Search Results (847)

Biopolymers and bio-based plastics, such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polybutylene succinate (PBS), are recognized as environmentally friendly materials and are widely used, especially in the packaging industry. The purpose of this study was to assess the degradation of PLA- and PBS-based formulations in the forms of granules and films under controlled composting conditions at a laboratory scale. Biodegradation tests of bio-based materials were conducted under controlled aerobic conditions, following the standard EVS-EN ISO 14855-1:2012. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was performed using a high-resolution Zeiss Ultra 55 scanning electron microscope to analyze the samples. After the six-month laboratory-scale composting experiment, it was observed that the PLA-based materials degraded by 47.46–98.34%, while the PBS-based materials exhibited a final degradation degree of 34.15–80.36%. Additionally, the PLA-based compounds displayed a variable total organic carbon (TOC) content ranging from 38% to 56%. In contrast, the PBS-based compounds exhibited a more consistent TOC content, with a narrow range from 53% to 54%. These findings demonstrate that bioplastics can contribute to reducing plastic waste through controlled composting, but their degradation efficiency depends on the material composition and environmental conditions. Future efforts should optimize bioplastic formulations and composting systems while developing supportive policies for wider adoption. Full article

The incorporation of phase change material (PCM) can enhance wall thermal performance and indoor thermal comfort, but practical applications still face challenges related to high costs and potential leakage issues. In this study, a novel dual-biomass-based shape-stabilized PCM (Bio-SSPCM) was proposed, wherein waste cooking fat and waste reed straw were, respectively, incorporated as the PCM substance and supporting material. The waste fat (lard) consisted of both saturated and unsaturated fatty acid glycerides, exhibiting a melting point about 21.2–41.1 °C and a melting enthalpy value of 40 J/g. Reed straw was carbonized to form a sustainable porous biochar supporting matrix, which was used for the vacuum adsorption of waste fat. The results demonstrate that the as-prepared dual-Bio-SSPCM exhibited excellent thermal performance, characterized by a latent heat capacity of 25.4 J/g. With the addition of 4 wt% of expanded graphite (EG), the thermal conductivity of the composite PCM reached 1.132 W/(m·K), which was 5.4 times higher than that of the primary lard. The thermal properties of the Bio-SSPCM were characterized using an analog T-history method. The results demonstrated that the dual-Bio-SSPCM exhibited exceptional and rapid heat storage and exothermic capabilities. The dual-Bio-SSPCM, prepared from waste cooking fat and reed straw, can be considered as environmentally friendly construction material for energy storage in line with the principles of the circular economy. Full article

Tidal seashell waste represents an abundant, underutilized marine resource that poses environmental disposal challenges but offers potential as a sustainable bio-filler in epoxy composites. This study investigates its incorporation into bio-based epoxy systems to reduce reliance on non-renewable materials and promote circular economy objectives. Processed seashell powder was blended into epoxy formulations, and response surface methodology was applied to optimize filler loading and resin composition. Comprehensive characterization included tensile strength, impact resistance, hardness, density, and thermal conductivity testing, along with microscopy analysis to evaluate filler dispersion and interfacial bonding. The optimized composites demonstrated improved hardness, density, and thermal stability while maintaining acceptable tensile and impact strength. Microscopy confirmed uniform filler distribution at optimal loadings but revealed agglomeration and void formation at higher contents, which can reduce interfacial bonding efficiency. These findings highlight the feasibility of valorizing marine waste as a reinforcing filler in sustainable composite production, supporting environmental goals and offering a scalable approach for the development of durable, lightweight materials suitable for structural, coating, and industrial applications. Full article

Conventional methods for the synthesis of porous carbons are typically time- and energy-consuming and often contribute to the excessive accumulation of waste solvents. An alternative approach is to employ environmentally friendly procedures, such as mechanochemical synthesis, which holds great potential for large-scale production of advanced carbon-based materials in coming years. This review covers mechanochemical syntheses of highly porous carbons, with a particular focus on new adsorbents and catalysts that can be obtained from biomass. Mechanochemically assisted methods are well suited for producing highly porous carbons (e.g., ordered mesoporous carbons, hierarchical porous carbons, porous carbon fibers, and carbon–metal composites) from tannins, lignin, cellulose, coconut shells, nutshells, bamboo waste, dried flowers, and many other low-cost biomass wastes. Most mechanochemically prepared porous carbons are proposed for applications related to adsorption, catalysis, and energy storage. This review aims to offer researchers insights into the potential utilization of biowastes, facilitating the development of cost-effective strategies for the production of porous carbons that meet industrial demands. Full article

