimidazole antibiotic. This performance confirms the effective electrochemical activity of the hybrid system and supports its potential applicability for MDZ sensing. Additionally, real-time analysis of both milk and native lake water substantiates its viability for pharmaceutical and environmental applications. These findings establish MXene as an exceptional facilitator for the in situ generation of multifunctional polymer/nanomaterial architectures, opening avenues for the design and development of next-generation electrochemical devices.

Bis(terpyridine)metal(II) polymers are functional coordination polymers characterized by cationic backbones containing exchangeable anions inside. Anion-exchange with functional anions can alter or create new properties through interactions between the cationic polymer backbones and anions. Although considerable research has focused on developing functional materials, the fundamental properties of anion-exchange remain unclear. Investigation into the anions applicable for anion-exchange reactions and those selectively incorporated into the polymers is fundamental for understanding the nature of molecular interactions and developing functional anion-exchange materials for further applications, such as anion separation and wastewater remediation membranes. Here, we report the applicability of the anion-exchange reactions of two-dimensional (2D) bis(terpyridine)metal(II) polymers and their excellent selectivity for perrhenate and organic dye anions. Organic dye anions were specifically exchanged, enabling the detection of organic dyes in artificial seawater. Moreover, the anion-exchange was electrochemically irreversible, as demonstrated by the minimal leaching of organic dye anions during redox cycling. These results underscore the potential of 2D bis(terpyridine)metal(II) polymer thin films as highly selective and robust anion-exchange and anion-storage membranes.

Experimental investigation of squeeze flow mechanics of structural adhesives in dissimilar polymer–metal joints

Porous materials have emerged as a prominent class of functional materials for next-generation sensor platforms due to their exceptionally high specific surface areas, tunable pore architectures, and versatile chemical functionalization capabilities. These characteristics promote enhanced interactions with target analytes through increased adsorption capacity and accelerated diffusion kinetics1-3, providing significant advantages for developing sensors with enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and reduced detection limits4,5. This review systematically examines representative categories of porous materials, including metal oxides, polymers, and carbon-based systems, analyzing their synthesis strategies encompassing sol-gel processes, template-assisted methods, three-dimensional printing, and light-material interactions. Fundamental sensing mechanisms enabled by porous architectures are analyzed, including electrical, electrochemical, and optical transduction pathways. The review explores diverse applications in environmental monitoring, biomedical diagnostics, and smart packaging systems, wherein porous material-based sensors demonstrate substantial improvements characterized by accelerated response times, enhanced analyte discrimination, and extended operational stability. This review provides critical insights into design principles and fabrication methodologies that will inform future research and facilitate practical implementation in advanced sensing technologies.

Applications of materials with high cleavage power and quantum efficiency for water treatment

ABSTRACT The electrochemical sensors have been widely used for the determination of vitamins such as riboflavin (RF). The RF is one of the essential micronutrients which is involved in cellular metabolism and redox reactions. The quantification of RF is essential for clinical and pharmaceutical applications. The performance of the electrochemical sensors is greatly influenced by the physicochemical properties of the electrode modifiers. Previously, numerous electrode materials such as metal oxides, carbon materials, polymers, metal‐organic‐frameworks (MOFs) and composites were explored for the determination of RF using electrochemical techniques. This review article highlights the recent advances in the fabrication of electrode materials for the determination of RF. In addition, various electrochemical techniques have been discussed for the oxidation of RF. The electrochemical performance of the reported electrochemical sensors for RF detection have been discussed in terms of detection limit, sensitivity, linearity, reproducibility, and selectivity etc. Furthermore, current challenges, limitations, and future directions for RF detection have been mentioned. It is believed by the authors that; present review report may be beneficial for the scientific community to update them regarding the developments in the monitoring of RF via electrochemical techniques.

