Chen Xu^1,#, Tianhao Luan^1,#, Zexin Qi², Xiaolong Liu³, Yaliang Liu⁴, Hui Sun⁵, Yueqiao Li¹, Ning Sun¹, Qian Li¹, Shaofeng Bian¹, Lihua Zhang^1,*, Hongxiang Zhao^1,*

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.11, pp. 3703-3719, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.071324 - 01 December 2025

Abstract Optimizing drip irrigation with straw mulch return represents a promising sustainable intensification strategy for revolutionizing regional water management. This 2-year controlled field experiment examined straw incorporation effects (removal and return) and drip irrigation levels (200, 350, 500 mm) on maize carbon-nitrogen metabolism, root bleeding sap characteristics, dry matter accumulation, and yield. Dry matter and yield increased with irrigation amount. Under 200–350 mm irrigation, straw return enhanced root bleeding intensity; elevated nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium concentrations in bleeding sap; and promoted soluble sugar and hydrolyzed amino acid contents, establishing material foundations for yield formation. More >

Cheng Yong^1,2,3,4,5, Enhui Sun^1,*, Xiaodong Fan^1,4, Zhiping Zhang⁵, Jing Zhang¹, Ling Chen¹, Ping Qu¹, Qiujun Wang¹, Hongying Huang¹, Hongmei Jin¹, Mingjie Guan^4,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.9, pp. 1803-1817, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0059 - 22 September 2025

Abstract Long-time fermentation has always been one of the reasons restricting the development of straw biological pulping. This study aimed to develop a novel straw pulp film with shortened solid-state fermentation time with less than 20% mass loss rate by bio-pulping synergistic treatment of straw fibers with deep eutectic solvent (DES) and Streptomyces rochei (S. rochei). Results illustrated that at 3% S. rochei concentration with 7-day fermentation, both cellulose and hemicellulose enzyme activities of the treated rice straw fiber reached peak values with a fiber mass loss rate of 17.01%. Microstructural morphology revealed that S. rochei colonization initiated on straw… More > Graphic Abstract

Yingui Qiu¹, Enming Li^1,2,*, Pablo Segarra², Bin Xi³, Jian Zhou¹

CMES-Computer Modeling in Engineering & Sciences, Vol.144, No.2, pp. 1607-1629, 2025, DOI:10.32604/cmes.2025.068211 - 31 August 2025

Abstract With the growing demand for sustainable development in the mining industry, cemented paste backfill (CPB) materials, primarily composed of tailings, play a crucial role in mine backfilling and underground support systems. To enhance the mechanical properties of CPB materials, fiber reinforcement technology has gradually gained attention, though challenges remain in predicting its performance. This study develops a hybrid model based on the adaptive equilibrium optimizer (adap-EO)-enhanced XGBoost method for accurately predicting the uniaxial compressive strength of fiber-reinforced CPB. Through systematic comparison with various other machine learning methods, results demonstrate that the proposed hybrid model exhibits… More >

Andris Berzins^1,2, Ramunas Tupciauskas^1,*, Gunars Pavlovics¹, Martins Andzs¹

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.6, pp. 1189-1207, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02024-0067 - 23 June 2025

Abstract This study examines the development of loose-fill thermal insulation materials derived from annual plant residues, such as wheat straw, water reeds, and corn stalks, processed using the chemimechanical pulping (CMP) technique. The chopped plants were soda-cooked for 30 min, varying NaOH concentration (2%–8% on a dry basis of biomass), and mechanically refined using different disc types. The CMP process enhances the homogeneity and stability of defibrated material, yielding improved insulation properties compared to untreated chopped raw materials. Chemical analysis revealed that CMP increases cellulose content and reduces lignin levels, enhancing water retention and vapor diffusion… More > Graphic Abstract

Hira Akhtar¹, Akhtar Hameed^1,*, Rana Binyamin¹, Kashif Riaz², Hafiz Muhammad Usman Aslam^1,3, Faizan Ali⁴, Subhan Ali¹, Zuniara Akash⁵, Muhammad Saqlain Zaheer^6,*, Kamran Ikram⁶, Yasir Niaz⁶, Hafiz Haider Ali^7,8

Phyton-International Journal of Experimental Botany, Vol.94, No.3, pp. 561-581, 2025, DOI:10.32604/phyton.2025.061262 - 31 March 2025

