Wenhe Bi¹, Yang Yang¹, Jiamin Wu¹, Jianji Chu², Jun Zhang¹, Guanben Du¹, Hisham Essawy³, Bertrand Charrier⁴, Antonio Pizzi⁵, Xinyi Chen^1,*, Mingzhi Zhu^6,*, Xiaojian Zhou^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.6, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02026-0062 - 29 June 2026

Abstract It is p-toluenesulfonic acid (p-TSA) that is commonly used as a catalyst in conventional tannin-furanic foams. However, it does not participate in the crosslinking network and tends to leach out from the foam during use, resulting in a strongly acidic material that may corrode contacting substrates and accelerate material aging. To address this issue, herein, tannin and furfuryl alcohol were used as raw materials, and bio-derived phytic acid (PA) was employed to completely replace p-TSA for the preparation of tannin-furanic foams. The multi-phosphate groups of PA form a stable crosslinked network with tannin, thereby anchoring the catalyst… More > Graphic Abstract

K. Tilouche-Guerdelli, C. Lacoste^*, D. Perrin, A. Bergeret^*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.6, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02025-0229 - 29 June 2026

Abstract In this study, tannins were investigated as sustainable flame retardants. The thermal and structural properties of tannic acid, chestnut, oak, and quebracho extracts were first characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), and Pyrolysis Combustion Flow Calorimetry (PCFC). Quebracho exhibited the most promising thermal performance, showing the lowest heat release and the highest char yield (≈38 wt.%). To further improve their efficiency, quebracho tannins were phosphorylated using phytic acid (QPHYA) or phosphoric acid (QPHOA). Phosphorus contents reached 13% and 15%, respectively, as confirmed by ICP and SEM–EDX analyses, while FTIR and NMR… More > Graphic Abstract

Wafaa Abou-Elseoud, Mohammad Hassan^*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.6, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02025-0190 - 29 June 2026

Abstract Cellulose-based materials have emerged as promising biomaterials for advanced water remediation technologies due to their bioavailability, non-toxicity, biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and ease of chemical modification. Cellulose can be prepared in multiple forms, including nanomaterials such as cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), and electrospun nanofibers. The abundant surface functional groups, such as hydroxyl and carboxyl groups, enable chemical tailoring, grafting, and composite formation with organic and inorganic additives, including metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), carbon-based materials, and metal oxide nanoparticles. These modifications enhance pollutant removal through adsorption, catalysis, and antimicrobial activity, enabling the treatment of heavy metals, dyes, More >

Elina Hishamuddin^*, Fatiha Ismail, Stasha Eleanor Rosland Abel, Humaira Alias Aisyah, Abdul Wahab Noorshamsiana

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.6, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02025-0187 - 29 June 2026

Abstract Oil palm trunks (OPT), abundantly available during plantation replanting, represent a renewable lignocellulosic resource for sustainable material applications. Although OPT-derived cellulose has been extensively explored, the influence of oil palm age on cellulose properties remains insufficiently understood. In this study, cellulose was isolated from OPT aged 21, 25, and 32 years and characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). SEM observations indicated more uniform and better-separated fibril structures in cellulose from older OPT, suggesting more effective removal of non-cellulosic components. FTIR confirmed successful cellulose isolation More > Graphic Abstract

Tamer Y. A. Fahmy¹, Samir Kamel¹, Ahmed M. Khalil^2,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.6, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0180 - 29 June 2026

Abstract The growing threat of viral pandemics necessitates innovative antiviral strategies that are effective, sustainable, and scalable. This review highlights nanocellulose as a renewable, biocompatible nanomaterial and a promising multifunctional antiviral platform. We examine cellulose nanocrystals, nanofibrils, and bacterial nanocellulose, emphasizing their synergistic antiviral mechanisms, including nanoscale viral entrapment and surface-mediated inactivation via sulfation, cationic groups, and metal nanoparticles. Key advances include photothermally active nanocellulose-graphene composites for on-demand viral deactivation, sulfated nanocellulose mimicking heparin’s virus-trapping properties, and engineered biopolymer hybrids for targeted drug delivery and mucosal immunity. Translational applications span antiviral coatings, self-sterilizing filters, and regenerative More > Graphic Abstract

