Nurhasnah¹, Naresworo Nugroho^1,*, Sarah Augustina^2,*, Silvia Uthari Nuzaverra Mayang Mangurai³, Deazy Rachmi Trisatya^1,2

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.8, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02026-0027 - 26 August 2026

Abstract Randu wood is a fast-growing wood species with a low density, ranging from 0.21 to 0.28 g/cm³. This limits the utilization of this species, particularly for structural purposes. Improving the quality and strength of wood can be done by applying a densification process. The effectiveness of this process may be improved by applying in-situ delignification using peracetic acid as a pretreatment. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the physical (moisture content and density), dimensional stability (TR-ratios, water absorption, and thickness swelling), spring-back (compression set, and compression-set recovery) and mechanical properties (Modulus of Rupture/MOR and Modulus of… More > Graphic Abstract

Xinzhan Li¹, Haixin Sun², Li Li^1,3,*, Zongjin Li³, Guangming Xie⁴, Guangzhao Li⁴

Structural Durability & Health Monitoring, Vol.20, No.5, 2026, DOI:10.32604/sdhm.2026.081014 - 24 August 2026

Abstract To utilize waste clay bricks and reduce carbon emissions, recycled brick powder (RBP) was prepared from waste brick-concrete structures and used to produce alkali-activated slag-recycled brick powder foam concrete (ASRFC). This paper evaluated the impact of RBP replacement rates and water-binder ratio on the physical and mechanical properties of foam concrete, including its thermal conductivity, strength, and pore structure. The results demonstrated that the addition of 10% RBP resulted in decreases in the apparent density and thermal conductivity of ASRFC, while flexural strength and the flexural-compressive strength ratio exhibited significant increases. These phenomena can all… More >

Nathan Jourdainne^1,2, Mathilda Ekholm¹, Nawel Belkessa¹, Antonin Vignon¹, Nicolas Sbirrazzuoli¹, Christelle Combeaud², Jean-Luc Bouvard², Nathanael Guigo^1,2,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.7, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02026-0040 - 28 July 2026

Abstract This study investigates the valorization of mussel shell waste as a bio-derived filler in poly(L-lactic acid) (PLLA) to promote sustainable materials aligned with circular economy principles. Mussel shells, a seafood industry byproduct rich in biogenic calcium carbonate, were ground into powder and incorporated into PLLA at 10–50 wt%. The resulting composites were thoroughly characterized using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), and uniaxial tensile testing to assess morphological, chemical, thermal, and mechanical properties. Incorporation of… More > Graphic Abstract

Harmiansyah^1,2, Maisy Pitaloka Sinaga¹, Sheilla Ika Amalia¹, Salma Hanan Arwinda¹, Al Aqib Anugerah Ramadhan¹, Hervianna Indira Kusuma Riandara¹, Mohamad Haafiz Mohamad Kassim^3,4,5, Mohd Shahrieel Mohd Aras⁶, Melbi Mahardika^3,7,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.7, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02026-0007 - 28 July 2026

Abstract The limited mechanical performance of starch-based bioplastic films, particularly their low strength and stiffness, remains a major challenge for their broader application as sustainable packaging materials. This study aims to address this issue by utilizing cellulose fibers extracted from oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) waste as a reinforcing agent in corn starch–based bioplastic films. The bioplastic films were fabricated using a solution casting method with varying cellulose contents and subsequently characterized to evaluate their mechanical properties, crystalline structure, and thermal stability. The results demonstrate that the incorporation of cellulose fibers significantly enhances the tensile… More >

Nuhu Lawal^1,2, Adekunle Adeleke^2,3, Petrus Nzerem^2,4, Chizoma Adewumi^2,5, Frank Ogundolie^2,6, Esther Anosike-Francis^2,3, Waliyi Adeleke^2,3, Seun Jesuloluwa^2,3,*

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.7, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2026.02025-0203 - 28 July 2026

Abstract The environmental concerns of petroleum-based plastics, including their non-biodegradability, contribution to pollution, and reliance on finite fossil resources, have motivated growing global interest in biodegradable alternatives, with starch-based bioplastics emerging as a promising solution due to their renewability, biodegradability, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with existing processing technologies. This review synthesizes recent developments, challenges, and analytical techniques related to starch-based bioplastics. It examines the physicochemical properties of starch, modification methods such as plasticization, blending, and chemical treatments, and key production techniques including extrusion, injection molding, and 3D printing. Mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties are evaluated through standardized More >

