Search Results (764)

Developing sustainable and fire-resistant infrastructure is a critical technological, economic, and environmental challenge for modern construction stakeholders. Traditional cementitious composites experience severe microstructural degradation under extreme temperatures and their high carbon footprint exacerbates global environmental concerns. While the individual high-temperature behaviors of supplementary cementitious materials and fibers have been widely studied, the long-term synergistic mechanisms of high-volume fly ash combined with steel fibers under extreme thermal shock remain critically underinvestigated. To address this urgent need and bridge this scientific gap, hybrid mortars incorporating high-volume fly ash (FA) and steel fibers (SF) were tested under prolonged curing (150 days) and extreme heat (up to 600 °C). In terms of engineering and construction effects, the optimal CFA50-F hybrid composite delivered the highest residual compressive and flexural capacities (retaining nearly 60% of its late-age compressive strength at 32.00 MPa), preserved acoustic continuity (restricting UPV loss to 41.4%), and severely restricted high-temperature capillary permeability (limiting the water absorption increase to 49.7%) compared to traditional plain matrices. Scientifically, this superior resistance is governed by a two-step protective mechanism. High-volume FA chemically stabilizes the matrix by consuming vulnerable portlandite and preventing the formation of expansive calcium oxide. Simultaneously, ultra-fine FA particles physically densify the interfacial transition zones, securely anchoring the steel fibers and preventing premature high-temperature pull-out, while enabling the fibers to bridge thermally induced macro-cracks successfully. Environmentally and economically, an annualized service-life Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) revealed that substituting 50% of the cement with FA completely subsidizes the production-stage carbon penalty of the metallic reinforcement. By extending the operational lifespan to 40 years, the CFA50-F composite achieves a net 27% reduction in annualized global warming potential, providing a highly sustainable and cost-effective material solution. Full article

The construction sector consumes significant amounts of natural resources and contributes substantially to global CO₂ emissions, making it necessary to develop materials with a reduced environmental impact. In this context, the valorization of reusable industrial waste as secondary raw materials represents a strategic direction for applying circular economy principles and for decarbonizing the construction materials industry. The scientific problem addressed in this review is the urgent need to develop construction materials with a reduced environmental footprint, given that the construction sector is a major consumer of natural resources and a significant contributor to global CO₂ emissions. This challenge requires the identification and critical evaluation of sustainable solutions that support decarbonization and the transition toward a circular economy. The main findings indicate that the valorization of industrial waste offers high decarbonization potential: supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), such as ground granulated blast furnace slag and fly ash, can reduce CO₂ emissions by approximately 20–50%, while alkali-activated binders and geopolymers achieve reductions of 40–80% compared to Portland cement. These materials also enhance durability, extending service life by 10–20% in aggressive environments, although early-age strength may decrease by 10–30%; recycled aggregates derived from construction and demolition waste (CDW) can substitute up to 100% of natural aggregates, while rubber fibers can increase impact resistance by 30–50% and reduce density by 10–20%. However, key limitations relate to waste variability, heavy metal leaching risks (requiring immobilization efficiencies > 90%), and the relatively low technological maturity of many solutions (TRL < 7), leading to the TRL–CO₂ paradox and highlighting the need for standardization and performance-based regulatory frameworks. The synthesized results indicate that the appropriate integration of industrial waste enables a significant reduction in clinker content, lowers associated CO₂ emissions, and decreases primary energy consumption while maintaining physical–mechanical properties and durability characteristics comparable to or in some cases superior to those of traditional materials, if mix design is based on clear performance criteria, stratified according to the type of waste, dosage used, curing regime, binder chemistry, and the target application. Full article

This study aimed to optimize the formulation of gluten-free bread (GFB) based on rice flour (RF) and Quercus rotundifolia acorn flour (AF) by evaluating the combined effects of flour substitution (0%, 50%, and 100%) and water addition (90%, 100%, and 110%) on technological, textural, colorimetric, structural, and sensory properties. A three-level full factorial design (3²) combined with response surface methodology (RSM) was used to model and optimize product quality. The developed models showed high predictive performance (R² = 0.714–0.999; non-significant lack of fit), confirming their suitability for describing complex interactions in gluten-free systems. Water addition was the dominant factor influencing moisture, crumb structure, and textural softness, while AF mainly affected color, structure, and sensory attributes. Increasing acorn content significantly decreased lightness (L*) and increased redness (a*) and darkness index (DI), reflecting higher phenolic compound content and more intense Maillard reactions. Specific volume (1.85–2.41 cm³/g) was maximized at higher hydration levels, especially when combined with intermediate to high acorn substitution, indicating a synergistic interaction between fiber-rich flour and water availability. Texture analysis showed that AF increased hardness and reduced cohesiveness, while water addition significantly improved softness, elasticity, and overall mouthfeel. Image analysis of crumb structure demonstrated that higher hydration promoted larger pore size and porosity, whereas AF increased cell density, resulting in a finer crumb structure under low hydration conditions. Sensory evaluation confirmed that breads with high acorn content were well accepted due to their characteristic nutty flavor. Multi-response desirability optimization yielded an optimal formulation with approximately 83% AF and 108% water, representing the best achievable compromise among the evaluated quality criteria. The results demonstrate that AF can serve as a key functional ingredient in GFB, provided that hydration is carefully adjusted. This study highlights the effectiveness of RSM combined with image-based analysis as a robust approach for developing high-quality gluten-free bakery products. Full article

