A Literature Review on Three-Dimensional Foam/Puff Printing of Flax and Hemp Textiles with Natural Pigments and CHT Printing Systems
ANDREEA TIMOFTE, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Industrial Design and Business Management, Iași, Romania,
andreea.timofte2@student.tuiasi.ro VASILICA POPESCU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Industrial Design and Business Management, Iași, Romania, Centre for Research and Innovation in Textiles and Fashion Industry - SMART-Tex-IS, Iași, Romania
Abstract Due to the growing demand for sustainable textile technologies, this study investigates the potential of three-dimensional foam/puff printing on ecological textile substrates using CHT printing pastes (Tubiscreen and Print Perfect) combined with natural pigments. Based exclusively on a comprehensive literature review and conceptual analysis, the research identifies suitable formulations and processing conditions for cellulosic fibers, particularly flax and hemp. The analysis focuses on thermal expansion mechanisms, polymer-binder stabilization, processing temperature and activation time, and paste–substrate interactions. Findings from the literature indicate that natural pigments represent a promising pathway toward more sustainable three-dimensional textile printing, however, their application remains constrained by limited color stability, pigment–polymer incompatibility, and insufficient process reproducibility. Moreover, the structural characteristics of natural fibers can significantly affect adhesion, surface uniformity, and volumetric stability. The findings emphasize the critical importance of systematically optimizing formulation composition and processing parameters through experimental investigation to ensure reproducibility, durability, and scalability for potential industrial scalable outcomes.
Keywords: 3D printing, ecological textiles, CHT pastes; sustainability, screen printing
Statistical Analysis and Impact Assessment of Car Fleet Pollution: Case Study Iasi City, Romania
ANDREI HANCU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania
CĂTĂLIN BALAN, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania
ANDRA GEORGIANA TEODOR, St. Parascheva Infection Diseases Iași Hospital, Iași, Romania
DUMITRU BOTAN, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania
BRINDUSA MIHAELA SLUSER, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania,
brindusa-mihaela.sluser@academic.tuiasi.ro
Abstract
This study evaluates the environmental and quality-of-life impacts of the vehicle fleet in Iași, Romania (2020–2023), using the Rapid Impact Assessment Matrix (RIAM). Findings reveal a 7% annual fleet growth, with over 60% of vehicles exceeding 10–16 years in age. RIAM results consistently indicate a significant negative impact (-D) on air quality and urban well-being. While passenger cars and goods transport drive these negative effects, public and special-purpose transport offer mitigating benefits. Current adoption of hybrid and electric vehicles remains insufficient to offset the cumulative pressures of fleet expansion and ageing. The study validates RIAM as an effective integrated assessment tool and provides evidence-based support for policies targeting fleet renewal, low-emission public transport expansion, and mobility management in medium-sized cities.
Keywords: urban mobility, vehicle fleet, air quality, quality of life, RIAM, Iași
OOwn Contributions for Producing Porous Building Materials Under Economic and Environmentally Friendly Conditions: A Review
LUCIAN PĂUNESCU, National University of Science and Technology “Politehnica”, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Research Center for Environmental Protection and Eco-Friendly, Bucharest, Romania,
lucianpaunescu16@gmail.com SORIN MIRCEA AXINTE, National University of Science and Technology “Politehnica”, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, Bucharest, Romania
ADRIAN IOANA, National University of Science and Technology “Politehnica”, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Bucharest, Romania
ENIKÖ VOLCEANOV, National University of Science and Technology “Politehnica”, Faculty of Engineering in Foreign Language, Bucharest, Romania
BOGDAN VALENTIN PĂUNESCU, Consitrans SA, Bucharest, Romania
Abstract
The paper reviews the main modern techniques for producing porous building materials exhibited in the literature and the contribution of the Romanian authors’ team of the current paper to their experimental development. The review refers to important methods applied in recent decades in the world that have greatly influenced the adoption of more cost-effective and much more environmentally friendly procedures. Innovative techniques were applied in cellular glass production by high temperature sintering-foaming, the most important being microwave use for high-energy efficient heating processes. Also, other technological improvements were tested. Cold preparing cellular glass by using aluminum powder as pore-providing agent and Ca(OH)2 activating solution were successfully applied especially in energy terms. Recent innovative method of producing geopolymer concrete from alumina-silicate waste was also in authors’ research attention. Other innovative techniques such as CO2 capture/storage in concrete, ''one-part'' mixing in concrete making, and conversing inert waste into pozzolanic glass were tested with authors’ contributions.
