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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]

Green analytical chemistry principles aim to minimize the negative impact of analytical procedures in the environment, which can be considered both at close (to ensure the safety of the analysts) and global (to conserve our natural resources) levels. These principles suggest, among other guidelines, the reduction/minimization of the sample treatment and the use of renewable sources when possible. The first aspect is largely fulfilled by microextraction, which is considered to be among the greenest sample treatment techniques. The second consideration is attainable if natural products are used as raw materials for the preparation of new extraction phases. This strategy is in line with the change in our production system, which is being gradually moved from a linear model (take−make−dispose) to a circular one (including reusing and recycling as key terms). This article reviews the potential of natural products as sorbents in extraction and microextraction techniques from the synergic perspectives of two research groups working on the topic. The article covers the use of unmodified natural materials and the modified ones (although the latter has a less green character) to draw a general picture of the usefulness of the materials.

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]

Invasive alien plants that damagingly overgrow native ecosystems can be beneficially used to produce natural dyes. Natural dyes are healthier and more environmentally friendly than synthetic dyes, so their use on textiles and other products that come into contact with humans is desirable. In this study, the possibility of using a natural dye extracted from the purple petals of the invasive plant Impatiens glandulifera Royle (Himalayan balsam) for screen printing on various substrates; woven fabrics and different papers made from virgin fibers, recycled fibers, and from fibers of Japanese knotweed, was investigated. The prints were evaluated by color measurements and fastness properties. With the violet dye extract, purple-brown prints were obtained on papers made from Japanese knotweed, and more brown prints on other substrates. They had excellent rub fastness but faded significantly when exposed to light. The wash fastness of the prints on cotton fabrics was moderate and poor on polyester fabrics, but the prints had good resistance to wet ironing. The addition of acid to the printing paste resulted in a lighter violet color, the addition of alkali caused a drastic color change to green, both additives increased the light fastness of the prints but reduced the fastness on fabrics to wet treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]