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This study comprehensively analyzed the bending properties of three types of commercial three-layer particleboards (Boards A, B, and C) to understand the intricate relationships between density profiles and bending properties. Density profiles notably varied among particleboards. Board A exhibited a heightened influence of the outer core-layer density on the bending properties, which surpasses that of the face-layer density. In contrast, Board C exhibited a greater influence of the face-layer density on the bending properties. Board B exhibited the same influence of the face-layer and outer core-layer densities on the bending properties. The outer core layers, manufactured with coarse particles retained long-wood fibers, thereby increasing the bending properties. The influence of the outer core layers on the bending properties varied among particleboards. The complexity in the mechanism of the bending properties was attributed to intricately intertwined factors: density, long-wood-fiber strength, and face-to-core ratio. In conclusion, this study highlights the multifaceted nature of bending properties, emphasizing the complexities among these factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the closed-loop recycling of 3D-printed wood fiber (WF)-filled polylactic acid (PLA) composites via fused filament fabrication (FFF). The WF–PLA composites (WPCs) were extruded into WPC filaments (WPCfs) to produce FFF-printed WPC parts (WPCps). The printed WPCps were reprocessed three times via extrusion and 3D-printing processes. The tensile properties and impact strengths of the WPCfs and WPCps were determined. To further investigate the impact of closed-loop recycling on the surface morphology, crystallinity, and molecular weight of WPCfs, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC), respectively, were used. After closed-loop recycling, the surface morphology of the WPCfs became smoother, and a decrease in the pore sizes was observed; however, the tensile properties (tensile strength and elongation at break) deteriorated. With increasing numbers of recycling iterations, the molecular weight of the PLA matrix decreased, while an increase in crystallinity was observed due to the recrystallization of the low-molecular-weight PLA molecules after recycling. According to the SEM images of the recycled WPCps, their layer heights were inconsistent, and the layers were rough and discontinuous. Additionally, the color difference (ΔE*) of the recycled WPCps significantly increased. Compared with those of the WPCps after recycling them only once, the tensile strength, elongation at break, and impact strength of the WPCps noticeably decreased after recycling them twice. Considering the changes in various properties of the WPCfs and WPCps, the FFF-printed WPC parts can be reprocessed only once through 3D printing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A peat substrate is made from peat from drained peatlands, which is a limited resource. A realistic estimate is that 50% of the world's wetlands have been lost. Peat is used in horticulture, especially for the cultivation of vegetables in greenhouses. The consequences of peatland exploitation are an increase in the greenhouse effect and a decrease in carbon stocks. Wood fiber can be used as an alternative to peat. The chemical properties of growing media interact and change continuously due to the small volume of growing media, which is limited by the growing container. This study aims to gain new knowledge on the impact of nutrient changes in the microbial degradation of carbon compounds in wood fiber and mixtures with a peat substrate on the content and uptake of nutrients required by plants. The cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) variety 'Dirigent H' developed in the Netherlands was cultivated in growing media of a peat substrate and wood fiber: (1) peat substrate (PS); (2) wood fiber (WF); (3) wood fiber and peat substrate 50/50 v/v (WF/PS 50/50); (4) wood fiber and peat substrate 25/75 v/v (WF/PS 25/75). The rates of fertilization were the following: (1) conventional fertilization (CF); (2) 13 g N per plant (N13); (3) 23 g N per plant (N23); (4) 30 g N per plant (N30). The experiment was carried out with three replications. As the amount of wood fiber increased, the humidity and pH of the growing media increased. The fertilization of the cucumbers with different quantities of nitrogen influenced the nutrient uptake. The plants grown in the 50/50 and 25/75 growing media had the best Cu uptake when fertilized with N23. When the plants grown in the wood fiber media and the 50/50 media were fertilized with N13, N23, and N30, the Mn content in the growing media at the end of the growing season was significantly lower than the Mn content in the media with conventional fertilization. Thus, nitrogen improved the uptake of Mn by the plants grown not only in the wood fiber, but also in the combinations with a peat substrate. Growing plants in wood fiber and fertilizing them with N13 can result in the optimum uptake of micronutrients. The number and biomass of cucumber fruits per plant were influenced by the amount of wood fiber in the growing media and the application of nitrogen fertilizer. The highest number of fruits and biomass of fruits per plant obtained were significantly higher when the cucumbers were grown in WF/PS 50/50 growing media with additional N13 fertilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of shredded waste office paper as a raw material on the physical and mechanical properties of fiberboard. Two amounts of urea formaldehyde (UF) resin (10 and 15%) and five shredded waste office paper/wood fiber mixing ratios (0/100, 25/75, 50/50, 75/25, and 100/0) were selected. The findings showed that all characteristics of boards were improved with an increase in resin content at various wastepaper participation ratios. The 15% UF-bonded board with 100% wood fiber had the highest modulus of rupture (MOR) value, but there was no statistically significant difference between it and the board with 50% wastepaper. The modulus of elasticity (MOE) values of the 15% UFbonded boards increased as the wastepaper participation ratio increased, and the highest was obtained from the board with 75% wastepaper. The highest internal bond (IB) strength value was also recorded from the 15% UF-bonded board with 50% wastepaper. This was due to the presence of sufficient bonding potential and smoother surfaces in the shredded wastepaper, which allowed for a synergistic interaction between the wastepaper and wood fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Multinary metal sulfides (MMSs) are highly suitable candidates for the application of electrocatalysis as they offer numerous parameters for optimizing the electronic structure and catalytic sites. Herein, a stable nanoarchitecture consisting of MMSs ((NiCoCrMnFe)S x) nanoparticles embedded in S, N-codoped carbon (SNC) layers derived from metal organic framework (MOF) and supported on carbonized wood fibers (CWF) was fabricated by directly carbonization. Benefiting from this carbon-coated configuration, along with the synergistic effects within multinary metal systems, (NiCoCrMnFe)S x @SNC/CWF delivers an exceptionally low overpotential of 260 mV at a high current density of 1000 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 48.5 mV dec−1, and robust electrocatalytic stability. Furthermore, the (NiCoCrMnFe)S x @SNC/CWF used as the cathode of rechargeable Zn-air batteries demonstrates higher power density and remarkable durability, surpassing that of commercial RuO 2. Thus, we showcase the feasibility and advantages of employing highly efficient and durable MMSs materials for low-cost and sustainable energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effects of substrates composed of various ratios of wood fiber and peat (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% peat (v/v)) mixed with different amounts of lime (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8 g L−1) and start fertilizer (0, 2, and 4 g L−1 Multimix) on the growth and biomass accumulation of petunia (Petunia x hybrida Vilm 'Finity F1 Purple') and basil (Ocimum basilicum L. 