Abstract Strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) is well known among consumers because of its attractive color, delicious taste, and nutritional benefits. It is widely grown worldwide, but its production has become a significant challenge due to changing climatic conditions that lead to abiotic stresses in plants, which results in poor root development, nutrient deficiency, and poor plant health. In this context, the major abiotic stresses are temperature fluctuations, water shortages, and high levels of soil salinity. The accumulation of salts in excessive amounts disrupts the osmotic balance and impairs physiological processes. However, drought reduces fruit size, yield, and quality.… More >

Martin Böhm^*, Miloš Jerman, Martin Keppert, Klára Kobetičová, Dana Koňáková, Milena Pavlíková, Robert Černý

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.2, pp. 363-383, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056984 - 20 February 2025

Abstract The effect of using 2% and 10% sodium hydroxide solution as surface treatment of rape straw on its water vapor adsorption properties is analyzed in the relative humidity (RH) range of 0% to 98%. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) are used to investigate the morphological, chemical and structural changes of the treated straw surface. The mineral particles formed on the surface after the treatment are analyzed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The application of sodium hydroxide solution results in the disruption of the straw surface. As the concentration More > Graphic Abstract

Desy Nurliasari¹, Awaly Ilham Dewantoro¹, Muhammad Adly Rahandi Lubis^2,3, Roni Kastaman^1,4,*, Mohamad Djali^3,5, Efri Mardawati^1,3, Devi Maulida Rahmah^1,3, Siti Nurhasanah^3,5, Akbar Hanif Dawam Abdullah^2,3, Lukmanul Hakim Zaini^6,7,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.1, pp. 181-197, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056475 - 20 January 2025

Abstract Konjac is an ideal candidate for edible coatings on fruits due to its hydrophilic properties, film-forming ability, barrier properties, safety, and biodegradability. Meanwhile, the high market demand for strawberries necessitates post-harvest treatment to extend their shelf life and preserve their quality, as strawberries are known for their fragile skin and soft texture. To fully utilize konjac and develop high-quality coating films, native konjac flour (NKF) and konjac glucomannan (KGM) were extracted from its corm and used as a coating film for strawberries in the present study. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the physical properties… More > Graphic Abstract

Yuezheng Lan¹, Yu Zhao^2,*, Zhiping Zhai¹, Meihua Fan², Fushun Li²

FDMP-Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, Vol.20, No.11, pp. 2565-2583, 2024, DOI:10.32604/fdmp.2024.053362 - 28 October 2024

Abstract The quality of crushing, power consumption, and discharging performance of a straw crusher are greatly influenced by the characteristics of its internal flow field. To enhance the straw crusher’s flow field properties and improve the efficiency with which crushed material is discharged, first, the main structural parameters influencing the air flow in the crusher are discussed. Then, the coupled gas-solid flow field in the straw crusher is numerically calculated through solution of the Navier-Stokes equations and application of the discrete element method (DEM). Finally, the discharge performance index of the crusher is examined through detailed More >

Saeed Ismaeilimoghadam^1,*, Saeed Mahdavi¹, Mehdi Pourhashemi², Afsaneh Shahraki³, Mehdi Jonoobi^4,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.10, pp. 1771-1789, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.054888 - 23 October 2024

Abstract This research aimed to investigate the effect of pulping conditions and refining intensities of wheat straw to be recommended for fluff pulp production. For this purpose, mono ethanol amine (MEA) was selected as a de-lignification agent at three levels of 50:50, 25:75, and 15:85 (MEA/water, W/V %), and soda-AQ 14 W/V % was used as a reference pulping. To investigate the optimal refining intensity, the obtained pulp was passed through a single disk laboratory refiner from 0 to 6 times and in two different consistencies (1.5 and 2.5 W/V %). Total yield, kappa number, ash… More > Graphic Abstract

Sumrit Mopoung^*, Narissara Namkaew, Sasiwan Srikasaem

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.8, pp. 1433-1454, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.052925 - 06 September 2024

Abstract Activated carbon preparation from sugarcane leaves and rice straw by carbonization (250°C–400°C) and activation at 500°C were studied. The effects of pre-oxidation, hydrolysis of derived charcoals by boiled KMnO₄ aqueous solution were evaluated. The derived charcoals products were pretreated using oxidation-hydrolysis with 1–5 wt.% KMnO₄ at 100°C and then activated at 500°C. The derived charcoal and activated carbon products were characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM-EDS and BET. Iodine number and methylene blue number of derived products were also used for the analysis of the products. It was found that fabricated charcoal materials made at 350°C–400°C possess… More > Graphic Abstract