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The work describes the preparation of bio‐based precursor carbon fibers (CFs) by a solvent‐free process. Fibers from lignin, cellulose acetate, and triacetin as plasticizer are successfully obtained by melt‐spinning showing a potential alternative to traditional precursor fibers from petroleum produced by wet‐spinning. Thermal, morphological, and structural properties of precursor fibers are studied. In particular, precursor fibers present glass transition temperatures lower than neat polymers, indicating the feasibility of using melt‐spinning due to an enhanced softening. Two stabilization thermal treatments with fast or slow heating are adopted to prepare the precursor fibers for carbonization. The CF yield achieves 32% for the materials at high lignin content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to face the environmental concern about the use of traditional fossil‐based monomers for the production of thermosetting resins, herein this study reports the synthesis of bio‐based materials from waste cooking oil (WCO). In this context, this study explores the epoxidation‐acrylation strategy for the synthesis of the starting functionalized oil for the production of thermosetting resins composed of only WCO‐derived monomers or in combination with terpenic comonomers such as limonene and myrcene. Furthermore, employing myrcene as comonomer produces thermosetting resins that reveal the best properties in terms of mechanical strength if compared to the homopolymer ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovative composites based on polyethylene (PE) filled with hollow glass microspheres (HGMs) were formulated and successfully prepared as suitable plastic materials for rotational molding technology. The HGMs here used allow to attain lightweight materials with a reduced resin content and appealing aesthetical qualities. To enhance filler dispersion and phase adhesion, thus improving the ultimate properties of the composite materials, two compatibilization strategies were adopted: namely, surface modification of HGMs by dodecyl(triethoxy)silane or addition during mixing of a maleinized PE as in‐situ coupling agent. The effectiveness of the surface treatments on HGMs was assessed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis investigations. PE‐based composites at various HGMs contents (5, 10, and 20 wt%) were prepared by melt blending. Morphology of untreated and modified HGMs, their dispersion in the composites as well as filler/matrix adhesion were investigated by SEM microscopy. Thermal, rheological and mechanical properties of the composites were studied in comparison with neat PE. Rotational molding tests carried out both in laboratory and industrial site demonstrated the feasibility of producing lightweight plastic items (weight reduction up to 17%) of excellent aesthetics on a large scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]