Rui Ribeiro^1,*, Miguel Guerreiro², Renato Reis², Joana T. Martins^3,4, Jorge M. Vieira^3,4, Mariana Martins da Silva¹, José A. Covas¹, Maria C. Paiva^1,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.10, pp. 1859-1880, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0071 - 22 October 2025

Abstract The growing environmental awareness, the search for alternatives to fossil resources, and the goal of achieving a circular economy have all contributed to the increasing valorization of biowaste to produce bio-based polymers and other high-value products. Among the various biowaste materials, lignin has gained significant attention due to its high aromatic carbon content, low cost, and abundance. Lignin is predominantly sourced as a byproduct from the paper industry, available in large quantities from hardwood and softwood, with variations in chemical structure and susceptibility to hydrolysis. This study focuses on softwood lignin obtained through the LignoForce™… More > Graphic Abstract

Pelita Ningrum¹, Sri Hidayati^1,*, Wahyu Hidayat², Samsul Rizal¹, Erika Ayu Agustiany³, Emma Rochima^4,5, Lee Seng Hua⁶, Antonio Di Martino⁷, Apri Heri Iswanto⁸, Widya Fatriasari^3,5,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.7, pp. 1367-1388, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0006 - 22 July 2025

Abstract Biodegradable plastics are types of plastics that can decompose into water and carbon dioxide the actions of living organisms, mostly by bacteria. Generally, biodegradable plastics are obtained from renewable raw materials, microorganisms, petrochemicals, or a combination of all three. This study aims to develop an innovative bioplastic by combining chitosan and lignin. Bioplastic was prepared by casting method and characterized by measuring the mechanical properties like tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and elongation at break. The chemical structure, together with the interactions among chitosan and lignin and the presence of new chemical bonds, were evaluated by… More > Graphic Abstract

Haoquan Xue¹, Yujie Zhang¹, Zhuang Zhao¹, Haoran Gao¹, Wanlin Bao¹, Jiaxuan Li², Zhiheng Zhang², Qi Wang¹, Qiang He^1,*

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.42, No.2, pp. 379-409, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2025.066695 - 14 July 2025

Abstract Nanocellulose, derived from abundant lignocellulosic biomass, has emerged as a transformative material with unparalleled versatility across industries. This review systematically analyzes its sources, extraction methods, and multidimensional applications. Key findings include: (1) Plant fiber hierarchy dictates nanocellulose properties, with wood-derived cellulose offering high crystallinity and agricultural waste enabling cost-effective production. (2) Acid hydrolysis remains dominant for cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), while mechanical methods yield high-aspect-ratio cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). (3) Nanocellulose’s mechanical strength, biocompatibility, and tunable surface chemistry drive innovations in energy storage (e.g., supercapacitors), biosensors (e.g., glucose monitoring), and biomedical engineering (e.g., 3D-printed scaffolds). Challenges in More >

Eko Budi Santoso^1,2, Nur Izyan Wan Azelee^3,4, Deded Sarip Nawawi², Wasrin Syafii^2,*, Widya Fatriasari^2,5,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.5, pp. 865-884, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.058804 - 20 May 2025

Abstract The significant amount of ash content in agricultural biomass presents an enormous challenge for efficient conversion processes. In addressing this issue, various deashing treatments have been tested and established, including simple leaching techniques, which can either be performed with or without the addition of chemical agents. These techniques hold promise for improving the deashing efficiency while potentially altering the structural and chemical composition of biomass, specifically lignin content, which is the key focus of this review. This review starts by exploring the presence of ash in agricultural residues and its impact on biomass properties. Next,… 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

Ahmed M. Khalil¹, Samir Kamel^2,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.2, pp. 401-412, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.057419 - 20 February 2025

Abstract Developing favorable bio-based polymers that replace petroleum-based plastics is an essential environmental demand. Lignin is a by-product of the chemical pulping industry. It is a natural UV protection ingredient in broad-spectrum (UVA and UVB) sunscreens. It could be partially and selectively acetylated in a simple, fast, and more reliable process. In this work, a composite film was prepared with UV-resistant properties through a casting method. Bio-based cellulose acetate (CA) was employed as a major matrix while nano-acetylated kraft lignin (AL-NPs) was used as filler during synthesizing UV-shielding films loaded with various amounts (1–5 wt.%) of… More > Graphic Abstract

Hong Lei¹, Xiaojian Zhou², Antonio Pizzi^3,*, Guanben Du^2,*, Xuedong Xi²

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.2, pp. 199-249, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02024-0048 - 20 February 2025

Abstract This review is composed of three main parts each of which is written by well-known top specialists that have been, in a way or other, also the main participants of the majority of the developments reported. Thus, after a general part covering the grand lines and more in-depth views of more recent tannin, lignin, carbohydrate and soy bioadhesives, some mix of the other bio raw materials with soy protein and soy flour and some other differently sourced bioadhesives for wood, this review presents a more in-depth part on starch-based wood adhesives and a more in-depth… More > Graphic Abstract

Maris Lauberts^1,*, Janis Rizikovs¹, Matiss Pals¹, Karl Pebo²

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.1, pp. 115-126, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.056815 - 20 January 2025

Abstract Research-based on lignin as a bioproduct has grown due to its high availability, reactivity, physicochemical stability, and abundance of different aromatic units. Lignin consists of various functional groups, which can react in various chemical reactions and serve as a raw material in various processes to obtain multiple products. These characteristics make lignin suitable for synthesizing products from natural raw materials, replacing fossil ones. Due to a high aromatic variety and complex structural arrangement, lignin isolation and fractionation are still challenging. The aim and novelty of this work was the modification of severity and enzymatic hydrolysis… More >

Annesha Kar¹, Niranjan Karak^1,2,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.9, pp. 1507-1540, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.052220 - 25 September 2024

Abstract The pursuit of incorporating eco-friendly reinforcing agents in polymer composites has accentuated the exploration of various natural biomass-derived materials. The burgeoning environmental crisis spurred by the discharge of synthetic dyes into wastewater has catalyzed the search for effective and sustainable treatment technologies. Among the various sorbent materials explored, biochar, being renewable, has gained prominence due to its excellent adsorption properties and environmental sustainability. It has also emerged as a focal point for its potential to replace other conventional reinforcing agents, viz., fumed silica, aluminum oxide, treated clays, etc. This study introduces a novel class of… More > Graphic Abstract

Shihao Feng^1,2,3, Qin Ouyang^1,2,*, Jing Huang^1,2, Xilin Zhang³, Zhongjun Ma⁴, Kun Liang^1,2, Qing Huang^1,2,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.7, pp. 1207-1218, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.052579 - 21 August 2024

Abstract Lignin-derived porous carbons have emerged as promising electrode materials for supercapacitors. However, the challenge remains in designing and controlling their structure to achieve ideal electrochemical performance due to the complex molecular structure of lignin and its intricate chemical reactions during the activation process. In this study, three porous carbons were synthesized from lignin by spray drying and chemical activation with varying KOH ratios. The specific surface area and structural order of the prepared porous carbon continued to increase with the increase of the KOH ratio. Thermogravimetric-mass spectrometry (TG-MS) was employed to track the molecular fragments More > Graphic Abstract