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Looking for new alternative raw materials is one of the key issues in line with a bioeconomy approach, particularly for particleboard manufacturing. In this framework, this paper presents a comparison of some physico-mechanical properties and the formaldehyde contents of particleboards made with 30% substitution of grass biomass from six perennial grass species. Our studies indicate relatively high values of mechanical properties for particleboards made with the addition of biomass from grasses with the C4 photosynthetic pathway: Miscanthus x giganteus and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). Boards made with the addition of biomass from grasses with the C3 photosynthetic pathway—tall wheatgrass (Elymus elongatus), tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea), and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne)—gave lower values of mechanical properties. The opposite results were obtained in the case of the formaldehyde content: the lowest value was measured for particleboards made with the addition of tall fescue biomass (0.1% less than the control), and the highest for switchgrass (0.9% greater than the control) and cordgrass (3.2% greater than the control). Future research should address the optimization of the manufacturing process of particleboards from perennial grasses, taking into account the needs and technical possibilities of the wood industry sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Residues obtained after wood biomass liquefaction were used as precursors for the synthesis of two activated biochars. The source of biomass liquefaction constituted of industrial wood processing by‐products, including bark and wood sawdust. The liquefied residues were analyzed in terms of chemical components and structure. Carbonization under nitrogen atmosphere followed by physical CO2 activation allowed to obtain microporous activated carbons with specific surface areas of 741 and 522 m2 g−1, and micropore volumes of 0.38 and 0.27 cm3 g−1, respectively. The obtained activated carbons were used to remove toxic hexavalent chromium from the aquatic environment. The observed sorption capacities were 80.6 mg g−1 versus 36.7 mg g−1 for wood bark‐derived and wood sawdust‐derived carbon, respectively, indicating a key role of the wood residue source in the effectiveness of Cr(VI) removal by resulting carbons. Despite the dominant microporous structure, the adsorption kinetics was surprisingly fast, especially for the bark‐derived carbon, since the adsorption equilibrium was reached within 2 h. The sorption mechanism of chromium was based on the carbon surface‐mediated reduction of toxic hexavalent form to its non‐toxic trivalent form, as confirmed by the X‐ray photoelectron analysis. Therefore, the residues from wood liquefaction can be easily converted into porous activated biocarbons capable of adsorbing significant amounts of hazardous Cr(VI) while reducing them to non‐toxic Cr(III). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim of this work was to investigate the influence of nanocellulose on the storage stability and rheological properties of urea formaldehyde (UF)-based adhesive compositions for wood-based panels. Three types of UF resins characterized by different F/U molar ratios were used for this research. Resin modifications with nanocrystalline cellulose and a nanofibrillated cellulose content of 1.0% to 5.0% by dry weight of resin were prepared. The flow curve characteristics and storage stability were studied. The viscosity values mainly depended upon the type of nanocellulose used, as well as its loading in the composition. The UF resins modified with nanocrystalline cellulose kept their rheological behavior and proper viscosity after 4 weeks in storage, which lowered the percentage of viscosity retention by approximately 1.5 times compared with that of industrial resins. Nanocrystalline cellulose might be used as a stabilizer in resin compositions during long-term storage, while nanofibrillated cellulose might act as a thickening agent through the limited extent of loading in a composition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overall goal of this work was to develop a prototype expert system assisting quality control and traceability of particleboard panels on the production floor. Four different types of particleboards manufactured at the laboratory scale and in industrial plants were evaluated. The material differed in terms of panel type, composition, and adhesive system. NIR spectroscopy was employed as a pioneer tool for the development of a two-level expert system suitable for classification and traceability of investigated samples. A portable, commercially available NIR spectrometer was used for nondestructive measurements of particleboard panels. Twenty-five batches of particleboards, each containing at least three independent replicas, was used for the original system development and assessment of its performance. Four alternative chemometric methods (PLS-DA, kNN, SIMCA, and SVM) were used for spectroscopic data classification. The models were developed for panel recognition at two levels differing in terms of their generality. In the first stage, four among twenty-four tested combinations resulted in 100% correct classification. Discrimination precision with PLS-DA and SVMC was high (>99%), even without any spectra preprocessing. SNV preprocessed spectra and SVMC algorithm were used at the second stage for panel batch classification. Panels manufactured by two producers were 100% correctly classified, industrial panels produced by different manufacturing plants were classified with 98.9% success, and the experimental panels manufactured in the laboratory were classified with 63.7% success. Implementation of NIR spectroscopy for wood-based product traceability and quality control may have a great impact due to the high versatility of the production and wide range of particleboards utilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of liquefied bark products for panel manufacturing. The research was carried out with the use of waste bark, obtained from a local wood-processing company. Bark fractions were further processed by means of liquefaction. The liquefaction reaction was carried out at elevated temperature using a mixture of solvents from the polyhydroxy alcohol group. Three-layer particleboards based on the liquefied bark were produced. Standard physicochemical and mechanical properties of the boards, such as bending strength, modulus of elasticity, tensile strength and formaldehyde content, were determined. The parameters of the particleboards complied with the requirements of the PN EN 312:2011 standard for interior-general-use boards of type P2 used for indoor equipment elements. It was demonstrated that when melamine-urea-formaldehyde resin was substituted with liquefied bark to an amount of 20%, there was no increase in the formaldehyde content of the boards. All test results were compared with those for standard particleboard bonded with unmodified melamine-urea-formaldehyde adhesive resin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four types of industrial waste from wood processing, namely a mixed hardwood-softwood powder, pine and beech sawdust, and bark were liquefied and tested as binders for particleboards (PB) made of recycled wood. The liquefaction reaction was carried out at elevated temperature with a mixture of solvents from polyhydroxyl alcohols such as glycerine and propylene glycol, and p-toluenesulfonic acid as a catalyst. Then the liquefied woods (LWs) were characterized in terms of their suitability for PB production as a partial substitute for synthetic urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin. The standard properties of PBs such as tensile strength, bending strength and modulus of elasticity, density, moisture content, swelling after 24 h, water absorption, and formaldehyde content were measured. All tests were performed in comparison to a standard PB bonded by UF resin. It was demonstrated that the substitution of UF resin up to 20% of LW did not have a significant effect on the mechanical properties. PB made of recycled wood produced with LW possessed good mechanical properties that meet the European standard quality demands for PBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the characteristics of wood liquefied using different types of solvents in terms of its application for binding particleboards. Standard pine particles from barked wood were used for the liquefaction experiments. The liquefaction reaction was carried out in high temperature conditions using a mixture of solvents from the polyhydroxy alcohol group, including glycerine, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, diethylene glycol, and dipropylene glycol. The microstructure of both the liquefied wood and the liquefaction residues was determined by means of optical microscopy analysis. The basic parameters of the adhesive mixture modified with the liquefied wood, such as viscosity, pH and gel time were determined. Particleboards containing liquefied wood were produced. The following physicochemical and mechanical properties of the particleboards were measured: tensile strength, bending strength, modulus of elasticity, and formaldehyde content. The influence of the liquefying agent on the board properties was investigated. In all the tests, a control particleboard, bonded with a urea-formaldehyde adhesive resin with no inclusion of liquefied wood, was used for the purposes of comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The low economical valorisation of wood products from coppices and from high forest logging residues is a problem that requires to be addressed. In order to support forest owners a greater product diversification is required. To reach this goal, wood charcoal could be rediscovered in order to improve forest value chain. Charcoal production with the use of new models of mobile charcoal kiln were tested evaluating the characteristics of the process and the product. This process could be very advantageous for the local community, differentiating economically marginal productions and qualifying new operators. The focus in this regard also falls on the need to produce charcoal at the landing sites, thus considerably reducing transport costs. The possibility of producing charcoal directly at the landing sites could make the overall economic chain consistently more valuable. Wood charcoal is an activated charcoal, due to the mode of production, whose activation increases if crushed or pulverized. Due to the high specific area the activated carbon has high adsorbent capacities. The product charcoal, even if it is unjustly considered as "poor" (quality), has remarkable qualities that make it interesting in other aspects. In fact, the uses of charcoal are extensive and encompass numerous fields: apart from the traditional use, this product is used in industrial waste water treatment (water purification, air filtration), food industry (for decolorization and deodorization of wine, vinegar, fruit juices and alimentary use), herbal, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, textile sector and in agriculture (as a soil improver called "Biochar"). Biochar is a biomaterial which can be produced starting from several different feedstocks. Just for example, our research group, in the framework of different projects and international collaborations, has been producing biochar from beech firewood, pine wood chips, poplar wood chips, chestnut pruning as well as from the lignocellulosic residues of wood liquefaction process. Given the increasing interest around this product, nowadays, several studies aimed at characterization are in progress, trying to identify the best woody residues from which to produce small-scale charcoal for different purposes. Moreover, its properties seem to open new frontiers continuously. Charcoal produced in forest chains could also appeals to the certification of Chain of Custody of PEFC reaching a more qualified market, both for products and for process of sustainable productions. In this regard will be important to respect the basic principles of Circular Economy and Green Economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The valorization of lignocellulosic biomass for the manufacturing of value-added materials is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development and circular economy, providing an alternative to petroleum-based refineries and contributing to green transition in production. Lignocellulosic biomass is a valuable source of components and can be utilized to produce biopolymers via chemical, physical, microbiological, or enzymatic routes. Fractions obtained from the lignocellulosic biomass can be used in suitable and specific applications. Currently and primarily, wood is a raw source of nanocellulose production. In the interest of the diminishing wood resources in the world, the nanocellulose can be extracted from the lignocellulosic biomass, including waste biomass. In turn, liquefaction can be adopted as one of the effective methods of lignocellulosic waste management. The presented study focused on the different aspects of synthesis, modification, and applications of biopolymers obtained from lignocellulosic biomass, such as nanocrystalline cellulose (CNC), nanofibrillated cellulose (CNF), and liquefied wood. The research aimed to valorize the lignocellulosic biomass for the production of biopolymers intended to use in adhesives and wood composite materials. Firstly, the potential of lignocellulosic biomass to form biopolymers was discussed. Furthermore, different methods for biomass pre-treatment were explained. The need for nanocellulose modification was highlighted to improve the functionality of the materials. Finally, the application of both kinds of nanocellulose and liquefied wood were explored in the field of the wood-based panel sector. Nanocellulose was effectively recovered, and liquefied wood was successfully obtained from lignocellulosic biomass, which was confirmed by microscopic examination. Nanocellulose acted as modifying and reinforcing agent of amine resins improving mechanical performance and reducing formaldehyde emission. On the other hand, replacing 40% of the standard amino resin with liquefied wood caused that the minimum requirements for particleboards of type P2 according to PN-EN 312 has been met. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. To compare anterior eye segment measurements and morphology obtained with two optical coherence tomography systems (TD OCT, SS OCT) in eyes with corneal dystrophies (CDs). Methods. Fifty healthy volunteers (50 eyes) and 54 patients (96 eyes) diagnosed with CD (epithelial basement membrane dystrophy, EBMD = 12 eyes; Thiel-Behnke CD = 6 eyes; lattice CD TGFBI type = 15 eyes; granular CD type 1 = 7 eyes, granular CD type 2 = 2 eyes; macular CD = 23 eyes; and Fuchs endothelial CD = 31 eyes) were recruited for the study. Automated and manual central corneal thickness (aCCT, mCCT), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and nasal and temporal trabecular iris angle (nTIA, tTIA) were measured and compared with Bland-Altman plots. Results. Good agreement between the TD and SS OCT measurements was demonstrated for mCCT and aCCT in normal individuals and for mCCT in the CDs group. The ACD, nTIA, and tTIA measurements differed significantly in both groups. TBCD, LCD, and FECD caused increased CCT. MCD caused significant corneal thinning. FECD affected all analyzed parameters. Conclusions. Better agreement between SS OCT and TD OCT measurements was demonstrated in normal individuals compared to the CDs group. OCT provides comprehensive corneal deposits analysis and demonstrates the association of CD with CCT, ACD, and TIA measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene, with their unique mechanical, electrical, thermal, optical, and wettability properties, are very effective fillers for many types of composites. Recently, a number of studies have shown that CNTs and graphene may be integrated into wood–plastic