Search Results (97)

The aim of this study was to comprehensively characterize lavender pellets produced from post-distillation residues and evaluate their multifunctional valorization potential. Physicochemical properties, including moisture, ash, heating value, organic matter, total and organic carbon, macro- and micronutrients, potentially toxic heavy metals, polyphenols, microbiological safety, and nutritive composition, were assessed. The pellets demonstrated an energy content comparable to other agricultural residues, with a higher heating value of 18,900 kJ/kg and a lower heating value of 16,603 kJ/kg. High organic matter (87%) and a slightly acidic pH support soil moisture retention, while favorable macronutrient levels enhance their suitability as a soil amendment. Water-based extractions (infusion and decoction) achieved higher yields (15.60–21.66%) than ethanol (13.04%) and more effectively recovered bioactive polyphenols, particularly rosmarinic and chlorogenic acids. Low moisture and water activity ensured storage stability and minimal microbial growth, which was confirmed by microbiological safety tests. Nutritionally, pellets contained moderate protein (9.38%), high cellulose (33.38%), and low fat (2.18%), with total amino acids of 8.91 g/100 g and 36.7% essential amino acids, along with a favorable fatty acid profile rich in polyunsaturated fractions. Overall, these findings highlight lavender pellets as a sustainable resource for energy, soil improvement, bioactive compound recovery, and complementary animal feed within circular economy frameworks. However, future research should focus on investigating whether residual compounds remain in lavender residues that could exert antifeedant or phytotoxic effects. Additionally, the potential for the sequential valorization of lavender residues should be explored, initially through the extraction of bioactive phenols, followed by pellet production for use as fuel or soil amendments. This approach would enable multiple cascading uses and maximize their contribution to comprehensive circular economy strategies. Full article

Pellets produced from raw or torrefied shredded logging residues have been investigated in the study. The research material came from pine and spruce stands in Poland, Slovakia, Czechia and Hungary. Torrefaction temperatures (T_t) of 250, 300, and 400 °C were applied. Before pressure agglomeration, 3% wheat flour was added to the torrefaction material as a binding agent. Pellets with a diameter of 8 mm were produced at constant humidity, compaction pressure (P) of 140 or 180 MPa and agglomeration temperature (T_a) of 100, 120 or 140 °C. The produced pellets were assessed for their physicomechanical parameters (density, radial compressive strength, compression ratio, modulus of elasticity), chemical parameters (extractive compounds, cellulose, lignin) and energy parameters (ash content, elemental composition, calorific value). The results were subjected to basic statistical analysis and multi-way ANOVA. The produced pellets varied in physical, mechanical, chemical and energy properties. A significant effect of torrefaction temperature, agglomeration temperature and compaction pressure on the results was observed. In terms of physicomechanical parameters, the best pellets were produced from the raw material, while in terms of energy parameters, those produced from the torrefied material were superior. Pellets of satisfactory quality produced from torrefied logging residues could be obtained at T_t = 250 °C, T_a = 120 °C and P = 180 MPa. Pellets with specific density of approximately 1.1 g·cm⁻³, radial compressive strength of 3–3.5 MPa, modulus of elasticity of 60–80 MPa and calorific value of 20.3–23.8 MJ·kg⁻¹ were produced in the process. Full article

The creation of bioenergy based on the biomass wood pellet industry, which accounts for the majority of the global biomass supply, is one of the most common and important ways to utilize waste wood, wood dust, and other byproducts of wood manufacturing, known as forestry residues. Pellet production processes might greatly benefit from fast monitoring systems that may allow for at least a semi-quantitative measurement of crucial parameters such as lignin and cellulose. The determination of lignin and cellulose is complicated and time-consuming because it usually requires time-demanding and labor-intensive sample preparation. This, however, might be a crucial problem. In this context, the application of Raman spectroscopic techniques is considered a promising approach, as it enables rapid, reliable, and label-free analysis of wood pellets, providing information about the chemical composition of the biomass, specifically lignin and cellulose. The purpose of this article is to report on the application of Raman spectroscopy exemplified by the detection of the lignin/cellulose ratio. In our methodological approach, we integrated the area under the selected Raman bands to avoid a large scatter of data when only the intensities of the bands were used. Moreover, the acquired Raman spectra displayed very strong signals from both substances, which contributes to the feasibility of the analysis even with a portable instrument. This study is expected to be of assistance in situations when the monitoring of the chemical changes and the quick inspection of pellets are required in near real time, online, and in situ. Full article

