BioResources (E-Journal)
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Nanocellulose Targets Regenerative Medicine
No full textThe term “nanocellulose” encompasses a wide range of cellulose-derived nanomaterials, which are characterized by their diverse morphologies and chemical structures at the nanometer scale. In recent years, there has been a remarkable increase in the use of nanocellulose in regenerative medicine. Of particular interest is the in vitro culture of pluripotent stem cells, which has led to a growing demand for animal-free media and scaffolds in stem cell culture. Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a pivotal role in regulating the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells, with fibrous collagen and glycosaminoglycans serving as structural and functional supports. In this context, nanocellulose has garnered significant interest as potential ECM mimetics, due to its rigid fiber form and its regular interfacial structures. The use of natural polysaccharide nanofibers would represent a promising avenue for the functional design of animal-free cell culture scaffolds, with the potential to significantly advance the regulation of stem cell culture in regenerative medicine
Chemithermomechanical Pulping and Properties Comparison of Four Common Hardwood Species in Northern China
No full text
Populus cathayana Rehder (PCR, Chinese poplar), Fraxinus chinensis Roxb. (FCR, Chinese ash), Platanus orientalis L. (PO, Oriental plane), and Acer palmatum Thunb. (AP, Japanese maple) are four common hardwoods in the northern hemisphere. In this work, chemithermomechanical pulps (CTMP) of the four wood species were prepared for comparative study of pulp properties. For unbleached CTMP, PCR and FCR exhibited the highest whiteness of 44%ISO, while AP demonstrated the highest tensile index of 24.2 N·m²/g, tear index of 1.23 mN·m2/g, and ring crush index of 7.2 N·m/g. For bleached CTMP using hydrogen peroxide, PO achieved the highest whiteness of 70.3% ISO at 6% hydrogen peroxide. AP showed the optimal tensile index of 24.7 N·m²/g. The experiments also revealed that PO exhibited the highest bulk of 3.6 cm³/g. This study provides a reference for selecting raw materials in pulp production
Free Vibration and Mechanical Characteristics of Palmyra Palm Leaf Stalk Fibers (PPLSFs) Reinforced Unsaturated Polyester Composites
No full textThe mechanical and free vibration behaviors of unsaturated polyester matrix composites reinforced with 10-, 50-, and 150-mm-long palmyra palm leaf stalk fibers were examined. The fibers were alkali-treated before being used as reinforcement, which improved fiber-matrix interfacial strength, while reducing their hydrophilic character. The hand layup process followed by compression molding technique were used to produce the composites. Experiments were conducted to determine the tensile, flexural, impact, and vibration characteristics following the required ASTM standards. The results demonstrated that the most effective adhesion with the matrix was achieved with 50-mm-long fibers. To identify the properties of free vibration, a fast Fourier transform analyzer was used. Longer fibers offered slightly higher natural frequencies in the composites. To understand the mechanism of fracture, specimens that had been subjected to tensile testing were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Developing engineering applications with effective vibration-damping capabilities for a sound absorption potential compared to other lignocellulosic fiber composites may be achieved using palmyra palm leaf stalk fibers-reinforced composites
Non-Destructive Testing of the Quality of Wooden Columns in Zeng Jingyi’s Ancient Wooden Structures
No full textThis study focuses on the wooden columns of a historic residential structure to assess their integrity. Employing non-invasive computed tomography (CT) scanning, the internal integrity of these ancient wooden supports was examined. Stress wave analysis, pilot nail testing, and assessments of static bending and compressive mechanical performance were performed to validate and compare the data. The findings revealed substantial variability in the material quality across the columns’ cross-sections, suggesting a loss of mechanical integrity that renders them unsafe for habitation or public access. A comparison between the CT scan outcomes for the Masson’s pine columns and the stress wave data from the dismantled counterparts confirmed a marked degradation in their mechanical characteristics, rendering them unfit for use. The CT scan findings align with the pilot nail test results, both accurately pinpointing the condition and precise locations of defects within the columns. The static mechanical performance tests substantiated the precision and dependability of the CT scanning, pilot nail testing, and stress wave analysis in evaluating the wooden columns’ quality. This research aims to establish a scientific foundation for employing diverse non-destructive testing methods in the preservation and strengthening of traditional wooden structures, thereby safeguarding our cultural heritage
Machine Learning Approaches to Natural Fiber Composites: A Review of Methodologies and Applications
No full textIn recent years, the process of optimizing the design of natural fiber reinforcement in natural fiber composites (NFCs) with distinct properties has been redefined through the application of machine learning (ML). This work elucidates the functions of the types and applications of the ML algorithms and evolutionary computing techniques, with a particular focus on their applicability within the domain of NFCs. Moreover, the solution methodologies and associated databases were employed throughout various stages of the product development journey, from the raw material selection through the final end-use application for the NFCs. The strengths and limitations of the ML in the NFCs industry, together with relevant challenges, such as interpretability of ML models, in materials science was detailed. Finally, future directions and emerging trends in the ML are discussed
Properties of Wood Powder Sheets Extruded with Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose and Citric Acid after Heating
