BioResources (E-Journal)
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Sustainable Bamboo Fiber-Tannin Composite Foam: A Green Substrate for Vertical Greening Systems
No full textTannin-based biomass foam was prepared through a self-foaming process at room temperature. The material’s density, porosity, microstructure, mechanical properties, thermal stability, limiting oxygen index (LOI), brittleness, as well as water absorption and retention properties, were studied. Adding 2% bamboo fibers in varying forms did not affect the uniformity of the foam cells. The density, porosity, thermal stability, and LOI of the foam material remained largely unchanged. The compressive strength of the unmodified tannin foam was 0.043 MPa, while the addition of 2% bamboo fibers increased the compressive strength by 72%. Even when the effect of density was excluded, the specific compressive strength was enhanced by 60%. Additionally, brittleness, measured as the slagging percentage, was significantly reduced from 16.12% to 4.78%. The modified foam could absorb up to 26.5% of its weight in water, with excellent water retention capabilities of 78.1% after 120 h while retaining its structural integrity under intermittent wetting conditions, making it suitable for vertical greening applications. This demonstrates its suitability for vertical greening applications, where moisture exposure is frequent. In conclusion, the bamboo fiber-reinforced tannin-based foam exhibits excellent mechanical properties and superior water absorption and retention performance
Risk of Damage Inside Wooden Cultural Heritage Sites Based on Temperature, Humidity, and Airborne Fungi in South Korea
No full textThe temperature, humidity, and indoor airborne fungi were evaluated at 24 wooden cultural heritage sites (WCHs) (5 from field surveys and 19 from previous studies). Surface contaminating fungi was present year-round in the indoor space of WCHs. Wood decay fungi float only in summer and fall when relative humidity is high. The internal conditions of WCHs, such as an average temperature of 20 °C and a relative humidity of 75% or more, persisted for at least 4 weeks and up to 8 weeks of the year. Accordingly, the growth of surface contaminating fungi and wood decay fungi on wood and Hanji (Korea paper) surfaces was evaluated for 12 weeks. There was no growth at relative humidity of 95% or less. The maximum average relative humidity of 24 WCHs nationwide was 90% or less, which makes it impossible for most wood decay fungi to germinate and grow, and the period when it remained above 95% was very short. Therefore, the indoor space of WCHs is unlikely to be damaged by surface contaminating fungi and wood decay fungi in all periods of the year, as the environment suitable for germination and growth is not created for a long period
Exploring the Future of Novel Flute Shapes and Their Mechanical Benefits
No full textCorrugated board is a ubiquitous material, playing a critical role in modern packaging, transportation, and storage industries. While traditional flute shapes like sinusoidal waves dominate production, exploring and implementing novel fluting geometries could significantly enhance the mechanical properties of this material. This editorial discusses the theoretical future of various flute shapes and their potential to improve mechanical performances, such as bending stiffness and load-bearing capacity. Embracing innovative design and production techniques could lead to more sustainable and high-performing usages for corrugated cardboard for diverse applications
Comparison of Biomethane Production Process Using Two Different Types of Reactors from Dairy Wastewater
No full textThe production of biomethane (Bio-CH4) from dairy wastewater was evaluated using two types of reactors: an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor and a batch reactor, using dairy wastewater, anaerobic sludge (as inoculum), and Opuntia imbricata (as biomass substrate). The latter is a cactus known as coyonoxtle and is considered an invasive plant in northern Mexico. The wastewater was characterized in accordance with NOM-001-SEMARNAT-2021. The UASB reactor having a capacity of 4.5 L, was charged with 350 mL of sludge, 24 g of Opuntia imbricata, and 3.5 L of dairy wastewater (20.1 g/L of O2) at pH 7.0. Batch reactors with a volume of 120 mL, were charged with 72 mL of dairy wastewater (20.1 g/L of O2), 8 mL of sludge, and 3 pieces of O. imbricata. The results of the UASB reactor: Total specific production was 21.2 mmol of Bio-CH4 and an efficiency in the degradation of organic matter of 70.7%, with a hydraulic retention time of 4.8 h and a total duration of 720 h. For the batch reactors: Total specific production was 11.6 mmol of Bio-CH4 and 97.95% efficiency in the removal of organic matter, with a total duration of 192 h. The results showed an economic, efficient and sustainable way of producing Bio-CH4
Kano-DEMATEL-TRIZ-based Product Design for Nail Tables and Chairs: A Two-Category User Study
No full textThis paper aims to optimize the product design of nail tables and chairs and enhance user satisfaction. It proposes a comprehensive and visualized design process for developing dual-category user products that balance the needs of two distinct user groups: nail technicians and customers. Leveraging the Kano model, DEMATEL method, and TRIZ theory, the process includes four key steps: gathering dual-category user requirements, categorizing requirement attributes, analyzing the interrelationships between requirements, and resolving design conflicts. Using the design of nail tables and chairs as a case study, the paper empirically demonstrates how to balance the operational efficiency of nail technicians with the customer experience. This approach not only optimizes the design of nail tables and chairs but also offers valuable insights for requirement prioritization and iterative development of other dual-category user products
Biodegradability of Cellulose Fibers, Films, and Particles: A Review