Climate change and the impacts related to nonbiodegradable synthetic materials highlight the need for sustainable alternatives. Biopolymers from renewable sources show great potential for producing hydrogels, which are three-dimensionally crosslinked materials with high water absorption. In this work, super-absorbent biodegradable hydrogels were produced via single-step reactive extrusion using mixtures of starch, gelatin, cellulose, and xanthan gum, with glycerol as a plasticizer, and citric acid as a crosslinking agent. Pelleted hydrogels were obtained with water absorption between 290% and 363%. Reactive extrusion promoted the formation of new ester and amide bonds, confirmed by FT-IR. Citric acid was effective as a crosslinker, and higher citric acid content (3%) produced samples with greater swelling, supported by the porous internal structure observed. Preliminary agricultural tests showed that the formulation with the highest citric acid content, when added to soil at 5%, significantly increased water-holding capacity and resulted in the highest germination rate of maize seeds. Overall, the extrusion process proved efficient, scalable, and environmentally friendly for producing biodegradable hydrogels for agricultural applications. Full article

Increasing concerns about environmental issues have recently intensified the search for sustainable alternatives to conventional plastics that minimize ecological impacts. This study evaluates the biodegradability, compostability, and ecotoxicity of a PLA-based biocomposite containing 30–40% micronized cellulose fibers. The material complied with the European limits for fluorine and heavy metals. Biodegradability was assessed through a respirometric test under thermophilic conditions, achieving 81% degradation in 155 days. Thermophilic compostability was evaluated by monitoring the disintegration of injected products made from the biocomposite pellets and cut into pieces with thicknesses of 1.0 mm and 2.1 mm, revealing that increased specific surface area prolongs composting time. Ecotoxicity was tested through seed germination and plant growth assays on barley, onion, sunflower, tomato, and wheat using the biocomposite mature compost mixed (25% and 50%) with a TÜV Austria certified soil. Results showed species-dependent effects: sunflower germination was enhanced, while other plants experienced slight growth delays. No severe phytotoxicity was observed, except for barley and wheat. Despite the proven biodegradability and compostability, the biocomposite product’s dimensions influence disintegration and decomposition rates. Furthermore, compost applications may have variable effects on plant development. These findings improved knowledge about sustainable materials performance, raising awareness about more responsible design, consumption, and disposal strategies. Full article

Biomass pellets are widely used for combustion but can also serve as sustainable feedstocks for pyrolysis. This study examined wood (WP), palm-pruning (PP), reed (RD), and daphne (DP) pellets. We present a compact framework linking composition (proximate/ultimate and lignocellulosic fractions) with TG/DTG, FTIR, TGA-derived indices (CPI, D_dev, R_w), T_pmax and R_av to predict product selectivity and temperature ranges. TG/DTG showed the following sequence: hemicellulose (≈200–315 °C) first, cellulose (≈315–400 °C) with a sharp maximum, and lignin ≈200–600 °C. Low-ash WP and DP had sharper, higher peaks, favoring concentrated devolatilization and condensables. Mineral-rich PP and RD began earlier and showed depressed peaks from AAEM catalysis, shifting toward gases and ash-richer chars. Composition shaped these patterns: higher cellulose increased R_av and CPI; links to T_pmax were moderated by ash. Lignin strengthened a high-T shoulder, while hemicellulose promoted early deacetylation (RD’s 1730 cm⁻¹ acetyl C=O) and release of CO₂ and acids. Correlations (|r| ≥ 0.70) supported these links: VM with total (m_∞) and second stage mass loss; cellulose with R_av and CPI (T_pmax moderated by ash); lignin and O/C with T_f and last stage mass loss; ash negatively with T_i, T_pmax, and m_∞. The obtained results guide the sustainable valorization of biomass pellets by selecting temperatures for liquids, H₂/CO-rich gases or low-ash aromatic chars. Full article

