BioResources (E-Journal)
Not a member yet
1916 research outputs found
Sort by
Impact of Cooling Air Temperature and Airflow on Wood Fuel Pellet Durability, Hardness, and Off-Gassing During Industrial Storage
No full textThe cooling of pellets is necessary because pellets reach 70 to 90 °C after the pellet press. The reduction in temperature solidifies the pellets, which increases the pellet quality and reduces the risk of self-heating during storage. Industrially, pellet plants use outdoor air in counterflow coolers and cooling ends when the pellet temperature is approximately 5 °C above ambient temperature. Cooling performed in the summer could result in high temperatures in the pellet stacks during storage, and cooling at low temperatures and high airflows in the winter could cause quality problems. Therefore, the aim was to determine how cooling air temperature, airflow, and storage time impact the durability, hardness, and off-gassing of the pellets. The results showed that the highest durability (97.7%) and hardness (310 N) were achieved when cooling with low-temperature air and low airflow. Additionally, durability and hardness stabilized at high values (98.9% and 640 N) after 30 to 40 days of storage, regardless of the airflow and cooling air temperature used. Furthermore, it was found that high airflows reduce off-gassing regardless of the cooling air temperature. It is recommended that the industry reduce airflow during the winter and increase it during the summer to produce high-quality pellets and minimize the risk of self-heating
Nickel Ions Biosorption onto Sawmill Wood Waste Products: Kinetics, Equilibrium, and Thermodynamic Investigations
No full textSawmill wood waste products were used for the biosorption of nickel ions (Ni(II)) from aqueous solution in batch experiments. Effects of physical parameters such as contact time, initial metal concentration, biosorbent dosage, temperature, and pH on the biosorption capacities of both acid-activated sawmill wood waste products (ASWWP) and unactivated sawmill wood waste products (USWWP) were investigated. FT-IR analysis confirmed that hydroxyl, carbonyl, and ether groups are primary contributors to Ni adsorption, through coordination bonding and electrostatic interaction mechanisms. The surface morphology via the SEM images showed a rough, irregular surface structure with porous networks prior to adsorption, but some of the pores were blocked after adsorption. Maximum adsorption capacities of 62.3 and 76.3 mg/g were achieved at 120 and 100 min for USWWP and ASWWP at a pH of 5.0 and initial Ni concentration of 180 mg/L, respectively. The pseudo-first-order kinetic model fit well for the USWWP, whereas the pseudo-second-order kinetic model was well-suited for describing the adsorption of Ni(II) ions on ASWWP. The values of enthalpy changes (ΔH) for USWWP and ASWWP were 10.2 and 23.4 kJ/mol, respectively, which indicated an endothermic process
Cellulose-based Adsorbent of Animal Waste for the Adsorption of Lead and Phenol
No full textThe adsorption of phenol and Pb2+ from aqueous solutions was achieved using calcined animal waste (cow dung) as a low-cost adsorbent. Fourier transform infrared analysis confirmed the involvement of hydroxyl, carbonate, and possibly silicate functional groups in the adsorption process. Scanning electron microscope images revealed the presence of distinct rod-like fibers on the adsorbent surface. Adsorption kinetics revealed an increase in pollutant uptake over time, with the effect being more pronounced at a higher initial concentration of 280 mg/L. The optimal pH for maximum adsorption was identified as 6.5 for phenol and 4.5 for lead. Langmuir isotherm analysis indicated a higher adsorption affinity for lead, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 101 mg/g, compared to 89.3 mg/g for phenol. Conversely, the Freundlich isotherm model demonstrated a better fit for phenol adsorption. Thermodynamic evaluations showed negative ΔG° values, confirming the spontaneous nature of the sorption process for both pollutants. The enthalpy change (ΔH°) values of 11.6 kJ/mol for phenol and 21.7 kJ/mol for lead validated the endothermic nature of the adsorption. These results underscore the effectiveness of calcined animal waste as a sustainable and efficient adsorbent for eliminating phenol and lead from wastewater
Efficacy and Molecular Docking Study of Main Constituents of Murraya paniculata Biomass Extract Against Helicobacter pylori
