BioResources (E-Journal)
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Green Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles using Brown Algae on Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch Pulp and Paper Substrates: Effect of pH 6 to 8
No full textGreen synthesis in producing zinc oxide nanoparticles is well known for its ecofriendly nature and acceptable cost. This study determined the effect of pH 6 to 8 on the green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using brown algae on oil palm empty fruit bunch pulp (OPEFB) and paper substrates. Ten samples including blank samples were prepared. Brown algae extract was prepared followed by preparation of pulp and paper from commercial OPEFB sheets. The brown algae were set at 3 pH levels, 6 (blank sample), 7 and 8. The PU samples underwent handsheet making based on TAPPI Standard T205, while the PA samples were air-dried prior to testing. All samples were analyzed via FESEM, EDX, and XRD, which confirmed that zinc oxide nanoparticles were successfully synthesized on pulp and paper surfaces. It was shown that higher pH levels enhanced the synthesis performance of zinc oxide nanoparticles, and 70 °C was the optimal temperature. The nanoparticles size obtained in this study were 0.27 to 0.54 nm and 0.51 to 1.05 nm for green-synthesized PU and PA samples respectively. Green synthesis was observed to operate better on pulp fiber surfaces rather than paper surfaces
Using Mass Timber in Multi-Storey and Non-Residential Construction Projects: Motivations and Barriers for Professionals in Quebec
No full textDespite their environmental benefits and technical viability, mass timber structures adoption remains limited. As an alternative to steel and concrete in non-residential and multi-storey construction, they represent only 10.2% of buildings four or fewer storeys high, 1% of those five or six storeys high and 4% of those seven to twelve storeys high in Quebec. Based on a purposive sample of 42 interviews with various construction industry professionals in Quebec (Canada), the representation of mass timber construction was highlighted. A thematic analysis approach enabled a study of the motivations and barriers to adopting mass timber and the specific reasons behind them, and to determine whether respondents’ perceptions differ significantly depending on their main professional activity. The results corroborate existing literature while offering deeper insights into motivations and barriers, revealing new viewpoints. Respondents cited construction costs, expertise, manufacturing capacity, regulatory limits, and material specifications as the most critical barriers, while environmental impact and aesthetics of wood as key motivators. The response profile analysis suggests that private developers and general contractors should be the primary targets of measures promoting mass timber adoption. This research will aid in refining policies and strategies to encourage the widespread adoption of mass timber in construction practices
Synergistic Effects of Salicylic Acid, Hydrogel, and Sulphur Sources for Boosting the Yield of Rapeseed under Limited Irrigation
No full textPreserving global rapeseed production against water shortages requires innovative strategies to enhance crop resistance. Despite its importance, rapeseed remains a water-intensive crop, making traditional irrigation practices unsustainable. Recent studies have explored methods to improve water use efficiency, and this study focuses on applying bioregulators to increase rapeseed yield under water-limited conditions, thereby contributing to food security and sustainability. A field experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm of Lovely Professional University during the 2021–2022 and 2022–2023 rabi seasons. The experiment, arranged in a split-plot design with 24 treatments, involved gypsum, bentonite sulphur, and elemental sulphur as various sulphur sources in main plots and hydrogel (2.5 kg/ha) and salicylic acid (150 ppm) applications at flowering and pod formation stages in subplots treatments. Gypsum (S1) notably seed yield, root length, and root dry weight. Additionally, hydrogel and salicylic acid applied during 50% flowering and 50% pod development (A6) produced the highest seed yield, root length, and root dry weight. This treatment also enhanced siliqua length and seed count, indicating the potential of gypsum and bioregulators in improving Brassica napus L. production under water-limited conditions
Effect of Waterproofing Treatment on Mechanical Properties of Bamboo
No full textLongitudinal tensile, longitudinal compressive, and flexural tests of bamboo from different regions were carried out, and the values of strength and elastic modulus were obtained. The probability distribution models of mechanical properties of bamboo in different regions were studied based on the data. The effects of no waterproofing treatment, tung oil treatment, and wood wax oil treatment on mechanical property degradation of bamboo were studied in response to 7 days of soaking. The main conclusions include: the mechanical properties of bamboo produced in Yunnan Province were the highest, followed by Jiangxi Province, and the lowest in Zhejiang Province. The Weibull distribution model achieved a good fit for all mechanical properties. With the increase of soaking time, the mechanical properties of bamboo were degraded. Degradation in the control group was the highest, followed by the wood wax oil group, and tung oil group was the lowest. On the 7th day, the average mechanical properties of the control group had decreased by 32.0%, the tung oil group by 14.5%, and the wood wax oil group by 25.6%. Through comprehensive comparison, it was evident that tung oil treatment provided the best waterproofing effect for bamboo
Minimally Destructive Bamboo Property Estimation of Phyllostachys makinoi Using Drilling Resistance Method
No full textDrilling resistance amplitude was used to estimate properties such as density, modulus of elasticity (MOE), and modulus of rupture (MOR) in Phyllostachys makinoi bamboo. The purpose of this study was to replace subjective visual estimation with a scientific method, using drilling resistance to estimate bamboo maturity, thereby providing a basis for selecting high-quality bamboo materials. The results indicated significant linear correlations between both average and maximum drilling amplitudes and bamboo density, MOE, and MOR. The coefficients of determination (R²) for average and maximum drilling amplitude with bamboo density ranged between 0.55 and 0.56, and a significant linear correlation was also observed between average and maximum drilling amplitudes (R² = 0.75). Additionally, the profile curve of drilling resistance amplitude varied significantly across the thickness of the bamboo culm. From the culm surface inward (bamboo skin, flesh layer, and cavity layer), the amplitude rose rapidly, reaching a peak at approximately 28% of culm thickness, then gradually decreased, with a secondary reduction observed around 67% of the thickness, eventually reaching the hollow core. Based on these findings, maximum drilling amplitude could serve as an indicator of bamboo density and may be applied as a minimally destructive technique for evaluating bamboo quality
Effect of Wood Chips and Wood Board-Ends of Gmelina arborea on Yields and Process of Slow Pyrolysis Using a Semi-Industrial Reactor Prototype
No full textPyrolysis of biomass residues can generate savings in the value chains of forest products due to the potential uses of its products in the forestry sector. The aim of this study was to determine the performance during slow pyrolysis process and the yields of different products of two types of residues, wood chips and solid wood board-ends from Gmelina arborea. Results showed no significant differences in yields of charcoal (26 to 28%), wood vinegar (28 to 30%) and non-condensable gases (37%), but bio-oil yield was higher for the solid wood board-ends residues (7.7%). The evaluation of energy charcoal characteristics and wood vinegar was similar for two types of residues. So, results suggest that two types of residues provided similar charcoal, condensable and non-condensable gases yields, but solid board-ends are recommended to obtain higher yield of bio-oil and complete the process in less time. Charcoal and vinegar characteristic were affected by type of residues.