Nur ‘Aisyah Ar-Raudhoh Mohammad Tahar¹, Muhammad Haziq Mohd Fadzli¹, Siti Nur Liyana Mamauod^1,2,*, Nahrul Hayawin Zainal³

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.6, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0177 - 29 June 2026

Abstract The palm oil industry is a major contributor to Malaysia’s economy, but its huge production has generated large amounts of oil palm biomass, particularly palm kernel shell (PKS), which poses environmental challenges if not properly managed. Converting PKS into biochar (PKSB) and activated carbon (APKS) offers a sustainable way to valorise this waste as potential bio-fillers in rubber composites. This study investigates the influence of nano-sized PKSB (n-PKSB) and activated PKS (n-APKS) as bio-fillers on the mechanical performance of natural rubber (NR) vulcanizates, with filler loadings ranging from 0 to 10 parts per hundred rubber… More > Graphic Abstract

Kasahun Tsegaye Mekonnen^1,*, Melaku Tesfaye Alemea², Dessie Ezez¹, Abenezer Zenebe¹, Negussie Darota Daka¹

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02026-0221 - 28 May 2026

Abstract This study examined the effects of modified Gum Arabic (OLLA-g-GA), modified Euphorbia trigona Mill (OLLA-g-ETML), and their master batch (OLLA-g-GA–OLLA-g-ETML) on the non-isothermal crystallisation and thermal stability of poly (lactic acid) (PLA). The interface interactions of PLA with the modifiers before and after modification were analysed and identified using FTIR spectroscopy, which displayed different peak formations and intensities compared to neat PLA, indicating physical interactions with the modifiers. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to study non-isothermal crystallisation at a heating rate of 10°C/min. Tensile strength and elongation at break of PLA improved by the addition More > Graphic Abstract

Pavlo Bekhta^1,2,*, Iryna Lytvyn¹

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02026-0035 - 28 May 2026

Abstract The modification of melamine–urea–formaldehyde (MUF) adhesives with lignosulfonates (LS) represents a promising strategy for developing more sustainable wood-based panels. However, the influence of the counterion type remains poorly understood. In this study, the effect of lignosulfonate counterions on adhesives performance and properties of MUF-bonded particleboards was investigated, with a focus on sodium (NaLS) and magnesium (MgLS) lignosulfonates incorporated at 2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5%. Adhesives performance was characterized by measuring dry solids content, dynamic viscosity, gelation time, and pH. The produced particleboards were evaluated in terms of density, bending strength, modulus of elasticity, internal bond strength… More > Graphic Abstract

Blessing C. Ahamefule¹, Chidimma Osilo^2,3, Jennifer O. Unachukwu², Stella N. Madueke², Chukwuemeka Samson Ahamefule^2,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02025-0202 - 28 May 2026

Abstract Lignocellulosic waste, consisting mainly of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, is the most abundant global biomass. Industries generate millions of tonnes of this waste biomass every year. This includes: sugarcane bagasse, corncob, rice straw and husk, oil palm fibres and empty fruit bunches, wheat straw, brewer’s spent grains, among others. These wastes could be valorized to produce high-value industrial lignocellulase enzymes, such as cellulases, hemicellulases and ligninases, by several microorganisms, including bacteria and fungi. Furthermore, the crude or purified lignocellulase enzymes or the microbes producing these enzymes could be used to hydrolyze the lignocellulosic wastes into… More >

Manda Vais Jatul Fitri¹, Melbi Mahardika^2,3,4,*, Yuni Kusumastuti^1,*, Mochamad Asrofi⁵

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02025-0197 - 28 May 2026

Abstract The development of seaweed-derived products, particularly carrageenan, is increasingly prioritized in Indonesia to support sustainability and strengthen the local economy. Despite extensive studies on carrageenan extraction, systematic comparisons between locally extracted carrageenan and specific local commercial products remain limited. This study addresses this gap by directly comparing carrageenan extracted from Eucheuma cottonii harvested in Lombok, Indonesia, with a locally produced commercial carrageenan as a quality benchmark. Carrageenan extraction was performed using alkaline KOH treatment followed by ethanol precipitation. The extracted carrageenan exhibited a relatively high viscosity (61.16 cP) and a low sulfate content (11.58%). FTIR analysis More >