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In the rapidly evolving biobased materials innovation landscape, our research identifies key players and explores the evolutionary perspective of biobased innovation, offering insights into promising research areas to be further developed by biobased material scientists in search of exploiting their knowledge in novel applications. Despite the crucial role of these materials in promoting sustainable production and consumption models, systematic studies on the current innovation terrain are lacking, leaving gaps in understanding key players, emerging technologies, and market trends. To address this void, we focused on examining patents related to biobased monomers and polymers, aiming to describe the innovation strategies and business dynamics of leading assignees. Embedded within the European Sustainable BIO-based nanoMAterials Community (BIOMAC) project, a Horizon 2020 initiative, our research leverages this unique framework dedicated to advancing the innovation landscape, specifically emphasizing the market readiness of biobased materials. We implemented a multi-stage strategy, prioritizing validated keyword queries to ensure the superior quality and reliability of the collected data. To understand primary contributors within these landscapes, we conducted an in-depth analysis of innovation strategies employed by leading companies. Findings from the ORBIT platform highlighted a remarkable increase in patent publications in the past decade, with China standing out as a key hub of innovation, signaling a strong focus on the development of these materials. Our research explores technological advancements in biobased materials to identify specific areas with potential for further development. By analyzing innovation trends in five key industries, we pinpoint opportunities for innovative solutions to be commercially exploited while ensuring compliance with intellectual property rights within a freedom-to-operate framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study explores the potential of using underutilized materials from agricultural and forestry systems, such as rice husk, wheat straw, and wood strands, in developing corrugated core sandwich panels as a structural building material. By leveraging the unique properties of these biobased materials within a corrugated geometry, the research presents a novel approach to enhancing the structural performance of such underutilized biobased materials. These biobased materials were used in different lengths to consider the manufacturing feasibility of corrugated panels and the effect of fiber length on their structural performance. The average lengths for wood strands and wheat straws were 12–15 cm and 3–7.5 cm, respectively, while rice husks were like particles, about 7 mm long. Due to the high silica content in rice husk and wheat straw, which negatively impacts the bonding performance, polymeric diphenylmethane diisocyanate (pMDI), an effective adhesive for such materials, was used for the fabrication of corrugated panels. Wood strands and phenol formaldehyde (PF) adhesive were used to fabricate flat outer layers. Flat panels were bonded to both sides of the corrugated panels using a polyurethane adhesive to develop corrugated core sandwich panels. Four-point bending tests were conducted to evaluate the panel's bending stiffness, load-carrying capacity, and failure modes. Results demonstrated that sandwich panels with wood strand corrugated cores exhibited the highest bending stiffness and load-bearing capacity, while those with wheat straw corrugated cores performed similarly. Rice husk corrugated core sandwich panels showed the lowest mechanical performance compared to other sandwich panels. Considering the applications of these sandwich panels as floor, wall, and roof sheathing, all these panels exhibited superior bending performance compared to 11.2 mm- and 17.42 mm-thick commercial OSB (oriented strand board) panels, which are commonly used as building materials. These sandwich structures supported a longer span than commercial OSB panels while satisfying the deflection limit of L/360. The findings suggest the transformative potential of converting renewable yet underutilized materials into an engineered concept, corrugated geometry, leading to the development of high-performance, carbon-negative building materials suitable for flooring and roof applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and characterization of agricultural byproduct-based biocomposites are an important part of green chemistry. In this work, four-ingredient blends were formulated with the melt blending method. The set of composites (named as CSO series) was made with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as the major matrix, washed cottonseed meal (WCSM) as a filler, cottonseed oil (CSO) as a compatibilizer, and glycerol (GLY) as a plasticizer. The morphological analysis showed the homogenous dispersion of the cottonseed byproducts into the PLA matrix to some extent. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed that thermal stability was impacted by the ingredient’s addition. The functional group analysis of the sample and simulation by Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed the chemical interactions of PLA with WCSM in the blend products. CSO was most likely subjected to physical blending into the products. The mechanical strengths of those composites were affected by the ratios of PLA-CSO. Generally, the tensile strengths were in the range of 0.74–2.1 MPa, which indicate its suitability for low-strength biodegradable plant container development. The blend products had a lower water absorption during the water soaking test. This work shows the feasibility of incorporating cottonseed WCSM and CSO into a PLA composite for sustainable agricultural applications.

