Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Eyob Wondu, Zelalem Chernet Lule, Jooheon Kim
Summary: This study aims to fabricate a composite material with a high dielectric constant and suitable thermal conductivity, consisting of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and carbon nanotube (CNT)-covered strontium titanate (SrTiO3). The results showed that the dielectric constants of the composites with 40% CNT-covered SrTiO3 were three times higher than the pure TPU matrix. The thermal conductivity was significantly improved by 9 times compared with the pure TPU, while the tensile strength and thermal stability were minimally affected.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Bing Wang, Nan Li, Xin Fu, Shan Cheng, Na Zhao, Jiazi Zhang, Fangyuan Hu, Qingguang Bao, Haoyue Hao, Xigao Jian
Summary: This paper presents a facile and effective method to improve the mechanical and thermal properties of CF/PPBESK composites by modifying PPBESK resin with SiC nanowires. The results show that the incorporation of SiC nanowires enhances the toughness of the resin and the interfacial performance between CF and PPBESK, leading to significant improvements in the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Basheer A. Alshammari, Mohammed S. Alsuhybani, Alaa M. Almushaikeh, Bander M. Alotaibi, Asma M. Alenad, Naif B. Alqahtani, Abdullah G. Alharbi
Summary: Carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymers have various advantages such as high strength-to-weight ratio, high wear resistance, and recyclability, making them widely used in industrial applications. The focus of the study is on the superiority of carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymers over thermosetting and elastomer polymers, as well as the in-depth exploration of surface modification techniques.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Eyob Wondu, Jooheon Kim
Summary: This study focuses on the development of composite materials using thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with fillers such as barium titanate (BaTiO3) and graphene. The results demonstrate a three-fold improvement in the dielectric constant and an improved tensile strength for the 40 wt.% BaTiO3 and graphene-TPU-PLA blends composites, as well as a doubled thermal conductivity compared to the neat TPU-PLA matrix.
POLYMER ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Polymer Science
A. M. Radzi, Sheikh Ahmad Zaki, Mohamad Zaki Hassan, R. A. Ilyas, Khairur Rijal Jamaludin, Mohd Yusof Md Daud, Sa'ardin Abd Aziz
Summary: Natural-fiber-reinforced composites, especially bamboo, are considered as alternative materials with advantages such as being environmentally friendly, renewable, low-cost, low-density, non-toxic, and fully biodegradable. This review focuses on bamboo fiber composites and discusses their types, polymer matrices, hybrid composites, and applications. Moisture poses a constraint in the development of bamboo fiber composites, but efforts have been made to mitigate its effect through chemical treatments.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Chakib Mokhtari, Tarik Harit, Ramzi Khiari, Fouad Malek
Summary: Biocomposite materials were prepared by reinforcing two jojoba oil-based aliphatic or aromatic polyurethanes with cellulose fibers extracted from alfa stems. Analysis by FTIR and SEM showed good compatibility between fibers and matrices, while thermal and mechanical properties were significantly improved.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yeyen Nurhamiyah, Sungkwon Yoon, Biqiong Chen
Summary: Novel wholly biobased nanocomposites prepared from polyamide 36,36 thermoplastic elastomer and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) show improved mechanical properties and hardness, making them potential alternatives for existing rubbers with low or medium hardness.
MACROMOLECULAR MATERIALS AND ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Yeyen Nurhamiyah, Amalina Amir, Marie Finnegan, Efrosyni Themistou, Mohan Edirisinghe, Biqiong Chen
Summary: The wholly biobased, self-healing polyamide-based thermoplastic elastomer synthesized using a fatty dimer acid and a fatty dimer amine exhibits superior stretchability, high toughness, and excellent shape recovery. Its outstanding properties are attributed to the highly entangled main chain, multiple dangling chains, reversible physical bonds, intermolecular diffusion, and low ratio of amide to methylene group within the elastomer.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Eyob Wondu, Geunhyeong Lee, Jooheon Kim
Summary: A composite of polymer blends, consisting of thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA), was fabricated with the addition of BaTiO3-SiC particles. BaTiO3 was used to improve the dielectric properties of the composite, while SiC enhanced the thermal conductivity. Surface modifications of BaTiO3 and SiC particles were conducted to improve their compatibility with the polymer matrix. The resulting composites showed improved thermal stability and enhanced thermal conductivity.