Background/Objective: The high-shear granulator is considered an effective piece of equipment for layering pelletization because it enhances drug amorphization and improves drug dissolution. This study aimed to apply a high-shear granulator to prepare layered pellets containing a combination of hydrochlorothiazide and amlodipine besylate with improved physicochemical properties. Methods: Different molar ratios (2:1, 1:1, and 1:2) of the hydrochlorothiazide and amlodipine besylate mixture were deposited on the surface of the inert spheres of the microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) core by the mechanical effect of the high impeller speed. The resulting layered pellets were characterized using X-ray powder diffractometry (XRPD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to estimate the degree of the drug amorphization, and consequently a dissolution test was performed to determine the degree of the enhancement of the percentage of release. Additionally, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and a texture analyzer were used to determine the morphological characteristics and hardness of the resulting pellets, and then a stability study was performed. Results: On the basis of the micro-CT images, the MCC core was successfully loaded with a uniform layer of the drug combination at the pellet surface, which exhibited higher diameters than pure cellets. Furthermore, the drug combination in layered pellets was partially amorphized with a lower crystallinity percentage, a lower intensity, a broadening of the hydrochlorothiazide melting peak, and a higher cumulative release of both drugs with good stability, except pellets with a molar ratio of 1:2 that were recrystallized with a higher crystallinity percentage of 79.9%. Conclusions: Modifying the physical form and dissolution behavior of the hydrochlorothiazide and amlodipine besylate combination was achieved by single-step layering pelletization. Full article

With the low-carbon transformation of the steel industry, using low-carbon raw materials is one of the important ways to achieve the “dual carbon” goals. Pellets have great physical and chemical properties as low-carbon furnace materials, which can significantly reduce blast furnace carbon emissions, exhibiting favorable overall environmental benefits. Increasing their proportion in the furnace is one of the important measures the steel industry can take to reduce carbon emissions. Binders play a critical role in the pelletizing process, and their properties directly influence pellet quality, thereby affecting the subsequent blast furnace smelting process. Compared with traditional bentonite, organic binders have become a potential alternative material due to their environmental friendliness, renewability, and ability to significantly reduce silica and alumina impurities in pellets while improving the iron grade. This work systematically elucidates the mechanism of organic binders, which primarily rely on the chemical adsorption of carboxyl groups and the hydrogen bonding of hydroxyl groups to enhance pellet strength, and then provides three typical examples of organic binders: lignosulfonate, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), and carboxymethyl starch (CMS). The common characteristic of these organic binders is that they are derived from renewable biomass through chemical modification, which is a derivative of biomass with renewable and abundant resources. However, the main problem with organic binders is that they burn and decompose at high temperatures. Current research has achieved technological breakthroughs in pellet quality by combining LD sludge, low-iron oxides, and nano-CaCO₃, including improved iron grade, reduced reduction swelling index (RSI), and enhanced preheating/roasting strength. Future studies should focus on optimizing the molecular structure of organic binders by increasing the degree of substitution of functional groups and the overall degree of polymerization. This approach aims to replace traditional bentonite while exploring applications of composite industrial solid wastes, effectively addressing the high-temperature strength loss issues in organic binders and providing strong support for the steel industry to achieve the green and low-carbon goals. Full article

