BioResources (E-Journal)
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Effect of Thermoplastic Starch Content on the Properties of Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) Composites
No full textThermoplastic starch (TPS) was evaluated as a filler in a poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) matrix. The effect of different levels of TPS (0%, 10%, 30%, 50%) on the composite was studied. The TPS/PBAT composites were prepared by melt blending modification and high temperature moulding. The mechanical properties, hygroscopicity, water absorption, thermal stability, and micromorphology of the PBAT-based composites were tested. The results showed that the tensile strength of TPS/PBAT composites decreased from 13.7 to 3.83 MPa when the TPS content was increased from 0 wt% to 50 wt%; the flexural and tensile strengths of the composites with the addition of 10 wt% TPS were increased by 14.9% and 16.3%, respectively, compared to those of pure PBAT. The water absorption, moisture absorption balance and contact angle of the composites were improved and the contact angle of the 30 wt% TPS/PBAT composites reached 108 deg. The addition of TPS reduced the coefficient of linear expansion of the composites, which showed better thermal stability. The results are important for the development of new biodegradable composites
Comparative Analysis of CFD Modeling and Process Simulation for Pyro-Gasification of Biomass
No full textA comparative analysis of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) modeling and process simulation (SIM) was carried out to evaluate biomass pyro-gasification, using experimental data from agave bagasse (AB) as a case study. Experimental data were obtained via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) under varying conditions, including non-isothermal (700 to 1000 °C) and isothermal (900 °C and 950 °C) gasification at different air-to-biomass ratios (ABR). CFD modeling in COMSOL Multiphysics focused on micro-scale mass and heat transfer phenomena, while Aspen Plus simulations provided macro-scale process insights. Results showed that SIM closely matched experimental product yields under isothermal conditions (maximum deviation: 4.23 wt.%), while CFD excelled in predicting gas composition under non-isothermal conditions (e.g., H₂ deviation: 3.29 vol.%). Sensitivity analysis showed how temperature and ABR are critical factors that influence the product yield and gas composition, highlighting the strengths of each modeling approach. These findings underline the potential of integrating CFD and SIM approaches for improving the accuracy of biomass conversion modeling, paving the way for optimized process designs and scalable industrial applications
A Study on the Relationship between Spore Count and Color Difference Values during the Mildewing Process of Paper Wine Boxes
No full textChanges in the number of mold spores and the color difference values of cardboard were evaluated during the molding process of paper wine boxes. The experiment utilized three types of cardboard: single white industrial paperboard (Q), grey-offset paperboard (S), and grey-coated white paperboard (T), along with nine strains of mold collected from mold-contaminated paper wine box samples. The molds were identified using both morphological and molecular techniques. These nine strains were inoculated on the surface of the cardboard and incubated at 28 °C and 98% relative humidity for 28 days to assess the number of mold spores and the color difference values. The results indicated a gradual increase in both the number of mold spores and the color difference values over the 28-day period. The total spore count was highest on cardboard type Q, followed by S and T (T < S < Q), whereas the average color difference value followed the reverse order (S < Q < T). A linear correlation model between the color difference value and spore count was developed using Matlab software to fit the data, providing a method to predict the number of mold spores based on the color difference values of the cardboard
Uncovering the Potential of Biomass from Agricultural Waste as Sustainable Biofuel in Aviation Industry to Promote Net Zero Emissions: A Critical Review
