This Special Issue includes manuscripts on mechanistic understanding, development, and implementation of advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) for the removal of contaminants of emerging concern in water and wastewater treatment. The main goal was successfully achieved under the joint effort of authors, anonymous reviewers, and editorial managers. In total, one review and 15 research papers are included in the Special Issue. These are mainly focused on catalyst synthesis, reactor design, treatment performance, kinetic modeling, reaction mechanisms, and by-product formation during electrochemical, photocatalytic, plasma, persulfate, chlorine, ozone-based, and Fenton-related AOPs at different scales. This Special Issue has received attention from researchers from different parts of the world such as Argentina, Brazil, Canada, China, Germany, India, Mexico, and the USA. The guest editors are happy to see that all papers presented are innovative and meaningful, and hope that this Special Issue can promote mechanistic understanding and engineering applications of AOPs for the removal of contaminants of emerging concern in water.

Listed by Unglue.it.

This reprint summarizes recent advances in the production and research of biobased and biodegradable polymeric composites for various applications. The development and characterization of environmentally friendly, conductive and biomedical materials as well as materials with barrier and antimicrobial properties have been considered and discussed.

Listed by Unglue.it.

Among the strategies for reducing the negative effects on the environment effected by the uncontrolled consumption and low potential for the recovery of conventional plastics, the synthesis of new biodegradable and recyclable plastics represents one of the most promising methods for minimizing the negative effects of conventional non-biodegradable plastics. The spectrum of existing biodegradable materials is still very narrow; thus, to achieve greater applicability, research is being carried out on biodegradable polymer mixtures, the synthesis of new polymers, and the incorporation of new stabilizers for thermal degradation, alongside the use of other additives such as antibacterials or new and more sustainable plasticizers. Some studies analyze direct applications, such as shape memory foams, new cartilage implants, drug release, etc.The reader can find several studies on the degradation of biodegradable polymers under composting conditions; however, novel bacteria that degrade polymers considered non-biodegradable in other, unusual conditions (such as conditions of high salinity) are also presented.

Listed by Unglue.it.

Among the strategies for reducing the negative effects on the environment effected by the uncontrolled consumption and low potential for the recovery of conventional plastics, the synthesis of new biodegradable and recyclable plastics represents one of the most promising methods for minimizing the negative effects of conventional non-biodegradable plastics. The spectrum of existing biodegradable materials is still very narrow; thus, to achieve greater applicability, research is being carried out on biodegradable polymer mixtures, the synthesis of new polymers, and the incorporation of new stabilizers for thermal degradation, alongside the use of other additives such as antibacterials or new and more sustainable plasticizers. Some studies analyze direct applications, such as shape memory foams, new cartilage implants, drug release, etc.The reader can find several studies on the degradation of biodegradable polymers under composting conditions; however, novel bacteria that degrade polymers considered non-biodegradable in other, unusual conditions (such as conditions of high salinity) are also presented.

Listed by Unglue.it.

The bioeconomy initially focused on resource substitution, including the production of biomass from various resources; its conversion, fractionation, and processing by means of biotechnology; and chemistry and process engineering towards the production and marketing of food, feed, fuel, and fibre. Nevertheless, although resource substitution is still considered important, the emphasis has been recently shifted to the biotechnological innovation perspective of the bioeconomy, in terms that ensure environmental sustainability. It is estimated that around one-third of the food produced for human consumption is wasted throughout the world, posing not only a sustainability problem related to food security but also a significant environmental problem. Food waste streams, mainly derived from fruits and vegetables, cereals, oilseeds, meat, dairy, and fish processing, have unavoidably attracted the interest of the scientific community as an abundant reservoir of complex carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and functional compounds, which can be utilized as raw materials for added-value product formulations. This Special Issue focuses on innovative and emerging food and by-products processing methods for the sustainable transition to a bioeconomy era.

Listed by Unglue.it.

This Special Issue comprises 17 research articles and 2 review articles, covering studies on both individual and composite polymer modifications. Topics include high-content polymer-modified bitumen, epoxy resin adhesives, SBS-modified bitumen, PE-modified bitumen, crumb-rubber-modified bitumen, and biopolymeric capsules and bitumen rejuvenators.

Listed by Unglue.it.