No full textCellulose fibers are an abundant material that is well known for its biodegradability. Various forms of cellulose, such as cotton, paper pulp fibers, and microcrystalline cellulose can be regarded as benchmarks for biodegradability, when comparing other materials. However, as revealed by the literature, broad ranges of time and extent of biodegradation have been reported for cellulose. These large ranges can be attributed not only to environmental factors but also to the presence of lignin, the degree and perfection of crystallinity, the size and density of the physical specimens, and chemical modifications to the cellulose, if any. Studies also have shown differences in biodegradability associated with the selection of test methods. Although cellulose is subject to well-known enzyme-promoted mechanisms of biodegradation, the evolution of plant materials has favored development of some resistance to decay, i.e. recalcitrance. Cellulosic materials are clearly less biodegradable than starch. However, they are more biodegradable than various synthetic or bio-based plastics, as well as some cellulose derivatives, which persist in ocean water or soils for very long periods. This review indicates that cellulose biodegradability, while generally rapid and natural, has a rate and extent that depends on a complex and sometimes subtle set of environmental and chemical factors
Foamed Thermoset Resins for Enhanced Mechanical Properties and Reduced Formaldehyde Emissions in Particleboard
No full textUrea formaldehyde (UF) and phenol formaldehyde (PF), the most commonly used thermosetting adhesives in the particleboard (PB) industry, release formaldehyde, which is harmful to both humans and the environment. This study aimed to reduce glue consumption in PB with lower formaldehyde content by foaming the glue. The UF and PF were foamed using gelatin (GL), an animal protein, and the results were compared with those performed using sodium bicarbonate (SB) foaming agent and neat (UF and PF as controls) glue. SB and GL foaming agents increased the volume of the UF and PF resins by 1.5 and 2 times, respectively. PB characterization was carried out mechanically, physically, and morphologically. A perforator analysis was performed to determine the formaldehyde content in PB. Results showed that the foaming process generally improved the mechanical properties except for 10% SB and 10% GL. Analysis showed that foaming reduced the PB moisture content and improved water absorption and thickness swelling, except for 10% SB and 10% GL. SEM analysis indicated a successful foaming process. GL and SB reduced the formaldehyde content of the PBs. In conclusion, PB can be produced using 10 to 20% less adhesive through the foaming method by GL
The Seung (Sueng or Sung), a Plucked Fretted Lute from the Northern Region of Thailand
No full textThe seung instrument is played in one key (minor key) because the fret spacing creates a diatonic scale. Due to the fact that the frets are not uniformly spaced on the fretboard, the fret spacing produces a diatonic scale (do-re-mi-fa, etc.) instead of a chromatic scale of a guitar, where all the flats and sharps are available. The partial frequency (Hz) versus harmonic number for string 1 and 2 are very linear. The gradients of the linear equations fit very well with the fundamental frequency of the open string 1 and 2 and fret 1 to fret 9. The sounds were digitally captured using a PicoScope oscilloscope and were subsequently examined utilizing PicoScope software, emphasizing Fast Fourier Transform (FFT). The Time Frequency Analysis (TFA) was obtained via Adobe Audition. The notes for open string 1 and 2 are A4 followed by B4, C5, D5, E5, F5, G5, A5, B5, C6, and D4 followed by E4, F4, G4, A4, B4, C5, D5, E5, F5 from the 9 frets respectively. The 10 notes up to the 9th frets for string 1 and 2 are A4 to C5 and D4 to F5 respectively.
Exploring the Convergence of Tradition and Modernity: The Educational Tourism Potential of Suzhou Oil-Paper Umbrella Craftsmanship
No full textSuzhou oil-paper umbrellas, as a significant part of China's intangible cultural heritage, exemplify the harmonious integration of nature and art through their intricate craftsmanship. These umbrellas are not only functional objects but also cultural symbols, reflecting centuries of traditional skills in bamboo frame making and oil-paper production. However, the preservation of these techniques faces critical challenges, including an aging artisan population, a lack of successors, and insufficient integration of local industries with cultural heritage protection efforts. The current approaches to safeguarding these crafts often focus on superficial aspects, neglecting the core techniques of bamboo processing and paper-making. This editorial considers the cultural value of Suzhou oil-paper umbrella craftsmanship, identifies the challenges in its preservation, and explores revitalization strategies through educational tourism. The research employs a comprehensive analysis of the cultural significance, current preservation efforts, and potential for sustainable development. The main contribution of this study lies in highlighting the potential of educational tourism as a vehicle for cultural heritage conservation and local economic development, providing a framework for the sustainable revitalization of this unique traditional craft
Effect of Density on In-plane Material Behavior: The Case of Laboratory Paper and Commercial Paperboard
No full textPaper and paperboard are highly regarded for their recyclability and sustainability, but their inherent inhomogeneity presents challenges for material characterization and modeling. Despite being pressed during production, they remain compressible in the thickness direction, making density a key factor in determining mechanical properties. This study examines the effect of density and thickness compression on the in-plane mechanical behavior of paper and paperboard through uniaxial tensile tests on both laboratory paper with different refining energies and commercial paperboard with anisotropy. The results confirm that density significantly affects stress-strain response, elasticity, and plastic deformation. To capture this effect systematically, an efficiency factor is introduced that provides a quantitative measure of the density-dependent mechanical behavior to model the influence of density using a linear function. Incorporating efficiency factors refines the material modeling approach and improves predictions of stiffness and plastic stress. Higher refining energies result in a more homogeneous structure, reducing density-related variations, while commercial paperboard is less affected by fiber orientation and surface coatings. The proposed efficiency factor provides a new framework for optimizing and modelling the influence of the pressure and density on material parameters of fiber-based materials.