Search Results (6,154)

Currently, the wood coatings industry is focusing on creating unique, vibrant finishes using new functional pigments. Simultaneously, there is a growing adoption of eco-friendly bio-based materials, reflecting trends in other sectors and supporting the circular economy. Thus, the aim of this study is to unveil a straightforward, cost-effective, and notably sustainable process for exploiting the coloring potential of turmeric powder and coloring polyamide 11-based fillers, employed as multifunctional pigments for wood coatings. Through the incorporation of this additive into a wood paint, the study demonstrates its dual effect of enhancing the aesthetics of the final composite layer while leveraging the beneficial protective properties inherent to polyamide 11. The impact of these additives on sample aesthetics is assessed through optical observations, as well as measurements of color, gloss, and surface roughness. The strengthening contribution of the functional pigment is evaluated using the Taber abrasion resistance test, static friction coefficient measurements, and Buchholz surface hardness test. Finally, the aesthetic consistency of the bio-based filler and the coloring efficiency of the sustainable process are tested by subjecting the samples to aggressive conditions, including the UV-B chamber exposure test, cold liquids resistance tests, and water uptake test. Ultimately, the study illustrates how this functional bio-based pigment not only provides sufficient protection but also meets current eco-requirements, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the wood coatings industry. Full article

Fiber-reinforced mycelium (FRM) composites offer an innovative and sustainable approach to construction materials for architectural structures. Mycelium, the root structure of fungi, can be combined with various natural fibers (NF) to create a strong and lightweight material with environmental benefits. Incorporating NF like hemp, jute, or bamboo into the mycelium matrix enhances mechanical properties. This combination results in a composite that boasts enhanced strength, flexibility, and durability. Natural FRM composites offer sustainability through the utilization of agricultural waste, reducing the carbon footprint compared to conventional construction materials. Additionally, the lightweight yet strong nature of the resulting material makes it versatile for various construction applications, while its inherent insulation properties contribute to improved energy efficiency in buildings. Developing and adopting natural FRM composites showcases a promising step towards sustainable and eco-friendly construction materials. Ongoing research and collaboration between scientists, engineers, and the construction industry will likely lead to further improvements and expanded applications. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of the current research and applications of natural FRM composites for innovative and sustainable construction materials. Additionally, the paper reviews the mechanical properties and potential impacts of these natural FRM composites in the context of sustainable architectural construction practices. Recently, the applicability of mycelium-based materials has extended beyond their original domains of biology and mycology to architecture. Full article

This project aimed to develop a novel composite non-woven geotextile composed of banana fiber and viscose fiber to address landslide-controlling challenges using techniques such as needle-punching or weaving. The seeds will be inserted in the geotextile material to support the vegetation growth. The results of this study have the possibility to subsidize sustainable slope protection solutions, reducing reliance on synthetic materials and promoting the use of eco-friendly alternatives. A laboratory test would be conducted to optimize the ratio of the two fibers and evaluate the slope protection effectiveness. Full article

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, autoimmune rheumatic disease characterized by synovial joint inflammation with subsequent destruction as well as systemic manifestation, leading to impaired mobility and impaired quality of life. The etiopathogenesis of RA is still unknown, with genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors (incl. tobacco smoking) contributing to disease susceptibility. The link between genetic factors like “shared epitope alleles” and the development of RA is well known. However, why only some carriers have a break in self-tolerance and develop autoimmunity still needs to be clarified. The presence of autoantibodies in patients’ serum months to years prior to the onset of clinical manifestations of RA has moved the focus to possible epigenetic factors, including environmental triggers that could contribute to the initiation and perpetuation of the inflammatory reaction in RA. Over the past several years, the role of microorganisms at mucosal sites (i.e., microbiome) has emerged as an essential mediator of inflammation in RA. An increasing number of studies have revealed the microbial role in the immunopathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Interaction between the host immune system and microbiota initiates loss of immunological tolerance and autoimmunity. The alteration in microbiome composition, the so-called dysbiosis, is associated with an increasing number of diseases. Immune dysfunction caused by dysbiosis triggers and sustains chronic inflammation. This review aims to provide a critical summary of the literature findings related to the hypothesis of a reciprocal relation between the microbiome and the immune system. Available data from studies reveal the pivotal role of the microbiome in RA pathogenesis. Full article