Biodegradable packaging offers an affordable and sustainable solution to global pollution, particularly in developing countries with limited recycling infrastructure. Starch is well suited to develop biodegradable packages for foods due to its wide availability and simple, low-tech production process. Although the development of starch-based packaging is well documented, most studies focus on the laboratory stages of formulation and plasticization, leaving gaps in understanding key phases such as raw material conditioning, industrial-scale molding, post-production processes, and storage. This work evaluates the value chain of starch-based packaging in developing countries. It addresses the challenges, equipment, and process conditions at each stage, highlighting the critical role of moisture resistance in the final product's functionality. A particular focus is placed on replacing single-use plastic packaging, which dominates food industries in regions with agricultural economies and rich biodiversity. A comprehensive analysis of starch-based packaging production, with a detailed understanding of each stage and the overall process, should contribute to the development of more sustainable and scalable solutions, particularly for the replacement of single-use packages, helping to protect vulnerable biodiverse regions from the growing impact of plastic waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Worldwide, populations face issues related to water and energy consumption. Water scarcity has intensified globally, particularly in arid and semiarid regions. Projections indicate that by 2030, global water demand will rise by 50%, leading to critical shortages, further intensified by the impacts of climate change. Moreover, wastewater treatment needs further development, given the presence of persistent organic pollutants, such as dyes and pharmaceuticals. In addition, the continuous increase in energy demand and rising prices directly impact households and businesses, highlighting the importance of energy savings through effective building insulation. In this regard, tannin-furanic foams are recognized as promising sustainable foams due to their fire resistance, low thermal conductivity, and high water and chemical stability. In this study, tannin and lignin rigid foams were explored not only for their traditional applications but also as versatile materials suitable for wastewater treatment. Furthermore, a systematic approach demonstrates the complete replacement of the tannin-furan foam phenol source with two lignins that mainly differ in molecular weight and pH, as well as how these parameters affect the rigid foam structure and methylene blue (MB) removal capacity. Alkali-lignin-based foams exhibited notable MB adsorption capacity (220 mg g−1), with kinetic and equilibrium data analysis suggesting a multilayer adsorption process. The prepared foams demonstrated the ability to be recycled for at least five adsorption-desorption cycles and exhibited effective flame retardant properties. When exposed to a butane flame for 5 min, the foams did not release smoke or ignite, nor did they contribute to flame propagation, with the red glow dissipating only 20 s after flame exposure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significant environmental impact from fashion and textile industries has spurred interest in sustainable alternatives, especially for accessories like sequins and beads, whose usage has surged post-pandemic. This study explores the potential of utilizing salmon industry waste from Chile to produce bio-sequins (BS) and guanine crystals (GC) from salmon skin. The production of BS offers a strategy to reduce reliance on non-renewable resources and support sustainable waste management, as these materials decompose naturally without harmful residues. Physicochemical and mechanical characterization of the BS by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), evaluated their feasibility for textile, design, and fashion applications. Additionally, GC were extracted from salmon scales using less hazardous solvents such as acetone, ethanol, and acetic acid, and subsequently immobilized on the BS for decorative purposes. Notably, tensile mechanical properties of the BS improved up to 75% after guanine decoration and exposure to simulated environmental factors like UV radiation. This work addresses the dual challenge of pollution and resource depletion, demonstrating that BS from salmon skin offer an eco-friendly alternative. It underscores the importance of adopting sustainable practices throughout the fashion industry's production chain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development and characterization of agricultural byproduct-based biocomposites are an important part of green chemistry. In this work, four-ingredient blends were formulated with the melt blending method. The set of composites (named as CSO series) was made with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as the major matrix, washed cottonseed meal (WCSM) as a filler, cottonseed oil (CSO) as a compatibilizer, and glycerol (GLY) as a plasticizer. The morphological analysis showed the homogenous dispersion of the cottonseed byproducts into the PLA matrix to some extent. The thermogravimetric analysis revealed that thermal stability was impacted by the ingredient's addition. The functional group analysis of the sample and simulation by Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed the chemical interactions of PLA with WCSM in the blend products. CSO was most likely subjected to physical blending into the products. The mechanical strengths of those composites were affected by the ratios of PLA-CSO. Generally, the tensile strengths were in the range of 0.74–2.1 MPa, which indicate its suitability for low-strength biodegradable plant container development. The blend products had a lower water absorption during the water soaking test. This work shows the feasibility of incorporating cottonseed WCSM and CSO into a PLA composite for sustainable agricultural applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silk sericin, the glue protein binding fibroin fibers together, is present in the Bombyx mori silkworms' cocoons. In recent years, sericin has gained attention for its wide range of properties and possible opportunities for various applications, as evidenced by the meta-analysis conducted in this review. Sericin extraction methods have evolved over the years to become more efficient