'Marian') in an ebb-and-flow greenhouse system. Growth parameters included plant height, weight, canopy diameter, and chlorosis symptoms for petunia, along with substrate pH and EC measurements. Petunia showed optimal growth in substrates with higher peat content, while basil produced satisfactory biomass across a pH range of 5–7 regardless of substrate type. Optimal petunia cultivation in 100% wood fiber required a significant dose of start fertilizer without lime. Monitoring pH and EC using pour-through and press methods revealed a pH decrease in substrates with added start fertilizer, while substrates with higher wood fiber content were less acidic. Substrates with over 50% (v/v) wood fiber without lime showed a rapid pH increase over five weeks. The pour-through method generally underestimated EC values compared to the press method. These findings contribute to optimizing the wood fiber/peat blends for sustainable horticulture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to develop 3D printing filament composites that support sustainability and waste reduction goals by utilizing wood waste and recycled polypropylene. This study evaluated the effect of Maleic Anhydride Polyethylene (MAPE) and Maleic Anhydride Polypropylene (MAPP) compatibilizers on the mechanical properties of the filament. The study found that r-WoPPc filament with MAPP and MAPE had higher tensile strength compared to r-WoPPc with significant increments of 13% and 74%, respectively, compared to v-WoPPc. The flexural strength of r-WoPPc increased by 18% and 60% after adding optimum loading MAPP and MAPE, respectively. The finding also reveals a significant enhancement in the tensile and flexural strength of the composite, proportional to the increase in MAPP percentage. In contrast, as the MAPE content increases, the tensile strength and flexural strength of the r-WoPPc experience a gradual decrease. Consequently, the addition of MAPP and MAPE improved the interfacial adhesion between wood and polypropylene, as revealed by the surface morphology of the r-WoPPc tensile fractured surface. Moreover, the reduced water absorption in r-WoPPc is attributed to the enhanced interfacial adhesion between wood fibers and the r-PP matrix, associated with improved tensile and flexural strength. The highest tensile strength of r-WoPPc with MAPP absorbs 14% water, while the lowest tensile strength absorbs 26%. Likewise, the highest tensile strength of r-WoPPc with MAPE absorbs only 0.8% water, compared to the lowest strength, which absorbs 2% water. This study demonstrated the potential for producing 3D printing filament from recycled polypropylene and wood waste, which benefits sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of New Building Materials / Xinxing Jianzhu Cailiao is the property of New Building Materials Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In recent decades, there has been a growing concern about the excessive consumption on petroleum-based sources. Scientists are now focused on increasing the utilization of natural and renewable sources instead of nonrenewable ones to produce safety and environmentally friendly products. Their aim is to maintain and enhance product performance while also keeping production costs in check. Within this framework, natural-fiber insulation boards emerge as a trending topic and consequently, also the use of natural adhesives to supply them and reach an entirely friendly-environment product. Natural-fiber insulation material performance is typically evaluated by its mechanical and physical properties. Among them are bending, compression, tensile strength, density, water absorption, and thermal conductivity. Throughout the cited literature, a diversity of vegetal-origin fibers, especially wood-fibers and natural adhesive sources like lignin, tannins, and proteins for insulation materials has been found, which are constantly improved in order to reach a superior production scale. This work provides a summary of research that focuses on natural fiber insulation products as well as natural adhesives, pointing to Polylactic Acid (PLA).

The present study examined the wood properties of Pterocarpus erinaceus, a species found in West Africa's Guineo-Sudanian and Sudano-Sahelian zones. The primarily focus was on wood fiber properties, which serve as indicators of cambial growth and the transition between juvenile and mature wood. The aim was to analyze the factors contributing to the variability of the wood fiber properties. Specifically, it examined the effect of cambial age and ecological factors on fiber properties and analyzed how the fiber properties influence density and dimensional characteristics of the wood. Measurements of fiber properties were obtained from 451 specimens collected in the Guinean, Sudanian, and Sahelian zones in Burkina Faso, Niger, and Togo. The results indicate significant variations in average fiber parameters among the three climatic zones. This variability leads to an increase in the length, width, and thickness of the fibers along the north–south decreasing rainfall gradient. However, no noteworthy correlations were observed between cambial age and fiber properties, posing challenges in distinguishing between juvenile and adult wood. In terms of correlation, the analysis shows that fiber length has no effect on physical properties, but fiber width significantly influences basic density, wood shrinkage, and the fiber saturation point (FSP). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Low-Carbon Chemistry & Chemical Engineering is the property of Low-Carbon Chemistry & Chemical Engineering Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Packaging is the basic necessity of every product. Without packaging the product cannot be stored or moved from one location to another. The packaging gives the product an identity. Therefore, the packaging constitutes a protective covering of the product in such a way as to protect the product during handling, storage and movement. The purpose of this work was to study and analyze the evolution of packaging in the food industry, because the quality of products that are stored in casseroles must to remain the same and not be influenced by the quality of the packaging. Samples were taken by hand, by cutting, from white and black polypropylene pots, as well as wood fiber pots. They were correctly labeled, and later they were analyzed in the laboratories of ICSTM Valahia, performing FTIR, Raman spectroscopy and optical microscopy analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to present the feasibility of storing thermal energy in buildings for solar water heating while maintaining the comfort environment for residential buildings. Our contribution is the creation of insulating composite panels made of bio-based phase change materials (bio-PCM is all from coconut oil), cement and renewable materials (treated wood fiber and organic clay). The inclusion of wood fibers improved the thermal properties; a simple 2% increase of wood fiber decreased the heat conductivity by approximately 23.42%. The issues of bio-PCM leakage in the cement mortar and a roughly 56.5% reduction in thermal conductivity with bio-PCM stability in composite panels can be resolved by treating wood fibers with an adjuvant by impregnating them in bio-PCM in the presence of the treated clay generated. Clay and wood fiber were treated with adjuvants that are both biological and environmentally acceptable, as confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. The heat transfer bench (DIDATEK) showed a decrease in thermal conductivity. By using differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) analysis, the investigation of thermal stability and enthalpy during two heating cycles of pure bio-PCM and composite bio-PCM was validated. The novel renewable material was used to create composite panels for the trial prototype, which took the shape of a component attached to the solar heating system, 33.57% less heat was lost, according to the heat transfer research. The outcomes demonstrated the possibility of replacing traditional electric water heating in residential buildings with solar water heating systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A peat substrate is made from peat from drained peatlands, which is a limited resource. A realistic estimate is that 50% of the world’s wetlands have been lost. Peat is used in horticulture, especially for the cultivation of vegetables in greenhouses. The consequences of peatland exploitation are an increase in the greenhouse effect and a decrease in carbon stocks. Wood fiber can be used as an alternative to peat. The chemical properties of growing media interact and change continuously due to the small volume of growing media, which is limited by the growing container. This study aims to gain new knowledge on the impact of nutrient changes in the microbial degradation of carbon compounds in wood fiber and mixtures with a peat substrate on the content and uptake of nutrients required by plants. The cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) variety ‘Dirigent H’ developed in the Netherlands was cultivated in growing media of a peat substrate and wood fiber: (1) peat substrate (PS); (2) wood fiber (WF); (3) wood fiber and peat substrate 50/50 v/v (WF/PS 50/50); (4) wood fiber and peat substrate 25/75 v/v (WF/PS 25/75). The rates of fertilization were the following: (1) conventional fertilization (CF); (2) 13 g N per plant (N13); (3) 23 g N per plant (N23); (4) 30 g N per plant (N30). The experiment was carried out with three replications. As the amount of wood fiber increased, the humidity and pH of the growing media increased. The fertilization of the cucumbers with different quantities of nitrogen influenced the nutrient uptake. The plants grown in the 50/50 and 25/75 growing media had the best Cu uptake when fertilized with N23. When the plants grown in the wood fiber media and the 50/50 media were fertilized with N13, N23, and N30, the Mn content in the growing media at the end of the growing season was significantly lower than the Mn content in the media with conventional fertilization. Thus, nitrogen improved the uptake of Mn by the plants grown not only in the wood fiber, but also in the combinations with a peat substrate. Growing plants in wood fiber and fertilizing them with N13 can result in the optimum uptake of micronutrients. The number and biomass of cucumber fruits per plant were influenced by the amount of wood fiber in the growing media and the application of nitrogen fertilizer. The highest number of fruits and biomass of fruits per plant obtained were significantly higher when the cucumbers were grown in WF/PS 50/50 growing media with additional N13 fertilization.