Electrokinetic phenomena at polymer-water interfaces are central to technologies for water purification, ion separations, and energy conversion, yet the ability to systematically control polymer surface charge and associated electrokinetic processes remains limited. Here, we demonstrate a simple liquid-phase infiltration (LPI) method to synthesize polymer–metal oxide hybrid films with controllable interfacial properties. Hydroxy-terminated poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP-OH) brushes grafted to silicon substrates were infiltrated with iron nitrate from ethanolic solution, followed by low-temperature thermal treatment to convert the infiltrated precursor into iron oxide. Spectroscopic ellipsometry, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis confirmed oxide incorporation and hybrid film formation without polymer degradation. Electrokinetic measurements reveal that the hybrid films acquire the electrokinetic properties of the infiltrated oxide, with concentration-dependent streaming potentials and surface conductivities closely matching those of pure iron oxide films. These results establish metal oxide infiltration as a scalable and low-cost strategy for controlling interfacial charge in polymer surfaces. The approach introduces new materials and design parameters for tailoring ion selectivity, transport, and energy conversion, with broad implications for the development of advanced membranes, electrokinetic harvesting devices, and polymer-supported oxide electrodes.

Polymers provide a versatile platform for tuning the local environment of transition metal catalysts, yet most systems are optimized for a single metal or reaction class. Here, we demonstrate that a single copolymer of triphenylphosphine acrylamide (TPPAm) and N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMA) can be modularly complexed with transition metals to access multiple unique catalysts, each capable of mediating distinct chemical transformations. Specifically, three metal-polymer catalysts were evaluated in transformations characteristic of each metal center, including Sonogashira cross-coupling (Pd), allylic amination (Pt), and 1,4-conjugate addition (Rh). Phosphine coordination was required for catalysis, as indicated by minimal reactivity of metal-treated, nonfunctional polymer controls. Across all systems, the polymer-supported catalysts exhibited reactivity comparable to or exceeding that of small-molecule analogues with improved operational stability observed for select metal centers under benchtop conditions. Collectively, these results establish TPPAm-containing polymers as a generalizable scaffold for polymer-supported catalysis across multiple metal centers and provide a foundation for systematically probing how metal identity and polymer structure jointly govern catalytic behavior.

Laser surface microtexturing has emerged as an effective approach for improving the performance of adhesive joints between dissimilar materials. In this study, the influence of laser-generated micrometric surface features on the mechanical behavior of hybrid adhesive joints was investigated for two material systems: structural steel bonded to polyamide (PA66) and structural steel bonded to technical ceramic (Al2O3). Single-lap joints were manufactured using a two-component epoxy adhesive with two nominal bond-line thicknesses (0.1 mm and 1.0 mm). Prior to bonding, selected surfaces were modified by ultrashort-pulse laser microtexturing, producing well-defined circular features with characteristic depths on the order of tens of micrometers. The resulting microstructures were characterized using optical and scanning electron microscopy, and their geometric parameters were quantified through profilometric measurements. Mechanical performance was evaluated under shear and bending loading conditions. The results demonstrate a substantial increase in joint strength for laser-microtextured surfaces compared with non-textured references for both material combinations. The effect of surface microtexturing was more pronounced than the influence of adhesive layer thickness within the investigated range. These findings confirm that laser-induced surface microtexturing is a versatile and application-oriented surface preparation method capable of enhancing the reliability of adhesive bonding in hybrid metal–polymer and metal–ceramic assemblies.

In recent years, two-dimensional (2D) materials have attracted growing attention for their application in chemoresistive gas sensors. Among these materials, graphene stands out due to its exceptional electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties. A simple and low-cost method for producing graphene involves the use of a laser to induce its formation on carbon-rich substrates, such as polyimides. This technique, first introduced in 2014, has been successfully applied in the fabrication of various types of sensors, including pressure sensors, temperature sensors, biosensors, and gas sensors. For chemoresistive gas sensors, laser-induced graphene (LIG) has been used either as an electrode or as part of the nanocomposite forming the active sensing layer. Moreover, this technology has allowed the use of heating elements. Sensing performance, including sensitivity and selectivity, can be tailored by incorporating different materials into the nanocomposite, such as metallic nanoparticles, metal oxides, or conductive polymers. These modifications can be implemented using low-cost and scalable fabrication methods, making this approach highly suitable for the development of affordable and efficient gas sensors. In this contribution, we present a comprehensive overview of the contributions, reported from the proposal of LIG technology in 2014 to 2025, about the use of this fabrication process in the development of chemoresistive gas sensors.

