Search Results (1,943)

The multifunctional role of forests in supplying renewable biomaterials and delivering ecosystem services (ESs) is often overlooked in standard life cycle assessment (LCA) methodologies, despite its relevance for sustainable construction. This study developed the BioCons Impact Compensation Model (ICM), which integrates ES into life cycle inventory (LCI) databases and quantifies proprietary BioCons Mitigation Indicators, capturing additional environmental information, ensuring transparency, and preventing greenwashing. Using structural Scots pine in Spain as a case study, the GWP_-luluc-roots indicator was found to be 226.84 kg CO_2-eq/FU, representing 36% of the biogenic carbon (616.45 kg CO_2-eq/FU), highlighting the contribution of root-derived carbon to long-term soil carbon storage. The BioCons Mitigation Indicators demonstrate that mitigation generally exceeds environmental impacts, except for HTP-nc-inorganics, with surplus ES available as biocredits to offset emissions in other life cycle stages. Integrating these indicators into environmental product declarations (EPDs) provides a transparent and accurate view of environmental performance. The results validate the hypothesis that forest bio-based construction products (FBCPs) act as carriers of ESs embedded in derived products, supporting more comprehensive and robust sustainability assessments. Full article

A fully aqueous, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone–free strategy for debundling single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is reported using the renewable dispersant Vanisperse^® LI. Dispersions at 2 mg mL⁻¹ were subjected to probe ultrasonication at 0.3 W mL⁻¹ and evaluated using oscillatory rheology. Complex viscosity (η*) exhibited a transient maximum (~75 min) consistent with the formation of a percolated fibrous network, followed by a decline as debundling progressed. An optimum dispersant coverage of ~1.5 mg m⁻² minimized η*, while overdosing likely induced multilayer adsorption and bridging seen by a rapid increase in η*. A two-stage centrifugation at 10,000× g yielded storage-stable suspensions of debundled SWCNTs without ultracentrifugation. SEM confirmed substantial debundling into thin fiber-like bundles. By formulating a dispersion with a dispersant that has a significantly lower cradle-to-gate carbon footprint than both fossil-based and bio-based alternatives such as CMC, this work presents a more sustainable approach to producing debundled SWCNT dispersions for advanced material applications. Full article

This study aims to present the preparation of date stone activated carbon (DSAC) through physical activation with carbon dioxide. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) technique, Boehm titrations, elemental analysis, Raman and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy have been used to characterize the raw material (date stone), date stone activated carbon (DSAC) produced, Congo Red (CR) and to investigate the adsorption phenomena. The study of the DSAC porous material revealed the dominance of micropores with a specific surface area greater than 535.9 m² g⁻¹ and an approximate volume value equal to 0.208 cm³ g⁻¹. The Langmuir model predicted an adsorption capacity of approximately 27.77 mg g⁻¹, while a 90% removal efficiency for CR dye was achieved under neutral pH conditions. Thermodynamic analysis confirmed that the adsorption of CR on DSAC has a spontaneous (ΔG° < 0) and exothermic (ΔH° < 0) character. The adsorption mechanism of CR on DSAC was proposed and discussed, based on the determination of electrostatic interactions being identified as a critical factor that controls the adsorption phenomenon of CR on DSAC. A 2³ full factorial design was implemented to systematically investigate the effects of three critical parameters (temperature, adsorbent dosage, and pH) on the adsorption performance. Statistical analysis indicated that all three primary factors significantly influenced the results. The square correlation coefficient of the model (R²-sq of 97.26%) was in good agreement with the statistical model. The variable is considered statistically significant when the p-value is lower than 0.05. These findings, supported by experimental data, strongly indicate that DSAC possesses remarkable potential as a sustainable and effective bio-adsorbent for wastewater remediation applications capable of removing diverse contaminants with high efficiency. Full article

