BioResources (E-Journal)
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Performance Evaluation of Coconut Wood Veneer Composite for Sustainable Construction Material
No full textThe abundant coconut palm (Cocos nucifera L.) offers an appealing alternative to meet the increasing demand for wood panels, providing both functional and aesthetic benefits. However, the sclerenchymatous vascular bundle of coconut wood poses challenges for rotary peeling, and the high capital and operational costs associated with palm wood limit its practical use. Consequently, this preliminary study aimed to develop pure and hybrid coconut-sawn veneer composites (using Macaranga peltata). Veneers were bonded with phenol-formaldehyde resin in crossband orientation and hot-pressed (40 kg/cm², 135 to 140 °C, 15 min). Four types of 3-layer composites were produced: Pure medium-density coconut composite (Pure-MD), Pure high-density coconut composite (Pure-HD), coconut-Macaranga hybrid medium-density composite (Hybrid-MoD), and coconut-Macaranga hybrid high-density composite (Hybrid-HD). Physico-mechanical tests revealed that Pure-MD and Pure-HD met Indian standards (IS 303:1989), demonstrating good strength and stiffness. In contrast, high-density composites showed reduced glue adhesion. Hybrid-MD satisfied most criteria except bending stress, restricting high-load applications. Hybrid-HD failed in internal bonding and bending, limiting its utility. The study highlights the potential of pure coconut composites under optimized conditions. However, further improvements are needed for high-density and hybrid composites, focusing on adhesive type, surface modification, veneer alignment, and hot-pressing parameters
Thermal Treatment, Moisture Content, and Vibration Direction’s Effect on Dynamic Properties of Spruce Wood (Picea abies) for Musical Instruments
No full textThe article examines the main and interactive effects of thermal modification (TM), relative humidity (RH), and direction of vibration on the density, modulus of elasticity (MOE) and shear modulus of spruce wood. Samples were thermally modified at 180, 200, and 230 °C and then equilibrated at 20%, 44%, 76%, and 88% RH. The MOE in the longitudinal direction and the shear moduli GLR and GLT were calculated from the natural frequencies of the first three lateral vibration modes of free-free specimen. EL-R and GLR were determined from the vibration frequencies when the specimens vibrated laterally in the longitudinal-radial plane, while EL-T and GLT were determined from vibration frequencies when the specimens vibrated in longitudinal-tangential plane. Density, MOE, and shear moduli decreased at the highest TM level by averages of 16%, 9.8% and 9.7%, respectively. Acoustic coefficients such as the sound velocity (c), the sound radiation coefficient (R) and the characteristic acoustic impedance (ACE) were determined. On average, c and R increased as a function of RH from 1% to 3% and from 10% to 15%, respectively, while ACE decreased from 7% to 13%. The test material was classified for making soundboards for musical instruments
High-Strength UV-Resistant Polyvinyl Alcohol Composite Films Based on Phellodendron amurense Rupr Extract
No full textEnvironmentally friendly and biodegradable polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) film combined with Phellodendron amurense extract was used to prepare an anti-UV composite film through thermal flow molding technology. The prepared PVOH composite film containing Phellodendron amurense extract exhibited UV-resistant properties, with the composite film made from leaf extract showing the highest UV resistance. Additionally, the tensile strength and toughness of the PVOH composite film with added Phellodendron amurense extract significantly increased compared to pure PVOH film. Studies on film-forming and UV-resistant mechanisms have revealed that extract particles can act as nucleating agents to promote the local ordered arrangement of PVOH molecular chains, forming microcrystalline regions. This enhances the tensile strength of composite films while maintaining their toughness. During the film-forming process, the extract forms hydrogen bonds with PVOH, and the benzene ring conjugated double bonds in the extract can absorb ultraviolet light, contributing to the UV resistance of the PVOH composite film. The composite film prepared from Phellodendron amurense extract and PVOH with UV resistance and high strength can be applied in fields such as packaging, food, and sunscreen products, which is of great significance for promoting the efficient development and utilization of biomass resources
Numerical Modelling and Theoretical Analysis of Timber-Concrete Glued-in Threaded Rod Shear Connectors with and without Notches
No full textTimber-concrete composite (TCC) structures offer superior bending stiffness, load capacity, and environmental benefits, but shear connector performance—critical for timber-concrete integration—remains a challenge. This study investigated TCC structures using notched shear connectors and glued-in threaded rods (GiRs) via push-out tests, finite element (FE) modelling, and parametric analyses. Twenty-seven specimens were tested, and the validated FE model simulated material nonlinearities and contact. The results showed increased GiR diameter and embedment length enhance load capacity and stiffness (GL series), with diminishing returns beyond a certain embedment. A 100 mm notch size optimized stiffness and load capacity for notched connectors (RG series). Parametric studies highlighted the influence of notch size, GiR embedment length, and diameter on load capacity, stiffness, and ductility. The FE model accurately predicted structural behavior, and theoretical models for load capacity prediction showed 1 to 32% error. This study provides valuable insights for optimizing TCC shear connector design and enhancing structural performance
Mechanism of Ink and Pigment Detachment from Palm Leaf Manuscripts Driven by Hygroexpansion
No full textPalm-leaf manuscripts use palm leaves as their medium. The inherent poor dimensional stability of this biological material is the main reason for ink and pigment detachment. As a valuable cultural heritage, the detachment of ink or pigment on the surface of palm leaf manuscripts under humid-dry cycling poses a critical challenge in the field of conservation. This study simulated traditional palm leaf manuscript preparation and employed accelerated humid-dry cycling to elucidate ink/pigment detachment mechanisms. The substrate—composed of cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose, waxes, and pectin—exhibits anisotropic deformation during cycling: thickness/tangential expansion significantly exceeds longitudinal direction. Chromatic analysis showed minor ΔE* increases in substrate, ink, and pigment, confirming stable chemistry. Color changes primarily resulted from interfacial microcracks and light scattering due to physical deformation. Detachment area escalated with cycles, driven by substrate-ink/pigment expansion mismatch. This induces interfacial tensile-compressive stress cycling, causing mechanical fatigue, adhesion loss, and eventual powdering/flaking. Key conservation strategies include stabilizing environmental humidity and developing flexible protective coatings to buffer interfacial stress. This provides theoretical foundations for scientific preservation of palm leaf manuscripts and conservation material design