[Display omitted] Bimetallic phosphides exhibit superior electrocatalytic activities and synergistic effects that make them ideal electrocatalysts for the urea oxidation reaction (UOR). Herein, P, N-codoped carbon-encapsulated cobalt/nickel phosphides derived from NiCo-MOF-74 (NiCoP@PNC) and anchored on P-doped carbonized wood fiber (PCWF) for UOR were prepared through synchronous carbonization and phosphorization. By benefiting from the synergistic effect of structural and electronic modulation, NiCoP@PNC/PCWF exhibits excellent UOR electrocatalytic performance under alkaline conditions, achieving a current density of 50 mA cm−2 with a potential of only 1.34 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE) and continuous operation for more than 72 h. In addition, for the overall urea splitting, an electrolyzer using UOR replaced OER, which required only 1.50 V to achieve a current density of 50 mA cm−2 with excellent stability, 230 mV less than that required for the HER||OER system. In-depth theoretical analysis further proves that the strong synergistic effect between Co and Ni optimizes electronic structures, yielding excellent UOR properties. The synergistic strategy of structural and electrical modulation provides broad prospects for the design and synthesis of excellent UOR electrocatalysts for energy-saving hydrogen production by using renewable resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greenhouse tomato production faces multiple challenges, including the excessive use of nonrenewable substrates that are difficult to dispose of after use. Currently, most growers propagate tomatoes in rockwool, but there is an increasing demand for sustainable media. The objective of this research was to evaluate sustainable and organic alternatives for greenhouse propagation of tomato seedlings intended for high-wire production. Different organic and inorganic substrates were evaluated in three experiments, using a nutrient solution composed of a complete water-soluble fertilizer. Germination and growth parameters, including height, stem diameter, number of leaves, leaf area, foliar chlorophyll levels (SPAD), and shoot fresh and dry weight, were measured. In the first experiment, which employed overhead irrigation, rockwool, coir, wood fiber–coir mix, medium-grade pine bark, pine bark < 0.64 cm, and pine bark < 0.32 cm were evaluated. Tomato germination was faster and achieved higher percentages with pine bark < 0.64 cm compared to other substrates. However, growth performance was similar or better in coir than in rockwool four weeks after transplantation. For the second experiment with sub-irrigation only, rockwool, coir, wood fiber–coir mix, pine bark < 0.32 cm bark, and peat were evaluated at different container heights. Peat resulted in greater growth across all parameters, followed by wood fiber–coir mix in all container heights, while pine bark had the least growth across all measured parameters. In the third experiment with overhead irrigation, rockwool, wood fiber–coir mix, pine bark < 0.32 cm, and a commercial peat-based mixture were evaluated under different fertilizer rates (electrical conductivity of 1.1 and 2.2 mS·cm−1). Wood fiber–coir mix, peat-based mix, and rockwool were the substrates with the highest values for all evaluated parameters. While all the organic substrates showed potential for use in tomato propagation, pine bark < 0.32 cm bark and wood fiber–coir mix provided the best media for germination. Peat and wood fiber–coir mix showed the best media for subsequent seedling growth and demonstrated potential to be used as substitutes for rockwool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As peat (P) demand increases throughout the horticultural industry, alternative fibers must be evaluated. Sugarcane bagasse (B), wood fiber (W), and coconut coir (C) have received interest as domestically available alternatives to P, with demonstrated success in producing greenhouse crops. However, there is limited research comparing these materials to peat. This research evaluated the substrate properties and productivity of Petunia Supertunia Mini Vista 'Indigo' in pine bark substrates amended with C, W, B, or P and fertigated weekly at 100, 200, or 300 parts per million (ppm) nitrogen (N) to account for possible N immobilization. The container capacity was lowest and air-filled porosity was highest in W and B substrates. Substrate pH increased in W and B substrates, and C substrates were fertigated at 100 ppm N. Increasing the N rate increased the growth index in all substrates, especially B and W substrates later in the production period. Higher fertilization increased shoot mass, chlorophyll content, and blooms across all substrates, demonstrating that fertilizer supplementation may offset possible N immobilization. While plant growth and quality parameters were greatest in the P blend, increasing N applications produced similar-quality plants using alternative substrates, demonstrating that modifying fertilizer management practices can make alternative fibers a viable horticultural substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red soil is one of the typical soil types in China, which is widely distributed in 17 provinces with a total area of 569,000 km², accounting for about 1/5 of the total land area in China. It is a widely distributed soil type in Yunnan Province. Compared with other natural soils, red soil has high viscosity, high water content, low shear strength, serious loss of organic matter and nutrients, and changes in soil structure and quality, which leads to low root characteristic parameters of root-soil complex and cannot meet the needs of engineering practice. However, the roots of herbaceous plants are mostly dense and fine roots, which have a good reinforcement effect on shallow soil, consolidate soil and prevent erosion, and their root characteristic parameters can better reflect the contribution of roots to soil shear strength. It is of certain significance to study the mechanical properties of root-soil complex of herbs through root characteristic parameters. In order to find out the influence mechanism of root characteristics on the shear characteristics of herb root-soil complex under different mass fractions (0, 0.5%, 2.5% and 5.0%) of wood fiber reconstruction red soil, the shear strength of root-soil complex of white clover and ryegrass was measured by direct shear test, and four root characteristic parameters, such as root surface area index, root volume ratio, root length and underground biomass, were measured by WinRHIZO root analysis system, and their resistance was further revealed. The results showed that proper wood fiber addition was beneficial to the growth of fibrous root herbs. When the wood fiber content is high, the root length of Lolium perenne and white clover are 456.27 and 438.35 cm respectively, and the underground biomass are 0.410 and 0.150 mg respectively. With the increase of root characteristic parameters, the shear strength of ryegrass root-soil composite is greater than that of white clover root-soil composite, and the shear strength of both is better than that of single wood fiber composite soil or root soil, with the increase ranges of 26.55% - 47.20% and 26.21% - 35.07% respectively, but there is a certain change threshold. The Mohr-Coulomb model is used to simulate the shear characteristic parameters of the root-soil complex. When the characteristic parameters of root system reach the change threshold, the change of cohesion is obviously and plays a leading role, but has little influence on internal friction angle. The shear strength of root-soil complex increases first and then decreases. When the root parameter value exceeds the threshold, the shear strength of wood fiber rootsoil composite decreases, showing a trend of increasing first and then decreasing. This study has important theoretical and engineering practice value for further study of slope protection, vegetation restoration and land consolidation in red soil region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There are detrimental effects of vehicle exhaust pollutants such as particulate matter (PM) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) on the environment and human health. In order to enhance the performance of woody LaCo0.7Fe0.3O3 perovskite-type catalysts for purifying PM and NOx, non-thermal plasma (NTP) generated by dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) was used as an assisted preparation method in this paper. The physicochemical properties of LaCo0.7Fe0.3O3 perovskite-type catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscope (SEM), and N2 adsorption–desorption. The LaCo0.7Fe0.3O3 perovskite-type catalysts prepared with and without NTP assisted method were tested and compared by a simulated test bench. The experimental results indicate that the purification efficiency of LaCo0.7Fe0.3O3 perovskite-type catalysts for PM and NOx with NTP assisted method is significantly higher than