Article
Polymer Science
Zihao Guo, Qingfa Zhang, Xufeng Yang, Yong Fang, Xiangqun Qian, Kuichuan Sheng
Summary: This study compares the effects of two processing methods, solution casting and melt injection molding, on the properties of polylactic acid (PLA) composites incorporated with different contents of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The results show that injection molding has a better effect on the dispersion and interfacial bonding of MCC, optimizing the properties of PLA composites.
JOURNAL OF POLYMER RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Gaoyuan Ye, Zelong Li, Boyuan Chen, Xin Bai, Xu Chen, Yingcheng Hu
Summary: In this study, PLA/PCL/MCC composites and PLA/PCL/MCC composite compatibilized by MA copolymer were prepared. The mechanical results showed that the strength and break elongation of the composites were improved after compatibilization. DSC analysis revealed that the crystallinity of the composites increased with MCC content. The 3D printed PLA/PLAma/PCL/5MCC composite exhibited good biocompatibility and adhesion with MCF-7 cells.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qiming Wang, Xinyi Chen, Shaohua Zeng, Pengpeng Chen, Ying Xu, Wangyan Nie, Ru Xia, Yifeng Zhou
Summary: A polycondensate-coated cellulose nanofiber (CNF) hybrid was designed and used as a nanofiller for fabricating CNF-reinforced polylactic acid (PLA) composites. The polycondensate coatings effectively promoted the dispersion of CNFs and enhanced the interfacial compatibility between CNFs and PLA. The resulting composites exhibited significant improvements in processing, mechanical, and thermal properties.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lei Tan, Liangxian Liu, Chaodong Liu, Weihong Wang
Summary: In this study, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was prepared from pulp fibers using a deep eutectic solvent and used as reinforcement in PLA matrix. The MCC/PLA composite sheet showed a 27% increase in tensile strength with 1% cellulose fiber addition, while the elongation at break did not decrease noticeably. The strength enhancement mechanism was elucidated through microscopy and thermal analysis, showing the importance of energy dissipation and compatibility in improving the strength of PLA.
JOURNAL OF RENEWABLE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qingfa Zhang, Rongyan Wang, Weiwei Liu, Yingchun Yang, Lili Huang, Erguang Huo, Zhong Ma
Summary: This study proposes a strategy of reinforcing polylactic acid (PLA) with biochar microspheres (BM), which have even particle size and regular morphology. Although the addition of BM decreases the toughness of PLA, the nucleation effect of BM facilitates crystallization and improves the tensile strength and modulus of BM/PLA composite films. The best tensile strength and modulus are achieved with 2% BM added and 3% added composite films.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Marllon Victor Soares Cabral, Arnaldo Manoel Pereira Carneiro, Rosa Maria Souto Maior, Erika Pinto Marinho, Ana Cecilia Vieira da Nobrega
Summary: The study successfully utilized different surface treatments to improve the mechanical performance of a cementitious composite by using a customized price-quality commercial MCC, achieving greater fracture energies.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Kelly Cristina Coelho de Carvalho Benini, Anne Shayene Campos de Bomfim, Herman Jacobus Cornelis Voorwald
Summary: Growing concerns about environmental issues and global warming have led to increased interest in renewable and biodegradable materials. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in research on polylactic acid (PLA), cellulose, and their combination with 3D printing technology. The importance of polyethylene glycol (PEG) as an additive in the PLA and cellulose composite is also explored.