composites (WPCs) and natural-fibre-reinforced polymer composites (NFPCs) to improve the existing performance of the WPCs/NFPCs as well as enabling their use in completely new areas of engineering. The following review analyses the results of the studies presented to date, from which it can be seen that that inclusion of CNTs/graphene may indeed improve the mechanical properties of the WPCs/NFPCs, while increasing their thermal conductivity, making them electroconductive, more photostable, less sensitive to water absorption, less flammable, and more thermally stable. This study indicates that the composition and methods of manufacturing of hybrid WPCs/NFPCs vary significantly between the samples, with a consequent impact on the level of improvement of specific properties. This review also shows that the incorporation of CNTs/graphene may enable new applications of WPCs/NFPCs, such as solar thermal energy storage devices, electromagnetic shielding, antistatic packaging, sensors, and heaters. Finally, this paper recognises key challenges in the study area, and proposes future work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to enhance the properties of water-borne acrylic coatings by modifying them with biopolymers. Water-borne coatings are more and more commonly used in the wood and furniture industry. To improve the performance of these coatings, there is a need to apply reinforcing agents. Among these, besides the well-studied inorganic nanoparticles, biopolymers are gaining increasing attention. In this study, a base acrylic coating material was filled with biopolymers having a wide variety of properties and functionalities, including nanocrystalline cellulose and two types of liquefied wood, in amounts of 1.0%, 3.0% and 5.0% by dry weight of coating. Two wood species, pine and beech, were selected for coating. Properties of the coatings were determined in order to assess the quality of the new coating formulations. Bearing in mind that the main cause of coating failure during interior exposure is mechanical defects, impact and abrasion resistance tests were performed. The abrasion resistance of the coatings was found to be increased by nanocrystalline cellulose and liquefied wood, most significantly at 1% loading. The results also indicated improvement in the impact resistance of coatings filled with nanocrystalline cellulose. • Biopolymers were applied to enhance the properties of water-borne acrylic coatings • Coatings filled with nanocrystalline cellulose showed higher impact resistance • Abrasion resistance was increased using nanocrystalline cellulose and liquefied wood, most significantly at 1% loading • Liquefied wood and nanocrystalline cellulose act as a fillers and matting agents [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High-quality boards can be produced from alternative lignocellulosic raw materials. • Panels made from alternative materials meet the requirements for panels of type P2. • New raw materials should be focused on plants that are already grown for various purposes. • Alternative raw materials may limiting wood harvesting for panels production. One way to reduce the use of wood resources and simultaneously to manage wastes in the form of forest and agricultural biomass, as well as biomass originating from the food processing industry, is to use those wastes in particleboard production as an alternative raw material to wood chips. This article highlights the potential of woody biomass from non-forest sources. Based on a review of the current scientific literature, an attempt is made to identify the raw materials with the greatest potential, considering their availability and the quality of boards made from them. Suggestions are also made regarding the search for new raw materials, based on their production potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optical coherence tomography has already been proven to be useful for pre- and post-surgical anterior eye segment assessment, especially in lamellar keratoplasty procedures. There is no evidence for intraoperative usefulness of optical coherence tomography (OCT). We present a case report of the intraoperative donor disc attachment assessment with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography in case of Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) surgery combined with corneal incisions. The effectiveness of the performed corneal stab incisions was visualized directly by OCT scan analysis. OCT assisted DSAEK allows the assessment of the accuracy of the Descemet stripping and donor disc attachment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Meibomian gland dysfunction is a common ocular disorder affecting from 39 to 50% of population. Despite that, so far a pathophysiology path of the disease remains unknown, moreover there is no distinct border between physiology and the disease. There has been no clear diagnostic criteria. The purpose of this review was to combine a current knowledge of Meibomian gland anatomy, Meibomian gland dysfunction epidemiology, as well as presenting current definition, nomenclature, classification and diagnostic criteria. The importance of diagnosis associated with conditions such as aqueous tear deficiency, seborrheic dermatitis, and rosacea is emphasized. The available treatment methods are discussed. Meibomian gland dysfunction, blepharitis, dry eye syndrome.