Engineered cementitious composite (ECC) is an advanced material known for its superior flexibility, high durability, and crack resistance, making it ideal for a variety of structural applications. However, it uses cement at a rate of 2–3 times more than conventional concrete which raises environmental concerns. This study focused on the production of eco-friendly ECC by incorporating various waste materials as partial cement and sand substitutes. Cement kiln dust (CKD), ceramic powder waste (CPW), and eggshell waste (ESW) were used as partial substitutes for cement in doses of 10% and 20%. Crumb rubber (CR) was used as a partial substitute for sand in doses of 25, 50, 75, and 100%. Chemical treatments using sodium hydroxide, sodium silicate, and a mix of both of them were carried out for the CR in the production of the proposed ECC. Physical treatment using the same cement substitute materials (CKD, CP and ESP) was also carried out for the CR. The effect of fiber type—such as basalt fibers (BF), polypropylene fibers (PPF), and steel fibers (S_tF)—on the performance of ECC was also investigated. Slump, compressive strength, uniaxial tensile strength, flexural strength, and sorptivity were the measured properties for the proposed ECC. Microstructure analyses were also conducted on some selected ECC mixtures. Among the tested mixtures, the results showed that replacing 10% of the cement with CKD improved the compressive strength by up to 22.6% and the tensile strength by up to 18.3%. Using 50% untreated CR reduced compressive and tensile strength by 32.8% and 28.1%, respectively, compared to the control ECC. The physical treatment of CR using CKD improved the compressive strength by up to 12.7% and the tensile strength by up to 3.2% compared to untreated CR. The microstructure analyses revealed an improvement in fiber-matrix bonding and a reduction in crack width in the mixtures, especially in the BF and PPF blends. Full article

This study investigated how milling methods impact the extraction yield, structural features, and physicochemical properties of arabinoxylan (AX) isolated from wheat bran. Bran from three wheat cultivars (Goso, Hojoong, and Joongmo) was milled using an ultracentrifugal, mortar, or ball mill to generate fractions with different particle sizes. AX was extracted from each fraction and analyzed for yield, monosaccharide composition, arabinose-to-xylose (A/X) ratio, ferulic acid content, substitution patterns, and antioxidant-related indices. Ball milling produced the smallest particles and the highest AX yields, accompanied by increased ferulic acid release. NMR analysis indicated that ball milling reduced disubstituted xylose residues, suggesting partial disruption of highly substituted regions within the AX backbone. The A/X ratio varied by wheat type and milling method (0.44–0.60). Xylose and arabinose were the predominant monosaccharides, whereas residual glucose indicated incomplete starch hydrolysis. Ball milling also notably increased total phenolic content and ABTS radical scavenging activity, highlighting its role in releasing bioactive phenolic compounds. Overall, increased milling intensity improved AX extractability and enhanced the functional potential of wheat bran as a source of dietary fiber and antioxidant-active phytochemicals. Full article

Natural fibers are among the most extensively exploited bio-based materials in industry due to their abundance, affordability, and biodegradability. However, their intrinsic properties often require improvement through chemical, mechanical, or enzymatic treatments to expand their applications. Phosphorylation is a highly effective chemical modification that enables the covalent grafting of phosphate groups onto the fiber backbone. These functionalities enhance hydrophilicity, anionic charge density, swelling capacity, and water uptake, while significantly improving flame-retardant performance. In addition, phosphorylation can reduce energy consumption and production costs in the manufacture of functionalized micro- and nanofibrillated fibers, as the increased swelling facilitates fibrillation. Consequently, phosphorylated fibers are suitable for water treatment, biomedical devices, construction materials, and other advanced materials. Dozens of reagents and various synthetic routes have been explored to perform this reaction, each producing materials with distinct properties. Phosphorus content remains the primary parameter used to assess modification efficiency. This literature review examines existing phosphorylation methods, including reagents, substrates, and characterization techniques, and discusses applications such as flame retardancy, thermal insulation, ion exchange, energy storage, electrodes, and battery recycling. It also briefly addresses key challenges, including limited hydroxyl accessibility, control of the degree of substitution, potential cellulose degradation, and scalability constraints. Full article