and environmentally friendly, preserving its structure. Due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, UV-protective, anti-tyrosinase, anti-aging, and anti-cancer properties, sericin is increasingly used in biomedical fields like drug delivery, tissue engineering, and serum-free cell culture media. Beyond healthcare, sericin shows promise in industries such as textiles, cosmetics, and food packaging. This review aims to highlight recent advancements in sericin extraction, research, and applications, while also summarizing key findings from earlier studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing bio-based and biodegradable materials has become important to meet current market demands, government regulations, and environmental concerns. The packaging industry, particularly for food and beverages, is known to be the world's largest consumer of plastics. Therefore, the demand for sustainable alternatives in this area is needed to meet the industry's requirements. This review presents the most commonly used bio-based and biodegradable packaging materials, bio-polyesters, and polysaccharide-based polymers. At the same time, a major problem in food packaging is presented: fungal growth and, consequently, food spoilage. Different types of antifungal compounds, both natural and synthetic, are explained in terms of structure and mechanism of action. The main uses of these antifungal compounds and their degree of effectiveness are detailed. State-of-the-art studies have shown a clear trend of increasing studies on incorporating antifungals in biodegradable materials since 2000. The bibliometric networks showed studies on active packaging, biodegradable polymers, films, antimicrobial and antifungal activities, essential oils, starch and polysaccharides, nanocomposites, and nanoparticles. The combination of the development of bio-based and biodegradable materials with the ability to control fungal growth promotes both sustainability and the innovative enhancement of the packaging sector. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Renewable dielectric materials have attracted the attention of industries and stakeholders, but such materials possess limited properties. This research focused on studying polylactic acid (PLA)/cellulose acetate (CA) blends produced by 3D printing to facilitate their integration into the electrical insulation field. The dielectric findings showed that a blend containing 40% of CA by weight had a dielectric constant of 2.9 and an electrical conductivity of 1.26 × 10−11 S·cm−1 at 100 Hz and 20 °C while exhibiting better mechanical rigidity in the rubbery state than neat PLA. In addition, it was possible to increase the electrical insulating effect by reducing the infill ratio at the cost of reduced mechanical properties. The differential scanning calorimetry, broadband dielectric spectroscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis results showed that the PLA plasticizer reduced the energy required for PLA relaxations. These preliminary results demonstrated the benefits of using a combination of PLA, CA, and 3D printing for electrical insulation applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of efficient biobased materials for the treatment of heavy metal-contaminated wastewater has been demonstrated to be a highly effective method. The natural adsorbent banana peduncle has a lot of potential for treating wastewater because it is renewable, inexpensive, readily available, and environmentally benign. To learn more about the possible uses of these adsorbents, we synthesized them from banana peduncles and studied their shape, crystalline structure, and functional groups. The following parameters were found to be ideal for lead biosorption in batch trials concentrating on Pb (II) removal: a pH of 5, a contact period of 120 min, particle sizes between 240 and 300 mesh, concentrations at 40 mg/L, dosages of 3 g/L, and agitation rates of 200 revolutions per min (RPM). The banana peduncle showed an amazing biosorption efficiency of 94.0 % in the results. A comparison was made between the Freundlich, Langmuir, and Temkin models to investigate the adsorption isotherms of lead (II) ions. The R2 values obtained for these models were 0.9946, 0.9769, and 0.9537, respectively. Models that were pseudo-second-order and first-order were evaluated; the latter showed a better fit. The effectiveness and affordability of banana peduncle as the best adsorbent were highlighted by desorption testing. This study shows how materials made from banana peduncles can be an effective and sustainable way to reduce heavy-metal pollution in wastewater. This paper is the first to explore the potential absorption of Pb (II) by the peduncle of bananas, based on our current understanding.

The C. oleifera oil processing industry generates large amounts of solid wastes, including C. oleifera shell (COS) and C. oleifera cake (COC). Distinct from generally acknowledged lignocellulosic biomass (corn stover, bamboo, birch, etc.), Camellia wastes contain diverse bioactive substances in addition to the abundant lignocellulosic components, and thus, the biorefinery utilization of C. oleifera processing byproducts involves complicated processing technologies. This review first summarizes various technologies for extracting and converting the main components in C. oleifera oil processing byproducts into value-added chemicals and biobased materials, as well as their potential applications. Microwave, ultrasound, and Soxhlet extractions are compared for the extraction of functional bioactive components (tannin, flavonoid, saponin, etc.), while solvothermal conversion and pyrolysis are discussed for the conversion of lignocellulosic components into value-added chemicals. The application areas of these chemicals according to their properties are introduced in detail, including utilizing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the bioactive substances for the specific application, as well as drop-in chemicals for the substitution of unrenewable fossil fuel-derived products. In addition to chemical production, biochar fabricated from COS and its applications in the fields of adsorption, supercapacitor, soil remediation and wood composites are comprehensively reviewed and discussed. Finally, based on the compositions and structural characteristics of C. oleifera byproducts, the development of full-component valorization strategies and the expansion of the application fields are proposed.

