1. High-porosity conjugated polyelectrolytes synthesized via Sonogashira–Hagihara coupling in concentrated emulsions : robust adsorptive–photocatalytic hydrogels for water pollutant removalAleksander Saša Markovič, Siebe Lievens, Emeline Hanozin, Milica Velimirovic, Albin Pintar, Sebastijan Kovačič, 2026, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: Conjugated polyelectrolyte (CPE) hydrogels uniquely combine π-conjugation, ionic functionality, and water compatibility in a single-polymer network. This work reports on the design, synthesis, and application of high-porosity CPE hydrogels obtained via the Sonogashira–Hagihara cross-coupling reaction as a polymerization chemistry in a high internal phase emulsion (HIPE) template. In this way, we combine the hydrophilic and π-conjugated electronic properties of CPEs with the high porosity of polymerized high internal phase emulsions (polyHIPEs or PHs), enabling the development of a multifunctional polymer platform. High-porosity CPE-PHs exhibit a surface area of up to 355 m2·g–1, excellent water uptakes of up to ∼25 g·g–1, and visible-light absorption with band edges at 720 and 610 nm and band gaps of 2.35 and 2.47 eV for anionic CPE-PH–SO3̅ and cationic CPE-PH-NMe3+, respectively. These CPE-PHs are then used to remove the endocrine-disrupting chemical bisphenol A (BPA) as a model water pollutant. The CPE-PH–SO3̅ demonstrates exceptional performance, achieving overall removal efficiencies of 93% and 96% through synergistic adsorption (∼71% and ∼50%, respectively) and visible light-driven photocatalysis (∼22% and ∼46%, respectively) during 8 and 24 h experiments. These efficiencies are among the highest reported for organic photocatalyst. In contrast, the cationic analogue CPE-PH-NMe3+ suffers from oxidative degradation and thus limited activity. Stability studies confirmed that CPE-PH–SO3̅ retains its structural and electronic integrity during prolonged operation. These results demonstrate the potential of high-porosity CPE-PH hydrogels as a multifunctional polymer platform that synergistically integrates adsorption and heterogeneous photocatalysis for robust and efficient water applications.
Ključne besede: adsorption, degradation, hydrogels, oxides, polymers
Objavljeno v DKUM: 14.01.2026; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0
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2. Magnetic properties of ferritin at different levels of degradation : implications for MRI-based iron quantification in the brainStefan Ropele, Sowmya Sunkara, Snježana Radulović, Saška Lipovšek Delakorda, Michael Stöger-Pollach, Christoph Birkl, Walter Gössler, Christian Enzinger, Gerd Leitinger, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: degradation, ferritin, iron, postmortem, validation
Objavljeno v DKUM: 08.01.2026; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 0
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3. Exploitation of microbial activities at low pH to enhance planetary healthMerve Atasoy, Avelino Álvarez Ordóñez, Adam Cenian, Aleksandra Djukić-Vuković, Peter A. Lund, Fatih Özogul, Janja Trček, Carmit Ziv, Daniela De Biase, 2024, pregledni znanstveni članek Opis: Awareness is growing that human health cannot be considered in isolation but is inextricably woven with the health of the environment in which we live. It is however under-recognised that the sustainability of human activities strongly relies on preserving the equilibrium of the microbial communities living in/on/around us. Microbial metabolic activities are instrumental for production, functionalization, processing and preservation of food. For circular economy, microbial metabolism would be exploited to produce building blocks for the chemical industry, to achieve effective crop protection, agri-food waste revalorization or biofuel production, as well as in bioremediation and bioaugmentation of contaminated areas. Low pH is undoubtedly a key physical-chemical parameter that needs to be considered for exploiting the powerful microbial metabolic arsenal. Deviation from optimal pH conditions has profound effects on shaping the microbial communities responsible for carrying out essential processes. Furthermore, novel strategies to combat contaminations and infections by pathogens rely on microbial-derived acidic molecules that suppress/inhibit their growth. Herein, we present the state-of-the-art of the knowledge on the impact of acidic pH in many applied areas and how this knowledge can guide us to use the immense arsenal of microbial metabolic activities for their more impactful exploitation in a Planetary Health perspective.