Introduction . Modern technologies of tool and mold production increasingly use metal-composite systems (MCS), which combine additively manufactured metal shells and metal-polymer fillers. This corresponds to priority areas of scientific and technological progress, such as digitalization and additive manufacturing (in accordance with the Federal Project “Development of Materials and Production Technologies” within the framework of the national program “Scientific and Technological Development”). The scope of application of MCS in industry is growing: according to industry reviews, their share in the production of high-precision components for the aerospace and automotive industries has increased by 25–30% over the past five years, providing economic benefits due to a 15–20% reduction in the weight of structures and improvement of the energy efficiency of processes. Such systems combine the strength and thermal conductivity of metal with the damping properties of polymers, yet exhibit high sensitivity to overheating during machining. Consequently, the temperature at the metal–MCPM (metal-polymer composite material) interface during turning may exceed the thermal stability threshold (170 °C), resulting in thermal degradation, loss of adhesion, and shell deformation. In the literature, the problem of MCS thermal stability in turning is addressed only fragmentarily: existing studies focus on monolithic composites or general heat‑transfer models, lacking detailed analysis of interfacial heating in additively manufactured systems featuring low‑conductivity fillers. Therefore, research is needed to quantify the thermal response during the machining of such systems and to determine the cutting parameters that provide their thermal stability. The objective of this work is to experimentally study the temperature response during turning of MCS with a shell thickness of δ = 3.5 mm and to construct a second-order regression model linking the temperature at the metal – MPCM interface with the cutting parameters. Materials and Methods. A hardware-software measurement unit simulating the MCS structure was developed for the study. It included a replaceable bushing made of 12Kh18N10T steel, an internal insert made of Ferro-Chromium metal-polymer, three built-in type K thermocouples, and a data acquisition module based on an ESP32-WROOM microcontroller with MAX6675 converters, providing temperature recording at 5 Hz and data transmission via Wi-Fi. The accuracy of the measurements was confirmed by thermal imaging verification using FLUKE Ti400. The experiment was conducted according to the full factorial design (FFD) 2 3 + n 0 , in which cutting speed V , feed S and cutting depth t were varied. Data processing was performed by the least-squares method with adequacy validation using Fisher's F-test and coefficient significance by Student's t-test. Based on the results of processing in real physical units, a second-order regression model was constructed — model 3.5TP, designed for engineering prediction. Results . The analysis of the experimental data showed that the thermal response of the metal–composite system was nonlinear. The depth of cut t was the dominant factor increasing the temperature, whereas within the investigated range, an increase in the feed rate S and cutting speed V led to a decrease in the interface temperature due to a shorter thermal exposure time and more intensive heat removal with the chip flow. The resulting 3.5TP model was characterized by the coefficient of determination R 2 = 0.9513, Fisher criterion value F = 364.31 and the significance level p < 10⁻ 5 , which validated its adequacy. Interpretation of the regression coefficients indicated that the depth of cut ( t ) had the strongest impact on the temperature rise, the feed rate ( S ) showed a moderate effect, and the cutting speed ( V ) had the least sensitivity within the investigated range. The constructed response surfaces and contour maps identified the “safe zones” of cutting conditions that satisfied the constraint T ≤ 170°C, corresponding to the thermal stability limit of the metal–polymer filler. The average deviation between the experimental and calculated data did not exceed 7 °C, that confirmed the high accuracy and predictive capability of the proposed model. Discussion. The constructed 3.5TP model revealed the relationship between geometric and technology factors that determine the thermal load of the MCS during turning. The dominant impact of the depth of processing was due to the increase in the volume of the cut layer and heat generation in the contact zone, while the increase in feed and cutting speed was accompanied by compensating effects due to a decrease in the time of thermal contact and more intense heat removal with the chips. The results obtained indicated the need to optimize processing modes taking into account the shell thickness δ. Directions for further research were identified. Conclusion. The conducted study demonstrates that the developed experimental setup reproduces accurately the thermal behavior of a metal–composite system composed of an additively manufactured metal shell and a metal–polymer filler. The constructed 3.5TP regression model adequately describes the temperature response during turning and can be used for engineering prediction of mechanical processing modes.