LaCo0.7Fe0.3O3 perovskite-type catalysts without NTP assisted method. When the input voltage and frequency are 15 kV and 10 kHz, the precursor of the catalyst sample is pretreated for 90 min, and the woody LaCo0.7Fe0.3O3 perovskite-type catalyst obtained shows the highest PM and NOx purification efficiency, within the range of approximately 96% and 50%, respectively. The PM and NOx purification mechanisms were deduced based on the experimental findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing green and high‐strength composites with feasible manufacturing process is desirable for advanced applications in construction, transportation, automotive, aerospace, and so on. A novel green and high‐strength wood fiber (WF)/waterborne epoxy resin (WEP) composite with high fiber content, low‐cost, and simple processing was proposed in this study. WF was simply and directly mixed with WEP and the mixture was hot‐pressed to mold the composite. The optimal tensile and flexural strength of 98 MPa and 155 MPa were achieved at 80% WF content, which were superior to those of traditional WF/EP composites. The interphase thickness of 220 nm of WF/WEP composite was more than twice as high as that of 109 nm of WF/EP composite, which was resulted from the penetration of WEP in the micro‐nano structure of WF. Furthermore, the thermal performance of WF/WEP composite was also promoted compared to those of WF/EP composites. This work demonstrated that composites with high WF content could achieve high performance and exhibit significant potential in many applications. Highlights: Wood fiber/waterborne epoxy resin composites fabricated by a green and simple process.Optimal mechanical properties were achieved at 80% wood fiber content.WEP penetrated in the micro‐nano structure of WF.The composites with high WF content achieve high performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood fibers (WFs) were treated at a fixed heat temperature (180 °C) for 2−6 h and added to a polylactic acid (PLA) matrix to produce wood−PLA composite (WPC) filaments. Additionally, the effects of the heat-treated WFs on the physicomechanical properties and impact strength of the WPC filaments and 3D-printed WPC parts using fused filament fabrication (FFF) were examined. The results revealed that heat-treated WFs caused an increase in crystallinity and a significant reduction in the number of pores on the failure cross section of the WPC filament, resulting in a higher tensile modulus and lower elongation at break. Additionally, the printed WPC parts with heat-treated WFs had higher tensile strength and lower water absorption compared to untreated WPC parts. However, most of the mechanical properties and impact strength of 3D-printed WPC parts were not significantly influenced by adding heat-treated WFs. As described above, at the fixed fiber addition amount, adding heat-treated WFs improved the dimensional stability of the WPC parts and it enabled a high retention ratio of mechanical properties and impact strength of the WPC parts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing mechanical properties of environmentally friendly and renewable polymers by the introduction of natural fibers not only paves the way for developing sustainable composites but also enables new opportunities in advanced additive manufacturing (AM). In this paper, wood fibers, as a versatile renewable resource of cellulose, are integrated within bio-based polylactic acid (PLA) polymer for the development and 3D printing of sustainable and recycle green composites using fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology. The 3D-printed composites are comprehensively characterized to understand critical materials properties, including density, porosity, microstructures, tensile modulus, and ultimate strength. Non-contact digital image correlation (DIC) technology is employed to understand local stress and strain concentration during mechanical testing. The validated FDB-based AM process is employed to print honeycombs, woven bowls, and frame bins to demonstrate the manufacturing capability. The performance of 3D-printed honeycombs is tested under compressive loads with DIC to fully evaluate the mechanical performance and failure mechanism of ultra-light honeycomb structures. The research outcomes can be used to guide the design and optimization of AM-processed composite structures in a broad range of engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adding wood fiber to the 3D printing material can make the 3D-printed product have the characteristics of natural dyeing and material. Because wood fiber is mostly waste and cheap, it can reduce material cost. For environmental sustainability, it is a very promising filling material. Currently, there are 3D printing consumables using wood fiber on the market, most of which are made by drawing wires with polylactic acid (PLA). Due to the low accuracy and yield of frequency-division multiplexing (FDM) printing using filaments, it cannot be extended to mass production industrial use, and natural pellets cause the problem of nozzle clogging. In contrast, if fiber is mixed with polyurethane acrylate (PUA), it can be printed by DLP and cured through the photocuring reaction. This method has no clogging problem and has high printing accuracy, enabling industrialized mass production that requires high yield and accuracy. Therefore, in this study, Taiwan incense-cedar (high economic and ecological value tree species) was applied to commercial PUA materials for DLP 3D printing. Mix wood fiber with different ratios and commercial PUA, conduct printing and performance tests, and then compare the mechanical properties and finished product effects with commercial PLA printed products that add wood fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The formula, influencing factors and performance evaluation of composite putty for filling gaps in plywood based on wood fiber particle size/wood powder type difference were explored, and the technology development of filling gaps and flatness control on plywood surface was devoted. The effects of temperature, wood flour type and wood fiber mesh on the performance of putty were discussed by single factor condition. The results showed that the wear resistance, dry strength, wet strength, compatibility and stability of putty filling materials with wood fiber improved significantly compared with those without wood fiber, except that the surface drying time was slightly higher than that of the control group. Under the condition of the same number of wood fibers, different types of wood fibers will also affect the properties of putty. The order of wet strength and roughness was eucalyptus powder, poplar powder, miscellaneous wood powder, pine powder and bamboo powder. The order of dry strength was eucalyptus powder, miscellaneous wood powder, poplar powder, pine powder and bamboo powder. The order of wear resistance was poplar powder, pine powder, miscellaneous wood powder, eucalyptus powder and bamboo powder. The types of wood fibers have no significant effect on the surface drying time, compatibility and stability of putty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sandhill milkweed [Asclepias humistrata (Walter)] is important for monarch butterfly [Danaus plexippus (L.)] conservation efforts, yet precise cultivation practices are largely not available. We tested the effects of three fertilizer rates and four substrate types and four container types on the performance of sandhill milkweed during greenhouse production. Seedlings fertilized with a high (0.90 g per 48-cell container) controlled-release fertilizer rate of 15N-3.9P-10.0K (15-9-12 Osmocote® Plus) had reduced performance compared with low and medium fertilizer rates (0.34 and 0.56 g per 48-cell container, respectively). Seedlings grown in large containers (~175 mL including standard 32-cell liners and tall tree-tubes) outperformed seedlings grown in small containers (~100 mL including standard 48-cell liners and short tree tubes). A transplant ready plant can be produced for spring within 16 weeks when seeds are sown in early January. Although sandhill milkweed seedlings can be grown under various fertilizer rates and in various containers and substrates, seedlings grown in tall tree tubes in a peat-based mix (Sunshine Mix) outperformed a nursery standard substrate and two wood fiber substrates. We recommend growing plants in a peat-based substrate within tall tree tube containers and applying a medium fertilizer rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many greenhouse growers rely on peat-based soilless substrates to produce salable crops in a relatively short period of time. Peat-based substrate suppliers often incorporate additional organic materials such as wood fiber to extend peat supplies. Given the relative success of wood-based substrates, growing interest in other fiber materials such as sugarcane bagasse may provide similar benefits for substrate processers. The objective