Daniela Godina^1,*, Guntis Sosins¹, Aigars Paze¹, Janis Rizikovs¹, Raimonds Makars¹, Andreas Treu²

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.1, pp. 147-161, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056822 - 20 January 2025

Abstract Instead of the traditional linear model of taking, making, and disposing, the circular bio-economy promotes a regenerative approach. Although there is potential to create valuable products like betulin, lupeol, and suberinic acids (SA) from outer birch bark, many industries, such as plywood and pulp, often choose to incinerate substantial amounts of leftover birch bark to meet their energy needs. This highlights the importance of obtaining valuable products from wood. The objective of this study was to examine various fractions of SA and assess their potential for wood impregnation. The fractions included SA potassium salts in… More > Graphic Abstract

Emma Kieny^1,2,3, Kévin Candelier^2,3,*, Louis Milhe¹, Yannick Estevez⁴, Cyrielle Sophie⁴, Romain Lehnebach¹, Jérémie Damay^2,3, Daniela Florez¹, Emeline Houël⁵, Marie-France Thévenon^2,3, Julie Bossu⁴

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.1, pp. 79-100, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056731 - 20 January 2025

Abstract The valorization of Amazonian wood residues into active chemical compounds could be an eco-friendly, cost-effective and valuable way to develop wood preservative formulations to enhance the decay and termite resistance of low-durable wood species. Wacapou (Vouacapoua americana., Fabaceae) is a well-known Guianese wood species commonly used in local wood construction due to its outstanding natural durability, which results from the presence of a large panel of extractives compounds. In addition, its industrial processing generates large amounts of residues. Wacapou residues were extracted by maceration using four different solvents (water/ethanol, ethyl acetate, hexane and dichloromethane/methanol), separately and… More > Graphic Abstract

Manasa Gadiraju^1,*, Dhaval Chauhan², Alexandra Schray³, James E. O’Brien Jr.^1,4, Edo Kwaku Setsoafia Bedzra^1,4

Congenital Heart Disease, Vol.19, No.5, pp. 435-443, 2024, DOI:10.32604/chd.2025.059705 - 31 December 2024

Abstract Background: Shunt repair for the Norwood procedure with either the right ventricle to pulmonary artery shunt (RVPAS) or the modified Blalock-Taussig-Thomas Shunt (BTTS) varies by institution and surgeon preference. Shunt choice has been informed by landmark trials including the Single Ventricle Reconstruction trial and modern outcomes data may engender future complementary studies. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent the Norwood procedure from 2014–2022 at a single center to compare outcomes by shunt type. The primary outcome measure was freedom from death or transplant. Secondary outcome measures included hospital length of… More >

Salma Kouzzi^1,*, Mouniba Redah¹, Souad Morsli², Mohammed El Ganaoui³, Mohammed Lhassane Lahlaouti¹

FDMP-Fluid Dynamics & Materials Processing, Vol.20, No.12, pp. 2741-2755, 2024, DOI:10.32604/fdmp.2024.055890 - 23 December 2024

Abstract This study investigates the potential for enhancing the thermal performance of external walls insulation in warmer climates through the combination of phase change materials (PCMs) and bio-based materials, specifically hemp wool and wood wool. Experimental tests using the heat flow method (HFM), and numerical simulations with ANSYS Fluent software were conducted to assess the dynamic thermal distribution and fluid-mechanical aspects of phase change materials (PCMs) within composite walls. The results demonstrate a notable reduction in peak indoor temperatures, achieving a 58% reduction with hemp wool with a close 40% reduction with wood wool when combined More >

Kristine Meile^1,*, Martins Romanovskis^1,2, Thomas Nicol³, Neil Hindle³, Aivars Zhurinsh¹

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.12, pp. 2135-2152, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056775 - 20 December 2024

Abstract Fast pyrolysis of pre-treated birch wood in a super-heated steam environment produces a condensate rich in anhydrosugars. With the objective to obtain several product streams from this condensate, the possibility of extracting additional chemical species is explored, thus promoting the development of a pyrolysis-based biorefinery. In this work, the extraction and recovery of pyrolytic phenols from birch wood pyrolysis condensate was studied using ion exchange resins. With an aim to achieve effective phenol recovery, while obtaining high purity levoglucosan, basic ion exchange resins, both in OH⁻ and Cl⁻ form, as well as polystyrene-divinyl resins without functional… More > Graphic Abstract

