BioResources publishes research articles, review articles, and editorials on topics related to the science of cellulosic substances and their uses in such fields as composites, paper, engineered wood, bioenergy, etc. To help speed up the process, authors use a template. The journal staff pre-edit the English in each article before the peer-review process starts. Why you should publish with BioResources: Research published open-access & authors retaining copy rights Low publication fee, with comprehensive editing service included Efficient peer-review process & open access platform Impact factor 2.2 (Clarivate), ~ 600 published articles per year Efficient peer-review process; articles published fast after acceptance Ranked #2 in Wood Sci. & Technol. (Google Scholar—https://bit.ly/33GVdOZ) Authors retain copy rights University-based journal; excess funds only support student scholarships Technical Editor: Martin A. Hubbe, Professor, North Carolina State University, hubbe@ncsu.edu Managing Editor: Lucian A. Lucia, Professor, North Carolina State University, lucia-bioresources@ncsu.edu The main publication website of BioResources is as follows: https://bioresources.cnr.ncsu.edu/ The "Open Journal Systems" website that you are viewing now is primarily intended for: (a) submission of articles after careful preparation, following the Author instructions and using a template; (b) management of the peer-reviewing process; and (c) distribution of journal content to participating database services.
NC State University, Dept. of Forest Biomaterials
High-density Binderless Bamboo Brush Handles via High-consistency Mechano-enzymatic Pretreatment: Micro-filler Effect and Machinability
The resurgence of traditional culture has driven market demand for high-quality writing brushes. Natural bamboo frequently suffers from hygroscopic cracking, whereas polymer substitutes face the dual challenges of aesthetic deficiency and formaldehyde emission. While flat-molded binderless technology offers environmental advantages, it remains inadequate for addressing the high density and durability requirements of cylindrical artifacts. This study uses high-consistency mechano-enzymatic (HCME) pretreatment and cylindrical molding. It transforms bamboo processing residues into high-density binderless brush handles. Under HCME treatment, fibers fibrillate and parenchyma cells fragment. These changes induce microstructural reorganization. This reorganization constitutes a critical micro-filler effect. Porosity decreased to 3.27%, enabling a high density of 1.27 g/cm³. A thickness swelling (TS) below 5.1% effectively mitigated hygroscopic defects, while the material exhibited robust ink resistance. Attributable to micro-brittleness, chips broke cleanly during lathe turning; this eliminated fiber tearing and yielded a mirror-like surface finish. This formaldehyde-free approach achieved mechanical performance comparable to the tactile sensation of precious hardwoods but provided a potential pathway for extending binderless technology to the manufacturing of high-value cultural artifacts.
Assessing the Fire and Thermal Behavior of Thermally Modified, Acetylated, and One-sided Surface Charred Beech and Birch Wood
The fire and thermal behavior of European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and silver birch (Betula pendula L.) woods were comparatively evaluated after being modified by thermal treatment (200 °C), acetylation, and one-sided surface charring. A small-flame ignition test (EN ISO 11925-2), gross heat of combustion via bomb calorimetry (EN ISO 1716), and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TG/DTG) were used for assessment. Thermal modification resulted in moderate mass loss (~3% to 4%), while acetylation achieved high weight percentage gain (>20%) and the strongest reduction in equilibrium moisture content; surface charring had only a negligible effect on bulk moisture properties. While none of the applied modifications altered the Euroclass-related reaction-to-fire classification, statistically significant differences in early-stage flame spread were observed. Acetylated wood exhibited increased flame spread, whereas surface-charred specimens showed a pronounced reduction, particularly for beech. All modified materials displayed higher gross heat of combustion compared with reference wood, reflecting increased carbon-rich constituents; however, this increase did not directly correspond to improved fire performance. TGA revealed similar degradation behavior for reference and thermally modified wood, whereas acetylated and surface-charred materials exhibited fundamentally different thermal responses because of chemical substitution and polysaccharide degradation with carbon-rich char formation, respectively. The study highlighted surface charring as an effective modification for reducing flame spread and demonstrates the necessity of combining complementary fire-testing methods to capture modification-specific fire behavior.
Copyright (c) 2026 Petr Cermak, Ondřej Prokop, Richard Slávik, Petr Sláčik, Miroslav Zapletal, Jozef Ráhel, Jakub Dömény
Improving Polyurethane Foam Composites through Bamboo Fibre Reinforcement: Effect of Fibre Loading
Environmental concerns have been highlighted by the overuse of synthetic fibres and polymers in foam products because of their limited sustainability and low biodegradability. This study investigated the potential application of bamboo fibre (BF), a natural, renewable, and environmentally friendly material, as a reinforcement for polyurethane foam (PUF) to address this issue. This research aimed to evaluate the effects of different bamboo fibre loadings, ranging from 5 to 20 wt%, on the thermal, mechanical, and physical properties of BF/PUF composites. Composite samples were fabricated with different fibre loadings and analysed for thermal stability using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), flexural and compression strength, and physical evaluations. The results showed that BF reinforcement improved the thermal stability of PUF, with BF5 and BF10 composites exhibiting the highest flexural strength (0.199 kPa at 10 wt%) and compression strength (0.223 kPa at 5 wt%), although higher fibre content reduced mechanical properties. In addition, the BF5 composites demonstrated the lowest percentage of moisture absorption (4.78%), thickness swelling (4.25%), and water absorption (49.7%), indicating better dimensional stability. With all factors, adding the bamboo fibre into PUF enhanced the eco-performance of polyurethane foams, making them promising candidates for environmentally friendly applications such as insulation, cushioning, and packaging.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohd Radzi Ali, Mohd Zuhri Mohamed Yusoff, Muhammad Huzaifah Mohd Roslim, Khalina Abdan, Mohammad Jawaid, Ahmad Ilyas Rushdan, Thinesh Sharma Balakrishnan, Rudi Hartono
Requirement Analysis and Augmented Reality Interface Design for Custom Wood Veneer Cabinet Visualization Based on BERTopic Modeling
Augmented reality (AR) interfaces for custom wood-veneered cabinets require accurate requirement elicitation that accounts for the anisotropic optical properties of natural veneer. However, existing approaches lack a systematic pipeline linking large-scale user feedback to interface specifications. This paper presents a data-driven requirement mining framework that couples BERTopic semantic topic modeling with user mental model construction and cross-validates the two through a Jaccard-based semantic mapping coefficient (SMC). Applying the framework to a corpus of 3163 multi-source semantic units, the pipeline consolidated 18 initial clusters into four core requirement themes through hierarchical merging (CV coherence improved from 0.421 to 0.573) and translated them into a three-tier priority specification (P0/P1/P2) via a Comprehensive Priority Index. A high-fidelity AR prototype incorporating physically based anisotropic veneer rendering was evaluated with 60 participants across four user groups. The prototype achieved a System Usability Scale score of 82.5 (SD = 4.4) with no significant inter-group differences (F(3, 56) = 1.24, p = 0.303), confirming that the requirement-driven design pipeline can yield robust cross-group usability.
Copyright (c) 2026 Xueyan Wu, Yushu Chen
Yueqin: A Classic Chinese Plucked Guitar
The most notable characteristic of the yueqin is its high frets. A PicoScope oscilloscope and related data recorder were used to record the sound signals in real time. Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) analysis, and voltage-based triggering were all made possible by PicoScope software. The PicoScope recorded the fundamental frequency for open strings 1, 2, 3, and 4 as 222 Hz (A3=220), 146 Hz (D3=146), 222 Hz (A3=220), and 292 Hz (D4=294), respectively. The strings 1, 2, 3, and 4 were perceived as A3, D3, A2, and D2, respectively. The measured frequencies were not in accordance with perceived notes due to the phenomenon in which the listener claimed to recognize the note D2 when they actually heard D4. This is the well-known phenomenon of the ‘missing fundamental’. The frequency between the frets follows a musical system that might change depending on the tuning and regional tradition. The running note for open string 1 is A3 and fret 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 9, 11,13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22 and 23 are B3, C4, D4, E4, F4, G4, A4, B4, C5, D5, E5, F5, G5, A5 whereas fret 4, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, and 21 have the notes D4↑, D4#↓, F4#↓, G4#↑, A4#↓, C5#↑, D5↑, F5↓, and F5#↑ respectively.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aaliyawani Ezzerin Sinin, Sinin Hamdan, Khairul Anwar Mohamad Said, Laura Prati Tutom, Ahmad F. Musib
Load-bearing Capacity of Longitudinally Cracked Timber Beams Under Different Loading Conditions: Investigation of Three Different Loading Point Distances and Three Different Grain Directions
This study investigated the effects of loading point distance, grain direction, and crack depth ratio on the load-bearing capacity of longitudinally cracked timber beams. Pinus sylvestris var. mongolica was selected for specimen preparation, and fracture tests were conducted under three loading configurations: three-point bending, four-point bending with a large loading-point distance, and four-point bending with a small loading-point distance. Specimens with grain directions of T(tangential), R(radial),and TR(tangential-radial) in crosssection were used. A total of 720 defect-free specimens and 1,200 specimens containing a longitudinal crack at the middle-height layer were tested. Three coefficients, namely load-bearing capacity coefficient, load-bearing capacity degradation coefficient, and crack hazard effect coefficient, were defined to quantify the crack influence. The results showed that T-specimens had the highest load-bearing capacity, followed by R-specimens, and TR-specimens were the lowest. The increase of loading-point distance in four-point bending aggravates the degradation of load-bearing capacity. There exists a critical crack depth, and the load-bearing capacity decreases significantly only when the crack depth exceeds the critical value; the larger the loading point distance, the smaller the critical crack depth. These findings offer a scientific basis for damage assessment and safety control of timber structures with longitudinal cracks.
Copyright (c) 2026 Xin Hou, Le Zhou, Wei Guo, Dalie Liu, Xiaoyi Hu
Redispersed Microfibrillated Cellulose Film Properties and Resource Efficiency
Microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) is a bio-based material produced by disintegrating cellulose fibers into microscale fibrillar components. Owing to its biodegradability, renewable origin, and favorable oxygen and oil barrier as well as film-forming properties, MFC has potential for sustainable packaging applications. However, its broader utilization is limited by the high energy consumption associated with the fibrillation process. One approach to improving resource efficiency is to collect and reuse any off-specification MFC films, such as products having incorrect grammage, the presence of wrinkles, or excess material related to trimming. In this study, the redispersion of MFC films using an ultrasound-assisted disintegration method was investigated, with focus on film properties and energy efficiency. The results showed that ultrasound-enhanced treatment during recycling improved the UV barrier performance of MFC films, reducing UV transmittance by 24 to 35% compared to unrecycled reference films. Longer ultrasonication time increased the visible light transmittance 14% compared to the reference film with same thickness. In addition, tensile properties were enhanced, with increases of 36% in strain at break and 41% in tensile index. The findings demonstrate that recycling of MFC films does not compromise, and may even improve, mechanical and barrier properties, while enabling notable savings in raw materials, energy, and costs.
Copyright (c) 2026 Noora Haatanen, Kati Jordan, Ella Tirronen, Tiina Reiman, Riku Pihko
The Impact of Wooden Interior Design Elements on Consumers’ Environmental Consciousness and Impulsive Buying Behavior: An S-O-R Model Approach
Wood is increasingly appreciated not only for its aesthetic and tactile qualities but also for the sense of naturalness and sustainability it conveys. Grounded in the Stimulus–Organism–Response (S-O-R) framework, this study examines the association between environmental consciousness and impulsive buying behavior in interior environments characterized by wooden design elements. The model is employed as a conceptual lens to interpret how sustainability-related cues may be associated with cognitive and behavioral responses. Data were collected from 420 participants living in Batman, Türkiye, who regularly visit cafés, stores, and shopping areas designed with prominent wooden features. A structured questionnaire including validated scales for environmental consciousness and impulsive buying was administered. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationships between the constructs. The results revealed a positive and statistically significant association between environmental consciousness and impulsive buying tendencies. The findings extend the applicability of the S-O-R perspective to sustainable material contexts. Wooden interiors can be interpreted as aesthetic and psychological stimuli that may connect environmental awareness with spontaneous purchasing tendencies. This duality offers valuable insights for designers, retailers, and sustainability researchers, demonstrating how natural materials can encourage both ecological reflection and emotional activation in everyday consumer behavior.
Copyright (c) 2026 Suat Okay, Hüseyin Gökal, Izham Kılınç
Transverse Compressive Stress-Strain Relationship of Bamboo: Development of a Constitutive Model
Bamboo is a green and renewable building material having high economic value, high yield, and good mechanical properties. In this study, a total of 160 bamboo samples were tested, and the transverse stress-strain curves and the characteristic values of bamboo were analyzed. The relationship between the thickness, diameter, transverse compressive strength, and transverse compressive elastic modulus of bamboo and with its height was established. The transverse stress-strain constitutive relationship of bamboo was proposed. The results showed that the transverse compressive failure modes of bamboo mainly include bending failure and baroclinic failure. The transverse compressive stress-strain curves of bamboo can be divided into elastic stage, elastoplastic stage, and failure stage. Bamboo wall thickness, diameter, transverse compressive strength, and transverse compressive elastic modulus have strong correlation with height. Based on the stress-strain curves of normalized processing, a transverse compressive stress-strain constitutive model of bamboo achieved high fitting goodness.
Copyright (c) 2026 Liming Yang, Yan Yuan, Zhiyong Fu, Congge Wen
Acoustic and Tribological Performance Evaluation of Hybrid Polymer Composites for Noise and Wear-Resistant Applications
This study investigates the acoustic, tribological, and microstructural behavior of hybrid epoxy composites reinforced with Calotropis powder, milkweed fiber, and banana stem fiber. Six composite formulations (S1–S6) were fabricated by maintaining a constant epoxy content of 60 wt% while varying the proportions of Calotropis powder, milkweed fiber, and banana stem fiber. The optimized samples, S4 and S5, contained 10 wt% Calotropis powder with different fiber proportions. The acoustic performance was evaluated through sound absorption coefficient and noise reduction coefficient (NRC), while tribological behavior was assessed using dry sliding wear rate and coefficient of friction (COF). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine the fracture surfaces and wear mechanisms of the developed composites. The results showed that the presence of Calotropis powder improved interfacial interaction and internal porosity, which enhanced the acoustic performance of the composites. Sample S4 (10 wt% Calotropis powder, 15 wt% milkweed fiber, and 15 wt% banana stem fiber) exhibited the highest sound absorption coefficient (0.45) and NRC (0.41). In contrast, tribological performance improved with higher banana stem fiber content, with sample S5 (10 wt% Calotropis powder, 10 wt% milkweed fiber, and 20 wt% banana stem fiber) showing the lowest wear rate (2.7 × 10⁻⁶ mm³/N·m) and COF (0.47). SEM observations confirmed good fiber dispersion and improved interfacial bonding in the optimized composites, indicating their suitability for acoustic damping and wear-resistant applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammed Almeshaal, Sivasubramanian Palanisamy, Thulasimani Murugesan, Manickaraj Karuppusamy, Murugesan Palaniappan
Preparation and Performance of a Green, Fluorine-Free Chitosan-Stearic Acid Waterproof Agent for Molded Pulp
To develop a green, efficient, fluorine-free waterproof pulp molding material, this study incorporated chitosan-stearic acid graft copolymer (CS-SA) into the pulp fiber system via the conventional internal pulp addition method used in the papermaking industry. Compared with post-treatment surface techniques such as spraying and coating, adding the waterproofing agent directly into the pulp ensures its uniform distribution throughout the three-dimensional fiber network—from the pulp to the final product—while balancing the operational feasibility of paper manufacturing with the integrated waterproofing performance of the finished product. The research results demonstrated that CS-SA significantly enhanced the waterproof performance of the product (water contact angle 131°, Cobb value 12.9 g/m², no leakage or permeation at 100 °C water for 30 minutes). Systematic characterization revealed that CS-SA forms a dense hydrophobic film on the fiber surface and between fibers, which is the key to its high-efficiency waterproofing. In addition, the modified material exhibits low cytotoxicity and excellent antibacterial properties, ensuring safety for applications in food packaging. Its superior thermal stability guarantees effectiveness during processing steps such as pulp molding and hot pressing.
Copyright (c) 2026 Changhe Wei, Panfeng Long, Xiaofang Tao, Caifeng Xu, Nan Si
Differential Physiological and Biochemical Responses in Oil Palm Seedlings Exposed to Single and Combined Flooding–Salinity Stress
Increases in temperature, rainfall, and sea level associated with climate change have intensified flooding and saltwater intrusion, thereby posing a growing threat to oil palm cultivation. To evaluate the effects of these environmental stressors, 12-month-old oil palm seedlings were subjected to control, flooding, salinity, and combined flooding and salinity treatments. Physiological and biochemical parameters were measured, including total chlorophyll, antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, and proline content. Phytochemical profiles, such as total phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and antioxidant activity, were also assessed. Combined stress caused the most severe reductions in chlorophyll and phytochemicals, with increased lipid peroxidation and visible symptoms such as leaf yellowing and adventitious root formation. Proline accumulation was markedly higher under combined stress, suggesting a protective role. In contrast, individual stress treatments induced antioxidant enzyme activity, contributing to reactive oxygen species mitigation. These findings highlight the distinct and synergistic impacts of flooding and salinity on oil palm seedling health. The results offer a foundation for identifying stress-resilient traits, which can support future breeding or management strategies to sustain oil palm productivity under changing climate conditions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Munirah Adibah Kamarul Zaman, Jay Mie Kua, Muhammad Amirul Jemuladin@Jamaludin, Noor Azmi Shaharuddin, Mohamad Zulfazli Mohd Sobri, Siti Nor Akmar Abdullah, Adibah Mohd Amin, Potjamarn Suraninpong, Azzreena Mohamad Azzeme
Effect of Origin on the Chemical Contents, Including Heavy Metals, in Pellets Made from Eastern Beech Wood
Wood pellets, which are regarded as a sustainable and nature-friendly energy source, occupy an important place in biomass production, and global pellet production is constantly increasing. Pellet quality varies significantly according to the structural properties of the wood used as raw material, and the wood structure is the most important factor that determines the quality of the pellet. Numerous studies have been conducted on the quality of pellets produced from various raw materials. Although different origins of the same species can significantly affect pellet quality, the study on this subject is very limited. C, O, N and H contents, pH and heavy metal contents of pellets produced from Fagus orientalis wood obtained from 12 different origins were compared. As a result of the study, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the pellets produced from wood obtained from different origins in terms of Cd and Ni concentrations, as well as oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen contents. The results indicate that the highest quality pellets among the origins studied were those produced from beeches from the Andırın, Yazıcık, Gökçebey, and Kalkım origins, which had both low heavy metal content and low oxygen, nitrogen, and hydrogen contents. It is proposed that these origins be given priority in pellet production.
Copyright (c) 2026 Saadettin Murat Onat, B. Hakan Şevik, Erol Imren, Halil Barış Özel
Performance and Energy Assessment of an Integrated Vacuum Refining System for Crude Palm Oil toward Electrical Insulating Applications
The global transition toward environmentally sustainable technologies necessitates the development of biodegradable electrical insulating fluids. This study investigates the performance of a vacuum–fractional distillation reactor designed to convert high free fatty acid (FFA) crude palm oil (CPO) into a biodegradable electrical insulator. The reactor simultaneously performs degumming, deodorization, and vacuum spray drying, thereby enabling efficient purification and moisture removal. Experimental results demonstrated that even at a minimal processing time of 20 min, the breakdown voltage (BDV) exceeded 50 kV with the IEC 60156 (2018) test, with a peak performance of 59 kV at 50 min. The reactor achieved Specific Energy Consumption of 2.1 kWh/L. Thermal analysis indicated that 0.136 kWh was converted into useful heat, resulting in a thermal efficiency of approximately only 4.3%, primarily due to heat losses and irreversibility associated with the uninsulated laboratory-scale configuration, thereby indicating potential for improved heat utilization and energy recovery. The novelty of this work lies in the process integration, enabling treatment of high-FFA CPO in a single system, reducing operational complexity, and enables energy analysis. However, while the breakdown voltage requirement was satisfied, full compliance with IEC 62770 specifications necessitates further physicochemical characterization, which will be explored in future work.
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhamad Mustangin, Bambang Purwantana, Chusnul Hidayat, Radi Radi, Andhika Pramana Adi Putra, Deny Setyawan, Fadhilah Hendra Maulana
Insights into the Effect of Bordered Pit Structure on Water Transport Performance
In plants, the transport of water is mediated by vessel and pit structures, which are integral to this physiological process. Among the various pit types, the bordered pit is recognized as particularly effective. To investigate the impact of structural parameters on fluid flow performance, a microstructural fluid dynamics model of plant tissue was developed employing finite element simulation. This model integrates laminar flow and porous media physics within a unified framework, and the computed results agreed with existing experimental and numerical studies. An analysis was conducted to assess variations in pressure drop, flow rate, and flow resistance as a function of several parameters, including pit aperture diameter, torus diameter, pit diameter, pit depth, margo thickness, porosity, and micropore diameter. The results demonstrate that overall flow resistance decreases with increases in pit diameter, pit aperture diameter, pit depth, porosity, and micropore diameter, whereas it increases with larger torus diameter and margo thickness. Notably, parameters associated with the margo exert a particularly pronounced effect on water transport characteristics. This study provides a mechanical rationale elucidating the structure-function relationship governing water transport in coniferous plants and offers theoretical foundations for the design of biomimetic microfluidic devices and plant-inspired water-conducting materials.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yifan Zhou, Tong Su, Gensheng Wu
Physiological and Biochemical Responses of Evergreen and Deciduous Trees to Combined Drought and Lead Stress: Implications for Urban Green Spaces
The impact of drought and Pb toxicity were evaluated relative to physiological and biochemical traits of four commonly used urban tree species. The experiment included six treatments: control, 300 ppm Pb, 600 ppm Pb, drought (50% field capacity), drought + 300 ppm Pb, and drought + 600 ppm Pb, applied to Platanus orientalis, Fraxinus excelsior, Cupressus sempervirens, and Pinus nigra. Results showed that Pb toxicity – particularly 600 ppm and drought – led to changes in most traits of the plants (P ≤ 0.05). The co-applied drought and 600 ppm Pb decreased total chlorophyll (Chl, 21%), relative water content (RWC, 23%), while increased malondialdehyde (MDA, 52%), proline accumulation (22%), total soluble sugar (TSS, 54%), superoxide dismutase (SOD, 110%), catalase activity (CAT, 137%), Pb accumulation in roots (1723%), and in shoots (611%) compared to the control. Compared to C. sempervirens and P. nigra, P. orientalis and F. excelsior accumulated more Pb and exhibited greater sensitivity to abiotic stress. The heat map results exhibited that traits under drought and Pb stress showed the most significant fluctuation, with TSS explaining the most variation among measured traits.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abozar Bahmani, Leila Pourhosseini, Vilma Bayramzadeh, Khodadad Mostafavi, Mohammad Nabi Ilkaee
Improving the Structural Stability of TEMPO-Oxidized Cellulose Nanofibril Hydrogels through Chitin Nanofibril Reinforcement and Hydrothermal Treatment
Hydrogels based on TEMPO-oxidized cellulose nanofibrils (TOCNF) are attractive sustainable materials but often suffer from poor structural stability and weak mechanical strength. In this study, surface-deacetylated chitin nanofibrils (ChNF) were incorporated to reinforce TOCNF hydrogels, and the effect of hydrothermal treatment on network structure and properties was investigated. Hydrogels were prepared at solid contents of 1.25 to 2.00 wt% by mixing dilute TOCNF and ChNF suspensions followed by centrifugation and hydrothermal treatment. Compared with TOCNF alone, TOCNF/ChNF hydrogels exhibited improved shape stability, higher viscosity, and enhanced shear-thinning behavior. Hydrothermally treated TOCNF/ChNF hydrogels maintained elastic behavior up to 74.6% strain, compared with 26.3% strain for non-treated TOCNF/ChNF hydrogels. The compressive strength increased markedly, reaching 36 kPa at 1.75 wt%, whereas TOCNF hydrogels showed only ~5 kPa. FTIR and XPS analyses indicated redistribution of intermolecular interactions after hydrothermal treatment without definitive evidence of covalent bond formation. SEM observations further revealed the formation of a more interconnected and densified porous network after hydrothermal treatment. Overall, ChNF reinforcement combined with hydrothermal treatment effectively improved the structural stability and mechanical performance of TOCNF hydrogels.
Copyright (c) 2026 Seung-Woo Cho, Ju-Won Jin, Dong-Suk Jeon, Ramakrishna Dadigala, Song-Yi Han, Gu-Joong Kwon, Rajkumar Bandi, Sang-Jin Chun, Jaegyoung Gwon, Seung-Hwan Lee
Binderless Bio-based Composites Obtained by Thermo-Compression of Walnut Shells Powder
This study investigated the potential of dry processing methods to manufacture bio-based materials with reduced environmental impacts, which is in alignment with the energetic and ecological transitions global strategies. The increasing demand for eco-friendly materials drives research into bio-based composites. The mechanical properties were evaluated for binderless composites made from walnut shells, which are industrial bio-based by-products. Thermocompression moulding was used to fabricate the composites. Their mechanical behaviour and their resistance to water were tested. The composites showed a flexural strength of 16.9 MPa and a Young’s modulus of 4.3 GPa. These findings suggest that walnut shell-based composites are viable alternatives for sustainable materials.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mathilde David, Quentin Charlier, Julien Bras
Enhancement of Enzymatic Hydrolysis and Ethanol Production from Pine Chips by Steam Explosion–KOH Treatment with Agricultural Reuse of Liquid Residues
Lignocellulosic biomass is a widely available renewable resource, yet its recalcitrant structure limits enzymatic hydrolysis and bioethanol production. This study aimed to develop an efficient pretreatment method for pine wood chips by integrating steam explosion with potassium hydroxide (KOH) treatment and to explore the reuse potential of the resulting liquid waste. Steam explosion disrupted chip structure and exposed cellulose, while subsequent KOH pretreatment selectively removed lignin and hemicellulose, thereby enhancing enzymatic accessibility. Response surface methodology identified optimal conditions of 2.9 min steam explosion, 1.4% KOH, and 21 h treatment time, which yielded a maximum glucose conversion of 30% (based on raw material). The combined process increased ethanol production, with yields approximately sevenfold higher than untreated controls. In addition, liquid waste containing potassium elements promoted the growth of red lettuce, perilla, and green onion, with perilla showing a fivefold increase in fresh weight compared to controls. These findings demonstrate that steam explosion coupled with KOH pretreatment not only improves the efficiency of bioethanol production but also offers a sustainable route for recycling liquid residues as agricultural fertilizer.
