Kezheng Gao¹, Shuaifei Li¹, Qingyuan Niu², Xiaojing Zhang^2,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.12, pp. 2309-2353, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0108 - 23 December 2025

Abstract The current global shortage of oil resources and the pollution problems caused by traditional barrier materials urgently require the search for new substitutes. Biodegradable bio-based barrier materials possess the characteristics of being renewable, environmentally friendly, and having excellent barrier properties. They have become an important choice in fields such as food packaging, agricultural film covering, and medical protection. This review systematically analyzes the design and research of this type of material, classifying biobased and biodegradable barrier materials based on the sources of raw materials and synthesis pathways. It also provides a detailed introduction to the More >

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

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.10, pp. 1881-1898, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0068 - 22 October 2025

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

Zhen-Yu Chen¹, Yue-RU Wang¹, De-Yi Teng¹, Yan-Fang Xue¹, Gui-Chang Jiang^1,2,*

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.42, No.2, pp. 359-377, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2025.063342 - 14 July 2025

Abstract PU, or polyurethane, features a repeating urethane group (-NH-COO-) in its molecular structure. Traditionally, PUs are synthesized from isocyanate and polyol compounds derived from fossil resources through polymerization reactions. The depletion of fossil fuels and the increasing climate problems call for the expansion of more renewable sources of chemicals, such as modern biomass. However, the conversion of biomass into chemicals is challenging due to the inherent molecular complexity of its composition. In recent years, advances in green chemistry have led researchers to focus on developing bio-based polyurethanes by sourcing polyols, isocyanates, and chain extender precursors More >

Zhenzhou Wang¹, Rui Luo¹, Wenqing Yang¹, Seng Hua Lee^2,*, Wei Chen Lum³, Longjiang Liu⁴, Xiaojian Zhou¹, Jun Zhang^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.6, pp. 1229-1249, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02024-0073 - 23 June 2025

Abstract Highly flame-retardant bio-based composites were prepared in this study. Firstly, glucose-citric acid (GC) resin was synthesized through the interaction of glucose and citric acid derived from agricultural and forestry sources. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) served as a toughening agent, whereas walnut shell powder (WSP) functioned as a filler in the formulation of a thermosetting bio-based GC-PVA-WSP (GCPW) composite with GC resin. The findings demonstrated that boric acid increased the limited oxygen index (LOI) value of GCPW to 33%, while simultaneously diminishing its total smoke production (TSP) by 99.9%, and achieving a flame retardant index (FRI) of More > Graphic Abstract

Ega Cyntia Watumlawar¹, Byung-Dae Park^1,*, Long Yang², Guanben Du²

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.5, pp. 829-848, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02024-0056 - 20 May 2025

Abstract As the most abundant aromatic bio-based polymer, lignin has great potential as a sustainable feedstock for building crosslinked thermoset polymers as bio-based adhesives. However, the potential of hardwood kraft lignin (HKL) is limited due to its poor crosslinking reactivity. Hence, for the first time, the present study reports the facile oxidation of HKL involving a redox reaction with silver-ammonia complexes ([(AgNH₃)₂]⁺), primarily focusing on oxidation to produce reactive quinones and promote C–C linkages during reaction. This study aims to increases reactivity of oxidized HKL for effective crosslinking with monoethanolamine (MEA) for the development of bio-based wood… More > Graphic Abstract

Aiga Ivdre^*, Ralfs Pomilovskis, Arnis Abolins

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.2, pp. 349-361, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056820 - 20 February 2025

Abstract Studies on the use of renewable materials for various applications, including polymers, have gained momentum due to global climate change and the push towards a circular economy. In this study, polymer resins were developed through Michael 1,4-addition. The precursors were synthesized from tall oil-based acetoacetates derived from epoxidized tall oil fatty acids or their methyl esters. Two different epoxidation methods were employed: enzymatic epoxidation of tall oil fatty acids and ion-exchange resin epoxidation of tall oil fatty acid methyl esters. Following oxirane opening and transesterification with trimethylolpropane, further esterification or transesterification was carried out to… More >

Sachin Ghalme^1,*, Mohammad Hayat², Mahesh Harne³

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.2, pp. 273-295, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056275 - 20 February 2025

Abstract With growing concerns for global warming and environmental issues, the research community has contributed significantly to green technology in the area of material science through the development of natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites (NFRPC). Polymers serve as the matrix in NFRPC, while natural fibers serve as the reinforcing materials. Demand for high-performing materials made with natural resources is growing continuously. Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composites are sustainable biocomposites fabricated with natural fibers embedded with a polymer matrix. They offer a wide range of advantages, including a low weight-to-strength ratio, high flexural strength, damping properties, and resistance… More > Graphic Abstract

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 >

Aswinraj Anbazhagan¹, Piyali Roy Choudhury¹, Sahila Sambandam², Jayakumari Lakshmanan Saraswathi^1,*

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.41, No.4, pp. 299-313, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2024.056261 - 16 December 2024

Abstract Petroleum-based cured epoxy polymers, used widely in aerospace, marine, and automotive industries, pose environmental threats due to their toxicity. Therefore, developing alternative curing systems for epoxy resin is crucial. This study explores the use of bio-based phenalkamines as curing agents for epoxy resin to enhance the mechanical properties of polymer composites and fiber-reinforced laminates. The functional groups, morphology, and thermal properties of the composites were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Mechanical properties of two epoxy systems—EP-TETA (triethylenetetramine-cured) and EP-PA (phenalkamine-cured)—were evaluated according to ASTM standards. More > Graphic Abstract

Jajang Sutiawan¹, Alifah Syahfitri², Sukma Surya Kusumah¹, Dede Hermawan^2,*, Rita Kartika Sari², Luthfi Hakim³, Efri Mardawati^4,5, Muhammad Adly Rahandi Lubis^1,4,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.8, pp. 1383-1397, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.052052 - 06 September 2024

Abstract Molasses can serve as a natural adhesive for plywood and particleboard. However, several disadvantages remain, including lower dimensional stability and low bonding strength compared to other adhesives. Therefore, modifications are needed to use molasses as an adhesive for plywood. This research aims to improve bio-based molasses (MO) adhesive for plywood using citric acid (CA) adhesive. In addition, this research aims to analyze the effect of adding citric acid and to investigate the optimum hot-pressing temperature to produce the best quality plywood. In the first stage, the molasses and citric acid were combined in a ratio… More > Graphic Abstract