Evaluating Perceptual Quality of Office Chair Surface Materials Through Visual-Tactile Synesthesia Assessment
No full textIn the context of increasing demands for health, comfort, and aesthetic quality in office environments, this study investigated how surface materials of office chairs influence users’ emotional responses through visual–tactile perception. Ten typical office chair surface material samples were sourced from manufacturers and evaluated in a controlled laboratory setting. Participants provided feedback via a semantic differential questionnaire, designed using the Kawakita Jiro (KJ) method and expert screening. Visual-tactile evaluation data were analyzed using SPSS software, employing factor analysis to explore perceptual groupings and latent emotional dimensions. Results showed four material clusters aligned with different user needs, including support, comfort, skin-friendliness, and breathability. Factor analysis extracted four core dimensions: physical comfort, thermal-affective feedback, quality–breathability trade-off, and material essence. To further support material selection, a method was established using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to clarify the weight of each perceptual factor. This study integrated Kansei engineering with visual-tactile synesthesia theory to construct a multidimensional evaluation framework, providing implications for the design of office chairs with greater attention to emotional and health-related factors
Influence of the Arrangement of Corrugated Board Flap Boxes on their Resistance to Static Pressure
No full textThe authors examined how the arrangement of corrugated board boxes influences the loading unit’s resistance to static pressure. The obtained values were compared with the basic strength test of a single box commonly used, which is the resistance to static pressure of BCT boxes. The subject of the study was FEFCO 201 flap boxes with touching flaps. The scope of work included measuring the static pressure resistance BCT of a single box and eight boxes stacked in two layers in two different ways, which are the most popular techniques for stacking boxes on a pallet when creating a loading unit. The strength of a single box, eight boxes stacked in columns, and eight boxes stacked in a blocking arrangement with overlapping edges was determined. The measurement results were compared, and conclusions were drawn.
Carbon Footprint and Techno-economic Analysis to Decarbonize the Production of Linerboard via Fuel Switching in the Lime Kiln and Boiler: Development of a Marginal Abatement Cost Curve
No full textThe US Pulp and Paper (P&P) industry heavily relies on fossil sources, with lime kiln operations posing a significant challenge for achieving zero on-site fossil emissions. This study assesses the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential and costs associated with alternative fuels in lime kiln operations for linerboard production. Various options, including bio-based fuels including pulverized biomass, gasification of biomass, crude tall oil, bio-methanol, and traditional fuels such as fuel oil and petcoke, were analyzed through detailed process simulations and Life Cycle Assessment. Results indicate that per ton of product, 2,789 kg of CO2-eq is emitted, with 69% being biogenic CO2 and 31% fossil CO2-eq. Notably, replacing the natural gas boiler with a biomass boiler reduces Global Warming Potential (GWP) by 41%, while switching lime kiln fuel to biofuels achieves a 5.5% reduction. Combining a biomass boiler with pulverized biomass fuel use in the lime kiln yields a substantial 93.1% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions, at a cost of $76/ton of CO2-eq avoided
Effect of Relative Humidity Level on Bonding Properties of Black Spruce Glulam
No full textGlued-laminated timber (glulam) is a structural wood-based composite widely used in construction. One of the constraints to its production is the requirement that lamellae must have the same moisture content before bonding. This study analyzed the effect of joining lamellae having different moisture content levels on the bonding performance of glulam elements. Black spruce [Picea mariana (Mill.) B.S.P.] wood with different levels of moisture content (11%, 13%, and 15%) were bonded with two component polyurethane and placed in three different environments with different relative humidities. Block shear and delamination tests were performed according to ASTM D905-08 (2021) and EN 302-2 (2013), respectively, and the glue line profile was assessed with a micro-CT scanner. The results showed that the relative humidity had more influence on the results than the initial moisture of the wood. The results obtained for block shear and delamination tests respected the limits of the standard, but the adhesive profile of mixed moisture glulam presented some undesirable characteristics (thinner and irregular adhesive distribution). Micro-CT scan reconstructed images were found to be an interesting tool for this type of evaluation
The Use of TEMPO-oxidized Nanofibrillated Cellulose as Anode Binder for Lithium-ion Batteries
No full textExpansion of the anode coating layer during lithium-ion battery charging and discharging is of significant concern because it can delaminate or break the coating layer, thus critically affecting battery lifespan and the efficiency, especially in silicon-based electrodes. Therefore, control of expansion and improvement of the mechanical properties of the anode layer are essential. Nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) exhibits excellent network-forming and mechanical properties and have been extensively researched in terms of high-value applications. This study aims to enhance the rheological and mechanical properties of conventional anode layers by using TEMPO-oxidized NFC (TNFC) as the binder. Anode coating processability was investigated through rheological properties, and the interaction mechanisms between TNFC and electrode graphite were explored. Performance changes were examined using tensile and peel tests to assess adhesion between the electrode and copper foil. The tensile properties of an anode with TNFC improved dramatically. The use of TNFC alone as binder reduced the electrode abrasion resistance to copper foil, but this can be countered by combining TNFC with a traditional SBR binder. This study thus highlights the potential of TNFC as novel renewable binders for anodes.