University of Palermo

This study investigates sustainable strategies for large-scale industrial production in the cable industry ( e.g. sheathing applications), focusing on halogen-free flame-retardant (HFFR) additives in polyolefin composites. Three metal hydroxides are evaluated: precipitated aluminium hydroxide (p-ATH), precipitated magnesium hydroxide (p-MDH), and naturally milled magnesium hydroxide (nm-MDH). While p-ATH and p-MDH are chemically processed and carbon-intensive, nm-MDH is derived from untreated minerals, offering a lower environmental impact. All hydroxides were characterised using XRD, TGA, morphological, and spectroscopic analyses. p-ATH and p-MDH show gibbsite and brucite structures, respectively, while nm-MDH features a brucite structure with minor dolomite content, enhancing flame resistance due to higher decomposition temperatures and inert gas release. Flame-retardant polymer composites (FRPCs) were produced by melt-mixing 60 %wt. metal hydroxides into a polyolefin-based ( i.e. EVA/LLDPE/MA-g-LLDPE) matrix. Rheological tests show that p-ATH-based FRPCs maintain liquid-like behaviour, while p-MDH and nm-MDH composites exhibit solid-like properties. Morphological analysis reveals better polymer-filler interaction in p-MDH and nm-MDH composites, supported by reactions with MA-g-LLDPE. All FRPCs demonstrated excellent flame and thermal resistance. Additionally, metal hydroxides reduced oxidative degradation under UV-B exposure, suggesting improved weatherability. • Magnesium and aluminium hydroxides are eco-friendly flame-retardant fillers for polyolefin. • Magnesium hydroxide promotes solid-like behaviour with improved filler–matrix interactions. • Aluminium hydroxide maintains liquid-like characteristics. • All polyolefin-based formulations offer excellent flame and thermal resistance, as well as slightly enhanced UV weathering stability.

People with Epilepsy exhibit low levels of physical activity compared with the general population, despite evidence suggesting potential benefits for seizure control, physical fitness and psychosocial well-being. Persistent barriers such as fear of seizures, limited access to supervised programs, transportation difficulties, and time constraints contribute to sedentary behaviour. Telecoaching (TC), which delivers structured exercise programs through digital technologies, may help overcome these barriers. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the feasibility and potential effects of TC-based training physical activity interventions in individuals with epilepsy, focusing on adherence, QoL, physical fitness and psychological outcomes. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus identified 1086 records, of which 7 studies involving 342 participants met the inclusion criteria. Interventions included remotely delivered aerobic, resistance, flexibility, and combined exercise programs. Study quality ranged from "fair" to "good". TC-based interventions were generally safe and feasible, with no major adverse events reported. Evidence suggest potential benefits for physical fitness and psychosocial outcomes, particularly in paediatric populations, although the limited number and heterogeneity of studies preclude definitive conclusions, especially regarding seizure-related outcomes. Future research should focus on standardized TC programs, long-term follow-up, and adequately powered randomized trials to confirm effectiveness and sustainability.

The straightforward synthesis of a nanostructured hybrid material in which an iron phthalocyanine/imidazolium bromide co-polymer is formed and simultaneously covalently attached to the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) is reported. FePC@MWCNTs , has been characterized using different techniques such as TGA, solid state 13 C-NMR, XPS, CHN, Raman, TEM, and physisorption. RAMAN analyses confirmed the successful covalent functionalization of the nanotubes and TEM revealed that the MWCNT were covered by the copolymer, enhancing the stability of the nanostructured hybrid material which contains 0.22 mmol/g mmol of iron phthalocyanine, as shown by combining XPS and CHN. FePC@MWCNTs was successfully employed as heterogeneous catalyst for two different processes: the CO₂ cycloaddition with epoxides to synthesize cyclic carbonates, in which FePC@MWCNTs acts as bifunctional catalyst synergistically combining Lewis acid (Fe atoms) and nucleophilic (Br⁻ anions) components without addition of additives (e.g. TBAB, TBAI, BMIM, etc.); and in the synthesis of arylamines through the reduction of nitro groups, which was efficiently accomplished by using microwave heating. The hybrid material demonstrated in both cases excellent catalytic activity, outperforming all the existing phthalocyanine-based systems and resulting recyclable in consecutive catalytic runs. In the CO₂/epoxide cycloaddition and the nitro-reduction reactions, no metal leaching was observed, further confirming the robustness of this material. What makes FePC@MWCNTs particularly noteworthy, beyond its versatility and robustness, is its simplicity and cost-effectiveness: the material is synthesized from low-cost and readily available precursors through straightforward and atom-economical methods, making it a sustainable choice and also a highly practical and cheap solution for catalysis, underscoring its potential as a valuable catalyst, and offering a sustainable alternative in an industry that often relies on more expensive and less efficient solutions. The robustness of the reported nanostructured hybrid opens the way to expanding their application in other fields such as photo-, electrocatalysis or batteries, among others. • Large amounts of Iron-phthalocyanine were easily grafted on carbon nanotubes • The nanostructured material consists of a polymer covering the nanotubes surface • The hybrid material was an active heterogeneous catalyst in two different processes • Synthesis of cyclic carbonates and arylamines has been easily accomplished