No full textNatural compounds have received extra attention through the current decade to suppress Helicobacter pylori growth. This study investigated the phytochemical characterization of Murraya paniculata fruit extract (MPFE) and its estimation against different activities of H. pylori. Moreover, the molecular docking interactions (MDI) of catechin and kaempferol with H. pylori proteins were examined. Several compounds were detected via high performance liquid chromatography in MPFE with various concentrations. Of these, catechin, kaempferol, chlorogenic acid, and vanillin were measured as 11,000, 4960, 4610, and 65.8 µg/g, respectively. Excellent inhibition of H. pylori was recorded with an inhibition zone 24.3 mm using MPFE compared to the activity of standard antibiotic (16.2 mm). Both minimum inhibitory concentration and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) of MPFE were 60.5 µg/mL, whereas it was 15.6 µg/mL using standard antibiotic. The biofilm of H. pylori was inhibited by 25, 50, and 75% of MPFE MBC to a level of 68.2, 84.1, and 90.4%, respectively. Hemolysis caused by MPFE was prevented to a level of 21.2, 6.8, and, 3.3% at 25, 50, and 75% of MIC, respectively. The authors implemented the MDI using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) software. The screened compounds interacted well with the H. pylori protein (PDB ID: 3K1H)
Bonding Durability and Rolling Shear Strength of Commercially Produced Southern Yellow Pine Cross-laminated Timber Treated with Micronized Copper Azole (MCA)
No full textPresently, structural grade cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels are manufactured for interior applications. To expand the use of CLT to exterior applications, there is a need to protect the panels from biodegrading agents such as fungi and termites. Pressure treatments are effective methods of increasing the durability of wood and wood-based products. There are limited studies on the influence of micronized copper azole (MCA) treatment on the rolling shear modulus and rolling shear strength of a commercially produced 3-ply southern yellow pine CLT panel Grade V3. It was found that MCA treatment didn’t have a significant effect on the rolling shear strength of the CLT panels, with the rolling shear strength being 2.19 and 2.31 MPa for the untreated and treated CLT panels, respectively. The bonding durability of the CLT panels had mixed results, with the control specimens measuring a significantly lower wood failure percentage (WFP) of 32% as compared to approximately 75% for the MCA treated specimen. The measured block shear strength (BSS) was approximately the same for the treated and the untreated shear block specimen except for one manufacturing group. The average delamination for the treated specimens was 11% while the average delamination for the untreated specimens was 13.2%.
Use of Infused Black Tea Leaf Wastes in Particleboard Production
No full textThis study investigated the effect of using infused black tea leaf wastes (TLW) on the three-layer particleboard's mechanical, physical, and formaldehyde emission properties. Particleboards were composed of 70% core layer and 30% surface layers. The TLW was used in the core layer, surface layers, or as whole material. Mechanical and physical properties, including internal bond strength, modulus of rupter, modulus of elasticity, water absorption, thickness swelling, and density of the samples, were determined according to EN 319 (1993), EN 310 (1993), EN 317 (1993), and EN 323 (1993) standards, respectively. The perforator method determined the formaldehyde content EN 120, (1999). Results showed that 100% TLW utilization in surface layers (Board Type: T/W/T), core layer (Board Type: W/T/W), or whole particleboard (Board Type: T) did not provide the standard internal bond (IB) requirement of 0.35 N/mm2. W, 15%T+85%W, and 30%T+70% board groups fulfilled the IB strength TS EN 319, (1993). 15%T+85%W board group provided the best modulus of rupter values. The amount of formaldehyde emission in the groups with 15%T+85%W, 30%T +70%W met the E1 standard. Results showed that TLW could be an alternative raw material by mixing with wood particles in particleboard production
Impact of Nano-Silica, Cationic Polyacrylamide, and Cationic Starch on Long Fiber Utilization in Recycled Paper Production
