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ARTICLE

Matilde Oliveira¹, Vítor Neves², Mariana Banea^1,*
Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.9, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02026-0063 - 23 September 2026
Abstract Natural fibre-reinforced composites are increasingly being considered as sustainable alternatives to synthetic composites for lightweight automotive applications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of flax fibre architecture and areal weight on the mechanical, morphological, and thermal performance of epoxy-based composites. Laminates were manufactured by vacuum bagging using twill 2/2 and biaxial flax fabrics with areal weights of 200, 250, 350, and 400 g/m². Mechanical properties were assessed through tensile, flexural, and Charpy impact tests, while fracture mechanisms were analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermal behaviour was evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)… More >

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ARTICLE

Haniffudin Nurdiansah^1,*, Joko Setyo Wibowo¹, Retno Asih^2,*, Diah Susanti¹, Rindang Fajarin¹, Azzah Dyah Pramata¹, Amaliya Rasyida¹, Lukman Noerochim¹, Isao Watanabe³, Darminto²
Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.9, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02026-0031 - 23 September 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Nanocellulose for Sustainable Material Applications: Emerging Biodegradable Materials and Nanocomposites)
Abstract A synergistic effect of adsorption and photocatalysis provides a key role ensuring high degradation efficiency. In this study, nanocellulose (nC) derived from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) via delignification followed by acid hydrolysis was combined with CuO for methylene blue (MB) removal through a two-stage process: adsorption followed by photocatalysis. The nC content varied at 5%, 15%, and 25% by mass. Structural analyses revealed successful extraction of nC from OPEFB, with particle sizes of 260–310 nm, a surface area of 2.3 m²/g, and a pore diameter of 9.5 nm. The incorporation of nC improves CuO More >

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REVIEW

Harmiansyah^1,2,3, Muhammad Asyraf Muhammad Rizal^1,2,4,5,*, Mohd Yazid Yahya^1,2,5, Rushdan Ahmad Ilyas^1,4,5,6, Melbi Mahardika^5,7
Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.9, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02025-0207 - 23 September 2026
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Biomass-based Thermoset and Thermoplastic Polymers for Biomass-based Composites)
Abstract Kenaf fibre has attracted increasing attention as a sustainable reinforcement material for polymer composites, particularly for applications in marine environments where lightweight structures, corrosion resistance, and environmental compatibility are essential. This review critically examines the current state of research on kenaf fibre–reinforced composites for marine applications, focusing on their mechanical performance, environmental durability, processing methods, and sustainability potential. Existing studies consistently indicate that kenaf fibres offer favourable strength-to-weight ratios, low density, and renewable characteristics, making them promising alternatives to conventional synthetic reinforcements. Surface modification techniques, including alkaline and silane treatments, have been widely reported to… More >

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Mona A. El-Sabour, Mohamed El-Sakhawy^*, Hebat-Allah S. Tohamy
Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.9, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02026-0030 - 23 September 2026
Abstract Paper ages naturally by heat, oxidation, and hydrolysis, which cause a progressive loss of mechanical strength. This study achieved a high yield of 93% amorphous SiO₂ from rice husk waste through controlled calcination at 450°C (3 h) and 800°C (2 h), alkaline extraction with 2.5 N NaOH, acid precipitation with 1 N HCl and freeze-drying. The resulting nano-silica particles were incorporated into a 3% w/v hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) binder to prepare a 2% w/v impregnation solution, which was applied to paper sheets by soaking for 0–20 min. Structural analyses (FTIR, XRD, SEM) confirmed the successful preparation… More >

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ARTICLE

Supachai Pisuchpen^1,*, Tanyawan Suwandecha¹, Ponusa Jitphuthi¹, Somporn Nilmanee¹, Wirongrong Tongdeesoontorn², Thatsanee Luangharn³
Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.9, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02026-0036 - 23 September 2026
Abstract The environmental burden of petroleum-based cushioning materials has driven the search for sustainable, bioderived alternatives. This study developed mycelium-based biofoams from locally available agro-industrial residues, rubberwood sawdust, and grass jelly pulp using Pleurotus ostreatus, Lentinus squarrosulus, and Ganoderma lucidum. The effects of nutritional supplementation, substrate morphology, and processing conditions on growth behavior and material performance were systematically investigated. Nutritional supplementation significantly enhanced fungal colonization, with bran increasing the growth rate of L. squarrosulus to 17.0 mm/day and promoting dense, interconnected hyphal networks. Substrate morphology governed the resulting foam structure and properties: surface wood sawdust (SW) produced compact biofoams with… More >

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ARTICLE

Laura Silva¹, Cláudio Del Menezzi^1,*, Paula Dornelles^1,2
Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.9, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02026-0052 - 23 September 2026
Abstract This study investigated the effect of bamboo fiber (BF) content on properties of polylactic acid (PLA) composites, using polypropylene (PP) as a control for comparative purposes. Initially, the BF was evaluated in four particle sizes (300, 200, 90, and 50 μm) through dynamic mechanical analysis to identify the most suitable particle size regarding viscoelastic behavior. The 50 μm fiber was selected based on a multi-criteria approach balancing interfacial restriction, structural stiffness, and microstructural homogeneity. Subsequently, the 50 μm fibers were combined with PLA and PP polymers in different polymer/fiber ratios, corresponding to 85%/15%, 70%/30%, and… More >

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