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This publication is part of the project TED2021-131345B-100, founded by MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033 and by European Union "NextGenerationEU"/PRTR". Goniometry and AFM measurements were performed by the ICTS "NANBIOSIS," specifically by the U16 Unit: "Surface Characterization and Bacterial Colonization" of the CIBER in Bioengineering, Biomaterials and Nanomedicine (CIBER-BBN). We also appreciate the technical and human support provided by the Facility of Analysis and Characterization of Solids and Surfaces of SAIUEx, which is financed by UEX, Junta de Extremadura, MICINN, FEDER, and FSE. We also extend our sincere gratitude to the editor and reviewers for their time and dedication in reviewing our manuscript. Their valuable insights and constructive feedback have greatly contributed to enhancing the quality and clarity of our work, and we appreciate their efforts in supporting the development of this research.

Analysis of institutional authors

Luque-Agudo, VeronicaAuthor

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March 13, 2025
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Toward sustainable PLA films by replacing chloroform for the green solvent dimethyl carbonate

Publicated to:Surfaces And Interfaces. 59 105843- - 2025-02-15 59(), DOI: 10.1016/j.surfin.2025.105843

Authors: Maldonado-Illescas, Maria del Pilar; Casares-Lopez, Juan Manuel; Gonzalez-Martin, Maria Luisa; Gallardo-Moreno, Amparo Maria; Luque-Agudo, Veronica

Affiliations

Ctr Invest Biomed Red Bioingn Biomat & Nanomed CIB, Badajoz, Spain - Author
Inst Univ Invest Biosanit Extremadura INUBE, Badajoz, Spain - Author
Univ Extremadura, Fac Ciencias, Dept Fis Aplicada, Badajoz, Spain - Author
Univ Politecn Madrid, Escuela Tecn Super Ingn Montes Forestal & Medio Na, Dept Sistemas & Recursos Nat, Madrid, Spain - Author

Abstract

Biodegradable polymers and advanced recycling methods are being researched to address the pressing issues of plastic waste and environmental degradation. Green Chemistry, a discipline prioritizing contamination prevention, plays a crucial role in developing sustainable practices. This research focuses on the substitution of chloroform, a traditional solvent, with dimethyl carbonate (DMC), a green solvent, for the fabrication of polylactic acid (PLA) films using solvent casting methodology. The suitability of DMC was assessed by comparing the physicochemical properties of films of amorphous (a-PLA) and semicrystalline (c-PLA) prepared on glass and silicone substrates. DSC revealed differences in glass transition temperature and crystallinity between films cast with different solvents and substrates. XRD indicated that c-PLA films crystallized in the alpha phase, with variations in crystal size, lattice parameters, and spatial arrangement depending on the substrate and solvent. Contact angle measurements revealed that c-PLA films on silicone exhibited significantly higher hydrophobicity compared to those on glass, which may be attributed to the outward orientation of non-polar groups influencing hydrophobic behavior. AFM showed that c-PLA films cast with DMC on glass had the highest surface roughness. These findings underscore the importance of solvent choice in the structural and surface properties of PLA films and their environmental impact, highlighting the potential of DMC as a sustainable alternative to traditional solvents. The results suggest that using DMC not only improves the physicochemical properties of PLA films but also promotes environmentally friendly practices in polymer fabrication, paving the way for more sustainable material development in various industrial applications.

Keywords

Alpha-formChloroformCrystal-structureCrystallinityDimethyl carbonateGreen solventsModuluPoly(lactic acid)Polylactic acidSurface characterizatioSurface characterization

Quality index

Bibliometric impact. Analysis of the contribution and dissemination channel

The work has been published in the journal Surfaces And Interfaces due to its progression and the good impact it has achieved in recent years, according to the agency WoS (JCR), it has become a reference in its field. In the year of publication of the work, 2025, it was in position 52/178, thus managing to position itself as a Q1 (Primer Cuartil), in the category Chemistry, Physical.

Impact and social visibility

From the perspective of influence or social adoption, and based on metrics associated with mentions and interactions provided by agencies specializing in calculating the so-called "Alternative or Social Metrics," we can highlight as of 2025-07-13:

  • The use of this contribution in bookmarks, code forks, additions to favorite lists for recurrent reading, as well as general views, indicates that someone is using the publication as a basis for their current work. This may be a notable indicator of future more formal and academic citations. This claim is supported by the result of the "Capture" indicator, which yields a total of: 15 (PlumX).

With a more dissemination-oriented intent and targeting more general audiences, we can observe other more global scores such as:

    Leadership analysis of institutional authors

    There is a significant leadership presence as some of the institution’s authors appear as the first or last signer, detailed as follows: Last Author (LUQUE AGUDO, VERONICA).