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Deepak Verma, Kheng Lim Goh, Vrince Vimal
Summary: Growing environmental concerns have increased awareness about waste utilization and management. Agro-waste is a significant contributor to environmental issues, but it can be utilized for new materials through treatment. The focus is on modulating the mechanical properties of polymer-based composites and covers various physical and chemical treatment methods and their effects.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
R. Li, X. Yang, J. Li, Y. Shen, L. Zhang, R. Lu, C. Wang, X. Zheng, H. Chen, T. Zhang
Summary: This review discusses in detail how to balance the thermal conductivity and dielectric properties in polymer composites. The recent progress of thermally conductive fillers is summarized, and the challenges and outlooks of polymers with high thermal conductivity and low dielectric properties are outlined.
MATERIALS TODAY PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Jose Antonio Butenegro, Mohsen Bahrami, Yentl Swolfs, Jan Ivens, Miguel angel Martinez, Juana Abenojar
Summary: This study aims to incorporate mechanically recycled aerospace prepreg waste in thermoplastic composite materials to reduce environmental impact and promote the use of recycled materials. The results show that the recycled prepregs are a suitable reinforcement, enhancing reinforcement-matrix adhesion and leading to higher mechanical properties. The potential of incorporating recycled aerospace prepreg waste in thermoplastic composite materials to produce high-performance and sustainable components in the aerospace and automotive industries is demonstrated.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Faris M. AL-Oqla, Mohammed T. Hayajneh, Amal Aldhirat
Summary: This study investigated the performance of Mediterranean lignocellulosic fiber-reinforced polypropylene composites using various Jordanian lignocellulosic fibers. Results showed significant effects of different fibers on the mechanical performance characteristics of the composites, particularly enhancing stiffness property. Additionally, coefficient of friction was found to vary with fiber loading and type.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Bruno F. A. Valente, Armando J. D. Silvestre, Carlos Pascoal Neto, Carla Vilela, Carmen S. R. Freire
Summary: Green composites made of bioplastics reinforced with natural fibers have gained considerable attention. In this study, two additives, epoxidized linseed oil and a sugar-based surfactant, were tested in composite formulations of poly(lactic acid) or poly(hydroxybutyrate) reinforced with micronized pulp fibers. The additives showed a plasticizing effect, improving elongation, flexural strain at break, and melt flow rate. However, the additives also accelerated the degradation of the composites, leading to significant weight loss under compost conditions.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Kirill Minchenkov, Sergey Gusev, Anastasiia Rogozheva, Artem Tronin, Mariia Diatlova, Alexander Safonov
Summary: Pultruded thermoplastic composite profiles offer advantages over conventional thermoset counterparts, such as high impact toughness, recyclability, and smaller environmental footprint. By using preconsolidated tapes made from glass fiber/polypropylene commingled yarns with high fiber content, thermoplastic profiles with excellent mechanical properties can be produced.
COMPOSITES COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Irsan Alipraja, Roger E. Hernandez, Claudia B. Caceres, Ahmed Koubaa
Summary: The effects of counter-knife angle and wood temperature on the size distribution of Jack pine strands were studied. It was found that the counter-knife angle and wood temperature affected the proportion of strands, fines, pin chips, and strands' width. The proportion of strands and the mean strand width increased as the counter-knife angle decreased, while the proportion of fines and pin chips decreased. Frozen logs produced narrower strands and more fines and pin chips than unfrozen logs.
Article
Forestry
Biaorong Zhuang, Alain Cloutier, Ahmed Koubaa
Summary: This study investigates the feasibility of producing OSB from softwood species used in the Eastern Canadian softwood lumber industry. The study found that the species significantly affected the physical and mechanical properties of OSB. The panels made from softwood species showed properties exceeding the standard requirements, except for high thickness swelling. The combination of softwood and aspen strands significantly improved the thickness swelling of softwood-based OSB.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Kamalpreet Kaur Brar, Yashika Raheja, Bhupinder Singh Chadha, Sara Magdouli, Satinder Kaur Brar, Yung-Hun Yang, Shashi Kant Bhatia, Ahmed Koubaa
Summary: The global cannabis market is expected to reach 40.6 billion by 2024, with Canada being the second nation to legalize cannabis. Waste cannabis biomass management strategies are not sustainable, while greenhouse gas emissions and the demand for petroleum-based fuels pose environmental threats. Cannabis biomass can be used to produce biofuels and biochemicals. Ethanol, hydrogen, lipids, biogas, and biochar can be produced from cannabis biomass. This review summarizes the legal and market status of cannabis, recent advancements in biomass pre-treatment, and challenges and future perspectives in hemp bioconversion.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mouna Gmar, Hassine Bouafif, Besma Bouslimi, Flavia L. Braghiroli, Ahmed Koubaa
Summary: This study evaluated the effect of pyrolysis temperature on the disposal of chromated copper arsenate-treated wood. The results showed that low temperature and fine particles resulted in higher biochar yield and heavy metal retention. However, the heavy metal leaching from the biochar exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency's limit.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hamza Bradai, Ahmed Koubaa, Hassine Bouafif, Armand Langlois, Basma Samet
Summary: This study assessed the effect of different wood particles as reinforcement in rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) and investigated the impact of fiber treatments and mechanical stirring on foam properties. The results showed that mechanical stirring was an effective method to enhance the reinforcement power of untreated fibers. The introduction of wood flour significantly increased the compressive strength of RPUF foams.