In the energy sector and in other types of industries (cement, iron/steel, chemical and petrochemical), highly roasted coffee ground residue can be used as a source material for producing bioadsorbents suitable for CO₂ capture. In this study, a bioadsorbent was produced in a two-step process involving biowaste carbonization and biocarbon activation within a KOH solution. The physicochemical properties of the bioadsorbent were assessed using LECO, TG, SEM, BET and FT-IR methods. Investigating the CO₂, O₂ and N₂ equilibrium adsorption capacity using an IGA analyzer allowed us to calculate CO₂ selectivity factors. We assessed the influence of exhaust gas carbon dioxide concentration (16%, 30%, 81.5% and 100% vol.) and adsorption step temperature (25 °C, 50 °C and 75 °C) on the CO₂ adsorption capacity of the bioadsorbent. We also investigated its stability and regenerability in multi-step adsorption–desorption using a TG-Vacuum system, simulating the VSA process and applying different pressures in the regeneration step (30, 60 and 100 mbar_abs). The tests conducted assessed the possibility of using a produced bioadsorbent for capturing CO₂ using the VSA technique. Full article

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are an emerging category of cost-effective and environmentally sustainable materials that are attracting significant research and commercial interest across various industries, including construction, manufacturing, agriculture, and biomedicine. These materials harness the natural growth of fungi as a low-energy bio-fabrication method, converting abundant agricultural by-products and waste into sustainable alternatives to energy-intensive synthetic construction materials. Their affordability and eco-friendly characteristics make them attractive for both research and commercialisation. Currently, mycelium-based foams and sandwich composites are being actively developed for applications in construction. These materials offer exceptional thermal insulation, excellent acoustic absorption, and superior fire safety compared to conventional building materials like synthetic foams and engineered wood. As a result, MBCs show great potential for applications in thermal and acoustic insulation. However, their foam-like mechanical properties, high water absorption, and limited documentation of material properties restrict their use to non- or semi-structural roles, such as insulation, panelling, and furniture. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the fabrication process and the factors affecting the production and performance properties of MBCs. It addresses key elements such as fungal species selection, substrate choice, optimal growth conditions, dehydration methods, post-processing techniques, mechanical and physical properties, termite resistance, cost comparison, and life cycle assessment. Full article

Societies are aiming to have a higher ecological consciousness in wastewater treatment operations and achieve a more sustainable future. With this said, global demands for larger quantities of resources and the consequent waste generated will inevitably lead to the exhaustion of current municipal wastewater treatment works. The utilization of biosolids (particularly microbial proteins) from wastewater treatment operations could generate a sustainable bio-adhesive for the wood industry, reduce carbon footprint, mitigate health concerns related to the use of carcinogenic components, and support a more circular economic option for wastewater treatment. A techno-economic analysis for three 10 MGD wastewater treatment operations producing roughly 11,300 dry pounds of biosolids per day, in conjunction with co-feedstock defatted soy flour protein at varying ratios (i.e., 0%, 15%, and 50% wet weight), was conducted. Aspen Capital Cost Estimator V12 was used to design and estimate installed equipment additions for wastewater treatment plant integration into an urban biorefinery process. Due to the mechanical attributes and market competition, the chosen selling prices of each adhesive per pound were set for analysis as USD 0.75 for Plant Option P1, USD 0.85 for Plant Option P2, and USD 1.00 for Plant Option P3. Over a 20-year life, each plant option demonstrated economic viability with high NPVs of USD 107.9M, USD 178.7M, and USD 502.2M and internal rates of return (IRRs) of 24.0%, 29.0%, and 44.2% respectively. The options examined have low production costs of USD 0.14 and USD 0.19 per pound, minimum selling prices of USD 0.42–USD 0.51 per pound, resulting in between 2- and 4-year payback periods. Sensitivity analysis shows the effects biosolid production fluctuations, raw material market price, and adhesive selling price have on economics. The results proved profitable even with large variations in the feedstock and raw material prices, requiring low market selling prices to reach the hurdle rate of examination. This technology is economically enticing, and the positive environmental impact of waste utilization encourages further development and analysis of the bio-adhesive process. Full article