Biodegradable packaging offers an affordable and sustainable solution to global pollution, particularly in developing countries with limited recycling infrastructure. Starch is well suited to develop biodegradable packages for foods due to its wide availability and simple, low-tech production process. Although the development of starch-based packaging is well documented, most studies focus on the laboratory stages of formulation and plasticization, leaving gaps in understanding key phases such as raw material conditioning, industrial-scale molding, post-production processes, and storage. This work evaluates the value chain of starch-based packaging in developing countries. It addresses the challenges, equipment, and process conditions at each stage, highlighting the critical role of moisture resistance in the final product’s functionality. A particular focus is placed on replacing single-use plastic packaging, which dominates food industries in regions with agricultural economies and rich biodiversity. A comprehensive analysis of starch-based packaging production, with a detailed understanding of each stage and the overall process, should contribute to the development of more sustainable and scalable solutions, particularly for the replacement of single-use packages, helping to protect vulnerable biodiverse regions from the growing impact of plastic waste.

The significant environmental impact from fashion and textile industries has spurred interest in sustainable alternatives, especially for accessories like sequins and beads, whose usage has surged post-pandemic. This study explores the potential of utilizing salmon industry waste from Chile to produce bio-sequins (BS) and guanine crystals (GC) from salmon skin. The production of BS offers a strategy to reduce reliance on non-renewable resources and support sustainable waste management, as these materials decompose naturally without harmful residues. Physicochemical and mechanical characterization of the BS by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), evaluated their feasibility for textile, design, and fashion applications. Additionally, GC were extracted from salmon scales using less hazardous solvents such as acetone, ethanol, and acetic acid, and subsequently immobilized on the BS for decorative purposes. Notably, tensile mechanical properties of the BS improved up to 75% after guanine decoration and exposure to simulated environmental factors like UV radiation. This work addresses the dual challenge of pollution and resource depletion, demonstrating that BS from salmon skin offer an eco-friendly alternative. It underscores the importance of adopting sustainable practices throughout the fashion industry’s production chain.

Silk sericin, the glue protein binding fibroin fibers together, is present in the Bombyx mori silkworms’ cocoons. In recent years, sericin has gained attention for its wide range of properties and possible opportunities for various applications, as evidenced by the meta-analysis conducted in this review. Sericin extraction methods have evolved over the years to become more efficient and environmentally friendly, preserving its structure. Due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, UV-protective, anti-tyrosinase, anti-aging, and anti-cancer properties, sericin is increasingly used in biomedical fields like drug delivery, tissue engineering, and serum-free cell culture media. Beyond healthcare, sericin shows promise in industries such as textiles, cosmetics, and food packaging. This review aims to highlight recent advancements in sericin extraction, research, and applications, while also summarizing key findings from earlier studies.

Implementing net-zero carbon design is a crucial step towards decarbonizing the built environment during the entire life cycle of a building, encompassing both embodied and operational carbon. This paper presents a novel computational approach to designing life cycle zero-carbon buildings (LC-ZCBs), utilizing parametric integrated modeling through the versatile Grasshopper platform. A residential building located at the New York Institute of Technology, optimized to fulfill the LC-ZCB target, serves as a case study for this comprehensive study. Four main influencing design parameters are defined, and three hundred design combinations are evaluated through the assessment of operational carbon (OC) and embodied carbon (EC). By incorporating biobased materials in the design options (BIO) as a replacement for conventional insulation (OPT), the influence of biogenic carbon is addressed by utilizing the GWPbio dynamic method. While both OPT and BIO registered similar OC, with values ranging below 0.7 kg CO2eq/m2a, the EC is largely different, with negative values ranging between −0.64 and −0.54 kg CO2eq/m2a only for BIO alternatives, while the OPT ones achieved positive values (2.25–2.45 kg CO2eq/m2a). Finally, to account for potential climate changes, future climate data, and 2099 weather conditions are considered during the scenario assessments. The results show that OC tends to slightly decrease due to the increasing productivity of PV panels. Thus, the life cycle emissions for all OPT alternatives decrease, moving from 2.4–3.0 kg CO2eq/m2a to 2.2–2.4, but none of them achieve the LC-ZCB target, while BIO alternatives are able to achieve the target with negative values between −0.15 and −0.60 kg CO2eq/m2a. There is potential for achieving LC-ZCBs when fast-growing biobased materials are largely used as construction materials, fostering a more environmentally responsible future for the construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is substantial concern about critical environmental problems related to waste in production sectors such as textile, construction, and packaging. The materials ascribed to the sector's unsustainability are primarily