Purpose: To analyze genotype-phenotype correlation in patients originating from Polish population with the transforming growth factor beta induced (TGFBI) corneal dystrophies., Methods: Sixty affected and 31 unaffected individuals from 15 unrelated Polish families were included in the study. The clinical diagnosis was based on the slit-lamp exam, 1310 nm time domain and 1310 nm swept source spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Histopathologic analysis was performed on 10 available corneal buttons. Exons of the TGFBI gene were screened for mutations with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and direct DNA sequencing., Results: We found the lattice phenotype dominant compared to the granular one in the Polish population (41:16 patients; lattice:granular). We identified five distinct mutations responsible for TGFBI corneal dystrophies (R124R, R124H, R555W, R555Q, and H626R). There was a strong genotype-phenotype correlation in the case of R124R and R555W mutations, while there was a distinct phenotypic heterogeneity in the case of the H626R mutation. OCT analysis revealed that the reflectivity, location and pattern of the corneal deposits were different among the TGFBI corneal dystrophies. The advantage of spectral swept source OCT over time-domain OCT scans is a more distinct visualization of the Bowman's layer area and deposits located under the epithelium., Conclusions: This study underlines the role of comprehensive phenotype-genotype analysis in TGFBI corneal dystrophies, describes for the first time the TGFBI mutation spectrum in a Polish population and reveals phenotypic heterogeneity in the case of the H626R mutation.

Purpose: To present the results of endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) using "Busin" technique performed from September 2008 to December 2008 in Ophthalmology Department, District Railway Hospital in Katowice., Material and Methods: 7 patients (7 eyes) underwent DSEK using "Busin glide" technique, due to the corneal edema after cataract phacoemulsification. Best corrected visual acuity, central corneal thickness, endothelium cell density were assessed three and six month postoperatively., Results: Mean time period between cataract surgery to DSEK was 15.8 month (from 11 to 37 months). The mean central corneal thickness before surgery was 750 microm (from 690 microm to 850 microm), mean best corrected visual acuity 0.001 (from light perception to 0.01). The average best corrected visual acuity three months after surgery was 0.4 (0.1 to 0.6), and 0.5 (from 0.1 to 0.7), six months. Mean central corneal thickness 3 months postoperatively equaled 790 microm (from 714 microm to 850 microm), and a sixth month was 659 microm (from 800 microm to 604 microm). Three months after DSEK, mean endothelium cell density was 2640/mm2 (from 2301/mm2 to 2904/mm2), six months after DSEK the average endothelial cell density equaled 2430/mm2 (from 2210/mm2 to 2780/mm2). Disc dislocation was not observed in studied group., Conclusions: The use of BG as a donor lenticule insertion technique in DSEK technique seems to be a safe support of this lamellar surgery.

Purpose: To present the results of deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) using "big bubble" technique, performed from 2006 to 2008 in Ophthalmology Department, District Railway Hospital in Katowice., Material and Methods: 53 patients (53 eyes) underwent DALK using "big bubble" technique due to keratoconus, corneal dystrophies and postinflammatory corneal opacification with continue Descemet's membrane and healthy endothelium. Best corrected visual acuity, main astigmatism, central corneal thickness, endothelium cell density, intra- and postoperative complications were assessed., Results: Mean follow up 15.4 months ranged from 11 to 24 months. Averaged best corrected visual acuity averaged equaled 0.6 and ranged from 0.1 to 4.0, mean astigmatism 2.6 D, ranged from 1.0 D to 2.6 D. Mean central corneal thickness was 503.4 microm and ranged from 379 microm to 694 microm, mean endothelium cell density before surgery equaled 2895/ mm2 and postoperatively 2398/ mm2. Incomplete Descemet's membrane detachment was diagnosed in 3 cases, intraoperative microperforations in 5 eyes and conversion to penetrating keratoplasty was needed in 4 patients. Postoperative disc opacity in 3 cases, increase of intraocular preassures in 1 case and early postoperative Descemet's membrane detachment in 1 eye. Posterior cataract formation in 4 eyes and in 1 case permanent mydriasis (Urrets-Zavalia Syndrome), was observed. There was no graft rejection observed., Conclusions: Although technically more demanding lamellar keratoplasty, could be considered as an alternative "gold standard" penetrating keratoplasty.