Researchers increasingly agree that livestock farming is the leading cause of air pollution with ammonia (NH₃) gas. The existing research suggests that 30–80% of nitrogen is lost from slurry and liquid manure in the gaseous form of ammonia. Most studies have focused on environmental factors influencing ammonia volatilization and manure composition but not on controlling the moisture level on the surface of the excreta. Applying the principles of convective mass exchange, this study was undertaken to compare different types of organic covers that mitigate NH₃ emissions and offer recommendations on how to properly apply organic covers on the surface of manure. Data was obtained from research in laboratory conditions comparing well-known coatings (chopped straw) with less commonly used organic materials (peat) or waste generated in other industries (sawdust, hemp chaff). This research demonstrated that applying bio-coatings can reduce ammonia (NH₃) emissions at coating thicknesses of ≥5 cm for sawdust, ≥3 cm for peat, ≥10 cm for hemp chaff, and 8–12 cm for straw. These reductions are linked to the ability of the coatings to lower manure surface moisture evaporation, a key driver of ammonia volatilization, highlighting the role of surface moisture control in emission mitigation. Full article

Lignin, the most abundant renewable aromatic biopolymer on Earth, is rapidly emerging as a powerful enabler of next-generation sustainable technologies. This review shifts the focus to the latest industrial breakthroughs that exploit lignin’s multifunctional properties across energy, agriculture, healthcare, and environmental sectors. Lignin-derived carbon materials are offering scalable, low-cost alternatives to critical raw materials in batteries and supercapacitors. In agriculture, lignin-based biostimulants and controlled-release fertilizers support resilient, low-impact food systems. Cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries are leveraging lignin’s antioxidant, UV-protective, and antimicrobial properties to create bio-based, clean-label products. In water purification, lignin-based adsorbents are enabling efficient and biodegradable solutions for persistent pollutants. These technological leaps are not merely incremental, they represent a paradigm shift toward a materials economy powered by renewable carbon. Backed by global sustainability roadmaps like the European Green Deal and China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, lignin is moving from industrial residue to strategic asset, driven by unprecedented investment and cross-sector collaboration. Breakthroughs in lignin upgrading, smart formulation, and application-driven design are dismantling long-standing barriers to scale, performance, and standardization. As showcased in this review, lignin is no longer just a promising biopolymer, it is a catalytic force accelerating the global transition toward circularity, climate resilience, and green industrial transformation. The future of sustainable innovation is lignin-enabled. Full article

Additive manufacturing (AM) has brought significant breakthroughs to the construction sector, such as the ability to fabricate complex geometries, enhance efficiency, and reduce both material usage and construction waste. However, several challenges must still be addressed to fully transition from conventional construction practices to innovative and sustainable green alternatives. This study investigates the use of non-cementitious traditional mixtures for green construction applications through 3D printing using Liquid Deposition Modeling (LDM) technology. To explore the development of mixtures with enhanced physical and mechanical properties, natural pine and cypress wood shavings were added in varying proportions (1%, 3%, and 5%) as sustainable additives. The aim of this study is twofold: first, to demonstrate the printability of these eco-friendly mortars that can be used for conservation purposes and overcome the challenges of incorporating bio-products in 3D printing; and second, to develop sustainable composites that align with the objectives of the European Green Deal, offering low-emission construction solutions. The proposed mortars use hydrated lime and natural pozzolan as binders, river sand as an aggregate, and a polycarboxylate superplasticizer. While most studies with bio-products focus on traditional methods, this research provides proof of concept for their use in 3D printing. The study results indicate that, at low percentages, both additives had minimal effect on the physical and mechanical properties of the tested mortars, whereas higher percentages led to progressively more significant deterioration. Additionally, compared to molded specimens, the 3D-printed mortars exhibited slightly reduced mechanical strength and increased porosity, attributable to insufficient compaction during the printing process. Full article

Increased concern for human health and the environment has pushed various industries to adopt new approaches towards satisfying modern regulations. Strategies to achieve these approaches include utilizing lightweight materials, repurposing waste materials, and substituting synthetic polymers with bio-based counterparts. This study investigates the effects of treated fly ash (C) and bio-based polyamide 10.10 (PA10) on the thermal, morphological, and mechanical properties of glass fiber (GF)-reinforced polyamide 6 (PA6). Our main objective was to develop a composite that would allow for the partial replacement of glass fiber in reinforced polyamide 6 composites (PA6-30G) while maintaining a favorable balance of mechanical properties. Composites processed via melt processing demonstrated enhanced mechanical properties compared to PA6-30G. Notably, significant improvements were observed in impact strength and tensile strain at break. The addition of PA10 resulted in increases of 18% in impact strength and 35% in tensile strain relative to PA6-30G. Complementary, structural and morphological analyses confirmed strong interfacial interactions within the composite matrix. These findings indicate that a PA6/PA10 hybrid composite may represent a viable alternative material for potential automotive applications. Full article