Rūdolfs Bērziņš^*, Aigars Pāže, Guntis Sosins, Daniela Godiņa, Laima Vēvere, Jānis Rižikovs

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.12, pp. 2095-2113, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056769 - 20 December 2024

Abstract Birch outer bark (BOB) from Betula pendula Roth. is a unique and valuable biomass feedstock that contains suberin. The biopolyester suberin is built from bifunctional fatty acids-suberinic acids (SA)-which can be obtained through a depolymerization process in an alkaline medium and used as a binder due to their adhesive properties. The aim of this study was to develop the SA-containing binder and identify suitable pressing conditions to produce plywood that meets the shear strength requirements of the EN 314-2 standard 3rd moisture resistance class for bonding quality, ensuring durability in unprotected exterior conditions (shear strength ≥… More > Graphic Abstract

Zeynep Eda Özan^1,*, Gökhan Gündüz², Deniz Aydemir^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.12, pp. 1985-2016, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056000 - 20 December 2024

Abstract Piezoelectric materials convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, acting as renewable energy sources. As smart materials, they respond to environmental changes by altering their properties. When pressure is applied, their structure separates positive and negative charge centers, producing opposite charges on crystal surfaces. This generates an electric field and a measurable potential. Wood, a natural material, also exhibits piezoelectric behavior. The piezoelectric effect of wood was first discovered by Russian scientists in 1940–1950. Then, in 1955, Fukada analyzed both the direct and inverse piezoelectric effect of wood and scientifically proved that this natural material has… More > Graphic Abstract

Estefani S. Sugahara^1,2,3,*, André M. A. Dias^1,3, Fernanda D. Maffioletti⁵, Juarez B. Paes⁵, André L. Christoforo⁴, Edson C. Botelho², Alfredo M. P. G. Dias^1,3, Cristiane I. Campos²

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.11, pp. 1911-1925, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056198 - 22 November 2024

Abstract Over the last decade, the oriented strand board (OSB) market presented meaningful growth. However, as a wood-based product, because of its anatomical structure and chemical composition, OSB can be damaged by biodeterioration agents. Given that, the biodeterioration of OSB panels must be investigated to improve its durability. In this way, this work analyses the biological resistance against termites (Cryptotermes brevis and Nasutitermes corniger) of heat-treated OSB panels made with Eucalyptus wood glued with vegetable-based polyurethane-an eco-friendly and sustainable adhesive derived from castor oil. Various panels were produced with different layers compositions (face:core:face of 25:50:25 and 30:40:30) in wood… More > Graphic Abstract

Yifan Sun¹, Yuanyuan Zhang^1,2, Ziyi Tian¹, Hailang Liu¹, Siying Chen¹, Xujuan Huang^1,*, Zhaosheng Cai¹, Bo Fang³

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.11, pp. 1837-1856, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.055933 - 22 November 2024

Abstract As oil is now an important resource for the survival and development of mankind, the consumption of oil continues to increase each year, and there have been a number of major oil spills in history, such as the oil spill from the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig. Therefore, oil spills during storage and transportation have become an issue of serious concern. Current methods such as incineration and chemical methods cause secondary environmental pollution and fail to enable resource recovery. The adsorption method by porous materials has attracted worldwide attention due to its simplicity, portability, and efficiency.… More > Graphic Abstract

Ming Ni¹, Lei Li¹, Yiqiang Wu^1,*, Jianzheng Qiao¹, Yan Qing¹, Ping Li², Yingfeng Zuo^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.8, pp. 1355-1368, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.054050 - 06 September 2024

Abstract Furfurylated wood exhibits excellent dimensional stability and corrosion resistance, making it a promising material for constructing buildings, but it is highly flammable. Herein, flame-retardant furfurylated poplar wood was produced via a two-step process utilizing boric acid (BA) and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP) as flame-retardant components, and biomass-derived furfuryl alcohol (FA) as a modifier. The acidity of BA and ADP allowed them to catalyze the polymerization of FA, which formed a cross-linked network that immobilized BA and ADP inside the wood. The addition of BA/ADP substantially delayed the time to ignition from 10 to 385 s More > Graphic Abstract