Copyright (c) 2026 Si Young Ha, Hyeon Cheol Kim, Jae-kyung Yang
Response Surface Methodology-optimized Single-batch Production of Herbal Residue-based N,P Co-doped Carbon Materials for Enhanced Electrochemical Efficiency
N,P co-doped porous carbon (NPPC) was prepared as a high-performance electrode material for supercapacitors. NPPC materials were synthesized through a facile single-batch carbonization-activation strategy. Poria cocos residue was used as a renewable biomass precursor, potassium carbonate as the chemical activator, and melamine phosphate served as the dual N/P doping agent. A Box-Behnken design in response surface methodology was utilized to optimize three critical process parameters: K2CO3 ratio, N,P co-doped ratio, and activation temperature, aiming at maximizing the specific capacitance. The morphological, structural, and electrochemical properties of the prepared carbon materials were systematically characterized by scanning electron microscopy, N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge-discharge technique, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The optimized NPPC exhibited hierarchical porous structure with a high specific surface area (reaching 2980 m2⋅g−1), uniformly distributed N (12.3 at.%) and P (0.59 at.%) heteroatoms, and excellent supercapacitive performance. It achieved a maximum specific capacitance of 332 F⋅g−1 at a current density of 1 A⋅g−1 in a 6 M KOH electrolyte. This work realizes the high-value valorization of TCM solid waste and provides a green, cost-effective, and scalable route for the synthesis of high-performance supercapacitor electrode materials, aligning with the goals of waste recycling and carbon neutrality.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sidan Li, Yuzhao Ma, Shihua Xu, Xueyang Huang, Yuehan Li, Zheng Li, Yuan Yuan
Safety Assessment of Polyphenolic Extracts from Date Palm Spathe as a Valorizable Bioresource
The spathe of the date palm Phoenix dactylifera (L.) is a lignocellulosic agricultural by-product that can be exploited as a source of biomass for high value products. However, limited information is available regarding the toxicological safety of its extracts. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo toxicity of date palm spathe extracts through acute and subacute oral tests in mice to support their potential valorization. In the acute test, female mice were treated with single oral doses of 300 and 2000 mg/kg for 14 days. For the subacute test, daily doses of 50, 300, and 1000 mg/kg were administered to both sexes for 28 days. In both studies, clinical symptoms, mortality, body weight variations, organ weights, biochemical and hematological criteria, and histopathological analyses were examined. No lethality or significant clinical signs were observed at any of the tested doses. Hematological and biochemical parameters showed no significant changes between groups. Histopathological examination of the organs showed similar results in both the acute and subacute phases, represented by mild, non-specific changes compatible with background lesions in mice. These findings indicate a favorable toxicological safety profile, supporting the potential valorization of date palm spathe extracts.
Copyright (c) 2026 Asma Maouedj , Mohammed Salih Barka , Asmaa Cherif Anntar , Ghada Lamraoui , Houari Hemida , Amina Djenkal , Imene Chafaa , Tarek H. Taha , Hamdi Bendif, Fehmi Boufahja, Walid Elfalleh, Stefania Garzoli
Antioxidant Properties of Ricinus communis Leaf Extracts: Evaluation of Solvents and Their Mixtures
The shrub Ricinus communis, originally from Asia, has adapted to different regions of Mexico. The main value of this crop lies in the production of non-edible vegetable oil. In this work, extracts from the leaves of R. communis were obtained using various solvents: methanol, ethanol, and water; as well as 80:20 mixtures of methanol:water and ethanol:water. The extraction yield ranged between 1.00 and 2.10 g of extract per 100 g of plant material. The aqueous extract showed the highest yield, while the methanol: water mixture had the lowest. A SEM-EDS analysis was applied to the leaves before and after the extraction. The extracts were tested as antioxidants through free radical scavenging assays, ferric reducing capacity, and total phenolic content. The extract that exhibited the highest IC50 value was the water, followed by ethanol, with values of 38.94 and 331.01, respectively. The extract from the leaves of R. communis, demonstrated antioxidant properties. This suggests that this biomass can serve as a source of natural antioxidants, thus utilizing this by product of the crop. The SEM-EDS results indicate that the leaves were not contaminated with metals or other sources, supporting the use of these extracts in applications such as biodiesel.
Copyright (c) 2026 Carlos A. Sagaste-Bernal, Conrado Garcia-Gonzalez, Marcos A. Coronado-Ortega , José R. Ayala-Bautista , José L. Arcos-Vega , Fernando A. Solis-Dominguez , Andrea Urbano-Nila , Samuel Lepe-de-Alba , Mario A. Curiel-Álvarez, Benjamín A. Rojano, Mónica Carrillo-Beltrán
Rapid on-site Assessment of Wood Chips Moisture and Lignin for Kraft Pulping Digesters Using Portable NIR Spectroscopy
Rapid on-site assessment of wood quality can significantly enhance decision-making and operational efficiency in the pulp and paper industry. Spectroscopic techniques, including near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, can be used to characterise wood, but there is a need for development to use these methods in the field, especially for optimising the continuous kraft pulping process. This study focused on using a portable NIR spectrometer to measure lignin and moisture content in Nordic softwood chips, while also distinguishing between bound and free water, with particular focus on challenges related to field-based measurements and process-relevant information. Partial Least Square Regression (PLSR) effectively reduced data dimensionality and simultaneously performed the regression. The performance of portable NIR model was found to be comparable with models based on data from a traditional benchtop NIR. However, several portable NIR spectra need to be acquired and averaged to achieve predictive capability. The results confirm that robustness of benchtop systems for accurate moisture determination. Portable NIR may be useful at kraft pulp mills during disturbance situations, when rapid information about chip quality is necessary.
Copyright (c) 2026 Anka Klecina, Jan Skvaril, Erik Dahlquist , Juha Fiskari, Stefan B. Lindström
Greenwashing in Wood Substitute Products: The Case of PVC Window Frames
Wood is a renewable material, and advancements in machinery have made it possible to produce wood-based products in large quantities. This has led to environmental problems, which in turn have increased consumers’ environmental concern. This concern has caused consumers to prefer environmental-friendly products. Alongside green products and green marketing, greenwashing practices, which are not actually green but exploit consumer sensitivity, have also become widespread. These deceptive claims confuse consumers and provide an unfair competitive advantage against genuinely environmentally friendly products. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) windows, which can be used as a substitute for wood windows, were chosen as a research focus, and the greenwashing practices of enterprises manufacturing PVC window were investigated. The research was conducted using deductive content analysis. The corporate websites of the enterprises were examined in terms of greenwashing. Artificial intelligence was used, but identified greenwashing types were checked by the researcher. The study found that PVC window manufacturers most frequently resorted to greenwashing involving no proof, vagueness, and hidden trade-off approaches. Greenwashing types were also examined by topics, revealing that “general environmental benefits” is the most common type.
Preparation and Characterization of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Carboxymethyl Cellulose Films with Citric Acid and Activated Carbon for Active Food Packaging
Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) composite films incorporated with glycerol and citric acid were examined for development of biodegradable films with improved water resistance properties. Addition of citric acid at 30% effectively reduced water solubility of the film. To prepare functional active packaging films for storage of perishable products, the role of activated carbon (AC) at different percentages was also investigated. Various physical, mechanical, thermal, and functional properties of these films were then characterized. The study found that the inclusion of AC at 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75% did not affect the tensile strength (TS), elongation at break, and thermal properties, resulting in stronger films. Fourier transform infrared analysis suggested intermolecular interactions within the polymer matrix after incorporation of citric acid and activated carbon. The antimicrobial activity test revealed no inhibition zone; however, there was no noticeable increase or spread of bacteria during the testing period.
Copyright (c) 2026 Redzuan Mohammad Suffian James, Paik San H'ng, Norwahyuni Mohd Yusof
Effect of Pat/Agave/Coir-Dust Reinforcement on the Mechanical and Moisture Properties of Epoxy Composites
Epoxy composites were reinforced with alkali (NaOH)–treated pat (jute) fibers, untreated agave fibers, and coir dust to improve mechanical and moisture resistance properties. Alkali treatment was applied to the pat fibers. Ten formulations (PA1–PA10) were fabricated by varying fiber proportions and evaluated for tensile, flexural, impact, hardness, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), density, water absorption, and thickness swelling. Mechanical performance strongly depended on fiber composition and interfacial bonding. Tensile strength increased from 22 MPa (neat epoxy, PA10) to 44 MPa (PA3), while flexural strength ranged from 25 to 52 MPa, with PA3 showing superior performance. The highest impact strength (0.40 J), hardness (84 Shore D), and ILSS (9 MPa) were also observed for PA3, indicating efficient stress transfer. Moisture analysis showed minimum water absorption (10%) and thickness swelling (2.3%) for PA3. Density ranged between 1.20 and 1.36 g/cm³, suggesting that performance was governed mainly by interfacial interaction. Overall, PA3 (15% treated pat and 15% agave fiber) demonstrated the best balance of strength and environmental resistance. That formulation demonstrated the most balanced combination of mechanical strength, interlaminar integrity, and environmental resistance, highlighting the effectiveness of fiber reinforcement with coir dust for green epoxy composites.
Simulation and Experiment of Bottom Aeration Piping and Internal Flow Field in Trough Composting
Trough composting is a highly efficient technology for treating livestock manure and converting it into valuable resources. The flow field in the aeration pipes and the flow field within the compost pile are critical factors affecting trough composting. Due to the large size of compost piles and the harsh internal environment, it is difficult to quantify the flow field distribution within the pipes and the compost piles. This study established a three-dimensional fluid model of the bottom pipeline and the compost pile within a 90 m³ trough composting system. The perforation spacing of the bottom pipe was optimized by gradually reducing the spaces between openings. Effect of optimized perforation spacing on flow velocity within the pipe and the compost pile were optimized. The results indicated that a gradually changed perforation structure can enhance both the magnitude and uniformity of flow velocity distribution within the pipeline and the compost pile. Field trials of trough composting at an engineering scale revealed that the average relative error between actual measured wind speeds over the compost pile and simulated values remained within 10%. This study provides a theoretical basis and data support for the engineering construction of aeration systems in trough composting.
Copyright (c) 2026 Longtao Xu, Junyou Shi, Ruirong Li, Pengjun Wang
Machine Learning Accelerates the Directional Construction of the Specific Surface Area of Biochar
Biochar exhibits application potential for treating wastes and reducing carbon emissions, thereby improving efficiency in the petrochemical industry. Application prospects are particularly prominent in the remediation of petroleum-contaminated soil and carbon dioxide capture. Specific surface area of biochar serves as a key parameter governing its environmental application performance. However, complexity of biomass precursors and pyrolysis processes poses significant challenges to targeted design and prediction of biochar specific surface area via conventional experimental approaches. In this work four models were constructed and compared. The Random Forest model exhibited the best generalization ability, with a coefficient of determination of 0.79 and a root mean square error of 57.88 on the test set, thus being identified as the optimal prediction model. Pyrolysis process parameters were more dominant than elemental composition of biochar, and pyrolysis temperature was the most critical feature. Recommended pyrolysis parameters include temperatures above 700 °C and time exceeding 3 h, while elemental composition of biochar should favor a chemical composition with high carbon content (>40%) and high nitrogen content (>3%). These findings significantly reduce trial-and-error costs and accelerate the targeted development of biochar-based environmental materials, thereby advancing the practical application of biochar in pollution control and climate change mitigation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jian Kang, Huamu Chen, Rui Hou, Peng Sun, Fawang Li, Yanzhong Han, Guanyu Lei, Jian Li
Mitigating Salt Stress in Tomato Plants via Gelidium robustum Seaweed Extract
Salinity stress, a major abiotic factor, poses a threat to crops. Thus, strategies to mitigate adverse effects on crops are warranted. This study analyzed the effects of the red seaweed Gelidium robustum extract on tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum) subjected to salt stress. The composition of seaweed was analyzed by analytical methods, showing that it consists of protein, phenolic compounds, flavonoids, glycine betaine, elements, tannins, proline, and growth hormones. The tomato plants were cultivated under salinity stress (2 to10 dS/m) and treated with seaweed liquid fertilizer (SLF) at various concentrations (2.5% to 10%). The tomato plants treated with SLF presented significant growth-promoting activity. Morphological analysis revealed improved shoot, root, and leaf growth. Compared with no treatment, SLF increased the total protein and fat contents in tomato leaves. Similarly, treatment of tomato plants with SLF improved their flavonoid and phenolic compound contents and antioxidant activity. SLF altered the biochemical profile, alleviated stress, and enhanced defenses. Overall, SLFs have the potential to mitigate salinity stress in tomato plants due to the antioxidant defense, and the application of red seaweed is useful for improving agriculture in salt-contaminated agricultural soils.
Copyright (c) 2026 Amal Mohamed AlGarawi, Ashraf A Hatamleh, Mohamed El-Zaidy
Identification of Genuine and Artificial Wood Grain Based on PCA-SVM
This study presents an integrated method combining Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) to distinguish genuine and artificial wood grains. The approach is based on acquiring nine-dimensional gloss data measured under varying angles and texture orientations, along with two surface roughness parameters: the arithmetic mean height (Sa) and maximum peak height (Sz). The dataset was divided into training and testing sets with a ratio of 7:3 after standardized. PCA was applied to the training set to extract the top k principal components. Then, these components served as input features for training an SVM classifier, whose discriminative performance was evaluated on the test set. Experimental results indicated that the proposed method achieved an accuracy of 96.76%, an F1-score of 0.9761, and a Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) of 0.9285, substantially outperforming comparative models including standalone SVM, Logistic Regression (LR), Partial Least Squares (PLS), and Principal Component Regression (PCR). The method demonstrated high efficiency and robustness in distinguishing wood grain types, suggesting strong potential in practical engineering applications such as quality control and material authentication.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jiaxin Wang, Liangze Pan, Zhen Wang, Shangzhong Jin
Eosin Yellow Dye Adsorption from Aqueous Solution Using Native Maize Husk
This work examines the uptake of Eosin Yellow (EY), an anionic dye, from aqueous solution using native maize (Zea mays) husk (MH) as a biosorbent. The biomass was characterized using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing a mesoporous structure and the presence of hydroxyl, carboxyl, and aromatic functional groups. Batch adsorption experiments were performed to assess the effects of contact time, pH, initial dye concentration, and adsorbent dosage. Maximum removal efficiency of 90.3% was attained at 1.5 g adsorbent dosage, pH 2, and 60-min contact time. The Langmuir isotherm best described the equilibrium data (R² = 0.957), with a maximum adsorption capacity of 44.5 mg g⁻¹. Kinetic data were adequately described by multiple empirical models, suggesting complex uptake behavior; however, no single rate-controlling mechanism was definitively established. Information from thermodynamic constants (ΔG° < 0, ΔH° = 21.0 kJ mol⁻¹, ΔS° = 9.25 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹) signify that the adsorption process was spontaneous and endothermic, with features consistent with physisorption. Regeneration investigations revealed that the adsorbent retained appreciable performance over multiple cycles. These results revealed that maize husk is a promising biosorbent for dye removal under controlled laboratory conditions, although further studies are required to assess its performance in complex wastewater systems and at larger scales.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ayomide Ogundipe, Adesola Babarinde, Ali El-Rayyes, Amnah Mohammed Alsuhaibani, Moamen S. Refat, Edwin Andrew Ofudje
Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Red Seaweeds for Controlling Foodborne Bacteria in Chicken Fillets
Seaweeds are natural resources with antibacterial and antioxidant activities. The major objective of this study was to detect the antibacterial and antioxidant potential and bactericidal activity of chicken fillets during storage. The ethanol extract of Gracilaria gracilis had the maximum antibacterial activity, with zones of inhibition of 19 ± 2 mm and18 ± 2 mm against Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579 and Salmonella enterica ATCC 13311, respectively. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the G. gracilis extract ranged from 25 ± 1.25 to 75 ± 5 µg/mL, and this extract was effective against B. cereus. The polyphenol and flavonoid contents were greatest (0.29 ± 0.04 mg GAE/g DW and 37.2 ± 1.8 mg QE/g, respectively) in the G. gracilis extract. G. gracilis extract exhibited a maximum DPPH scavenging potential of 58.4 ± 2.4% inhibition. The chicken fillets were experimentally inoculated with S. enterica and B. cereus and treated with equal proportions of all three seaweeds (G. gracilis, G. latifolium, and H. dilatata extracts) at various concentrations (0 to 8%). The findings revealed that seaweed extracts had antibactericidal effects on chicken fillets stored at 4 °C, reduced the growth of S. enterica and B. cereus, and improved the sensory properties of chicken fillets.
Copyright (c) 2026 Fatimah S. Al-Khattaf, Ashraj A. Hatamleh
Chemical Composition Characterization and Potential Medicinal Utilization of Extracts and Pyrolysis Products from Carpinus cordata Wood
Woody plants represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds for medicine. In this study, Carpinus cordata wood was extracted with different solvents. The extracts were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), and thermal desorption - gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). The results revealed a diverse array of compounds, including aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, alkanes, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and esters. These chemical constituents demonstrate significant potential as feedstocks for bio-oils and novel biomaterials in industrial and agricultural sectors. Furthermore, specific bioactive molecules with potential anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-HIV properties were identified, underlining their promise for pharmaceutical and biomedical agents. Live/dead staining results of ethanol extracts of C. cordata wood exhibited significant cytotoxicity against the human chronic myeloid leukemia cell line K-562, indicating the presence of potent anti-cancer constituents. Overall, the multifaceted potential of C. cordata wood was shown to be a source of both bioactive extracts for medicine and valuable chemicals through thermochemical conversion.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shuai Xue, Chunli Wei, Jinghua Yang, Jianwei Zhang, Cheng Li
Effect of Average Uncut Chip Thickness on the Colour of Beech Wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) During the Face Milling Process
This study aimed to establish quantitative relationships between the average uncut chip thickness and the colour change of beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) during face milling. A comprehensive analysis of colour change was conducted based on measurements of chromaticity parameters, lightness, total colour difference, and hue angle variation. It was concluded that the average uncut chip thickness was a key factor in determining the surface’s visual quality. It was found that an increase in average uncut chip thickness (0.13 to 0.38 mm) correlated with a decrease in total colour difference and an increase in lightness, bringing the machined surface’s colour closer to the original wood. This effect was attributed to the minimisation of local thermal effects through optimizing the cutting process. This avoids thermally sensitive chemical reactions that cause colour changes. Results from various statistical analyses showed significant differences in total colour differences across average uncut chip thicknesses of 0.13, 0.25, and 0.38 mm.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zoya Karatkevich, Aleksandra Suchta, Kacper Broclawik, Tomasz Ochrymiuk, Kazimierz A. Orlowskl
Fabrication of Nickel Oxide Nanoparticles via Morus alba Leaf Extract and Investigation of their Biological Properties
Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiO NPs) were effectively produced through a green synthesis utilizing Morus alba leaf extract as stabilizing and capping agent. The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by various analytical techniques. The successful formation of NiO NPs showed a distinct absorbance peak at 338 nm, while other results suggested the role of plant-derived compounds in stabilizing the nanoparticles. Transmission electron microscopy displayed mainly spherical particles with an average diameter of 35.4 nm, whereas SEM-EDX confirmed their structural features and elemental compositions. The biological activities of the prepared NiO NPs were comprehensively investigated. The anticancer potential exhibited a concentration-dependent cytotoxicity against PC-3 prostate cancer cells and WI-38 normal cells, with greater selectivity toward cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 238 µg/mL for PC-3 and 402 µg/mL for WI-38). The lipase inhibition test indicated a moderate inhibitory effect of NiO NPs in comparison with Orlistat. In addition, the antidiabetic activity was assessed and the nanoparticles showed moderate inhibitory effects relative to acarbose. Moreover, the assays of antioxidant activity demonstrated a dose-dependent radical scavenging ability, although lower than that of ascorbic acid. Overall, these findings suggest that Morus alba-derived NiO NPs hold promise for biomedical applications; however, further optimization studies are still necessary to enhance their efficacy.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nada H. Aljarbaa, Waad A. Al-Otaibib, Sahar M. AlMotwaac, Thamer Alslamah, Nuha Anajirih, Mohsen A. Khormie, Mohamed K. Y. Soliman
The Accumulation and Translocation of Harmful Sb, Se, and Tl in Certain Vegetables Grown in Contaminated Areas
Heavy metal accumulation in food produced in polluted areas can reach high levels, posing a health risk. In this study, the variation in Sb, Se, and Tl concentrations, was determined on a species and organ basis in tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, cucumbers, and corn grown near an industrial area in Düzce, one of Europe's most polluted cities. The concentrations of these elements in the soil were also determined, and the bioconcentration factor and translocation factor in the organs of the plants were calculated, thus attempting to determine the risks in terms of food safety. The study found that the concentrations of these elements in the soil were quite high, while their translocation and accumulation in the aboveground parts of plants, especially fruit organs, were at lower levels compared to other organs. Nevertheless, their concentrations in fruit organs were still quite high. In many countries, limit values for Sb, Se, and Tl in vegetables have not been established. This is considered a major deficiency. However, the values obtained in this study are well above the limit values permitted by countries such as China and Italy. This poses a significant risk to human health.
Development and Mechanical Characterization of Tea Fiber Residue/Hazelnut Shell-based Sustainable Biocomposites
Biocomposites are environmentally friendly and biodegradable materials produced from renewable resources or agricultural residue. In this study, biocomposite boards were produced using tea fiber residue and hazelnut shell. These boards were designed to degrade naturally and mix into the soil within 2 years, depending on climatic conditions, without causing environmental pollution. Test sheets were produced from the raw materials using urea-formaldehyde glue as a binder, and diammonium phosphate fertilizer was used to regulate the decomposition time and nutrient contribution. A total of 32 groups of boards were produced with different raw material ratios. The boards were 6 and 10 mm thick, and bending and tensile strength tests were performed to determine their mechanical performance. The highest bending strength was measured at 3.96 N/mm² in the 10 mm thick board containing 89% tea fiber residue, 5% diammonium phosphate, and 6% adhesive. The lowest bending strength was obtained in the board containing 41% walnut shell, 41% tea fiber residue, 15% phosphate, and 3% glue, with a value of 0.58 N/mm². In tensile tests, the highest value obtained was 0.48 N/mm² in a board containing 84% tea fiber residue, 10% phosphate, and 6% adhesive; while the lowest value was 0.06 N/mm² in a board containing 44.5% walnut shell, 44.5% tea fiber, 5% diammonium phosphate, and 10% adhesive.
Copyright (c) 2026 Salih Kaya, Şeref Kurt
Volatile Profiles of Log-Cultivated Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) on Four Hardwood Species by HS-SPME/GC-MS
The volatile profiles of shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes) cultivated on logs of Liquidambar formosana, Cinnamomum burmannii, Quercus glauca, and Q. variabilis were analyzed using headspace solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (HS-SPME/GC-MS). Distinct headspace volatile compositions were observed among log species and HS-SPME extraction temperatures. For fresh mushrooms analyzed at 25 °C, samples grown on L. formosana and Q. variabilis contained abundant linalool, whereas those cultivated on C. burmannii and Q. glauca were dominated by C8 alcohols such as 3-octanol. When fresh mushrooms were analyzed at 100 °C, the profiles shifted toward long-chain fatty acids, including n-hexadecanoic acid and linoleic acid. Dried mushrooms were analyzed only under 100 °C HS-SPME condition and exhibited similar patterns across all log species, with linoleic acid and n-hexadecanoic acid as the predominant components. These findings suggest that log species and HS-SPME extraction temperature are associated with distinct headspace volatile profiles, possibly through differences in substrate-derived chemical environments, temperature-dependent volatilization, and compound transformation, thereby shaping the potential aroma characteristics of log-cultivated shiitake mushrooms.