Article
Materials Science, Characterization & Testing
Luiz C. C. Jesus, Janaine M. Oliveira, Rosineide M. Leao, Lilian R. Beltrami, Ademir J. Zattera, Carla T. M. Anflor, Thiago C. R. Doca, Sandra M. Luz
Summary: This study investigated the mechanical and thermal properties of MFC-reinforced PLA composites and found that the addition of MFC can increase the flexural, tensile, indentation, impact and modulus strengths of the composites. DIC analysis showed that the 0.5wt% MFC/PLA composite exhibited better homogeneity and load dispersion, resulting in higher rigidity, maximum stress, and Poisson's ratio.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Hui Shen, Yushan Li, Wei Yao, Shiwen Yang, Ling Yang, Fei Pan, Zhenming Chen, Xianze Yin
Summary: This study successfully designed a multifunctional biodegradable composite fiber with features such as ultrafast water vapor transport and evaporation, robust mechanical properties, rapid heat dissipation, and excellent antibacterial activity. By converting cellulose powder into spherical cellulose crystal fluids (CNCfs) and embedding them into bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) fibrous membrane, the fibrous membrane obtained unique properties during the electrospinning process.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zhongsen Zhang, Bingyan Cao, Ning Jiang
Summary: This study investigated the degradation behavior and mechanical properties of cellulose nanofiber (CNF)/polylactic acid (PLA) composites. The results showed that the addition of CNF accelerated the degradation rate of PLA, but also resulted in the decrease of composite strength. Furthermore, the study found that the degradation process caused notable deformation in the samples.
Article
Polymer Science
R. A. Ilyas, M. Y. M. Zuhri, H. A. Aisyah, M. R. M. Asyraf, S. A. Hassan, E. S. Zainudin, S. M. Sapuan, S. Sharma, S. P. Bangar, R. Jumaidin, Y. Nawab, A. A. M. Faudzi, H. Abral, M. Asrofi, E. Syafri, N. H. Sari
Summary: This article presents the research progress and characteristics of polyactic acid (PLA) and its natural fiber-based green composites. PLA, as a thermoplastic polymer, has wide potential in replacing traditional polymers. Green composites, with advantages such as degradability, recyclability, high strength, and low toxicity, have been extensively used in fields like packaging and medicine. The article also discusses the research issues, challenges, and future development directions of PLA-based green composites.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mariem Zouari, David B. Devallance, Laetitia Marrot
Summary: The present study found that adding an appropriate amount of biochar can enhance the mechanical strength of PLA and hemp-PLA-based composites, but it may slightly decrease thermal stability and water resistance.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yingchao Wang, Shanshan Liu, Qiang Wang, Xingxiang Ji, Guihua Yang, Jiachuan Chen, Pedram Fatehi
Summary: This study successfully prepared multifunctional composites with integrated strength and ductility by combining lignin-containing cellulose nanofibrils derived from old newspaper with a biodegradable PLA matrix. The mechanical properties of the composite films were enhanced through improved interfacial interaction and compatibility, while the composite materials also showed excellent UV-shielding performance and thermal stability.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Yunchong Zhang, Joost Duvigneau, Xiaofeng Sui, G. Julius Vancso
Summary: The use of Pickering emulsion method to prepare unmodified CNC masterbatch enables good dispersion of CNCs in PLA foams, resulting in smaller, more uniform cell sizes, and higher cell density.
ACS APPLIED POLYMER MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Masrat Rasheed, Mohammad Jawaid, Bisma Parveez, Aamir Hussain Bhat, Salman Alamery
Summary: The study successfully developed a biodegradable polymer blend by adding MCC into PLA-PBS composites, enhancing thermal stability and reducing brittleness of the plastic, making it a potential alternative for food packaging applications.