A polyacrylamide-based film-forming agent was synthesized via free-radical copolymerization. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed complete monomer conversion with no detectable residual unsaturation. Systematic variation of acrylamide (AM), vinyl acetate (VAc) and cellulose content revealed that an AM mass fraction of 3.7 wt%, a VAc:AM molar ratio of 1:3 and a cellulose content of 1.6 wt% yielded an emulsion of maximal colloidal stability. Under these conditions, the agent formed coherent, moisture-resistant films that effectively encapsulated sodium-bentonite pellets, indicating its potential as an efficient inhibitor for maintaining well-bore stability during drilling operations. Full article

Background/Objectives: To improve the therapeutic efficacy of albendazole (ABZ) for ileocolonic diseases, its low solubility at higher pH levels should be enhanced. Organic acids have been widely used as pH modifiers to improve the solubility of weakly basic drugs. To achieve an adequate effect of the acidic microenvironmental pH during the drug release, pH modifiers should not leach out from the formulation. In the present work, we aimed to demonstrate that 100% tartaric acid pellets (TAP) can be used as pH-modifier cores, providing an acidic microenvironmental pH to enhance the solubility of albendazole at a higher pH. Methods: This study develops multilayer-coated pellets using TAP as starter cores in a bottom-spray-configured fluidized bed apparatus. The drug-layered TAP were coated with time-dependent and pH-dependent layers. Results: The release of ABZ from tartaric acid-based coated pellets was enhanced compared to that from pellets with the same layering structure but with an inert core of sugar or microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). In vitro experiments showed that tartaric acid remained in the pellet core during the dissolution test at a pH 6.8 medium, which resulted in an enhanced release of albendazole at a higher pH. The application of a combination of time-dependent and pH-dependent polymers aimed not only to prevent the release of albendazole at lower pH levels but also to protect TAP from premature release from the formulation. Conclusions: The application of 100% ready-to-use tartaric acid pellets (TAP) with the applied combination of coatings enhanced the solubility of the weakly basic drug albendazole at higher intestinal pH. Full article

In the power industry, various electrically insulating materials are used to ensure proper mechanical, thermal, and dielectric performance over decades of equipment operation. In power transformers, cellulose is the predominant material in manufacturing various insulation components. Most of these products are manufactured by wet-molding technology. However, this process is long, labor-intensive, and highly energy-demanding. Under the frame of an EU-funded grant, a new kind of insulation material and manufacturing process were developed. Fully bio-based material (produced in the form of pellets) can be processed using additive manufacturing, allowing for much shorter manufacturing times for insulation products, with considerably less scrap and energy consumption (due to the elimination of the drying stage). The focus of the project was extrusion additive manufacturing technology, but at a later stage, a biomaterial powder was developed, making it possible to print with other technologies. In the paper, comparative studies on various additive manufacturing techniques of newly developed biopolymers have been presented, including extrusion, High Speed Sintering (HSS), and Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). The applicability of such material in power transformers required extensive testing of various properties. These results are discussed in the paper and include: oil compatibility, volume resistivity measurements, permittivity and dissipation factor measurements, determination of partial discharge inception voltage, partial discharges measurement, and breakdown voltage measurements. Although mechanical properties remain below industrial targets, the pioneering results provide a promising route for unique directions toward more sustainable manufacturing of high-voltage cellulose insulation and ideas for improving the material properties during the printing process. Full article

Developing advanced nuclear fuel technologies is critical for high-performance applications such as nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP). This study explores the feasibility of direct ink writing (DIW) for fabricating ceramic pellets for potential nuclear applications. Zirconium carbide (ZrC) is used as a matrix material and vanadium carbide (VC) is used as a surrogate for uranium carbide (UC) in this study. A series of ink formulations were developed with varying concentrations of VC and nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) to optimize the rheological properties for DIW processing. Post-sintering analysis revealed that conventionally sintered samples at 1750 °C exhibited high porosity (>60%), significantly reducing the compressive strength compared to dense ZrC ceramics. However, increasing VC content improved densification and mechanical properties, albeit at the cost of increased shrinkage and ink flow challenges. Spark plasma sintering (SPS) achieved near-theoretical density (~97%) but introduced geometric distortions and microcracking. Despite these challenges, this study demonstrates that DIW offers a viable route for fabricating ZrC-based ceramic structures, provided that sintering strategies and ink rheology are further optimized. These findings establish a baseline for DIW of ZrC-based materials and offer valuable insights into the porosity control, mechanical stability, and processing limitations of DIW for future nuclear fuel applications. Full article