Copyright (c) 2026 Chih-Hung Lee, Chun-Ya Lin, Su-Ling Liu, Ying-Ju Chen, Sen-Sung Cheng
All-Cellulose Cryogels with Tunable Extracellular Matrix-Mimetic Architecture
The hierarchical structure of an extracellular matrix (ECM) regulates cell behaviors, including adhesion, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Inspired by this principle, tunable all-cellulose cryogels were engineered that partially mimic the architecture of native tissue microenvironments. Building upon the authors’ recent advances in hairy cellulose nanocrystals (HCNC) with finely tuned chemical functionalities and nanoarchitectures, this work leverages amine- and aldehyde-functionalized HCNC together with polymeric cellulose derivatives as building blocks to develop cryogels with organ-specific, ECM-like architectures. Schiff base reactions in conjunction with electrostatic attraction mediate the formation of dynamic covalent networks that self-assemble into hydrogels, which are subsequently lyophilized to yield porous cryogels. Variations in the composition and functionality of cellulosic building blocks govern scaffold architecture by modulating network connectivity, enabling the regulation of pore features. This work establishes a sustainable, non-animal-derived material platform that may bridge biomass nanotechnology and regenerative medicine, demonstrating how renewable, functionally engineered cellulose across micro- and nanoscale can be translated into next-generation biomimetic scaffolds.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lucas Lawrence Franz, Karolina Patricia Akelaitis, Neela Nicole Cooper, Sina Kheirabadi, Mica L. Pitcher, Jeff Lin, Mitra Ann Salari, Anjali Kiran Baikerikar, Suchitra Thirumalai, Roya Koshani, Amir Sheikhi
Additive Manufacturing from Bioresource Materials for Innovative Construction: A Systematic Review
The study highlights the promising use of renewable materials in 3D printing such as flax, wood, and bamboo. These materials have demonstrated potential for lightweight construction components, architectural elements, customized panels, and sustainable composite structures produced through additive manufacturing techniques such as FDM, FFF, SLA, and ILF. These solutions enable the integration of additive manufacturing with advanced architectural geometries, replacing traditional materials with lower-impact bio-based alternatives and creating optimized, adaptable components. Key challenges include the need for consensus on large-scale production of 3D-printed elements in construction through standardized parameters and codes, as well as further studies on durability and performance under adverse conditions and in both structural and non-structural applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Marielza Corrêa dos Reis, Pedro M. S. Neto, Sérgio A. M. Silva , Herisson F. dos Santos, Emerson Faustino, Sheyla M. B. Serra, Victor A. De Araujo , André L. Christoforo
Effects of CO2 Laser Cutting Parameters on Kerf Width in Native Wood Species
Kerf width variations in native wood species were evaluated with respect to CO2 laser cutting, focusing on the impact of different laser parameters. By systematically varying power output and cutting speed on beech, oak, and spruce wood, the resulting kerf widths were quantified at the top and bottom of the cuts. Measurements were conducted using a Keyence VHX 7000 digital microscope. The results indicated that increased power output generally led to wider kerf widths, while higher cutting speeds resulted in narrower kerfs. Beech exhibited the narrowest kerfs, followed by oak, with spruce wood showing the widest for TOP surface equal to 415.60±103.05, 462.24±114.04, and 497.63±149.05 mm, respectively. Statistical analysis using ANOVA highlighted the significant effects of power output, cutting speed, and wood structures on kerf width. This research offers insights into optimizing laser cutting parameters to achieve precise and efficient cuts in wood processing applications within interval of energy densities between 11.2 and 90 J·mm−2.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lukáš Štefančin, Rastislav Igaz, Lukáš Adamčík, Ivan Ružiak, Ivan Kubovský, Richard Kminiak
Comparing Perceived Preferences and Feasibility of Different Silvicultural Practices for Increasing Forest Carbon Stocks in Georgia, United States
Forest management practices affect stored carbon stocks differently. Therefore, understanding the mismatch between stakeholder groups’ preferences for forest management practices and the likelihood of their adoption can highlight areas where socioeconomic externalities should be addressed. In addition to preference–feasibility gaps at the individual level, low participation in forest carbon programs can also reflect broader structural and economic constraints (e.g., monitoring/verification and transaction costs, aggregation/minimum-acreage requirements, contract duration/permanence requirements, and carbon price uncertainty). This study used the Analytical Hierarchy Process to explore stakeholder preferences for six forest management practices to increase carbon stocks in Georgia, USA, and compared them with their perceived feasibility. The results showed that increasing the capacity for sustainable forest management, using biochar and afforestation, can enhance the potential to increase carbon stocks, as their preference was higher than their perceived feasibility. Increasing awareness of the potential of conservation and longer rotation ages, which are more feasible but less preferred, will help improve stakeholder preferences and further increase their adoption. Priorities differed between men and women; however, gender-based comparisons are interpreted as exploratory, given the limited number of women respondents. These findings can benefit forest carbon program managers, landowners, and policymakers. Given the small, workshop-based sample, the findings should be interpreted as a pilot assessment intended to inform larger follow-on studies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Parag Kadam, Puneet Dwivedi, Baker Owens, Holly Campbell, Gail Westcot, Dan Geller
The Modeling and Optimization of Energy Inputs and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Watermelon Production Using Artificial Neural Network and Multi Objective Genetic Algorithm
This study modeled and optimized energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE) for watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.) production in Adana, Turkey. Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Multi-Objective Genetic Algorithms (MOGA) were employed for the analysis. The findings revealed that chemical fertilizers accounted for the largest share of energy use (77.0%), followed by diesel fuel (8.4%), with a total energy consumption of 50,100 MJ ha⁻¹. The ANN 10-8-2 architecture provided the most accurate performance (R2). Using the MOGA method, optimum values ​​were determined for minimum total GHGE and maximum watermelon production. The highest amount of production with minimum energy usage was approximately 10,900 MJ ha-1. The GHGE of the best production were calculated as approximately 282 kg CO₂eq ha-1. The GHGE reduction potential using MOGA was calculated as 903 kg CO₂eq ha-1. Furthermore, the highest reduction in GHGE occurred in nitrogen fertilizer by 52.0%. The results also indicated that the highest amount of production with minimum energy usage is approximately 10,900 MJ ha-1. The GHGE of the best production were calculated as approximately 282 kg CO₂eq ha-1. The GHGE reduction potential using MOGA was calculated as 903 kg CO₂eq ha-1. Furthermore, the highest reduction in GHGE occurred in nitrogen fertilizer by 52.0%.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bekir Yelmen, Mutlu Tarık Çakır, Musa Faruk Çakır
Valorization of Rice Polish Biomass through Acid and Enzymatic Hydrolysis for Fermentable Sugar Production
Effects of acid and enzymatic hydrolysis, as well as starch content, were compared relative to the amounts of reducing sugars obtained from rice polish. The growth of yeast on various sugar profiles obtained from both hydrolysis was evaluated. The effect of pretreatments of different H₂SO₄ concentrations (1 to 5%) was examined at different incubation periods (1 to 3 h). The impacts of 1% H₂SO₄ and H3PO4 on rice polish were also studied, and the reducing sugar release was measured using the DNS assay. For enzymatic hydrolysis, a fungus with high starch-degrading ability was isolated from soil and tentatively identified as Aspergillus niger. The efficiency of amylase produced by A. niger via submerged fermentation was determined at various residence times (48 to 120 h), with reducing sugar release measured by a substrate-based assay and enzyme activity by a product-based assay. Finally, the yeast growth was assessed on hydrolysates from both methods. Proximate analysis revealed 79.5% starch, 35.2% sugar, and 8.5% nitrogen in rice polish. Maximum reducing sugar (19.2 mg/mL) was obtained after pretreatment with 2% H₂SO₄ after 1.0 h, and H₂SO₄ yield (1.08 g/L) outperformed H3PO4 (0.59 g/L). Moreover, the substrate-based assay showed optimal starch conversion at 72 h (10.6 µmol/min), and the product-based assay showed maximum enzyme activity after 72 h (409 µmol/min). The evaluation of yeast growth revealed that enzymatic hydrolysis produced more reducing sugars (8.68 mg/mL) compared to acid hydrolysis (6.61 mg/mL), highlighting its potential for ethanol production.
Copyright (c) 2026 Humaira Tariq, Fakhar-Un-Nisa Yunus, Najeeb Ullah, Abid Sarwar, Farzana Bashir, Ansa Awan, Ayaz Ali Khan, Maha Abdullah Alwaili, Nawal Al-Hoshani
Semi-Resolved CFD-DEM Study on the Influence of ‘Surface Energy’ Factors on the Deposition of Lignin Particles in Ceramic Membrane Pores
This study adopted a semi‑analytical CFD‑DEM coupling method to simulate the movement and deposition of lignin particles in ceramic membrane pores, with the aim of elucidating the microscopic mechanisms of membrane fouling. The movement of lignin particles is predicted to be primarily governed by local hydrodynamic forces and, for sub‑micron particles, by Brownian motion, whereas van der Waals forces determine the strength of particle–particle and particle–surface adhesion during deposition. Because the magnitude of this adhesive interaction was modeled as being controlled by the ‘surface energy’ parameter in the JKR model, calibration of this parameter was essential for reliable simulation results. Accordingly, this study concentrated on systematically analyzing how ‘surface energy’ could influence coordination number, filter‑cake porosity, and deposition morphology during particle sedimentation. The analysis identified a reasonable and physically consistent range for the ‘surface energy’ parameter. The results indicated that setting the particle ‘surface energy’ between 0.2 and 1.0 J/m² yielded deposition behavior that could closely resemble experimental trends reported for lignin filtration, thereby providing a theoretical basis for more accurate prediction and regulation of membrane‑fouling behavior.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hao Wang, Junfei Wu, Ping Fu, Xinle Song, LongJing Li, Yibo Yang, Weiwu Xu, Zhaolei Li, ZiZhen Yang
Feather Keratin Binder for Particleboards: A Sustainable Alternative to Urea-Formaldehyde and Food-Based Protein Adhesives
This study evaluates keratin as a formaldehyde-free adhesive for three-layer particleboards for EN 312 (2010) P1-type by developing a sustainable alternative to urea-formaldehyde (UF) resins while decreasing reliance on food-derived protein adhesives. Keratin was extracted from duck feathers using ultrasound-assisted alkaline hydrolysis. Particleboards were made with keratin-based adhesives and compared to panels bonded with UF resin and food protein isolates (casein, pea, and soybean). Resination was set at 10% for the core layer and 12% for the face layers. Protein adhesives were activated with NaOH. Mechanical performance was assessed by measuring modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bond strength (IB), and screw withdrawal resistance (SWR), along with thickness swelling (TS) and water absorption (WA). The protein-bonded panels exhibited higher face-layer densities than UF, leading to improved stiffness and strength. Keratin-bonded boards achieved an MOR of 12 N·mm-2, an MOE above 3000 N·mm-2, and an SWR of 139 N·mm-2, surpassing UF performance and meeting EN 312 P1 (2010) requirements. Results demonstrate the potential of feather keratin as a scalable, green, and cost-effective adhesive for dry-use particleboards. This approach promotes renewable adhesive systems, aligning with current regulatory trends toward formaldehyde-free materials and circular bioeconomy strategies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nidal Del Valle Raydan, Julia Kozerska, Anita Wronka, Grzegorz Kowaluk, Eduardo Robles
Modular Table-Chair-Storage Nesting Sets Design for Home-Based Elderly Care in Compact Apartments: An Integrated Evaluation Approach
As the average age of people continues to increase in many countries, compact urban apartments present significant challenges to the functional adaptability of living environments. This creates new difficulties with the design of elderly-friendly furniture. This study explores the modularization and configuration of furniture in limited spaces to satisfy the requirements of aging-in-place, particularly regarding comfort, convenience, and safety. First, the Affinity Diagram (AD) method was employed to systematically categorize user needs and construct an evaluation system. Second, an integrated weighting method combining Order Relation Analysis (ORA) and the Coefficient of Variation (CV) was applied to obtain a comprehensive weighted ranking of these needs, guiding the development of three design schemes for Modular Table-Chair-Storage Nesting Sets. Finally, the VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method was used to select the optimal scheme, Subsequently, verification was conducted through simulation experiments This study proposes a systematic framework to meet user needs, providing reliable support for modular table-chair-storage nesting sets design in space-constrained elderly care scenarios, thereby improving both space utilization and product safety.
Copyright (c) 2026 Wenzhan Guo, Qi Wu, Zhiyue Liao
Anticancer and Multi-Biological Activities of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Lemon Peel Extract via Microwave Irradiation
Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO₂ NPs) were synthesized using a microwave-assisted green synthesis approach using lemon peel extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, TEM, SEM–EDX, and DLS analyses, which confirmed the formation of predominantly spherical nanoparticles with average particle sizes ranging from 25.6 to 38.7 nm. The biological activities of the synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles were evaluated through different in vitro assays. The nanoparticles exhibited promising anticancer activity against HepG2 and MCF-7 cancer cell lines, with IC₅₀ values of 85.8 and 104.7 µg/mL, respectively, while showing lower cytotoxicity toward normal Vero cells with an IC₅₀ value of 262.5 µg/mL. In antioxidant assays, the TiO₂ nanoparticles demonstrated DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging activities with IC₅₀ values of 319 and 211 µg/mL, respectively. The nanoparticles also showed significant antibiofilm activity against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, achieving maximum inhibition rates of 76.4% and 57.5%, respectively. Furthermore, the synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles displayed antidiabetic potential through inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzymes, with inhibition percentages reaching 63.9% and 79.1%, respectively. Overall, the study showed that green-synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles had multifunctional biological activities and may serve as promising eco-friendly nanomaterials for biomedical and therapeutic applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hayfa Habes Almutairi, Nada H. Aljarba, Abdulkarim S. Binshaya, Adil Abalkhail, Mohamed K. Y. Soliman
Infrared Processing of Chili Oil at Different Exposure Times for Enhanced Biological Performance and Phytochemical Modulation
Infrared (IR) processing of chili oil significantly modulated its phytochemical composition and biological activity. GC–MS analysis revealed that unexposed chili oil was rich in eugenol (32.73%), caryophyllene (8.21%), and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) such as 9,12-octadecadienoyl chloride (16.86%). Short-term IR exposure (5 min) reduced eugenol to 25.90% and generated a positional isomer (phenol, 2-methoxy-3-(2-propenyl), 10.93%) along with diynoic acid esters and alkyne fatty-acid derivatives, indicating isomerization and partial PUFA degradation. Prolonged IR exposure (10 min) further decreasd volatile phenolics and PUFA esters while enriching high-molecular-weight alcohols (1-heptatriacotanol, 7.65%) and chlorinated derivatives (9,12-octadecadienoyl chloride, 21.04%). The 5-min IR treatment produced the highest antimicrobial activity, with inhibition zones increasing for B. subtilis (25 ± 0.2 mm), S. aureus (23 ± 0.7 mm), E. coli (18 ± 0.5 mm), S. typhi (19 ± 0.2 mm), and C. albicans (25 ± 0.3 mm), and MIC/MBC values notably reduced (15.62 µg/mL for B. subtilis and C. albicans). IR-treated chili oil also displayed strong dose- and time-dependent biofilm inhibition, reaching up to 95.23 ± 2.0% at 75% MBC. 5-min IR-treated chili oil reduced B. subtilis from 3.2×10⁵ to 2.1×10³ and S. aureus from 2.4×10⁵ to 2.6×10³ CFU/mL. Furthermore, antioxidant activity peaked at 5 min exposure (96.4 ± 1.91% DPPH scavenging; IC₅₀ = 5.65 ± 0.20 µg/mL), while anti-inflammatory activity was enhanced (IC₅₀ = 2.72 ± 0.14 µg/g).
Copyright (c) 2026 Sulaiman A. Alsalamah, Aisha M. H. Al-Rajhi, Wejdan Baamer , Mohammed Aladhadh, Alaa A. Kashmiry, Mohammed S. Almuhayawi, Mohammed H. Alruhaili, Hattan S. Gattan
Several Properties of Oil-Palm-Based Hybrid Laminated Veneer Lumber (LVL) Glued with Phenol Formaldehyde Resin
Physical and mechanical properties were measured of oil-palm-based hybrid laminated veneer lumber (LVL) from pressed oil-palm wood veneer (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) combined with jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba Miq.) or mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) veneers. Jabon and mahogany veneers were applied as the surface (face and back) and center-core of a 5-layer oil-palm-based hybrid LVL and glued with phenol-formaldehyde at a spread amount of 200 g/m2. Different combinations of veneer layers were used to make oil-palm-based hybrid LVL. The hot-pressing phase occurred at 140 °C under a specific pressure of 10 kg/cm² for 7 min. All hybrid LVLs exhibited better properties than the oil-palm LVL. Specifically, the density, moisture content, horizontal shear flat, horizontal shear vertical, modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, compression strength, and hardness of all hybrid LVLs were higher than those of the oil-palm LVLs, showing improvements of about 7.8 to 19.6%, 8.8 to 17.6%, 35.0 to 44.9%, 35.4 to 79.4%, 35.7 to 76.1%, 5.3 to 46.8%, 19.9 to 68.4%, and 9.6 to 56%, respectively. Their thickness swelling and water absorption decreased 10.7 to 24.7% and 2.9 to 27.7%, respectively. The oil-palm-based hybrid LVL incorporating three mahogany veneers possessed the most favorable physical and mechanical properties among other LVLs.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ignasia Maria Sulastiningsih, Deazy Rachmi Trisatya, Erlina Nurul Aini, Karnita Yuniarti, Dian Anggraini Indrawan, Adi Santoso, Kurnia Wiji Prasetiyo, Firda Aulya Syamani
Influence of Maleic Anhydride Grafted Polypropylene on the Interfacial Compatibility of Wood Flour/Poly(β-Hydroxybutyrate Valerate) Composites
Maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) was utilized as a coupling agent to prepare composites of Populus tomentosa wood flour (WF) and poly (β-hydroxybutyrate valerate) (PHBV) through the hot-pressing process. The impacts of this coupling agent on the interfacial compatibility and physical-mechanical properties of WF/PHBV composites (WPHBVs) were analyzed and discussed by making use of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results indicated that after adding MAPP, a grafting reaction would occur. This reaction improved the interfacial compatibility between Populus tomentosa WF, and PHBV boosted the thermal stability of WPHBVs. When the addition amount of MAPP was 2%, the flexural strength and elastic modulus of WPHBVs reached their maximum levels, up to 27.99 MPa and 3690.47 MPa, respectively, and the strength enhancements were all above 40%. At this stage, the cross-section of the WPHBVs exhibited a smooth surface with no visible gaps. Tight interfacial bonding between phases indicated the highest level of compatibility between Populus tomentosa WF and PHBV.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rui Jiang, Yuanfei Xu, Xuejian Yang, Lizhi Zhu, Lei Zhang, Zhenyu Fan, Xiaoyan Guo, Binqing Sun
Physicochemical and Fire-resistant Properties of Optimized Nipa Palm-based Flame-retardant Composite
Increasing demand for bio-based fire-retardant products requires abundant agricultural waste. The nipa palm, found in Malaysian estuaries, especially Sarawak, is an important, underutilized lignocellulosic resource. This study investigates the physicochemical and fire-retardant properties of a composite made from nipa palm biomass. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) was crosslinked with citric acid and reinforced with calcium carbonate to produce the composite with the nipa particles. Microstructural and compositional analyses were performed utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), while mechanical characteristics, dimensional stability, and fire performance were rigorously investigated. The improved composite met JIS A 5908 (2003) structural particleboard standards with a modulus of rupture of 14.8 MPa, an internal bond strength of 3.88 MPa, and a modulus of elasticity of 2.9 GPa. The SEM images showed a compact, uniform cross-section with minimal voids and strong fiber-matrix adhesion. The EDX demonstrated the consistent distribution of CaCO₃ within the composite matrix. Synergistic interactions between PVOH–citric acid crosslinking and mineral filler reinforcement increased flame resistance and char formation in the limiting oxygen index fire analysis. This research showed nipa palm biomass to be a sustainable feedstock for high-performance fire-retardant particleboards. The work offers insight into eco-friendly interior binder systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Junidah Lamaming, Madihan Yusof, Muhamad Saiful Sulaiman , Nurjannah Salim , Ros Syazmini Mohd Ghani , Pei Yi Lee
Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized from Fusarium solani as Efficient Anticancer Agents and Mapping via the Fluorescence Staining Technique
The biogenic amalgamation of P-gold nanoparticles (P-AuNPs) was achieved utilizing the unrefined extract of the endophytic organism Fusarium solani ATLOY-04 swarmed in Plumbago rosea. The synthesized AuNPs were characterized via UV‒Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Dynamic light scattering, revealing that 8 to 15 nm nanoparticles were synthesized and were stable. The effects of anticancer cells (MCF-7) on colon cancer (HT-29) and human breast cancer were tested. After the P-AuNPs-treated cells hatched, the MTT test revealed a dose-dependent decrease in cell viability, with the greatest toxicity observed in the cells treated with the μ g/mL and 60 μ g/mL doses of P-AuNPs. The observation of additional apoptotic cells utilizing AO/EtBr, DAPI, and Rhodamine 123 revealed that P-AuNPs initiated apoptosis within the treated cells via atomic fracture, layer breakage, and disturbance of the MMP. Stream cytometry results revealed that cancer cells gathered within the G1 stage after treatment with P-AuNPs, which shows that P-AuNPs affected cancer cell cycle progression. Gold nanoparticles increased the expression of caspase 3 genes and downregulatedp53 protein in MCF-7 cell lines.
Copyright (c) 2026 Thomas Jerin Sales, Paul Agastian, Shine Kadaikunnan, Balamuralikrishnan Balasubramanian, Faisal F. Almutairi, M. Valan Arasu
High-Performance and Thermostable Mica/Cellulose Composite Paper for Sustainable Packaging Applications
In this study, high-performance packaging paper was developed by dissolving softwood cellulose in a LiOH/urea system and incorporating nano-mica to enhance its mechanical properties and thermal stability. Characterization by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) confirmed partial crystalline transformation in the regenerated cellulose films. Mechanical testing showed that the composite film with 10% mica exhibited a tensile strength of 87.69 MPa and a modulus of 6.82 GPa, demonstrating excellent tensile strength, rigidity, and tear resistance, making it suitable for high-strength packaging applications. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the composite paper underwent major thermal degradation at approximately 350 °C, offering superior thermal stability over conventional cellulose-based packaging materials, making it ideal for industrial and electronic component packaging. This study successfully developed a sustainable, high-performance packaging material through the synergistic effects of nanocellulose and nano-mica, providing new insights for advanced cellulose-based packaging solutions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Chenqiao Li, Na Wang, Shan Wu, Jiahao Shen, Chen Zhou, Suxia Hu, Weiping Jia, Wenting Liu, Zhangang Cheng, Guoxi Xiong, Bo Wang, Qinghua Feng
Unified Scaling of Network Strength in Cellulose Nanofibrils from Dilute Suspensions to Dense Mats
While the rheological properties of low-consistency cellulose nanofibril (CNF) suspensions and the mechanical properties of dry CNF films have been reported, research on high-consistency suspensions and wet CNF mats remains limited. Understanding suspension behavior during dewatering over a wide range of solids contents is essential. In this study, CNF consistency was controlled up to 20% using pressurized dewatering, and rheological behavior was characterized up to 10.2% solids content. Tensile testing was applied at higher concentrations where mat-like behavior emerged. The network strength followed a consistent power-law relationship across the entire solids content range, with a scaling exponent of 2.74, indicating that CNF flocculation is fundamentally similar to that of pulp fiber behavior despite its higher aspect ratio and smaller dimensions. CNF initiated network formation at a consistency more than twice as low as that of pulp fiber and exhibited a 5- to 20-fold higher network strength. At high solids contents, tensile strength increased exponentially, while elongation reached a maximum at approximately 50% solids content, suggesting a transition from capillary-driven consolidation to a hydrogen-bonded network. Nanofibrillation enhanced both tensile breaking stress and strain-at-break across all investigated solids contents. These results provide a framework for controlling CNF structural properties during dewatering and consolidation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jaeho Ryu, Hye Jung Youn
Properties of Laminated Strand Lumber Made with European Larch and Norway Spruce: A Preliminary Study
This study investigated the feasibility of substituting Norway spruce (Picea abies) with European larch (Larix decidua) in structural applications, specifically in laminated strand lumber (LSL). Four types of experimental LSL panels were manufactured from these species. Two reference panels were produced exclusively from a single species: larch (LSL-L) and spruce (LSL-S). A third variant (LSL-L:S) consisted of a homogeneous mixture of 60% spruce and 40% larch strands. The fourth configuration (LSL-L:S:L) was designed as a mechanically differentiated three-layer structure, with larch strands in the surface layers. The mechanical and physical properties of the panels were evaluated by determining bending strength (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), internal bond strength (IB), compression strength, water absorption (WA), and thickness swelling (TS). Statistically significant differences among panel types were identified for density and IB strength. The LSL-L:S:L configuration exhibited a significantly higher IB value (0.66 MPa) compared with the other variants. No statistically significant differences were observed in bending. Nevertheless, panels manufactured entirely from larch strands (LSL-L) and those containing 40% larch (LSL-L:S) demonstrated higher mean values than the spruce reference panels (LSL-S) in both bending and compression tests. Significant differences were also detected for WA and TS.
Copyright (c) 2026 Michal Šulák, Tomáš Pipíška , Marek Nociar, Pavlo Bekhta, David Děcký, Pavel Král
Simulation Research on Static and Quasi-static Performance of ‘Double ang, Five-step Column-head Dougong Bracket’ from the Memorial Hall of Confucius in Ming Dynasty
The static and cyclic structural behavior of the column-head Dougong bracket from the Memorial Hall of Confucius (Ming Dynasty, Shandong Province, China) was investigated using finite element analysis (FEA). An ANSYS model was developed based on the orthotropic constitutive law of Pinus sylvestris integrated with the Hill yield criterion. The bracket was subjected to vertical monotonic static loading (Z-axis) and horizontal low-cycle reciprocating loading (X- and Y-axes). Under vertical loading, the ultimate bearing capacity was 348.97 kN, with a peak stress of 13.21 MPa at the Huagong-Ludou interface. Under horizontal loading, symmetric hysteresis loops were observed, with peak thrusts of 394.52 kN (Y-axis) and 748.19 kN (X-axis). Ductility coefficients were 2.55 (Y) and 2.53 (X), and equivalent viscous damping coefficients were 0.123 (Y) and 0.104 (X). The vertical response followed a tri-linear stiffness degradation model, while multi-linear restoring force models characterized the horizontal behavior. These results provide a triaxial mechanical database for this high-grade Ming bracket, clarify the load-transfer path within the double-ang system, and offer practical restoring force models for heritage conservation. The study confirms that FEA is a reliable and cost-effective approach for assessing Dougong mechanics, supporting evidence-based preservation of historical timber structures.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lihong Yao, Yuanhe Li, Qi Xia, Dongnan Han
Embedment Behavior of Low-to-Medium Diameter Bolts in Douglas-Fir Glued Laminated Timber
Reliable embedment properties are essential for the design of bolted glulam connections, yet most available equations were developed for sawn timber. This study investigated the embedment behavior of Douglas-fir glued-laminated timber by full-hole tests on 13 specimen series with a constant 1 mm hole clearance. The matrix was designed to isolate the effects of bolt diameter (8 to 16 mm), load-to-grain angle (0 to 90°), and member thickness (30 to 40 mm). Increasing bolt diameter markedly increased embedment stiffness, from 4.20 to 8.46 kN/mm in the 35 mm parallel-to-grain series, while strength changed only slightly. For the 12 mm reference series, both yield strength and stiffness decreased from 0° to 60° and then partially recovered at 90°, confirming pronounced anisotropic behavior. Increasing thickness improved the overall response, although the strength trend over 30–35–40 mm was not strictly monotonic. Existing Eurocode 5 and NDS equations showed noticeable deviations, especially for off-axis loading. A modified Hankinson-type model gave the closest agreement with the measured yield embedment strengths and offers a more reliable basis for the design and assessment of low-to-medium diameter bolted glulam connections.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zheng Li, Chao Yang, Zhiqiang Qin, Lichao Wei
Physicochemical Modification and Rearrangement of Structure in Potato Starch-based Film-forming Solutions Treated with Plasma-activated Water
Cold plasma is an eco-friendly approach for tailoring starch-based film-forming solutions (FFS) through reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS). This study compared (i) plasma-activated water (PAW) blended with distilled water at 10:90, 20:80, and 30:70 (PAW:DW) and (ii) direct plasma treatment of potato starch FFS for 5, 10, and 15 min, evaluating rheological, textural, optical, and structural responses. PAW exhibited strong activation (pH 2.56; ORP 434.7 mV) with elevated conductivity and dissolved solids, indicating ionic enrichment. Apparent viscosity increased in all treated samples relative to the control, with the highest viscosity observed for PAW-blended FFS. Dynamic oscillatory measurements indicated that direct plasma exposure reduced viscoelastic moduli in a time-dependent manner, consistent with disruption of the starch network at higher treatment intensities, whereas PAW blends partially preserved elasticity. Color analysis showed increased lightness and whiteness index in PAW-treated samples, indicating improved optical uniformity. FTIR spectra showed changes in O–H stretching intensity and emergence/ intensification of oxidation-related bands, which is consistent with chemical modification of the starch matrix. Overall, direct plasma and PAW blending induced distinct molecular rearrangements in hydrated starch systems, offering tunable pathways for tailoring starch-based film-forming systems for potential biodegradable packaging applications, as a precursor to future film-level investigations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Uzma Islam, Muhammad Yasir, Xanyar Mohammadi, Abul Hossain, Majid Hussain, Anubhav Pratap-Singh
Preparation of Green CD-PLA-PCL Composite Plasticizer and Its Application in Flexible PVC
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is widely used in construction, medical devices, wire and cable insulation, and consumer products because of its low cost, flame retardancy, and corrosion resistance. However, its inherent rigidity and brittleness limit its use in flexible materials, making plasticization necessary. In this study, poly(lactic acid)-block-poly(caprolactone) (PLA-PCL) was synthesized by ring-opening polymerization, and multi-amino carbon dots (CDs) were prepared by a hydrothermal method and incorporated into PLA-PCL through acid-base interactions. The PLA/PCL ratio was optimized to improve the mechanical performance of flexible PVC. Results showed that CDs-PLA-PCL had good compatibility with PVC. Under the optimal formulation, the PVC/CDs-PLA-PCL film exhibited a tensile strength of 56.01 MPa and a toughness of 172.98 MJ/m³, representing 2.31- and 2.09-fold increases over DOP-plasticized PVC, respectively. The films also showed excellent migration resistance and fluorescence, indicating that CDs-PLA-PCL is a promising plasticizer for high-performance flexible PVC materials.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yunhan Wu, Xiaohui Li, Tianyu Liu, Tong Shen, Yunjie Cai, Zezhong Lin, Fengying Wang, Rongchao Xue
Amelioration of Saline-Alkali Soil with Rice Straw Biochar: Impacts on Aggregate Composition, Organic Carbon, and Microbial Biomass
Against the backdrop of increasingly severe global food security challenges and constraints on arable land, the remediation and efficient utilization of saline-alkali land has become a critical issue. While biochar shows significant potential for the remediation of saline-alkali soil, the mechanisms involved at the aggregate scale remain unclear. This study investigated the effects of application levels (0%, 1%, 2% and 5%) of rice straw biochar on the physicochemical properties, aggregate organic carbon, and mineralization in saline-alkali soil. The results indicated that biochar application significantly decreased soil pH and the concentrations of Na⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions, while increasing the levels of K⁺ ions and exchangeable Ca²⁺ ions. These changes effectively improved the soil's ionic environment and fertility, thereby promoting the growth of rapeseed seedlings. Biochar also enhanced microbial biomass carbon and activity, facilitating organic carbon transformation and stabilization. Furthermore, an appropriate amount of biochar significantly increased the proportion of 0.075 to 0.2 mm and 3 to 2 mm aggregates, thereby promoting the aggregation of microaggregates into macroaggregates. These findings clarify how biochar enhances the stability of aggregate organic carbon by improving soil structure, regulating ion composition, and modulating microbial activity. This provides a theoretical basis for the remediation of saline-alkali soil.
