BioResources (E-Journal)
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Enhanced Properties of Eco-Friendly Epoxy Composites with Luffa acutangula and Sawdust Reinforcement
No full textHybrid epoxy composites were reinforced with a constant 20 wt% of Luffa acutangula fiber (LAF) and varying Sal wood sawdust (SWD) content ranging from 0 to 25 wt%. The evaluation covered mechanical properties including tensile, flexural, impact strengths, hardness, and water absorption behavior. Results indicated a notable enhancement in all mechanical properties up to 15 wt% SWD, with a slight reduction observed beyond this point. The composite with 20LAF/15SWD exhibited superior performance, achieving tensile, flexural, and impact strengths of 46 MPa, 66 MPa, and 3.12 J, respectively. Shore D hardness and water absorption tests confirmed increased material rigidity and decreased moisture affinity up to the 15 wt% SWD level. Scanning electron microscopy revealed improved fiber–matrix bonding and homogeneous filler distribution at the optimal formulation. These findings highlight the potential of combining Luffa acutangula fiber and sawdust as sustainable reinforcements for high-performance biocomposites
Sustainability Potential and Utilization of Agricultural Bioenergy in Turkey
No full textOver the past decade, advances in bioenergy technology have enabled the expansion of renewable energy consumption. Projections indicate that roughly 30% of the anticipated increase in renewable energy utilization will stem from modern bioenergy in its solid, liquid, and gaseous fuel manifestations, owing to its substantial role in heat and transportation sectors. At present, fossil fuels account for 60% of global electricity generation, while renewables contribute 30%. Notably, Turkey surpasses this global average, with renewables constituting 36% of its electricity production. In 2002, Turkey’s electricity output from renewable sources stood at 34 billion kWh; by 2023, it had surged by 300% to reach 200 billion kWh. Likewise, the installed renewable energy capacity, which was about 12,300 MW in 2002, has more than tripled, exceeding 82,700 MW in 2023. This research delves into biomass, a key pillar of renewable energy, analyzing its potential, technological advancements, significance, and current status in Turkey. Furthermore, it aligns with one of Turkey’s foremost energy strategies that focuses on enhancing domestic and renewable energy production
A Comparative Study of Mycelium Films from Nine Fungal Species for Biocomposite Applications
No full textMycelium-based biocomposites (MBC) offer a sustainable alternative to synthetic materials due to their biodegradability and low environmental impact. This study examined the structural and mechanical properties of mycelium films produced from nine fungal species representing monomitic, dimitic, and trimitic hyphal systems. These species were selected following preliminary screening of 21 strains for growth characteristics and mechanical performance. Growth rates varied significantly, with Irpex lacteus exhibiting the fastest growth (8 mm/day), while Fomes fomentarius and Daedaleopsis confragosa grew more slowly but exhibited superior mechanical strength. Tensile testing identified D. confragosa as the strongest fungus (6.51 MPa), followed by F. fomentarius, although considerable variability was noted. Ganoderma spp. and Trametes spp. showed moderate to low tensile strength. No consistent correlation was found between mycelium density and tensile strength, nor did chitin content alone explain mechanical performance. For instance, I. lacteus had the highest chitin content but weak tensile properties. Scanning electron microscopy revealed differences in hyphal diameter, density, and cell wall structure, indicating that factors such as glucan-chitin interactions and hyphal morphology influence mechanical behavior. These findings highlight the potential of less investigated fungal species in advancing MBC development
Carbon Footprint Evaluation of Melamine-Coated Particleboard Production: A Case Study In Türkiye
No full textReducing the carbon footprint is a key objective in global sustainability policies to combat climate change. Wood-based composite panels, which are widely used in the construction and furniture industries, require environmental evaluation due to their production-related impacts. This study quantitatively assessed the carbon footprint of melamine-faced particleboard produced in Türkiye, following a cradle-to-gate system boundary based on the ISO 14067 (2018) standard and the IPCC 2006 Tier 1 methodology. The system boundary included raw material and process input transportation, energy consumption, melamine lamination, and waste management. Primary data were obtained directly from the production facility, while secondary data were sourced from the literature. The functional unit was defined as 1 m³ of melamine-faced particleboard, and emissions were categorized under Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3. Results indicated that 67% of the total emissions originated from Scope 3 activities, with major contributors being raw material transport, electricity consumption, and adhesive production. The carbon footprint of melamine-faced boards was calculated as 462 kg CO₂e/m³, notably higher than that of non-coated particleboard (299 kg CO₂e/m³). This study provides valuable data for future carbon footprint assessments of coated wood-based panels and offers a scientific foundation for developing sustainable production strategies in the sector
Characterization of Polysaccharides from Lycium ruthenicum Murray and its Regulatory Effect on the Intestinal Flora of T2DM Mice
No full textLycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP), primary active components in the fruits of Lycium barbarum Murray, are effective bioactive compounds in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Microbiota, as the second genome, has been reported to be involved in the development of T2DM. Therefore, mechanisms of regulating the gut microbiota also involve its intestinal metabolites that might exist. This study examined the hypoglycemic effect and improvement of gut microbiota of LBP on T2DM mice for further investigation of potential mechanisms. Compared with the DM group, the LBP could not only increase the production of short chain fatty acids, especially the content of acetic acid, but also the community richness and diversity of the gut microbiota. In addition, the relative abundances of Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes was improved in the LBP group compared with the DM group, accompanied with decreased relative abundances of Verrucomicrobia and Actinobacteria at the phylum level. Additionally, at the family level, the relative abundances of Lactobacillales and Bifidobacteriales in the DM group sharply increased and was significantly reduced in the LBP group. These effects may be attributed to its monosaccharides components (arabinose, galactose, glucose, galacturonic acid), suggesting LBP as a potential T2DM intervention via gut microbiota regulation