This study investigated sawdust-derived activated carbon (SAC) as a sustainable reinforcing filler for vulcanized rubber bushings (VRBs). Two types SAC200 (75 µm, carbonized at 200 °C) and SAC400 (38 µm, carbonized at 400 °C) were chemically activated and incorporated into natural rubber (NR) at 25–55 phr loadings, while SAC free VRBs served as controls. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis revealed that SAC400 exhibited stronger hydroxyl and carbonyl functional groups, indicating higher surface reactivity compared with SAC200. The incorporation of SAC increased cross-linking density, thereby enhancing both curing behavior and mechanical performance. VRBs reinforced with SAC400 demonstrated higher maximum torque (up to 38.07 kg·cm), shorter scorch time (5 min 58 s), and reduced cure time (11 min 05 s) relative to SAC200 and the control. Mechanical properties improved markedly, with hardness and tensile strength rising from 45 Shore A and 5.52 MPa in the control to 70 Shore A and 13.40 MPa in SAC400. Although elongation at break decreased slightly, it remained within the acceptable range for dynamic applications. Swelling resistance also increased, reaching 101.76% at 25 °C and 106.61% at 100 °C. Overall, SAC400 consistently outperformed SAC200 and the control, highlighting its potential as a renewable, biomass-derived filler for high-performance rubber bushings and promising a sustainable alternative to conventional fillers in industrial applications. Full article

Cationic polyelectrolytes, characterized by positively charged functional groups, play an essential role in industries ranging from food solutions, water treatment, medical, cosmetic, textiles and agriculture due to their electrostatic interactions, biocompatibility, and functional versatility. This paper critically examines the transition from petroleum-based synthetic polymers such as poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and cationic polyacrylamides to sustainable natural alternatives derived from agri-forestry resources like starch derivatives and cellulose. Through a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment, we highlight the superior renewability, biodegradability, and lower carbon footprint of bio-based polycations, despite challenges in agricultural sourcing and processing. This study examines cationization processes by comparing the environmental limitations of traditional chemical methods, such as significant waste production and limited scalability, with those of second-generation reactive extrusion (REX), which enables solvent-free and rapid modification. REX also allows for adjustable degrees of substitution and ensures uniform charge distribution, thereby enhancing overall functional performance. Groundbreaking research and optimization achieved through the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for parameter regulation and targeted mechanical energy management underscore REX’s strengths in precision engineering. By methodically addressing current limitations and articulating future advancements, this work advances sustainable innovation that contributes to a circular economy in materials science. Full article

Leachate from the Magtaa Kheira landfill exhibits complex physicochemical characteristics that restrict the efficacy of single-treatment processes. This study assessed a sustainable two-stage treatment strategy combining coagulation–flocculation and adsorption. During the initial stage of the study, both aluminum sulfate (AS) and a bio-based coagulant derived from Moringa oleifera seeds (MOS) were evaluated for their effectiveness in the pretreatment of leachate. Box–Behnken Design combined with Response Surface Methodology was used to optimize the coagulation process using aluminum sulfate (AS). The highest removal efficiencies were 91% for turbidity and 85% for chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal, achieved at an AS concentration of 1.44 g·L⁻¹ and an initial pH of 8. In parallel, the performance of MOS extract was investigated as an eco-friendly alternative to AS. An FTIR analysis revealed the presence of protein-associated hydroxyl (3288 cm⁻¹) and carboxyl and amine groups (1647 cm⁻¹), which are integral to destabilization via hydrogen bonding, while SEM confirmed a surface morphology conducive to effective floc formation. MOS demonstrated comparable turbidity removal to AS, significantly reducing both sludge generation and chemical consumption. Following the coagulation stage, treated leachates were passed through a granular activated carbon (GAC) column, enhancing overall COD removal to over 94% to reach acceptable discharge and reuse levels. The coagulation–adsorption sequence, incorporating both chemical and bio-based coagulants, provides an efficient and sustainable approach for the treatment of complex leachate, addressing both performance and environmental considerations. Full article