Ključne besede: antimicrobial, bio-hydrogen, phytopathogen, organic acids, food preservation, waste valorisation
Objavljeno v DKUM: 28.08.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 4
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4. Green engineering of bio-epoxy resin: functionalized iron-oxide nanoparticles for enhanced thermal, mechanical, surface and magnetic propertiesKlementina Pušnik Črešnar, Julio Vidal, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: In the pursuit of environmental sustainability, reduced emissions, and alignment with circular economy principles, bio-epoxy resin nanocomposites have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional petroleum-based resins. This study investigates the development of novel bio-epoxy nanocomposites incorporating iron-oxide nanoparticles (Fe2O3, MnP) as multifunctional fillers at loadings of 0.5 wt.% and 3.0 wt.%. MnP nanoparticles were synthesized and subsequently functionalized with citric acid (MnP-CA) to enhance their surface properties. Comprehensive characterization of MnP and MnP-CA was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine the crystalline structure, attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and zeta potential measurements to confirm surface functionalization. The bio-epoxy resins matrix (bio-EP), optimized for compatibility with MnP and MnP-CA, was thoroughly analyzed in terms of chemical structure, thermal stability, curing behavior, dynamic–mechanical properties, and surface characteristics. Non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed to evaluate the curing kinetics of both the neat (bio-EP) and the MnP/MnP-CA-reinforced composites, offering insights into the influence of nanoparticle functionalization on the resin system. Surface zeta potential measurements further elucidated the effect of filler content on the surface charge and hydrophilicity. Magnetic characterization revealed superparamagnetic behavior in all MnP- and MnP-CA-reinforced (bio-EP) composites. This research provides a foundational framework for the design of green bio-epoxy nanocomposites, demonstrating their potential as environmentally friendly materials and representing an emerging class of sustainable alternatives. The results underscore the viability of bio-epoxy systems as a transformative solution for advancing sustainable resin technologies across eco-conscious industries.
Ključne besede: bio-based epoxy (nano)composites, curing behavior, dynamic mechanical properties, surface properties
Objavljeno v DKUM: 06.08.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 10
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5. Evaluation of ballasted railway track response in potentially critical areas using vibration measurementsMojmir Uranjek, Andrej Štrukelj, 2025, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: In railway infrastructure, particularly where concrete sleepers are employed, certain critical zones exhibit pronounced degradation of the ballast layer. Previous studies have identified several contributing factors, including the presence of welds, heterogeneity in the substructure beneath the sleepers, and variations in the track’s geometric parameters. Of these factors, the presence of welds seems to have the most significant influence. This article aims to determine whether differences in the ballast railway track’s response to traffic loads at weld locations can be identified in the initial phase, before obvious damage appears. Vibration responses in terms of displacement, velocity, and acceleration were measured on upgraded concrete sleepers equipped with rubber under-sleeper pads. The results indicate that velocities and accelerations at rail weld locations differ significantly from those in adjacent track sections, when the railway track is in an intact, undamaged condition. These results suggest a high likelihood of damage formation in these critical locations, indicating the necessity of preventive measures to mitigate damage. Possible mitigation measures that could help reduce the formation of damage are proposed.
