Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ermelinda Bloise, Maria Rosaria Lazzoi, Lucia Mergola, Roberta Del Sole, Giuseppe Mele
Summary: Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), a byproduct of the cashew industry, is an important natural source of phenolic compounds that can be used as an alternative to synthetic substances in various industrial applications. The unique functional groups of CNSL components allow for the design of interesting nanostructures with tunable properties for bioactive applications.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
XiaoPing Wang, Li Hong, HaiJian Wu, HuiLin Liu, DeMing Jia
Summary: By modifying rubber powder, the overall performance of rubber asphalt was significantly improved, including enhanced low-temperature resistance to cracking and stability. The modified rubber powder exhibited better dispersion in asphalt and increased interfacial interaction with the asphalt matrix, leading to the enhanced performance of the composite material.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chatree Homkhiew, Chainarong Srivabut, Thanate Ratanawilai, Surasit Rawangwong, Suchart Chantaramanee
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of sludge waste from the natural rubber latex industries on the properties of polypropylene composites. The results showed that the addition of sludge waste decreased the strength but increased the modulus, hardness, and water absorption of the composites. Composite samples made from fresh latex sludge displayed superior performance due to their smaller particle size.
JOURNAL OF MATERIAL CYCLES AND WASTE MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Nik Muhammad Faris Hakimi, Seng Hua Lee, Wei Chen Lum, Siti Fatahiyah Mohamad, Syeed SaifulAzry Osman Al Edrus, Byung-Dae Park, Anis Azmi
Summary: This paper discusses the importance of natural rubber and its reinforcing agents, focusing on the advantages and limitations of nanocellulose as an ideal filler, and how its compatibility with the natural rubber matrix can be improved through surface modification. Researchers use different methods to enhance the performance of nanocellulose and explore the mechanisms behind these surface modification methods.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xue Liang, Hui Hwang Goh, Tonni Agustiono Kurniawan, Dongdong Zhang, Wei Dai, Hui Liu, Jiefeng Liu, Kai Chen Goh
Summary: This article investigates the possibility of using landfill gas (LFG) as a sustainable energy source to power data centers (DCs) and evaluates the impact of waste heat reuse on energy consumption. The study found that utilizing LFG and waste heat not only improves energy efficiency and reduces CO2 emissions, but also brings economic and social benefits, promoting sustainable development.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Si Thu Myint Maung, Rungrote Kokoo, Matthana Khangkhamano
Summary: This study presents an innovative approach that utilizes CO2 microbubbles as a process intensification technique in the production of natural rubber sheets. The use of CO2 microbubbles not only improves the quality and waste management issues associated with traditional methods, but also enhances the key properties of rubber products. Furthermore, this approach promotes sustainable processes by utilizing CO2 as a feedstock.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND PROCESSING-PROCESS INTENSIFICATION
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rawiporn Promsung, Yeampon Nakaramontri, Claudia Kummerloewe, Jobish Johns, Norbert Vennemann, Nitinart Saetung, Ekwipoo Kalkornsurapranee
Summary: In this study, natural rubber was grafted with various acrylic monomers to enhance its mechanical and thermal properties, with improved mechanical properties and crosslinking observed in the grafted rubber vulcanizates. The newly developed curing technique allows for easier processing at low temperatures.
MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Huan Xu, Liang Jiang, Lv Ke, Guiying Zhu, Zi-Lin Zhang, Xinyu Li, Daoyuan Tang, Donghui Huang, Shenghui Zhang, Xinjian He, Hao-Ran Yang, Jiefeng Gao
Summary: A microwave-assisted devulcanization approach was used to process waste latex rubber, resulting in highly devulcanized rubber that can be compounded with poly(lactic acid) to create composites with strong and resilient interfacial adhesion. This method offers a sustainable recycling solution for waste rubber and provides useful components for strengthening poly(lactic acid).
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Narissara Mahathaninwong, Thiensak Chucheep, Seppo Karrila, Wichuta Songmuang, Napat Rodsang, Suphatchakorn Limhengha
Summary: The study found that agarwood waste used as filler significantly affected the cell morphology and properties of natural rubber latex foam. As the loading of agarwood filler increased, cell size increased and a bimodal cell size distribution was observed, along with thicker cell walls resulting in inferior compression set behavior. Additionally, density and hardness of the foam increased with agarwood filler loading.
Article
Polymer Science
Xiaolong Lu, Shuwei Cai, Ben Niu, Xian Li, Qin He, Xianru He
Summary: This paper focuses on the importance and application of rubber surface grafting modification. Different grafting methods including monomer grafting polymerization and coupling reaction are covered and briefly compared. The detailed applications of surface grafting modification techniques in waste rubber fillers, oil-water separation, the medical field, and surface patterns are discussed, along with the new research directions and challenges in the application of surface grafting techniques.
RUBBER CHEMISTRY AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Tonni Agustiono Kurniawan, Christia Meidiana, Mohd Hafiz Dzarfan Othman, Hui Hwang Goh, Kit Wayne Chew
Summary: Malang, Indonesia has faced environmental problems due to excessive municipal solid waste. China's smart city, Nanning, can provide valuable experiences for Malang in improving waste management through digitalization, leading to a transition towards a circular economy.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2023)
Review
Polymer Science
Waraporn Wichaita, Duangkamol Promlok, Narissara Sudjaipraparat, Supang Sripraphot, Teeraporn Suteewong, Pramuan Tangboriboonrat
Summary: This article reviews the modification of natural rubber (NR) latex into engineered particles for use in functional nanocomposites. It discusses methods for modifying synthetic polymer latex, providing a practical guideline for engineering NR particles. Examples of successfully modified NR latex and their applications are presented, showing the different nature and properties compared to synthetic latex.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Macdonald Kitson-Hytey, Bernard Fei-Baffoe, Lyndon N. A. Sackey, Kodwo Miezah
Summary: In recent years, the efficient utilization of agro-waste to produce value-added products has become more popular. This study aimed to explore the use of different enzymes and microorganisms for the production of ethanol from plantain and yam peels. The results showed that fermentation of yam and plantain with Aspergillus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisiae resulted in significant ethanol production, with higher concentrations observed in yam peels.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2022)
Review
Agricultural Engineering
Ranjna Sirohi, Jaemin Joun, Ji Young Lee, Byung Sun Yu, Sang Jun Sim
Summary: This review discusses the use of novel microalgal-bacterial consortium as a solution for the treatment and resource recovery of dairy, starch and aquaculture wastewater. Biofilm reactors containing anaerobic and aerobic sludge have shown high COD and nutrient removal efficiency in the treatment of dairy and starch processing wastewater. However, treatment of aquaculture processing wastewater requires a salt-tolerant bacteria-microalgae consortium.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Arkarapol Thumwong, Jitsuna Darachai, Nuatawan Thamrongsiripak, Shinji Tokonami, Tetsuo Ishikawa, Kiadtisak Saenboonruang
Summary: This work aims to alleviate the issues caused by rapid increases in agricultural wastes by introducing waste fruit peel powder (FPP) derived from mangosteen, pomelo, or durian as natural antioxidants and reinforcing bio-fillers in natural rubber latex (NRL) gloves. The investigation showed that the addition of FPP to NRL composites enhanced the strength and elongation at the break of the specimens, and also provided natural antioxidant properties. The recommended FPP contents for actual glove production were determined based on the comparison with the requirements for medical examination latex gloves.
