Treesearch

There is an increasing need for inexpensive biodegradable sensors that can be easily employed in networks such as the Internet of Things. Paper materials are renewable, biodegradable, and sustainable, and thus could be used as substrates for electronic sensors. This work examined two commodity cellulose materials, an envelope paper and a linerboard, as potential substrates. A multistage coating process was developed to create a smooth surface for screen-printing of sensors using inexpensive microfibrillated cellulose. Employing this process, approximately 10 gm−2 of microfibrillated...

Postharvest fruit losses can be 25–50 %. This study is to develop a microfibrillated cellulose (MFC)-based lowcost barrier coating technology to extend banana shelf life and decrease postharvest losses. The coating performance of MFC adding carboxymethyl cellulose (MFC/CMC) on banana was evaluated by monitoring banana peel appearance/color browning, weight loss, firmness, and total soluble solids (TSS) at the ambient condition. The results showed that MFC/CMC coating with the addition of a proper amount of CMC could effectively delay banana browning by 2 days and decrease weight loss over...

Vacuum drying technology can produce kiln-dried lumber at rates faster than conventional steam kiln-drying, resulting in reduced operating costs. Because of this, wood products manufacturers are increasingly becoming interested in vacuum drying technology, but the effects of this technology on the flatness of the resulting lumber are not known. This study compared the flatness of hard maple lumber when dried in a vacuum kiln with that of the same type of lumber dried in a conventional steam kiln. The drying schedules were also compared to quantify the difference in amount of time needed to...

Transforming lignocellulose into high-value biochemicals via microbial fermentation is critical for valorizing agricultural/forestry residues and advancing sustainable biomanufacturing. However, fermentation efficiency is hindered by environmental stressors. Herein, soluble lignin was prepared by alkaline dissolution and dialysis of enzymatic hydrolysis lignin and its effects on the above three fermentations were systematically investigated. Results showed that soluble lignin buffered fermentation pH via carboxyl protonation, scavenged ROS through phenolic hydroxyl groups to alleviate...

This study presents a novel approach to fabricate wood composites with exceptional flame retardancy, superior strength and toughness, as well as superhydrophobic/self-cleaning properties. The fabrication process involves densifying delignified wood pre-impregnated with a nitrogen-phosphorus flame retardant via hot-pressing, followed by an adhesive-free, self-curing superhydrophobic dip-coating. The resulting wood exhibits remarkable synergistic performance: exceptional flame retardancy, with peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) decreased by 77.7 % and 63.6 %, respectiv...

Within the Mid-Atlantic United States, widespread landscape disturbance during European colonization resulted in erosion and subsequent storage of legacy sediments within river valleys and floodplains, altering their form, function, and flora. Previous studies of precolonial river corridors have influenced river restoration designs and targets throughout the region, but the generalizability of these studies into other physiographic settings, such as the Coastal Plain, is unknown. Therefore, our study investigated the physical form and riparian vegetation of precolonial stream corridors...

The fire risk of synthetic polymers has emerged as a growing safety issue. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is one of the most used polymers in different applications. However, HDPE has some drawbacks, such as low thermal and mechanical properties. To address this challenge, silane-functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), nano boron oxide (B2O3) and nano zinc oxide (ZnO) were incorporated into the HDPE matrix in different percentages (3 %, and 5 %) and weight ratios (1:1, and 1:2). The CNCs were surface modified through silanization process to enhance dispersion and interfacial...

In this study, a transparent trilayer film was successfully fabricated using blade coating and hot roll lamination techniques, comprising outer layers of polylactic acid (PLA) and an inner layer of a highly shear-oriented cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)/ poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The CNC/PVA coating, with a thickness ranging from 5 to 6 μm and exhibiting a high degree of CNC alignment, significantly enhanced the oxygen and carbon dioxide barrier properties, surpassing PLA by several hundred-fold. Furthermore, these laminates were formed into bags, where a fruit storage test showed that...

Structural insulated panel foams are made primarily from petrochemicals. As a biopolymer, lignin is a promising raw material substitute for foam production. Nondestructive evaluation is routinely used for structural material strength and stiffness assessment. Herein, mechanical acoustic velocity (AV) was used to nondestructively evaluate lignin-foam blocks. Overall, foam block weight was determined, and flying time was measured for various foam thicknesses ranging from 7.26 to 8.89 cm (3.0 to 3.5 in.). Additionally, for each block, AV was measured at several different positions/locations....

Polyurethane foam is a valuable material with applications across the automotive, packaging, construction, appliance, and furniture industries. However, traditional polyurethane foams are made from petroleumbased precursors including harmful isocyanates. Isocyanates are the leading cause of workplace asthma and are made from toxic phosgene gas, representing a challenge to green chemistry principles. To address these concerns, non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) foams replace the traditional polyurethane reaction with a safer, non-isocyanate process most often employing cyclic carbonates and...