of this research was to evaluate substrate properties and the productivity of a short-term floriculture crop, Osteospermum 'Bright Lights Purple', in a commercially available peat-based substrate (PL) that has been amended with either commercially available wood fiber [Hydrafiber (HF)] or an aged sugarcane bagasse fiber (SCB). Thus, substrates consisting of PL amended with 15% or 30% HF or SCB were developed. Plants were fertigated weekly at rates of 100, 200, or 300 ppm N, respectively. Crop growth and fertility dynamics were assessed. Substrate shrinkage was greatest in the 30% bagasse blend but had minimal impact given the 2-month crop cycle. The incorporation of 15% and 30% SCB and HF produced slight changes in pH over a 9-week growth period, with HF generally raising pH and SCB generally lowering pH compared with the 100% PL, showing promise for bagasse in managing substrate pH where irrigation water has high pH and/or alkalinity. Substrate EC was initially reduced by blending SCB and, to a lesser extent, HF, but differences ceased to exist by the end of the experiment. Chlorophyll and blooms were abundant in all substrates and fertigation rates. Regardless of fertigation rate, 30% HF had the lowest growth index and shoot dry mass, and 30% SCB had the lowest root dry mass, although differences were not visually apparent. Foliar N concentrations were greatest in plants grown in the PL and SCB substrates and lowest in HF blends. Overall, growth and dry mass differences were minimal across substrate treatment and fertigation rate, and all plants were marketable with statistically similar shelf life. In conclusion, this research indicates the potential of using SCB as a substrate amendment for short-term crop systems in a similar manner as wood fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the influence of fiber particle size on the mechanical properties of a wood-–plastic composite (WPC) was investigated using a combination of experimental measurements and numerical modeling. Four different sizes of wood fibers (10–20 mesh, 20–40 mesh, 40–80 mesh, and 80–120 mesh) were used to reinforce high-density polyethylene (HDPE), either separately or in combination. The different sizes of fibers produced varying properties in the resulting composites. The smallest fiber size (80–120 mesh) resulted in the lowest flexural and tensile properties, but the highest impact strength (15.79 kJ/m2) compared to the other three sizes (12.18–14.29 kJ/m2). Using a blend of fiber sizes resulted in improved mechanical properties. Composites containing a mix of 20–40 mesh and 40–80 mesh fibers exhibited the best flexural (strength 74.16 MPa, modulus 5.35 GPa) and tensile performance (strength 48.27 MPa, modulus 4.30 GPa), while composites containing a mix of all four fiber sizes had the highest impact-resistant strength (16.08 kJ/m2). Several models, including the Rule of Mixtures (ROM), the Inverse Rule of Mixtures (IROM), and the Hirsch models, were used to predict the performance of WPCs. The ROM model was found to be the most accurate in describing the mechanical properties of WPCs reinforced with multi-size wood fibers, based on the sum squared error (SSE) analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Stability based on mineralization of organic matter is a quality criterion for products. • CO 2 release was compared with O 2 consumption rate for growing media components. • Process of N immobilization is not observed during the O 2 consumption rate test. • The ratio between C release and OUR was highest for plant fibers and lowest for peat. The biological stability of organic materials predicts their performance when used as either a soil improver or as an ingredient in growing media. CO 2 release in a static measurement and O 2 consumption rate (OUR) were compared for seven groups of growing media components. The ratio between CO 2 release and OUR was matrix-specific. This ratio was highest for plant fibers high in C:N and with a high risk of N immobilization, intermediate for wood fiber and woody composts, and lowest for peat and other compost types. The effect of variable test conditions in the OUR setup was assessed for plant fibers, where addition of mineral N and/or nitrification inhibitor had no effect on the OUR measurements. Testing at 30 °C instead of 20 °C resulted in higher OUR values as expected, but did not change the effect of mineral N dose. A strong increase in the CO 2 flux was measured when plant fibers were mixed with mineral fertilizer; in contrast, addition of mineral N or fertilizer before or during the OUR test had no effect. The present experimental setup did not allow for differentiation between a higher CO 2 release as a result of increased microbial respiration after adding mineral N versus an underestimation of stability due to N limitation in the dynamic OUR setup. Results indicate that type of material, C:N ratio and risk of N immobilization all appear to affect the OUR results. The OUR criteria may therefore require clear differentiation based on the different materials used in horticultural substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is an increased interest in the hydroponic production of strawberries in protected cultivation systems, and it is, therefore, urgent to develop new, more sustainable growing media alternatives. This study investigated the physical properties of wood fiber produced from Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) H. Karst.) and peat:wood fiber substrate blends as well as the performance of the wood fiber in comparison to the industry standards, i.e., peat and coconut coir in the cultivation of hydroponic strawberry. Tray plants of the June-bearing strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) cultivar 'Malling Centenary' were transplanted into five different growing media: a peat (80%) and perlite (20%) mixture, stand-alone (100%) coconut coir and three stand-alone (100%) Norway spruce wood fiber substrates (including coarse textured fibers with compact and loose packing density and compacted fine-textured fibers). Ripe strawberries were harvested and registered throughout the production season. The overall marketable yield was comparable across all the tested growing media; however, after 4 weeks of harvest, both coarse wood fiber and fine wood fiber showed better fruiting performance than the peat-perlite mixture. A trend for earlier berry maturation was observed for all wood fiber-based substrates. Plant parameters recorded after the end of production showed that plant height, number of leaves, and biomass production were higher in coarse wood fiber than in the peat-perlite mixture. Moreover, plants grown in wood fiber-based substrates had less unripe berries and flowers not harvested in comparison to both the peat and coir treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomorphic porous La0.8Ce0.2Fe0.3Co0.7O3 perovskite‐type catalysts are synthesized through a facile bio‐templating method taking wood fiber as template for achieving the four‐way purification of PM, NOx, CO, and HC emitted by automobile exhausts. The catalyst samples were characterized by X‐ray diffractometer, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis. The results showed that catalyst sample calcined at 700°C obtained high purity, high surface area (4.01 m2/g), wide pore size distribution and retained the initial wood fiber structure, which was suitable for purifying automobile exhausts. In addition, the performances for four‐way purification under the simulated exhaust were analyzed by simulation test bench. The highest purification efficiency of PM, NOx, HC, and CO can reach 92%, 92%, 98%, and 76%, separately. Moreover, four‐way purification mechanism was deduced according to the theoretical research of Mars‐van krevelen on the redox reaction mechanism and experimental result. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood plastic composites (WPCs) were prepared by extrusion molding with eucalyptus powder, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), and silica as additives. The mechanical properties, creep behavior, thermal properties, and cross-section microstructure of the composites were analyzed by universal testing machine, thermogravimetric analyzer, and scanning electron microscope. The results show that with the increase of silica content, the tensile strength, bending strength, and impact strength of the WPCs first increased and then decreased. When the silica content was 3.0%, the tensile strength, bending strength, and impact strength of WPC reached the maximum values of 27.5 MPa, 48.8 MPa, and 4.18 KJ·m-2, respectively, which represented increases of 12.6%, 9.4%, and 20.1%, respectively, compared with those without silica. When the stress was 13.4 MPa, the strain value of 3.0% SiO2-eucalyptus/PVC wood plastic composite was 3.3 times that of 4.46 MPa and 1.7 times that of 8.92 MPa. The pyrolysis process of eucalyptus/PVC WPCs showed a similar trend with different silica content.

