Elastomeric ethylene–propylene copolymer (EPC) content is a decisive factor in the impact performance of multiphase polypropylene (PP) impact copolymers (ICPs). However, producing PP ICPs with high EPC content remains challenging because increasing EPC content raises powder stickiness, potentially leading to production problems such as fouling or sheeting. Condensed mode operation with an induced condensing agent (ICA) has recently been proposed to reduce stickiness and improve flowability. In this study, we performed bench-scale PP ICP polymerizations with n-pentane (C5) or n-heptane (C7) as ICAs to assess this approach. Both ICAs enhanced monomer solubility and the polymerization rate through co-solubility. At high EPC content, C7 improved powder flowability, whereas C5 gave stickiness comparable to or greater than that of the reference. Atomic force microscopy revealed that C7 shifted the dispersed EPC phase toward the particle core, explaining the improved flowability. In contrast to literature reports, ethylene response and EPC comonomer distribution remained unchanged. Consequently, mechanical and thermal properties were unaffected. Condensed-mode operation may therefore offer benefits only when specific ICAs, such as C7, are used in substantial amounts, limiting practical applicability because of additional purification costs.

Crystallinity describes the degree of structural order in solids, and in polymers it strongly influences rheological, mechanical, thermal, and optical properties as well as degradation. In this study, we investigate how adding a xylitic brown coal fraction affects the crystallization of polylactide (PLA) and polypropylene (PP) under static and shear conditions. We characterized composites by wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), polarization light microscopy (PLM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) to examine both crystallization and filler structure. Results show that the lignocellulosic filler markedly alters crystallization kinetics and supramolecular morphology. In PLA-based composites, a transcrystalline layer (TCL) developed at the interface, modifying crystallization and reducing spherulite formation. In PP, only a weak TCL developed due to limited interfacial compatibility. Under shear, PP displayed the expected acceleration of spherulite growth, while PLA showed competing mechanisms between spherulitic nucleation and TCL formation. These findings highlight the role of natural, hybrid organic–mineral fillers in tailoring polymer crystallization processes and improving composite design.

This is an editorial article. It has no abstract.

Inspired by natural structures, this study successfully developed innovative composites through the strategic integration of biomimetic concepts and advanced material engineering techniques. Using plasma-treated polyethylene (PPE) film as the substrate, hydroxypropyl distarch phosphate (HDP) as the bioinspired adhesive layer, and modified talc (osTalc) as the functional modifier, a series of PPE@HDP@osTalc composites were fabricated via an optimized spray-coating process. The as-prepared composite demonstrates exceptional superhydrophobicity and mechanical flexibility. Chemical stability assessment of the PPE@HDP@osTalc composites demonstrated strong interfacial bonding between the PPE, HDP, and osTalc components. The development of this bioinspired smart composite not only provides new insights for designing functional materials but also demonstrates significant potential for applications in emerging fields such as flexible electronics, marine engineering, and biomedical devices.

This is an editorial article. It has no abstract.