Lead-based materials have long been used for radiation shielding in medical and industrial applications due to their high attenuation capacity. However, their toxicity, heaviness, and handling difficulties raise significant health and environmental concerns. This Systematic Literature Review (SLR) evaluates recent advancements in lead-free metal–polymer composites as safer alternatives for radiation protection. The review followed the PRISMA methodology, analysing studies published between 2019 and 2024 across five databases: Google Scholar, Scopus, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Web of Science. From 95 initial records, only 13 studies met the inclusion criteria and were thoroughly reviewed. Seven fabrication techniques were identified, such as pencil beam spray coating, layer-by-layer (LBL), hot pressing, electrospinning, 3D printing, mixing and curing, and metal doping, each offering unique advantages in structure and performance. The findings revealed that composites containing high atomic number (Z) fillers such as bismuth (Bi) and tungsten (W) achieved the highest shielding efficiencies, with RPE values exceeding 99% and Zeff up to 83. Techniques such as LBL and doping demonstrated superior attenuation and flexibility, while electrospinning and pencil beam spray coating enabled lightweight shields with up to 45% weight reduction. In contrast, hot pressing and 3D printing produced dense, durable composites ideal for structural shielding, and mixing and curing methods provided sustainable, non-toxic alternatives using materials such as red mud and Bi₂O₃. This review concludes that metal–polymer composites are strong candidates to replace lead in radiation shielding. Nevertheless, further research is needed to assess long-term durability, toxicity, and cost-effectiveness, supporting the advancement of lightweight, flexible, and eco-friendly shielding materials for medical, industrial, and environmental applications.

Metal–polymer hybrid joints are gaining importance as they combine high structural rigidity with a low weight. Additive manufacturing processes such as the laser powder bed fusion process (L-PBF) enable the production of complex metallic lattice structures that allow for form-fitting force transmission between the metal and polymer as mechanical interlock elements. In this work, metal–polymer hybrid compounds with additively manufactured transition zones are systematically investigated and mechanically evaluated. Three different lattice geometries (z4A, z8A, z8V) were fabricated from maraging steel (1.2709) using L-PBF and then hybridised with injection moulding using polypropylene (PP C7069-100NA). Mechanical characterisation was performed by tensile tests according to DIN EN ISO 527, in combination with statistical analyses and an analytical serial three-spring model to determine the homogenised elasticity modulus of the transition zone. The results show significant geometry-related differences in tensile strength, maximum force, and effective stiffness. The A-shaped transition zone geometry (z4A) achieves the highest mechanical performance and up to 82% of the tensile strength of the pure polymer, while the V-shaped transition zone geometry (z8V) has significantly lower load-bearing capacities. Variance analysis shows a dominant geometric influence with effect strength of η2 ≈ 0.99. The analytically predicted stiffness values match the experimental results within 5–10%. This work demonstrates a reproducible, simulation-sparse approach to the analysis and design of metal–polymer hybrid connections.

