Open Access

REVIEW

Plant-Based Cellulose Nanopapers with Applications for Packaging, Protective Films and Energy Devices

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.8, pp. 1491-1519, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02024-0079 - 22 August 2025
Abstract Interest in the use of cellulose nanomaterial’s continues to grow, both in research and industry, not only due to the abundance of raw materials, low toxicity and sustainability, but also due to the attractive physical and chemical properties that make nanocelluloses useful for a wide range of end-use applications. Among the large number of potential uses, and nanocelluloses modification and processing strategies, the chosen topic of this review focuses exclusively on plant-derived cellulose microfibers/nanofibers (CNF) and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) processed into 2D structures—nanopapers and nanofilms—fabricated as self-standing films or applied as coatings. The end uses… More >

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REVIEW

Integration of Biopolyesters and Natural Fibers in Structural Composites: An Innovative Approach for Sustainable Materials

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.8, pp. 1521-1546, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02024-0058 - 22 August 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Valorization of Lignocellulosic Biomass for Functional Materials)
Abstract Composites made from biopolymers and natural fibers are gaining popularity as alternative sustainable structural materials. Biopolyesters including polylactic acid (PLA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), when mixed with natural fibers such as kenaf, hemp, and jute, provide an environmentally acceptable alternative to traditional fossil-based materials. This article examines current research on developments in the integration of biopolymers with natural fibers, with a focus on enhancing mechanical, thermal, and sustainability. Innovative approaches to surface treatment of natural fibers, such as biological and chemical treatments, have demonstrated enhanced adhesion with biopolymer matrices, increasing attributes such as… More >

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REVIEW

Sustainable Biocomposites from Renewable Resources in West Africa: A Review

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.8, pp. 1547-1586, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02024-0078 - 22 August 2025
Abstract The use of agricultural residues in biocomposite production has gained increasing attention, driven by several benefits. Converting agricultural by-products into bio-based materials within a circular economy represents a sustainable strategy to mitigate lignocellulosic waste, reduce reliance on fossil resources, and lower environmental pollution. This approach also creates economic opportunities for rural African communities by generating diverse income sources for workers in collection, processing, and manufacturing. As a result, the integration of agricultural residues into biocomposites production not only addresses environmental concerns but also fosters economic growth and supports rural development. In this review, five biomasses… More >

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ARTICLE

Optimization of Comprehensive Performance of Polylactic Acid by Chitosan Blend Modification

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.8, pp. 1587-1604, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0075 - 22 August 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Sustainable Materials for a Green Future: Innovations in Eco-friendly Composites based on Poly(lactic acid) (PLA))
Abstract Polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable polymer, exhibits superior mechanical strength and processability. However, its broader adoption is hindered by inherent brittleness, low hydrophilicity, and sluggish crystallization kinetics. Chitosan (CS), a natural polysaccharide renowned for its biocompatibility and biodegradability, offers potential to address these limitations. While both materials have garnered significant attention in materials science, research on their integration via melt blending and the resulting performance enhancements for food-contact plastics remains understudied. This research comprehensively explores how different levels of CS content, from 0% to 10%, impact the characteristics of chitosan/polylactic acid (CS/PLA) composites. It specifically… More >

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ARTICLE

Effect of D-Lactide Content and Molecular Weight of PLA on Interfacial Compatibilization with PBAT and the Resultant Morphological, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.8, pp. 1605-1621, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0048 - 22 August 2025
Abstract Interfacial compatibilization is essential to generate compatible blend structures with synergistically enhanced properties. However, the effect of molecular structure on the reactivity of compatibilizers is not properly known. This study investigates the compatibilization effect of multifunctional, epoxy-based Joncryl chain extender in blends of polylactide (PLA) and polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate (PBAT) using PLA with varying D-lactide contents and molecular weights. These PLAs were high molecular weight amorphous PLA (aPLA) with D-content of 12 mol% and semi-crystalline PLA (scPLA) grades with D-contents below 1.5 mol% at both high (h) and low (l) molecular weights. The reactivity of Joncryl… More >

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1472

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ARTICLE

Iron Modified Opuntia ficus-indica Cladode Powder as a Novel Adsorbent for Dyes Molecules

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.8, pp. 1623-1644, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0023 - 22 August 2025
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Biobased Materials for Advanced Applications )
Abstract In this study, Opuntia ficus-indica cladode powder (OFIC), locally sourced from Rabta in Tunis, was utilized as a novel, eco-friendly adsorbent in both raw and iron(III) chloride-modified forms. The presence of iron in the modified material was confirmed by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF). The neat and modified biomass were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and their usefulness as adsorbent for cationic Neutral Red (NR) and anionic Congo Red (CR) dyes were explored under batch conditions. Equilibrium studies revealed that the iron-modified Fe(OH)_x@Cellulose adsorbent exhibited… More >