Sugarcane smut, caused by the fungal pathogen Sporisorium scitamineum, leads to significant economic losses in the global sugarcane industry. Bio-organic fertilizers (BF) offer a promising and sustainable strategy to mitigate smut incidence and enhance sugarcane growth. While the application of BF is known to modulate root exudates and rhizosphere microbial community structure, thereby promoting disease resistance, the precise mechanisms underpinning BF-mediated suppression of sugarcane smut remain largely unclear. This study investigated the microbiological mechanisms of smut suppression using a pot experiment, comparing a novel BF treatment (composted substrate enriched with Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus altitudinis, Bacillus cereus, Trichoderma harzianum, and Trichoderma longibrachiatum, biochar, and calcium carbonate) with a control receiving only conventional organic fertilizer. BF application significantly increased plant height (by 95.2%), dry weight (137.5%), fresh weight (253.3%), and sugar content (43.1%) relative to the control. Furthermore, the BF treatment enhanced catalase activity by 167.8% and peroxidase activity by 102.3% in sugarcane leaves, while the control effectiveness against the incidence of smut disease reached 88.0%. Analysis of the rhizosphere microbiome revealed that BF application significantly altered microbial alpha- and beta-diversity. Specifically, the BF treatment notably enriched beneficial genera such as Pseudomonas and Meyerozyma. Beta-diversity analysis revealed distinct microbial community structures in BF-treated rhizosphere soil compared to the control. Correlation and random forest analyses identified Pseudomonas and Meyerozyma as key taxa that were positively associated with sugarcane growth parameters and negatively correlated with smut incidence. These findings elucidate the dual role of this novel BF in enhancing sugarcane growth and suppressing smut incidence through the strategic reshaping of the rhizosphere microbiome. Full article

Large-format additive manufacturing (LFAM) is an enabling manufacturing technology capable of producing large parts with highly complex geometries for a wide variety of applications, including automotive, infrastructure/construction, and aerospace mold and tooling. In the past decade, the LFAM industry has seen widespread use of bio-based, glass, and/or carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites which, when printed, serve as a lower-cost alternative to metallic parts. One of the highest-volume materials utilized by the industry is carbon fiber (CF)-filled polycarbonate (PC), which in out-of-autoclave applications can achieve comparable mechanical performance to metal at a significantly lower cost. Previous work has shown that if this material is recovered at various points throughout the manufacturing process for both the lab and pilot scale, it can be mechanically recycled with minimal impacts on the functional performance and printability of the material while significantly reducing the feedstock costs. End-of-life (EOL) CF-PC components were processed through industrial shredding, melt compounding, and LFAM equipment, followed by evaluation of the second-life material properties. Experimental assessments included quantitative analysis of fiber length attrition, polymer molecular weight degradation using gel permeation chromatography (GPC), density changes via pycnometry, thermal performance using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and mechanical performance (tensile properties) in both the X- and Z-directions. Results demonstrated a 24.6% reduction in average fiber length compared to virgin prints, accompanied by a 21% decrease in X-direction tensile strength and a 39% reduction in tensile modulus. Despite these reductions, Z-direction tensile modulus improved by 4%, density increased by 6.8%, and heat deflection temperature (HDT) under high stress retained over 97% of its original value. These findings underscore the potential for integrating mechanically recycled CF-PC into industrial LFAM applications while highlighting the need for technological innovations to mitigate fiber degradation and enhance material performance for broader adoption. This critical step toward circular material practices in LFAM offers a pathway to reducing feedstock costs and environmental impact while maintaining functional performance in industrial applications. Full article

