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The aim of this study was to discern the film formation mechanism of cellulose nanoparticle suspensions (CNP suspensions) by transforming the film formation process to be a water evaporation process, investigating the fast freeze-drying morphology of CNPs, the resulting natural formation structure, and the relationship of CNPs and water molecules. It was found that an increasing aspect ratio transforms CNPs from the oriented arrangement to a distributed network. Hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces among CNPs led to a close and interactive film formation process, contributing to various...

This study has evaluated the comminution energy reduction efficiency of a multi-stage milling method and established a mathematical mode for estimating the specifc energy consumption as a function of moisture content and particle size change. A Bliss hammer mill was employed to grind the feedstock targeting at two fna screen sizes of 0.84 and 0.69 mm. For the target screen size of 0.84 mm, the single-stage, two-stage, and threestage milling process were employed. Whereas, the single-stage, two-stage, and four-stage milling process were employed for the 0.69-mm target screen size. Four...

Cellulose nanomaterials (CNMs) are a unique type of nanomaterial that are produced via several routes including chemical and mechanical, including the most researched cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). CNM films exhibit excellent oxygen barrier properties in medium to low relative humidity conditions. The oxygen barrier characteristics are desirable for CNM film proposed use in food packaging applications where both performance and biodegradability are of concern. However, the oxygen barrier property of CNM films is reduced if films are exposed to high relative...

Structural insulated panels (SIPs) are a viable, energy-efficient, cost-effective option for commercial and residential buildings. But, acceptance of SIPs has been hindered by the lack of systematic evaluation of lateral load performance in wall applications. This study provides the data needed to characterize lateral load performance of several configurations of SIP walls: single-panel walls with and without hold-downs at various aspect ratios, multiple-panel walls without openings, and multiple-panel walls with various openings. This research involved lateral testing of 54 full-sized SIP...

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) is an important technique used to investigate complex mixtures with pharmaceutical potential. GC×GC expands the peak capacity of the separation, which increases the resolution for more targeted characterization of analytes of interest and trace chemicals. Traditional gas chromatography–mass spectrometry is used to investigate extracts; however, when the mixture is complex, there is a need for higher resolution power to identify the extracts profile completely and discover new extracts of interest. In this study, inkberry chemical...

Comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC×GC) is an important technique used to investigate potential medicinal mixtures. The pharmaceutical industry is a trillion-dollar industry, and 25% of this value comes from plant-derived chemicals. Saw Palmetto (Serenoa repens) berries are known for their medicinal properties. This medicinal alternative aids in treatment of health problems such as asthma, benign prostatic hypertrophy, colds, migraines, prostate cancer, and sore throats. Cancer is a disease where abnormal cells rapidly divide and destroy body tissue. In 2018, an estimated...

This study was undertaken to examine the relationship between lumber grain angle and the energy loss characteristics of structural lumber. A random sample of 100 spruce–pine–fir lumber specimens was obtained from a local lumber yard. Grain angle was measured at numerous locations for each specimen with equipment that uses a dielectric nondestructive testing technique. A commonly used free transverse vibration test, in which the specimens were simply supported in a flatwise bending mode, was used to determine the energy loss characteristics of the specimens. Increases in grain angle...

AbstractThe study summarized in this research note was conducted to examine the relationships between nondestructive evaluation (NDE) parameters, tensile modulus of elasticity (MOE), and strength of spruce–pine–fir structural lumber. Samples were procured from a local lumber yard using a random selection process and were conditioned at the USDA Forest Service, Forest Products Laboratory, to 10% equilibrium moisture content. Static bending and vibration (transverse and longitudinal) nondestructive tests were conducted on each specimen and MOE was calculated. The relationship between static...

Fetterbush (Lyonia lucida) grows in the southern states of the United States. The chemical components in fetterbush are highly concentrated with phenolic compounds. These compounds contribute to the toxicity of the plant and could possibly be igniters for wildfire. In this study, liquid extractions were obtained from fresh Fetterbush samples. Two-dimensional gas chromatography and time of flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC-TOFMS 4D) were used to characterize the chemical compositions in the liquid extractions. GC×GC technology has existed for more than 30 years. This technique opens the peak...

Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) is a native tree in southeastern United States. The wood from this tree is known for resistance to decay and excellent longevity even in soil contact. It is a durable species used for fence post material. It is also known for the stilbene chemicals resveratrol and piceatannol. These chemicals exhibit biological activities, mainly antioxidant properties. Identifying the chemicals that contribute to the durability of black locust could lead to the development of relevant medicinal alternatives and other products. In this study, black locust wood and bark...