BioResources (E-Journal)
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Packaging Paper with Overprint Varnish: Morphology, Grease Resistance, and Heat-sealing Strength
No full textIncreasing concerns regarding plastic waste and its impact on the environment have prompted a global trend to replace plastic films with fiber-based packaging solutions. Though the heat-sealing of polyolefin films provides a simple approach for realizing flexible packaging, paper does not have the natural attributes required for such applications. Therefore, paper sealability must be achieved by other means such as coating or varnishing. This study accordingly investigated the basics of imparting heat-sealability to packaging paper using overprint varnish applied with a lab coater simulating flexographic printing. The sealing and grease resistance properties of the resulting paper were compared with those of commercially available polyethylene dispersion-coated paper and oriented polypropylene/polyethylene laminate. The results confirmed that sufficient capabilities were realized using the proposed method; though the varnished paper exhibited a lower seal strength than the reference plastic films, it exhibited adequate properties for package sealing regardless of applied temperature. These observations were subsequently discussed to inform recommendations for further investigation and development
Boosting the Integrated Use of Sawmill Wastes: Tannin-based Extractives Opportunities
No full textIn the lignocellulosic biorefinery concept, by-products from sawmills have been redefined and considered as raw materials to produce high-value products. Wood extractives are not an exception despite being found in smaller proportions. The extractive-based components can offer competitive advantages over traditional market products and promote a circular economy. Tannins demonstrate applicability in adhesives, fertilizers, antioxidant food packaging, and water treatment. However, there are still challenges on an industrial scale
Fire Safety of Timber Buildings – The Case of Photovoltaic Systems
No full textPhotovoltaic (PV) systems play an important role in reducing society’s dependence on carbon-based energy sources, and their coupling with timber buildings is an interesting and expected solution for meeting sustainability requirements in the modern built environment. However, both PV systems and timber structures have unique fire safety challenges, and their combination may introduce additional risks. Therefore, relevant fire hazards associated with each of the technologies and their pairing are discussed. The findings highlight the importance of revising fire testing standards and developing tailored safety measures to identify and manage these risks
Assessment of Torque Performance during Screwing in Beech Plywood Reinforced with Glass Fiber in Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin
No full textThis study aimed to develop plywood, which is generally used as a building material in outdoor areas, by adding low-cost glass fiber and to examine some physical and mechanical properties of the developed plywood. For this, beech veneers (600 × 600 mm dimension, 2 mm thickness in 3% to 5% humidity) were glued with phenol-formaldehyde adhesive at the levels of 10%, 20%, and 30% by adding powdered e-type glass fiber in two different sizes (25 µm and 10 µm) to produce seven-layer beech plywood. Density, equilibrium moisture content, thickness swelling, tensile-shearing, and tensile-perpendicular to the surface were evaluated on test samples cut from the beech plywood in 50 × 50 mm dimension, and screwing torque values were carried out on test samples cut in 500 × 50 mm dimensions. Two-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed separately for the tests above. Results indicated that in cases where interactions between the glass fiber size and ratio were significant at the 0.05 significance level, the least significant difference value (LSD) analysis of the interaction was performed. According to LSD results, the tensile strength perpendicular to the surface decreased as the glass fiber ratio was increased
Effect of Wood Species, Bark Particle Size, and Adhesive Type on the Properties of Bark-Based Boards
No full textSignificant quantities of bark are generated during wood processing, with the majority being utilized for energy production and soil enhancement. This study investigated the influence of bark particle size and resin type (urea-formaldehyde (UF) and melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF)) on the properties of particleboards made from spruce and pine bark. Board samples were fabricated using different bark particle sizes (2 to 5 mm and 5 to 8 mm) and varying adhesive contents (5% and 7%) for both UF and MUF adhesives. Reference particleboards were manufactured using industrial wood particles with the same UF and MUF adhesive contents. The spruce bark consistently outperformed pine bark across most investigated properties. Board samples fabricated from spruce bark particles exhibited higher internal bond (IB) strength and modulus of rupture (MOR), as well as enhanced resistance to water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling (TS), particularly when bonded with urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesive. Specifically, boards composed of spruce bark, using a combination of bark particle sizes, UF adhesive, and 7% adhesive content, exhibited superior performance in IB strength, water resistance, and modulus of elasticity
Effect of Lumber Quality Grade on the Mechanical Properties and Product Costs of Cross-Laminated Timber Panels
No full textThis study aimed to investigate the effects of wood species and lumber quality grades on the mechanical properties and costs of cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels. Various combinations of lumber with different quality grades were utilized in the layers to identify the optimal configurations for producing CLT panels with high mechanical performance and low costs. In the study, spruce and Scots pine lumber of three different quality grades (Grades 1, 2, and 3), classified according to TS 1265 standards, were used. Some mechanical properties of the CLT panels produced from lumber of varying quality grades were determined following the TS EN 408 standard. Additionally, cost analyses of the CLT panels were conducted based on the calculation of raw material costs. The results show that while higher-grade lumber improves mechanical performance, lower-grade combinations still can meet structural needs at lower costs. Mixed-grade configurations offer a balance between strength and affordability. These findings can help CLT producers optimize material selection and reduce costs while maintaining structural integrity. Using lower-grade lumber can address shortages and reduce reliance on expensive timber. Policymakers can promote sustainable forestry and lower production costs, making mass timber construction more viable and environmentally sustainable.