For decades, synthetic fibers have been the leading commodity in the composites industry. However, synthetic fibers have many disadvantages, as they are non-biodegradable. Since synthetic fibers have many shortcomings, researchers have had growing interest in producing polymers that incorporate natural fibers. Natural fibers are becoming more common as a viable option due to the harmful environmental and health consequences of synthetic fibers. Concerns about the environment and the rising greenhouse effect, as well as increasing interest in the use of sustainable materials, has motivated researchers to investigate biocomposite materials. In today’s manufacturing environment, natural fiber composites are playing a prominent role in many vital applications, such as in wings of wind turbines, bicycle frames, automobile interiors, seat cushions, door panels. The great interest in natural fiber composites is due to their high performance, biodegradability, nonabrasive light weight, and low cost. Moreover, the widespread adoption of natural fibers and biopolymers as green materials is being motivated by the rapid depletion of petroleum supplies, as well as by a growing recognition of global environmental issues associated with the use of traditional plastics. The successful application of biopolymers and the promise of alternative pathways with a reduced carbon footprint arising from the use of green materials bodes well for the future design and development of ever more sophisticated green materials.

Listed by Unglue.it.

Over the few coming decades, bio-based and biodegradable plastics produced from sustainable bioresources should essentially substitute the prevalent synthetic plastics produced from exhaustible hydrocarbon fossils. To the greatest extend, this innovative trend has to apply to the packaging manufacturing area and especially to food packaging implementation. To supply the rapid production increment of biodegradable plastics, there must be provided the effective development of scientific-technical potential that promotes the comprehensive exploration of their structural, functional, and dynamic characteristics. In this regard, the transition from passive barrier materials preventing water and oxygen transport as well as bacteria infiltration to active functional packaging that ensures gas diffusion selectivity, antiseptics' and other modifiers' release should be based on the thorough study of biopolymer crystallinity, morphology, diffusivity, controlled biodegradability and life cycle assessment. This Special Issue accumulates the papers of international teams that devoted to scientific and industrial bases providing the biodegradable material development in the barrier and active packaging as well as in agricultural applications. We hope that book will bring great interest to the experts in the area of sustainable biopolymers.

Listed by Unglue.it.

This eBook is a collection of articles from a Frontiers Research Topic. Frontiers Research Topics are very popular trademarks of the Frontiers Journals Series: they are collections of at least ten articles, all centered on a particular subject. With their unique mix of varied contributions from Original Research to Review Articles, Frontiers Research Topics unify the most influential researchers, the latest key findings and historical advances in a hot research area! Find out more on how to host your own Frontiers Research Topic or contribute to one as an author by contacting the Frontiers Editorial Office: frontiersin.org/about/contact

Listed by Unglue.it.

Bioenergy is renewable energy obtained from biomass—any organic material that has stored sunlight in the form of chemical energy. Biogas is among the biofuels that can be obtained from biomass resources, including biodegradable wastes like manure, sewage sludge, the organic fraction of municipal solid wastes, slaughterhouse waste, crop residues, and more recently lignocellulosic biomass and algae. Within the framework of the circular economy, biogas production from biodegradable waste is particularly interesting, as it helps to save resources while reducing environmental pollution. Besides, lignocellulosic biomass and algae do not compete for arable land with food crops (in contrast with energy crops). Hence, they constitute a novel source of biomass for bioenergy.Biogas plants may involve both high-tech and low-tech digesters, ranging from industrial-scale plants to small-scale farms and even households. They pose an alternative for decentralized bioenergy production in rural areas. Indeed, the biogas produced can be used in heaters, engines, combined heat and power units, and even cookstoves at the household level. Notwithstanding, digesters are considered to be a sustainable technology that can improve the living conditions of farmers by covering energy needs and boosting nutrient recycling. Thanks to their technical, socio-economic, and environmental benefits, rural biogas plants have been spreading around the world since the 1970s, with a large focus on farm-based systems and households. However, several challenges still need to be overcome in order to improve the technology and financial viability.

Listed by Unglue.it.

Biomedical materials are a promising solution to overcoming tissue and organ failure in the cardiovascular and skeletal systems. In recent decades, there has been incredible progress made in regard to the repair, remodelling, and regeneration of tissues such as vasculature, heart valves, joint, cartilage, cornea, retina, etc. There is a great need for novel therapeutic options in treating numerous cardiovascular/skeletal diseases related to tissue failure. Biomechanical studies and analyses of cardiovascular/skeletal materials and devices are critical areas of examination in regard to creating solution strategies for related clinical concerns. The aim of this Reprint is to demonstrate state-of-the-art biomechanical studies and analyses of cardiovascular/skeletal materials, devices, and their applications. Its scope includes—but is not limited to—fundamental studies of related materials, structures, devices and application issues.

Listed by Unglue.it.