Geopolymers based on fly ash are an emerging alternative to ordinary Portland cement, with a low impact on the environment and a potential to increase the sustainability of the concrete-based construction. Reported here is the design and investigation of new wood fiber reinforced geopolymer composites (WFRGC) based on fly ash and wood fiber (5–35 wt%). These WFRGC showed reduced mechanical properties with rising wood fiber addition as calculated by compressive strength with the cylindrical test (7.83–59.82 MPa); compressive strength at cubic test (6.95–50.23 MPa); force load at upper yield (0.70–5.02 KN); flexural strength (1.71–11.05 MPa); compressive modulus at cubic test (0.13–054 GPa); and flexural modulus (3.91–1293.61 MPa). The adding of wood fiber showed decreases of the density WFRGC (1.58–1.87 g/cm3) and decreases the thermal conductivity of WFRGC. The addition 20 wt% wood fiber could be the limit for acceptable mechanical properties. WFRGC with 20–35 wt% wood fibers may be a promising green material for building.

The alarming global deforestation rate has great impacts on the output of the Pulp and paper Industry since wood is the principal papermaking fiber material. Although, generally, bamboo is an alternative cellulolytic fiber source, the species and culm age have great effects on its papermaking potential. Based on the methods by the International Association of Wood Anatomists (IAWA), this work assessed the characteristics of fibers from the axial culm sections of six-month plantation-grown Oxythenantera abyssinica and Beema bamboo (which was cloned from Bambusa balcoaa) for paper production. The lengths of the fibers ranged from 1.89 to 2.39 mm while the diameters were 0.025–0.031 mm. The fiber lumen diameter and wall thickness were 0.014–0.018 mm and 0.004–0.006 mm, respectively. Fibers from the species had their runkle ratios below 1, slenderness ratios above 70 and flexibility ratios above 50. These characteristics compare well with the recommendations for fibers often used for the production of packaging, writing and printing papers. Establishment of plantations of Beema bamboo and O. abyssinica is encouraged as they will serve as good raw material base for the paper industry within six months of planting. Additionally, their planting will contribute to meeting Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 13.

Isotactic polypropylene (PP) is a widely used and versatile commodity polymer with several polymorphs (α, β, γ). β-form isotactic PP attracted more interest due to its improved mechanical properties in comparison with the more common α-form. Addition of β-nucleating agents is an easy approach to induce β-form in isotactic PP. Few studies paid attention to the use of β-PP as the matrix of natural fiber/PP composites. In this study, isotactic PP was nucleated by a β-nucleating agent N, N'-dicyclohexylterephthalamide (TMB-5) and then melt compounded with poplar wood fiber (WF) to prepare WF/PP/TMB composites. The influence of adding different contents (0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.3 and 0.5%) of TMB-5 on the crystalline morphology, melting and crystallization behavior, mechanical properties and heating deflection temperature (HDT) of WF/PP composites was investigated. It was found that TMB-5 accelerated the crystal nucleation and induced β-crystal growth due to TMB-5 provided the nucleation site. The crystals size of WF/PP/TMB composite decreased and crystals boundaries became blurred with the increasing contents of TMB-5. The TMB-5 contents also affected the self-assembly morphology of TMB-5 which further influenced the morphology of crystals. The relative content of β-crystal ( K β ) reached maximum value of 65.3% when the content of TMB-5 was 0.3%. But WF decreased K β of PP/TMB under same content of TMB-5 which demonstrated the interference of WF with the generation of β-crystal. For mechanical properties, impact strength of WF/PP/TMB composite reached maximum value of 9.6 kJ·m−2 when adding 0.05% TMB-5. The TMB-5 contents had an insignificant effect on the flexural strength and modulus of WF/PP/TMB composite. Compressive strength of WF/PP/0.3%TMB composite reached maximum value of 64.4 MPa, which increased by 25.5% compared to WF/PP composite. Moreover, TMB-5 could improve the HDT of WF/PP composite as well. These results revealed that the addition of β-nucleating agent TMB-5 is an effective and practical method to improve crystallization rate and mechanical properties of WF/isotactic PP composites. WF/PP/TMB composite can be used in construction decoration, catering, automobile applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Red soil is one of the most widely distributed soil types in Yunnan Province of China. Red soil is characterized by high plasticity, high void ratio, heavy viscosity, slightly acidic soil, as well as low water and fertility retention. Among them, alternate wetting and drying can be caused by rainfall, irrigation, high-temperature evaporation, and disturbances in production and construction projects, leading to the shrinkage, cracking, and swelling of red soil during drought. Soil water characteristics change dramatically, which is essential to carry out soil improvement in red soil regions. Soil reconstruction has been widely used in the practice of red soil improvement. Most research focuses mainly on the hydraulic properties of the natural red soil, rather than the reconstructed one. Furthermore, the wood fiber can be expected to serve as an ecological soil conditioner, in order to improve the ecological restoration, of the soil, and water conservation in the mining areas. However, it is still lacking on the effects of wood fiber additions on the physical properties of red soil in the combination of dry and wet alternation and wood fiber. In this study, a novel mechanism was proposed to clarify the impact of wood fiber reconstruction on the hydraulic properties of red soil during dry and wet alternation. The red soil was collected in Kunming City of Yunnan Province in China. Four types of wood fiber additions (0, 0.5%, 2.5%, and 5.0%) were used to improve the red soil. The matric suction of wood fiber composite soil was measured using filtering, and the soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) was fitted using the Logistic model. The results showed that there was a gradually slow hysteresis in the dry-wet alternation on the decrease in the soil matric suction and SWCC of red soil, as the addition of wood fiber increased. Specifically, 2.5% wood fiber composite soil was the optimal ratio to improve soil water holding. The addition of wood fiber increased the intake and residual value of red soil. The residual value changed greatly under dry and wet alternations, whereas, there was a gradual decrease in the residual value, as the number of dry and wet alternations increased. The slope of 2.5% wood fiber composite soil was less affected by the dry and wet alternations, with the best capacity of water holding, while the volumetric water content decreased. The determination coefficients of soil-water characteristic curves were all above 0.97 after wood fiber addition, indicating