BioResources (E-Journal)
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Pyrolysis of Camellia oleifera Shell at Intermediate Temperatures, and Prediction of Bio-oil Component Levels by Mathematical Modeling
No full textCamellia oleifera shell was pyrolysed at 300 to 750 °C to investigate biochar and bio-oil yields under different conditions, and the relationships between pyrolysis temperature and the product yields were established. The thermal decomposition behavior, biochar characteristics, and bio-oil composition were analyzed. The fixed carbon content of C. oleifera shell reached 22.2%, exceeding common biomass materials. Biochar yield decreased from 57.9% to 31.7% as temperature increased from 300 °C to 750 °C, while bio-oil yield increased from 14.4% to 37.1%. The established temperature-dependent yield models demonstrated excellent predictive capability (R²=0.99). Final carbonization levels under heating rates of 5, 10, and 15 °C/min were 35.4%, 29.4%, and 27.2%, respectively. Biochar pore volume increased with pyrolysis temperature, while specific surface area and average pore diameter exhibited an initial rise followed by decline. Specific surface area increased as temperature rose, with predominant pore diameters distributed between 10 and 30 nm. Bio-oil composition analysis revealed acids as predominant components (40.9% to 49.9%), followed by phenols (20.2% to 27.3%), aldehydes (9.2% to 10.2%), ketones (8.4% to 11.8%), esters (3.4% to 3.6%), and alcohols (0.41% to 1.07%). This study provides guidance for optimizing pyrolysis conditions to obtain target products
Fractionation of Softwood Lignin and Polysaccharides By n-Butanol/Maleic Acid Two-Solvent Process
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The organosolv method, using water and n-butanol with acid catalysts, separates biomass into three phases: n-butanol, aqueous, and solid, which primarily contain lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose, respectively. In this study, maleic acid was applied as a catalyst in the water/n-butanol method to avoid using inorganic acids. Comparable or better component separation was achieved relative to using sulfuric acid as a catalyst. Furthermore, by using a high concentration of maleic acid, instead of a catalytic amount, lignin was extracted from softwood with a high yield (more than 97 wt.% lignin extracted) under the condition at 180 °C for 1 hour with approximately 10 wt% maleic acid. Additionally, the reaction temperature and time were varied to achieve better lignin fractionation and functionalization. The highest total fractionation extent and well-carboxylated lignin were obtained at 150 °C. The chemical properties of lignin were also analyzed, and their structure and molecular weight were investigated
The Effect of Weathering on Color and Glossiness Properties of Polyurethane-Modified Water-Based Varnish Layers Applied to Thermally Treated Ash Wood
No full textThe effects of artificial weathering (168, 336, and 504 h) on the glossiness values and color parameters of varnished, polyurethane-modified ash wood were investigated. Samples included control samples without treatment and thermally treated samples under two different conditions (190 °C for 1.5 h and 212 °C for 2 h), all coated with a polyurethane-modified water-based varnish. In non-thermally treated and varnished samples, decreases in L* values were observed after weathering, while increases were noted in ho, C*, b*, and glossiness at 60° in both perpendicular and parallel directions to the fibers. After weathering, for samples thermally treated at 190 °C for 1.5 h and varnished, increases were observed in glossiness values at 20° and 60° in both directions, as well as in L*, b*, and ho values. Conversely, decreases were noted in a* and C* values. In samples thermally treated at 212 °C for 2 h and varnished, increases in a*, L*, ho, b*, and C* values were detected after weathering, whereas decreases were observed in glossiness at all angles (20° and 60°) in both directions. The ∆E* values showed a decreasing trend in non-thermally treated varnished samples after weathering, while an increase was observed in samples thermally treated at 212 °C for 2 h and varnished
Artificial Neural Network Approach for Predicting Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Steam Exploded Pine Wood Chip in Mild Alkaline Pretreatment