Copyright (c) 2026 Fengli Cheng, Guixiang Quan, Hui Wang, Liqiang Cui, Dezhi Yan, Jinlong Yan
Effect of Glutaraldehyde on the Antibacterial Resistance of Waste Office Paper-based Boards
This research investigated the effect of glutaraldehyde solutions on antibacterial resistance of composite boards manufactured with different combinations of urea formaldehyde (UF) and glutaraldehyde (GA) binder adhesives. The composite boards were general-purpose furniture panels (e.g., kitchen worktops, shelving, laboratory benchtops, or cabinet components) intended for household or workshop environments where surfaces may encounter microbial contamination from hands or spills, but not for direct food contact. Composite boards with varying UF/GA ratios and different binder solution concentrations were manufactured. The surfaces of these boards were treated with different numbers of layers (one or two) using GA solutions at 10% and 20% concentrations. The antibacterial performance of all samples was quantitatively evaluated by measuring the percentage of microbial growth. The results revealed a strong synergistic effect between the binder chemistry and surface treatment on antibacterial activity. The highest antibacterial performance was observed when the board containing 7.5% UF and 7.5% GA was treated with two layers of 10% GA solution, which suppressed microbial growth to a remarkably low level of 4.30%. Conversely, high-concentration GA applications adversely affected performance and noticeably reduced antibacterial efficacy in samples containing only pure UF or GA.
Copyright (c) 2026 Merve Engin, Arif Çağlar Konukçu
Enhancing Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Anaerobic Digestion of Animal Manure: Effects of Intermittent Stirring and ANN-Based Methane Production Modeling
Despite extensive research on anaerobic digestion (AD), the combined effects of intermittent stirring energy demand and substrate co-digestion on overall energy performance have remained insufficiently explored. This study evaluated the effects of intermittent stirring duration and the AD performance of cattle dung (CD), poultry droppings (PD), rabbit droppings (RD), and their mixtures on methane production and net energy recovery. Experiments were conducted in 30 L laboratory-scale mechanically stirred batch anaerobic digesters operated under mesophilic conditions and intermittent stirring durations of 1, 2, and 3 h/day. Co-digestion clearly outperformed mono-digestion, achieving higher methane yields (up to 223 L/kg VS), improved biodegradability (>90%), methane-rich biogas, and shorter digestion times (18 days). Intermittent stirring duration significantly influenced performance; moderate stirring (2 h/day) was optimal for most binary mixtures, while higher stirring (3 h/day) enhanced methane yield in balanced ternary systems. Optimized co-digestion could reach up to 7.96 MJ/kg VS despite increased mixing energy use. The statistical analyses revealed strong interrelationships among process variables, identifying stirring duration and digestion time as key drivers of methane yield and net energy production. Artificial neural network (ANN) modeling successfully predicted methane production and net energy based on C/N ratio, stirring rate, and waste composition. The optimal ANN showed high accuracy (R=0.99).
Copyright (c) 2026 Raid Alrowais, Mahmoud Abdel-Daiem, Rasha Abo-bakr , Amira Elnokaly , Noha Said, Amany Metwally
A Pegboard-based Side-mounted Desk Organizer Fabricated via Fused Deposition Modeling
To address the issue of insufficient desktop space in modern office and home environments, this study developed a side-mounted desktop organizer based on a pegboard. Comparative experiments on printing accuracy and mechanical performance were conducted using three commonly used 3D printing filaments in the market: polylactic acid (PLA), polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG), and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS). The results showed that among the X, Y, and Z directions, PLA specimens exhibited the smallest dimensional errors, PETG showed intermediate values, and ABS displayed the largest. In terms of tensile strength and elastic modulus, PLA specimens demonstrated the highest values, PETG ranked second, and ABS had the lowest. Therefore, PLA filament was selected as the printing material for the desktop organizer, and fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology was used to complete the 3D printing of the prototype. The 3D-printed desktop organizer features good surface quality and high assembly accuracy, effectively expanding the vertical storage space of the desk and enabling organized storage of small items, such as stationery and cables, demonstrating strong potential for application and promotion.
Warehouse Layout Optimization Based on ERP-Driven Modeling: A Case Study from the Wood Industry
In the wood industry, warehouse layout decisions have a strong impact on production efficiency and workplace safety. This study presents a methodology that combines ERP-based historical movement data with measured process times to evaluate alternative warehouse layout versions. As a first step, products were grouped, their packaging and storage types were identified, and stock demand was calculated based on average and percentile values. A movement model was then used to assess layout options based on measured handling times and transport distances. Four layout versions were presented to the company management. For each version, the total daily net material handling time and required storage capacity were determined. The results showed that the originally planned block storage layout (V2) had a medium handling time and good feasibility but raised safety concerns. The V4 layout provided the most balanced option in terms of safety and capacity, while the finally selected V3 version—with a 4-meter aisle width—offered the lowest total handling time, which was a priority due to high production volume and fast warehouse servicing needs. This research demonstrates how can the Excel-based numerical modeling built on ERP data and process measurements, support warehouse layout decisions and improve operational performance and strategic planning.
Copyright (c) 2026 Vera Suri, Endre Magoss, János Suri
Creative Design and Evaluation of New Chinese-Style Furniture Combining Stable Diffusion with CRITIC–VIKOR Method
Traditional furniture design relies heavily on designers’ prior knowledge and limited individual capacity, which often results in insufficient innovation capability and low product development efficiency. To overcome these limitations, this study introduces advanced Artificial Intelligence Generated Content (AIGC) technology and proposes an integrated creative design and evaluation framework for new Chinese-style furniture that combines Stable Diffusion (SD) with the CRITIC–VIKOR method. The proposed method aims to enhance research and development efficiency and creativity while enabling a comprehensive assessment of generated furniture design alternatives. Specifically, the SD model within the AIGC technology is employed to train and generate innovative furniture design images. After identifying affective words that represents user needs, the CRITIC–VIKOR method is applied to calculate the objective weights of user needs and to conduct a multi-criteria evaluation of the creative schemes, thereby determining the optimal scheme. The proposed method effectively integrates the strengths of generative technologies and quantitative decision-making approaches. It facilitates the rapid generation of diverse creative concepts while systematically selecting the optimal scheme that best satisfies user requirements, thereby promoting the development of the furniture industry and fostering the inheritance and innovative advancement of traditional culture.
Potential Use of Three Meliaceae Species as Alternative Timber Resources in Tropical Regions: Biological Performance and Mechanical Properties
Fast-growing species have potential as alternative timber species for sustainable wood utilization in tropical regions. This study evaluated the biological performance and mechanical properties of three Meliaceae species: Swietenia macrophylla, Toona ciliata, and Azadirachta indica. Resistance to subterranean termites and wood-decay fungi was assessed in accordance with Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS). In addition, Brinell hardness and bending properties were measured. All three species showed high resistance to termite attack; however, decay resistance was species dependent. S. macrophylla and T. ciliata exhibited relatively high resistance to both white-rot and brown-rot fungi, whereas A. indica showed high mass loss despite having comparable density to the other species. The fungal susceptibility of A. indica could not be explained by density or hardness alone and was likely associated with differences in chemical durability including extractive composition. T. ciliata showed mechanical properties comparable to those of S. macrophylla, a high-value timber widely used in various applications. These results indicate that T. ciliata has strong potential as an alternative timber resource in tropical regions. Its biological performance and mechanical properties may support sustainable wood utilization and diversified local land-use systems.
Co-Pyrolysis of Corn Cob-Husk Blends: Kinetics, Reaction Mechanism, and Products Using TG and Py-GC/MS Analysis
A comparative study on the pyrolysis of untreated (SA) and NaOH-treated (SB) corn cob-husk blends (1:1, wt%) was conducted to elucidate their kinetic, thermodynamic, and mechanistic characteristics. The NaOH treatment was performed using 10 wt% NaOH solution for 2 h. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was carried out over a temperature range of 50 to 600 °C, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) was performed at 550 °C. The Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) and Friedman (FR) isoconversional methods were used to evaluate the activation energies and thermodynamic parameters (pre-exponential factor, Gibbs free energy, enthalpy, and entropy). The minor discrepancies between activation energy (Eα) and enthalpy change (ΔH) (< 6 kJ/mol) for both SA and SB suggest a high potential for biomass energy utilization. Notably, the NaOH treatment resulted in a downward shift in pyrolysis temperature and a lower average activation energy for SB, indicating a thermodynamically more favorable pathway. Mechanistically, the Criado method confirmed that SA follows a three-dimensional diffusion model (D3) initially (Zone I), transitioning to a random nucleation model (F1) beyond approximately 325 °C (Zone II), while SB consistently adheres to the D3 model. Additionally, Py-GC/MS analysis revealed that NaOH treatment, despite reducing bio-oil yield, noticeably enhanced biochar formation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shaopeng Wang, Yufei Wang, Yadi Hu, Zihan Li, Qingyao Zhang, Shuyan Shan
Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Unripe Ricinus communis Fruits with Protein–Ligand Docking Interaction Study
Plant-derived metabolites have attracted considerable attention with increasing interest in sustainable, bio-based resources for biological applications. HPLC analysis of unripe Ricinus communis fruits revealed a rich profile of phenolic compounds, with hesperetin (42400 µg/g) and chlorogenic acid (14300 µg/g). The extract exhibited antimicrobial activity. It produced inhibition zones of 23 to 31 mm for examined bacteria and 32 mm against Candida albicans, with minimum inhibitory concentrations as low as 15.6 µg/mL. Biofilm formation was inhibited by up to 97.8%. Cytotoxic evaluation showed anticancer activity against a human epidermoid carcinoma cell line (A431), with an IC₅₀ of 76.8 µg/mL compared to 359 µg/mL for normal HFB4 cells. Antibacterial and anticancer potential of hesperetin (main constituent of unripe R. communis fruits) through molecular docking against PBP2a from S. aureus (PDB ID: 4CJN) and EGFR kinase domain (PDB ID: 2GS6) were reported. Hesperetin exhibited favorable binding toward both targets, with docking scores ranging from -5.12 to -5.47 kcal/mol for PBP2a and -5.98 to -6.53 kcal/mol for EGFR. Key hydrogen bonding interactions were observed with GLN521 in PBP2a and ASP831 in EGFR, indicating stable ligand-protein complexes. Notably, hesperetin demonstrated stronger binding affinity toward EGFR, suggesting enhanced anticancer potential. Docking-supported hesperetin-rich extract exhibited antimicrobial resistance inhibition and selective anticancer activity.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammed Ibrahim Alghonaim, Mohamed A. Al Abboud, Khatib Sayeed Ismail, Abdel-Rahman Mohammed Shater, Sulaiman A. Alsalamah , Amnah Ali Eskender, Ibtisamu Hudani, Abeer Omar Ahmed
Assessing Repulpability and Fiber Properties in Recovered Paper Products
Paper is one of the most recycled materials globally. In the United States, the average recycling rate was 60 to 64% in 2024. In response to sustainability goals, producers are increasingly incorporating recycled fibers over virgin wood. This study evaluates the repulpability and fiber characteristics of various paper grades using laboratory repulping and screening. Tissue paper, used brown kraft, Old Corrugated Containers and Sorted Clean News showed the highest repulping yields, above 80%, while Aseptic Packaging, Sorted Office Paper, magazines presented the lowest yields on average at 60%. On average uncoated products demonstrate lower total ash content compared to coated products, except for printing grades and non-domestic containerboard. These results highlight the impact of fillers and coatings on fiber recovery. Fiber quality analysis revealed significant variation between grades, with tissue, Old Corrugated Containers, Sorted Clean News, printed unbleached board, aseptic packaging, and fiber cores displaying the greatest weighted fiber lengths (1.6–1.8 mm) and widths (20–33 µm). Lower fiber yield led to higher fiber costs for raw materials, which is essential to consider in fiber procurement cost analysis. These findings offer practical insights for optimizing recycled fiber use, balancing cost, and maintaining product quality.
Copyright (c) 2026 Amelys Brito, Ronalds Gonzalez, Richard Venditti, Hasan Jameel, Adeena A. Khan, Antonio Suarez
Comparative Analysis of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Between a Timber-Framed House Based on Korea's Standard Design and a Concrete House with a Converted Structure
Expanding the concept of medium-to large-scale timber buildings to public buildings and securing data on the environmental benefits of timber construction are necessary for its recognition as a green building. This study aimed to compare the greenhouse gas emissions over the entire life cycle of a timber-framed house based on a standard Korean design and a concrete house designed by converting a timber-framed house. Timber structures reduced greenhouse gas emissions relative to concrete structures, and this effect became more pronounced as the building size increased. Although the largest environmental impact over a building's entire life cycle occurred during the use phase, a significant difference based on the structure was found in the material production phase. The wood structure was found to emit approximately 43 to 50% less greenhouse gas than the concrete structure during the material production phase. The difference in total emissions was the highest in the largest-scale model, at 52.6 tCO2, showing the greatest effect when a concrete house was replaced with a wooden house. These results can be attributed to the low embodied carbon content of wood and its ability to store carbon ranging from 21 to 34 tCO2, which delays greenhouse gas emissions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yeonjung Han, Myungsun Yang, Min-Ji Kim
Torrefied Biomass Detoxification: Extended Residence Time Overcomes Heating Rate Effects on PCDD/PCDF Formation during Torrefaction
Environmental applications of torrefied biomass may be severely limited by contamination with carcinogenic polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD), dibenzofurans (PCDF), and dioxin-like biphenyls (dl-PCB). In this article, the first systematic assessment of the influence of heating rate (HR) and residence time (RT) on the evolution of PCDD/PCDF/dl-PCB loads in bark-derived chars produced via torrefaction is presented. Sixteen torrefied biomass variants were examined, produced at a fixed temperature of 260 °C under different HR and RT conditions. Short processing durations (≤ 60 min) were found to induce a twofold increase in torrefied biomass toxicity (up to 1.314 ± 0.197 ng-TEQ·kg-1 88% DM; DM stands for the dry matter), driven by precursor-mediated formation of PCDD/PCDF/dl-PCB, whereas extended residence times were shown to progressively detoxify the torrefied biomass, ultimately restoring toxicity levels comparable with, or markedly below, those of the raw biomass (0.689 ± 0.103 ng-TEQ·kg-1 88% DM). The formation pathways of PCDD/PCDF/dl-PCB were governed by HR, as evidenced by the distinct kinetic profile observed at 30 °C·min-1, reflecting suppression of the precursor-driven pathway, and by the newly identified “delay effect” of toxicity increase at 50 °C·min-1 conditions. Collectively, these findings demonstrate the critical influence of HR and RT on the optimization of torrefaction conditions to produce torrefied biomass with reduced PCDD/PCDF/dl-PCB contents.
Copyright (c) 2026 Lukasz Sobol, Juan A. Conesa, Dominika Sabat, Paweł Telega, Ireneusz Zawiślak, Szymon Szufa, Arkadiusz Dyjakon
Investigation of Antimicrobial Activity and Soil Biodegradation of Cellulosic Foams Treated with Natural Polymers
Cellulose foams are potential sustainable alternatives for packaging, thermal insulation, and acoustic applications due to their porous structure and renewable origin. Besides good mechanical properties and moisture control, antimicrobial performance is essential for applications involving contact with moisture and organic matter, such as food packaging and medical materials. This study investigates the antibacterial, antifungal, and soil biodegradation behavior of cellulose foams coated with a thin layer (approximately 5 g/m²) of xylan hemicellulose and its modified derivatives, including acetylated and AKD (alkylketene dimer) modified xylan. The results showed that foams treated with acetylated xylan exhibited the highest antibacterial activity, with about 58% inhibition of Bacillus sp species after 24 h at 27 °C. A slight antifungal effect was also observed, with delayed growth of Aspergillus and Penicillium species. Both coating composition and xylan modification significantly affected the degradation kinetics.
Copyright (c) 2026 Petronela Nechita, Nicoleta Ciobotaru, Silviu Marian Nastac
Effect of Stylus Size on Surface Roughness Characterization of Paper Products
Surface roughness plays a critical role in determining the performance and quality of paper products; however, its accurate determination depends strongly on the geometry of the stylus used in contact profilometry. Herein, the effect of stylus-tip size on surface roughness characterization was evaluated along with the suitability of fractal dimension (FD) analysis as a supplementary metric. Styluses with tip radii ranging from 0.25 to 1.75 mm were examined, and a 0.5-mm stylus tip (0.5R) yielded the most stable and reliable surface roughness measurements under a constant contact force of 5 gf. Coating considerably reduced surface roughness fluctuations, with the roughness mean absolute deviation (RMAD) decreasing by 78%. A comparison between a 0.5R conical stylus and a pyramidal stylus showed strong agreement in the Ra and RMAD values, confirming that the conical design maintained minimal contact area. High-resolution profilometry (0.1-μm spacing distance and 200,000 data points per scan) enabled the computation of FD via power spectral density analysis. FD values approached 2 for coated paper, reflecting a transition from line-dominated to more areal surface structures. These findings indicate that stylus selection critically affects surface roughness characterizations and that FD serves as a useful complementary descriptor for surface roughness changes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yong Ju Lee, Geon-Woo Kim, Yunsong Lee, Hyoung Jin Kim
Mechanical and Hygrothermal Evaluation of Natural Fiber Hybrid Epoxy Composites Using Borassus flabellifer Fruit Fiber and Snake Grass Fiber with Gum Enhancement
Mechanical, microstructural, and hygrothermal behaviours were studied for hybrid epoxy composites reinforced with Borassus flabellifer fruit fiber (BFF), snake grass fiber (SGF), and gum Arabic. Six composites were fabricated with varying BFF-SGF ratios while maintaining constant epoxy (60%) and gum Arabic (10%) content. The composites were evaluated for tensile, flexural, impact, hardness, interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), density, water absorption, thickness swelling, and microstructural morphology using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hybridization significantly improved the overall structural performance of the composites. Among all compositions, the C3 composite (15% BFF / 15% SGF / 10% gum Arabic) exhibited the highest tensile strength (72 MPa), flexural strength (89 MPa), impact strength (28 kJ/m²), hardness (79 Shore D), ILSS (42 MPa), and density (1.21 g/cm³), and the lowest water absorption (6.1%) and minimum thickness swelling (1.53%) after 72 h. SEM analysis revealed improved fiber-matrix interfacial bonding, reduced void content, and uniform gum dispersion in the hybrid composites, which contributed to their superior performance. In contrast, single-fiber and gum-free composites demonstrated lower mechanical and hygrothermal performance due to weaker interfacial adhesion and non-uniform stress transfer. These findings indicate that BFF-SGF hybrid composites are promising materials for lightweight structural and semi-structural applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Murugesan Palaniappan
Bamboo Craft at Sentra Industri ‘Bambu Kencana’: The History and Activity in Pre- and Post- Covid-19 Pandemic
The goal of this project was to examine the bamboo craft activities at Sentra Industri's "Bambu Kencana" center and to suggest technological know-how for creating composite bamboo panels. The employees of the Mechanical Engineering Department at the Faculty of Engineering at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta (UMY) Indonesia got the opportunity to visit the center in order to carry this out. Wulung (Gigantochloa atroviolacea), apus (Gigantochloa apus), petung (Dendrocalamus asper), ampel (Bambusa vulgaris ssp.), and tutul (Bambusa maculata) were among the species found on the bamboo plantation at Jangkang Kidul, Sentolo. Apus is the species utilized for webbing. Day beds, chairs, and sofa settees are the center's primary focus. The entire production process is based only on the old-fashioned way of nailing and tying rattan furniture. A bamboo composite panel is manufactured and brought to the center. The Purwanto people in Jangkang Kidul, Sentolo, received instruction on how to make a bamboo composite. In an attempt to revive the bamboo craft activity, UMY created a prototype using the bamboo composite. By giving a discussion on the process of creating a bamboo composite, the community was introduced to a value-added technology.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sinin Hamdan, Aaliyawani Ezzerin Sinin, Harini Sosiati, Tri Wahyono, Yuliati Indrayani
Efficient Extraction and Structural Characterization of Eucalyptus Lignin with Deep Eutectic Solvents
Effects of deep eutectic solvents (DES) type and pretreatment time were evaluated relative to lignin extraction efficiency. Three major indicators, including lignin yield, solid residue proportion, and lignin purity, were investigated in detail at fixed molar ratios (1:8 and 1:8:1) and temperature (120 °C). The lignin yield gradually increased over 2 to 10 h, reaching 78.9% at 6 h in the choline chloride (ChCl)-formic acid (Fa)-oxalic acid (OA) system. The solid residue proportion continuously decreased to 36.4%, while maintaining lignin purity above 90% without significant variation. According to the lignin structure analysis, the basic aromatic structure of lignin, comprising syringyl (S) and guaiacyl (G) units, remained unchanged after treatment with the ternary DES system. The C/O ratio of carbon-rich macromolecular structures gradually increased with reaction time, and the carbon content of the samples exceeded 60%. This study provides a new approach to optimizing lignin extraction.
Copyright (c) 2026 Wenxiu Huang, Yinglong Wu, Guangyan Du, Jing Zheng, Yueying An, Xiangyu Wei
Valorization of Sarawak Rice Husk: Synthesis and Characterization of Enhanced Purity Amorphous Silica via Hydrochloric Acid Leaching
Rice husk (RH) is a global agricultural byproduct that poses environmental challenges due to disposal via open burning. This study contributes new findings on the RH valorization from Roban, Sarawak, establishing a highly effective hydrochloric acid (HCl) leaching protocol that yields amorphous silica with enhanced purity. The scientific significance lies in the successful optimization of treatment parameters to achieve superior silica oxide (SiO2) purity of 97.26 wt%, and significantly enhanced whiteness index (WI) (74.4), demonstrating the efficiency of this protocol for regional variants. Furthermore, the structural analysis demonstrates the isolation of a predominantly amorphous phase, providing a critical baseline for utilizing Sarawak-specific agricultural waste in high-performance industrial applications. Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy analysis confirmed the successful elimination of metallic impurities (P, K, Ca, and Fe), resulting in a reduced mass yield from 43.18% to 36.64%. Furthermore, HCl treatment narrowed the particle size distribution (SPAN: 1.66) and slightly reduced the mean diameter to 33.0 µm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyses confirmed that both samples retained a stable amorphous structure. These results demonstrate that RH from this region is a viable, low-cost precursor for high-quality silica production, offering a sustainable alternative for agricultural waste management.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nur-Azzah Afifah Taib, Md Rezaur Rahman, Khairul Anwar Mohamad Said, Anjelina Joffery Kalimuthu, Ervina Junaidi, Jamal Uddin, Al-Khalid Hj Othman
Evaluating the Effectiveness of Two Methods to Control Leptoglossus occidentalis Heidemann, 1910 in Black Pine Stands
Leptoglossus occidentalis (Hemiptera: Coreidae), an invasive pest native to North America, causes significant damage to coniferous seed production worldwide. This study evaluated the effectiveness of contact spray and Arborjet trunk injection methods for controlling L. occidentalis in black pine (Pinus nigra) seed orchards in Bursa-Karacabey, Türkiye. Abamectin (18 g/L), as insecticide, was applied to plots of 50 trees each in 2025, and 300 cones were harvested in November 2025 for seed fill and empty cone analysis. Statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests with Bonferroni correction. Seed fill percentages were 9.7% (control), 33.9% (spray), and 52.8% (Arborjet trunk injection). The Arborjet method yielded approximately 5.6 times higher seed fill than the control with the lowest coefficient of variation (17.2%). Empty cone ratios differed significantly among groups (Fisher’s exact test, P < 0.001), with 0% in the Arborjet group versus 12% in the spray group. Treatment type explained 63.3% of total variance (η² = 0.633), with very large pairwise effect sizes (Cohen's d = 1.33 to 3.42). These results demonstrate that systemic trunk injection should be prioritized over contact spray in seed orchards and gene conservation areas.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tutku Gencal, Burhan Gencal, Oguzhan Sarıkaya
Effect of Different Reinforcement Methods on the Flexural Performance of Glued Laminated Timber Beams
Glued laminated timber beams are vulnerable to brittle tensile failure in the tension zone, which limits their flexural efficiency and application in modern timber structures. This study investigated two reinforcement strategies for such beams: external steel reinforcement and bottom steel plate reinforcement connected with self-tapping screws. Unreinforced beams were tested as controls. Full-scale four-point bending tests were conducted to evaluate failure mode, load-deflection response, load-strain behaviour, bearing capacity, stiffness, and ductility. A three-dimensional finite element model was then developed and validated against the experimental results. The control beams failed in brittle tension, with an average ultimate load of 21.6 kN. The externally reinforced beams showed no effective improvement in flexural behaviour because prestress transfer and steel-timber interaction were insufficient. In contrast, the steel plate reinforcement restored 76% of the original load-bearing capacity of damaged beams and improved deformation capacity, although failure was still governed by timber delamination and screw shear. The validated numerical model reproduced the full loading-to-failure process and can support the design and optimization of reinforced timber members.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yaoyao Du, Biqing Shu, Chen Li, Xudong Zhu, Xuewen Zhang
Potential of Sorghum Stalk as Climate Resilient Resource for Paper Production
Sorghum bicolor is a promising multi-purpose crop for the bioeconomy. To unfold its potential, genotypes must be matched to the respective industrial processes. Five sorghum genotypes were evaluated under contrasting field conditions in Southwest Germany, focusing on the stalk as a source of lignocellulosic biomass for paper production. Dual-purpose hybrids, particularly Ganymed and Tarzan, demonstrated high resilience, maintaining stable biomass and sugar yield under drought stress. Compositional analysis of the stalk showed substantial genotypic differences in extractive, carbohydrate, and lignin contents. Ganymed and Tarzan possessed higher glucose and xylose levels and lower extractives than KIT1 and Hannibal, making them more favorable candidates for biobased processing. Soda pulping results aligned with chemical profiles: Ganymed achieved the highest pulp yield (50.2%) and moderate kappa number (30.5), while KIT1 showed the lowest yield (38.0%) and the highest kappa number (40.3), Tarzan and Zerberus produced pulps with low kappa values (23.5 and 19.8 respectively) but moderately reduced yields due to hemicellulose loss (43.9% and 39.9%, respectively). Paper produced from Tarzan (6.6 mN.m2/g) had high tear indices compared to the other sorghum genotypes. Overall, Ganymed, Tarzan, and Zerberus showed strong suitability as lignocellulosic feedstocks, offering promising options for biorefinery and paper production.