This study explores the potential of a bio-based thermosetting adhesive system incorporating recycled fillers to enhance structural bonding applications while promoting sustainability. Diglycidylether of vanillyl alcohol (DGEVA) was selected as the resin matrix due to its favorable thermomechanical properties and low moisture absorption. To improve mechanical performance and support circular economy principles, recycled carbon fibers (RCFs) and mineral wool (MW) were integrated into the adhesive formulation in varying proportions (10, 30, and 50 phr). A cationic thermal initiator, ytterbium (III) trifluoromethanesulfonate (YTT), was used to permit polymerization. Comprehensive characterization was performed to assess the curing behavior, thermal stability, and mechanical performance of the adhesive. FTIR spectroscopy monitored the polymerization process, while DSC and dynamic DSC provided insights into reaction kinetics, including activation energy, and curing rates. The mechanical and thermomechanical properties were evaluated using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and shear lap testing on bonded joints. Additionally, SEM imaging was employed to examine fillers’ morphology and joint interfaces. The results indicated that increasing filler content slowed polymerization and raised activation energy but still permitted high conversion rates. Both RCF- and MW-containing formulations exhibited improved stiffness and adhesion strength, particularly in CMC joints. These findings suggest that DGEVA-based adhesives reinforced with recycled fillers offer a viable and sustainable alternative for structural bonding, contributing to waste valorization and green material development in engineering applications. Full article

Achieving a decarbonized built environment in Canada requires proven, resilient, and scalable building envelope assemblies. In 2022, building operations accounted for 18% of Canada’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with space heating responsible for nearly two-thirds of this total. Alongside operational carbon reductions, embodied carbon emissions—stemming from the production and transport of building materials—must be prioritized during the design phase. Without intervention, construction materials could consume up to half of the remaining global 1.5 °C carbon budget by 2050. This paper highlights NRCan’s prototype, low-carbon, prefabricated panels filled with chopped straw and cellulose insulation under the Prefabricated Exterior Energy Retrofit (PEER) research project. The research advances confidence in performance and durability of biogenic materials by conducting controlled experiments, guarded hot box testing, and hygrothermal modelling. These panels present a promising pathway to drastically lower embodied carbon in the built environment. The validated hygrothermal model, accurate to between 3% and 7, enables assessment of hygrothermal performance across Canadian climates, retrofit scenarios and future climate conditions. This work supports the evidence for low-carbon or bio-based materials as a solution for Canada’s built environment. Full article

In this study, fallen leaves of Azadirachta indica and Prunus dulcis were treated as waste materials for the production of energy-intensive bio-coal briquettes. The physical composition revealed that the moisture content ranged from 6.8% to 8.8%, fixed carbon from 10.7% to 14.0%, volatile matter from 71.2% to 77.1%, and ash content from 4.1% to 7.6%. The chemical structure of the biomass fuel, which included carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen, was noted to be 44.56–50.69%, 7.12–7.33%, 0.14–0.25%, 0.47–0.79%, and 41.08–47.46%, respectively. The higher heating value ranged from 16.8 to 18.3 MJ/kg. With increasing pressure from 5 to 20 MPa, briquette density increased from 654 to 995 kg/m³, shatter index from 81% to 94%, durability from 67% to 92%, and resistance to water penetration from 57% to 77%. A low-pressure briquette (5 MPa) burned at a higher rate of 8.0 g/min, whereas a high-pressure briquette (20 MPa) burned at a lower rate of 2.5 g/min. All leaf types tested were able to boil 1000 mL of water with 100 g of briquettes in just 7 min. Full article

Lignocellulosic biomass—the non-edible fraction of plants composed of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin—is the most abundant renewable carbon resource and a key lever for shifting from fossil to bio-based production. Agro-industrial residues (straws, cobs, shells, bagasse, brewery spent grains, etc.) offer low-cost, widely available feedstocks but are difficult to process because their polymers form a tightly integrated, three-dimensional matrix. Within this matrix, lignin provides rigidity, hydrophobicity, and defense, yet its heterogeneity and recalcitrance impede saccharification and upgrading. Today, most technical lignin from pulping and emerging biorefineries is burned for energy, despite growing opportunities to valorize it directly as a macromolecule (e.g., adhesives, foams, carbon precursors, UV/antioxidant additives) or via depolymerization to low-molecular-weight aromatics for fuels and chemicals. Extraction route and severity strongly condition lignin structure linkages (coumaryl-, coniferyl-, and sinapyl-alcohol ratios), determining reactivity, solubility, and product selectivity. Advances in selective fractionation, reductive/oxidative catalysis, and hybrid chemo-biological routes are improving yields while limiting condensation. Remaining barriers include feedstock variability, solvent and catalyst recovery, hydrogen and energy intensity, and market adoption (e.g., low-emission adhesives). Elevating lignin from fuel to product within integrated biorefineries can unlock significant environmental and economic benefits. Full article