No full textIt is hard to decarbonize a passenger jet. The aviation industry contributes to approximately 2.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, underscoring the need for decarbonization to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) derived from conventional biomass, i.e., agricultural residues, forestry by-products, and organic waste, present a scalable solution. Conventional biomass has the potential to produce 60 to 80 billion liters of SAF annually, meeting up to 20% of current jet fuel demand. Lifecycle assessments indicate GHG emission reductions of 70 to 85% compared to fossil fuels. Advanced conversion technologies such as gasification and fermentation have achieved efficiencies exceeding 65%, demonstrating commercial viability. Case studies highlight significant CO2 reductions of 50 to 70% per flight using SAFs. Despite its promise, biomass-based SAFs are costlier, ranging from USD 1.10 to USD 2.40 per liter. However, policy instruments such as the U.S. SAF Grand Challenge and the EU’s RED II are accelerating adoption. Beyond environmental benefits, SAFs support socio-economic development, potentially creating 1.2 million green jobs globally while addressing waste management challenges. To realize this potential, challenges in technology, economics, and policy need to be addressed. Coordinated efforts in policy, research, and investment are essential to scale SAF deployment, enabling the aviation sector to significantly reduce lifecycle emissions and achieve its net-zero ambitions
Fused Deposition Modeling 3D Printing of Continuous Natural and Regeneration Fibers Reinforced Polymer Composites and Its Mechanical Properties under Extreme Environmental Conditions—A Critical Review
No full textContinuous fiber 3D printing, as a new technology, has attracted attention in an increasing number of applications. Research on continuous fiber 3D printing is currently still in its infancy, after less than 10 years since its discovery in 2016. Many technical and fundamental questions still need to be addressed. Most literature has dealt with 3D printing employing continuous synthetic fibers (e.g., carbon and aramid fibers). This critical review summarizes the progress on the 3D printing of continuous natural plant fibers and their regenerated fibers and their use in reinforced thermoplastic composites. Their mechanical performance under extreme environmental conditions is further reviewed. These high-performance continuous fiber reinforced polymer composites have potential for high value applications such as aerospace technologies
Pickering Emulsions Using Pd NP-loaded pH-sensitive Carboxylated Cellulose Nanocrystals for Catalytic Hydrogenation
No full textExploiting stimuli-responsive Pickering interfacial catalysts is crucial to the development of organic reactions in water and green chemistry. Herein, amphiphilic carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals were synthesized by surface modification of hydrophilic carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals. The obtained amphiphilic carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals showed great toluene-in-water Pickering emulsion stabilization capacity and pH-responsive property. Emulsification and rapid demulsification behaviours were observed by simple pH adjustment. Palladium nanoparticles supported on the amphiphilic carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals exhibited high activity in the hydrogenation reaction of nitrobenzene in aqueous media because of the improved mass transfer between hydrophobic substrate and hydrophilic solvent. Moreover, the pH-responsiveness of amphiphilic carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals could promote the recovery of both products and the Pickering interfacial catalyst. Therefore, palladium nanoparticles loaded bio-derived carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals for efficient pH-switched Pickering emulsion catalytic hydrogenation was successfully prepared. Outstanding activity and reusability were achieved
Effects of Wollastonite on Selected Properties of Medium-Density Fiberboards Made from Wood and Palm Leaf Residues
No full textEffects of adding wollastonite (W, at 5% and 10%) and palm leaf residues(at 10%), based on the dry weight of wood fibers, were evaluated relative to selected properties of medium-density fiberboards (MDF), bonded with two adhesive systems, i.e., urea-formaldehyde (UF, at 10%) and isocyanate (IC, at 5%) resins. The results indicated a general improvement in screw withdrawal resistance in the UF-bonded panels due to the addition of wollastonite. This enhancement is attributed to the reinforcing effect of wollastonite. In the IC-bonded panels, the addition of wollastonite had an improving effect when W-content was 5%. The addition of defibrated palm leaves generally decreased the screw withdrawal resistance of the MDF panels due to the soft nature of the palm fibers. The fire properties of the IC-bonded panels tended to be more favorable or at least comparable to those of the UF-bonded panels, which was attributed to the formation of bubbles in the cured resin. The addition of wollastonite generally improved fire properties in both resins. It was concluded that wollastonite and defibrated palm leaves can be recommended for MDF production when the contents of wollastonite and palm leaves do not exceed 5% and 10%, respectively