Ključne besede: ballast railway track, degradation, critical areas, welds, vibration parameters, measurements, mitigation measures
Objavljeno v DKUM: 06.08.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 15
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6. Sinteza eugenol metakrilata in njegova uporaba pri razvoju funkcionalnih polimernih mrež : diplomsko delo univerzitetnega študijskega programa I. stopnjeVeronika Ogrin, 2025, diplomsko delo Opis: V tej diplomski nalogi smo se osredotočili na razvoj in karakterizacijo polimernih materialov, pripravljenih iz eugenol metakrilata (EMA), ki smo ga sintetizirali iz eugenola z esterifikacijo z anhidridom metakrilne kisline. Na ta način smo pridobili monomer z visoko reaktivno metakrilatno funkcionalno skupino. Strukturo in čistost EMA smo potrdili z uporabo naprednih analitskih tehnik, kot sta jedrska magnetna resonanca (NMR) in Fourierjeva transformacijska infrardeča spektroskopija (FTIR). Nato smo pripravili porozne polimerne materiale z dvema metodama: polimerizacijo v masi in polimerizacijo zunanje faze emulzije z visokim deležem notranje faze (t. i. HIP emulzije). V obeh primerih smo kot monomer uporabili EMA, kot zamreževalo pa etilen glikol dimetakrilat (EGDMA).
Polimerizacijo v masi smo izvedli z uporabo različnih topil (toluen, etanol, metanol in propan-2-ol), da bi preučili vpliv topila na morfologijo nastalih materialov ter na sposobnost polimerizacije eugenol metakrilata. Eugenol kljub prisotnosti proste vinilne skupine v svoji strukturi sam po sebi ni zmožen polimerizacije, medtem ko metakrilatna skupina v EMA izkazuje visoko reaktivnost, kar smo tudi eksperimentalno potrdili.
S polimerizacijo HIP emulzij smo želeli sintetizirati materiale z večjo poroznostjo in specifično površino, kar smo tudi uspešno dosegli. Sintetizirani materiali so izkazovali tipično poliHIPE strukturo z večjimi primarnimi in manjšimi sekundarnimi porami.
Pridobljene polimerne materiale smo karakterizirali z vrstično elektronsko mikroskopijo (SEM), FTIR spektroskopijo, elementno analizo in porozimetrijo, da bi ocenili njihovo morfologijo, kemijsko sestavo ter strukturne lastnosti.
Ključne besede: porozni polimeri, HIP emulzija, poliHIPE, eugenol metakrilat, bio-osnovan polimer
Objavljeno v DKUM: 14.07.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 50
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7. Durability and degradation of PVC-P roofing membrane—example of dynamic fatigue testingAndrej Ivanič, Samo Lubej, 2022, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This paper presents a study of PVC-P waterproofing membrane Specimens. The Specimens
were taken from different segments of a flat roof after a service life of 11 years. The reason for
analysing the condition of the Specimens was the apparent degradation of the waterproofing, which
no longer guaranteed the watertightness of the roof. The analysis of the performance of the Specimens
was based on the control of the mechanical properties, which were compared with the declared
values. The mechanical properties of the degraded PVC-P waterproofing membranes with a polyester
mesh backing, which are prescribed by the standards, do not usually deviate from the declared
properties. This often poses a problem for liability and warranty claims due to the poor quality
of the waterproofing membrane. There may be several causes of degradation of PVC-P. For this
reason, in this paper, we present the possibility of controlling the properties of PVC-P waterproofing
membranes using cyclic dynamic fatigue, microstructure analysis using scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results show that the cause of the deterioration
of the PVC-P waterproofing membranes is often related to dehydrochlorination of the polymer.
However, the deterioration of the mechanical properties of the PVC-P waterproofing membranes can
be successfully demonstrated by cyclic dynamic fatigue.