The objectives were to evaluate the energy potential of biomass and pellets produced from five underutilized herbaceous and woody plant species in México and Colombia; characterize pellet quality parameters; and calculate the preliminary production costs and energy requirement during the densification process. Harvest and sawmill residues were obtained for five non-timber and woody plant species. The volatile compounds, ash, and fixed carbon were evaluated, as well as the higher heating value (HHV) and pellet impact resistance (PIR); in addition, lignin, hemicellulose, and cellulose were quantified. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including mean and standard deviation. The volatile compounds ranged from 65.9–77.5%, ash 2.5–17.2%, fixed carbon 5.4–19.9%, HHV 16.4–21.9 MJ kg⁻¹, and PIR (0.6–99.1%). Considerable intra- and inter-specific differences were observed for all the variables, which expanded the options for the selection of biomass sources used in bioenergy production. Biomass processing costs ranged from 675.9 to 679.3 EUR t⁻¹. Optimization of these processes is required to implement more efficient technologies that significantly reduce operating costs in biomass use in biofuel industry. The systematic study of different plant species, both introduced and native, will provide new sources of biomass to produce bioenergy, fertilizers, and other organic inputs. Full article

Improving the manufacturability of drug formulations via direct compression has been of great interest for the pharmaceutical industry. Selecting excipients plays a vital role in obtaining a high-quality product without the wet granulation processing step. In particular, for diluents which are usually present in a larger amount in a formulation, choosing the correct one is of utmost importance in the production of tablets via any method. In this work, we assessed the possibility of manufacturing a small-molecule drug product, omeprazole, which has been historically manufactured via a multi-step processes such as wet granulation and multiple-unit pellet system (MUPS). For this purpose, four prototypes were developed using several diluents: a co-processed excipient (Microcelac^®), two granulated forms of alpha-lactose monohydrate (Tablettose^® 70 and Tabletose^® 100), and a preparation of microcrystalline cellulose (Avicel^® PH102) and lactose (DuraLac^® H), both of which are common excipients without any enhancement. The tablets were produced using a single punch tablet press and thoroughly characterized physically and chemically in order to assess their functionality and adherence to drug product specifications. The direct compression process was used for the manufacturing of all proposed formulations, and the prototype formulated using Microcelac^® showed the best results and performance during the compression process. In addition, it remained stable over twelve months under 25 °C/60% RH conditions. Full article

Fuels obtained from woody forest resources such as oaks have been traditionally used in various regions due to their availability and energy properties. In the search for sustainable bioenergy sources and the transition towards cleaner alternatives, biomass-derived fuels, such as charcoal and pellets, represent a relevant option for rural and urban communities. This study determines the chemical composition, physical and mechanical properties, and energy quality of pellets from two oak species (Quercus laurina and Q. rugosa) in San Sebastián Coatlán, Miahuatlán, Oaxaca. The chemical composition was determined in an Ankom fiber analyzer; the energetic, physical, and mechanical analysis was carried out with UNE-EN ISO and ASTM standards. On average, 56.18% and 54.63% cellulose, 17.81% and 17.87% lignin, and 13.96% and 13.78% hemicelluloses were obtained for Quercus laurina and Q. rugosa, respectively. Mechanical durability ranged from 87% to 95% for Q. laurina stump and Q. rugosa stem, respectively; for calorific value, values from 19.79 MJ Kg⁻¹ to 20.31 MJ Kg⁻¹ were recorded for Q. laurina stem and Q. rugosa stump, respectively. The forest biomass of both oak species is viable for pellet production. Full article