The steep increase in carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions has created great concern due to its role in the greenhouse effect and global warming. One approach to mitigate CO₂ levels involves its application in specific technologies. In this context, CO₂ can be used for a more sustainable synthesis of polycarbonates (CO₂-PCs). In this research, CO₂-PC films and composites with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs, ranging from 0.2 to 7.0 wt.%) have been prepared to achieve more sustainable multifunctional sensing devices. The inclusion of the carbonaceous fillers allows for the electrical conductivity to be enhanced, reaching the percolation threshold (P_c) at 0.1 wt.% MWCNTs and a maximum electrical conductivity of 0.107 S·m⁻¹ for the composite containing 1.5 wt.% MWCNTs. The composite containing 3.0 wt.% MWCNTs was also studied, showing a stable and linear response under temperature variations from 40 to 100 °C and from 30 to 45 °C, with a sensitivity of 1.3 × 10⁻⁴ °C⁻¹. Thus, this investigation demonstrates the possibility of employing CO₂-derived PC/MWCNT composites as thermoresistive sensing materials, allowing for the transition towards sustainable polymer-based electronics. Full article

The growing requirements regarding the safety of using polymers and their composites are related to the emergence of more effective, sustainable, and hazardous-limited fire retardants (FRs). Significant amounts of FRs are usually required to effectively affect a polymer’s burning behavior, while the knowledge of their recycling potential is still insufficient. At the same time, concerns are related not only to the reduced effectiveness of flame retardancy but also, above all, to the potential deterioration of mechanical properties caused by the degradation of temperature-affected additives under processing conditions. This study describes the impact of the four-time reprocessing of bio-based polyamide 11 (PA11) modified with an intumescent flame-retardant (IFR) system composed of ammonium polyphosphate (APP), melamine cyanurate (MC), and pentaerythritol (PER) and its composites containing additional short basalt fibers (BFs). Composites manufactured via twin-screw extrusion were subjected to four reprocessing cycles using injection molding. A comprehensive analysis of their structural, mechanical, and fire behavior changes in each cycle was conducted. The obtained results confirmed the safety of using the proposed fire-retarded polyamide and its composites while reprocessing under the recommended process parameters without the risk of significant changes in the structure. The partial increase in flammability of reprocessed PA-based materials caused mainly by polymer degradation has been described. Full article

Rhizosphere environments play a vital role in the nutrient cycling of crops and soil organic nitrogen mineralization. Sugar beet is a highly nitrogen (N)-demanding crop, and it is necessary to explore the relationship between the sugar beet root exudates, the microbial community, and nitrogen utilization. In this study, a special separation method was employed to create rhizosphere (H3) and non-rhizosphere (H2 and H1) environments for sugar beet. After 50 d of cultivation in nearly inorganic-free soil, the microbial diversity and its correlation with root metabolites and N were examined. The results showed that in H3, the inorganic N content was over 23 times higher than in H1 and H2, with a 13.1% higher relative abundance of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria compared to H2 and a 32% higher abundance than H1. The relative abundance of nitrite-oxidizing bacteria was also 18.8% higher than in H1. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was observed between inorganic nitrogen content and serine (Ser) and isoleucine (Ile). The organic nitrogen content exhibited positive correlations with glycine (Gly), alanine (Ala), and tyrosine (Tyr) but displayed negative correlations with certain amino acids, organic acids, and glucose. The co-linearity network indicated that the microbial composition in H3 also exhibited higher node connectivity. It can be inferred that under the influence of sugar beet root exudates, the changes in the rhizosphere’s microbial diversity were more intricate, thereby benefiting soil nitrogen cycling and inorganic N accumulation. These findings provide profound insight into sugar beet soil organic nitrogen mineralization and contribute to the sustainable and environmentally friendly development of modern agriculture. Full article

(1) Background: The increasing generation of plastic and agricultural wastes is a critical environmental issue that requires urgent attention. Aiming to address this challenge, this study developed a sustainable waste-to-wealth system through the utilization of Zea mays husk as a reinforcing material in the production of green composites. (2) Methods: Delignification, de-hemicellulolysis, and bleaching were employed sequentially to improve the characteristics of the husk. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy confirmed the removal of lignin, hemicellulose, and impurities, and X-ray diffraction analysis determined the degree of crystallinity. Composites were made with treated and untreated husk and recycled low-density polyethylene (LDPE) at various husk-to-LDPE ratios. (3) Results: Mechanical characterization demonstrated that the treated husk composites exhibited superior tensile strength, flexural strength, and hardness compared to the untreated ones and pure LDPE. The treatment did not enhance the thermal stability of the composites, but it did lower their capacity for water absorption and improve their crystallinity. The economic assessment of the husk composite production indicated a total annualized cost of USD 0.9601 per kg, which is significantly lower than the estimated cost for LDPE (USD 1.2 to USD 1.4 per kg). Additionally, it has a much smaller carbon footprint compared to LDPE production. (4) Conclusions: The potential of utilizing treated Z. mays husk as a reinforcing agent in the development of sustainable and cost-effective green composites, improving their overall performance, was established. This approach offers a promising solution for the effective management of plastic and agricultural wastes, contributing to the transition towards a circular economy. Full article