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1458

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ARTICLE

Design and Research of Eco-Friendly Biodegradable Composites Based on Renewable Biopolymer Materials, Reed, and Hemp Waste

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.8, pp. 1645-1660, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02025-0049 - 22 August 2025
Abstract Nowadays, the development of effective bioplastics aims to combine traditional plastics’ functionality with environmentally friendly properties. The most effective and durable modern bioplastics are made from the edible part of crops. This forces bioplastics to compete with food production because the crops that produce bioplastics can also be used for human nutrition. That is why the article’s main focus is on creating bioplastics using renewable, non-food raw materials (cellulose, lignin, etc.). Eco-friendly composites based on a renewable bioplastic blend of polybutylene adipate-co-terephthalate, corn starch, and poly(lactic acid) with reed and hemp waste as a filler.… More >

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1437

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ARTICLE

Characteristics of Wood Sponge from Sengon (Falcataria moluccana) Wood Manufacturing through a Multistage Delignification Process

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.13, No.8, pp. 1661-1681, 2025, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2025.02024-0081 - 22 August 2025
Abstract Adsorbents with three-dimensional porous structures have gained widespread attention due to their unique characteristics, including a large surface area, high porosity, and excellent absorption capacity. One of the products is the wood sponge. The key to successfully producing wood sponges lies in an optimal multistage delignification process, which is particularly influenced by wood species, solvent, time, and temperature. The aim of this research was to analyze the characteristics of wood sponge derived from sengon wood (Falcataria moluccana Miq.) after multistage delignification. The process involved delignification using NaOH and Na₂SO₃ solutions at 100°C for 8, 9 and 10… More >

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2013

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1536

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REVIEW

Recent Progress of Surface Passivation Molecules for Perovskite Solar Cell Applications

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.11, No.4, pp. 1533-1554, 2023, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2022.023192
Abstract

Due to the solution processable nature, the prepared perovskite films are polycrystalline with considerable number of defects. These defects, especially defects at interface accelerate the carrier recombination and reduce the carrier collection. Besides, the surface defects also affect the long-term stability of the perovskite solar cells (PVSCs). To solve this problem, surface passivation molecules are introduced at selective interface (the interface between perovskite and carrier selective layer). This review summarizes recent progress of small molecules used in PVSCs. Firstly, different types of defect states in perovskite films are introduced and their effects on device performance are

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REVIEW

Valorization of Aloe barbadensis Miller. (Aloe vera) Processing Waste

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.11, No.3, pp. 1031-1061, 2023, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2022.023449
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Renewable Material from Agricultural Waste and By-Product and Its Applications)
Abstract Aloe vera plant is known worldwide for its medicinal properties and application in gel-based products such as shampoo, soap, and sunscreen. However, the demand for these gel-based products has led to a surplus production of Aloe vera processing waste. An Aloe vera gel processing facility could generate up to 4000 kg of Aloe vera waste per month. Currently the Aloe vera waste is being disposed to the landfill or used as fertilizer. A sustainable management system for the Aloe vera processing waste should be considered, due to the negative societal and environmental impacts of the currents waste disposal methods. Therefore, this… More >

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1804

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REVIEW

Application of Plant-Based Coagulants and Their Mechanisms in Water Treatment: A Review

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.4, pp. 667-698, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2024.048306
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Special Issue in Celebration of JRM 10 Years)
Abstract This review describes the mechanisms of natural coagulants. It provides a good understanding of the two key processes of coagulation-flocculation: adsorption and charge neutralization, as well as adsorption and bridging. Various factors have influence the coagulation/flocculation process, including the effect of pH, coagulant dosage, coagulant type, temperature, initial turbidity, coagulation speed, flocculation speed, coagulation and flocculation time, settling time, colloidal particles, zeta potential, the effects of humic acids, and extraction density are explained. The bio-coagulants derived from plants are outlined. The impact of organic coagulants on water quality, focusing on their effects on the physicochemical… More >

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ARTICLE

Characterization of Potential Cellulose from Hylocereus Polyrhizus (Dragon Fruit) peel: A Study on Physicochemical and Thermal Properties

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.11, No.1, pp. 131-145, 2023, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2022.021528
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Bio-Fibres, Biopolymers and Biocomposites – Design for Sustainability, Life Cycle Analysis, Concurrent Materials and Conceptual Design Selection)
Abstract The strict environmental regulations to overcome the drawbacks of consumption and disposal of non-renewable synthetic materials have motivated this investigation. The physical, chemical, morphological, and thermal properties of Hylocereus Polyrhizus peel (HPP) powder obtained from the raw materials were examined in this study. The physical properties analyzes of Hylocereus Polyrhizus peel (HPP) powder discovered that the moisture content, density, and water holding capacity were 9.70%, 0.45 g/cm3 , and 98.60%, respectively. Meanwhile, the chemical composition analysis of Hylocereus Polyrhizus peel (HPP) powder revealed that the powder was significantly high in cellulose contents (34.35%) from other bio-peel wastes. The… More >

