Ksenia Anikeeva^*, Ruslan Safin

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.11, pp. 2235-2252, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0128 - 24 November 2025

Abstract The use of wood-polymer composites (WPC) based on a polymer matrix and wood filler is a modern, environmentally friendly direction in material science. However, untreated wood filler exhibits poor adhesion to hydrophobic polymers due to its hydrophilic lignocellulose fibers. To address this, ozone treatment is employed to enhance compatibility, reduce water absorption, and regulate biodegradation rates. This study investigates the hypothesis that ozone modification of wood filler improves adhesion to thermoplastic starch, thereby enhancing the physico-mechanical properties and controlled biodegradation of WPCs under compost conditions. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on composites containing untreated and… More >

Omojola Awogbemi^1,*, Daramy Vandi Von Kallon¹, Ramesh C. Ray²

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.11, pp. 2191-2233, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0112 - 24 November 2025

Abstract Increased human and industrial activities have exacerbated the release of toxic materials and acute environmental pollution in recent times. Biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from biomass, is gaining momentum as a versatile material for attaining a sustainable environment. The study reviews the application of functionalized biochar for energy storage, environmental remediation, catalysis, and sustainable agriculture, aiming to achieve a greener future. The deployment of crop residues as a renewable feedstock for biochar, and their properties, compositions, modification, and functionalization techniques are also discussed. Additionally, the avenues for applying functionalized biochar to achieve a greener future,… More > Graphic Abstract

Thanattha Chobsilp¹, Alongkot Treetong², Visittapong Yordsri³, Mattana Santasnachok^4,5, Pollawat Charoeythornkhajhornchai⁶, Jaruvit Sukkasem⁷, Winadda Wongwiriyapan⁸, Worawut Muangrat^1,5,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.11, pp. 2155-2168, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0111 - 24 November 2025

Abstract Nitrogen-doped activated carbon (N-AC) was successfully prepared by KOH-activation and nitrogen doping using ammonia (NH₃) heat treatment. Coconut shell-derived activated carbon (AC) was heat-treated under NH₃ gas in the temperature range of 700°C–900°C. Likewise, the mixture of potassium hydroxide (KOH) and AC was heated at 800°C, followed by heat treatment under NH₃ gas at 800°C (hereafter referred to as KOH-N-AC800). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method were utilized to analyze morphology, crystallinity, chemical bonding, chemical composition and surface area. The surface area and porosity of N-AC increased with increasing… More >

Ilze Irbe^1,*, Laura Andze¹, Inese Filipova^1,2

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.11, pp. 2139-2154, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0107 - 24 November 2025

Abstract Growing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable alternatives to synthetic materials have led to increased interest in bio-based composites. This study investigates the development and characterization of sustainable egg packaging waste (EPW) biocomposites derived from recycled wood fibers and fungal mycelium filaments as a natural binder. Three formulations were prepared using EPW as the primary substrate, with and without the addition of hemp shives and sawdust as co-substrates. The composites were evaluated for granulometry, density, mechanical strength, hygroscopic behavior, thermal conductivity, and fire performance using cone calorimetry. Biocomposites, composed exclusively of egg packaging waste,… More >

Lucila M. Curi^*, Maria C. Area, Maria E. Vallejos

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.11, pp. 2109-2137, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0069 - 24 November 2025

Abstract The global demand for renewable and sustainable non-petroleum-based resources is rapidly increasing. Lignocellulosic biomass is a valuable resource with broad potential for nanocellulose (NC) production. However, limited studies are available regarding the potential toxicological impact of NC. We provide an overview of the nanosafety implications associated mainly with nanofibrillated cellulose (CNF) and identify knowledge gaps. For this purpose, we present an analysis of the studies published from 2014 to 2025 in which the authors mention aspects related to toxicity in the context of packaging. We also analyze the main methods used for toxicity evaluations and… More > Graphic Abstract

Xueqin Liu¹, Qingchong Xu¹, Yao Liu¹, Junli Ren^1,*, Lihong Zhao¹, Ruonan Zhu¹, Xingjie Wang¹, Wei Qi²

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.11, pp. 2091-2107, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0060 - 24 November 2025