Article
Thermodynamics
Xiaona Lin, Hanwu Lei, Erguang Huo, Moriko Qian, Wendy Mateo, Qingfa Zhang, Yunfeng Zhao, Chenxi Wang, Elmar Villota
ENERGY CONVERSION AND MANAGEMENT
(2020)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Qingfa Zhang, Donghong Zhang, Hang Xu, Wenyu Lu, Xiajin Ren, Hongzhen Cai, Hanwu Lei, Erguang Huo, Yunfeng Zhao, Moriko Qian, Xiaona Lin, Elmar M. Villota, Wendy Mateo
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2020)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Wendy Mateo, Hanwu Lei, Elmar Villota, Moriko Qian, Yunfeng Zhao, Erguang Huo, Qingfa Zhang, Xiaona Lin, Chenxi Wang
Summary: The biomass-based sulfonated carbon catalyst (SCC) was prepared from corncob via direct sulfuric acid carbonization-sulfonation treatment, with an optimal condition of 100 degrees C and 5.78 h for maximizing yield and SO3H density. In ethanol organosolv lignin, the highest EOL yield of 63.56% was achieved with 20% SCC loading.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Chenxi Wang, Hanwu Lei, Yunfeng Zhao, Moriko Qian, Xiao Kong, Wendy Mateo, Rongge Zou, Roger Ruan
Summary: The catalytic pyrolysis of Douglas fir using nanocellulose derived biochar catalyst significantly enhances the production of phenolic monomers and hydrogen. Under certain temperature and ratio conditions, the concentrations of phenol, cresols, and dimethylphenols can be greatly increased or decreased. Reusing the biochar catalysts still leads to a much higher concentration of phenolic monomers and hydrogen compared to processes without catalysts.
BIORESOURCE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Moriko Qian, Hanwu Lei, Elmar Villota, Yunfeng Zhao, Chenxi Wang, Erguang Huo, Qingfa Zhang, Wendy Mateo, Xiaona Lin
Summary: A dilute-acid pretreatment assisted with microwave irradiation was developed to efficiently fabricate nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) with the single use of the cellulase from Aspergillus niger. The utilization of microwave heating and diluted sulfuric acid in pretreatment significantly increased the NCC yield, and the conditions of pretreatment affected the crystal dimension of the nanocrystals as well as the thermal stability and crystallinity of the extracted NCC.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING AND PROCESSING-PROCESS INTENSIFICATION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Chenxi Wang, Hanwu Lei, Xiao Kong, Rongge Zou, Moriko Qian, Yunfeng Zhao, Wendy Mateo
Summary: A powerful biochar catalyst derived from nanocellulose was used for the first time to catalytically upcycle waste plastics into H-2 and liquid fuels. The results showed dominant aliphatics and aromatics in the liquid product, with the possibility of complete degradation of LDPE into liquid and gas without wax at specific conditions. Additionally, the catalyst favored increasing H-2 generation at the expense of light gas CnHm, especially CH4.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Moriko Qian, Hanwu Lei, Yunfeng Zhao, Elmar Villota, Erguang Huo, Chenxi Wang, Xuesong Zhang
Summary: Biomass-mediated modification in zeolite synthesis shows potential in creating new porous structures and improved catalyst properties. This study prepared hierarchical ZSM-5 catalysts through desilication and lignin-mediated reassembly, modifying their physicochemical properties. The hierarchical structure with increased acidity directed by lignin addition demonstrated better product yields and reduced solid residue compared to microporous ZSM-5, enhancing the conversion of biomass and plastic feedstocks.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Wenyu Lu, Wenfan Yu, Baoxu Zhang, Xiaohang Dou, Xiangsheng Han, Hongzhen Cai
Summary: Transforming crop straw wastes into functional wood-plastic composites is a cost efficient and eco-friendly way for agricultural wastes recycling. Adding Kevlar fibers as reinforcing fillers significantly enhances the mechanical properties and toughness of the composites, making them suitable for structural materials. This study provides an effective pathway for the recycling of low-cost agricultural crop straw wastes into high performance composites suitable for structural and building materials.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yanhao Yuan, Xiangsheng Han, Hongzhen Cai, Keyan Yang, Shunyi Zhang, Xinyi Li, Meng Zhang
