Open Access
ARTICLE
Ahmed M. Khalil1, Samir Kamel2,*
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.057419
Abstract Developing favorable bio-based polymers that replace petroleum-based plastics is an essential environmental demand. Lignin is a by-product of the chemical pulping industry. It is a natural UV protection ingredient in broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) sunscreens. It could be partially and selectively acetylated in a simple, fast, and more reliable process. In this work, a composite film was prepared with UV-resistant properties through a casting method. Bio-based cellulose acetate (CA) was employed as a major matrix while nano-acetylated kraft lignin (AL-NPs) was used as filler during synthesizing UV-shielding films loaded with various amounts (1–5 wt.%) of… More >
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Open Access
ARTICLE
Rūdolfs Bērziņš*, Aigars Pāže, Guntis Sosins, Daniela Godiņa, Laima Vēvere, Jānis Rižikovs
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056769
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Biorefinery Technologies and Products – 2024)
Abstract Birch outer bark (BOB) from Betula pendula Roth. is a unique and valuable biomass feedstock that contains suberin. The biopolyester suberin is built from bifunctional fatty acids-suberinic acids (SA)-which can be obtained through a depolymerization process in an alkaline medium and used as a binder due to their adhesive properties. The aim of this study was to develop the SA-containing binder and identify suitable pressing conditions to produce plywood that meets the shear strength requirements of the EN 314-2 standard 3rd moisture resistance class for bonding quality, ensuring durability in unprotected exterior conditions (shear strength ≥… More >
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Open Access
ARTICLE
Zakaria Laggoun1,*, Amel Khalfaoui1, Kerroum Derbal2,*, Amira Fadia Ghomrani3, Abderrezzaq Benalia2,4, Antonio Pizzi5
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056970
Abstract This research aims to study the bio-adsorption process of two dyes, Cibacron Green H3G (CG-H3G) and Terasil Red (TR), in a single system and to bring them closer to the industrial textile discharge by a binary mixture of two dyes (TR+CG-H3G). The Cockle Shell (CS) was used as a natural bio-adsorbent. The characterizations of CS were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET). The adsorption potential of Cockle Shells was tested in two cases (single and binary system) and determined by: contact… More >
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Open Access
ARTICLE
Desy Nurliasari1, Awaly Ilham Dewantoro1, Muhammad Adly Rahandi Lubis2,3, Roni Kastaman1,4,*, Mohamad Djali3,5, Efri Mardawati1,3, Devi Maulida Rahmah1,3, Siti Nurhasanah3,5, Akbar Hanif Dawam Abdullah2,3, Lukmanul Hakim Zaini6,7,*
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056475
Abstract Konjac is an ideal candidate for edible coatings on fruits due to its hydrophilic properties, film-forming ability, barrier properties, safety, and biodegradability. Meanwhile, the high market demand for strawberries necessitates post-harvest treatment to extend their shelf life and preserve their quality, as strawberries are known for their fragile skin and soft texture. To fully utilize konjac and develop high-quality coating films, native konjac flour (NKF) and konjac glucomannan (KGM) were extracted from its corm and used as a coating film for strawberries in the present study. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the physical properties… More >
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Open Access
REVIEW
Chioma Ifeyinwa Madueke1,*, Okwunna Maryjane Ekechukwu2, Funsho Olaitan Kolawole3
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.055207
Abstract Coir fibre has generated much interest as an eco-friendly, sustainable fibre with low density. This review findings show that coir fibres are abundant, with an average global annual production of 1019.7 × 103 tonnes, with about 63% of this volume produced from India. Extraction of coir has been carried out through water retting. However, the retting period has been limited to 4–10 months. The lignin content of coir is more than 60% higher than that of other natural fibres; hence, coir could double as a source of lignin for other applications. The diameter of coir… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Jiangyi Zhou, Bin Cao, Sivakumar Esakkimuthu, Mao Mu*, Shuang Wang*
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.054905
Abstract Seaweed, as a third generation of biomass energy, has significant potential to replace non-renewable fossil fuels. Among various conversion technologies, hydrothermal liquefaction can effectively convert seaweed into bio-oil. However, most current research on hydrothermal liquefaction products focuses on the oil phase and solid phase, with little attention given to the utilization of the aqueous phase by-product. In this study, the large seaweed Enteromorpha prolifera was selected as the raw material. The aqueous phase containing organic components was prepared through hydrothermal liquefaction at different temperatures, which was then mixed with the polymer polyvinyl alcohol to produce high-value… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Martin Böhm*, Miloš Jerman, Martin Keppert, Klára Kobetičová, Dana Koňáková, Milena Pavlíková, Robert Černý