that the Logistic model was suitable for the SWCC fitting of red soil that was modified with the wood fiber. The finding can provide a strong reference for soil reconstruction and ecological restoration during land consolidation in the red soil regions. A series of experiments were also carried out to determine the different amounts of wood fiber during dry and wet alternation. The relationship was also established between the impact of wood fiber improvement on the hydraulic properties of red soil. Since the specific impact can be depended on the physical indicators of the soil mass, further research can be expected to focus on the soil pore structure, aggregates, and permeability in the red soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sandhill milkweed [Asclepias humistrata (Walter)] is important for monarch butterfly [Danaus plexippus (L.)] conservation efforts, yet precise cultivation practices are largely not available. We tested the effects of three fertilizer rates and four substrate types and four container types on the performance of sandhill milkweed during greenhouse production. Seedlings fertilized with a high (0.90 g per 48-cell container) controlled-release fertilizer rate of 15N–3.9P–10.0K (15–9–12 Osmocote® Plus) had reduced performance compared with low and medium fertilizer rates (0.34 and 0.56 g per 48-cell container, respectively). Seedlings grown in large containers (∼175 mL including standard 32-cell liners and tall tree-tubes) outperformed seedlings grown in small containers (∼100 mL including standard 48-cell liners and short tree tubes). A transplant ready plant can be produced for spring within 16 weeks when seeds are sown in early January. Although sandhill milkweed seedlings can be grown under various fertilizer rates and in various containers and substrates, seedlings grown in tall tree tubes in a peat-based mix (Sunshine Mix) outperformed a nursery standard substrate and two wood fiber substrates. We recommend growing plants in a peat-based substrate within tall tree tube containers and applying a medium fertilizer rate.

Many greenhouse growers rely on peat-based soilless substrates to produce salable crops in a relatively short period of time. Peat-based substrate suppliers often incorporate additional organic materials such as wood fiber to extend peat supplies. Given the relative success of wood-based substrates, growing interest in other fiber materials such as sugarcane bagasse may provide similar benefits for substrate processers. The objective of this research was to evaluate substrate properties and the productivity of a short-term floriculture crop, Osteospermum ‘Bright Lights Purple’, in a commercially available peat-based substrate (PL) that has been amended with either commercially available wood fiber [Hydrafiber (HF)] or an aged sugarcane bagasse fiber (SCB). Thus, substrates consisting of PL amended with 15% or 30% HF or SCB were developed. Plants were fertigated weekly at rates of 100, 200, or 300 ppm N, respectively. Crop growth and fertility dynamics were assessed. Substrate shrinkage was greatest in the 30% bagasse blend but had minimal impact given the 2-month crop cycle. The incorporation of 15% and 30% SCB and HF produced slight changes in pH over a 9-week growth period, with HF generally raising pH and SCB generally lowering pH compared with the 100% PL, showing promise for bagasse in managing substrate pH where irrigation water has high pH and/or alkalinity. Substrate EC was initially reduced by blending SCB and, to a lesser extent, HF, but differences ceased to exist by the end of the experiment. Chlorophyll and blooms were abundant in all substrates and fertigation rates. Regardless of fertigation rate, 30% HF had the lowest growth index and shoot dry mass, and 30% SCB had the lowest root dry mass, although differences were not visually apparent. Foliar N concentrations were greatest in plants grown in the PL and SCB substrates and lowest in HF blends. Overall, growth and dry mass differences were minimal across substrate treatment and fertigation rate, and all plants were marketable with statistically similar shelf life. In conclusion, this research indicates the potential of using SCB as a substrate amendment for short-term crop systems in a similar manner as wood fiber.

The efficiency of natural fiber rely on pre-treatment for the reduction of unwanted components in its accessibility for industrial application. This study investigates the effects of sodium hydroxide on the chemical compositions of shell butter bark wood fiber (SBBWF). The SBBWF was pre-treated with NaOH at 3, 6 and 9 wt% for 18 hours. The SBBWF for untreated and treated were subjected to gravimetric method and fourier transform infra-red spectrometer (FTIR) to determine the chemical composition and organic functionality present, respectively. The changes in the prevalent functional group of the alkali treated and untreated SBBWF were also investigated. After treatment, the improvement of cellulose and mimimization of the hemicellulose and lignin content was noticed. Results from the elemental compositional analysis indicated that SBBWF contained high cellulose content (33.89%) followed by hemicellulose (33.67%) and lignin (8.66%). The optimum cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin contents were obtained at 3%wt and 9 wt% sodium hydroxide, respectively. The FTIR result showed that the modification of the SBBWF as a disappearance in functional group was observed.The disappeared functional groups were present in untreated SBBWF and positional change in the transmittance with sodium hydroxide treated SBBWF. Finally, the shea butte bark wood fiber is highly recommended for biocomposite production in structural application.

As peat (P) demand increases throughout the horticultural industry, alternative fibers must be evaluated. Sugarcane bagasse (B), wood fiber (W), and coconut coir (C) have received interest as domestically available alternatives to P, with demonstrated success in producing greenhouse crops. However, there is limited research comparing these materials to peat. This research evaluated the substrate properties and productivity of Petunia Supertunia Mini Vista ‘Indigo’ in pine bark substrates amended with C, W, B, or P and fertigated weekly at 100, 200, or 300 parts per million (ppm) nitrogen (N) to account for possible N immobilization. The container capacity was lowest and air-filled porosity was highest in W and B substrates. Substrate pH increased in W and B substrates, and C substrates were fertigated at 100 ppm N. Increasing the N rate increased the growth index in all substrates, especially B and W substrates later in the production period. Higher fertilization increased shoot mass, chlorophyll content, and blooms across all substrates, demonstrating that fertilizer supplementation may offset possible N immobilization. While plant growth and quality parameters were greatest in the P blend, increasing N applications produced similar-quality plants using alternative substrates, demonstrating that modifying fertilizer management practices can make alternative fibers a viable horticultural substrate.