Keywords: cellular glass, microwave heating, cold preparing, geopolymer concrete, CO2 capture
PPhotocatalytic Removal of Cefotaxime Using Mn–ZnO Materials
CĂLIN GEORGE PRAVĂȚ, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania
DIANA HANGANU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania
MARIA HARJA, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania
GABRIELA ANTOANETA APOSTOLESCU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania,
gabriela-antoaneta.apostolescu@academic.tuiasi.ro
Abstract
Cefotaxime residues in environments can contribute to the selection and dissemination of antimicrobial resistance, which motivates advanced treatment processes. In this study, undoped ZnO and Mn-doped ZnO samples containing 2 and 5 wt.% Mn were synthesized via a citrate-assisted sol–gel route and subsequently calcined at 500°C for 3 h. The materials were examined by FTIR spectroscopy, while their photocatalytic activity was evaluated using 25 mg·L-1 cefotaxime solutions at pH 5.59 and a catalyst dose of 0.05 g·L-1. Under UV irradiation at an incident flux of 0.21 mW·cm-2, 2% Mn-ZnO achieved 96.2% removal after 90 min, compared with 91.5% for 5%Mn-ZnO and 81.4% for ZnO. The apparent first-order constant reached 0.0421 min-1. Only 4.2% removal was obtained under visible light. The results identify 2% Mn as the most effective composition under the investigated conditions and show that excessive doping reduces the photocatalytic benefit.
Keywords: β-lactam antibiotic, advanced oxidation, semiconductor, pseudo-first-order kinetics, water treatment
Preparation and Physico-Chemical Characterization of a Hybrid Hydrogel Based on Hyaluronic Acid and Carbopol
ANA REBECA PINTILII, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection Iași, Romania, ana-rebeca.pintilii@student.tuiasi.ro ANCA MIHAELA MOCANU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection Iași, Romania
MARGARETA GABRIELA CIOBANU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection Iași, Romania
Abstract
Combining natural and synthetic polymers represents an effective strategy to obtain hybrid hydrogels with improved properties for biomedical applications. In this context, the purpose of this study is the preparation and characterization of a hybrid hydrogel based on hyaluronic acid and Carbopol. Although hyaluronic acid offers superior biological and regenerative properties, its utilization is limited by poor mechanical and rheological properties. To overcome these limitations, hyaluronic acid was combined with Carbopol, a synthetic polymer renowned for its gelling properties and its capacity to form stable hydrogels. The network structure and morphology were investigated using optical microscopy, SEM; EDX and FTIR. FTIR analysis demonstrated the formation of a stable network stabilized through hydrogen bonds. Optical microscopy indicated a homogeneous blending in the wet state, while SEM analysis revealed an interconnected three-dimensional porosity featuring fine fibrillar structures. The results confirm the purity and stability of the obtained biomaterial, demonstrating a promising potential for controlled drug delivery and tissue regeneration systems. Keywords: hyaluronic acid, Carbopol, hydrogel, spectroscopy, biomedical applications
Valorization of Residual Algal Biomass for Natural Colorant Recovery and Textile Applications
IULIANA PETCU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Industrial Design and Business Management, Iași, Romania, iuliana.petcu@student.tuiasi.ro VASILICA POPESCU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, Faculty of Industrial Design and Business Management, Iași, Romania; Centre for Research and Innovation in Textiles and Fashion Industry - SMART-Tex-IS, Iași, Romania
Abstract