Copyright (c) 2026 Adnan Kanbar, Hanna Berhanu Lemma, Bodo Saake, Kerstin Stolzenburg, Peter Nick
A Data-Driven Design Framework for a Smart Wooden Dressing Mirror Integrating PESTEL-Kano-FBS Models
In response to the growing demand for smart household products, this study focused on the intelligent design optimization of a wooden dressing mirror that integrates traditional wood craftsmanship with smart home technologies. A data-driven design framework was developed by combining the PESTEL model, Kano demand analysis, and the Function-Behavior-Structure (FBS) model to address the personalized requirements of young single adults. PESTEL analysis identified market opportunities in sustainable wooden products and digital home integration, while the Kano model quantified and categorized user demands. The FBS model then transferred these demands into functional attributes, forming a comprehensive demand–function mapping framework. An empirical study with 16 young single adults employed semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. The results showed that (1) the Kano questionnaire had high reliability and validity (KMO > 0.92, Bartlett’s p < 0.001, Cronbach’s α > 0.92); (2) seventeen needs were classified as Must-be, One-dimensional, Attractive, and Indifferent, with “virtual fitting” showing the highest satisfaction sensitivity (0.734), and (3) the FBS model effectively guided the functional translation into hardware and software. The proposed PESTEL–Kano–FBS framework provides a practical approach for developing sustainable, user-centered smart wooden household products.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rongrong Shi, Yao Luo, Rongxiang Chen, Luxi He, Jiaojiao Lin
Effects of Various Bleaching Chemicals on Some Surface Properties of Ebony Species (African, Black, and Macassar)
The concept of color is not always suitable for some trees according to customers’ preferences. The color of the wooden material changes with processes such as heat treatment, impregnation, bleaching, etc. When the color of the wooden material changes, the surface also undergoes changes in its inherent properties. African ebony (Diospyros crassiflora Hiern.), black ebony (Diospyros ebenum), and Macassar ebony (Diospyros celebica Bakh.) wood species were treated using a single-component bleaching chemical [oxalic acid (C2H2O4)] and double component bleaching chemical [hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) + sodium hydroxide (NaOH)] using a brushing technique. Subsequently, the characteristics of the changes that occurred were determined, including color parameters and whiteness index (WI*) values. The wood species exhibited different behaviors (increases and decreases specific to each test) in response to both bleaching agents. There was an observed increase in the a*, b* and C* values, while the ho values decreased for all wood species. Furthermore, WI* values in directions perpendicular and parallel to the fibers were reduced in all wood species by oxalic acid treatment.
In-vitro and In-silico Investigations of Recent and Traditional Antifungal Agents as Inhibitors of Fungal Chitin Synthesis
Invasive fungal infections demand novel approaches targeting cell wall components, particularly poly(β)-(1→4)-(N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) (chitin) and β-glucan. This study evaluated Caspofungin, Micafungin, Ibrexafungerp, and Nikkomycin Z against Aspergillus fumigatus and Candida albicans. Moreover, the binding affinity and interaction profiles of Caspofungin, Micafungin, Ibrexafungerp (SCY-078), and Nikkomycin Z against two crystallographic targets: Calcineurin A from A. fumigatus (PDB ID: 6TZ7) and poly(β)-(1→4)-(N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) synthase 2 from C. albicans (PDB ID: 7STN), using Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) docking were evaluated. Micafungin showed highest monotherapy activity (21 ± 0.8 and 25 ± 0.9 mm), while Micafungin–Ibrexafungerp produced maximal inhibition (29 ± 1.0 and 28 ± 0.9 mm), indicating synergistic cell wall disruption and species-dependent variability. Docking scores revealed that Micafungin exhibited the strongest binding toward 6TZ7 (S = −10.96 kcal/mol) and 7STN (S = −13.82 kcal/mol). Nikkomycin Z demonstrated multiple hydrogen bonding interactions within the catalytic pocket of poly(β)-(1→4)-(N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) synthase 2, consistent with its known mechanism as a poly(β)-(1→4)-(N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) synthase inhibitor. These findings support differential binding behaviors of echinocandins, triterpenoid glucan synthase inhibitors, and poly(β)-(1→4)-(N-acetyl-D-glucosamine) synthase inhibitors toward key fungal enzymes and provide structural insight into their antifungal mechanisms.
Copyright (c) 2026 Samy Selim, Mohammed Ibrahim Alghonaim, Sulaiman A. Alsalamah , Shaza N. Alkhatib, Sahar Abdulaziz Alshareef , Mohammed S. Almuhayawi, Hattan S. Gattan, Mohammed H. Alruhaili
Optimal Footrest and Backrest Angles for Young Adults’ Functional Recliners: An EEG and Subjective Assessment
Functional recliners are increasingly used in urban homes, but their footrest and backrest settings are often adjusted without clear ergonomic guidance. This may reduce postural support, comfort, and ease of use. This study examined suitable footrest and backrest angles for young adults by combining electroencephalography (EEG) measurements with subjective comfort ratings. Twenty participants completed static sitting and reclining tests. The footrest angle was adjusted from 0° to 90°, and the backrest angle was adjusted from 110° to 130°. Alpha-band power was used as a physiological indicator of relaxation, while comfort was assessed using subjective ratings. The results showed that a 60° footrest angle produced the highest alpha-band power and was associated with high comfort ratings. For the backrest, the strongest alpha activity and favorable subjective comfort were observed at 125°. Alpha activity was most prominent in the parietal and occipital regions, particularly at O1, O2, and Pz. Based on the combined EEG and subjective results, a footrest comfort range of 40° to 70° is recommended for seated rest, while the backrest showed a broader and more gradual comfort transition during reclining. These findings provide preliminary physiological and subjective evidence for improving recliner design. Preset positions near the recommended angles may help improve adjustment efficiency and user experience for young adults.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yanfeng Miao, Yu Zhang, Xuefei Gao, Wei Xu
Investigation of Static-Culture Exo-Inulinase Synthesis Unleashed by Candida tropicalis NRRL-Y-1552 Using Blackstrap Sugarcane Molasses
Inulinases (β-fructanohydrolases) are hydrolyzing enzymes with an extensive range of industrial applications such as synthesis of fructose syrup, bioethanol, and certain chemicals, such as citric acid, lactic acid. In this work, extracellular inulinase was produced from Candida tropicalis NRRL-Y-1552 using a stationary culture technique (ScT) with molasses as the basal fermentation medium. The highest enzyme production (15.08 U/mL) was obtained at 30 °C, pH 4.5, 100 mL molasses, and 48 h incubation. Initially the enzyme activity was not encouraging (6.3 U/mL) but after optimizations, the enzyme production significantly increased (20.4 U/mL, P ≤ 0.05). The enzyme yield was 69.1%. The size and age of inoculum (1.5 mL, 12 h old) was optimized for maximum production of enzyme. The exo-inulinase production data was subjected to artificial neutral network (ANN) to create a reliable association between the predicted and experimental outcomes. Decision tree techniques were used to forecast the validation of the model. The model’s performance was significantly improved by the ANN’s linear coefficient correlation value. The significance of the study lies in investigating ANN model of static-culture exo-inulinase synthesis enabled by C tropicalis NRRL-Y-1552 using blackstrap sugarcane molasses, making the process ecofriendly and economically feasible for scale up studies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sikander Ali, Muhammad Usman Ahmad, Adeena Asghar, Saba Amjad, Saba Sana, Iram Liaqat, Muhammad Umar Hayat, Maha Abdullah Alwaili, Nawal Al-Hoshani, Tariq Aziz
Genetic Diversity and Population Structure of Berberis crataegina DC. in Türkiye Revealed by ISSR and SCoT Markers
Berberis species are valuable wild plants widely distributed in Türkiye and other regions. They are known for their nutritional, medicinal, and ecological importance. Despite their significance, molecular studies on Berberis are limited, particularly regarding the use of SCoT markers. In the present study, the genetic diversity of selected Berberis populations was investigated using both ISSR and SCoT molecular markers. A total of 51 scorable bands were obtained with ISSR markers, 41 of which were polymorphic, resulting in a polymorphism rate of 80.4%. SCoT markers produced an average of 6.2 bands per primer, with 5.3 polymorphic bands and a polymorphism of 86.4%, indicating a higher sensitivity in detecting genetic variation. Genetic similarity values ranged from 0.39 to 0.84 for ISSR and 0.32 to 0.89 for SCoT markers. These results were compared with previous studies on Berberis and other plant species, confirming the robustness of the applied markers. Notably, this study represents the first application of SCoT primers in Berberis, demonstrating their effectiveness in resolving genetic relationships and detecting polymorphism. The findings provide a valuable molecular basis for conservation strategies, germplasm management and future breeding programs, while also contributing to a better understanding of genetic structure and diversity within the genus. Overall, the combined use of ISSR and SCoT markers offers a reliable approach for molecular characterization and supports the sustainable utilization of Berberis genetic resources.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ayşen Melda Çolak, Fatma Alan, Civan Çelik
Comparison of Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea) and Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur L.) Wood Machinability
It is usually stated that sessile oak wood has the same properties as pedunculate oak wood. However, in practice, sessile oak wood can be distinguished from pedunculate oak wood by appearance, quality, and machinability. The aim of the research was to compare cutting power and surface roughness, as machinability parameters, when milling sessile oak and pedunculate oak wood and to determine the effect of cutting depth and feed speed on the oak wood machinability. Radially sawn samples were milled in the longitudinal (90°-0°) cutting direction with three different cutting depths and at three feed speeds. During milling, the active electrical power and the machined surface profile were measured. The surface roughness parameters Ra, Rq, and Rz were determined according ISO 4287 (1997). The average cutting power and roughness parameters are higher when milling sessile oak than pedunculate oak wood. ANOVA showed that wood species, cutting depth, and feed speed had a statistically significant effect on cutting power and surface roughness parameters with exception of effect of cutting depth on the parameter Rz. The differences in machinability parameters between sessile and pedunculate oak wood when milling at the same feed speed and cutting depth were not sufficiently pronounced to be detected by post hoc analyses.
Copyright (c) 2026 Igor Đukić, Juraj Jovanović, Matija Jug, Ante Jurčević, Ružica Beljo Lučić
Ergonomic Design of Chairs for Sedentary Populations: An IPA–DEMATEL Approach to Design Validation
As modern work intensifies and working hours become stretched, the development of office chairs that support extended sitting periods and alleviate musculoskeletal fatigue presents a significant challenge. In response, this study aimed to optimize ergonomic support to meet the demands of a sedentary office environment. Initially, a combination of semi-structured interviews and field studies were conducted to collect data on symptoms of discomfort, posture patterns, pain points, and anticipated functionalities during extended sitting. The qualitative information was converted into metrics for evaluation. Following this, quantitative scores were obtained using an IPA scale, and the DEMATEL technique was utilized to examine causal relationships and the magnitude of influence between indicators, facilitating the computation of comprehensive impact weights. Based on these evaluations, a design scheme was formulated and validated via virtual simulation in JACK software. Results indicate the importance of prioritizing ergonomic adaptability, material properties, safety, ease of adjustment, and structural stability in the design of sedentary office chairs. Significantly, the key elements for enhancing comfort during prolonged sitting were identified as the active adaptation of lumbar support and the maintenance of posture stability.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yongtao Zheng, Ziyi Dai
Alleviation of Salinity Stress by Ternary Se/CuO/ZnO Nanocomposite Synthesis by Urtica urens Biomass and their Antioxidant, Cytotoxic Properties
Salinity stress is a major environmental constraint that adversely affects plant growth and their productivity. In this work, ternary selenium/copper oxide/zinc oxide nanocomposite (Se/CuO/ZnO NCs; TSCZ NCs) were synthesized for the first time using aqueous leaf extract of Urtica urens and evaluated for their ability to alleviate salinity stress in Eruca sativa plants. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using TEM, SAED, EDX, and XRD analyses, which confirmed the formation of predominantly spherical crystalline nanoparticles (average size of 58.71 ± 3.58 nm) and distinct elemental composition of Se, CuO, and ZnO. A pot experiment was conducted under normal and saline conditions (100 mM NaCl) using different concentrations of TSCZ NCs (up to 200 ppm). Salinity stress significantly reduced shoot and root growth, photosynthetic pigments, carbohydrate and protein contents, while increasing proline accumulation, antioxidant enzyme activities, and lipid peroxidation. Foliar application of TSCZ NCs partially mitigated these adverse effects, particularly at 100 ppm. The nanoparticles also modulated antioxidant defense enzymes in treated plants. In addition, TSCZ NCs exhibited strong antioxidant activity in the DPPH assay, reaching 89.4% scavenging at 1000 µg/mL, and demonstrated low cytotoxicity toward Vero normal cell lines. These findings suggest that Se/CuO/ZnO NCs may represent a promising nano-enabled strategy for improving salinity tolerance in plants.
Copyright (c) 2026 Samy Selim , Badriah Saleh Alammari, Marwa Yousry A. Mohamed, Sulaiman A. Alsalamah, Abdullah Alsrhani, Heba A. Kashmery, Amna A. Saddiq, Areej Ali Baeshen, Ghalia Saleem Aljeddani, Mohamed Abdel-Aal Amin
Antioxidant Activity and Stability of Purified Flavonoid Fractions from Rosa davurica Pall
An ultrasound-assisted deep eutectic solvent was used to extract flavonoids from Rosa davurica Pall., followed by purification on macroporous resin; the separation and purification conditions were optimized. A total of 26 different flavonoid components were identified using ultraviolet spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The antioxidant activity of purified flavonoids was significantly improved, as it not only exhibited excellent scavenging efficiency against DPPH radicals,·OH radicals, O2- radicals, and ABTS+ radicals, but also possessed strong total reducing power. Moreover, its antioxidant activity showed a clear positive correlation with concentration. This study provided a scientific basis for the comprehensive utilization of Rosa davurica Pall.
Copyright (c) 2026 Libu Niu, Jinping Zheng, Ruijian Wang, Yanqiu Liu
Extraction-Driven Modulation of Bioactivity in Echinacea angustifolia: Phytochemical Profiling, Biological Activities, Molecular Docking, and DFT Insights
Echinacea angustifolia, which is traditionally used for immune support and infection-related disorders, contains phenolic bioactive compounds. However, variation in phenolic recovery via extraction methods limits its standardization. This study compares ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), supercritical CO₂ (scCO₂), and Soxhlet extraction to determine the method that best enriches active constituents and elucidates their biological effects. Leaf extracts were prepared and analyzed for antimicrobial activity (agar diffusion and broth microdilution), antioxidant capacity (DPPH), and cytotoxicity assays against Caco-2 cells (MTT assay). High performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) analysis revealed ellagic acid as the dominant phenolic compound, with UAE yielding the highest content (387 µg/mL; 19,3 µg/g), surpassing scCO₂ and Soxhlet extracts (81.4 and 81.6 µg/mL, respectively). Extract from UAE also exhibited the strongest biological performance, showing the highest inhibition against Bacillus subtilis (22.90 ± 0.10 mm), the lowest MIC against Staphylococcus aureus (7.8 µg/mL), the strongest antioxidant activity (DPPH IC₅₀ = 6.1 µg/mL), and the greatest cytotoxicity against Caco-2 cells (IC₅₀ = 76.38 ± 0.32 µg/mL). Docking studies showed favorable binding of ellagic acid (S = −6.578 kcal/mol), while DFT confirmed its structural stability and reactivity. This study links ellagic acid enrichment in the extract to bioactivity and computational analysis.
Copyright (c) 2026 Emad Abada, Mohammed Ibrahim Alghonaim, Sulaiman A. Alsalamah, Shifaa O. Alshammari, Yosra Modafer, Norah S. Alothman, Asmaa A. Alharbi, Khatib Sayeed Ismail
Modeling of Wastewater Sludge Treatment with Thermal Hydrolysis Processing: Example of Seyhan Wastewater Treatment Plant
Rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to a substantial increase in sewage sludge production at wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). WWTP sludge poses significant challenges for municipalities, not only due to the environmental damage caused by existing disposal methods, but also due to energy consumption in storage, drying, and incineration processes, as well as transportation costs. Integrating Thermal Hydrolysis Process (THP) technology into municipal WWTPs offers a sustainable solution by enhancing waste management efficiency and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), while simultaneously yielding eco-friendly byproducts. This study evaluates the characteristics of sludge generated at the Seyhan WWTP in Adana, Turkey—which currently processes approximately 100 tons of sludge daily—with operational projections extending to 2025. The findings indicate that by 2025, THP technology is projected to emit approximately 12,957 kgCO2eq/ton of GHG, achieving a nine-fold greater emission reduction compared to traditional incineration. Furthermore, the implementation of THP is expected to generate an additional 54 m³/h of biogas and reduce annual dewatered sludge volume by 4,886 tons, resulting in approximately $122,150 in annual operational savings.
Optimization of Alkali Treatment of Rice Husk Ash for Producing an Alternative Alkali Activator via Response Surface Methodology
The geopolymer field is flourishing, as researchers work to lessen the reliance on conventional cements as building materials. However, high price and energy-intensity of commercial alkaline activators hamper the usage of geopolymers. Bio-based waste materials are efficacious in mitigating the environmental concerns for alkaline activators, but the synthesis process of this alternative alkali activator requires further research, especially on the optimization for RHA dissolution parameters. The objective of this study was to optimize the alkali treatment process on rice husk ash (RHA) using response surface methodology. The effect of five factors, i.e., RHA quantity, sodium hydroxide concentration, stirring speed, heating temperature, and heating time on two output responses, i.e., activator alkalinity and silica composition of alternative activators, were investigated. Central composite design provided the combination for an optimum alternative activator, which was 162.5 g of RHA quantity, 3M of NaOH concentration, 350 RPM of stirring speed, 75 °C of heating temperature, and 3.5 h of heating time with R2 > 0.91 of reduced quadratic models. The activator alkalinity (pH) and silica composition (wt%) for alkali treatment processed activator were 12.1 and 20.3, respectively.
Copyright (c) 2026 Herry Prabowo , Idawati binti Ismail , Md Rezaur Rahman, Azizah binti Abdul Nassir, Mohammad Abdul Mannan , Maha G. Batterjee , K. S. Alblawi, Jehan Y. Al-Humaidi , Mohammed Muzibur Rahman
Comparative Analysis of Drying Processes: Moisture Content, Dimensional Stability, and Cutting Power in Beech Wood (Fagus sylvatica L.)
The effects of different drying modes on moisture distribution and cutting power was investigated for beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) from northern Poland. Samples (70 mm × 1000 mm) were subjected to air-drying (25 °C) and gas-steam drying (at 90 °C and 105 °C). Moisture content was measured across the cross-section, and cutting power was measured on a narrow-kerf frame sawing machine. The wood resistance was found to depend on moisture content and drying conditions, with higher resistance observed in normal (90 °C) and high-temperature (105 °C) gas-steam drying processes. Cutting power increased linearly with feed per tooth under all drying conditions, ranging from approximately 400 to 1100 W, with the strongest dependence observed for wood dried at 90 °C (r2=0.9364), while both feed per tooth and drying temperature significantly affected the sawing process. Boxplot analysis confirmed clear differences between drying regimes, showing the highest cutting resistance for air-dried samples, while thermally dried wood (90 °C and 105 °C) exhibited lower median cutting power values. Differences between 90 °C and 105 °C were minor. Although drying may influence thermal conductivity and dimensional stability, these effects were minimal at 105 °C due to conditioning, and both feed per tooth and drying temperature significantly affected the sawing process.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jacek Baranski, Aleksandra Suchta, Tatiana Vilkovská, Peter Vilkovský, Daniel Chuchala, Ivan Klement, Kazimierz Orlowski
Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activities of Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) is an edible plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, known for its therapeutic qualities. The antioxidant potential of dandelion leaves was assessed by 1.1-diphenyl-2-picrylhdrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS), lipid peroxidation, phosphomolybdenum assay, and metal chelation assays. Results revealed a concentration-dependent antioxidant activity, with DPPH inhibition ranging from 27% to 78%, ABTS inhibition from 55% to 75%, and lipid peroxidation inhibition ranging from 31% to 70% against different prooxidants. Total antioxidant activity was evaluated by phosphomolybdenum reduction assay while metal chelation inhibition was observed between 23% and 58%. Bioactive chemicals in the aqueous extract included total flavonoid content (TFC), which was estimated as 20 mg/g, and total phenolic content (TPC), which is 41 mg/g. In addition to its antioxidant properties, the study also evaluated the antidiabetic potential of dandelion through an alpha-amylase inhibition assay, which exhibited inhibition values ranging from 32% to 77%. These findings suggest that Taraxacum officinale possesses considerable antioxidant and antidiabetic activities, presumably due to the high concentration of flavonoids and phenols in it.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zainab Amjad, Syed Mubashar Sabid, Shabnam Shahida, Muhammad Imran Khan, Nishat Fatima, Syeda Rabia Ejaz, Abdallah Shanableh, Leonid G. Voskressensky, Rafael Luque
Adhesive Quality Inspection System Based on Air-Coupled Ultrasonic Waves
There has been a lack of in-depth research on plywood quality inspection. There are problems that cannot be detected with current methods due to an insufficiency of inspection methods, low inspection efficiency, and the internal nature of some wood defects. This paper describes the design, software, and experimental verification of a new plywood quality inspection system based on air-coupled ultrasound. An ultrasonic C-scanning platform was designed and constructed. Features selected included a core detection devices, signal excitation module, signal processing module, and motion control module design. The software system design included a host computer interface, C-scanning motion control, MCU excitation signal output, serial communication, ultrasonic C-scanning imaging, as well as interpolation algorithms, etc. The validation test during the inspection of plywood shows that the system was able to realize accurate positioning detection of common plywood defects, such as blisters and plywood seams, and determine the location and shape of plywood defects. The above can provide technical support for the online quality inspection of plywood products, which is of high practical significance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Qianpeng Yin, Dewei Gao, Jun Wang, Yingchao Li, Liming Song, Hongyan Zou, Zheng Wang
Quality Improvement in Meranti Plywood Manufacturing Using Six Sigma DMAIC and the Seven Basic Quality Tools
The plywood industry must maintain strict standards of quality if it is to survive the global market competition and be sustainable in terms of resources. In this paper, a quality assessment of meranti (Shorea spp.) plywood in Indonesia is reported, based on QC records from January–December 2024 covering 188,015 panels, which employs the integrated Six Sigma DMAIC and the Seven Quality Tools. The study highlights the major defects responsible for production losses, including insufficient core, thinness, blistering, press marks, and brittleness. An assessment of the performance through Sigma level calculation showed a value of 3.1, computed from the DPMO using five defect opportunities per panel and the conventional 1.5 sigma shift. The use of Fishbone Diagrams and P charts (included in the Results) helped identify process instability and highlight root cause patterns related to machine calibration, operator performance, and thermal variation. Proposed improvements include a proactive maintenance schedule and standardized SOPs for adhesive application and pressing. This approach can be used to scale up yield and quality in the wood-based industry.
Copyright (c) 2026 Galit Gatut Prakosa, Naresvara Nircella Pradipta, Ardik Praharjo, Sabila Nur Imamah, Adi Utomo Sugiarto
Valorization of Jute Powder in Mortars: Homogeneity and Mechanical Performance
Jute fiber powder (0.25% to 2% of cement weight, with a 0.25% increment) was evaluated for reinforcing cement mortars. The addition of jute powder maintains a constant flow diameter of 180 mm, ensuring good workability and homogeneity. This behavior was attributed to the fine particle size and low dosage of the jute powder, which limited its effect on water demand and rheological behavior of the mortar, despite a slight setting delay proportional to the dosage. The low dosage of the jute powder limited its effect on water demand and rheological behavior of the mortar. The incorporation of fibers enhanced internal heat retention, with the material temperature increasing from 44.5 to 45.8 °C as fiber content increased. Although capillary water absorption slightly increased (up to 6.47%), the mortars maintained good compactness and remained within R1 to R3 classes according to NF EN 998-1 (2016). In the hardened state, jute powder improved tensile strength at an optimal dosage of 0.5%, while a progressive decrease in compressive strength was observed, related to changes in the cementitious microstructure. The dosage of 0.5% appeared to be optimal, offering a good balance between mechanical and thermal performance while preserving workability and durability.