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1883

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REVIEW

A Review on Sources, Extractions and Analysis Methods of a Sustainable Biomaterial: Tannins

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.12, No.3, pp. 397-425, 2024, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2023.046074
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Renewable and Biosourced Adhesives-2023)
Abstract Condensed and hydrolysable tannins are non-toxic natural polyphenols that are a commercial commodity industrialized for tanning hides to obtain leather and for a growing number of other industrial applications mainly to substitute petroleum-based products. They are a definite class of sustainable materials of the forestry industry. They have been in operation for hundreds of years to manufacture leather and now for a growing number of applications in a variety of other industries, such as wood adhesives, metal coating, pharmaceutical/medical applications and several others. This review presents the main sources, either already or potentially commercial of More >

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ARTICLE

Selecting the Technology of Sodium Silicate Modified Poplar with the Highest Performance by Fuzzy Orthogonal Method

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.11, No.5, pp. 2399-2415, 2023, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2023.026656
Abstract Sodium silicate modification can improve the overall performance of wood. The modification process has a great influence on the properties of modified wood. In this study, a new method was introduced to analyze the wood modification process, and the properties of modified wood were studied. Poplar wood was modified with sodium silicate by vacuum-pressure impregnation. After screening using single-factor experiments, an orthogonal experiment was carried out with solution concentration, impregnation time, impregnation pressure, and the cycle times as experimental factors. The modified poplar with the best properties was selected by fuzzy mathematics and characterized by… More >

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1276

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ARTICLE

Antibacterial Chitosan-Gelatin Microcapsules Modified with Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles for Food Packaging

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.11, No.1, pp. 291-307, 2023, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2022.021456
Abstract Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are an effective antibacterial agent, but their application in food packaging is limited due to their easy agglomeration and oxidation. In this study, antibacterial microcapsules were fabricated using Ginkgo biloba essential oil (GBEO) as core material and chitosan and type B gelatin biopolymer as capsule materials. These antibacterial microcapsules were then modified with green-synthesized Ag NPs, blended into the biopolymer polylactic acid (PLA), and finally formed as films. Physicochemical properties and antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were evaluated. Results showed that the prepared antibacterial PLA films exhibited excellent antibacterial More >

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1804

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ARTICLE

Current Status and Development Trends of Chinese Intelligent Furniture Industry

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.11, No.3, pp. 1353-1366, 2023, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2022.023447
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Advances in Eco-friendly Wood-Based Composites: Design, Manufacturing, Properties and Applications)
Abstract In this work, the current status, technical capabilities, and development trends of the Chinese intelligent furniture industry were in focus. Based on combining a literature review with field investigations and analysis of major scientific research projects in Zhejiang Province, China, an in-depth overview and discussion about previous experience, features, technologies, products and control methods in the intelligent furniture industry in China were conducted. The key technologies in current Chinese intelligent furniture industry include embedded systems, sensors, short-range wireless communication, artificial intelligence and intelligent interaction techniques. This work also mentions the challenges and opportunities for the More >

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SHORT COMMUNICATION

Treating CsPbI₃ Perovskite with Pyrrolidinium Iodide to Improve the Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.11, No.8, pp. 3193-3201, 2023, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2023.027730
（This article belongs to the Special Issue: Perovskite Solar Cells)
Abstract All-inorganic CsPbI₃ perovskite has attracted wide attention due to its desirable optical bandgap (E_g: ∼1.7 eV) as well as high chemical stability. Nevertheless, the photovoltaic performance of CsPbI₃ perovskite solar cells (PSCs) was limited by severe nonradiative charge recombination due to high defect density at the grain boundary and surface of perovskite films. To address this issue, a pyrrolidinium iodide (PyI) molecule was introduced to modify the surface and grain boundary of CsPbI₃ perovskite films to passivate defects, which improves the quality of CsPbI₃ perovskite films as well as induces the generation of a quasi-2D Py₂CsPb₂I₇ capping layer… More >

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1962

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ARTICLE

Development and Characterization of Eco-Friendly Non-Isocyanate Urethane Monomer from Jatropha curcas Oil for Wood Composite Applications

Journal of Renewable Materials, Vol.11, No.1, pp. 41-59, 2023, DOI:10.32604/jrm.2022.023151
Abstract The aim of this research work was to evaluate the potential of using renewable natural feedstock, i.e., Jatropha curcas oil (JCO) for the synthesis of non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) resin for wood composite applications. Commercial polyurethane (PU) is synthesized through a polycondensation reaction between isocyanate and polyol. However, utilizing toxic and unsustainable isocyanates for obtaining PU could contribute to negative impacts on the environment and human health. Therefore, the development of PU from eco-friendly and sustainable resources without the isocyanate route is required. In this work, tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide was used as the activator to open the… More >

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