Ključne besede: environmental impact of polymers, durability, polymer degradation
Objavljeno v DKUM: 13.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 14
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8. Study on impact of monomers towards high molecular weight bio-based poly(ethylene furanoate) via solid state polymerization techniqueJohan Stanley, Eleftheria Xanthopoulou, Margaritis Kostoglou, Lidija Fras Zemljič, Dimitra A. Lambropoulou, Dimitrios Bikiaris, 2024, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: In recent years, bio-based poly(ethylene furanoate) has gained the attention of packaging industries owing to its remarkable properties as a promising alternative to fossil-based polymers. It is necessary to synthesize high-molecular-weight polymers using effective and straightforward techniques for their commercialization. In this present work, poly(ethylene 2,5-furan dicarboxylate) (PEF) was produced with a high molecular weight of 0.43 dL/g using 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) or its derivative Dimethyl-2,5-Furan dicarboxylate (DMFD), followed by solid-state polymerization (SSP) conducted at different temperatures and reaction times. The intrinsic viscosity ([η]), carboxyl end-group concentration (–COOH), and thermal properties of the produced polyesters were evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results indicated that the SSP process improved the melting temperature and crystallinity of both the PEF samples as the reaction times and temperatures increased, as corroborated by DSC and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. Additionally, both intrinsic viscosity and number-average molecular weight saw an increase with longer SSP durations and higher temperatures, while the concentration of carboxyl end groups decreased, aligning with expectations. The overall results indicate that PEF (DMFD) samples exhibited a significant increase in crystallization and molecular weight, attributed to their lower degree of crystallinity and their monomer’s high purity.
Ključne besede: bio-based polymers, 2, 5-furan dicarboxylic acid, dimethyl 2, 5-furan dicarboxylate, poly(ethylene 2, 5-furan dicarboxylate), poly(ethylene furanoate), solid state polymerization, thermal properties
Objavljeno v DKUM: 10.03.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 9
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9. Morphological, surface and thermal properties of polylactic acid foils, melamine-etherified resin, and polyethylene terephthalate fabric during (bio)degradation in soilOlivija Plohl, Alen Erjavec, Lidija Fras Zemljič, Alenka Vesel, Maja Čolnik, Mojca Škerget, Yee Van Fan, Lidija Čuček, Gregor Trimmel, Julija Volmajer Valh, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Ključne besede: plastic materials, (bio)degradation, soil, surface chemistry, thermal properties, surface zeta potential
Objavljeno v DKUM: 28.02.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 13
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10. Effect of monomer type on the synthesis and properties of poly(ethylene furanoate)Johan Stanley, Zoi Terzopoulou, Panagiotis A. Klonos, Alexandra Zamboulis, Eleftheria Xanthopoulou, Savvas Koltsakidis, Dimitrios Tzetzis, Lidija Fras Zemljič, Dimitra A. Lambropoulou, Apostolos Kyritsis, George Z. Papageorgiou, Dimitrios Bikiaris, 2023, izvirni znanstveni članek Opis: This work aimed to produce bio-based poly(ethylene furanoate) (PEF) with a high molecular weight using 2,5-furan dicarboxylic acid (FDCA) or its derivative dimethyl 2,5-furan dicarboxylate (DMFD), targeting food packaging applications. The effect of monomer type, molar ratios, catalyst, polycondensation time, and temperature on synthesized samples’ intrinsic viscosities and color intensity was evaluated. It was found that FDCA is more effective than DMFD in producing PEF with higher molecular weight. A sum of complementary techniques was employed to study the structure– properties relationships of the prepared PEF samples, both in amorphous and semicrystalline states. The amorphous samples exhibited an increase in glass transition temperature of 82–87 ◦C, and annealed samples displayed a decrease in crystallinity with increasing intrinsic viscosity, as analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction. Dielectric spectroscopy showed moderate local and segmental dynamics and high ionic conductivity for the 2,5-FDCA-based samples. The spherulite size and nuclei density of samples improved with increased melt crystallization and viscosity, respectively. The hydrophilicity and oxygen permeability of the samples were reduced with increased rigidity and molecular weight. The nanoindentation test showed that the hardness and elastic modulus of amorphous and annealed samples is higher at low viscosities due to high intermolecular interactions and degree of crystallinity.
Ključne besede: bio-based polymers, poly(ethylene furanoate), polycondensation, thermal properties, mechanical properties, oxygen transmission rates
Objavljeno v DKUM: 13.02.2025; Ogledov: 0; Prenosov: 5
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