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

Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02025-0229

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

Nathan Jourdainne^1,2, Mathilda Ekholm¹, Nawel Belkessa¹, Antonin Vignon¹, Nicolas Sbirrazzuoli¹, Christelle Combeaud², Jean-Luc Bouvard², Nathanael Guigo^1,2,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02026-0040

Abstract This study investigates the valorization of mussel shell waste as a bio-derived filler in poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) to promote sustainable materials aligned with circular economy principles. Mussel shells, a seafood industry byproduct rich in biogenic calcium carbonate, were ground into powder and incorporated into PLLA at 10–50 wt%. The resulting composites were thoroughly characterized using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and uniaxial tensile testing to assess morphological, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Incorporation of… More > Graphic Abstract

Kelly Leite dos Santos Castro Assis¹, Druval Santos de Sá¹, Bruno da Silva Marques¹, Carolina Carvalho de Mello¹, João Lucas Marques Barros², Henrique Carvalhais Milanezi², João Batista Oliveira dos Santos², Carlos Alberto Franchini¹, Bráulio Soares Archanjo¹, Carlos Alberto Achete¹, Adriana Maria da Silva^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02025-0233

Abstract The transition toward a circular economy and zero-waste strategies has driven increasing interest in biomass-derived carbon materials as sustainable alternatives to conventional catalyst supports. Agricultural and industrial residues can be converted into porous carbons with high surface area, tunable porosity, and rich surface chemistry, enabling waste valorization and stabilization of metal species ranging from nanoparticles to single atoms. These properties support their application across heterogeneous catalysis, photocatalysis, and electrochemical systems, revealing cross-cutting opportunities among these fields. Despite these advantages, challenges remain, including feedstock heterogeneity, energy-intensive processing, scalability limitations, and the lack of standardized methodologies. This More > Graphic Abstract

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, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02025-0207

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 >

Wafaa Abou-Elseoud, Mohammad Hassan^*

Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02025-0190

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, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02025-0187

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

Nuhu Lawal^1,2, Adekunle Adeleke^2,3, Petrus Nzerem^2,4, Chizoma Adewumi^2,5, Frank Ogundolie^2,6, Esther Anosike-Francis^2,3, Waliyi Adeleke^2,3, Seun Jesuloluwa^2,3,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02025-0203

Abstract The environmental concerns of petroleum-based plastics, including their non-biodegradability, contribution to pollution, and reliance on finite fossil resources, have motivated growing global interest in biodegradable alternatives, with starch-based bioplastics emerging as a promising solution due to their renewability, biodegradability, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with existing processing technologies. This review synthesizes recent developments, challenges, and analytical techniques related to starch-based bioplastics. It examines the physicochemical properties of starch, modification methods such as plasticization, blending, and chemical treatments, and key production techniques including extrusion, injection molding, and 3D printing. Mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties are evaluated through standardized More >

Siti Norasmah Surip¹, Wan Nor Raihan Wan Jaafar^1,*, Jaka Fajar Fatriansyah², Ing Kong³

Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0182

Abstract Most studies on kenaf fibre composites focus on the bast due to its higher fibre yield and strength, while the core is often neglected. In this work, Polylactic Acid (PLA) matrix was reinforced with both kenaf bast and core fibres at a 49:1 wt% ratio. The fibres were chemically treated and cryo-crushed to improve bonding and dispersion. Mechanical testing revealed that treated Kenaf Core Composites (KCC) exhibited comparable flexural and impact properties to Kenaf Bast Composites (KBC), with flexural strengths of 46.19 and 46.52 MPa, respectively, and impact strengths of 5.8 and 4.4 J/m. Meanwhile, More >

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

Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0177

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

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

Journal of Renewable Materials, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0180

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