Axial Compression and Buckling Behaviors of Hollow Square Glued Bamboo Scrimber Column: An Experimental Study
No full textHollow glued bamboo scrimber (HGBS) columns constructed from bamboo scrimber plates were proposed as structural load-bearing components instead of traditional solid bamboo columns to enhance the stable load of columns without increasing material consumption. To analyze the mechanical behavior of HGBS columns, tests were first conducted on the elastic modulus and compressive strength of bamboo scrimber made from Neosinocalamus affinis to theoretically assess the material’s mechanical properties. A total number of 22 HGBS square cross-section with dimensions of 100 mm columns, varying slenderness ratios and hollow ratios, were fabricated with glued and nailed connections. These columns were subjected to axial compression tests to evaluate their failure modes, axial stiffness, bearing capacity, and ductility. Theoretical calculation models were developed for the HGBS columns to estimate load-bearing capacity. This research provides a comprehensive understanding of HGBS columns and broadens their potential applications in structural engineering
Pre-harvest Foliar Spray of Calcium, GA3, and Salicylic Acid to Enhance Apricot Yield and Fruit Quality
No full textThe impact of different pre-harvest foliar sprays was assessed relative to the yield and quality of apricot fruits (cv. El-Amal) under field conditions. Apricot trees were sprayed with various solutions, including salicylic acid (SA at 250 and 750 ppm), calcium acetate [Ca(OAc)₂ at 2% and 4%], calcium chloride (CaCl₂ at 2% and 4%), and gibberellic acid (GA₃ at 25 and 100 ppm) at the pit hardening growth stage before harvest. All foliar spray treatments positively affected fruit yield per tree compared to untreated plants. The most effective treatments were CaCl₂ at 4% and GA₃ at 100 ppm, followed by SA at 750 ppm and Ca(OAc)₂ at 4%. All treatments significantly increased fruit weight compared to the control group. GA₃ also significantly improved fruit firmness, outperforming all other treatments. Additionally, CaCl₂ at 2% and SA at 250 ppm resulted in higher firmness. SA at 750 ppm exhibited higher total soluble solid (TSS) content. While the foliar spray treatment without any solution resulted in the lowest fruit acidity, SA at 250 ppm had the highest acidity. In conclusion, pre-harvest foliar application of GA₃ (100 ppm), CaCl₂ (2%), and Ca(OAc)₂ (4%) can effectively enhance fruit yield and improve quality of apricots
Coating Performance Enhancement of Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) via Hand Sanding: Effects of Surface Dewaxing and Fibrillation
No full textBamboo, despite its environmental advantages, often suffers from poor coating adhesion because of its natural surface characteristics, thereby limiting its application as an exterior material. This study aimed to improve the performance of coatings applied to moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) by introducing surface sanding as a pretreatment. Sanding was performed using #100 sandpaper with stroke counts of 10, 20, 30, and 40; the resulting changes in the epidermal and fibrous layers and their influence on the coating adhesion were evaluated. The 40-stroke treatment exposed the fibrous layer and enhanced the surface wettability. According to the ISO 2409 (2020) cross-cut test, the sanded specimens exhibited excellent adhesion (Grade 1), in contrast to untreated specimens, for which coating delamination was evident. Furthermore, under accelerated-aging tests, coating adhesion was maintained for the sanded samples, whereas pronounced delamination was observed for the untreated samples. These findings demonstrated the effectiveness of surface sanding. In conclusion, surface pretreatment is essential for improving the durability and coating quality of moso bamboo, and the results of this study can serve as fundamental data for the practical application and broader utilization of bamboo materials
Optimal Impregnation Amounts of Flame Retardant for Semi-combustible Hinoki Cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) Plywood
No full textThis study aimed to determine the amount of flame retardant for semi-combustible performance required to comply with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport Notice 2023-24 for hinoki cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa) plywood, which is commonly used as a building material. A cone calorimeter was used to observe the changes in the total heat release (THR) depending on the solid content of the flame-retardant impregnation (SCFI). The relationship between the SCFI and THR was expressed as an exponential function. The solid content of the flame-retardant impregnation required to meet the prescribed standard of 8.0 MJ/m² was 108 kg/m³ (semi-combustible performance standards) for hinoki cypress plywood
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Key Genes and Pathways in Borneol Biosynthesis of a New Borneol-Chemotype Cinnamomum camphora
No full textNatural borneol, a valuable monoterpenoid, is primarily derived from Cinnamomum camphora chvar. borneol. This unique Chinese tree was studied using the high-borneol cultivar ‘Ganlong 2’ and common camphor trees as material. Multi-location trials over three years confirmed that ‘Ganlong 2’ stably exhibits high borneol content, high essential oil yield, and low camphor content, presenting an ideal system for biosynthesis research. Transcriptomic analysis identified key differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and KEGG enrichment outlined the (+)-borneol biosynthesis pathway. Critical genes, including CcBPPS, CcNUDX1, and CcDXS1, were highlighted, with the MEP pathway confirmed as the primary biosynthetic route. These findings advance the understanding of monoterpenoid biosynthesis regulation and provide a theoretical and genetic basis for improving natural borneol production via synthetic biology and breeding high-quality varieties