Faced with the increasing volume of retired lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), recycling and reusing the spent graphite (SG) is of great significance for resource sustainability. Here, a facile method for transforming the SG into a carbon framework as well as loading Fe₂O₃ to form a composite anode with a sandwich structure is proposed. Taking advantage of the fact that the layer spacing of the spent graphite naturally expands, impurities and intercalants are eliminated through microwave thermal shock to produce microwave-puffed graphite (MPG) with a distinct three-dimensional structure. Based on the mechanism of microwave-induced gasification intercalation, a Fe₂O₃-MPG intercalation compound (Fe₂O₃-MPGIC) anode material was constructed by introducing iron precursors between the framework layers and subsequently converting them into Fe₂O₃ through annealing. The Fe₂O₃-MPGIC anode exhibits a high reversible capacity of 1000.6 mAh g⁻¹ at 200 mA g⁻¹ after 100 cycles and a good cycling stability of 504.4 mAh g⁻¹ at 2000 mA g⁻¹ after 500 cycles. This work can provide a reference for the feasible recycling of SG and development of high-performance anode materials for LIBs. Full article

The quest for a smooth transition from fossil fuels to clean and sustainable energy has warranted studies on alternative energy materials. Herein, we report on an experimental and theoretical study focused on hydrogen generation through the hydrolysis of microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) treated in different media (deionized water, sodium hydroxide) and MCC functionalized with magnesium (MCC-Mg), titanium (MCC-Ti), and niobium (MCC-Nb). The XRD results reveal the decreased crystallinity of MCC due to ball milling along with the formation of metal oxide composites between MCC and various metals (magnesium, titanium, and niobium). Theoretical studies using NVT molecular dynamic simulations with the NH chain thermostat implemented in the Dmol3 provides further support to the experimental results reported herein. The results from the experimental and theoretical studies revealed that ball milling and composite formation with metal species enhanced the kinetics of the hydrolysis of MCC and, consequently, hydrogen generation, while the addition of NaOH and urea inhibited the hydrogen yield. Full article

High-intensity anthropogenic activities have greatly altered the estuarine-shelf depositional processes of sediments, and the intensity and frequency of the impacts of human interventions have far exceeded the natural development of estuarine systems. Since the reform and opening up, human activities such as dams, sand mining, channel dredging, and reclamation have already caused anomalous changes in the dynamical–sedimentary–geomorphological processes of the Lingdingyang Estuary (LE). Analyzing the impact of high-intensity anthropogenic activities on sedimentary processes and the hydrodynamic environment through sedimentary records can provide a scientific basis for predicting the evolution of the estuary and the sustainable development of the Guangdong–Hongkong–Macao Greater Bay Area. The aims of this study are to reveal the impact of varying intensity human activities across different periods on depositional pattern and conduct a preliminary investigation into the spatial differences in sedimentary characteristic attributed to human activities. Two cores (LD11 and LD13) located in the LE were selected for continuous scanning of high-resolution XRF, grain size, and ²¹⁰Pb_ex dating tests, and scrutinized with the previous studies of the historical process of human activities in the LE. The results show the following: (1) The abrupt alterations in ²¹⁰Pb_ex, geochemical indices, and grain size in LD13 happened in close proximity to the 95 cm layer, suggesting a shift in the sedimentary environment during 1994. (2) In the context of the continuous reduction in water and sediment flux into the LE after 1994, the large-scale and high-intensity human activities like sand mining, channel dredging, and reclamation are responsible for the sedimentation rate increase rather than decrease, the coarsening of sediment fractions, the frequent fluctuations in Zr/Rb, Zr/Al, Sr/Fe, and Sr/Al ratios, and the increase in anomalous extremes. (3) Sedimentary records found in locations varying in anthropogenic intensities differ greatly. Compared with the nearshore siltation area, the grain size composition in the channel area is noticeably coarser and exhibits a wider range of grain size variations. The ²¹⁰Pb_ex is strongly perturbed and the vertical distribution is disturbed; the phenomenon of multiple inversions from the surface downwards is shown, making it impossible to carry out sedimentation rate and dating analysis, and the geochemical indicators have changed drastically without any obvious pattern. The evidence of the human activities can be retrieved in the sedimentary record of the estuary and provide a different angle to examine the impacts of the human activities. Full article