Copyright (c) 2026 Comlan Vianney Zomahoun, Kocouvi Agapi Houanou, Mark Sodomon , Svetlana Vasilyevna Samchenko
Synthesis of Green Algal-Based Biochar for Remediation of Arsenic from Contaminated Waters
Arsenic (As) contamination of freshwater poses a major global public-health challenge. This study evaluated locally isolated freshwater green macroalgae as a feedstock for producing low-cost biochar for As(III) removal from aqueous solutions. Four filamentous chlorophytes, Basicladia kosterae, Stigeoclonium tenue, Cladophora dalmatica, and Spirogyra fluviatalis, were isolated from the Korang River (Islamabad, Pakistan), cultivated in BG11 medium, and combined in equal proportions to form a composite feedstock. The biomass was pyrolyzed at 500 °C under an N₂ atmosphere to produce composite algal biochar. FTIR analysis revealed O–H, C=O, and aromatic C–H functional groups that may contribute to arsenic adsorption, while XRF analysis indicated a high Fe content (~33 wt%), suggesting a role of Fe-(hydr)oxide phases in arsenic immobilization. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted at a biochar dosage of 10 g L⁻¹ using initial As(III) concentrations of 0.05 to 0.5 ppm and contact times of 12 to 72 h. The highest removal efficiency (88 ± 3.5%) was achieved at 0.5 ppm after 12 h. These findings demonstrate the potential of indigenous freshwater algal biochar as an economical adsorbent for arsenic remediation. Further studies involving BET characterization, arsenic speciation, pH effects, post-adsorption analyses, and column-scale testing are needed to clarify adsorption mechanisms and practical applicability.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ilyas Hussein Osman, Syed Muhammad Usman Shah, Nazneen Bangash, Asia Nosheen, Ismat Nawaz, Syed Zafar Ilyas, Nadir Zaman Khan, Nawal H. Siddig, Nawal Al-Hoshani, Wejdan T. Alsaggaf, Tariq Aziz, Mohammed A. Alshehri
Production of Lactic Acid from Sago Starch Using Enterococcus faecalis Strain Isolated from Silage
Production of high-purity lactic acid was achieved through fermentation using Enterococcus faecalis (strain 2409), isolated from silage, as the microorganism for converting glucose derived from sago starch. Lactic acid is a valuable organic compound with numerous applications, including food preservation, pharmaceuticals, and the production of biodegradable plastics. The fermentation process was conducted under carefully controlled conditions in a fermenter, with optimal parameters of pH 6.8, 45 °C, and 200 rpm, resulting in a lactic acid concentration of 87 g/L and a purity of approximately 80%. These findings highlight the potential of E. faecalis to efficiently produce lactic acid and demonstrate the viability of utilizing renewable resources such as sago starch for sustainable bioprocessing. Additionally, activated carbon was used to purify the fermentation broth, effectively removing impurities, and enhancing the overall quality of the final product. This approach offers an environmentally friendly and cost-effective solution for the commercial production of lactic acid.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohd Hafizzul Hazzmi Hossen, Sariah Abang, Md Rezaur Rahman, Cirilo Nolasco Hipolito, Murtala Namakka, Hashimatul Fatma binti Hashim, Dayang Salwani bt Awang Adeni, Muneera S. M. Al-Saleem, Jehan Y. Al-Humaidi , Mohammed Muzibur Rahman
Recovery and Grades of Eucalyptus urograndis Sawn Timber Infected by Chrysoporthe deuterocubensis Stem Canker Disease
Global wood demand continues to rise while supply from natural forests declines, increasing the importance of forest plantations as a sustainable timber source. In Malaysia, Eucalyptus urograndis has gained attention as a fast-growing plantation species, but stem canker disease caused by Chrysoporthe deuterocubensis threatens timber recovery and value. This study evaluated the effect of infection severity on sawn timber recovery, grading, and value in 11-year-old E. urograndis trees from Sabah, Malaysia. Twelve trees were classified into four infection-severity classes, felled, and sawn using a back-sawing pattern. A total of 404 boards were assessed for dimensions, recovery, visual grade, and disease-related defects using modified Malaysian Grading Rules. Board size shifted toward smaller dimensions as infection severity increased. However, total recovery remained relatively high across classes, and severely infected logs produced the highest volume recovery. Healthy trees yielded the greatest proportion of SELECT and STANDARD grade boards, whereas infected trees produced more downgraded boards. Infection severity was not significantly correlated with log diameter or board volume recovery. These findings indicate that infected E. urograndis logs can still provide commercially usable timber, although with reduced product quality and value.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rasdianah Dahali, Seng Hua Lee, Paridah Md Tahir, Adlin Sabrina Muhammad Roseley, Mohd Redzuan Abdul Rauf, Mohammed Abdillah Ahmad Farid , Mohd Zulkhairi Mohd Yusoff
Barrier Coating of Fruit-packing Tissue Paper Using Nanofibrillated Cellulose and a Water-Repellent Agent
An environmentally friendly barrier-coating strategy was studied for fruit-packing tissue paper intended for use in fruit protection bags under humid agricultural conditions. Because tissue paper has high porosity and hydrophilic characteristics, its practical use is limited by low mechanical strength, high air permeability, and poor water resistance. Three coating systems were evaluated using nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) and a water-based acrylic water-repellent: tissue paper coated twice with NFC, tissue paper coated twice with the acrylic agent, and tissue paper sequentially coated with one NFC layer followed by one acrylic top coating. Double NFC coating increased tensile strength from 2.96 to 4.34 kN/m and improved Gurley air resistance from 34.3 to 114.6 s through pore filling and enhanced inter-fiber bonding. The double acrylic coating provided a water-repellency level of 8 but had limited effects on tensile strength and air resistance. The multilayer coating combined the advantages of both materials, maintaining improved tensile strength, reduced air permeability, and strong water repellency. FE-SEM observations confirmed reduced pore openness after NFC application and continuous film formation after acrylic top coating. These results indicate that sequential coating with NFC and an acrylic water-repellent provides an effective route for improving the barrier performance of tissue paper for fruit protection applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Min Seo Kim, Ji Hyun Ta, Ji Young Lee, Jun Sik Ha
Soil Quality Improvement Potential of Wood Ash and Peat Moss in Copper Mine Waste Rock Dumpsite: A Case Study in Artvin, Turkey
With the ultimate goal of facilitating in situ phytostabilization and ecological restoration of mining sites rather than agricultural use, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of wood ash and peat on the physicochemical properties and nitrogen mineralization in copper-mine-affected soils. To this end, soil samples were collected from copper mine waste rock dumpsites and amended with wood ash, peat moss, and their mixture, at various rates. Various soil properties were determined at two incubation periods (day 0 and day 63). To reveal differences among soil amendments, a post hoc test with the Bonferroni correction, principal component analysis (PCA), PCA biplot, and Log2 fold change heat map analyses were applied. As a result, all soil properties, except the ammonium level at day 63, differed significantly for at least one type of amendment (P < 0.05). The overall effects of the treatments on physicochemical soil properties and nitrogen mineralization, as determined by PCA, indicated that wood ash had the greatest effect on pH and EC. In contrast, peat moss dominated nitrogen dynamics, as reflected by organic carbon and organic matter. The results of this study could be used to remediate mine-polluted, acidified, and nutrient-depleted soils.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mehmet Küçük, İsmet Yener
Mechanical Properties of 9-layer Laminated Pine Wood Veneers Reinforced with Various Materials
The bending strength and compressive strength properties of wooden laminated elements reinforced with various materials were investigated in this study. Veneers with 9 layers were prepared from Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood, which is used extensively in Turkey. The veneers were glued with PVAc-D3 adhesive by placing support elements (PVC plastic mesh, fiberglass/PVC mesh, and aluminum wire mesh) between them. The density, bending strength perpendicular to the glueline and bending strength parallel to the glueline were determined in the specimens prepared in conformance with the TS 5497 EN 408 (1998) standards. All of the support materials increased the bending resistances of the specimens. The highest bending strength and compressive strength was obtained in the specimens reinforced with aluminum wire mesh, whereas, the lowest bending strength was obtained in the control specimens and the lowest compressive strength was obtained in the specimens reinforced with fiberglass/PVC mesh.
Copyright (c) 2026 Can Şeker, Nihat Döngel
Effect of Iranian Natural Zeolite on Poultry Litter Paperboard Properties
This study was carried out to examine the effects of Iranian natural zeolite application to poultry litter paperboard. To examine the effect of different amounts of zeolite on poultry litter paperboard’s properties, four levels of zeolite were used: 0 (control), 8.85, 14.77, and 22.34%. The results showed that zeolites had significant effects on the physical properties of the paperboard. Increases in the amount of zeolite resulted in increases in both the thickness and apparent density and decreased the air resistance of the paperboard. Also, zeolites significantly reduced the strength properties of the paperboard. The effect of increasing the amount of zeolite on the water absorption properties of the paperboard was significant at the 95% confidence level; by increasing the amount of zeolite, the capacity and rate of water absorption of the paperboard increased significantly.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shahin S. Samarin, Mohammadreza D. Firouzabadi, Hossein Resalati, Mahmoud S. Shargh
Phenolic Compound-Incorporated Sodium Caseinate Barrier Coatings for Paper Packaging
Sodium caseinate (SC)-based barrier coatings containing tannic acid (TA) and ferulic acid (FA) were applied to paper substrates as biodegradable alternatives to synthetic polymer coatings. The objective was to evaluate the effects of phenolic compound type, phenolic compound loading, and coating weight on the structural, thermal, barrier, and mechanical properties of SC-coated papers and to establish suitable coating conditions for biodegradable paper-based packaging applications. FT-IR analysis indicated that TA and FA interacted with SC mainly through hydrogen bonding and other noncovalent intermolecular interactions, with no detectable evidence of ester bond formation under the investigated conditions. The addition of TA or FA shifted the thermal decomposition of the SC coating to a higher temperature range and improved air, grease, and water-related barrier properties. Barrier performance depended strongly on phenolic compound loading and coating integrity, with excessive TA loading causing surface cracking and reduced air resistance. All coated papers showed the maximum measurable oil resistance, and moderate increases in tensile strength were observed. These results suggest that TA- and FA-containing SC coatings are promising biodegradable barrier coatings for paper-based packaging, particularly for dry or grease-containing food applications requiring improved air and oil resistance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yoo Bin Son, Yong Ju Lee, Hyoung Jin Kim
Sodium Hydroxide/Itaconic Acid Polyamidoamine-Epichlorohydrin Cross-linked Soy Protein Bonded Rhizophora spp. Composites
Structural, thermal, and physicochemical performance were studied for sodium hydroxide (NaOH) (12 wt%)/itaconic acid polyamidoamine-epichlorohydrin (IA-PAE) (0 to 30 wt%) cross-linked tissue-equivalent composites made from defatted soy flour, soy protein concentrate, and soy protein isolate-bonded Rhizophora spp. (particle size: 149 µm), to enhance interfacial bonding, stability, and overall material performance. The Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed effective crosslinking and a reduction in hydroxyl groups, with the formation of ester/ether linkages. Thermal analysis showed improved stability and a higher char yield. Microstructural analysis revealed denser, more homogeneous matrices with enhanced interfacial bonding. Average densities ranged (0.94 ± 0.11 to 1.04 ± 0.20 g/cm3), matched those of water and other commercial tissue substitute biomaterials, while moisture content (6.51 ± 0.19 to 8.06 ± 0.50%) was consistent with JIS A-5908 (2015) limits. Mechanical properties exceeded standards (internal bonding strength (IBS) up to 0.73 ± 0.01 MPa; modulus of rupture (MOR): 19.21 ± 0.50 MPa; modulus of elasticity (MOE): 7.70 ± 0.33 GPa), and dimensional stability improved significantly (water absorption: ≥ 20%, thickness swelling: ≥ 10%). Optimal performance was achieved at 20% IA-PAE. NaOH/IA-PAE crosslinking effectively enhances structural, thermal, and physicomechanical properties, producing sustainable composite particleboards suitable for tissue-equivalent and radiation-related applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Damilola Oluwafemi Samson, Siti Hajar Zuber, Saadiatul Nur Aqilah Mohd Zakaria, Muhammad Safwan Ahmad Fadzil, Abel Blessing Olorunsola, Mohd Zahri Abdul Aziz, Seán B. Leen, Pouyan Ghabezi
Effect of Beating Process on Characteristics of Cotton Pulp and its Papermaking Performance
Two kinds of cotton pulp fibers were used as raw materials to explore the relationship between beating process and cotton fiber properties through Hollander beating, Hollander/PFI beating, and enzyme pretreatment/ Hollander beating. The results showed that the medium consistency beating had a strong effect on the fibrillation of cotton pulp fibers, while the effect on the cutting of fibers was weak. However, the low consistency beating process had a strong cutting effect and a weak fibrillating effect on the fibers. With the increase of beating degree, the average length of cotton fiber decreased, the ratio of fibrillation degree and fine fibers increase markedly. In the range of beating degree from 30 to 60 °SR, the tensile index, folding endurance, and bursting index of cotton fiber-based paper generally increased with the beating degree increasing. Paper sheets produced by blending cotton pulp with hardwood pulp had superior tensile index, bursting index, and tearing index compared to those made from pure hardwood pulp. Furthermore, when the beating degree of the cotton pulp was 60°SR and its addition level was 40%, the resulting paper achieved optimal performance in tensile index, bursting index, tearing index, and folding endurance, yielding the best overall paper properties.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ying Ni, Juan Wu, Hui Sun, Lingzhong Wan, Xiaonan Deng, Sihong Ye
Sustained-Release Tebuconazole-Loaded Zein Nanoparticles for Enhanced Rubberwood Preservation via Nanoprecipitation
Rubberwood (Hevea brasiliensis), a widely utilised timber in Malaysia, is susceptible to degradation from fungi and termites, requiring effective preservation strategies to extend its service life. This study explores a novel approach for improving the delivery of tebuconazole (TEB), a triazole fungicide, into rubberwood using zein nanoparticles prepared via the nanoprecipitation method. The optimised zein nanoparticles achieved a hydrodynamic size of 146.4 ± 10.66 nm with a loading efficiency of 43.0%. The treated rubberwood samples were categorised as “easily treated” and showed sustained release of TEB from leaching tests. Results showed good protection against subterranean termites (Coptotermes gestroi) with promising resistance to brown rot (Gloeophyllum trabeum) and white rot (Trametes versicolor) fungi. The study highlights the potential of nanoprecipitation as a sustainable, efficient alternative to traditional wood preservation methods, offering reduced chemical usage and improved delivery efficiency.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zhexun Ong, Mohamad Nasir Mat Arip, Shahlinney Lipeh, Arnaud Besserer, Nicolas Brosse, Veera Singham K. Genasan, Hooi Ling Lee
Agricultural Energy Rebound Effect and Its Key Drivers in China: New Evidence from Machine Learning Model
With the transformation of agricultural production methods, it was expected that the enhancement of energy utilization efficiency would lead to a decrease in energy consumption. However, contrary to expectations, energy consumption has increased. This study delves into the mechanisms behind China’s agricultural energy rebound effect. By employing a systematic generalized method of moments (GMM) model, the agricultural energy rebound effect in China from 2003 to 2022 is quantified, and various models are utilized to verify contributing factors. The findings indicated that Random Forest and Gradient Boosted Regression Tree models outperformed others in forecasting the factors influencing China's agricultural energy rebound effect. Among all the characteristic variables, the most influential factors were residents' income (RLI) levels, advancements in agricultural technology, the structure of the agricultural industry, and the degree of urbanization. The prediction patterns of the above four influences on the rebound effect of China's agricultural energy were further inferred through the accumulated local effects (ALE) Plot, respectively, and the results show distinctly different nonlinear characteristics.
Copyright (c) 2026 Manqian Cao, Ali Eldesouky, Yinjin Zeng
Characterization and RSM-Based Modeling of Sustainable Malva sylvestris L./Polypropylene Composites
Malva sylvestris L. was evaluated as a potential sustainable lignocellulosic filler for polypropylene-based composites. Composites containing two particle size fractions and filler loadings ranging from 5 wt% to 20 wt% were produced through thermokinetic mixing and compression molding. Chemical, morphological, thermal, and mechanical characterizations were performed to determine the influence of filler incorporation on composite performance. The results showed that increasing filler content reduced tensile and flexural strengths by up to 27.2% and 29.6%, respectively, due to limited interfacial compatibility between the hydrophilic filler and hydrophobic polymer matrix. In contrast, the tensile and flexural moduli increased by up to 15.6% and 18.0%, respectively, indicating enhanced stiffness through restricted polymer chain mobility. Thermal analysis revealed improved thermal stability, with the onset degradation temperature increasing by approximately 35 °C at the highest filler loading. The filler particles also acted as heterogeneous nucleating sites, promoting earlier crystallization without substantially altering the degree of crystallinity. Mechanical properties were successfully modeled using response surface methodology. Linear model provided the most accurate predictions for tensile strength, whereas quadratic models better represented tensile modulus and flexural behavior. These findings demonstrate that Malva sylvestris L. is a promising renewable filler for lightweight polymer composites.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mücahit Osman Türkan, Mustafa Öncül, Melih Savran
Moisture Resistance, Dimensional Stability, and Biodegradation Behavior of Pennisetum purpureum Fiber-reinforced Thermoplastic Cassava Starch/Candelilla Wax Composite
The practical use of starch-based biodegradable composites is often limited by high moisture sensitivity and dimensional instability in humid environments. This study investigates the effect of Pennisetum purpureum fiber (PPF) loading on the physical properties, moisture behaviour, and biodegradation performance of thermoplastic cassava starch/candelilla wax (TPCS/CW) composites prepared by thermo-compression moulding with fiber contents ranging from 0 to 60 wt%. Increasing fiber loading reduced density and significantly improved resistance to moisture-related deterioration. Moisture content, water absorption, thickness swelling, and water solubility decreased progressively with higher PPF content, indicating enhanced dimensional stability and reduced water permeability. After seven days of exposure, equilibrium moisture absorption decreased from 8.3% in neat TPCS/CW to 3.8% at 60 wt% PPF, while water solubility decreased from 29.2% to 13.1%. Soil burial testing confirmed that all composites remained biodegradable, although higher fiber loading moderated the degradation rate, with weight loss reduced from 67.4% in the neat matrix to 43.4% at 60 wt% after four weeks. Slightly higher degradation at intermediate fiber contents was attributed to interfacial voids that facilitated moisture ingress. Overall, PPF incorporation improved moisture resistance and structural stability while preserving biodegradability, supporting the potential of this fully bio-based composite for biodegradable packaging films, disposable packaging liners, and paperboard coating applications requiring moderate moisture resistance under humid conditions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohd Fairus Kayat, Ridhwan Jumaidin, Lailatul Harina Paijan, Fahmi Asyadi Md Yusof, Zatil Hafila Kamaruddin, Mohammad Khalid Wahid, Melbi Mahardika
Upcycling of Hemp Hurds into High-Value Cellulose Nanomaterials: Nanofibrillated Cellulose and Nanocrystalline Cellulose Production and Characterization
This study focused on the production and characterization of nanocellulose derived from hemp hurd, a highly valuable lignocellulosic natural resource. The holocellulose, alpha-cellulose, and lignin contents of the hemp hurd were determined as 83.3%, 39.1%, and 15.7%, respectively. The hemp hurd fiber had a length of 0.6 mm and a width of 19.1 µm. Following maceration and delignification pretreatments, bleached hemp hurd fibers were converted into nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) by high-pressure homogenization, whereas nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) was produced via sulfuric acid hydrolysis. The width of NFC was found to be 26.7 nm, while the width of NCC was determined to be 3.7 nm. The length of the NCC was confirmed to be 44.6 nm. The crystallinity indexes of NFC and NCC were found as 85.6% and 93.7%, respectively. The thermal decomposition of NFC occurred between 220 and 340 °C, whereas the thermal decomposition of NCC occurred between 170 and 550 °C. The residual material ratio was 25% for NFC and 28% for NCC. Moreover, the chemical bonds that form NFC and NCC, such as C–H, O–H, C–O–C, etc., were identified.
Biochar-Enriched Oil Palm Compost Enhances Growth Performance of Durian Musang King Seedlings
Durian ‘Musang King’ (Durio zibethinus D197) cultivation in Malaysia remains heavily reliant on chemical fertilizers, contributing to soil acidification, microbial decline, and nutrient leaching. A 140-day comparative evaluation was conducted of four fertilization regimes: chemical NPK (15:15:15), poultry manure with wood dust, palm oil mill effluent (POME), and biochar-enriched compost. The seedling morphometrics (leaf number, leaf length, stem length, stem diameter, and NDVI) were quantified biweekly, while soil pH, temperature, and leachate COD were monitored to capture nutrient retention dynamics. Biochar-enriched compost (T4) exhibited the most pronounced improvements, surpassing NPK (0.84); soil pH increasing from 4.56 to 5.98 versus 4.72–5.62 under NPK; and COD peaking at only 153 mg/L compared with 839 mg/L in manure-based compost (P = 0.010). The biochar-enriched compost improved seedling growth while also reducing nutrient loss, with much lower leaching (153 mg/L compared to 839 mg/L). This means it not only improved plant performance but also protected the environment. By combining plant growth measurements, plant health (NDVI), soil conditions, and leachate analysis, this study provides a practical and well-rounded way to evaluate more sustainable fertilization strategies for durian nursery systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohammed Abdillah Ahmad Farid, Nurul Azlina Rusli, Rasdianah Dahali, Mohd Ashadie Kusno, Mohd Muhaizi Mat Daud, Mohd Huzairi Mohd Zainudin, Mohd Zulkhairi Mohd Yusoff
Bridging Biocultural Conservation and Education: An Integrated Pedagogical Framework in a Museum Setting
Conservation science education often emphasizes decontextualized technical knowledge, leaving graduates ill-prepared for real-world situations where ecological needs intersect with culture, social values, and policy. This paper presents an integrated pedagogical framework designed for conceptual and practical application in biocultural conservation education that repositions a cultural heritage museum as a dynamic learning environment for biocultural conservation training. Using the Hainan Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum and traditional bark cloth production from Antiaris toxicaria as a case, the museum is treated as a living laboratory that combines material authenticity, cultural context, and engagement with indigenous knowledge holders. Grounded in experiential, place-based, and transformative learning theories, the scaffolded curriculum progresses from ethnobotanical knowledge comparison and sustainable resource management to interdisciplinary policy synthesis and innovation. Through artifact-based learning, workshops with substitute materials, case discussions, and mentored research, the framework promotes respect and balance between conservation objectives and traditional resource use. It cultivates boundary-crossing competence and hybrid technical-ethical skills, demonstrating how museums can serve as hubs for culturally responsive and equitable conservation education within an interdisciplinary and replicable model.
Copyright (c) 2026 Chunping Xie, Huijiao Lin, Yangjiao Zhou, Chi Yung Jim
Rheological Behaviour of CNF‑polyol Formulations and their Influence on Solvent‑free PU Composites
This study demonstrates an approach for incorporating cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) into polyurethane (PU) using a solvent-free masterbatch consisting of 30% CNFs and 70% polyol, where the latter component functions as a carrier. This is the highest concentrated re-dispersible CNF-polyol system described to date. CNF addition produced strong shear-thinning behaviour, reduced the temperature sensitivity of viscosity, and maintained network integrity under conditions representative of PU curing. Power-law and Arrhenius modelling indicated that at low-to-medium shear rates the CNFs dominate rheological response, but the polyols rheological profile dominate at high shear rates when the fibrils occupy less space due to fluid flow alignment. Oscillatory tests showed increased elasticity and the transition from a viscous fluid toward gel-like behaviour at around 2% CNF loading. Cured CNF-PU composites exhibited increased stiffness, with microscopy revealing mechanically engaged fibrils within the fracture surfaces. Overall, CNFs provide an effective bio-based route to rheology modification PU systems, highlighting their potential in high-performance coatings and adhesives.
Copyright (c) 2026 Simen Prang Følkner, Dag Molteberg, Jost Ruwoldt, Gary Chinga-Carrasco, Kristin Syverud
Extraction of Chromophoric Compounds from Acer palmatum Leaves: Optimization of Ternary Deep Eutectic Solvent-Assisted Extraction Process and Chromophore Stability Study
In this study, red leaves of Acer palmatum were used as raw material. A ternary deep eutectic solvent (DES) was used for auxiliary extraction, with the optimal extraction condition ranges determined by single-factor experiments. Then the process was optimized via response surface methodology (RSM). Using dye absorbance as the evaluation index, the acid-base stability, thermal stability, and light resistance of Acer palmatum extract were investigated, and the compounds in its dye were identified. The optimal extraction process was: a solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:15 (w:v), an extraction time of 112 min, a moisture content of 86%, and an extraction temperature of 42 °C. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis and stability tests were also conducted. Ternary DES extraction of Acer palmatum dye is a pollution-free, low-energy and sustainable process, providing practical reference for expanding the industrial application of natural dyes.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jingyun Xie, Yiqing Qi, Yining Chen, Xinye Lu, Zhiyi Wang
Fully Chitosan-Based Thermoresponsive Hydrogel for Efficient Cu²⁺ Adsorption and Regeneration
To efficiently remove Cu2+ from wastewater, a fully chitosan thermoresponsive hydrogel (IPSgel) was prepared using chitosan as the raw material. IPSgel exhibited pronounced thermoresponsive behavior as well as a high adsorption capacity toward Cu2+. When the temperature exceeded its volume phase transition temperature (VPTT = 35.4 °C), enhanced hydrophobic interactions among with the alkyl groups along the polymer chains induced rapid dehydration, shrinkage, and a reversible volume phase transition. The effects of initial Cu²⁺ concentration and pH on adsorption performance were systematically evaluated. The adsorption process followed the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models, and a maximum adsorption capacity of 24.5 g/g was achieved. During regeneration, only 0.23 L of 0.1 M hydrochloric acid per gram of IPSgel was required for rapid Cu2+ desorption, representing a reduction of approximately 88 to 95% compared to the conventional acid consumption (2 to 5 L/g) of traditional hydrogels. These findings indicate that by integrating thermoresponsiveness, high adsorption capacity, and efficient regeneration, the chitosan-based IPSgel shows strong potential for wastewater treatment applications and provides a new strategy for the green design of purification materials.
Copyright (c) 2026 Xiaohan Zha, Zhuoying Meng, Chen Wang, Yiwen Ye, Jiale Zhuo, Ruilin Zhang, Jingyuan Li, Shifeng Ma, Chengyu Tan, Ye Tian
Green Synthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles Using Allium sativum Extract: In-vitro Evaluation of their Anticancer Potential against Breast Carcinoma
A green synthesis approach was implemented to establish an economical and environmentally favorable protocol to produce selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) by utilizing aqueous extract from Allium sativum. The Se-NPs were characterized using a combination of spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. The anticancer efficacy of Se-NPs was assessed using MCF-7 cell line and it demonstrated concentration-dependent suppression of MCF-7 cell proliferation. The activation of caspases by Se-NP treatment was further demonstrated by fluorescence microscopy, which resulted in the development of typical apoptotic features, including nuclear condensation and cell membrane blebbing. Furthermore, the Se-NP exposure was linked to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), suggesting that oxidative stress is a critical mediator of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. Overall, the results indicate that Se-NPs can act as a selective anticancer drug and induce apoptosis through ROS-mediated pathways. These findings lend credence to the ability of green synthesized Se-NPs as a novel nanotherapeutic platform for cancer treatment.