No full textLignocellulosic biomass, particularly softwoods such as pine, poses a significant challenge to enzymatic hydrolysis due to its high lignin content and complex structural rigidity. Although the application of steam explosion and alkaline pretreatment has gained widespread popularity for enhancing digestibility, the optimization of process parameters remains a formidable challenge due to the nonlinear interactions among variables. Machine learning is emerging as a promising solution to address these challenges, offering a viable alternative for predictive modeling and process control. In this study, an artificial neural network (ANN) model was developed to predict the enzymatic hydrolysis rate of steam-exploded pine wood subjected to mild alkaline (NaOH) pretreatment. The artificial neural network (ANN) was trained on experimental data encompassing three primary process variables: steam explosion time (1 to 5 min), NaOH concentration (0.5 to 2.0%), and chemical pretreatment time (12 to 24 h). The artificial neural network (ANN) model demonstrated the highest level of accuracy among the models evaluated, including random forest, support vector machine, and extreme gradient boosting. It attained a coefficient of determination (R²) of 0.9805. In conditions that were not optimized (1% NaOH, 24-hour treatment, 5 min steam explosion, without bark), a maximum hydrolysis of 93.9% was obtained
Bioactive Compounds with Antioxidant Activity Extracted from Lignocellulosic Biomass of Galium verum
No full textThe active ingredients present in Galium species, especially Galium verum, are represented by antioxidant compounds in variable proportions. This study aimed to obtain, by solid-liquid extraction of G. verum, biologically active compounds with antioxidant properties, such as polyphenols and flavonoids. Four classic extraction techniques were used (maceration-M, refluxation-R, sonoextraction-US and a combined method: sonoextraction with maceration - US+M). In the extraction process, glycerin was used in different forms: hydro-glycerin; and water and glycerin-ethanol mixtures with different concentrations. Other monitored parameters were the solid-liquid ratio (S/L) and the extraction time. The best results were obtained using the hydro-glycerin solution as extraction solvent: 85.0 µg GAE/g polyphenols (R: 50% concentration, 60 min, S/L=1:15) and 117 mg QE/g flavonoids ((R: 80% concentration, 60 min, S/L=1:15). This study brings new data about obtaining plant extracts from G. verum with important antioxidant properties, based on the use of a green solvent extraction
Research on Aroma-Releasing Flooring based on KANO-AHP-TRIZ Model
No full textThe concept of the "olfactory economy" has recently emerged as a novel consumer trend. Flooring has been observed to emit an undesirable olfactory sensation during its initial use. The implementation of scented flooring has been demonstrated to mitigate this concern. This study examines the problem of undesirable odors emitted by engineered wood flooring during its initial application. A Kano-AHP model in conjunction with TRIZ theory was used to investigate market demand for fragranced flooring and to offer novel insights into its advancement. A questionnaire survey was administered to ascertain market demand for aromatic flooring. The Kano model was employed to assess user requirements, with a focus on individuals seeking aromatic flooring. This finding emerged after the investigation of fragrance intensity, comfort, and suitability. The aromatic flooring surface was then subjected to artificial olfactory testing, and the findings were statistically analyzed using the Hierarchical Analysis Method to rank user olfactory preferences by weight and priority. TRIZ theory was ultimately employed to transform these requirements into enhancement strategies for aromatic flooring. The findings demonstrate the efficacy of this research approach in translating user requirements into research and development trajectories, thereby enhancing the relationship between users and goods and offering novel insights for the research and development of indoor furniture panels
Reinforcement of Paper Documents by Different Starch Modification Processes
No full textPaper documents gradually deteriorate during long-term storage, accompanied by acidification and a decline in mechanical strength. To achieve both deacidification and mechanical strengthening, sodium tetraborate (Na₂B₄O₇) was used as a deacidification agent, and two starch products (enzymatically hydrolyzed starch, quaternary ammonium cationic starch) served as strengthening agents. The documents were treated either by simultaneous deacidification and reinforcement (one-step method), or deacidification followed by reinforcement (two-step method). The effects of different reinforcement treatments on the mechanical properties and pH of the paper were investigated. Accelerated aging tests (dry and wet aging tests) were conducted to evaluate the change of the mechanical performance of paper documents under optimal reinforcement conditions. Deacidification and reinforcement treatments improved the tensile index, tearing index, and folding endurance. The type of starch modification and the different deacidification and reinforcement processes influenced the mechanical strength. The surface pH values of paper documents only modified with different starches remained below 7.0. Accelerated aging tests on paper treated with different starches (both deacidified and reinforced) revealed that under high temperature and humidity conditions, the mechanical properties of paper documents deteriorated more severely. The treated paper exhibited varying degrees of relative improvement in tensile index, tearing index, and folding endurance