fabrics, plastic, and hazardous solvents, making developing new biobased materials imperative. As such, various strategies have been investigated to convert and recycle waste and give them commercial value via the manufacture of biobased materials. This review discusses the various types of raw materials as sources to develop new biobased materials that could promote the transition toward sustainability. According to the literature, the functional qualities of biobased materials are comparable to those of synthetic materials. Raw material sources such as biomass, derived from plant and animal-based waste, are attractive due to their low cost, abundance, and biodegradability. The manufacture of biomaterials, as well as their characterization and performance, are also discussed. Further, this review will offer a comprehensive view of the potential applicability and current commercial applications of the developed biobased materials in relevant areas such as packaging, construction, textile, and wastewater remediation. This could be a potential field of research to address the environmental challenges posed by the continuous growth of the global population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ever-evolving cosmetic industry requires advanced analytical techniques to explore, understand, and optimize product performance at nano, micro, and macroscopic levels. Nowadays, these insights are crucial for translating microstructure behavior into macroscopic properties. This knowledge is essential to formulate products with a lower carbon footprint and a higher sustainability profile, incorporating, at the same time, natural or biobased raw materials. These raw materials may present challenges for formulators and analytical scientists due to either an inferior performance when compared to their fossil-derived counterparts or higher costs. This comprehensive review covers a spectrum of analytical methodologies employed in cosmetic formulation, including chromatographic analyses, olfactometry, and electronic nose technology. The characterization of product stability involving assessing parameters such as droplet size, zeta potential, viscosity, analytical centrifugation, surface tension, and interfacial tension are also explored. The discussion in this paper extends to the role of rheology in understanding the molecular structure and behavioral dynamics of cosmetic samples. This review concludes with an overview of colorimetric analysis, a crucial aspect related to consumer perception, followed by a discussion on the challenges and opportunities associated with using meta-analysis methodologies in cosmetics. The formulation of cosmetics employing biobased feedstocks is included, highlighting the evolving landscape of cosmetic science and the integration of sustainable practices. This review stands at the interface between a meta-analysis of cosmetics and product performance, which is attained through a detailed examination of each analytical method. The know-how shared serves as a valuable resource for formulators, researchers, and industry professionals for real-world applications in the analytical field of cosmetics formulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal refurbishment and retrofitting building envelopes with passive measures such as the optimisation of opaque and transparent fabric performance may play a key role in reducing cooling and heating load and promoting building energy efficiency. Furthermore, to reduce the embodied carbon impact of the building, the refurbishment measures need to consider the use of low-carbon building materials. This paper investigates ways to thermally future-proof typical Libyan houses using biobased materials. Several typical Libyan houses were monitored for one year to investigate the heating and cooling energy use and to thermally retrofit the building envelope. A digital twin was created in the DesignBuilder software using the real building data of one building for digital model calibration. Finally, multi-objective optimisation was carried out with low-impact biobased materials for insulation, including camel hair, sheep wool, and date palm fibre as well as using other optimisation variables such as shading and glazing types. The study reveals that thermally upgrading the building roof and wall with insulation materials and upgrading the windows with energy-efficient glazing and local shadings can achieve a reduction in cooling load from 53.51 kWh/m2/y to 40.8 kWh/m2/y. Furthermore, the heating load reduces from 19.4 kW/m2/y to 15 kW/m2/y without compromising the standard annual discomfort hours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbamates and related derivatives are crucial skeletons for pesticide design and pharmaceutical chemistry. Recently, a synthetic route for the production of carbamates has drawn great attention, which assembles the economical, renewable and non-toxic CO2 with propargyl alcohols and amines. This route is 100% atom-economical and free of traditional carbon sources (CO, phosgene, etc.), thus attracting scientists to develop numerous catalytic methods for its effective applications. However, the carbamates produced in these methods generally contained residual catalysts, solvents or byproducts. Consequently, column chromatography purification is inevitably required for all the reports up to now. This limitation has fundamentally hindered the practical application of this route. Herein, a chromatography-free method was proposed for the first time. With the catalysis of a green and economical Cu2O/biobased ionic liquid system, the carbamates could be obtained in good to excellent yields and purity. Additionally, the catalytic metal loading reached the lowest level reported by far under 1 bar of CO2. Furthermore, this catalytic system could be recycled and reused for at least 5 times.