Siti Norasmah Surip¹, Wan Nor Raihan Wan Jaafar^1,*, Jaka Fajar Fatriansyah², Ing Kong³

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.7, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0182 - 28 July 2026

Abstract Most studies on kenaf fibre composites focus on the bast due to its higher fibre yield and strength, while the core is often neglected. In this work, Polylactic Acid (PLA) matrix was reinforced with both kenaf bast and core fibres at a 49:1 wt% ratio. The fibres were chemically treated and cryo-crushed to improve bonding and dispersion. Mechanical testing revealed that treated Kenaf Core Composites (KCC) exhibited comparable flexural and impact properties to Kenaf Bast Composites (KBC), with flexural strengths of 46.19 and 46.52 MPa, respectively, and impact strengths of 5.8 and 4.4 J/m. Meanwhile, More >

Izzat bin Mat Samudin¹, Muhammad Adam Johan bin Muhammad Affindy¹, Quanjin Ma², Nabilah Afiqah binti Mohd Radzuan^1,*

Journal of Polymer Materials, Vol.43, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jpm.2026.077219 - 30 June 2026

Abstract Lattice structures fabricated through additive manufacturing (AM) offer exceptional strength-to-weight ratios, as their geometries allow them to carry high loads with far less material than solid components. When paired with polylactic acid (PLA), they combine biodegradability with ease of processing, allowing the structures to be produced efficiently while also offering an environmentally friendly material option. However, comparative studies across different lattice types under uniform conditions remain limited, as many existing studies only focus on a single geometry type. Therefore, this study investigates the compressive performance of PLA lattice structures, which include body-centered cubic (BCC), honeycomb… More > Graphic Abstract

Abdullah Alariyan¹, Anas Alaryan², Mahmoud Alhashash³, Abdulhadi Alzabout⁴, Mohammed Alariyan⁵, Mohammed Abdulaal⁶, Abdulrahman Ahmed⁷, Ahed Habib^8,*

Structural Durability & Health Monitoring, Vol.20, No.4, 2026, DOI:10.32604/sdhm.2026.076385 - 30 June 2026

Abstract The increasing environmental concerns associated with traditional construction materials have forced the exploration of sustainable alternatives, such as biomaterials in cement-based composites. Despite their potential to significantly reduce carbon footprints and enhance environmental sustainability, comprehensive literature analyzing the integration, characteristics, and behavior of biomaterials within cement matrices remains sparse. This gap underscores a crucial need for a review to consolidate existing knowledge and identify future research trajectories. This study aims to conduct a review of the characteristics and behavior of cement-based composites with biomaterials. It also aims to establish a clear understanding of how biomaterials… More >

Nur ‘Aisyah Ar-Raudhoh Mohammad Tahar¹, Muhammad Haziq Mohd Fadzli¹, Siti Nur Liyana Mamauod^1,2,*, Nahrul Hayawin Zainal³

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.14, No.6, 2026, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0177 - 29 June 2026

Abstract The palm oil industry is a major contributor to Malaysia’s economy, but its huge production has generated large amounts of oil palm biomass, particularly palm kernel shell (PKS), which poses environmental challenges if not properly managed. Converting PKS into biochar (PKSB) and activated carbon (APKS) offers a sustainable way to valorise this waste as potential bio-fillers in rubber composites. This study investigates the influence of nano-sized PKSB (n-PKSB) and activated PKS (n-APKS) as bio-fillers on the mechanical performance of natural rubber (NR) vulcanizates, with filler loadings ranging from 0 to 10 parts per hundred rubber… More > Graphic Abstract

Zhen Yan¹, Jiani Huang¹, Yanlin Gu¹, Qingqing Xu¹, Yuyu Guo¹, Kun Lin², Juan Hou^1,*

CMC-Computers, Materials & Continua, Vol.88, No.2, 2026, DOI:10.32604/cmc.2026.079204 - 15 June 2026

Abstract This study addresses the challenge of balancing “high deposition efficiency with large layer thickness” and “component mechanical integrity” in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing. Using 304L stainless steel as an example, a hybrid modeling strategy combining physical mechanism models and residual machine learning was proposed, achieving accurate prediction of densification at H = 60, 90, and 120 μm (test set R² = 0.833, MAE = 0.104). Within the Doehlert matrix experimental design framework, the coupled effects of laser power, scanning speed, and scanning spacing on densification behavior, microstructure evolution, and mechanical response at different… More >