In recent years, membranes have found extensive applications, primarily in wastewater purification and food packaging. However, petroleum-based membranes can be detrimental to the environment. For this reason, extensive studies are being conducted to identify environmentally friendly substitutes for the materials used in membrane composition. Among these materials, polylactic acid (PLA) and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) are two bio-sourced and biodegradable polymers that can be derived from lignocellulosic waste. These polymers also possess suitable characteristics, such as thermal resistance and mechanical strength, which make them potential candidates for replacing conventional plastics. This study provides an overview of recent advances in the production of PLA and PHB, with a focus on their extraction from lignocellulosic biomass, as well as the recent applications of these two biodegradable polymers as sustainable materials in membrane manufacturing. The advantages and limitations of membranes produced from these materials are also summarized. Lastly, an analysis of future trends is provided concerning new sources, production possibilities, and potential applications in water treatment (mainly for metal ions separation), gas separation, oil–water separation, medical applications, drug release control, and food packaging. Full article

Spice by-products, often discarded as waste, represent an untapped resource for sustainable packaging solutions due to their unique, multifunctional, and bioactive profiles. Unlike typical plant residues, these materials retain diverse phytochemicals—including phenolics, polysaccharides, and other compounds, such as essential oils and vitamins—that exhibit controlled release antimicrobial and antioxidant effects with environmental responsiveness to pH, humidity, and temperature changes. Their distinctive advantage is in preserving volatile bioactives, demonstrating enzyme-inhibiting properties, and maintaining thermal stability during processing. This review encompasses a comprehensive characterization of phytochemicals, an assessment of the re-utilization pathway from waste to active materials, and an investigation of processing methods for transforming by-products into films, coatings, and nanoemulsions through green extraction and packaging film development technologies. It also involves the evaluation of their mechanical strength, barrier performance, controlled release mechanism behavior, and effectiveness of food preservation. Key findings demonstrate that ginger and onion residues significantly enhance antioxidant and antimicrobial properties due to high phenolic acid and sulfur-containing compound concentrations, while cinnamon and garlic waste effectively improve mechanical strength and barrier attributes owing to their dense fiber matrix and bioactive aldehyde content. However, re-using these residues faces challenges, including the long-term storage stability of certain bioactive compounds, mechanical durability during scale-up, natural variability that affects standardization, and cost competitiveness with conventional packaging. Innovative solutions, including encapsulation, nano-reinforcement strategies, intelligent polymeric systems, and agro-biorefinery approaches, show promise for overcoming these barriers. By utilizing these spice by-products, the packaging industry can advance toward a circular bio-economy, depending less on traditional plastics and promoting environmental sustainability in light of growing global population and urbanization trends. Full article

Some additives currently used to enhance drilling mud’s rheological qualities have a substantial economic impact on society. Carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) are currently imported. Food crops have influences on food security; hence, this research explored the potential of utilizing cow bone powder (CBP), a bio-waste product and a renewable resource, as an environmentally friendly fluid-loss additive for drilling applications, in comparison with CaCO₃. Both samples (CBP and CaCO₃) were evaluated to determine the most efficient powder sizes (coarse, medium, and fine powder), concentrations (5–15 g), and aging conditions (before or after aging) that would offer improved rheological and fluid-loss control. The results obtained showed that CBP had a significant impact on mud rheology when compared to CaCO₃. Decreasing the particle size (coarse to fine particles) and increasing the concentration from 5 to 15 g positively impacted mud rheology. Among all the conditions analyzed, fine-particle CBP with a 15 g concentration produced the best characteristics, including in the apparent viscosity (37 cP), plastic viscosity (29 cP), and yield point (25.5 lb/100 ft²), and a gel strength of 16 lb/100 ft² (10 s) and 28 lb/100 ft² (10 min). The filtration control ability of CaCO₃ was observed to be better than that of the coarse and medium CBP particle sizes; however, fine-particle-size CBP demonstrated a 6.1% and 34.6% fluid-loss reduction at 10 g and 15 g concentrations when compared to respective amounts of CaCO₃. The thermal behavior of the Mud Samples demonstrated that it positively impacted rheology before aging. In contrast, after aging, it exhibited a negative effect where samples grew more viscous and exceeded the API standard range for mud properties. Therefore, CBP’s excellent rheological and fluid-loss control ability makes it a potential, sustainable, and economically viable alternative to conventional materials. This superior performance enhances the thinning properties of drilling muds in stationary and circulating conditions. Full article