The microbial removal of antibiotics is an environmentally friendly solution to antibiotic contamination in water. However, the main limitations for its application are the difficulty of direct utilization of antibiotics by bacteria and incomplete removal. In this study, a strain of Bacillus thuringiensis ZY that removed tetracycline (TC) as a sole carbon source was applied. Strain ZY was able to remove 50 mg/L TC at an efficiency higher than 70%, while the removal efficiency was increased to 100% after the immobilization by Loofah (Lfr). Meanwhile, the removal time was shortened from 6 to 4.5 d. Compared with the free ZY, the TC removal efficiency of Lfr-ZY was significantly improved under various conditions (temperature, pH and NaCl concentration). The removal efficiency of Lfr-ZY was still higher than 50% after 11 cycles, with strong removal ability and stability. In addition, the enhancement of TC bio-removal by Lfr-ZY involved the combination of the protection, adsorption, detoxification, putative nutrient release and solubilization effects of Lfr. The promising results suggest that the Lfr-based strategy has the potential for solving the problems of a lack of nutrient substrate for TC removal and the inability to remove it completely. Full article

This study introduces and validates a miniaturized testing methodology for the complete orthotropic characterization of structural plywood, including out-of-plane directions that are typically difficult to access. Novel small-scale geometries were developed for tension and shear configurations, with compliance corrections applied to ensure accurate stress–strain responses. The method proved reliable and sensitive to mechanical differences arising from veneer architecture, adhesive type, and interfacial bonding. Two sets of 18 mm structural plywood panels—manufactured with distinct adhesive systems, one bio-based (F1) and one phenol-formaldehyde (F2)—were systematically tested under tensile, compressive, and shear loading in ten orthogonal configurations (T_x, T_y, T_z, C_x, C_y, C_z, τ_xy, τ_yx, τ_xz, τ_yz), following standards NCh 3617, EN 789, and ASTM B831. Tensile moduli were approximately twice the corresponding compressive values, while out-of-plane moduli reached only 6–11% of in-plane values. F1 exhibited higher stiffness in both tension and compression, particularly in transverse directions, due to thicker perpendicular veneers enhancing bending restraint and shear coupling. In contrast, F2 achieved greater peak shear strength owing to its more uniform veneer structure, which improved stress distribution and delayed interlaminar failure. Observed asymmetry between tension and compression reflected microstructural mechanisms such as fiber alignment and cell-wall buckling. The miniature-specimen data provide reliable input for constitutive calibration and finite-element modeling, while revealing clear links between veneer-thickness distribution, shear-transfer efficiency, and macroscopic performance. The proposed framework enables efficient, reproducible orthotropic characterization for optimized, lightweight, and carbon-efficient timber systems. Full article

Biomineralized self-healing concrete is a type of concrete that, during its service life, induces the generation of calcium carbonate through the participation of microorganisms or active enzymes, thereby achieving self-repair of cracks at different times. Self-healing concrete based on biomineralization can achieve sustainable crack repair and could enhance the strength and extend the service life of buildings. This article comprehensively analyzes the latest progress in bio-self-healing concrete, including microbial-based self-healing, enzyme-induced calcium carbonate precipitation (EICP), microcapsule-loaded microbial in situ remediation, and bio-inorganic mineral synergist self-healing technology. The maximum repairable width of the crack is 2.0 mm, and concrete strength can be increased by 135%. These methods offer new insights and strategies for the repair of concrete cracks, providing fundamental knowledge for the later application of intelligent engineering of bio-self-healing concrete and the analysis of micro-interface mechanisms. At the same time, they clarify the practical possibility of microbial technology in building materials science and engineering and offer key theoretical support for the long-term development of China’s construction industry. Full article