Article
Polymer Science
Jingfa Zhang, Ahmed Koubaa, Dan Xing, Haigang Wang, Yubo Tao, Xiang-Ming Wang, Peng Li
Summary: The flame retardancy and mechanical properties of multilayered wood-polymer composites were studied in this paper. The addition of boric acid improved the fire retardancy but decreased the flexural strength. The presence of PC cap layers suppressed combustion and increased the flexural strength of the composites.
Article
Forestry
Biaorong Zhuang, Alain Cloutier, Ahmed Koubaa
Summary: The internal structure of oriented strand board (OSB) consists of a large number of voids, which significantly affect the panel performance. This study investigated the void characteristics of OSB panels with different structures using X-ray microcomputer tomography. The results showed that the porosity profile of OSB panels is opposite to the density. Panels with a mixture of black spruce and aspen strands had higher porosity, a steeper porosity profile, and smaller void size compared to panels with black spruce strands. This resulted in different bending properties, internal bonding, water absorption rate, and thickness swelling of the panels.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WOOD AND WOOD PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Cyriac S. Mvolo, Venceslas Goudiaby, Ahmed Koubaa, James D. Stewart
Summary: This study investigates the impact of spacing between trees and sampling height on wood quality attributes of Picea glauca trees. It found that spacing did not significantly affect wood quality attributes, while sampling height had a greater impact.
Article
Polymer Science
Dan Xing, Ahmed Koubaa, Yubo Tao, Sara Magdouli, Peng Li, Hassine Bouafif, Jingfa Zhang
Summary: An ecofriendly approach was developed to prepare copper-doped carbon dots (CDs) with superior photocatalysis using chromium-copper-arsenic (CCA)-treated wood waste as a precursor. The chemical composition, structure, morphology, optical properties, and photocatalytic ability of the synthesized CDs varied with the type of wood used. Copper doping improved the CDs' photocatalytic efficiency by giving them electron acceptor properties. This study provides a novel method for preparing nanomaterials from decommissioned wood as a nontoxic and low-cost alternative to fluorescent dots.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Cyriac S. Mvolo, Emmanuel A. Boakye, Ahmed Koubaa
Summary: The relative proportions of different chemical components in wood tissues play a crucial role in determining wood properties. Accurately describing the variations of carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen concentrations in different tissue types is important for forest biogeochemical budgets and models. The study evaluated these variations in white spruce samples from a spacing intensities trial in Canada and found that drying methods and spacing intensities impacted the concentrations of these chemical elements. The results also suggested treating bark and knots as separate fuel types for their chemical element content.
Article
Microbiology
Dan Xing, Sara Magdouli, Jingfa Zhang, Hassine Bouafif, Ahmed Koubaa
Summary: This study investigated the effects of Yarrowia lipolytica on the bioremediation of CCA-treated wood wastes. The results showed that the yeast strains remained on the wood surface after bioremediation and changed in morphology due to copper stress. The study also demonstrated that it is feasible to remove heavy metals from CCA-treated wood using Y. lipolytica without damaging the wood structure, especially with copper-induced Y. lipolytica.
Article
Polymer Science
Morgan Lecoublet, Mohamed Ragoubi, Nathalie Leblanc, Ahmed Koubaa
Summary: This study presents a new approach to formulating biobased blends and investigates their dielectric and rheological performances for electrical insulation applications. The results show the molecular interactions between different polymers and the influence of temperature, frequency, and polymer nature on the dielectric properties of the blends.