No full textPlastic products generally have excellent thermal plasticity and water resistance. However, their adverse environmental effects have become a severe problem. To overcome these problems, a 100% plant-derived plastic substitute material was developed by mixing wood powder, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), and citric acid solution, followed by vacuum extrusion and heating to insolubilize the HPMC. In this study, the effect of heating on physical properties was investigated. The extruded wood powder sheets were heated under a wide range from 0.5 to 5 h at 150 to 210 °C, which covers the conditions required for esterification between HPMC and citric acid. Water absorption, tensile strength, puncture resistance, and wettability were then tested. The sheet became tolerant of water and developed slightly higher tensile strength upon adequate heating, although it was more easily punctured when rewetted. Excessive heating at 210 °C was found to damage the sheet. The overall activation energy, calculated from the weight loss during heating, was as low as 46 kJ/mol, indicating that the dehydration and crosslinking of HPMC could occur easily. The curing process improved the water resistance and did not considerably worsen other physical properties; therefore, the possibility of using wood powder/HPMC/citric acid composite sheets has potential
Effect of Timber Harvesting Techniques and Slopes on Soil Respiration of Young and Mature Black Pine Stands in Northwestern Türkiye
No full textReleases of CO2 from forest soils was studied relative to different timber harvesting techniques, slope classes, and stand age. Three timber harvesting techniques (suspended skidding (SS), skidding by using a skidding cone (SC), and cable-pulling (CP)) were used in young and mature black pine stands at three different slopes (0 to 20% - S1, 20% to 33% - S2, and > 33% - S3). Soil respiration measurements were carried out at five-day intervals (1st, 5th, and 10th day) and 6 months later after the timber harvesting techniques. The soil respiration increased on the first day, decreased on the 5th and 10th days, and reached its lowest level on the 6th month. The SC technique in the young stands showed the highest soil respiration value on the slopes indicating that the cone placed on the head of the log during the skidding operations does not deform the soil. In the mature stands, all timber harvesting techniques and the undisturbed sites showed lower values than in the young stands on the S1. On the S2, mean value was higher in the mature stands. In contrast to the young stands, the undisturbed stands had the highest soil respiration
Enhanced Bio-Oil Production from Nannochloropsis Algae via Catalytic Liquefaction: Synthesis and Application of Iron-based Magnetically Recoverable Catalysts
No full textMagnetically recoverable iron-based catalysts were developed, with the goal of being cost-effective, reusable, and environmentally friendly. The use of iron-based magnetically recoverable catalyst enhances the catalytic process efficiency for the enhanced bio-oil yield and quality compared to non-catalytic and conventional catalytic methods. The present study aimed to evaluate the hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of Nannochloropsis sp. in the presence of Fe3O4 nanostructures for enhanced bio-oil production. The use of a magnetic-supported catalyst that is low-cost, safe, and can be reused many times without requiring a regeneration step (by retrieving it magnetically from the solid material) can serve as a novel strategy to be used at an industrial scale. The maximum bio-oil yield 31.4% was obtained with a Fe3O4 catalyst dosage of 0.3 g at temperatures of 300 °C and biomass to solvent ratio of 100 g/L, respectively. The compositional analysis of the produced bio-oil was performed and showed notable characteristics for biofuel application. The synthesized Fe3O4 catalyst was recyclable for up to five repeated cycles and a fluctuated bio yield was achieved for the last three cycles of procreation capability for HTL of Nannochloropsis sp. Further improvisation in designing the next generation magnetically recoverable catalyst with improved stability, efficiency will pay wave way for cost–effective and scalable bio-oil production systems
Formulation of Flame-Retardant Waxes and Evaluation of Combustion Characteristics of Treated Wood Using Mass Loss Calorimetry
No full textThe objective of this study was to synthesize flame-retardant wax by nano-sizing a previously developed flame-retardant with favorable performance characteristics. Additionally, this study assessed the leaching resistance of wood treated with flame-retardant wax. The findings revealed that wood treated with flame-retardant wax demonstrated no notable change in the weight loss rate before and after weathering treatments. In contrast, wood treated exclusively with flame retardants exhibited a discernible increase in the extent of weight loss. Furthermore, the leached phosphorus content was measured during the weathering process, revealing that the amount extracted from wood treated with flame-retardant wax was approximately 1/20 times of that extracted from wood treated with flame-retardant agents. Therefore, that wood treated with flame-retardant wax demonstrated superior flame-retardant performance before and after weathering treatments
A Critical Review of Industrial Fiber Hemp Anatomy, Agronomic Practices, and Valorization into Sustainable Bioproducts
No full textThe production of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has expanded recently in the US. Limited agronomic knowledge and supply chain issues, however, stemming from a long-standing cultivation ban, pose a barrier to continued market expansion of hemp, which leads to the import of most hemp products. This review examines the most recent cultivation methods, fertilizer and nutrient requirements, soil management practices, environmental parameters, and post-harvest processing methods, particularly in the context of environmental benefits such as soil phytoremediation and CO2 sequestration. Details of the valorization of hemp biomass into sustainable products, such as fibers, papers, packaging, textiles, biocomposites, biofuels, biochar, and bioplastics, along with current limitations and scope for improvements, are explored. Finally, an overall summary of the life cycle and techno-economic analysis aimed at optimizing their environmental performance and economic feasibility are discussed with a focus on intersection with the growing circular economy paradigm