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Hop (Humulus lupulusL.) is an ancient perennial crop plant, native to the Northern Hemisphere. The archaeological evidence dates back to at least the sixth century ad in Europe. Hop has been used for beer brewing, in sleeping draughts, as bedding and for antibacterial purposes. Less known is that hop fibres have also been used for textiles and paper. However, it is difficult to distinguish hop from other bast fibres. Here, we present a set of fibre features, which, when found together in an archaeological/historical material within a European context, provide a strong indication that the fibres are hop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the effect of acidity on the morphology of archeological paper, especially in the presence of colors and whether natural pigments play a role in the process of degradation.Design/methodology/approach The morphological changes in the cellulosic fibers of the manuscripts because of acidity were investigated using environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). Ten historical samples were collected from different manuscripts suffering from acidity. X-ray diffraction was used to identify the inks and pigments that were used in some samples. Additionally, Fourier transform infrared microscopy was used to identify the binding medium.Findings The results confirmed that carbon ink, ultramarine, cinnabar and gold pigments were applied to some manuscripts with Arabic gum. As for ESEM investigation, the results proved that acidity badly affected the integrity of the cellulosic fibers resulting in their embrittlement. The micrographs showed differences in fiber degradation according to pH value. The presence of inks and pigments increased the degradation extent resulting from acidity.Originality/value This paper addresses a specific need to study the behavior of degradation in paper manuscripts, thus helping the conservators find solutions to the phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cotton wool, cotton textile, tissue paper and printing paper, all potential waste cellulosic materials, were directly converted to sorbitol using a Ru/CNT catalyst in the presence of H 2 and using only water as solvent, without any acids. Conversions up to 38% were attained for the raw substrates, with sorbitol yields below 10%. Ball-milling of the materials disrupted their crystallinity, allowing reaching 100% conversion of cotton wool, cotton textile and tissue paper after 4 h, with sorbitol yields around 50%. Mix-milling these materials with the catalyst greatly enhanced their conversion rate, and the materials were efficiently converted to sorbitol with a yield around 50% in 2 h. However, ball- and mix-milled printing paper presented a conversion of only 50% after 5 h, with sorbitol yields of 7%. Amounts of sorbitol of 0.525, 0.511 and 0.559 g could be obtained from 1 g of cotton wool, cotton textile and tissue paper, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the research was to produce nanofiber-modified paper with enhanced strength. The materials used in the research were cotton-comber pulp and a composite of PLA (polylactic acid) and PHB (polyhydroxybutyrate) nanofibers. Two sets of test sheets were formed: from the pure cotton-comber pulp and from the cotton-comber pulp with 5.5% of ground nanofibers. A range of strength tests showed a significant strength improvement (an increase in breaking length of 17%). The thesis was confirmed and the results encourage further research into the subject matter of this article. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Abstract: Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus L.) is a nonwoody fiber source with many uses. To evaluate the dry matter yield potential of kenaf at two locations in the southern High Plains of the USA and the effects of late planting/late emergence as a possible replacement for hail damaged cotton, four varieties were grown in 2004 and 2005 at New Mexico State University''s Agricultural Science Centers at Clovis, under limited irrigation, and Tucumcari, under rainfed conditions. Each study was a randomized complete block design having four replicates. A year×location interaction existed (P <0.0469) for kenaf yield largely due to precipitation amount and distribution. Either late planting or late emergence due to low soil moisture at planting significantly reduced yields (3.62 vs. 0.63Mgha−1 for mid-May planting and emergence and early July emergence or planting, respectively, P <0.0001). Consequently, kenaf would not be suitable for recovering input costs when planted after failure of cotton. The very late maturing variety Gregg had consistently lower numeric yields than Dowling, Everglades 41, and Tainung 2 in all comparisons, with the strongest trend within the emergence date comparison (P <0.0912). Kenaf varieties should be selected for any location that finish blooming approximately three to four weeks prior to the average first autumn freeze to allow for maximum growth. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In 2020 the Cellulose and Renewable Materials Division (CELL) of the American Chemical (ACS) society celebrates its 100th anniversary. The following paper is based on a chapter from the book commissioned by the Division (Patterson, 2021). CELL is one of the most successful and dynamic Divisions in the ACS. It has evolved throughout its history to remain relevant and productive. One of its strengths is its diversity, while staying true to its founding vision. This perspective was present at its founding, and the following paper surveys the world of cellulose and renewable materials from the dawn of history to 1920. CELL has both industrial and scientific roots and has always welcomed the full range of participants from these communities. Rather than operating as separate tribes, the two groups have fostered innovations in each other. Many aspects of cellulose science and technology are discussed from antiquity to the early 20th century. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The author reflects on which high-value commodity could be put forward for the 100th Jubilee spot in the U.S. as of July 2012. He believes the link between an anniversary and the particular commodity associated with it could be proportional to the item's value, such as paper, cotton and leather celebrating the first five years. He is proposing oil, which has reached a price of around 100 U.S. dollars per barrel (bbl), to have that 100th Jubilee spot.