Article
Forestry
Irsan Alipraja, Roger E. Hernandez, Ahmed Koubaa
Summary: Optimizing the machining parameters of the strander-canter is crucial for achieving optimal strand size, better cant surface quality, and reduced energy consumption. This study evaluated the effect of rake angle on the performance of a strander-canter when processing jack pine logs. The results showed that the rake angle significantly influenced the strand width, proportion, and energy requirements for processing frozen logs. However, its impact on unfrozen logs was only noticeable at a rake angle of 69 degrees. Different rake angles also resulted in variations in chip proportion, energy consumption, and surface quality.
Review
Forestry
Mina Keshvardoostchokami, Flavia Lega Braghiroli, Carmen Mihaela Neculita, Ahmed Koubaa
Summary: Wood-based adsorbents are increasingly used for environmental applications due to their renewable feedstock, simple preparation processes, and advantageous structural and surface properties. This review summarizes recent advances in the preparation and use of modified wood-based residues as adsorbents for water, air, and soil remediation.
CURRENT FORESTRY REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Thomas Sango, Ahmed Koubaa, Mohamed Ragoubi, Martin-Claude Ngueho Yemele, Nathalie Leblanc
Summary: The structure-property relationships of microcrystalline cellulose, polybutylene succinate, and cellulose acetate blends were investigated. Physical interactions between the ingredients were revealed through FTIR and DRIFT analysis, while the presence of entanglements and micro-voids was observed through SEM. DSC analysis showed that different temperature-molded specimens had different crystallinities. Tensile and bending moduli increased with the addition of biofillers, while the elongation at break decreased. Entanglements and micro-voids had detrimental effects on stress levels, but were beneficial for bending strengths.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Jingmo Zhou, Shubin Wu, Ying Liu
Summary: Expenditure isolation of lignin and the understanding of its structural variations during different isolation processes are crucial for the high-value utilization of lignin. This study proposed a green deep eutectic solvent (DES) consisting of choline chloride, ethylene glycol, and 4-chlorobenzene sulfonic acid for rapid lignin separation from poplar. The structural variations of DES lignin and its relationship with alkali pre-extraction of hemicellulose were investigated. The results showed that alkali pretreatment enhanced the DES separation of lignin and promoted the cleavage of specific linkages, resulting in reduced molecular weight and thermal stability of isolated DES lignin. Moreover, DES lignin obtained from integrated utilization displayed higher purity and S/G ratio compared to lignin obtained from direct DES treatment.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yuping Li, Ziyan Xie, Yun Huang, Jiangyi Zeng, Chao Yang, Ling Yuan, Ying Wang, Yongqing Li
Summary: In this study, the characteristic flavonoids (CFs) of three licorice species were identified through integrated metabolic and transcriptomic analysis. The key regulators of CF biosynthesis were also identified. These findings provide valuable information for understanding the biosynthesis of CFs and future breeding of Glycyrrhiza varieties.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xianjie Pan, Zhaoyi Luo, Fanqi Liu, Quanqian Yi, Yanning Zeng
Summary: This study presents a novel strategy for fabricating fully bio-based epoxy vitrimers using peach gum and itaconic acid, which exhibit superior mechanical properties and thermostability. The materials were characterized and the self-healing and recycling capabilities were evaluated. The results demonstrate the potential of using these materials for sustainable industrial applications.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mohsen Sabzi-Nojadeh, Mohammad Pouresmaeil, Mina Amani, Mehdi Younessi-Hamzekhanlu, Filippo Maggi
Summary: This study shows that inoculating Summer savory plants with endophytic fungus Trichoderma harzianum can improve plant growth and increase salt tolerance. The fungus enhances growth, restores chlorophyll and antioxidant levels, reduces harmful substances, and increases proline and soluble sugar levels, thereby increasing crop productivity in saline conditions.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yu Liu, Lei Li, Aichen Zhao, Xiuming Song, Lulu Wei, Mengdi Fang, Chuchu Zheng, Xiaodong Zhu
Summary: This study investigates the impact of peppermint essential oil microcapsules on the unpleasant odor emissions from wax oil coated wood products. The results show that microcapsules can improve the time and stability of odor release.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Mesut Budak, Mirac Kilic, Hikmet Guenal, Ismail Velik, Mesut Sirri
Summary: This study assessed land suitability for rapeseed production using topography, climate, and soil data by analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and the Mamdani Fuzzy Inference System (MFIS). The study area covered land in the Diyarbakir province of southeastern Turkiye. The results indicated the proportions of different land suitability classes and showed the compatibility of AHP and MFIS methods in assessing suitability.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Rui Tian, Yue Liu, Chao Wang, Weikun Jiang, Srinivas Janaswamy, Guihua Yang, Xingxiang Ji, Gaojin Lyu