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056984
Abstract The effect of using 2% and 10% sodium hydroxide solution as surface treatment of rape straw on its water vapor adsorption properties is analyzed in the relative humidity (RH) range of 0% to 98%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) are used to investigate the morphological, chemical and structural changes of the treated straw surface. The mineral particles formed on the surface after the treatment are analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The application of sodium hydroxide solution results in the disruption of the straw surface. As the concentration More >
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Open Access
ARTICLE
Manisara Phiriyawirut*, Pukrapee Rodprasert, Peerapat Kulvorakulpitak, Ratiwan Cothsila, Nattarat Kengkla
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056830
Abstract This work explores the development of biodegradable laminar composite foams for cushioning applications. The focus lies on overcoming the inherent brittleness of starch foams by incorporating various paper types as reinforcement. Tapioca starch and glutinous starch were blended in varying ratios (100:0–0:100) to optimize the base material’s properties. The morphology, density, flexural strength, and impact strength of these starch blends were evaluated. The results revealed a trade-off between impact strength and density, with increasing glutinous starch content favoring impact resistance but also leading to higher density. The optimal ratio of tapioca to glutinous starch for… More >
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Open Access
ARTICLE
Jinxing Li1, Mustafa Zor2, Xiaojian Zhou3, Guanben Du3, Denis Rodrigue4, Xiaodong (Alice) Wang1,*
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056795
Abstract In this study, two series of foams based on tannic acid (TA), furfuryl alcohol (FA), soybean protein isolate (SPI), and casein (CA), namely TA–FA–SPI (TS series) and TA–FA–CA (TC series) were developed, and their properties were enhanced by adding poplar fibers (WF). From the samples produced, a complete set of characterization was performed including possible crosslinking reactions, morphology, mechanical properties, flame retardancy, thermal insulation and thermal stability. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) revealed possible covalent crosslinking among the components and hydrogen bonding between WF and the matrix. Viscosity results indicated that lower prepolymer viscosity led to… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Kristine Meile1,*, Martins Romanovskis1,2, Thomas Nicol3, Neil Hindle3, Aivars Zhurinsh1
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056775
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Biorefinery Technologies and Products – 2024)
Abstract Fast pyrolysis of pre-treated birch wood in a super-heated steam environment produces a condensate rich in anhydrosugars. With the objective to obtain several product streams from this condensate, the possibility of extracting additional chemical species is explored, thus promoting the development of a pyrolysis-based biorefinery. In this work, the extraction and recovery of pyrolytic phenols from birch wood pyrolysis condensate was studied using ion exchange resins. With an aim to achieve effective phenol recovery, while obtaining high purity levoglucosan, basic ion exchange resins, both in OH− and Cl− form, as well as polystyrene-divinyl resins without functional… More >
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Open Access
REVIEW
Zeynep Eda Özan1,*, Gökhan Gündüz2, Deniz Aydemir1,*
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056000
Abstract Piezoelectric materials convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, acting as renewable energy sources. As smart materials, they respond to environmental changes by altering their properties. When pressure is applied, their structure separates positive and negative charge centers, producing opposite charges on crystal surfaces. This generates an electric field and a measurable potential. Wood, a natural material, also exhibits piezoelectric behavior. The piezoelectric effect of wood was first discovered by Russian scientists in 1940–1950. Then, in 1955, Fukada analyzed both the direct and inverse piezoelectric effect of wood and scientifically proved that this natural material has… More >
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Open Access
ARTICLE
Prashanth K P1,*, Rudresh M2, Venkatesh N3, Poornima Gubbi Shivarathri4, Shwetha Rajappa5
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.055437
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Biodegradable Polymer and Biomass Composites)
Abstract This study explores the mechanical properties of a novel composite material, blending polylactic acid (PLA) with sea shells, through a comprehensive tensile test analysis. The tensile test results offer valuable insights into the material’s behavior under axial loading, shedding light on its strength, stiffness, and deformation characteristics. The results suggest that the incorporation of sea shells decrease the tensile strength of 14.55% and increase the modulus of 27.44% for 15 wt% SSP (sea shell powder) into PLA, emphasizing the reinforcing potential of the mineral-rich sea shell particles. However, a potential trade-off between decreased strength and… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Hebat-Allah S. Tohamy*