Abstract It is highly attractive for the catalysts prepared from renewable materials and/or industrial by-products. Herein, lignosulfonate (LS) as the by-product in the papermaking industry was utilized to fabricate Sn-containing organic-inorganic complexing catalysts (Sn(x)@LS) by a simple hydrothermal self-assembly process. The fabricated Sn(x)@LS played an excellent performance in the dehydration of xylose into furfural in the carbon tetrachloride (CTC)-water biphasic system, yielding 78.5% furfural at 180°C for 60 min. It was revealed that strong coordination between Sn⁴⁺ and the phenolic hydroxyl groups of LS created a robust organic-inorganic skeleton (-Ar-O-Sn-O-Ar-), simultaneously generating potent Lewis acidic sites, and More > Graphic Abstract

Apri Heri Iswanto^1,2,*, Nabila Nabila¹, Rika Elfina¹, Luthfi Hakim^1,2, Tito Sucipto^1,2, Manggar Arum Aristri³, Muhammad Adly Rahandi Lubis⁴, Widya Fatriasari⁴, Jajang Sutiawan⁴, Atmawi Darwis⁵, Tomasz Rogoziński⁶, Lee Seng Hua⁷, Lum Wei Chen⁸, Petar Antov⁹

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.11, pp. 2253-2279, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0058 - 24 November 2025

Abstract Indonesia, with its vast forested regions, has experienced significant deforestation, adversely affecting the wood industry. As a result, alternative sources of lignocellulosic biomass are required to mitigate this impact. Among the abundant lignocellulosic raw materials in Indonesia, particularly in Sumatra, bamboo stands out as a promising substitute. Bamboo is a highly versatile resource, suitable for various applications, including its use as a composite raw material to replace traditional wood-based products. This research work aimed to investigate and evaluate the characteristics—morphology, anatomy, physical and mechanical properties, chemical composition, starch content, and natural resistance—of three bamboo species:… More >

Lailan Ni`mah^1,*, Sri Rachmania Juliastuti², Mahfud Mahfud²

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.11, pp. 2169-2190, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0044 - 24 November 2025

Abstract This study evaluates the effectiveness of microwave technology in producing activated carbon from lemongrass waste, an underutilized agricultural byproduct. Microwave-assisted production offers faster heating, lower energy consumption, and better process control compared to conventional methods. It also enhances pore development, resulting in larger, cleaner, and more uniform pores, making the activated carbon more effective for adsorption. The microwave-assisted process significantly accelerates production, reducing the required time to just 10 min at a power of 400 W. Activated carbon derived from lemongrass waste at 400 W exhibits a water absorption capacity of 7.88%, ash content of… More > Graphic Abstract

Anna Elisa Silva, Eduardo Thiago Formigari, João Pedro Mayer Camacho Araújo, Dagoberto de Oliveira Silva, Jürgen Andreaus, Eduardo Guilherme Cividini Neiva^*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.10, pp. 1899-1912, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0130 - 22 October 2025

Abstract Here, we report a comprehensive study on the characterization of cotton biomass residue, its conversion into carbon-based materials via pyrolysis, and its application as an electrochemical sensor for ascorbic acid (AA). The compositions, morphologies, and structures of the resulting materials were investigated using XRD, FTIR, TGA, SEM, and EDS. Pyrolysis was carried out in an air atmosphere at different temperatures (300°C and 400°C) and durations (1, 60, and 240 min), leading to the transformation of lignocellulosic cotton residue into carbon-based materials embedded with inorganic nanoparticles, including carbonates, sulfates, chlorates, and phosphates of potassium, calcium, and… More > Graphic Abstract

Mengting Huang, Meiting Lu, Li Yang, Jiwen Long, Li Zhou^*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.10, pp. 2077-2090, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0122 - 22 October 2025

Abstract Peach gum polysaccharide (PGP), a readily available natural polysaccharide, boasts substantial potential across diverse applications, yet its practical utility is severely limited by its vulnerability to bacterial growth and limited antioxidant activity. Herein, we introduced a simple and effective method to enhance the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of PGP by conjugating it with salicylic acid (SA). Cytotoxicity evaluation results confirmed that the resulting PGP-SA retains the excellent biocompatibility of PGP. Notably, PGP-SA demonstrates outstanding antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive (S. aureus) and Gram-negative (E. coli) bacteria, outperforming non-modified PGP. Its antibacterial mechanism is hypothesized to stem from… More > Graphic Abstract