Jhony César Muñoz Zambrano, Douglas Alexander Bermúdez Parrales, María Antonieta Riera^*

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.42, No.3, pp. 837-851, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2025.067277 - 30 September 2025

Abstract Agricultural waste is a potentially interesting resource due to the compounds present. In this study, cellulose was extracted from corn stalks (Zea mays) and subsequently converted into cellulose acetate (CA). Before the extraction process, the waste sample was characterized by pH, moisture, ash, protein content, total reducing sugars (TRS), carbohydrates, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Acid and alkaline hydrolysis were performed with different reagents, concentrations, and extraction times. Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and acetic acid (CH₃COOH) were used in the acid hydrolysis, while sodium hydroxide (NaOH) was used in the alkaline hydrolysis. Three concentrations (0.62, 1.25, 2.5)% and two… More >

Andris Berzins^1,2, Ramunas Tupciauskas^1,*, Gunars Pavlovics¹, Martins Andzs¹

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.6, pp. 1189-1207, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02024-0067 - 23 June 2025

Abstract This study examines the development of loose-fill thermal insulation materials derived from annual plant residues, such as wheat straw, water reeds, and corn stalks, processed using the chemimechanical pulping (CMP) technique. The chopped plants were soda-cooked for 30 min, varying NaOH concentration (2%–8% on a dry basis of biomass), and mechanically refined using different disc types. The CMP process enhances the homogeneity and stability of defibrated material, yielding improved insulation properties compared to untreated chopped raw materials. Chemical analysis revealed that CMP increases cellulose content and reduces lignin levels, enhancing water retention and vapor diffusion… More > Graphic Abstract

Lilik Astari^1,2,*, Benoit Belleville¹, Kenji Umemura³, Alex Filkov⁴, Barbara Ozarska¹, Robert H. Crawford⁵

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.10, pp. 1729-1756, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.054786 - 23 October 2024

Abstract The demand for particleboard is increasing along with economic and population growth. However, two major barriers to the manufacture of particleboard are a shortage of raw materials (woodchips) and the emission of formaldehyde from conventional adhesives. Agricultural by-products such as corn stalks contain an abundance of renewable lignocellulosic fiber. This study evaluates the effect of citric acid as a natural adhesive and fire retardant addition on the physical, mechanical, and fire retardancy properties of particleboards fabricated from corn stalks. A cost-effective and inorganic salt, calcium carbonate, was tested to enhance the fire retardancy. Ammonium dihydrogen… More > Graphic Abstract

Weili Wu^*, Fengyu Chen

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.8, No.8, pp. 905-913, 2020, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2020.010558 - 10 July 2020

Abstract Corn stalk cellulose (CS)/used rubber powder (RP) composites were prepared by mixing, the silane coupling agent 3-Mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane (KH590), r-Aminopropyltrieth oxysilane (KH550), isopropyl dioleic (dioctylphosphate) titanate (HY101) and bis-(γ-triethoxysilylpropyl)- tetrasulfide (Si69) were used to modify the interface of composites. The effects of the CS and coupling agents on the mechanical properties, thermal properties, interfacial morphology and structure of the composites were investigated, respectively. The results showed that the addition of CS could effectively improve the mechanical properties of the composites. Compared with the untreated composites, the interfacial bonding between CS and RP was significantly improved More >