This work investigated the potential of different natural fillers, i.e., clay, calcium carbonate, and silica, as sustainable alternatives to glass fibers (GFs) in polyamide 6 (PA6) for Large-Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM) applications in order to guarantee the chemical recyclability of the produced materials. Specifically, PA6-based composites containing ≤ 10 wt% natural fillers were compared with a conventional system (30 wt% GF-reinforced PA6) from rheological, morphological and thermo-mechanical perspectives. Rheological analysis showed that silica- and clay-filled samples displayed similar rheological response to the GF-filled reference due to their large particle size. Thermal analyses revealed a slight increase in crystallinity (up to 32%) for filled samples, indicating a potential nucleating effect of the natural fillers. Calcium carbonate-filled composites achieved thermal conductivity values comparable to the GF-filled reference (≥0.42 W/mK) indicating a high heat dissipation capability during printing operations. Morphological analysis performed on preliminary LFAM components revealed satisfactory printing quality and good filler dispersion. Flexural tests showed that silica and calcium carbonate could provide a balanced mechanical response, thereby reducing the anisotropy of printed components. These results demonstrated that the addition of suitable natural fillers at limited concentrations (≤10 wt%) can represent a lightweight and eco-sustainable alternative to GF reinforcement in LFAM applications. Full article

Novel ingredients from rowanberry pomace were developed for French-type bread applications via supercritical CO₂ extraction and the enzymatic and ultrasound treatment of the defatted residue (DFR), which contained 6.367% of proteins, 8.36% of soluble, and 43.04% insoluble fiber. Proteolytic enzymes from Bacillus licheniformis and Aspergillus oryzae, and cellulolytic enzyme mixtures Viscozyme L and Celuclast, were used to increase the soluble fraction. Treating DFR with enzymes generated significant amounts of soluble substances containing oligosaccharides, fructose, and glucose, with Viscozyme L being more effective than proteases. Tri-, and tetrapeptides, chlorogenic acids, and dihydroxy coumarins were also present in the soluble extracts of fermented DFR. The antioxidant characteristics of treated DFR were evaluated by the in vitro assays. Substitution of >5% of wheat flour with untreated DFR significantly reduced bread volume and crumb porosity; however, these adverse effects were mitigated by using fermented DFR. The highest bread volume (1845 cm³) and porosity (78.38%) were observed in bread containing 5% pomace that underwent enzymatic hydrolysis and ultrasound treatment. The substitution of flour with DFR significantly increased the antioxidant characteristics of bread samples and the substances generated during the in vitro digestion. It may be concluded that rowanberry pomace ingredients may improve bread nutritional quality and assist in the sustainable use of fruit processing by-products. Full article

Palm kernel oil is commonly incorporated into plant-based cheeses to mimic the textural and structural properties of animal fats owing to its high saturated fat content. Nevertheless, growing concerns regarding saturated fat consumption have stimulated research into alternative lipid sources for plant-based products. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of substituting palm kernel oil with rice bran oil shortening (SRBO) on some selected physical, textural, functional, chemical, fatty acid and microstructural properties of plant-based mozzarella cheese analogs. Five formulations with SRBO levels of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% were prepared and their physicochemical properties were analyzed. Increasing SRBO significantly affected color due to natural pigments in rice bran oil. The pH value declined with higher SRBO, likely due to oxidation of unsaturated fatty acids. Texture profile analysis showed increases in hardness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness when SRBO was increased from 0% to 100%. Meltability slightly decreased at 25–75% but remained unchanged at 100% SRBO, while stretchability decreased significantly, attributed to β-type fat crystals disrupting protein networks. The work of shear decreased significantly (p ≤ 0.05), indicating improved spreadability attributed to the softer, less-crystalline nature of unsaturated fats compared to saturated fats. Proximate analysis revealed reduced fat content and a shift from saturated to unsaturated fats, notably oleic and linoleic acids, offering potential cardiovascular benefits. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed denser fat crystal networks and smaller fat droplets at higher SRBO levels, enhancing oil retention and stability. Protein, fiber, moisture, and ash content remained stable across samples. These findings suggested that SRBO could be a functional and health-conscious alternative to palm kernel oil in plant-based mozzarella cheese, improving nutritional quality without compromising texture or functionality. Full article