Biocompatibility refers to the ability of a biomaterial to perform its desired function with respect to a medical therapy, without eliciting any undesirable local or systemic effects in the recipient or beneficiary of that therapy, but generating the most appropriate beneficial cellular or tissue response in that specific situation, and optimizing the clinically relevant performance of that therapy, which reflects current developments in the area of intrinsically biocompatible polymer systems. Polymeric biomaterials are presently used as, for example, long-term implantable medical devices, degradable implantable systems, transient invasive intravascular devices, and, recently, as tissue engineering scaffolds. This Special Issue welcomes full papers and short communications highlighting the aspects of the current trends in the area of intrinsically biocompatible polymer systems.

Listed by Unglue.it.

This book focuses on the processing, potential, and new applications of magnesium alloy systems. To date, the automotive industry uses the unique properties of magnesium alloys on the largest scale. However, scientists propose the use of magnesium and its alloys in many new areas and industries. As such, this book describes and reports on the progress of research on magnesium alloys, for example, in the oil and gas, implantology, and thermoelectric industries. Due to their availability and relatively high mechanical properties combined with low density, magnesium alloys are a dynamically developed group of light metal alloys. Both scientists and industrial centers are involved in expanding the application possibilities of magnesium-based alloys. New applications proposed in this book are examined in relation to technology, functional properties, and potential of the tested materials. The book also examines related challenges of magnesium-based alloys, including implementation problems, encountered barriers and problems to be solved in the scope of the proposed application were described also.

Listed by Unglue.it.

In recent years, there has been significant progress in biomass research as bio-based products are beneficial to the environment, energy-saving, and cost-saving if they are processed properly. The book collects the most state-of-the-art works related to the natural fiber composites in a Special Issue entitled “Natural Fiber Biocomposites”. These works address all the issues related the manufacturing of natural fiber composite products, from (1) raw materials, such as wood, flax fiber, and cellulose nanofiber; to the (2) raw material treatments, such as furfuryl alcohol pretreatment, ultrasonic vibration treatment (UVT), and extraction method for the resins; to the (3) process of the composites fabrication, such as thermo-hygro-mechanical densification; and to the (4) performance of the composites, including mechanical, moisture absorption, opacity, thermal, and biodegradability. Discussions on the adhesives/resins used in the natural fiber composites fabrication, such as dried distiller’s grains and solubles (DDGS), pennycress (Thlaspi arvense L.) press cakes (PPC), and lesquerella [Lesquerella fendleri (A. Gary) S. Watson] press cake (LPC), starch, and polylactic acid (PLA), are also part of the book. It is believed the technical information presented in this book will contribute to the development of the bio-based composites.

Listed by Unglue.it.

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO), also known as micro-arc oxidation (MAO), functionalizes surfaces, improving the mechanical, thermal, and corrosion performance of metallic substrates, along with other tailored properties (e.g., biocompatibility, catalysis, antibacterial response, self-lubrication, etc.). The extensive field of applications of this technique ranges from structural components, in particular, in the transport sector, to more advanced fields, such as bioengineering. The present Special Issue covers the latest advances in PEO‐coated light alloys for structural (Al, Mg) and biomedical applications (Ti, Mg), with 10 research papers and 1 review from leading research groups around the world.

Listed by Unglue.it.

Polymer science represents a domain of great interest due to the possible applications of polymers in areas that range from the most common to those that are high-tech. To achieve this, synthesis and characterization techniques, as well as the correlation of the chemical structure and morphology with their properties, is critical. From the perspective of synthesis, there are two strategies for obtaining polymers: step-growth (polyaddition, polycondensation, and reversible-deactivation radical polymerization) and chain polymerization (radical polymerization, coordinative polymerization, and cationic and anionic polymerization).The advancement of polymer applications continues to lead to the expansion of the synthesis and characterization techniques that can be facilitated by novel, smart, multifunctional polymers. There is a correlation between structure, composition, morphology, and properties of applications that leads to substantial benefits for specific applications.This Special Issue will establish a collection of articles and reviews that follow the latest developments in polymer synthesis, their characterization techniques, and the correlation between structure and properties.

Listed by Unglue.it.

The reprint, titled ”Sustainable Biopolymer-Based Composites: Processing, Characterization, and Application”, is composed of 32 scientific works of scholars that contributed their own expertise passion, and science to expand the boundaries of knowledge by addressing new challenges. The topic of new biopolymer-based composite materials is addressed from several aspects, from the development to characterization and application, in several fields of scientific interest.

Listed by Unglue.it.

The aim of this reprint is to highlight the progress and fundamental aspects for the synthesis, characterization, properties, and application of novel polymeric materials, as well as their copolymers, composites, and nanocomposites.

Listed by Unglue.it.