Residual algal biomass generated by coastal accumulations, cultivation systems and industrial processing is a renewable feedstock for sustainable textile coloration. This paper reviews the recovery of chlorophylls, carotenoids and phycobiliproteins and evaluates their potential in dyeing, printing and functional finishing. Solvent selection is governed by pigment polarity: hydroalcoholic media are suitable for lipophilic chlorophylls and carotenoids, whereas buffered aqueous systems protect water-soluble phycobiliproteins. Literature data indicate that ultrasound, freeze-thaw treatment, pulsed electric fields and supercritical carbon dioxide can improve extraction performance while limiting thermal degradation. Reported textile applications include green, yellow, brown, red and blue shades on wool, cotton and silk, together with antioxidant activity and ultraviolet protection. The remaining exhausted biomass may subsequently be converted into biosorbents, biochar, biostimulants, biodegradable composites or biogas. A cascading biorefinery approach therefore supports waste prevention, resource efficiency and the development of lower-impact textile processes and creates a coherent basis for future experimental optimization. Keywords: circular bioeconomy, chlorophylls, carotenoids, phycobiliproteins, functional finishing
Development and Preliminary Physical Stability Assessment of Anhydrous Kojic Acid–Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate Systems
ANCA ZBRANCA-TOPORAS, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, Iași, Romania
DELIA TURCOV, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, Iași, Romania,
delia.turcov@gmail.com ANCA-IRINA GALACTION, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, Iași, Romania
DANIELA SUTEU, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania
MADALINA PARASCHIV, “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Bioengineering, Iași, Romania
Abstract
Kojic acid and vitamin C are widely used depigmenting actives whose therapeutic potential is limited by pronounced instability in aqueous media. This study developed and characterized anhydrous suspensions designed to co-stabilize both compounds within a minimalist squalane-beeswax matrix. Four formulations (F1-F4), varying in active composition, were evaluated immediately after preparation, at 48 hours and after four months of storage, using electrical resistivity, optical microscopy, centrifugation and vortex testing. All suspensions displayed infinite resistivity, suggesting a water-free, non-polar system, and maintained homogeneous active dispersion without agglomeration. Centrifugation revealed composition-dependent stability, with the balanced kojic acid- tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THDA) ratio (F3) showing the greatest resistance to phase separation, while higher THDA loading reduced mechanical robustness. No yellowing, sedimentation or textural change occurred over four months, consistent with a sustained chemical protection. These findings validate anhydrous suspension as an effective, technologically simple strategy for stabilizing photosensitive depigmenting actives in dermatocosmetic formulations. Keywords: kojic acid, tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate (THDA), anhydrous suspension, hyperpigmentation, physical stability
Moisture and Temperature Effects on Porous Building Insulations in NZEB Envelopes: A Review
ADRIANA-MARIANA ASOLTANEI, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania MARIUS SEBASTIAN SECULA, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania ELENA NICULINA DRĂGOI, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania
IOAN MĂMĂLIGĂ, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași, “Cristofor Simionescu” Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Environmental Protection, Iași, Romania,
ioan.mamaliga@academic.tuiasi.ro
Abstract
This paper is a literature review study comparing the thermal, hygrothermal and environmental performance of synthetic porous insulation materials (EPS, XPS) with a bio-based alternative, sheep wool, in the context of NZEB requirements. Although petrochemical materials are widely used due to their low initial thermal conductivity, data reported in literature show that moisture accumulation produces significant increases of their thermal conductivity, leading to errors in the assessment of thermal loads. Sheep wool shows a comparable thermal conductivity, 0.032 and 0.054 W/(m·K), depending on bulk density, fibre quality and binder, and its hygroscopic behaviour allows uptakes of 35–40% water by dry mass at 100% RH with a moderate rise in conductivity, due to water is rather bound within the keratin than filling the pores. Its high vapour permeability limits the risk of interstitial condensation. Reaction to fire, sound absorption and limitations of wool usage, are addressed in dedicated section.
Keywords: sheep wool, polystyrene, hygrothermal performance, moisture buffering capacity, bio-based insulation