Copyright (c) 2026 Fengqi Chen, Qi Han, Lan Yang
Reinterpreting Traditional Textile Auspicious Motifs in Cork Footwear Design: A Multi-Criteria Evaluation Framework Using Quantitative Decision Models
Traditional Chinese textile auspicious motifs are increasingly being applied in sustainable cork footwear design, facilitating cultural heritage preservation and creative industry innovation. This study proposes a systematic framework bridging digital motif archiving with design translation. Using a quantitative decision-making model, textile auspicious motifs were digitally archived, and Kansei descriptors were extracted. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) identified users’ preference weights, while Quality Function Deployment (QFD) mapped requirements to design features. Three representative motifs were transformed via shape grammar rules into prototypes. Repeated-measures ANOVA evaluated user satisfaction. Results showed naturalness and aesthetics as the most critical criteria. Notably, Prototype F1, which reinterpreted the original motif, significantly outperformed others in cultural and artistic dimensions, validating the framework’s effectiveness in integrating traditional textile motifs with modern cork footwear design.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tianyi Chen, Yujie Mei
Protective Effects of γ-Oryzanol against Oxidative Damage Induced by Heat Stress in Skin Fibroblasts
γ-Oryzanol (GO), a steryl ferulate derived from rice bran oil, exhibits a broad range of biological activities. However, the mechanisms underlying GO’s protective role against heat-induced cellular stress remain largely unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of GO against heat stress in human foreskin fibroblast (HFF2) cells. HFF2 cells were exposed to heat stress (43 °C) in the presence or absence of 100 µg/mL GO, and cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH), and nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression were evaluated. Heat stress significantly increased intracellular ROS levels (~2.8-fold, p < 0.01), decreased GSH levels (p < 0.01), and upregulated Nrf2 expression. Treatment with 100 µg/mL GO significantly improved cell viability (p < 0.05), reduced ROS levels (p < 0.01), increased GSH content by approximately 1.35-fold (p < 0.05), and reduced Nrf2 expression by approximately 40% compared with heat-stressed cells. These findings suggest that GO protects skin fibroblasts against heat-induced oxidative damage by restoring cellular redox homeostasis and modulating antioxidant defense mechanisms.
Copyright (c) 2026 Safa Tabnak , Mehdi Basaki , Hamed Hamishehkar , Yun Seok Joh , Ki Hyun Kim
Integrating Multidimensional Scaling and MICMAC-Based Structural Analysis for Assessing Sustainability and Key Drivers of Cassava Waste Management Systems
Developing sustainable regional agro-industrial practices is essential for countries like Indonesia. Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz), significant for food security and commercial use, continues to demonstrate productivity levels beneath worldwide benchmarks. This research assesses the sustainability of Lampung’s cassava agro-industry by integrating Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) and Cross-Impact Matrix Multiplication Applied for Classification (MICMAC). MDS generates a sustainability index including ecological, economic, social, technological, and institutional dimensions. MICMAC analysis determines causal interdependencies among attributes and categorizes them based on driving power and dependence. Data obtained from expert questionnaires and focus group discussions conducted between January and March 2024 indicated a moderate sustainability index of 63.5%. The environmental dimension achieved the highest score of 72.7%, while the technological and institutional dimensions obtained the lowest at 55.03% and 55.2% respectively. The main variables influencing sustainability consist of energy efficiency, waste management, market orientation, and the skill levels of the workforce. The combination of MDS and MICMAC offers an extensive diagnostic and structural perspective. This study proposes recommendations for energy schemes, the development of managerial training programs, and the strengthening of institutional policies. The insights have significance for the development of the cassava agro-industry in Lampung and comparable regions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Agus Haryanto, Arif Dwi Santoso, Hotmatua Daulay, Rahmania Hanifa, Udin Hasanudin, Maya Larasati Donna Wardani, Ulfa Ning Thiyas, Hismiaty Bahua, Agam Wira Sani, Edi Iswanto Wiloso, Arief Ameir Rahman Setiawan, Mareli Telaumbanua, Febryan Kusuma Wisnu, Nadirah Nadirah, Atien Priyanti
Enhanced Resistance to Decay and Mildew for Moso Bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) through in-situ Metal Particle Impregnation
Bamboo has become increasingly attractive for applications in construction and engineering due to its rapid growth, renewability, and a high strength-to-weight ratio. However, the poor natural resistance to mold limits its potential in the building industry. Conventional antifungal and decay-resistant treatments developed by domestic and international researchers often suffer from drawbacks such as human and environmental toxicity or poor leaching resistance. In this study, aiming to enhance the decay and mold resistance of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis), a high-voltage electrostatic field was employed to excite metallic particles and embed them into the bamboo surface and interior, where they formed stable chemical bonds with active functional groups. White-rot fungi, brown-rot fungi, and Aspergillus flavus were used to assess resistance, with environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and other techniques employed to evaluate antifungal performance. Results indicated that bamboo treated at the voltage of 60 kV for 12 h exhibited decay and mold resistance slightly lower than that of chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated bamboo but higher than that of untreated bamboo; while high-voltage electrostatic-treated bamboo possessed superior leaching resistance compared with CCA-treated bamboo.
Copyright (c) 2026 Biqing Shu, Junbao Yu, Yupeng Tao, Chen Li, Jie Shen, Qian He, Zehui Ju, Tianxiao Yin, Zhiqiang Wang
Effects of Thymol Individually or Encapsulated in Chitosan Phosphate on the Properties of Poly(lactic acid) and Poly(butylene succinate) Matrix Reinforced with Nanofibrillated Cellulose
Thymol, a natural active compound, is recognized for its remarkable antimicrobial properties, making it a suitable choice for active agents in food packaging applications. This study focuses on the encapsulation of thymol in chitosan phosphate nanoparticles (CNP) to overcome its limitations, particularly volatility, and incorporates it into bio-nanocomposite films via solvent casting. Moreover, comparison of the effects of pure thymol, CNP, and encapsulated thymol-loaded chitosan phosphate nanoparticle (TCNP) on the film’s properties were also assessed. The film’s chemical interaction (Fourier transform infrared, FTIR), thermal, mechanical, light transmittance, water barrier, antibacterial, toxicity properties, and release test were evaluated. The results disclosed that the incorporation of 5 wt% of TCNP1.0 into the PLA/PBS/NFC films matrix improved thermal stability (0.76%), tensile strength (46.8%), and enhanced water barrier properties, as evidenced by a reduction in water vapor permeability (WVP) by 10.1%. The FTIR analysis demonstrated the presence of intermolecular hydrogen bonds, indicating the compatibility between TCNP and the PLA/PBS/NFC matrix. The bio-nanocomposite films also exhibited noteworthy antibacterial effects and had an inhibitory rate against S. aureus. In summary, bio-nanocomposite films have significant potential as an antibacterial agent in the advancement of innovative bio-based active packaging systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nurul ‘Afifah Binti Zabidi, Mohd Nazli Naim, Siti Hajar Ariffin, Hairul Abral, Thinesh Sharma Balakrishnan, Intan Syafinaz Mohamed Amin Tawakkal
Amphiphilic Cyclodextrin-Modified Recycled Fibers for Green Hygiene Products with Enhanced Strength and Flushability
People living in densely populated settlements face inadequate sanitation and rising incidences of acute bacterial infections, underscoring the urgent need for effective and sustainable hygienic products. The amphiphilic molecular architecture of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD), characterized by a hydrophobic internal cavity and a hydrophilic external surface, offers a unique platform for designing sustainable additives for hygiene products. This study employs β-CD to improve the mechanical performance and end-of-life management of old corrugated container (OCC)-derived recycled fibers for tissue and towel applications. β-CD operates through dual interactions: its hydrophobic cavity associates with lignin and other hydrophobic moieties via van der Waals interactions, while its hydrophilic exterior forms hydrogen bonds with cellulose, enhancing fiber–water interactions and hydrogen bonding. These coupled molecular interactions enhance dry strength while promoting fiber swelling, water penetration, and rapid disintegration, which is essential for flushability and recyclability. In dual-stage systems combining β-CD with low dosage of glyoxalated polyacrylamide (g-PAM), pretreated OCC (POCC) fibers achieved an immediate wet tensile comparable to g-PAM-only at a higher dosage while exhibiting substantially reduced disintegration time. Overall, this work demonstrates a viable pathway for producing recyclable and flushable recycled-fiber hygiene products that maintain high dry and immediate wet tensile strength during use, yet disintegrate rapidly during flushing or repulping.
Copyright (c) 2026 Karthik Ananth Mani , Ved Naithani, Hasan Jameel, Lucian Lucia, Lokendra Pal
Disentangling Habitat-specific Pathways of Forest Biomass Loss: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach Across Temperate and Subtropical Forests
This study examined how elevation, habitat diversity, and soil nitrogen interact to influence forest biomass across ecological zones. A field survey was conducted using 300 plots, systematically allocated across three habitat types with equal representation. The relationships were measured using bivariate analysis, correlation study, and structural equation modeling (SEM). The habitat-unified model revealed that elevation had a statistically significant direct effect on biomass (β = 0.71, p < 0.001), as well as indirect effects through species richness (β = 0.37, p < 0.001) and soil nitrogen (β = 0.15, p < 0.05). Moist forest habitats were shown to increase soil nitrogen content (β = 0.37, p < 0.001) and species richness (β = 0.28, p < 0.001) significantly. Habitat-specific models revealed that the strength and direction of these relationships varied between forest types. Degradation had a strong negative effect on biomass in subtropical ecosystems (β = 0.34, p < 0.0001) and in moist temperate forests (β = 0.61, p < 0.0001). Degradation reduced biomass in subtropical and moist temperate forests but had no significant effect in dry temperate forests. However, it strongly decreased soil nitrogen and, together with elevation, constrained biomass.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abd Ullah, Alam Zeb, Rashid Ahmed, Khalid Khan, Saad Ahmad, Iqra Hayat, Khadija Hayat, Huda M. Alshanbari, Nawal Al-Hoshani, Ghulam Nabi
Frequency-Dependent Dielectric and Electrical Characterization of Some Wood Species under Different Conditions: Correlation of Permittivity, Loss Factor, Conductivity, and Impedance
Dielectric properties of tree samples belonging to Anatolian chestnut, sessile oak, and Scots pine species were measured in the frequency range of 100 Hz to 1 MHz. Test samples were subjected to three different surface conditions, namely control (CW), two-week water-soaked (SW), and two-coat varnish application (VW). The test samples were characterized by analyzing capacitance (C), dielectric properties (ε′, ε″, and tanδ), AC electrical conductivity (σac), normalized conductance (G/ω), and impedance components (Z′ and Z″). Frequency analysis revealed that the SW samples exhibited higher C, ε′, ε″, tanδ, and σac values, whereas the VW samples maintained low and stable dielectric properties because of the insulating effect of the varnish layer. The σac values reached approximately 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ in the SW samples but remained around 10⁻⁷ S cm⁻¹ in the CW and VW samples, confirming their insulating behavior. In addition, the G/ω and impedance (Z′ and Z″) analyses demonstrated distinct electrical responses among the conditioning treatments, with the impedance values following the order VW > CW > SW. These findings provide insights into the dielectric behavior of wood under varying surface conditions. Biologically based dielectric materials could facilitate future advancements in insulation components and moisture-sensitive sensing technologies.
Flexural Stiffness of MAPP-Coupled PP–Henequen Composites: Micromechanical Modeling of Structure–Property Relationships
The flexural behavior and intrinsic mechanical properties were studied for polypropylene (PP) composites reinforced with 20 to 50 wt.% henequen strands, using maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAPP) as compatibilizer. The maximum strain at break of the fibers was estimated by regression-based extrapolation (ε = 8%), which enabled calculation of the microfibrillar angle (MFA = 22.8°) using a modified Satyanarayana approach. Together with cellulose content and crystallinity, the resulting structural parameter (δ = 1.72) confirmed the suitability of henequen strands as reinforcement for thermoplastic composites. The composite flexural modulus exhibited a linear increase with fiber volume fraction (R² = 0.99), rising from 1.15 GPa for neat PP to 3.75 GPa at 50 wt.% fiber content, while the strain at break decreased consistently with increasing reinforcement content. Predictions obtained using the Hirsch model and the modified rule of mixtures, with efficiency factors (ηe) ranging from 0.45 to 0.55, showed good agreement with experimental results. Furthermore, three micromechanical models, Hirsch, Tsai–Pagano, and Nielsen, yielded consistent intrinsic flexural moduli for the henequen strands, in the range of 16 to 17 GPa. These results highlight the reinforcing potential of henequen strands and reveal their effectiveness in increasing the flexural stiffness of polypropylene-based composites.
Copyright (c) 2026 Faust Seculi, Francesc X. Espinach, Manel Alcalà, Joan Ximinis
Multi-Criteria Optimization of Rice- and Coconut Husks Reinforced Polyurethane Composites as Substitute for Rubber Foam in Air Conditioning
This study presents a novel approach to mitigating the environmental impact of non-degradable industrial insulators used in air conditioning pipe. It focused on evaluating and optimizing polymer composites reinforced with rice husks and coconut husks as sustainable thermal insulation materials. This study involved two main phases: First, evaluation of the thermal and mechanical properties of rice and coconut husks reinforced polyurethane composites. Second, determination of the optimal reinforcement ratio using a hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodology that integrates the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and the Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) techniques. Composites were fabricated with reinforcement ratios ranging from 5% to 25% by weight. Thermal conductivity results, ranging from 0.041 to 0.0486 W/m·K, confirmed the insulative potential of all composite samples, which corresponded to the range reported for industrial thermal insulators. Mechanical testing revealed enhanced tensile strength, particularly with 25 wt% coconut husks, achieving a value of 0.744 MPa. The ARAS method concluded that the optimal composition for insulation performance is 10% rice husk and 25% coconut husk reinforcements. This study advances sustainable thermal insulation materials. In addition, it offers a systematic framework for selecting the optimal reinforcement ratio for biocomposites.
Copyright (c) 2026 Khalid Ibrahim , Mohd Zuhri Mohamed Yusoff, Abdul Aziz Hairuddin, Azizan As‘arry
Synergistic Effects of Magnesium Sulfate and Compost on Improving the Productivity of Date Palm Under Drought Stress
Drought is one of the most significant environmental stress factors negatively affecting fruit tree cultivation because they are highly water-dependent. Water shortage adversely affects the growth and development of fruit trees, leading to a severe reduction in productivity and fruit quality. In particular, drought harms photosynthesis, which is essential to produce carbohydrates. Therefore, developing mitigation strategies and effective water management is vital for maintaining fruit tree health and sustainability. This study was conducted to investigate the influence of adding soil compost individually and in combination with spraying of magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) on improving the soil fertility, productivity, and fruit quality of date palm cv. Barhi. The date trees were fertilized with 5 and 10 kg of compost, and then they were sprayed with 0.5, 0.75, and 1 % MgSO4 four times: starting from mid-February with one-month intervals between sprays, as compared to untreated trees as a control. The results revealed that combining soil-applied compost with foliar spraying of MgSO4 enhanced the productivity and fruit quality of date palm. The best results were obtained by adding 10 kg compost + 1% MgSO4, followed by 10 kg compost + 0.75% MgSO4 and 5 kg compost + 1% MgSO4.
Copyright (c) 2026 Walid F. A. Mosa, Khalid F. Almutairi , Eligio Malusà , Ahmed Ayoub, Hesham S. Abada, Azza H. Mohamed
Effect of Vacuum Pretreatment on the Dyeing Properties of Wood Veneers Dyed with Camphor Fruit Pigment
Vacuum pretreatment, valued for low energy use and sustainability, has attracted attention in wood dyeing. Using an orthogonal experimental approach, the vacuum pretreatment parameters were optimized for Chinese fir, poplar, and white oak veneers. The ideal circumstances were as follows: Chinese fir −0.08 MPa/90 °C/30 min; poplar −0.09 MPa/90 °C/30 min; and white oak −0.09 MPa/90 °C/90 min, based on color difference (∆E*), mass change, and water absorption weight rise. After the veneers were dyed with a camphor fruit pigment solution, the effect of the pretreatment on the microstructural alterations and macroscopic dyeing performance was assessed. The dye penetration depth and absorption rose by 60% to 95% following pretreatment. Reflectance spectra and ∆E* values showed that the treated samples had more consistent and vibrant coloring. Additionally, there was a minor improvement in the lightfastness of all three wood types. According to microstructural research, the pretreatment increased the distribution of binding sites for interactions between dye molecules and the wood matrix by partially opening the vessel components and cell wall structures. In summary, vacuum pretreatment significantly improved the dye’s homogeneity and fixing in wood veneers, offering a practical and environmentally friendly method of effective wood processing.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zhi Zhang, Yiqing Qi, Qiao Zu, Jianlin Han
Evaluation of a Two-Step Management Strategy Using Fipronil-Treated Wood and Bistrifluron Bait for Rapid Feeding Suppression and Colony Elimination of Reticulitermes speratus in a Simulated Wooden Cultural Heritage System
A two-step management strategy was evaluated for rapid feeding suppression and colony elimination of termites (Reticulitermes speratus) infesting wooden cultural heritage structures (WCHS). A large-scale (15-m foraging distance) arena system with a colony size of 10,000 termites — consisting of a main nest, a shelter, and fipronil-treated wood units connected by foraging tunnels — was utilized to compare an untreated control group, a fipronil-treated group, a bistrifluron-treated group, and a combined treatment (F+B) group. In the fipronil-treated group, feeding on the treated wood rapidly decreased, demonstrating rapid reduction in wood consumption on treated wood; however, colony survival persisted and feeding activity was redistributed toward the untreated shelter zone. In contrast, the bistrifluron-treated group ultimately achieved complete colony collapse, although feeding on both the treated wood and shelter wood continued during the elimination process. The combined treatment rapidly suppressed feeding on the treated wood and completely eliminated the colony within 10 weeks through subsequent bait consumption. Furthermore, the combined treatment significantly reduced the feeding redistribution toward untreated wood sources that were observed in the fipronil-only group. These findings suggest that the combined application of fipronil-treated wood and CSI bait can provide both immediate protection for WCHS members and long-term colony elimination, offering a promising approach that warrants further field validation as an efficient termite management strategy for WCHS.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ik-Gyun Im, Gyu-Seong Han
The Effect of Cellulose Nanocrystals and Nanoclay on Finger Jointing of Plywood Using the Free Vibration Method
Joints are important components of wooden structures that provide continuity to wood and wood products. In this study, a finger joint with two finger lengths of 5 and 10 mm was investigated with two adhesives: epoxy and polyvinyl acetate reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and nanoclay at three levels of 0%, 0.4%, and 1.5% using the free bending vibration method in a free-ended beam on a plywood. The results indicated that except for vibration damping, the values ​​at the 10 mm joint length were significantly higher at the 95% confidence level. The effect of CNC was also significantly higher than that of nanoclay at the 95% confidence level. Both nano-based adhesives at 1.5% had significantly better results. Epoxy adhesive also had significantly better results than polyvinyl acetate adhesive. Overall, the joint with a 10 mm finger length jointed with epoxy adhesive and reinforced with 1.5% CNC yielded the best results.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hamidreza Abbasi, Amirhooman Hemmasi, Mohammad Talaeipour, Esmaeil Ghasemi , Habibollah Khademi Eslam
Determining Seasonal Termite Damage Periods in Korean Wooden Cultural Heritage Buildings Based on Temperature-dependent Wood Consumption and Activity of Subterranean Termites
The feeding activity of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes speratus was investigated under different temperature conditions. Wood consumption and microwave signal intensity increased with temperature and were highest at 21 to 27 °C. Feeding activity decreased above 30 °C, and termite movement was also reduced at high temperatures. These changes may be related to thermal stress and reduced activity of hindgut symbiotic protozoa. Field temperature data collected from wooden cultural heritage buildings and surrounding soil environments showed that temperatures suitable for termite activity were maintained from spring to autumn in many regions of Korea. Seasonal temperature changes were also associated with the overwintering and reproductive characteristics of R. speratus. Based on these results, installation of chitin synthesis inhibitor (CSI) bait systems in early spring may improve termite control before peak summer activity. The results of this study may be useful for termite monitoring and management of wooden cultural heritage buildings.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ik-Gyun Im, Kyoung-Hyun Ryu, Gyu-Seong Han
Evaluation of Wood Vinegar from the Pyrolysis of Wood Residues of Gmelina arborea and its Application as Herbicide for Weed Control
Wood vinegar (WV) produced via biomass pyrolysis, presents an organic alternative for weed control. This study aimed to: (i) determine the physical properties and elemental composition analysis of WV, and (ii) evaluate the efficacy of WV from wood residues of Gmelina arborea produced with slow pyrolysis to control weeds under a Cupressus lusitanica Christmas tree plantation. WV was dissolved in water at 75% and applied in doses of 1000, 3000 and 5000 L ha-1, with the synthetic herbicide Basta® (glufosinate-ammonium) as a control. The efficacy of WV on weeds was visually evaluated from 0 (not injury) to 100 (plant death). Treatments with 3000 and 5000 L ha⁻¹ doses caused rapid desiccation of grass and broadleaf weeds, achieving 85 to 88% visual injury. Biomass reduction of 40% can be obtained when WV is applied at high doses (3000 and 5000 L ha-1) on mature grass-dominated weeds, showing effects comparable to synthetic herbicide. While WV effectively reduced weed biomass, it was insufficient to completely remove mature weeds.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jair Granados-Chacón , Roger Moya , Jaime F. Quesada-Kimzey , Allen Puente-Urbina
Biodegradability and Recyclability of All-Cellulose Composite
The development of sustainable packaging materials is becoming increasingly important to address environmental issues. In this context, all-cellulose composites (ACCs) represent a potential alternative to traditional composite materials. ACC consists entirely of cellulose and has significantly improved mechanical and barrier properties compared to paper. For packaging applications, the potential for material recycling and biodegradability are of great interest. However, these topics have so far been insufficiently addressed. In this study, the biodegradability of paper and different ACCs is compared. In addition, studies on the recyclability of the material were carried out. It was demonstrated that ACC is biodegradable. The rate of biodegradation depended on the parameters during the production process. Self-produced ACC was degraded at a rate almost identical to that of paper. The process takes longer for commercially available ACC. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that material recycling of ACC in the recycling paper loop was only feasible to a limited extent. The cellulose matrix between the fibres leads to a strong binding of the composite. This makes disintegration and fibre recovery difficult. Nevertheless, ACC represents a promising approach for packaging, particularly in regard to the global issue of littering.
Copyright (c) 2026 Patrick Jahn, Ulrich Zang, Joachim Brötz, Samuel Schabel
KH550-Modified PVOH Sizing Agent for Tibetan Paper: Performance Enhancement and Antibacterial Function of Bio-Based Systems
A composite sizing system was developed based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and the silane coupling agent KH550, with the innovative incorporation of root extract from Stellera chamaejasme L.—a characteristic raw material for traditional Tibetan paper. A novel bio-based surface sizing agent with integrated strength enhancement, water resistance, and natural antibacterial properties was successfully prepared. Investigation of KH550 dosage revealed that it acts as a “chemical bridge” between PVOH and paper fibers via a cross‑linking reaction, in which it condenses with hydroxyl groups on cellulose and PVOH to form covalent Si–O–C bonds. This enhanced interfacial bonding strength and film density, whereas excessive addition led to molecular aggregation. The optimal paper properties were obtained at a KH550 dosage of 1 g, with a sizing weight of 34.1%, tensile index of 50.1 N·m/g, sizing degree of 33 s (43.5% higher than that with PVOH alone), tear index of 219.5 mN·m²/g (163% higher than that of the unsized control), and water contact angle of 106°. Performance indicators were significantly improved compared with the control group without KH550. Notably, the Stellera chamaejasme root extract derived from traditional Tibetan papermaking raw materials effectively endows the paper coating with excellent antibacterial properties.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rong Liu, Hao Fu, Yang Zhou, Wei Wei, Liang Chen, Hongyan He, Yingchun He, Ke Su
Influence of Soil Application of Vermicompost Combined with Spraying of Melatonin on the Productivity and Fruit Quality of Mango
Using organic materials in fruit production is an effective way to reduce dependency on chemical fertilization. This can cause many problems for the soil, increase beneficial microbes, and improve fruit quality. Organic fertilization provides the necessary nutrients to fruit trees safely, without causing any undesirable effects on soil fertility. Therefore, this study was conducted to examine the effects of soil application of vermicompost (VC), either alone or combined with spraying melatonin (MT), on the vegetative growth, productivity, and nutritional status of mango cv. Keitt. Mango trees were fertilized in January 2024 and 2025 with VC at 0, 3, and 5 kg for tree, then sprayed three times starting mid-February with 0, 50, and 100 mg L⁻¹ MT at 20-day intervals compared to untreated trees. The treatments were arranged in a split-plot design within a randomized block design with five replicates. The results indicated that adding VC to the soil and spraying MT significantly enhanced the growth, productivity, and fruit quality of mango trees. The combined application of VC with MT spraying showed a notably greater increase than the individual treatments. The best results were achieved with 5 VC + 100 MT, followed by 5 VC + 50 mg L⁻¹ MT, outperforming other treatments across the two seasons.
Copyright (c) 2026 Walid F. A. Mosa, Iqra Mubeen, Emad Mady , Adel M. Al-Saif
Valorization of Bay Leaf Essential Oil as a Bioplasticizer and Antibacterial Agent in Polybutylene Adipate-co Terephthalate Biofilms for Food Packaging Applications
Although the high flexibility of PBAT (polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate) makes it ideal for food packaging, its poor antibacterial properties restrict its use in the food industry and shorten the shelf life of food products. In this work, PBAT polymer film was modified with bay leaf essential oil to improve its antibacterial properties. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometric analysis showed 38 chemical components in bay leaf. The main absorbances were the strong C=O stretching of the ester group (1720 to 1730 cm⁻¹) and the aliphatic C–H stretching (2950 and 2850 cm⁻¹). An increase in the amount of essential oil resulted in a decrease in the melting temperature of the PBAT, confirming a plasticizing effect. No antibacterial activity was observed in the PBAT films containing 5 wt% or 10 wt% bay leaf oil against either gram-positive or gram-negative bacteria. However, PBAT films containing 15 wt% and 20 wt% bay leaf oil exhibited zone diameters of 8 and 12 mm, respectively, against the E. coli strain. PBAT films with enhanced plasticizing and antibacterial properties, resulting from the addition of 20 wt% bay leaf oil, could be of great interest to the food packaging and biomedical industries.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nadir Ayrilmis, Ferhat Özdemir, Memet Vezir Kahraman, Indran Suyambulingam, Sivasubramanian Palanisamy, Murugesan Palaniappan
Alginate-lignin Bonded Rhizophora spp. Particleboard as a Natural-based Tissue-equivalent Phantom
Experimental particleboards were fabricated using Rhizophora spp. wood trunks, incorporating three different percentages of lignin and sodium alginate (0%, 3%, and 6%) as adhesives, as well as three different sample sizes of Rhizophora spp.: 0 to 104 µm, 105 to 210 µm, and 211 to 500 µm. The objective was to investigate the physical, morphology, chemical composition, and effective atomic number Zeff of Rhizophora spp. particleboards incorporated with lignin and sodium alginate. The physical properties were studied using gravimetric method, thickness swelling, and water absorption tests. The fabricated particleboards had a suitable physical and radiological characteristic for tissue-equivalent phantom applications. The reduction in particle size and increase in adhesive content contributed to lower thickness swelling and water absorption. The density values fell within the specified range. According to scanning electron microscopy observations, increased adhesive content decreased the formation of voids in the structure of particleboards. The calculated effective atomic number further supported the suitability of material. Higher sodium alginate usage was found to be associated with an increase in sodium content. The sample A6 with a particle size of 0 to 104 µm and 6% adhesive exhibited promising suitability for the fabrication of tissue-equivalent phantom.