During the last decades, attention to energy and environmental problems has significantly grown, along with the development of international and national policies addressing sustainability issues. In the construction sector, one of the most widespread energy efficiency strategies consists of thermal insulation of buildings thanks to external insulating panels. Among these, wood fiber is an insulating material characterized by a natural, eco-sustainable and biodegradable structure, coming from the recycling of waste wood from sawmills. The present study aimed to characterize small test building insulated with wood fiber panels from the thermal point of view, comparing the results with those of an identical, non-insulated reference test building. The experimental campaign highlighted several advantages and an excellent thermal performance provided by the eco-sustainable solution of wood fiber insulating panels: Lower values of the thermal transmittance (−57%), thus ensuring greater stability of the internal air temperature and better values in terms of attenuation (−60% in summer and −74 % in winter) and phase shift (+2 h in summer and +2.28 h in winter) compared to those obtained from the reference building. The material is also equipped with an Environmental Performance Declaration (EPD) that certifies its environmental benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article investigates the relationships between soil characteristics (physical and chemical) and wood properties of Persian oak in three different elevation sites. For this purpose, 27 trees were randomly chosen and cut in Zagros forests in western Iran. The test samples were prepared at the stem (breast height) to examine physical and biometrical properties. For each elevation site, four soil samples were obtained at a 0-20 cm soil depth under the canopy of each tree to measure soil properties, including clay, silt soil, sand soil, electrical conductivity, pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic matter content. Then, the relationship of soil and wood properties was determined by principal component analysis. Results specified that there are a positive correlation between wood density and volumetric swelling with clay and available potassium. Moreover, the results revealed a positive correlation between fiber length, cell wall thickness, and fiber diameter with electrical conductivity, sand percentage, and total nitrogen content, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sediments remediated with a nature-based solution approach (NBS-sediments) can represent a suitable and affordable alternative to peat as a constituent of growing media for ornamental plant production based on the combination of advanced production efficiency and rational green use of resources, including peat and water. In a greenhouse experiment, the effect of different growing media containing NBS-remediated sediments on two-year-old container grown cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus cv. 'Novìta') under standard and induced restrictive irrigation was evaluated. Six ternary mixes with different proportion (45:30:25 and 30:20:50 v/v) of peat:pumice:sediment (PE:TS25, PE:TS50), coconut fiber:pumice:sediment (CF:TS25, CF:TS50) and wood fiber:pumice:sediment (WF:TS25, WF:TS50) were tested in comparison to the standard peat:pumice blend (60:40 v/v), commonly used for pot ornamental crops ad used as control (PE, control). Pots were drip irrigated with 200 and 250 cc daily water volume (DWV). Cherry laurels grown in the control showed the lowest sign of stress, maintaining the highest net CO2 assimilation and transpiration rates, however stomatal conductance was reduced compared to PE:TS mixes. On the other hand, photosynthetic performance was strongly depressed by WF:TS25 and WF:TS50 under reduced DWV compared to the control, due to the combined effect of physical properties of the used matrices and reduced water availability. Nevertheless, final biomass production of plants grown on sediment-based growing media was similar to that of control, indicating that photosynthetic performance of plants fully recovered during the cultivation period. Differences in final plant development were negligible when compared to quality standards of marketing categories. Thus, appropriately blended NBS-sediment-based growing media can be used on a larger scale to produce rustic outdoor ornamentals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The specific heat capacity of building insulation materials is rather difficult to be determined using the conventional calorimetric methods. This is due to the small samples required for these methods which are not representative of the insulation material. Larger samples would not fulfill the requirements of the lumped system. Methods based on the transient heat transfer using heating wires or planes are commonly quick but less accurate measurements as they only consider the volume near the surface of the sample and need additional corrections and calibrations. The present investigation is based on a transient temperature control procedure using a common guarded hot plate device, which is normally used to determine the thermal conductivity of insulation materials. The procedure was performed on two different materials: one wood-based (wood fiber) and one mineral-based (expanded perlite). The results show a value of about 1200 J·kg−1·K−1 for the former and 600 J·Kg−1·K−1 for the latter. This method can also be extended to other thermal insulation materials for building application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by marine mussels, dopamine with a catechol structure was self-polymerized in a weak alkaline environment and deposited on the surface of wood fiber (WF) to enhance the interface between WF and polylactic acid (PLA). At the same time, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were attached to the surface of WF under the reducibility of polydopamine (PDA), giving the composite antibacterial activity against Aspergillus niger. The results showed that PDA and Ag NPs were successfully generated and attached to the WF surface. The thermal stability of WF was improved after the modification, which the maximum decomposition rate temperature of WF/PDA/Ag was increased by 29.2 °C compared with WF. According to relevant analysis, the tensile properties of WF/PDA-PLA were significantly improved. Compared with PLA, the tensile strength and Young's modulus of WF/PDA-PLA were increased by 8.13% and 52.89%. The bacteriostatic circle method measurement showed WF/PDA/Ag-PLA had a particular antibacterial ability for Aspergillus niger.

[Display omitted] • TEMPO oxidation can introduce more active groups on the surface and inside of the wood fiber. • The in-situ synthesis of ZnO on and inside the fiber can form a coaxial structure. • Fiber/ZnO PEG can produce a V OC of 5.5 V and a power density of 21.57 μW cm−3. • Fiber/ZnO MEG can generate a V OC of 0.47 V at 85 % RH. • The fiber/ZnO composite film has potential in both piezoelectric and moist-electric application. Natural lignocellulose has asymmetric crystal structures and abundant oxygen-containing groups, which endow cellulose materials with piezoelectric and moist-electric properties. In this work, micron-scale wood fiber was oxidated by using 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine (TEMPO), then the structure of fiber produced cracks accompanied by exposing more active groups of hydroxyl groups inside the fiber. ZnO was also grown on the fiber by one-step hydrothermal method to construct a coaxial structure to enhance the piezoelectric performance of fiber/ZnO piezoelectric generator (PEG). The assembled fiber/ZnO-PEG can produce an open-circuit voltage (V OC) of 5.5 V and a power density of 21.57 μW cm−3 under a cyclic force of 50 N at 2 Hz. In addition, according to hydrophilic properties of the fiber/ZnO composite film, it was also assembled into a moist-electric generator (MEG) by constructing the asymmetric electrodes. The fiber/ZnO-MEG can generate the V OC of 0.47 V at 85 % RH. After connecting five 11CZ-2ZnO-MEGs in series, the LCD (liquid crystal display) and LED (light emitting diode) can be successfully lit. Moreover, when the assembled fiber/ZnO MEG was pasted on the wrist, the output electrical signals increase significantly during wrist bending process, which can be attributed to the moist-electric effect and piezoelectricity. The proposed energy harvesting device has the advantages of low cost, biocompatibility and biodegradability, which displays great potential in the field of green energy, as well as provides reference for multi-angle design of sensing device. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]