The transition from starch-dominated to protein-enriched gluten-free systems represents a critical step in improving the functional and nutritional quality of composite flours. This study investigated the effects of progressive substitution of Amaranthus caudatus (amaranth) with Lupinus mutabilis (Andean lupin) on the physicochemical, rheological, and antioxidant properties of gluten-free flour blends. A multimodal dataset comprising 33 variables across six measurement domains (proximal composition, hydration properties, thermomechanical behavior, pasting profiles, particle size, and antioxidant activity) was analyzed using an integrated framework combining univariate inference (FDR-adjusted p-values), PCA, Multiple Factor Analysis (MFA), and sparse Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (sPLS-DA). Results revealed that increasing lupin content (10–40%) significantly increased protein and fiber levels while decreasing starch content, leading to higher water absorption capacity and reduced peak viscosity and setback. Multivariate models showed that the protein/fiber–starch trade-off was the principal axis of compositional differentiation (PC1, ~41% variance), while PC2 captured rheological and antioxidant variability, with formulations containing higher proportions of amaranth exhibiting greater antioxidant activity. The sPLS-DA model achieved 72% separation accuracy with moisture, protein, water absorption, and torque parameters as top discriminants. These findings provide an evidence-based framework for gluten-free flour optimization using Andean crops and highlight how statistical modeling can inform targeted formulation decisions. The approach is transferable to other compositional transitions in food systems, underscoring the utility of multivariate analytics in applied food research. The multivariate framework further suggests that intermediate substitution levels may offer an optimal balance between nutritional enrichment and rheological functionality. Full article

Reinforced concrete structures must balance immediate structural performance with long-term durability against environmental degradation, particularly carbonation-induced corrosion. While traditional cast-in-place concrete covers serve as the primary barrier, their substitution with prefabricated permanent formworks made of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites often fails to provide the necessary protective qualities required for aggressive environments. This study evaluates the durability and mechanical behavior of sisal-fiber-reinforced cementitious composites specifically engineered for use as permanent formwork. Short sisal fibers, treated by hornification to enhance dimensional stability and fiber–matrix adhesion, were incorporated at dosages of 2%, 4%, and 6% by weight. The experimental program included tests for water absorption, ultrasonic pulse velocity, axial compression, three-point flexural strength, and accelerated carbonation. The results indicated that composites with 2% and 4% of fibers exhibited reduced water absorption, sorptivity, compressive strength, and modulus of elasticity compared to the reference cement matrix. Residual stress values further demonstrated that the composites maintain significant post-cracking strength and stress transfer capacity, confirming their viability for structural elements. Although sisal-fiber-reinforced cementitious composites exhibit higher porosity and water absorption than conventional concrete used as reinforcement cover, they show sufficient resistance to carbonation to ensure a service life exceeding 50 years for reinforced concrete elements. Full article

Mineral powder–based bone grafts exhibit excellent osteoconductivity; however, their clinical efficacy is often compromised by insufficient early-stage tissue ingrowth, leading to particle aggregation and pocket formation within the defect site during the initial healing phase. Here, we report a cotton-type nanofiber-guided mineral graft designed to overcome this early integration failure by creating fibrous pathways for tissue ingress. Cotton-type polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers were fabricated via electrospinning using a pin-based collector engineered to induce strong inter-fiber repulsion, resulting in a highly expanded, three-dimensional cottony architecture. Tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP) and α-tricalcium phosphate (α-TCP) mineral particles were subsequently deposited onto the surface of the cottony nanofibers, forming a fibrous–mineral hybrid graft (c-NF@T/α-TCP) in which the nanofibers act as a transient, functionally defined tissue-guiding framework during the early healing phase. The cottony nanofiber network effectively prevented mineral particle aggregation and generated continuous pathways within the graft, facilitating early tissue infiltration and vascular ingress during the first week after implantation. In vivo evaluation in a bone defect model demonstrated that c-NF@T/α-TCP significantly reduced tissue pocket formation at early time points and promoted subsequent bone regeneration compared to mineral powder-only grafts. This study highlights the critical importance of early-stage structural guidance in mineral-based bone grafts and introduces cotton-type nanofiber–guided pathway engineering as a simple yet effective strategy to unlock the regenerative potential of conventional inorganic bone substitutes. Full article