Purpose: Analysis of morphologic and functional outcomes of endothelial keratoplasty with descemetorhexis technique for recipient Descemet's membrane removal (DSEK)., Material and Methods: We analyzed patients treated for chronic endothelial dysfunction with DSEK technique. For the study 12 patients (12 eyes) with follow up at least 9 months, were qualified. Study group consisted of 9 women and 3 men, in age from 53 to 83 years, mean 72.9 +/- 7.82 years. All surgery were performed by one surgeon (EW). Anterior chamber was opened through 5 mm wide and 3 mm long sclero-corneal tunnel. Before descemetorhexis incision points on the endothelial side of cornea were done with radio-frequency diathermy. Descemet's membrane stripping was done with the forceps. Endothelial grafts were fixed with anterior chamber by air tamponade. We analyzed postoperative visual acuity (on Snellen's charts), corneal transparency, endothelial cell density, total central corneal thickness and endothelial button (with OCT Visante), and complications of the surgery., Results: 9 months postoperatively VA ranged from 0.1 to 0.5 (mean 0.28 +/- 0.15), BCVA ranged 0.1-0.9 (mean 0.43 +/- 0.30). Endothelial cell density ranged from 982 to 2781 cells per square millimeter (mean 1848.5 +/- 550.7). Total central corneal thickness ranged from 642 to 998 microm (mean 791.6 +/- 38.0 microm) before surgery and from 536 to 789 microm (mean 645 +/- 61.3 microm) 12 months postoperatively. Total central thickness of the endothelial graft 12 months postoperatively ranged from 42 to 163 microm (mean 89.1 +/- 38.2 microm). One penetrating keratoplasty was made for graft failure. Due to endothelial graft detachment or dislocation in anterior chamber, air tamponade was made in 5 cases with satisfactory final result. Only one case of the rejection was observed., Conclusions: Endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK) is safe and effective procedure in treatment of the endothelial cell dysfunction. Surgery supported by descemetorhrexis is easy and quick and results in smooth endothelial graft bed. The DSEK technique decreases surgery time and number of corneal graft dislocations.

Purpose: Posterior lamellar keratoplasty (PLK) in patients with pseudophakic corneal oedema., Participants and Methods: The PLK have been performed in our department since November 2004. The studied group consisted of 8 patients (7 female and 1 male), 65 to 82 years of age (mean age: 71.5 years). Visual acuity before the surgery ranged from 0.01 to fingers counting. All the patients suffered from pseudophakic corneal oedema. Endothelial keratoplasty was performed using Melles technique: a deep stromal pocket was created across the cornea through a 5-mm scleral access incision. Endothelium was prepared from whole eyeballs collected according to the EEBA guidelines. Donor disc containing healthy endothelium was folded during the implantation procedure. Average donor endothelial cell density was 2800 cells/mm2. All surgeries were performed by one surgeon (EW)., Results: In two eyes conversion to PKP was necessary. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) ranged from 0.4 to 1.0 (mean 0.6 +/- 0.12). Postoperative astigmatism ranged from 0.75 to 2.5 D (mean 1.8 D +/- 0.34). Postoperative endothelial cell density ranged from 1700 do 2300 cells/mm2 (mean 2200 cells/mm2 +/- 150). Mean Postoperative endothelial cell loss came to 29%., Conclusions: Posterior lamellar keratoplasty is a feasible surgery to manage corneal endothelial disorders. Automation of procedures by the use of laser preparation of donor tissue and adaptation automatic microkeratomes will increase the afterrepeating of procedures.