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.054977
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Recent Advances on Renewable Materials)
Abstract Fire retardant CNTs/WPP/Gel composite papers were fabricated by incorporating bio-based carbon nanotubes (CNTs) recycled from mature beech pinewood sawdust (MB) and cellulosic waste printed paper (WPP) into a gelatin solution (Gel) and allowing the mixture to dry at room temperature. The CNTs within the WPP matrix formed a network, enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of the resulting CNTs paper sheet. In comparison to pure WPP/Gel, CNTs/WPP/Gel exhibited superior flexibility, mechanical toughness, and notable flame retardancy characteristics. This study provides a unique and practical method for producing flame-retardant CNTs/WPP/Gel sheets, suitable for diverse industrial applications,… More >
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Open Access
ARTICLE
Daniela Godina1,*, Guntis Sosins1, Aigars Paze1, Janis Rizikovs1, Raimonds Makars1, Andreas Treu2
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056822
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Biorefinery Technologies and Products – 2024)
Abstract Instead of the traditional linear model of taking, making, and disposing, the circular bio-economy promotes a regenerative approach. Although there is potential to create valuable products like betulin, lupeol, and suberinic acids (SA) from outer birch bark, many industries, such as plywood and pulp, often choose to incinerate substantial amounts of leftover birch bark to meet their energy needs. This highlights the importance of obtaining valuable products from wood. The objective of this study was to examine various fractions of SA and assess their potential for wood impregnation. The fractions included SA potassium salts in… More >
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Open Access
REVIEW
Yifan Sun1, Yuanyuan Zhang1,2, Ziyi Tian1, Hailang Liu1, Siying Chen1, Xujuan Huang1,*, Zhaosheng Cai1, Bo Fang3
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.055933
Abstract As oil is now an important resource for the survival and development of mankind, the consumption of oil continues to increase each year, and there have been a number of major oil spills in history, such as the oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig. Therefore, oil spills during storage and transportation have become an issue of serious concern. Current methods such as incineration and chemical methods cause secondary environmental pollution and fail to enable resource recovery. The adsorption method by porous materials has attracted worldwide attention due to its simplicity, portability, and efficiency.… More >
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Open Access
ARTICLE
Clara Pastor, Chelo González-Martínez, Maite Cháfer, Amparo Chiralt*
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056404
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Special Issue in Celebration of JRM 10 Years)
Abstract Chitosan films with propolis aqueous extract were obtained in order to improve the antioxidant capacity of the materials. Likewise, oleic acid (OA) was also incorporated to enhance the film hydrophobicity, with and without previous infusion with propolis, to extract other potentially active compounds. The propolis extracts and the chitosan film-forming dispersions were characterised as to their particle size distribution, zeta potential and rheological behaviour. Chitosan-based films with aqueous extract and with oleic acid, containing or not propolis compounds, were obtained and characterised as to their microstructure, mechanical, barrier and optical properties and antioxidant capacity in… More >
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Open Access
ARTICLE
Aruna M. Pugalenthi*, Khaoula Khlie
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.055747
Abstract With growing environmental concerns and the depletion of oil reserves, the need to replace synthetic fibres with sustainable alternatives in composite materials has become increasingly urgent. This study investigates the potential of Leptadenia pyrotechnica fibre as a sustainable reinforcement material in hybrid composites alongside E-glass fibres. The primary objectives are to assess these hybrid composites’ mechanical properties, structural integrity, and performance. To achieve this, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed to analyze the microstructure and chemical composition of the composites. At the same time, mechanical testing focused on properties such… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Emma Kieny1,2,3, Kévin Candelier2,3,*, Louis Milhe1, Yannick Estevez4, Cyrielle Sophie4, Romain Lehnebach1, Jérémie Damay2,3, Daniela Florez1, Emeline Houël5, Marie-France Thévenon2,3, Julie Bossu4
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056731