Summary: Composite aerogels with anisotropic micro-channels were constructed through a simple co-assembly strategy between biomass chitosan and WS2 nanosheets. The obtained aerogels (CS/WS2) exhibited a max evaporation rate of similar to 2.10 kg m-2 h-1 and a conversion efficiency of similar to 87.9% under 1 sun illumination, and presented continuous production of clean water even in acidic, alkaline, and organic dye solutions and high-salinity brines. This study paves a novel and simple strategy to build anisotropic micro-channels in aerogel evaporators for efficient and sustainable solar evaporation and desalination.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wenyu Lu, Hongzhen Cai, Xiangsheng Han, Keyan Yang, Hui Wang, Xun Wu, Li Liu
Summary: In this study, a simple strategy was developed to prepare 2D sheet-like biochar by using the dimethyl sulfoxide/potassium hydroxide (DMSO/KOH) superbase system. The resulting biochar showed high graphitization degrees and could be compounded with cellulose nanofibers to solve the molding problem, which is beneficial for dyeing wastewater treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Hang Xu, Xuya Jiang, Xiangsheng Han, Hongzhen Cai, Feng Gao
Summary: This study successfully introduced reduced graphene oxide into protein networks derived from edible wheat flour dough, obtaining organohydrogels with toughness, adhesiveness, and self-recovery capability. These gels show promising application prospects in wearable sensors.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xiangsheng Han, Wenyu Lu, Wenfan Yu, Hang Xu, Shuyan Bi, Hongzhen Cai
Summary: The ionically conductive gluten fabricated with glycerol and ions exhibits excellent properties of conductivity, mechanical strength, flexibility, adherence, biocompatibility, and degradability, making it capable of sensitively and stably sensing human motions. This provides a new approach for constructing high-performance and eco-friendly biomaterials.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Lars odegaard Bentsen, Narada Dilp Warakagoda, Roy Stenbro, Paal Engelstad
Summary: This study investigates uncertainty modeling in wind power forecasting using different parametric and non-parametric methods. Johnson's SU distribution is found to outperform Gaussian distributions in predicting wind power. This research contributes to the literature by introducing Johnson's SU distribution as a candidate for probabilistic wind forecasting.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xing Liu, Qiuchen Wang, Yunhao Wen, Long Li, Xinfang Zhang, Yi Wang
Summary: This study analyzes the characteristics of process parameters in three lean gas ethane recovery processes and establishes a prediction and multiobjective optimization model for ethane recovery and system energy consumption. A new method for comparing ethane recovery processes for lean gas is proposed, and the addition of extra coolers improves the ethane recovery. The support vector regression model based on grey wolf optimization demonstrates the highest prediction accuracy, and the multiobjective multiverse optimization algorithm shows the best optimization performance and diversity in the solutions.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Cairong Song, Haidong Yang, Xian-Bing Meng, Pan Yang, Jianyang Cai, Hao Bao, Kangkang Xu
Summary: The paper proposes a novel deep learning-based prediction framework, aTCN-LSTM, for accurate cooling load predictions. The framework utilizes a gate-controlled multi-head temporal convolutional network and a sparse probabilistic self-attention mechanism with a bidirectional long short-term memory network to capture both temporal and long-term dependencies in the cooling load sequences. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed method, which can serve as an effective guide for HVAC chiller scheduling and demand management initiatives.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhe Chen, Xiaojing Li, Xianli Xia, Jizhou Zhang
Summary: This study uses survey data from the Loess Plateau in China to evaluate the impact of social interaction on the adoption of soil and water conservation (SWC) technology by farmers. The study finds that social interaction increases the likelihood of farmers adopting SWC, and internet use moderates this effect. The positive impact of social interaction on SWC adoption is more pronounced for farmers in larger villages and those who join cooperative societies.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chenghua Zhang, Yunfei Yan, Kaiming Shen, Zongguo Xue, Jingxiang You, Yonghong Wu, Ziqiang He
Summary: This paper reports a novel method that significantly improves combustion performance, including heat transfer enhancement under steady-state conditions and adaptive stable flame regulation under velocity sudden increase.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2024)
