NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIV DEPT WOOD & PAPER SCI
The development of sustainable packaging materials is becoming increasingly important to address environmental issues. In this context, all-cellulose composites (ACCs) represent a potential alternative to traditional composite materials. ACC consists entirely of cellulose and has significantly improved mechanical and barrier properties compared to paper. For packaging applicati…
Experimental particleboards were fabricated using Rhizophora spp. wood trunks, incorporating three different percentages of lignin and sodium alginate (0%, 3%, and 6%) as adhesives, as well as three different sample sizes of Rhizophora spp.: 0 to 104 µm, 105 to 210 µm, and 211 to 500 µm. The objective was to investigate the physical, morphology, chemical composition, and effect…
The transition toward a circular economy has established biodegradable polymer composites as a critical platform for active food packaging. This review systematically examines the structural design, functional mechanisms, and application performance of natural biopolymer matrices, including polysaccharides and proteins. Physicochemical coupling among polymer-network architectur…
This study investigated the optimization of phenolic compound recovery from Fraxinus mandshurica leaves residues generated by supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) to promote the sustainable use of resources. Using Box–Behnken design under response surface methodology, the optimal extraction conditions were determined to be an extraction temperature of 64.3 °C, an extraction tim…
Using organic materials in fruit production is an effective way to reduce dependency on chemical fertilization. This can cause many problems for the soil, increase beneficial microbes, and improve fruit quality. Organic fertilization provides the necessary nutrients to fruit trees safely, without causing any undesirable effects on soil fertility. Therefore, this study was condu…
The nutrient profile and pharmaceutical activities were analyzed for seaweeds (Ascophyllum nodosum, Sargassum polycystum, Sargassum cristaefolium, Hormophysa cuneiformis, and Hormophysa triquetra) in the fish diet. The total protein content was greatest (8.4±0.2%) in S. polycystum, and the highest lipid content was detected in S. cristaefolium (3.7±0.1%). The crude fiber conten…
The modification of melamine-urea-formaldehyde (MUF) resin was studied using plant tannins, focusing on the effects of tannin addition stage and dosage on resin properties. Second-stage addition failed due to system gelation caused by the acidic polycondensation environment. Although third-stage addition further reduced free formaldehyde content, the resulting viscosity surge l…
Biogas produced through the anaerobic digestion of organic biomass is a renewable energy source with significant potential to replace fossil fuels. However, impurities such as carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, and water vapor reduce its calorific value and cause operational challenges. Upgrading is therefore essential to increase methane concentration and biogas quality. Among …
Individual and combined effects of thermal treatment and zinc borate (ZB) addition were studied relative to the mechanical properties and water resistance of oriental beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky) wood-plastic composites (WPCs). Wood flour was thermally treated at 150 °C for 120 min under saturated steam before composite manufacturing. Flexural, tensile, impact, and water res…
The utilization of starch-based bioplastics as renewable and environmentally friendly alternatives to replace traditional petroleum plastics has gained significant traction in recent years due to their biodegradability, renewability, and cost-effectiveness. However, their widespread industrial applications are hindered by shelf-life constraints, high moisture sensitivity, and p…
Methanolic leaf extract of Passiflora edulis was characterized by its phytochemical composition and biological activities in an integrated in vitro and in silico approach. Qualitative phytochemical screening indicated that bioactive secondary metabolites such as flavonoids, saponins, and steroids were present. The DPPH activity increased in a dose-dependent manner, reaching 81%…
To achieve high-value utilization of lignin and develop high bio-based content materials, flexible films were prepared via Schiff base reaction of levulinic acid-esterified lignin with castor oil amine and varying amounts of polyether amine (0 to 50 wt.%). The incorporation of polyether amine as a flexible plasticizing component effectively addressed the inherent brittleness of…
Wood vinegar (WV) produced via biomass pyrolysis, presents an organic alternative for weed control. This study aimed to: (i) determine the physical properties and elemental composition analysis of WV, and (ii) evaluate the efficacy of WV from wood residues of Gmelina arborea produced with slow pyrolysis to control weeds under a Cupressus lusitanica Christmas tree plantation. WV…
The impact of internal uniformity was studied relative to the insulation performance and properties of mycelium-based insulation boards (MBI) made from Lentinus sajor-caju and corn husk. The study examined how variations of mass per unit area and board thickness affected density, thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, and heat capacity. Density gradients were observed in the…
A composite sizing system was developed based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) and the silane coupling agent KH550, with the innovative incorporation of root extract from Stellera chamaejasme L.—a characteristic raw material for traditional Tibetan paper. A novel bio-based surface sizing agent with integrated strength enhancement, water resistance, and natural antibacterial properti…
This review article considers factors contributing to the development of problematic levels of foam, as well as ways to control foam, with emphasis on two critically important unit operations in pulp and paper manufacturing plants, namely the brownstock washing system and the paper machine. In general terms, hard-to-break foam bubbles can be expected when an aqueous system is s…
The enzymatic breakdown of lignin generates a spectrum of aromatic monomers — including vanillin, guaiacol, syringaldehyde, vanillic acid, ferulic acid, and p-coumaric acid — that serve as platform chemicals for pharmaceuticals, fragrances, resins, and bio-based polymers. However, its complex and recalcitrant structure necessitates highly efficient enzymatic systems for depolym…
In order to solve the problem of spoilage of mulberry after harvest, this study discusses the effect of various concentrations of composite preservatives on the preservation effect of mulberry, so as to achieve the purpose of prolonging its shelf life. Taking mulberry as raw material, three preservatives of bamboo vinegar, polyvinyl alcohol, and citric acid were selected, and t…
Dimensional uniformity of wood chips is essential for stable delignification, and knife wear in a disc chipper is the primary factor that deteriorates chip quality. In this study, changes in particle size distribution (PSD) of pine wood chips were examined at three points along an industrial chip‑processing line, assessing the effects of knife sharpness, knife–anvil clearance, …
Physical, mechanical, and quality characteristics of Uludağ fir (Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornmuelleriana) wood, which occurs naturally in Turkey, were determined. The effect of site classes (SCs) on these characteristics was investigated. Uludağ fir trees growing naturally in the Şerif Yüksel Forest Management District and belonging to different site classes (I, II, and III) …