No full textThis study evaluated the individual and combined effects of four additives—nano-silica, cationic polyacrylamide, cationic starch, and long fibers—on paper production from recycled white pulp. Various combinations were tested with long fiber pulp (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) and different percentages of additives (nano-silica at 3% and 6%; cationic starch at 0.75% and 1.5%; cationic polyacrylamide at 0.07% and 0.15%). Fourteen different groups with a basis weight of 127 gsm were prepared and analyzed for their physical, mechanical, and microstructural properties. Results showed that the additives significantly impacted the properties of the paper. The highest smoothness was achieved with the combination of nano-silica and polyacrylamide, enhancing surface printability. However, the introduction of long fibers increased air resistance and decreased water absorbency, which could pose challenges in printing and machine operation. Maximum tensile and tear strength were observed in sheets with 15% long fiber pulp. Additionally, independent applications of 0.75% and 1.5% cationic starch also improved these properties. Electron microscopy revealed fewer defects in papers treated with nano-silica, though this may negatively affect water absorbency
Precise Improvement of Wood Properties by Solution Quantitative Adsorption Furfurylation Based on Cell Wall Modification
No full textFurfurylation expands the value of wood and wood-based products in construction and engineering applications by improving its dimensional stability and lowering its moisture absorption. However, the traditional liquid phase vacuum and pressure impregnation (VPI) process faces some problems and shortcomings in industrial application, such as excessive consumption of modifiers, and inducing wood drying defects. To avoid these inherent shortcomings, a novel furfurylation method based on solution quantitative adsorption (SQA) was first applied in this study to improve the properties of wood. The results showed that the SQA furfurylation could achieve the precise modification of cell wall and avoid the deposition of furfuryl alcohol (FA) resin in the cell cavities. The scanning electron microscopy and nanoindentation results showed the preparation of ultra-stable wood materials (ASE > 70%) with low FA resin load (weight percent gain of about 20%) and high FA utilization. In addition, the SQA furfurylation could lead to the distribution of FA resin in the interior of wood, thus improving the physical properties of wood without altering the overall mechanical properties
Effects of Walnut Shell Powder Content on the Molding Performance of Digital Light Processing 3D Printed Parts
No full textAdditive Manufacturing (AM) is a digital manufacturing method that creates structures by adding material layer by layer. This approach offers simplicity, speed, and efficiency. Additive manufacturing methods can process wood-plastic composites, but they are often limited by poor surface quality, low interfacial bonding, and the requirement for complex post-processing. In this study, walnut shell and photosensitive resin were used to fabricate wood-plastic composite specimens with varying walnut shell powder contents using DLP technology. The properties analyzed included dimensional shrinkage, mechanical strength, double bond conversion rate, and microstructure. The results indicated that as the walnut shell content increased, the dimensional shrinkage of the formed parts initially decreased and then increased, reaching the minimum value of 0.631% at 12% walnut shell powder content. SEM imaging revealed that resin infiltrates the particle pores, forming a network structure that enhances mechanical performance. Tensile and flexural strengths also reached their peak values at 8% content, measuring 17.7 and 45.4 MPa, respectively, while impact strength decreased with increasing walnut shell content
Application of MTF-SKNet for Wood Species Classification Using Mid-Infrared Spectroscopy
No full textWith the recovery of the economy and growth of living standards, the demand for wood furniture is increasing, leading to a focus on wood quality and market value. Mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy, which characterizes molecular vibrations, is well-suited for wood classification due to its ability to identify molecular structures. This study utilizes a Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrometer to classify 31 wood species based on their commercial categories. While the basic composition of wood species is similar, spectral data are overall close, necessitating a robust approach for accurate identification. To address this, a two-dimensional transformation of the spectral data is performed, to convert wavenumber sequence and state transition probabilities (quantized intensity levels) of spectra into a matrix, followed by deep learning classification using the transformed data. This resulted in the development of the MTF-SKNet model, achieving a classification accuracy of 93% for wood species. The model demonstrated strong generalization performance, reaching 96% accuracy in classifying the rosewood category of woods