Summary: In this study, hollow and solid lignin nanoparticles were synthesized through self-assembly and their application in PVA nanocomposite films was investigated. The results showed that the presence of hollow lignin nanoparticles in the films resulted in a room-like network structure, while the solid lignin nanoparticles induced different structural changes. The inclusion of LNPs improved the mechanical properties of the films, and both types of LNPs exhibited good hydrophobicity.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Marcos Vinicius Silva de Andrade, Simone Ribeiro Lucho, Renato Delmondez de Castro, Paulo Roberto Ribeiro
Summary: Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni, commonly known as stevia, is a widely cultivated shrub with highly sweetening metabolites. It has gained significant interest in the food and beverage industries due to its extremely sweet taste and various health benefits. Researchers are currently focused on studying biotechnological strategies to enhance the biosynthesis of stevia plant metabolites for improved cultivation and production.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Eleonora Cintura, Paulina Faria, Luisa Molari, Luca Barbaresi, Dario D'Orazio, Lina Nunes
Summary: This study investigated the properties of Arundo donax as a building material and found that it has strong adaptability, high hygroscopicity, and unique sound absorption behavior. The mechanical tests also demonstrated the applicability of the Arundo donax-based composite. This opens up new possibilities for the further application of Arundo donax-based materials.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Stiina Kotiranta, Juha-Matti Pihlava, Titta Kotilainen, Pauliina Palonen
Summary: The effect of light spectra, particularly far-red and short wavelength radiation, on the growth and secondary metabolites of cannabis is significant. Altering the R:FR ratio can increase the concentration and yield of secondary metabolites, while short wavelength radiation does not significantly affect plant morphology and secondary metabolite concentrations.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xuze Liu, Fangmin Liang, Jinyuan Cheng, Xuelian Zhou, Jia Wang, Guigan Fang, Kuizhong Shen, Xianzhi Meng, Chen Huang, Arthur J. Ragauskas
Summary: A novel Na2S-facilitated DES pretreatment method was proposed to fractionate moso bamboo, which achieved high lignin removal and preserved most cellulose and hemicellulose with excellent enzymatic digestibility.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Zechun Ren, Xinyuan Zhou, Kejiao Ding, Tong Ji, Hao Sun, Xiang Chi, Yunzhao Wei, Min Xu
Summary: This study prepared a thermal/magnetic/light-triggered multi-stimuli responsive shape memory polymer composite with excellent properties by adding magnetic nanoparticles into a polyurethane composite. The composite showed high shape recovery rate, fast response behavior, and suitability for 3D printing. Controllable external stimuli allowed for dynamic, remote, and precise control of 4D transformations. This work is significant for the design of smart materials and devices.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yurany Camacho Ardila, Jaiver Efren Jaimes Figueroa, Maria Regina Wolf Maciel
Summary: The higher heating value (HHV) and elemental composition are important properties of biomass, and their prediction using proximate and ultimate analysis is accurate.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Xiaohan Chen, Xianke Wang, Lili Shang, Xinxin Ma, Changhua Fang, Benhua Fei, Huanrong Liu, Shuqin Zhang
Summary: This study focuses on the comprehensive characterization of the three-dimensional (3D) structure of bamboo parenchyma and the evaluation of its tensile and compressive properties, as well as the analysis of its failure mechanisms. The study found that the measured tensile strength and elastic modulus of the parenchyma tissue are 48.81 MPa and 706.48 MPa, respectively. Compression failure modes in parenchyma tissue encompass compression bending and cell fracture, shear failure of the middle lamella, and detachment and debonding of the cell wall.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Tianfeng Liu, Yuxin Liu, Yunlin Fu, Mengji Qiao, Penglian Wei, Zhigao Liu, Yingjian Li
Summary: This study explored the formation mechanism of agarwood induced by fungus and its potential application in high-quality and high-yielding agarwood production. The results showed that the transition layer played a critical role in the continuous accumulation of agarwood, and the parenchyma cells of the xylem rays and interxylary phloem were the main action site of fungus. The accumulation and distribution of chemical composition in different layers were also investigated. The study identified the drivers of specific compounds and provided a theoretical foundation for future agarwood production.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2024)