Microplastics are emerging pollutants of interest in agricultural soils, as they are persistent and may have significant ecological effects. The paper examined the occurrence, properties, and distribution of microplastics in peri-urban agricultural soils in Ranchi, Jharkhand. Soil samples (n = 165; 11 sites × 3 depths × 5 replicates) were collected from ten agricultural fields and one control area at three depths (0-15cm, 15-30cm, and 30-45cm). Microplastics were isolated using density separation and oxidation methods, and then morphologically categorized. FTIR spectroscopy was employed to analyze the polymer composition. Quantification of associated metals was performed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) after acid digestion, while physicochemical parameters of the soils were measured following the protocols of APHA to establish their relationships with the presence of microplastic. The findings showed that fibers had the highest prevalence at all depths (80 ± 8 to 3320 ± 36 particles kg-1 dry soil) with the highest concentration in the surface layers. Fragments, films, and microbeads were found to decrease significantly with depth, suggesting a lack of vertical migration, except in finer fibers. Polymers were mainly polypropylene (34.3%), polyethylene (16.7%), polypropylene diene rubber (14.7%), LDPE and polyethylene-based foaming material (11.8% each), and polypropylene copolymer (10.8%). The Microplastic Pollution Load Index (MPPLI) was used to identify pollution hotspots associated with the intensive use of plastics. The interrelations between microplastic abundance and soil organic matter, as well as electrical conductivity, suggest the potential impact of microplastic on soil quality and properties (Supplementary Figs. 1, 2, and 3). Vertical distribution of microplastics shows that shallow-rooted crops face surface microplastics, while deep-rooted crops interact with finer particles in soil highlighting the need to enhance the management of plastic waste to protect soil health and sustainability in agriculture.

The aggregated photocatalytic system has garnered significant attention as a novel platform for addressing contemporary environmental and energy challenges. These systems are typically assembled via weak noncovalent interactions-such as hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, and π-π stacking-among metal complexes, organic molecules, and polymers. In contrast to materials constructed with strong covalent or coordination bonds, the weak forces in these aggregates can readily alter their structural organization. This leads to distinct photophysical and chemical properties that differ markedly from their monomeric counterparts, ultimately influencing photocatalytic performance. Nevertheless, systematic understanding of aggregate photocatalysis remains limited, particularly regarding the fundamental mechanisms behind activity enhancement and the inherent constraints of this approach. This review systematically examines our group's research across three key areas: (1) the governing interactions within aggregates; (2) design strategies to improve their photocatalytic efficiency; and (3) representative applications in hydrogen evolution and CO2 reduction. Furthermore, we identify critical challenges and propose promising future research directions, with the aim of accelerating the development of this rapidly evolving field.

Purpose This study aims to investigate and compare the tribological behavior of two high-performance polymers, ultra-high-molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) and polyetheretherketone (PEEK), under dry sliding conditions against steel and various polyetherimide (PEI)-based polymer counterfaces. Design/methodology/approach Pin-on-disk wear tests were carried out using the UHMWPE and PEEK pins sliding against four different counterfaces of general purposed (GP)-PEI, wear resistant (WR)-PEI, glass fiber-reinforced PEI (PEI + 20% GFR) and AISI 304 L stainless steel. The experiments were conducted under normal loads of 20, 40 and 60 N at a constant sliding speed and distance. The coefficient of friction (COF), specific wear rate (SWR) and dominant wear mechanisms were evaluated based on the experimental measurements and optical microscopy observations. Findings The UHMWPE consistently exhibited lower COF and specific wear rate values than those of the PEEK, under all test conditions. Its best tribological performance was achieved at a load of 60 N against the GP-PEI counterface, yielding the COF and SWR values of 0.0728 and 7.96 × 10–15 m²/N, respectively. For the PEEK, the optimum values of the COF and SWR were obtained as 0.1856 and 8.79 × 10–15 m²/N, respectively also against the GP-PEI. The superior performance of the UHMWPE was mainly attributed to its self-lubricating behavior and the formation of a stable transfer film. However, the PEEK exhibited higher and more unstable friction behavior, particularly when sliding against the PEI + 20% GFR and steel counterfaces. Originality/value Unlike most previous studies focusing primarily on the metal–polymer tribological pairs, this study provides a comprehensive comparative evaluation of polymer–polymer and polymer–metal interfaces. The findings demonstrate that the UHMWPE outperforms the PEEK in the dry sliding applications and offer valuable insights for the rational selection of tribo-pairs in the engineering applications.