Copyright (c) 2026 Saadiatul Nur Aqilah Mohd Zakaria, Siti Hajar Zuber, Mohd Hafiidz Jaafar, Muhammad Safwan Ahmad Fadzil, Wan Nordiana W. Abd Rahman, Mohd Zahri Abdul Aziz, Abd Aziz Tajuddin, Seán B. Leen, Pouyan Ghabezi
Effect of Chipper Knife Wear and Operating Parameters on the Dimensional Fractionation of Wood Chips in an Industrial Chemical Pulp Production Line – Case Study
Dimensional uniformity of wood chips is essential for stable delignification, and knife wear in a disc chipper is the primary factor that deteriorates chip quality. In this study, changes in particle size distribution (PSD) of pine wood chips were examined at three points along an industrial chip‑processing line, assessing the effects of knife sharpness, knife–anvil clearance, and transport and screening operations. Sharp knives combined with a narrow knife–anvil gap produced the lowest proportions of oversized and fine fractions, whereas progressive dulling significantly increased chip susceptibility to cracking during subsequent handling. The results indicated a need for more frequent knife maintenance and proper adjustment of the knife–anvil clearance to ensure stable chip quality under industrial operating conditions.
Nondestructive Testing in Wood: A Systematic Review and Bibliometric Analysis Based on Scopus
Nondestructive testing (NDT), also referred to as nondestructive evaluation/examination (NDE), applied to wood studies, has shown steady global growth driven by the development of innovative techniques and technologies that enable the characterization of wood pieces and structures while minimizing damage. The objective of this study was to analyze the development and recent trends of nondestructive testing in wood. To achieve this, a bibliometric analysis (1982-2025) and a systematic review (2020-2025) were conducted to identify the main research lines, commonly used techniques, and emerging approaches and future perspectives. A total of 303 Scopus-indexed scientific articles were analyzed using VOSviewer and Bibliometrix: Biblioshiny, and 137 recent articles were used for the literature review. The results revealed four main research lines: (I) NDE-NDT with computed tomography for defect detection; (II) NDT for the inspection of wooden buildings and structures; (III) ultrasound in forestry for the characterization of mechanical properties; and (IV) moisture content in wood products. Scientific output showed sustained growth, with China as the leading country and Northeast Forestry University as the most productive institution. Traditional NDT techniques prevail, while emerging approaches and artificial intelligence applications demonstrate that wood NDT research is an expanding field with diversified applications and increasing international relevance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Xuxan Alyn Rosas-Ramos, Luis Acuña Rello, Milagros Casado-Sanz, Alejandro Corona-Ambriz, Liliana Cuapio-Hernández, Roberto Machuca-Velasco, Ma. Amparo Maxima Borja-de la Rosa
Opuntia spp. Biomass: Composition, Green Extraction Technologies, and Applications in Bioproducts and Biomaterials
In recent years, the increasing demand for sustainable and renewable materials has intensified interest in biomass resources capable of supporting green processing and circular bioeconomy strategies. Among these, Opuntia spp. (commonly known as nopal or prickly pear cactus) has emerged as a promising biomass resource due to its adaptability to arid environments and its rich and diverse chemical composition. This review aims to provide a comprehensive and integrated analysis of Opuntia spp. biomass, focusing on its chemical composition, extraction and processing technologies, and its potential for the development of bioproducts and biomaterials. One of the key aspects addressed is the comparison between conventional and environmentally friendly extraction approaches, considering their efficiency, limitations, and suitability for recovering important fractions such as mucilage, structural polysaccharides, and bioactive compounds. This review evaluates the utilization of these fractions in food systems, biodegradable materials, hydrogels, composite materials, and environmental remediation, with an emphasis on their functional attributes and technological potential. Sustainability is considered from a biorefinery perspective, focusing on the efficient use of biomass and the mitigation of environmental impacts. This work gives a critical analysis of recent progress and highlights mayor challenges concerning process standardization, scalability and material properties. The findings support the potential of Opuntia spp. as a versatile platform for sustainable materials and point to future research needed for industrial implementation.
Copyright (c) 2026 Joanna Ramón-Santos, Gabriela Castañeda-Corral, Gabriela Trejo-Tapia, Rosa Mariana Montiel-Ruiz, Herminia López-Salazar, Antonio Ruperto Jiménez-Aparicio
Environmental Fate and Ecotoxicological Impacts of Bioplastics: Degradation Pathways and Emerging Knowledge Gaps
Plastic waste is one of the most concerning issues for the environment in the world. Many researchers are seeking sustainable solutions by replacing petroleum-based plastic with bio-based plastic. Bioplastic is synthesized from natural resources, and it can degrade in different ecosystems. Therefore, it could serve as alternative to combat the harmful impacts of conventional plastic. This review explores different bio-based polymers such as polylactic acid (PLA), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), starch blends (SB), and cellulose-based bioplastics (CB). These polymers can be used for many industrial applications, including agriculture, automobiles, textiles, packaging, and medical. To give insight into the procedure of bioplastic manufacture, various processes are analyzed in this review, including the solvent casting technique, extrusion techniques, injection molding, and 3D printing. The products of bioplastics such as micro-nano plastic, monomers, and oligomers released after degradation are critically analyzed and the toxicity of bioplastic on different ecosystems has been discussed. A research gap was also identified, as most toxicological studies of bioplastic do not include the LC50/LD50 threshold.
Copyright (c) 2026 Noshabah Tabassum , It Ee Lee, Iqra Safdar, Maria Qayyum, Amna Bashir, Tanzeela Tahir, Qamar Wali, Hammad Khan
Recent Advances in Wood Surface Defect Inspection using Deep Learning (2021-2025)
Surface inspection plays a critical role in the wood industry, as it helps companies to enhance product quality, improves the utilization of wood resources, and increases the value of final products. In recent years, deep learning has emerged as a promising technique in this domain, offering significant advantages over traditional methods by enabling high-precision, real-time inspection. This paper presents a comprehensive review of advancements in the field from 2021 to 2025. It begins with a brief overview of three foundational aspects: common types of wood defects, publicly available datasets, and evaluation metrics. The core of the review then examines recent deep learning applications, organized according to three computer vision tasks—classification, detection, and segmentation. The paper concludes by discussing key challenges and proposing viable directions for future research, thereby offering a clear technical roadmap.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yiming Fang, Yan Ma, Shuang Gao, Junlei Chen
Biochar-Based Approaches for Heavy Metal Remediation in Agricultural Soils: Mechanisms, Optimization, and Emerging AI Applications
Heavy metal contamination in agricultural soils poses persistent risks to crop safety and food-chain exposure. Although biochar is widely proposed—and increasingly applied—as a remediation amendment, field performance remains highly variable across soil constraints, metal speciation, and biochar designs. This review addresses this uncertainty by translating immobilization pathways (sorption/ complexation, precipitation, and redox-mediated stabilization) into a decision-oriented “mechanism–lever–endpoint” framework, thus linking mechanistic hypotheses to controllable engineering strategies such as feedstock selection, pyrolysis windows, and mineral/composite design. Beyond established plant–microbe interactions, there is a critical assessment of under-synthesized biochar–soil fauna pathways, with a focus on earthworms, and a reconciliation of conflicting evidence by highlighting boundary conditions that shift biological responses. Agronomic trade-offs and environmental risks are considered, associated with biochar production and application, emphasizing failure modes relevant to long-term soil health and remediation reliability. To support decision-grade deployment under heterogeneous evidence, a bias-aware AI-assisted workflow is outlined, which stresses standardized reporting, interpretability, and leakage-safe validation. Overall, the review integrates engineering options with biological synergies into a practical roadmap for more predictable and site-specific remediation in agricultural soils.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rui Wu, Mingxian Zhang, Faidzul Hakim Adnan, Pei Yi Siow, Mohd Izzudin Izzat Zainal Abidin
Progress on Lignin Separation and Its Application in Sunscreen
Lignin, a prospective bioresource from plants, has been undervalued for several dozen years because of the unpredictable structures and their changeability during extraction. Recently, lignin has become a star for certain researchers who are aiming to develop sunscreen products offering production against UV radiation. The preparation of lignin into sunscreens as a natural alternative to chemical products may offer new perspectives. This review discusses how lignin isolation methods and the resulting structural characteristics affect UV absorption, thereby determining the potential of lignin as a UV-absorbing and blocking agent in sunscreen formulations. The application of lignin in cosmetics may present great benefit to humans and their skin care needs.
Copyright (c) 2026 Busheng Zhang, Yun Jia, Baohua Li, Hao Liu, Shiyu Fu
Research Progress in the Application of Advanced Oxidation Pretreatment for Biomass Energy Production
Lignocellulosic biomass is an abundant renewable energy resource whose total energy content far exceeds current global demand. Its polysaccharides, cellulose, and hemicelluloses are primary targets for valorization; however, the recalcitrant structure of plant cell walls necessitates effective pretreatment. Among physical, physicochemical, chemical, and biological methods, advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have emerged as an efficient and environmentally compatible chemical strategy. This review systematically evaluates nine major AOPs for lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment: Fenton and Fenton-like processes, alkaline H₂O₂, peracetic acid, persulfate, ozone, photocatalysis, electrochemical oxidation, wet air oxidation, and cavitation-assisted methods. For each, reaction mechanisms, advantages and limitations, recent advances, economic considerations, and scale-up challenges are discussed. Persulfate-based systems, wet air oxidation, and hybrid strategies (e.g., photo-Fenton, alkaline H₂O₂–cavitation, electrochemical–ozone–H₂O₂) are identified as particularly promising. Future research should prioritize novel catalyst development, reactor optimization, multi-mechanism integration, and rigorous techno-economic and life-cycle assessments. Coupling AOPs with renewable energy sources will be critical to improving energy efficiency and enabling cost-effective large-scale application.
Copyright (c) 2026 Xueshuai Zhang, Mengtian Huang, Yao Long, Qihang Li, Wenbing Zhou, Naidong Xiao, Jianbo Cai
Review of Integrated Supply Chain Strategies for Agro-forestry Residues
Establishing an economically efficient supply chain for biomass feedstock is a critical prerequisite for achieving large-scale bioenergy development under China’s “dual carbon” strategy. Focusing on agro-forestry residue feedstocks, this paper systematically reviews the technologies and models for the key stages of their collection, storage, and transportation (CST) system. The inherent physicochemical characteristics of biomass, such as low bulk density and high moisture content, constitute a fundamental physical bottleneck that constrains its economic viability. To this end, pretreatment technologies, with densification at their core, are widely recognized as a critical technological stage for enhancing logistics efficiency and achieving value addition. In contrast to the technological optimization of individual stages, systemic integration strategies—such as establishing a hybrid “decentralized-centralized” supply chain model and employing multi-modal transport—represent a more effective pathway to achieving whole-chain cost reduction and efficiency enhancement. Through a systematic integration of research in this field, this paper emphasizes that the key to resolving CST bottlenecks lies in adopting a whole-chain perspective that involves the deep coupling of essential pretreatment technologies with innovative supply chain organizational models.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yuhang Liu, Zelong Zhao, Hong Ding, Zhou Liu, Rui Xiao; Shiliang Wu
Stickies in Recovered Paper Fiber Suspensions: A Tutorial Review
The paper industry has achieved relatively high levels of recovery and reuse of cellulosic fibers by the recycling of paper. The industry’s record of recovering material from used paper products far exceeds that of, for instance, the plastics industry. However, in the course of that success there are challenges. This paper provides a tutorial review of problems related to the stickies content of recovered used paper material. The review considers what stickies are composed of, how they can affect papermaking and its products, and how papermakers can minimize their adverse effects. Stickies tend to be problematic in mills without deinking systems. Though some stickies can be removed by screening, much of the material is expected to deform and thereby pass through industrial screens. Larger stickies (macrostickies) can be removed using hydrocyclones, whereas smaller ones (microstickies) are often removed using flotation. Other approaches to dealing with stickies include using detackifiers, which essentially means covering the stickies with a polymer or a mineral product. Production teams can optimize conditions to retain the stickies, ideally as small particles, onto cellulosic fibers. Because the processes are complex, and the composition of recovered stock tends to change over time, continuing efforts will be required. Effective control of stickies can be expected to require effective collaboration among people at the mill, chemical supplier companies, and machinery specialists.
Biomethane Production, Upgrading, and Use from a Systems Perspective
This review examines the biomethane value chain from feedstock selection and feedstock-specific pretreatment to digester operation, gas upgrading, utilization pathways, and life-cycle constraints. Rather than evaluating biomethane by methane purity alone, it emphasizes the combined effects of feedstock quality, pretreatment intensity, process stability, upgrading energy demand, methane slip, digestate management, and end-use infrastructure. Key anaerobic digestion variables, including temperature, pH, volatile fatty acids, carbon-to-nitrogen ratio, organic loading rate, hydraulic retention time, and inhibitor control, are linked to process robustness. Major upgrading technologies, including water scrubbing, chemical absorption, pressure swing adsorption, membrane separation, and cryogenic separation, are compared in terms of methane purity, methane loss, energy demand, cost tendency and deployment fit. Biomethane shows the strongest mitigation potential when wastes are locally sourced, methane losses are controlled and digestate is safely recycled.
Copyright (c) 2026 Deliang Xiao, Xiyu Wang, Hong Ding, Zhou Liu, Richen Lin
Optimization in Structural Design of Corrugated Board: Existing Techniques, Current Gaps, and Future Perspectives
Corrugated board, traditionally used in packaging, is increasingly explored as a structural material for lightweight engineering applications, including furniture, panels, and temporary building components. This transition requires moving beyond empirical design rules toward performance-driven and optimization-based methodologies. This paper presents a critical review of optimization techniques applied to the structural design of corrugated board, with emphasis on the mechanical and numerical foundations required for physically reliable optimization. The reviewed studies were selected from major scientific databases using keywords related to corrugated board, structural optimization, finite element modeling, homogenization, surrogate modeling, machine learning, hygro-mechanical behavior, failure mechanisms, and experimental validation. Unlike earlier reviews focused mainly on industrial optimization practices and algorithms, this review highlights model fidelity, validation hierarchy, moisture sensitivity, local failure, interface damage, and the maturity of data-driven workflows. Analytical models, finite element approaches, homogenization frameworks, reduced-order models, and surrogate-assisted strategies are discussed in terms of their applicability to iterative optimization. Key design variables, including flute geometry, layer configuration, material anisotropy, and environmental conditions, are related to stiffness, strength, stability, ECT, BCT, and material efficiency. The main gaps include limited validation, simplified moisture-dependent and failure descriptions, weak interface-damage modeling, and the early development of digital-twin concepts for corrugated board design.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tomasz Garbowski, Julia Graczyk, Dawid Karasiewicz
Advances in Timber Identification Using Deep Learning: A Review of Convolutional Neural Network Models
Machine Vision (MV) software has emerged as a powerful tool for timber species identification, offering significant advantages including species-level accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and the elimination of human errors. The development of MV software relies on three major supporting technologies: computer vision, machine learning (ML), and deep learning (DL). This paper provides an in-depth exploration of the role of DL, with a particular focus on convolutional neural networks (CNNs), in enhancing MV software for timber identification. The potential of CNN architectures is examined in detail, including a review of commonly used CNN models and their effectiveness in identifying different timber species. This paper also discusses current practices in developing CNN models for integration into MV software for timber identification tasks, highlighting the standards and procedures researchers should follow to ensure optimal performance and reliability. Additionally, the challenges associated with implementing CNN models for timber identification are addressed. They include limited model usability due to the diversity of timber species and geographical variation. Variability in methodologies, imaging devices, and data processing approaches across studies further complicates the comparison and integration of results. This paper emphasises the need for standardised practices and further empirical research to address these inconsistencies and improve CNN-based MV systems for timber identification.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kuryati Kipli, Muhammad Zakwan Suhaimee
Prospecting Ligninolytic Enzymes Toward Lignin Valorization
The enzymatic breakdown of lignin generates a spectrum of aromatic monomers — including vanillin, guaiacol, syringaldehyde, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid — that serve as platform chemicals for pharmaceuticals, fragrances, resins, and bio-based polymers. However, its complex and recalcitrant structure necessitates highly efficient enzymatic systems for depolymerization. This review systematically classifies ligninolytic enzymes into five functional categories: laccases, peroxidases (including manganese peroxidases, lignin peroxidases, and versatile peroxidases), cytochrome P450s, dye-decolorizing peroxidases (DyPs), and auxiliary enzymes, evaluating their distinct roles and synergies in lignin breakdown. Laccases emerge as particularly versatile biocatalysts due to their widespread occurrence, broad substrate specificity, and operational flexibility under diverse conditions. Peroxidases drive critical oxidative reactions, while DyPs represent a functionally robust peroxidase class with superior stability under extreme pH, temperature, and pressure. Complementary enzymes such as etherases and lignin-mimetic systems further expand the toolbox for lignin valorization. To overcome inherent limitations of native enzymes, protein engineering strategies were highlighted to enhance catalytic efficiency, stability, and substrate affinity. Additionally, enzyme immobilization on advanced matrices (e.g., metal-organic frameworks) is discussed as a breakthrough approach to improve reusability and reaction scalability. These integrated advancements pave the way for sustainable lignin valorization.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bo-Chao Gao, Eric Fordjour, Jian-Ning Hu, Tao Xu, Xia Li, Zhi-Hua Liu, Bing-Zhi Li
Activated Carbon from Lignocellulosic Biomass for Biogas Upgrading: Structure, Activation, and Adsorption Mechanisms
Biogas produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic biomass is a renewable energy source with significant potential to replace fossil fuels. However, impurities such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and water vapor reduce its calorific value and cause operational challenges. Upgrading is therefore essential to increase methane concentration and biogas quality. Among various upgrading technologies, adsorption using activated carbon offers a practical, low cost, and energy efficient alternative. Activated carbon derived from lignocellulosic biomass exhibits high surface area (up to 3000 m²/g), tunable pore structure, and resistance to moisture saturation, making it suitable for carbon dioxide and methane separation. Activation techniques, both physical (using carbon dioxide or steam) and chemical (using potassium hydroxide or phosphoric acid), significantly influence surface functional groups and pore distribution. Natural and synthetic binders such as bentonite clay, methyl cellulose, and polyvinyl alcohol can enhance mechanical strength and adsorption stability in humid conditions. This review considers the structure, activation, and adsorption mechanisms of biomass derived activated carbon for biogas purification. Future research directions include hybrid composite development, functional surface modification, and performance evaluation under industrial biogas conditions. Overall, activated carbon represents a sustainable and efficient adsorbent supporting the transition toward cleaner and low carbon energy systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Redzuan Mohammad Suffian James, Paik San H'ng, Norwahyuni Mohd Yusof, Nam Kun Teo, Tung Woey Chew, D. Rasdianah
Recent Developments in Natural Biopolymer Composites for Active Food Packaging
The transition toward a circular economy has established biodegradable polymer composites as a critical platform for active food packaging. This review systematically examines the structural design, functional mechanisms, and application performance of natural biopolymer matrices, including polysaccharides and proteins. Physicochemical coupling among polymer-network architecture, interfacial interactions, and active-agent dispersion governs the integration of antimicrobial, antioxidant, gas-barrier, UV-shielding, moisture-regulating, and stimuli-responsive functions. Particular emphasis is placed on controlled mass transfer and release kinetics at active packaging interfaces. Active-agent delivery is governed by molecular diffusion, polymer-network relaxation, carrier structure, and microenvironmental triggers such as pH, humidity, and temperature, which collectively determine the effective concentration and duration of antimicrobial and antioxidant activity. These structure–release–function relationships are further evaluated in high-moisture foods, respiring fruits and vegetables, and low-moisture or lipid-rich products. In addition, this review discusses the major constraints on industrial translation, including the migration and regulatory compliance of intentionally and non-intentionally added substances, nanoparticle safety, environment-dependent biodegradation, life cycle impacts, and thermomechanical challenges associated with continuous processing. Future development should move beyond passive material substitution toward the integrated design of active and intelligent packaging, scalable manufacturing, food-specific performance validation, and multi-objective optimization of functionality, safety, cost, and end-of-life behavior.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yawei Cai, Na Sun, Qixuan Lin , Jianghe Liu , Yongjun Chen
A Need to Explain Apparent ‘Hard-to-biodegrade’ Cellulose Remainders in CO2-based Test Results
The extent of cellulose fiber biodegradation, according to many published studies, tends to reach a plateau value well below 100%. This editorial proposes that the apparent residue of not-biodegraded cellulose may be due to simplifying assumptions in a commonly used assay to quantify cellulose biodegradation. Some such tests are based on the production of CO2. The evolved CO2 is removed from the air by an alkaline trap, which triggers a quantified addition of O2 gas. However, N2 and NH3 gases are evolved during biodegradation. The theoretical amount of nitrogen might explain a shift of up to 0.63% in the extent of biodegradation. Another possibility is that the evolution of nitrogen-based gases starves the biological system of nitrogen, thereby terminating biodegradation in the test container. This editorial asks: “Is biodegradation of cellulose usually more complete in comparison to the results from standard tests?” If yes, that would match the fact that cellulose does not build up endlessly in the environment. These findings have direct implications for natural fibers such as cotton, which might be systematically underdetermined in standard biodegradation comparisons against synthetic fibers.
Copyright (c) 2026 Martin A. Hubbe, Soojin Kwon, Jesse S. Daystar, Joel J. Pawlak, Richard A. Venditti
Biomass Energy for National Energy Security, Sustainability and Rural Revitalization
Biomass energy refers to various forms of energy derived from plants and microorganisms, including agricultural residues, forestry wastes, energy crops, and organic components of municipal and industrial wastes. It is a promising renewable energy source and an important part of the global sustainable energy system. As a renewable, carbon-neutral energy resource, it plays a critical role in replacing fossil fuels, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and building a sustainable low-carbon energy system. It also plays an important role in ensuring national energy security, social sustainable development, and rural revitalization. It is an effective way of biomass valorization and an important component of the low-carbon economy. Great progress in biomass energy development has been made in recent years. However, large-scale biomass energy development is still facing great challenges. This editorial will give a brief discussion on biomass energy in relation to national energy security, sustainability, and rural revitalization. In addition, the challenges of large-scale biomass energy development will also be addressed.
Copyright (c) 2026 Xingyang Xv, Zhanye Xv, Shengdong Zhu, Fang Jin, Qijun Wang
Corrugated Box Specification and Optimization
Corrugated box specifications are often written for ease of purchasing comparison or simple validation rather than for end-use performance. This practice may not be ideal for optimization of either costs or sustainability. Given the functional needs of the packaging, the purchaser is better served by collaborating with their packaging provider to create a technical spec that provides flexibility for true optimization. That process must recognize existing variability in materials and distribution environments. It requires understanding acceptable failure rates, clear distinctions between critical and non-critical damage, and collaboration to identify root causes. No single metric can capture all box requirements; achieving further light-weighting and performance gains depends on multi-metric, trust-based producer–purchaser partnerships.
On a Universal Factory-Oriented Quality Index for Corrugated Board
Quality assessment of corrugated board in industrial practice is usually based on individual laboratory tests such as the edge-crush test, bending stiffness, or shear-related measurements. While informative, single-test evaluation cannot capture the combined effects of anisotropy, structural degradation, and material efficiency. This editorial highlights the need for a universal, factory-oriented quality index that integrates results from commonly used tests into a single, interpretable scalar. The proposed concept emphasizes normalization with respect to basis weight, aggregation of directional properties, and sensitivity to shear-related damage mechanisms. A general mathematical framework is outlined, demonstrating how mechanical performance, structural integrity, and economic considerations may be combined to support transparent benchmarking and more informed industrial decision-making.
Thermally Responsive Methylcellulose-based Gels and High Internal Phase Pickering Emulsion as Pesticide and Fertilizer Delivery Carriers for Forestry Management
Methylcellulose (MC), as a simple cellulose derivative has unique merits, involving water solubility and inherent temperature-induced phase transitions, which have potential in sustainable pesticide delivery applications. Despite the discovery of MC’s thermally responsive property in 1935, it attracted attention just a few years ago, owing to increasing demands for sustainable materials. However, the phase transition temperature of MC thermogel is relatively high, and factors on tuning its low critical solution temperature are also not clearly elucidated, which restricts its gelation and Pickering emulsion delivery material developments. This editorial discusses solutions in terms of tunable thermally induced phase transitions of MC, hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose, carboxyl methylcellulose, and their thermogels and high internal phase Pickering emulsions as potential pesticide- and fertilizer-delivery carrier materials to enrich diverse forestry management practices and contribute to sustainable agricultural ecosystems and unmanned aerial vehicles-based low-altitude economy.
Artistic Path of Changbaishan Bio-based Packaging: The Structural Contribution of Paper-cutting Craft to Achieving High-purity Recycling
This editorial explores a decorative green packaging approach that integrates Changbaishan plant fibers with the intangible cultural heritage (ICH) paper-cutting craft, focusing on its structural contribution to high-purity recycling. It is shown that replacing chemical laminates and synthetic components in conventional modern packaging with the hollow-out aesthetics of paper-cutting can significantly increase the specific surface area of materials, thus accelerating biodegradation rates. This structural strategy not only ensures the purity of fiber recycling but also elevates the green premium of the Changbaishan brand through the infusion of ICH culture, providing a replicable practical model for the green transformation of local characteristic economies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Chuanming Ma, Yufan Wen, Ming Liu
The Indigenous Woods of The Carving Art in the Sarawak Malaysia Forest
In many human societies, trees are an essential component of creative expression. The native people of Borneo, an ethnic group who formerly inhabited a large portion of Borneo, combine technology, art, and traditional knowledge of trees and their forests in their woodcarving art. The carved art depicts the generational sociocultural link between people, their land, and sustainable management techniques meant to protect traditional culture. In the context of the Sarawak Iban in Borneo, this editorial emphasizes the relationship between wood qualities and indigenous carving art with the goal of demonstrating ancestral knowledge of the forest and its species.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sinin Hamdan, Doris Maying, Ezra Alfandy M. Duin, Aaliyawani Ezzerin Sinin