The glycidyl-POSS (Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes, Polysilsesquioxane, POSS) (Gly-POSS) and trisilanolisooctyl-POSS (HO-POSS) were applied as functional additives influencing on the viscoelastic properties of the dynamic vulcanized PLA/ENR (poly(lactic acid)/epoxidized natural rubber) blends. The plasticizing effect of HO-POSS on PLA/ENR melt, leading to the decrease of complex viscosity at 160 °C, was observed. After the incorporation of Gly-POSS into PLA/ENR blends the complex viscosity increased confirming that the epoxy groups of Gly-POSS were able to react with the functional groups of ENR and the groups present at the end of PLA chains. The incorporation of Gly-POSS into 40:60 PLA/ENR blend provided significant enhancement of the storage shear modulus G’ at 30 °C. Furthermore, the glass transition temperatures Tg of ENR phase for PLA/ENR/Gly-POSS blends were shifted to higher values of temperature as compared with blends modified by HO-POSS. Strong reduction of the elongation at break Eb for 40:60 PLA/ENR/Gly-POSS blend indicated that Gly-POSS particles acted as multifunctional cross-links reducing elasticity of the material. The modification of 40:60 PLA/ENR blend by HO-POSS molecules led to lower values of composting coefficient KC indicating stronger deterioration of the mechanical properties that resulted from more intense degradation processes occurring during disposal in soil.

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) can be considered as the smallest silica particles that contain an inorganic cage-like silicon-oxygen structure surrounded by organic substituents. POSS are known to be reinforcing fillers able to enhance the fire retardancy and to increase the thermo-oxidative stability. The application of POSS with various functional groups and their effect on the properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is analyzed based on the literature review. The influence of POSS with hydroxyl and glycidyl groups on the viscoelastic properties, crystallization, and thermo-oxidative degradation of PLA containing various contents of natural rubber ENR is discussed. The application of POSS with hydroxyl and glycidyl groups as an additive enhancing compatibility of PLA toughened by epoxidized rubber (ENR) is described. It is reported that POSS molecules with hydroxyl groups can enhance the thermo-oxidative stability of PLA melt.

Organizacje społeczne są kluczowymi społecznościami w budowaniu społeczeństwaobywatelskiego. Idea stowarzyszeniowości dla dobra wspólnego jest głęboko zakorzenionaw nauczaniu społecznym Kościoła. Celem niniejszego artykułu jest próba ukazania związków ideipowszechnego braterstwa oraz zasad życia społecznego (szczególnie solidarności i pomocniczości)z ideą i praktycznym działaniem or-ganizacji pozarządowych. Ponadto w artykule podjęto próbęuzasadnienia tezy, że idea organizacji spo-łecznych powoływanych dla dobra wspólnego ma swojekorzenie w chrześcijańskiej aksjologii życia spo-łecznego. Niniejszy tekst stanowi jedynie przyczynekdo dalszych badań i krytycznej dyskusji nad miej-scem i rolą organizacji społecznych wewspółczesnych społeczeństwach.

The aim of this research was to recognize the importance of cross-border movement for the development of communes located along the eastern border. The research was carried out in two communes: Terespol and Piszczac. The analysis showed that the communes are rural and they are characterized by a low degree of entrepreneurship. High unemployment contributes to the migration of people to urban centres or abroad. Border traffic is an important element of economic life in such regions. Entrepreneurs and traders use a passive trade policy in relation to consumers across the eastern border. Such policy raises concerns about the further cooperation. Socio-economic development of the communes requires institutional support for small businesses and improvement of professional skills of the unemployed. What is more, taking advantage of natural values to develop tourism and recreation offer and increasing trade and cooperation with companies from the East are equally significant.