This study investigated the effects of replacing soybean meal with fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) in the diets of sika deer (Cervus nippon) during the pre-antler growth period. A single-factor experimental design was employed. A total of 24 male sika deer aged 2–3 years were randomly divided into four groups with six deer per group, including a control group (0% substitution) and three treatment groups fed diets containing 2.8%, 5.6%, and 8.4% fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM), defined as the low (L-FRSM), medium (M-FRSM), and high (H-FRSM) substitution groups, respectively. The feeding trial lasted 63 days, with measurements collected on days 30 and 63. Growth performance, nutrient digestibility, serum biochemical indices, and rectal fecal microbiota were determined. The results showed that the final body weight, total weight gain, and average daily gain L-FRSM were higher in the L-FRSM group than in the control group and other substitution groups (p < 0.05), accompanied by a reduced feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). In addition, body height and chest circumference were improved in the L-FRSM group. Regarding nutrient digestibility, the apparent digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and dry matter at day 30, as well as calcium digestibility at day 63 were higher in the L-FRSM group compared to the control and higher-substitution groups (p < 0.05). In contrast, crude fat and dry matter digestibility were significantly lower in the H-FRSM group (p < 0.05). No statistical differences were observed among treatments in serum biochemical indices related to energy metabolism, protein metabolism, liver function, lipid metabolism, antioxidant capacity, or humoral immunity (p > 0.05). Similarly, no significant differences were detected in core microbial composition or α-diversity of rectal fecal microbiota among groups (p > 0.05). In conclusion, substituting soybean meal with 2.8% fermented rapeseed meal effectively improves growth performance and nutrient utilization without compromising health status or intestinal microbial stability in sika deer during the pre-antler growth period. The findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing dietary strategies and support the rational application of fermented rapeseed meal in sika deer production. Full article

To address inherent limitations of chitosan-based edible films, including inadequate mechanical strength and poor moisture resistance, cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were employed as a synergistic film-forming component to partially substitute chitosan in the fabrication of ternary composite films (denoted as CSTF-CNFs). This approach was based on a previously developed chitosan matrix modified with tannin-Fe³⁺ nanoparticles (TF). It was hypothesized that CNF could function as a reinforcing scaffold to improve the dispersion of TF within the film matrix and, through hydrogen bonding and physical entanglement, form an interpenetrating fiber network with chitosan, thereby enhancing the structural and barrier properties of the films. The present study systematically evaluated the influence of varying CNF substitution ratios (0–30%) on the physicochemical characteristics of the resulting composite films and their performance in tomato preservation. The results demonstrated that an appropriate CNF incorporation facilitated the formation of a dense, cross-linked network with chitosan and TF via hydrogen bond interactions, significantly improving both mechanical strength and water resistance. Among all formulations, the CSTF-CNF20 film exhibited optimal comprehensive performance, achieving the highest tensile strength of 27.60 MPa. Moreover, its swelling ratio markedly decreased from 675.5% (CSTF-CNF0) to 120.9%, while the water contact angle increased to 113.7°, and the DPPH radical scavenging activity remained above 85%. Tomato preservation assays revealed that, in comparison with the untreated control and polyethylene film-wrapped groups, the application of CSTF-CNF20 coating effectively mitigated the decline in weight loss and firmness, preserved surface color integrity, and resulted in the highest L* value alongside the lowest soluble solids content. These findings suggest that the synergistic integration of CNF with nano-scale metal–phenolic networks offers a viable strategy for developing high-performance chitosan-based edible films. The CSTF-CNF20 composite film holds significant promise for application in the postharvest preservation of fruits and vegetables. Full article

This study aimed to identify the main food processing by-products used in the development of new meat products. An integrative review was conducted based on original scientific articles available in the Lilacs, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Scielo databases published between 2014 and 2024. After applying predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria based on publication period, document type, and relevance to the study objectives, 35 studies were selected from the 2182 records initially identified. Among these, 16 (45.7%) investigated ingredient substitution in meat products, with 9 (25.7%) specifically addressing fat replacement using vegetable agro-industrial by-products. Burger patties were the most frequently evaluated product (54.3%; n = 19), followed by sausages (34.3%; n = 12) and meatballs or ground meat preparations (8.6%; n = 3), while one study evaluated both burgers and sausages (2.9%; n = 1). Studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of by-products from fruit and vegetable processing in meat products, particularly in reducing fat and enriching fiber. Their incorporation can improve the nutritional, sensory, and technological properties of meat products, reducing the need for synthetic additives. Therefore, their use represents a sustainable and promising strategy, contributing to circular economy practices, product innovation, and reduced environmental impact. Full article