Topic Review
Chemical Composition on Heating Value of Biomass
Biomass has become an increasingly important resource for energy generation. It is well known that the heating value of lignin is significantly higher (23.26–25.58 MJ/kg) than that of polysaccharides (18.6 MJ/kg), while extractives often have higher heating values (HHVs) over 30 MJ/kg, depending on their oxidation levels. Therefore, the proportions of the chemical components in biomass determine its HHV.
  • 951
  • 31 May 2023
Topic Review
History of Pleating
Pleating is basically the process of compressing high-quality hardwood along the grain after plasticization by supporting the sides of the wood to avoid buckling. Many treatment variations can be used with a wide range of parameters. Pleated wood can be bent into small curves in any direction. Industrial pleating is still done today in some parts of the world and its success is influenced by many factors, such as wood species, wood quality, moisture content, compression ratio, fixation time, etc. The treatment significantly changes the physical, mechanical and anatomical parameters of the wood. The first written record of the procedure dates back to 1917, and since then many patents, articles, and books on this subject have been published.
  • 335
  • 25 May 2023
Topic Review
Applications of Superhydrophobic Wood Surfaces
Wood is a renewable material that has been widely utilized as indoor and outdoor construction and decoration material in our daily life. Although wood has many advantages (i.e., light weight, high strength, low price and easy machinability), it has some drawbacks that influence dimensional stability, cracking and decay resistance in real practical applications. To mitigate these issues, superhydrophobic surfaces have been introduced to wood substrates, creating superhydrophobic wood surfaces (SHWSs) that can improve stability, water resistance, ultraviolet radiation resistance and flame retardancy. Due to excellent surface superhydrophobicity, SHWSs has been extensively utilized in various fields, including anti-fungi, anti-bacteria, oil/water separation, fire resistance, anti-UV irradiation, photo-response, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, anti-icing and wood-based devices.
  • 133
  • 19 May 2023
Topic Review
Structures and Characteristics of Cellulose and Nanocellulose
Nickerson and Habrl extracted nanomaterials named nanocellulose (NC) from cotton linters by using sulfuric-acid hydrolysis in 1947. Since then, various physical and chemical properties of NC, such as its low weight, low cost, high strength, stiffness, and non-toxic properties have been comprehensively investigated in both academia and industry.
  • 617
  • 19 May 2023
Topic Review
Nanocellulose Nanomorphologies
Nanocellulosic materials have attracted special attention because of their performance in different advanced applications, biodegradability, availability, and biocompatibility. Nanocellulosic materials can assume three distinct morphologies, including cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), cellulose nanofibers (CNF), and bacterial cellulose (BC). 
  • 554
  • 17 May 2023
Topic Review
Paper-Based Humidity Sensors
Paper, especially nanopaper, is a very promising material for the development of low-cost flexible humidity sensors suitable for a wide range of applications.
  • 415
  • 12 Apr 2023
Topic Review
Opportunities of Bio-Based Adhesives for Packaging Applications
Global economy depends on fossil resources, which provide raw materials for the production of a range of chemicals and materials for the manufacture of commercial products such as paper and packaging. Since there is growing environmental awareness and the need to reduce dependence on petroleum-based products, the attention has been paid to the possibilities of synthesizing polymeric materials from bio-based renewable resources. The paper and packaging segment dominates the market and is expected to grow further during the forecast period due to robust growth in demand for packaging materials from food and beverage manufacturers and e-retail companies. In the paper industry, biomass, such as wood and other species, is undergoing constant change due to countries' efforts to decarbonize, the rise of bio-based materials, and so on. The recent shortage of paper for various media, due to the shift from fiber to packaging applications, opens the space for alternative solutions. Recently, interest in the use of agricultural residues has increased. Environmentally friendly packaging, so called green packaging, based on biodegradable, recyclable or compostable materials, is currently attracting a great deal of attention in many disciplines because of its unique properties compared to traditional petrochemical-based plastics. Green packaging materials play an important role in preserving and protecting the product. To fulfil these benefits, the bio-based material for green packaging should be made from materials that enhance the biopolymer properties of the packaging material and meet the requirements of the global market. In addition, to ensure the recyclability or biodegradability of the above packaging, bio-based adhesives should be included in the packaging process. Lately, the adhesive production is still based on by-products of petroleum processing and with increasing concerns about environmental threats and sustainable development, the use of biomass and bio-based materials will play an important role.
  • 458
  • 30 Mar 2023
Topic Review
Improvement of Antibacterial Properties of Wood Surfaces
Wood is a raw material that is renewable and has good mechanical properties, as well as being inexpensive and having abundant reserves. It has been extensively employed in furniture, construction, and other industries. In addition to being a material for furniture and interior decoration, it can have applications in high-tech sectors.
  • 220
  • 21 Feb 2023
Topic Review
Chitosan, Zein and Essential Oil as Bio-Based Coating
Modifications of the packaging paper surface play an important role in a variety of industries, especially in the food sector. Uncoated paper has poor water and oil barrier properties due to its porous structure. Packaging paper could be successfully coated with different coating solutions containing combinations of chitosan, zein and rosemary essential oil. The chitosan and zein were actually coated in two layers; the mixed chitosan–rosemary oil and the mixed zein–rosemary oil were each applied as one layer to the paper. The results showed increased oil barrier properties in the papers coated with mixed zein–rosemary oil and reduced water permeability in the papers coated with the chitosan–rosemary oil coating solution. The result of this two-layer coating showed excellent water and oil barrier properties. All the coated papers showed a high thermal stability, especially those coated with chitosan, zein and rosemary oil layer by layer. Scanning electron microscopy was used to verify the surface di erences of the coated papers, such as the closed structure, pores and smoother surface, especially in the layer-wise coated samples. Due to their good mechanical and chemical properties, coated papers with rosemary oil can be used in many applications, possibly also in the field of repellents.
  • 408
  • 12 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Invasive Alien Plant Species in European Paper Production
Invasive plant species can impede the establishment and growth of native plants and affect several ecosystem properties. These properties include soil cover, nutrient cycling, fire regimes, and hydrology. Controlling invasive plants is therefore a necessary, but usually expensive, step in restoring an ecosystem. The sustainability of materials with an emphasis on the use of local resources plays an important role in the circular economy. The use of alternative fibers from invasive plants promotes local production in smaller paper mills that offer the protection of local species and the reduction of waste and invasive plants.
  • 545
  • 10 Nov 2022
  • Page
  • of
  • 4