3D-Printed Green Biocomposites from Poly(lactic acid) and Pine Wood-derived Microcrystalline Cellulose: Characterization and Properties
No full textThe increasing demand for sustainable and high-performance materials has prompted research into biocomposites as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), which is widely used, often lacks the mechanical and thermal stability required for advanced applications. This limitation can be overcome by reinforcing PLA with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a renewable and abundant resource. While existing PLA composites have shown promise, the uniform dispersion and interfacial bonding of reinforcements remain challenges. To bridge this gap, an optimal 80:20 wt% PLA/MCC ratio was identified and processed into filament using a single-screw extruder, followed by 3D printing via fused filament fabrication (FFF). The composite’s properties were evaluated through mechanical, thermal, and morphological analyses. Results revealed significant enhancements: tensile strength increased by 30%, flexural strength by 22.3%, impact strength by 78.9%, and compressive strength by 21.3%, compared to neat PLA. Thermogravimetric analysis showed improved thermal stability, with reduced weight loss at elevated temperatures. This research demonstrates that the integration of MCC into PLA not only improves mechanical and thermal properties but also offers an environmentally sustainable solution for engineering applications. The findings highlight the potential of PLA/MCC composites for industries requiring lightweight, durable, and eco-conscious materials, including automotive and biomedical sectors
Laccase and Lignin Peroxidase Production by Cerrena unicolor and Loweporus lividus in Solid-State Fermentation Using Agricultural Biomass as Substrate and its Application in Dye Degradation
No full textLignocellulosic residues (guava leaves, cabbage leaves, pineapple peels, pomegranate peels, orange peels, banana pseudostem, and wheat bran) were used for the production of laccase (LaC) and lignin peroxidase (LiP) via solid-state fermentation (SSF) by fungi (Cerrena unicolor and Loweporus lividus). The results revealed that banana pseudostems presented higher LaC and LiP activities (49.8±1.4 U/g and 7.8±0.24 U/g, respectively) than other agricultural residues did. Banana pseudostems presented increased amounts of lignin (21±0.28%), cellulose (42.8±0.92%), and hemicelluloses (22.3±0.14%), which stimulated enzyme production. The data revealed that glucose (a carbon source), ammonium sulfate (a nitrogen source), an inducer (polysorbate 80, 0.15%), a pH of 4.5, and a 60% moisture content were optimal for LaC and LiP production. Two-level full factorial designs revealed that the variables moisture, pH, polysorbate 80, and glucose significantly influenced LaC and LiP production (p<0.001). A central composite design was applied to optimize the medium components, and glucose and polysorbate 80 influenced LaC and LiP production. The optimized medium (4.82 pH, 0.13% polysorbate 80, and 0.57% glucose) improved LaC (151.9 U/g) and LiP (19.2 U/g) production. The crude enzyme was used to decolorize the dyes. The degradation rates of acid yellow, bromo-chloroform purple, and reactive black 5 were >82%
Freshwater Weeds as Low-cost Solid Substrate for the Production of Peroxidase by a Newly Isolated Bacillus flexus from Wastewater
No full textFreshwater weeds (Eichhornia crassipes, Lemna minor, Azolla pinnata, Myriophyllum indicum and Nymphoides peltatum) were used as fermentation substrates to increase production of peroxidase enzyme. The pretreated freshwater weeds released sugars which favoured bacterial growth and peroxidase yields. The cellulose content of macroalgae ranged from 15.9±0.42 to 26.4±0.18% and the maximum amount was detected in L. minor (26.4±0.18%). Lignin content was high (8.3±0.4%) in A. pinnata and hemicellulose content was highest (26.5±0.92%) in E. crassipes. Peroxidase production was high in the L. minor biomass (7.28 ±0.41 U/g), followed by E. crassipes (6.72±0.3 U/g). The isolated bacteria C18 produced dye degrading-enzymes such as tyrosinase (2.74±0.3 U/mL), lignin peroxidase (0.71±0.02 U/mL), NADH-DCIP reductase (1.49±0.03 U/mL), laccase (29.8±1.1 U/mL), and azoreductases (35.4±0.15 U/mL). Central composite design and response surface methodology were used to improve peroxidase production by Bacillus flexus. Peroxidase production improved with an increase in initial pH value, low levels of glucose, and ammonium sulphate. B. flexus decolourized methyl red (>75%) and Congo red (>60%) in the culture medium. Lemna minor is a cost-effective culture medium for peroxidase production. The enzyme-based bioremediation reduces toxic pollutants in water systems, thereby potentially reducing health risks due to environmental exposure