A User-Centered Sustainable Design Research for Parent-Child Interactive Seating in Urban Children’s Parks: Development of an Integrated GT-KANO-AHP-QFD Model
No full textUrban parks have increasingly become pivotal settings for strengthening parent–child relationships; however, most on-site facilities remain predominantly adult-oriented. Accordingly, this study developed an operational, replicable, and iterative research framework for parent–child interactive seating in children’s parks, placing parent–child needs and sustainable design at its core. Anchored in the Double-Diamond process, a GT–Kano–AHP–QFD integrated innovation model was proposed to extract, classify, weight, and translate user requirements for such seating. By integrating these four methods, user needs were captured and addressed more precisely, thereby deepening understanding of design requirements for parent–child interactive seating. A rapid ideation workflow was subsequently implemented, combining large language models with diffusion models to generate concepts. The scheme was evaluated with fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE), which indicated that the embedded, multifunctional interaction concept achieved the highest performance in functional adaptability, emotional interactivity, and life-cycle sustainability (composite score = 0.840). The findings demonstrated that the integrated innovation model simultaneously enhances user satisfaction and reduces carbon impact, providing a transferable procedural paradigm and empirical evidence for the sustainable design of parent–child seating and other micro-scale public amenities
Effects of Support Stiffness and Grinding Media Shape on Vibration Superfine Grinding Performance of Wheat Bran
No full textTo explore the effects of support stiffness and grinding media shape on the superfine grinding performance of wheat bran, a vibration grinding platform with adjustable support stiffness (25 to 55 kN/m) was used for tests with stainless steel spherical grinding media (SGM) and cylindrical grinding media (CGM), respectively. The results showed that both factors significantly affected the grinding effect. When stiffness exceeded 35 kN/m, micro powder quality and yield improved for both media. Below 35 kN/m, SGM’s micro powder quality deteriorated, while CGM’s micro powder quality peaked at 30 kN/m. At 30 kN/m, fine powder, micro powder, and superfine powder yields reached their maximum for both media. The mass fraction of superfine powder was 52.9% for CGM, and that of SGM was 29.3% higher than at 35 kN/m. SGM consistently produced better particle size distribution than CGM, with the smallest median particle size (D50) difference (21.5%) at 30 kN/m. The superfine yield of CGM was not always higher than that of SGM. Their mass fraction difference showed a quadratic nonlinear relationship. A coupling effect between media shape and stiffness was found to determine grinding performance. Overall, this work provides a basis for optimizing the superfine grinding performance of wheat bran in vibration mills
Distillers’ Grains Used as a Filler in Recycled Containerboard
No full textDistillers’ grain (DG) was used as an ingredient in paperboard made in the laboratory from recycled containerboard fibers. The chemical composition and physico-chemical properties of DG fractions that had been isolated using varied screens were investigated. The effect of DG incorporation on the properties of the recycled paperboard was compared relative what was obtained with either precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) or talc powder as fillers. The DG was found to mainly contain cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, protein, and fat. At a filler addition level of 5%, the 100- to 140-mesh DG-filled handsheet exhibited the most satisfactory physical properties, with a tensile index of 25.4 N·m·g-1 and a ring crush index of 7.95 N·m·g-1. The strength values were generally higher than those of paper filled by PCC or talc powder at the same addition levels. The tensile index and ring crush index of hybrid-filled handsheets increased with increasing ratios of DG. The results suggest that DG can be used as a substitute for fiber content in some grades of paperboard, especially where a low-cost, bulky material could provide an advantage. Such usage of DG can resolve environmental challenges associated with storage and transportation of excess DG that is presently discarded