Polyurethane elastomers (PUEs) serve a vital role in our daily life and various industrial applications, but their flammability has been proven to be a significant drawback. In this work, we have successfully fabricated two modified gallic acids (GAP and GAN) by simple esterification, both of which are effective flame retardants and cross‐linkers for PUEs. According to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and limiting oxygen index (LOI) tests, the introduction of GAP and GAN conspicuously improves the char yield (4.9~5.8 wt.%) and LOI value of PUEs (33~35 %). The cone calorimetry tests suggest that the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) of PUE decrease significantly, while the fire performance index (FPI) value increase after GAP or GAN modification. Both GAP and GAN enhance the density and strength of carbon residues, and inhibit the generation of combustible volatile gas during the combustion process, thereby improving the fire safety of PUEs. In addition, both GAP and GAN contain multiple benzene rings and hydrogen bonding, which can improve the cross‐linking density of PUEs to enhance their mechanical properties (the elongation at break: 844~951 %; tensile strength: 6.37~8.13 MPa). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Non‐isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) are widely studied as sustainability potential, because they can be prepared without using toxic isocyanates in the synthesis process. The aminolysis of cyclic carbonate to form NIPUs is a promising route. In this work, a series of NIPUs is prepared from renewable bis(6‐membered cyclic carbonates) (iEbcc) and amines. The resulting NIPUs possess excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability. The NIPUs can be remolded via transcarbamoylation reactions, and iEbcc‐TAEA‐10 (the molar ratio of tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine in amines is 10%) still get a recovery ratio of 90% in tensile stress after three cycles of remolding. In addition, the obtained materials can be chemically degraded into bi(1,3‐diol) precursors with high purity (>99%) and yield (>90%) through alcoholysis. Meanwhile, the degraded products can be used to regenerate NIPUs with similar structures and properties as the original samples. The synthetic strategy, isocyanate‐free and employing isoeugenol and carbon dioxide (CO2) as building blocks, makes this approach an attractive pathway to NIPU networks taking a step toward a circular economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of the porous structure on the density and mechanical behavior of a new foamed concrete incorporating hemp shives. The specific aim is to gain a better understanding of how the inclusion of hemp shiv, as well as different additions and foaming methods, influence the density and mechanical strength of the concrete. A total of eight batches of foam concrete were produced and tested, made with a protein-based surfactant agent, with cement, ground granulated blast furnace slag, and metakaolin as binders and hemp shiv as natural aggregates. The effect of several parameters is studied, including elaboration method (direct and preformed), amount of pozzolanic additions (0% and 30 of cement weight%), and incorporation of hemp shiv (5 and 15 vol%) on the resulting physical properties, microstructure, porous structure and mechanical behavior of the concrete. Pozzolanic additions improve slightly the uniformity of pore sizes, which increases the mechanical resistance, especially at 28 days. While hemp shiv incorporation results in increased concrete porosity and air bubble radius, it also decreased uniformity, mechanical strength, and lower cohesion with the cement matrix compared to standard concrete. The results contribute to the development of eco-friendly construction materials and promote the utilization of agricultural waste in the construction industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The search to deliver added value to industrialized biobased materials, such as cellulose derivatives, is a relevant aspect in the scientific, technological and innovation fields at present. To address these aspects, films of cellulose acetate (CA) and a perylene derivative (Pr) were fabricated using a solution-casting method with two different compositions. Consequently, these samples were exposed to dimethylformamide (DMF) solvent vapors so that its influence on the optical, wettability, and topographical properties of the films could be examined. The results demonstrated that solvent vapor could induce the apparent total or partial preferential orientation/migration of Pr toward the polymer–air interface. In addition, photocatalytic activities of the non-exposed and DMF vapor-exposed films against the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in an aqueous medium using light-emitting diode visible light irradiation were comparatively investigated. Apparently, the observed improvement in the performance of these materials in the MB photodegradation process is closely linked to the treatment with solvent vapor. Results from this study have allowed us to propose the fabrication and use of the improved photoactivity "all-organic" materials for potential applications in dye photodegradation in aqueous media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the development of environmentally friendly and chemically recyclable thermosets using or a renewable based monomer, the triglycidyl ether of phloroglucinol (TGPh), or a commercial non-toxic tris(4-hydroxyphenyl) methane triglycidyl ether (THPMTGE) monomer. The recyclable polyester thermosets were prepared by crosslinking the two monomers with hexahydro-4-methylphthalic anhydride (HMPA) or methyl nadic anhydride The TGPh-based formulations exhibited lower reaction temperatures and narrower reaction intervals. Additionally, these systems showed higher tan δ values (189°C–199°C), higher crosslinking densities (7.6–7.8 mmol cm−3) and compact networks, crucial for high-performance industries. Tensile tests demonstrated the remarkable mechanical properties of the thermosets, including high Young modulus (1.3–1.4 GPa), tensile stress (55–69 MPa), and an elongation at break around 3%–8%. Moreover, the thermosets exhibited complete dissolution at a temperature of 170°C, with depolymerization times of approximately 2.5 h for TGPh-based resins and 4.5 h for THPMTGE-based formulations. In conclusion, this study shows that sustainable and eco-friendly thermosets with excellent physico-chemical and thermo-mechanical properties, low hydrophilicity, and rapid dissolution capacity can be developed. These thermosets offer a viable alternative to non-recyclable and toxic resins in high-end industrial applications.