Investigation of Thermal and Sound Insulation Properties of Sapwood and Heartwood of Willow Tree
No full textThe heat and sound insulation properties of the heartwood and sapwood of willow (Salix alba L.) were investigated. Based on the experimental results, it was determined that the density value of the heartwood of the willow tree was higher than that of sapwood, while the moisture value was lower in the sapwood. The thermal conductivity coefficient was 0.090 W/m.K in sapwood and 0.103 W/m.K in heartwood; thermal transmittance coefficient was 3.954 W/m².K in sapwood and 4.738 W/m2.K in heartwood. The sound absorption coefficient was highest in sapwood at 1000 Hz frequency level with 0.37, while the highest in heartwood was 0.50 at 800 Hz frequency level. These results would be useful in willow wood structural applications.
Eco-friendly Particleboard Production: Integrating Recycled PET and Bio-based Pine Resin Adhesives
No full textParticleboards constitute an important solution addressing two current demands: Improving the use of exploited resources and implementing adequate waste management. In this study, panels were produced from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), rosin (adhesive derived from natural pine resin or colophony), and particles of Pinus sp. wood (pinewood). Rosin resin was used at a 20% ratio for all panels, and recycled PET was incorporated at varying proportions (75%, 50%, and 25%) as a wood substitute. Physical tests assessed included density (D), moisture content (MC), 24 h thickness swelling after 24 h (TS-24h), and water absorption after 24 h (WA-24h). All tests were carried out in accordance with NBR 14810-2 (ABNT 2018). The findings revealed commendable physical performance across all mixtures, with mixture M4 demonstrating the most favorable results among the four evaluated. Although further investigation is warranted, the integration of wood, rosin resin, and PET in particleboard production represents a sustainable and efficient alternative
Effect of 9,9′-Bis(aryl)fluorene-modified Nanocellulose, Bamboo, and Bagasse Fibers on Mechanical Properties of Various Polymer Composites
No full textImpact-resistant automotive components were studied by evaluating the effects of single-screw and twin-screw extrusion on the mechanical properties of composites made from fluorene-modified nanocellulose (FCF) or bamboo fibers (30 wt%) combined with various polymers. Natural fiber composites were injection molded, and their mechanical properties were evaluated. Results showed that fluorene-modified nanocellulose exhibited improved dispersion when kneaded with polycarbonate and polyamide 6 using twin-screw extrusion, resulting in increases of over 5000 MPa in flexural modulus and over 40 MPa in maximum flexural stress compared to the base polymer. However, composites made with polyamide 66 and bamboo fibers required high injection molding temperatures exceeding 260 °C, which led to thermal degradation and reduced the fiber reinforcement effect on mechanical properties. The polypropylene showed weak interfacial compatibility with bamboo fibers, resulting in limited reinforcement effects in both single and twin-screw extrusion. The brittleness of the fibers did not significantly influence the elongation of the PP composite. Nonetheless, it exhibited less reduction in elongation compared to composites where bamboo or FCF was added to other polymers. Building on these results, flexural tests were conducted on composites combining high-impact polypropylene with natural fibers, demonstrating the potential for high-impact-resistant composite materials suitable for automotive applications
Preparation of Flame-Retardant Cellulose Paper via Spray Coating with Lignin, Phytic Acid, and Sodium Silicate
No full textA flame-retardant treatment for cellulosic paper was applied by spraying the paper with combinations of lignin, phytic acid, and sodium silicate. Lignin enhanced the flame retardancy in the condensed phase, while phytic acid provided dual-phase flame resistance. Sodium silicate further improved thermal stability by forming silica gel through its reaction with phytic acid. The limiting oxygen index increased from 16.8% to 22.0%, and in vertical flame tests, treated paper self-extinguished within 1.5 s, whereas untreated paper burned completely in 12.0 s. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed enhanced thermal stability, with treated paper retaining 36.5% residual char at 900 °C compared to 0% in untreated paper. Despite the relatively low coating coverage from the spray deposition method, the synergistic interaction of phytic acid, lignin, and silica gel effectively compensated by promoting dense char formation and thermal insulation. Fire retardancy was attributed to phytic acid-catalyzed lignin and silica composite formation in the char layer, enhancing structural stability and shielding efficiency. Raman spectroscopy confirmed improved graphitization (ID/IG = 1.20), while scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) verified phosphorus and silica retention. This treatment showed potential for high-performance flame-retardant cellulose materials in packaging, construction, and other industries