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) play a vital role in extending financial services to marginalized and underprivileged populations worldwide. While the focus of MFIs has traditionally been on providing financial products, recent research highlights the importance of intangible factors in shaping their success and sustainability. This research examines the influence of factors such as trust, empathy, organizational culture, and reputation on MFI performance. A structured questionnaire was developed, and data were collected from 110 clients. Statistical analysis, including Cronbach alpha, composite reliability, and exploratory factor analysis, was employed to assess the reliability, validity, and dimensionality of the collected data. Three dimensions of service quality were identified: empathy and assurance, trust, and intangibles. While gender differences in perception were observed, they were not statistically significant. However, significant differences were noted across age groups, educational levels, and types of businesses. Understanding and addressing factors related to trust, intangibles, and specific aspects of service satisfaction are crucial for enhancing client engagement and long-term success. By continuously striving to improve service quality, microfinance companies can strengthen client relationships and position themselves in such a way as to achieve sustainable impact and success in the microfinance landscape. Full article

The increasing awareness of global ecological concerns and the rising sustainability consciousness associated with the manufacturing of non-renewable and non-biodegradable composite materials have led to extensive research on product and process developments of more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and fully biodegradable biocomposites for higher-value end-use applications. All-cellulose composites (ACCs) are an emerging class of biocomposites, which are produced utilizing solely cellulose as a raw material that is derived from various renewable biomass resources, such as trees and plants, and are assessed as fully biodegradable. In this study, sustainable ACCs were fabricated for the first time based on the full dissolution of commercially available sulfite dissolving (D) pulps as a matrix with concentrations of 1.5 wt.% and 2.0 wt.% in an aqueous NaOH–urea solvent, and they were then impregnated on/into the pre-fabricated birch (B), abaca (A), and northern softwood (N) fiber sheets as reinforcements by the vacuum-filtration-assisted impregnation approach. This research aimed to investigate the effects of the impregnated cellulose matrix concentrations and types of the utilized cellulose fiber reinforcements (B, A, N) on the morphological, crystalline, structural, and physio-mechanical properties of the ACCs. The highest degrees of improvements were achieved for tensile strength (+532%, i.e., from 9.24 MPa to 58.04 MPa) and strain at break of the B fiber-reinforced ACC B_1.5 (+446%, i.e., from 1.36% to 4.62%) fabricated with vacuum impregnation of the 1.5 wt.% cellulose matrix. Noticeably, the greatest improvements were attained in strain at break of the A and N fiber-reinforced ACCs A_2.0 (+218%, i.e., from 4.44 % to 14.11%) and N_2.0 (+466%, i.e., 2.59% to 14.65%), respectively, produced with vacuum impregnation of the 2.0 wt.% cellulose matrix. The study highlights the diverse properties of the all-cellulose biocomposite materials that could, expectedly, lead to further development and research for upscaled production of the ACCs. Full article

Tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol, a cost-effective biomass derivative, offers a sustainable path for synthesizing 1,5-pentanediol through hydrogenolysis. To develop the efficient production of 1,5-pentanediol from this alcohol, we have prepared a series of MgAl₂O₄-modified Pt/WO_x/γ-Al₂O₃ catalysts with varying compositions via impregnation–calcination methods. The physicochemical properties of these catalysts were subsequently characterized using diverse techniques. Characterization revealed that magnesia–alumina spinel modification enhanced Pt particle dispersion, CO adsorption on Pt/WO_x/γ-Al₂O₃, reduced Pt particle reduction temperature, diminished the acid content in the catalysts, and increased the surface oxygen vacancy concentration. These alterations appear to influence the catalyst performance, though other factors cannot be ruled out. Catalytic activity tests demonstrated that magnesia–alumina spinel modification improved tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol hydrogenolysis activity and the 1,5-pentanediol selectivity of Pt/WO_x/γ-Al₂O₃. Optimal performance was achieved at 12% magnesia–alumina spinel loading, with a tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol conversion of 47.3% and 1,5-pentanediol selectivity of 88.4%. Full article

Glyphosate (GLY), one of the most used pesticides in the world, has been frequently detected in water, posing chronic and remote hazards to human health and the environment. Consequently, it has become necessary to develop efficient and sustainable treatment processes able to remove GLY from the polluted aquatic environments. In this context, the use of advanced oxidation processes is of great interest, as it allows for a significant reduction in concentrations of recalcitrant pollutants. In this study, peracetic acid (PAA) was used for the first time to remove GLY from water. In particular, the process parameters (oxidant dose, activation by UV radiation, GLY concentration, process time) were optimized using central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM). The degradation of the pollutant, i.e., GLY, was monitored by ion chromatography, optimizing the instrumental parameters. During the process, residual oxidant concentrations were also constantly monitored using reference methods (i.e., UV-visible spectroscopy). Based on the results obtained, the best GLY removals (over 90%) were achieved under the following conditions: a PAA/GLY molar ratio of 3 (concentration of 3.0 mg/L for GLY and 4.0 mg/L for PAA), UV irradiation, and a process time of 45 min. The possibility of achieving total glyphosate removal by using small amounts of oxidant increases the environmental sustainability of the proposed aquatic pollution mitigation strategy. Full article