One possible scheme of Rugulopteryx okamurae biomass valorization based on a green, rapid and efficient fractionation technique was proposed. Microwave-assisted pressurized hot water extraction was the technology selected as the initial stage for the solubilization of different seaweed components. Operation at 180 °C for 10 min with a 30 liquid-to-solid ratio solubilized more than 40% of the initial material. Both the alginate recovery yield (3.2%) and the phenolic content of the water-soluble extracts (2.3%) were slightly higher when distilled water was used as solvent. However, the carbohydrate content in the extract (60%) was similar for both solvents, but the sulfate content was higher for samples processed with salt water collected from the same coast as the seaweeds. The antiradical capacity of the extracts was related to the phenolic content in the extracts, but the cytotoxicity towards HeLa229 cancer cells was highest (EC50 = 48 µg/mL) for the extract obtained with distilled water at the lowest temperature evaluated. Operation time showed a relevant enhancement of the extraction performance and bioactive properties of the soluble extracts. The further fractionation and study of this extract would be recommended to extend its potential applications. However, due to the low extraction yield, emphasis was given to the solid residue, which showed a heating value in the range 16,102–18,413 kJ/kg and could be useful for the preparation of biomaterials according to its rheological properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Lignin is a remarkable natural polyphenol that provides trees with physical and (bio-)chemical resistance, as well as the ability to reach considerable heights. Lignin is also intrinsically circular with slow biodegradability, thereby serving as a carbon source for soils. There is a growing interest in using industrial lignin as an environmentally and economically beneficial material. However, most of the industrially produced lignin is still used as a cost-efficient energy source by the forestry sector. To efficiently redirect the use towards material applications and to avoid the end-of-life problems connected to traditional plastics, there is an imminent need and opportunity to include circularity as an important design parameter. In this review, we critically assess opportunities and obstacles for lignin as a component in circular materials, as guided by life cycle assessment and benchmarking to best practices in materials science and engineering, e.g., circularity "by design". We cover and reflect on recent and emerging advances in nanotechnology and materials science that showcase how lignin can contribute to carbon fixation as a viable alternative to its combustion in the pulping processes. We argue that, with adequate considerations, lignin has the potential to enable the development of new circular biobased materials that do not cause accumulation of environmentally persistent waste, and are equipped with attractive functionalities and performance for the benefit of a sustainable society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work investigated the curing and degradation behavior of compounds made with 1:1 of bisphenol A diglycidyl ether and epoxidized soybean oil, cured with itaconic acid (ITA) and succinic acid (SUC), coded as EP/ITA and EP/SUC. Complex peaks observed in differential scanning calorimetry are mostly due to the catalyzed curing and homopolymerization. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy spectra suggest that the curing follows the SN2 reaction mechanism for both compounds. Lower activation energies of curing were verified for EP/ITA compared to the EP/SUC, mainly due to their greater reactivity with the epoxy matrix at temperatures below the acids structures and melting points. Regarding thermal degradation, four steps were verified: acid degradation, degradation of the non‐cross‐linked material, degradation of cross‐linked material, and carbon decomposition. EP/SUC with a molar ratio equal to 0.4 presented the lowest activation energy for degradation. The degradation's solid‐state mechanisms analysis indicated that in EP/ITA and EP/SUC compounds the processes are controlled by nucleation and subsequent growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermal refurbishment and retrofitting building envelopes with passive measures such as the optimisation of opaque and transparent fabric performance may play a key role in reducing cooling and heating load and promoting building energy efficiency. Furthermore, to reduce the embodied carbon impact of the building, the refurbishment measures need to consider the use of low-carbon building materials. This paper investigates ways to thermally future-proof typical Libyan houses using biobased materials. Several typical Libyan houses were monitored for one year to investigate the heating and cooling energy use and to thermally retrofit the building envelope. A digital twin was created in the DesignBuilder software using the real building data of one building for digital model calibration. Finally, multi-objective optimisation was carried out with low-impact biobased materials for insulation, including camel hair, sheep wool, and date palm fibre as well as using other optimisation variables such as shading and glazing types. The study reveals that thermally upgrading the building roof and wall with insulation materials and upgrading the windows with energy-efficient glazing and local shadings can achieve a reduction in cooling load from 53.51 kWh/m2/y to 40.8 kWh/m2/y. Furthermore, the heating load reduces from 19.4 kW/m2/y to 15 kW/m2/y without compromising the standard annual discomfort hours.

