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

Abir Razzak^1,2, Faten Mannai¹, Ramzi Khiari^3,4,5, Younes Moussaoui^2,6, Mohamed N. Belgacem^5,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.10, No.10, pp. 2593-2606, 2022, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2022.021706 - 08 June 2022

Abstract The exploitation of biomass represents a major environmental challenge related to the protection of the environment and the progressive exhaust of fossil resources. In this perspective, the main objective of this work is the extraction and the characterization of natural lignocellulosic fibers from the Schinus molle. The cellulose fibre extraction was investigated employing conditions of alkali treatment. After the alkaline steps, a bleaching treatment was done and let to a yield about 45% pure cellulose. The identification of the chemical composition of Schinus molle reveals that this raw material contains a high level of biopolymers with a More >

Joyce de P. Cipriano², N. C. Zanini¹, I. R. Dantas¹, D. R. Mulinari^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.7, No.10, pp. 1047-1053, 2019, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2019.00001

Abstract The use of natural fibers as an additive in polymeric matrices has attracted interest of the automotive industries, for its low cost, mechanical properties, biodegradability and lightness. However, the hydrophilic nature of the fiber makes polymer compatibility difficult. Fiber surface treatments can be used to enhance the fiber/matrix interface. In the present work, polypropylene (PP) composites reinforced with fibers from macadamia nutshell were obtained and characterized. Macadamia nutshell fibers were treated by an alkaline treatment with sodium hydroxide (NaOH 4%) to improve adhesion between fibers and matrix. Fibers were characterized by techniques of Scanning Electron More >