Abstract The valorization of Amazonian wood residues into active chemical compounds could be an eco-friendly, cost-effective and valuable way to develop wood preservative formulations to enhance the decay and termite resistance of low-durable wood species. Wacapou (Vouacapoua americana., Fabaceae) is a well-known Guianese wood species commonly used in local wood construction due to its outstanding natural durability, which results from the presence of a large panel of extractives compounds. In addition, its industrial processing generates large amounts of residues. Wacapou residues were extracted by maceration using four different solvents (water/ethanol, ethyl acetate, hexane and dichloromethane/methanol), separately and… More >
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Open Access
REVIEW
Dan Wang, Jihuan Song, Qiyuan Wang, Chenmeng Cui, Ying Yang*
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056644
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Recent Advances on Renewable Materials)
Abstract Upgrading of abundant cellulosic biomass to isosorbide can reduce the dependence on limited fossil resources and provide a sustainable way to produce isosorbide, utilized for polymers, medicine and health care product synthesis. This review comprehensively examines the key steps and catalytic systems involved in the conversion of cellulose to isosorbide. Initially, the reaction pathway from cellulose to isosorbide is elucidated, emphasizing three critical steps: cellulose hydrolysis, glucose hydrogenation, and the two-step dehydration of sorbitol to produce isosorbide. Additionally, the activation energy and acidic sites during cellulose hydrolysis, the impact of metal particle size and catalyst More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Estefani S. Sugahara1,2,3,*, André M. A. Dias1,3, Fernanda D. Maffioletti5, Juarez B. Paes5, André L. Christoforo4, Edson C. Botelho2, Alfredo M. P. G. Dias1,3, Cristiane I. Campos2
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056198
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Eco-friendly Wood-Based Composites: Design, Manufacturing, Properties and Applications – 2024)
Abstract Over the last decade, the oriented strand board (OSB) market presented meaningful growth. However, as a wood-based product, because of its anatomical structure and chemical composition, OSB can be damaged by biodeterioration agents. Given that, the biodeterioration of OSB panels must be investigated to improve its durability. In this way, this work analyses the biological resistance against termites (Cryptotermes brevis and Nasutitermes corniger) of heat-treated OSB panels made with Eucalyptus wood glued with vegetable-based polyurethane-an eco-friendly and sustainable adhesive derived from castor oil. Various panels were produced with different layers compositions (face:core:face of 25:50:25 and 30:40:30) in wood… More >
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Open Access
ARTICLE
Jéssica da Silva Chagas1,2, José Elson Soares Filho1,2, Natália Fernanda Inocêncio Silva1,2, Marcelo Massayoshi Ueki3, Eliton Souto de Medeiros1,2, Renate Maria Ramos Wellen1, Mauricio Pinheiro de Oliveira4, Gelsoneide da Silva Gois5, Yêda Medeiros Bastos de Almeida5, Amélia S. F. Santos1,2,*
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.055361
Abstract Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) is a biothechnological and biodegradable thermoplastic polymer from the polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) family, whose chain regularity, high molecular weight, and physical and mechanical properties comparable to polypropylene (PP) are characteristics that have made PHB a prominent commercial bioplastic. Nevertheless, its susceptibility to thermal degradation and hydrolysis has limited many applications. To address the challenges associated with processing, a random copolymer of 95.86 mol% 3-hydroxybutyrate and 4.14 mol% 3-hydroxyvalerate (referred as PHB) was compounded without (neat PHB) and with 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt% of chain extender (Joncryl®ADR 4368), consisting of multifunctional epoxy groups,… More >
Open Access
REVIEW
Sara Mattiello, Carlo Santulli*
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056251
Abstract Taking a widely contaminated yet abundant waste, such as poultry feathers, and extracting keratin from this structure appears to be a real challenge whenever the preservation of the secondary structure of the protein is desired. This process would allow exploiting it in ways (e.g., in the biomedical field) that are inspired by a structure that is primarily designed for flight, therefore capable specifically of withstanding flexure and lateral buckling, also with very low thicknesses. The preservation of the structure is based on disulfide crosslinks, and it is offered with preference by some chemical treatments, mainly… More >
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Open Access
ARTICLE
Christin Rina Ratri1,2, Qolby Sabrina2, Adam Febriyanto Nugraha1, Sotya Astutiningsih1, Mochamad Chalid1,*
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.055492