This work reports on the use of dibutyl itaconate (DBI) as an environmentally friendly plasticizer for polylactide (PLA) with different proportions of DBI in the 2.5–20 wt% (weight content) range. A co‐rotating twin‐screw extrusion process followed by injection molding is employed for the manufacturing of the samples. The results show that the plasticized PLA formulation with 10 wt% DBI offers the most balanced overall properties, with a noticeable increase in the elongation at break from 4.6% (neat PLA) up to 322%, with a tensile modulus of 1572 MPa, and a tensile strength of 23.8 MPa. In the case of 15 and 20 wt% DBI formulations, PLA reaches the saturation point with no more increase in the elongation at break and a clear decrease in the tensile modulus. DBI also decreases the glass transition temperature (Tg) from 61.3 °C (neat PLA) down to 23.4 °C for plasticized PLA formulation containing 20 wt% DBI, thus showing the high plasticization efficiency of DBI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conventional construction materials which rely on a fossil-based, nonrenewable extractive economy are typically associated with an entrenched linear economic approach to production. Current research indicates the clear interrelationships between the production and use of construction materials and anthropogenic climate change. This paper investigates the potential for emerging high-performance biobased construction materials, produced sustainably and/or using waste byproducts, to enable a more environmentally sustainable approach to the built environment. Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is employed to compare three wall assemblies using local biobased materials in Montreal (Canada), Nairobi (Kenya), and Accra (Ghana) vs. a traditional construction using gypsum boards and rockwool insulation. Global warming potential, nonrenewable cumulative energy demand, acidification potential, eutrophication potential, and freshwater consumption (FWC) are considered. Scenarios include options for design for disassembly (DfD), as well as potential future alternatives for electricity supply in Kenya and Ghana. Results indicate that all biobased alternatives have lower (often significantly so) life-cycle impacts per functional unit, compared to the traditional construction. DfD strategies are also shown to result in −10% to −50% impact reductions. The results for both African countries exhibit a large dependence on the electricity source used for manufacturing, with significant potential for future decarbonization, but also some associated tradeoffs in terms of acidification and eutrophication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: Recent advances in the research on cassava (Manihot esculenta) biopolymers and fibers, and their potential industrial applications, were discussed. Properties of starch, fibers, polymers, and composites derived from cassava were discussed. Efforts to enhance the properties of cassava composites were brought into focus. Detailed reports on macro and nano-sized cassava fibers and starch, and their fabrication as blend polymers, biocomposites, and hybrid composites, were reviewed. The rapid use of petroleum resources coupled with increased awareness of global environmental problems associated with the use of petroleum-based plastics is a major driving force in the acceptance of natural fibers and biopolymers as green materials. Because of their environmentally friendly and sustainable nature, natural fibers and biopolymers have gained significant attention from scientists and industries. Cassava (Manihot esculenta) is a plant that has various purposes for use. It is the primary source of food in many countries and is also used in the production of biocomposites, biopolymers, and biofibers. Starch from cassava can be plasticized, reinforced with fibers, or blended with other polymers to strengthen their properties. Besides that, it is currently used as a raw material for bioethanol and renewable energy production. This comprehensive review paper explains the latest developments in bioethanol compounds from cassava and gives a detailed report on macro and nano-sized cassava fibers and starch, and their fabrication as blend polymers, biocomposites, and hybrid composites. The review also highlights the potential utilization of cassava fibers and biopolymers for industrial applications such as food, bioenergy, packaging, automotive, and others. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this review, a historical perspective, functional and application trends of natural polymers used to the development of edible food packaging were presented and discussed. Polysaccharides and proteins, i.e., alginate; carrageenan; chitosan; starch; pea protein, were considered. These natural polymers are important materials obtained from renewable plant, algae and animal sources, as well as from agroindustrial residues. Historically, some of them have been widely used by ancient populations for food packaging until these were replaced by petroleum-based plastic materials after World War II. Nowadays, biobased materials for food packaging have attracted attention. Their use was boosted especially because of the environmental pollution caused by inappropriate disposal of plastic packaging. Biobased materials are welcome to the design of food packaging because they possess many advantages, such as biodegradability, biocompatibility and low toxicity. Depending on the formulation, certain biopolymer-based packaging may present good barrier properties, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities Thus, polysaccharides and proteins can be combined to form diverse composite films with improved mechanical and biological behaviors, making them suitable for packaging of different food products.

The global demand for textile products is rapidly increasing due to population growth, rising living standards, economic development, and fast fashion trends. Ethiopian growth and transformation plan (GTP) gives high priorities for the textile and apparel sectors to transform its agriculturally led economy to an industrial-based economy. To achieve this, the number of textile and apparel industries is rapidly expanding. However, the rapid growth in textile industry is generating mountains and mountains of by-products. In this review, possible applications of cotton stalk and cotton ginning waste in a variety of technologies and products are discussed in Ethiopian context. The finding of this study shows that Ethiopian current cotton cultivating area is about 80 000 hm2, even though the country has a potential of about 3 000 810 hm2 land for cotton cultivation. From the current cultivated area, more than 240 000 t of cotton stalk and 9240 t of cotton ginning trash have been generated as a by-product. But only a very little portion of the cotton stalk is being used as a raw fuel for household purposes and a small portion of cotton ginning trash is used for animal feed. Therefore, these underutilized lignocellulosic biomasses can be used as raw materials for producing different high-value biomaterials and thus country can perceive an economic and environmental benefit. A closer look at the structure and composition of the by-products shows that the whole part of cotton stalk and ginning waste can be used as a source of cellulose which can be exploited for conversion into a number of high-value biomaterials. Thus, conversion of the waste into valuable products can make cotton stalk and ginning by-products an attractive raw material for the production of high value bio-products.