Verónica L. Mucci, Mirta I. Aranguren^*

Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02024-0079

Abstract Interest in the use of cellulose nanomaterial’s continues to grow, both in research and industry, not only due to the abundance of raw materials, low toxicity and sustainability, but also due to the attractive physical and chemical properties that make nanocelluloses useful for a wide range of end-use applications. Among the large number of potential uses, and nanocelluloses modification and processing strategies, the chosen topic of this review focuses exclusively on plant-derived cellulose microfibers/nanofibers (CNF) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) processed into 2D structures—nanopapers and nanofilms—fabricated as self-standing films or applied as coatings. The end uses… More > Graphic Abstract

Zhiying Lin¹, Boju Deng¹, Qianqian Zhang¹, Jingming Chen², Xinqiang Ye³, Yuling Lan¹, Jiuping Rao^1,*, Mizi Fan⁴, Weigang Zhao^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0096

Abstract Bio-derived carbon cryogels have garnered significant interest as promising electrode materials for supercapacitors due to their high specific surface area (SSA), hierarchical porosity, and eco-friendly synthesis methods. In this study, a tannin-modified phenolic hydrogel was synthesized using a sustainable tannin–phenol precursor system and subsequently subjected to three distinct drying methods-freeze-drying (FD), supercritical drying (SCD), and ambient pressure drying (APD)-to systematically evaluate their influence on structural integrity, porosity, and electrochemical behavior. Among these, the sample obtained via freeze-drying (TPUF-FD) maintained the most intact porous network, minimizing structural collapse during sublimation of ice under vacuum. This preservation… More > Graphic Abstract

Alena Vjuginova^1,*, Leonid Leontyev²

Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0061

Abstract In this paper, the stability of the results of ultrasonic wood surface modification after long-term storage, including macroscopic properties and microstructure of specimens, was investigated. Specimens of aspen wood (Populus tremula) were processed by the developed ultrasonic method of wood surface modification in three different treatment modes and the surface hardness of the specimens was evaluated after processing and after storing the specimens for more than 5 years since long-term stability is an important factor for the use of ultrasonically modified sawn timber as construction and finishing materials. The obtained results of surface hardness measurements by… More > Graphic Abstract

Rui Ribeiro^1,*, Miguel Guerreiro², Renato Reis², Joana T. Martins^3,4, Jorge M. Vieira^3,4, Mariana Martins da Silva¹, José A. Covas¹, Maria C. Paiva^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0071

Abstract The growing environmental awareness, the search for alternatives to fossil resources, and the goal of achieving a circular economy have all contributed to the increasing valorization of biowaste to produce bio-based polymers and other high-value products. Among the various biowaste materials, lignin has gained significant attention due to its high aromatic carbon content, low cost, and abundance. Lignin is predominantly sourced as a byproduct from the paper industry, available in large quantities from hardwood and softwood, with variations in chemical structure and susceptibility to hydrolysis. This study focuses on softwood lignin obtained through the LignoForce™… More > Graphic Abstract

Yao Xia¹, Yuxiang Huang^1,*, Shifeng Zhang², Yanglun Yu¹

Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0068

Abstract Bamboo parenchymal cells (PCs) represent an underutilized resource with significant potential as a sustainable and versatile bio-based material. Despite the extensive research on bamboo fibers, PCs, comprising a considerable portion of bamboo, have been largely overlooked. This review examines the multi-scale structure of bamboo PCs, including their microcapsules, multi-wall layers, and pits, which provide the structural foundation for diverse applications. Various physical and chemical isolation methods, impacting the properties of extracted PCs, are also discussed. Notably, the review explores the promising applications of bamboo PCs, highlighting their use as filler materials in formaldehyde-free composites, as More > Graphic Abstract

Tri Susanti^1,2, Syahnur Haqiqoh¹, Pratiwi Pudjiastuti^2,*, Siti Wafiroh^2,*, Esti Hendradi³, Oktavia Eka Puspita⁴, Nashriq Jailani⁵

Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02024-0084

Abstract This study aims to enhance the mechanical properties, disintegration, and dissolution rates of cross-linked carrageenan (CRG) capsule shells by shortening the long chains of CRG through a hydrolysis reaction with citric acid (CA). The hydrolysis of CRG was carried out using varying concentrations of CA, resulting in hydrolyzed CRG (HCRG). This was followed by cross-linking with xanthan gum (XG) and the addition of sorbitol (SOR) as a plasticizer. The results indicated that the optimal swelling capacity of HCRG-XG/SOR hard-shell capsules occurred at a CA concentration of 0.5%, achieving a maximum swelling rate of 445.39% after… More >

Maryam^1,*, Rahayu Puji², Luthfi Muhammad Zulfikar², Ikhsandy Ferry², Nadiyah Khairun¹, Hidayat³, Ilyas Rushdan Ahmad⁴, Syafri Edi⁵

Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02024-0063

Abstract The development of the bioplastics industry addresses critical issues such as environmental pollution and food safety concerns. However, the industrialization of bioplastics remains underdeveloped due to challenges such as high production costs and suboptimal material characteristics. To enhance these characteristics, this study investigates bioplastics reinforced with Nanocrystalline Cellulose (NCC) derived from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB), incorporating dispersing agents. The research employs a Central Composite Design from the Response Surface Methodology (RSM) with two factors: the type of dispersing agent (KCl and NaCl) and the NCC concentration from OPEFB (1%–5%), along with the dispersing… More >

Alehegn Atalay Birlie^*

Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0039

Abstract This study explores vegan leather, an eco-friendly substitute for conventional animal-derived leather. Using materials like polyurethane, pineapple leaves, cork, and recycled plastics, vegan leather aims to transform the fashion industry and consumer products while addressing environmental concerns. Despite its advantages, challenges related to availability and durability persist. The booming market for vegan leather is expected to reach billions of dollars, reflecting a broader societal shift towards sustainable and cruelty-free alternatives. The review traces the historical development of vegan leather from its origins in Germany to modern innovations like Mylo and Piñatex. By comparing these materials More >

Arun Kumar¹, Revanasiddappa Moolemane¹, Thulasi Rajendran², Suresh Babu Naidu Krishna^3,4,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02024-0050

Abstract In the past two decades, nanocellulose has become an innovative material with unique properties. This substance has exceptional mechanical strength, an extensive surface area, and biodegradability. Collaborative integration of nanocellulose offers a more environmentally friendly solution to the current limitations by substituting carbon. Due to its versatility, nanocellulose is commonly employed in various industrial sectors, including paints, adhesives, paper production, and biodegradable polymers. Such versatility enables the creation of customized structures for potential use in emulsion and dispersion applications. Given its biocompatibility and nontoxicity, nanocellulose is particularly well-suited for biomedical purposes such as tissue engineering, More > Graphic Abstract

Tingqiang Yan, Xiaodong Wang^*, Yingjie Qiao^*

Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0075

Abstract Polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable polymer, exhibits superior mechanical strength and processability. However, its broader adoption is hindered by inherent brittleness, low hydrophilicity, and sluggish crystallization kinetics. Chitosan (CS), a natural polysaccharide renowned for its biocompatibility and biodegradability, offers potential to address these limitations. While both materials have garnered significant attention in materials science, research on their integration via melt blending and the resulting performance enhancements for food-contact plastics remains understudied. This research comprehensively explores how different levels of CS content, from 0% to 10%, impact the characteristics of chitosan/polylactic acid (CS/PLA) composites. It specifically… More >