Abstract Commercial lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) use polyolefins as separators. This has led to increased research on separators composed of renewable materials such as cellulose and its derivatives. In this study, the ionic conductivity of cellulose acetate (CA) polymer electrolyte membranes was enhanced via plasticization with citric acid and succinonitrile. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of these plasticizers in improving cellulose-based separator membranes in LIBs. CA membranes were fabricated using solution casting technique and then plasticized with various concentrations of plasticizers. The structural, thermal, and electrochemical properties of the resulting membranes… More >
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Open Access
ARTICLE
Rachmannu Ilham1, Fataty Kurnia Rahmah1, Nurul Faradilah Said2, Mohamad Buang Budiono2, Suprapto Suprapto1,*
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.055602
Abstract This study investigated the efficiency of activated carbon from Pangium edule shells for removing phosphate from aqueous solution. The adsorption capacity of the synthesized activated carbon was determined to be 19.8392 mg g−1. Various isotherm models were used to analyze the adsorption process, Henry, Freundlich, SIP, and Halsey isotherm fitting showed r2 values close to 1.0. These isotherms indicated a combination of physisorption and chemisorption mechanisms, with heterogeneity and multilayer formation playing important roles. A pseudo-second-order model described the adsorption kinetics well, suggesting chemisorption as the dominant mechanism with an r2 value of 1.0 and a rate constant… More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Toni Dwi Novianto1,2, Sri Rahayoe1,*, Bakti Berlyanto Sedayu2,*
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.057313
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Polysaccharide-Based Composites: Preparation, Characterization, and Applications )
Abstract This study aimed to develop and characterize biodegradable packaging film from blends of two natural polysaccharides, i.e., agar and glucomannan. The glucomannan used was derived from the specific tuber plant Amorphophallus oncophyllus (locally known as “porang”), which grows abundantly in Indonesian forests and remains underutilized. Various ratios of agar and porang-glucomannan (PG) proportions were formulated to produce a food packaging film, which was subsequently tested for its mechanical, physical, chemical, and thermal properties. The results showed that the inclusion of PG to the film formulations notably enhanced the stretchability of agar films, achieving maximum a… More >
Graphic Abstract
Open Access
Bob A. Howell*
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056283
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Renewable Materials and Advanced Technologies for Sustainability)
Abstract The deficiencies of popular phthalate plasticizers (ready migration from a polymer matrix into which they have been incorporated, flammability, environmental pollution, human health risks) have stimulated efforts to develop new effective, nonmigrating, low-cost, nontoxic replacements. In the main, these have been based on readily-available, nontoxic biobased precursors. Some, including those prepared from plant oils, have been generated from biomaterials themselves. However, the more numerous and generally more effective have been generated from discrete compounds produced from various biomaterials. Several structural features of effective plasticizers have been recognized. Polar functionality is required to assure compatibility with More >
Open Access
ARTICLE
Alexandr Arshanitsa*, Matiss Pals, Daniela Godina, Oskars Bikovens
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056466
Abstract The isolated hydrophilic black alder (Alnus glutinosa) bark extractives were characterized in terms of component and functional composition and converted at 150°C–170°C into liquid green polyols using solvent-free and low-toxic base-catalyzed modification with propylene carbonate (PC). FTIR spectroscopy, HP-LC, GC, GPC, and wet chemistry methods were used to characterize the starting constituents, intermediate and final products of the reaction and to monitor the different pathways of PC conversion. The reaction of extractives as well as the model compounds, including catechol, xylose, PEG 400, and benzoic acid, with PC indicated the ability of OH groups of different… More >
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Open Access
ARTICLE
Tanyawan Suwandecha1, Supachai Pisuchpen2,*
Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056334
Abstract This study investigated the development of mycelium-based biofoams as sustainable cushioning materials using Pleurotus ostreatus and Lentinus squarrosulus, combined with different sawdust substrates, and subjected to various pressing methods. The results indicated significant effects of mushroom species, sawdust type, and pressing method on the properties of biofoams. Growth rate, morphology, chemical composition, physical and mechanical properties, water resistance, and cushioning factor were evaluated. The results indicated that Lentinus squarrosulus (LS) exhibited faster growth rates (up to 14.37 mm/day) and produced biofoams with superior properties compared to Pleurotus ostreatus (PO). Core wood (CW) sawdust generally resulted in biofoams with lower… More >
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