Sustainable Thermal and Acoustic Insulating Panels from Recycled Cardboard
No full textThe objective of this study was to determine both the physical and mechanical properties of experimental panels made from recycled corrugated cardboard. Two types of composite samples, derived from two different raw materials — namely, unprinted and printed cardboard — were manufactured. The physical characteristics of the specimens, including density, water absorption, dimensional stability, thermal conductivity, and sound absorption, were tested. Additionally, the mechanical properties, such as the modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, and internal bond strength, were evaluated. Based on the findings of this research, the samples made from unprinted cardboard exhibited higher density, lower thickness swelling, and slightly better thermal insulation properties than those made from printed raw material. In contrast, the samples containing printed material demonstrated superior mechanical properties, suggesting they may be more suitable to be used where structural properties are desired. Overall, the properties of both types of samples indicate that such panels have an important potential to be used as sustainable products, serving as a green alternative material for indoor applications
Evaluation of Fire Resistance, Thermal and Optical Properties of Bleached Kraft Paper Using some Boron Compounds and Soy Protein Binders
No full textBleached kraft papers obtained from unbeaten (UB) and beaten (B) pulps were separately treated with zinc borate (ZB) and boric acid (BA) to improve their flame retardancy. The immersion method was chosen for application, and natural soy protein was added as a binder. The combined effect of soy protein (SP) and used boron compounds was observed. To investigate the thermal and fire resistance properties of the bleached kraft papers (BKP), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), limited oxygen index levels (LOI), and UL-94 burning test were performed. The brightness and color parameters (L*, a*, b*, ∆L*, ∆a*, ∆b*, ∆E*) were also measured to determine the optical properties. The results showed that the combined effect of ZB and BA used with SP increased the flame resistance of kraft papers. The bleached kraft paper treated with BA had better flame retardancy in terms of LOI and UL-94 burning tests than paper treated with ZB. These results were also consistent with the TGA and DSC findings. Furthermore, the optical properties varied slightly depending on the chemical usage rates. Zinc borate and SP had a more positive effect on the brightness values of the bleached kraft papers compared to BA and SP
Solar Energy for Reducing the Cost of Natural Food Contact Materials Formed by the Arecanut Leaf Sheath
No full textThe problem with plastic packaging is globally recognized, as plastic packages often end up in landfills without degrading. Using packages made from natural materials is the best choice to address and sustainably solve this issue. In this work, a single-use container (tray) was prepared from arecanut leaf sheath through a hot-compression molding process. The electrical energy required for the compression molding process was obtained from mainly electricity and 3 kW solar cells, reducing the cost by more than 50%, depending on the mold size and operating temperature. The pressing of arecanut leaf sheaths through a two-roll mill for 20 cycles at a high temperature (80 °C) before the compression molding process can increase the mechanical properties of the tray container. The tensile strength of the leaf sheath tray was higher than for polystyrene (PS) and polypropylene (PP) commercial trays. Reducing bacterial contamination of the plates can be achieved by using ultraviolet (UV) light. Almost all bacteria were reduced from 410 CFU/g to ˂10 CFU/g after UV exposure (40 μW/cm2) for 10 min. This suggests the possibility of using arecanut leaf sheath plates as food contact material, especially in single-use container applications
Control of Internal Moisture Transfer Direction and Lateral Moisturization to Mitigate Drying Defects in Large-Cross Section Timber
No full textMethods for surface moisturization and control of internal moisture movement have been developed to minimize moisture gradients and reduce drying defects, such as cracks, in large cross-sectional timbers used for restoring palaces, temples, and cultural heritage buildings. Cross-sectional sealing and steaming pre-treatments were applied before kiln drying to regulate the internal moisture transfer. Real-time weight changes were monitored using a load cell to track the average moisture content, and hygrometers were used to estimate the moisture content at various positions within the wood. The experimental results demonstrated that the cross-sectional coating with lateral moisturization effectively reduced drying defects, thereby contributing to the preservation of wooden cultural heritage sites and enhancing the sustainability of timber resources. The total drying duration was 835.4 h (approximately 35 d), confirming that surface moisturization is critical in minimizing defects during drying