Bio-based Additives Research Articles

Bio-based flow improvers for waxy petroleum crude

This study investigated the efficacy of bio-based flow improvers, soybean oil (SBO) and castor oil (CAO), in mitigating the flow challenges posed by waxy crude oil, using Bonny Light crude oil as a case study. The study evaluated the impact of these additives on viscosity, gel strength, and pour point reduction. The performance of these additives was compared with a conventional flow improver, xylene. Results indicated that both SBO and CAO effectively reduced viscosity, gel strength, and pour point of the crude oil. Castor oil demonstrated superior performance in reducing gel strength, achieving a 98% reduction at 0.1 v/v concentration. Soybean oil, on the other hand, exhibited better performance in reducing pour point, with a 56.3% reduction at 1.9 v/v concentration. Xylene showed the highest viscosity reduction but had a less pronounced effect on gel strength and pour point. Optimum viscosity reduction of 85%, 83%, and 87% was achieved for SBO, CAO, and xylene, respectively, at specific process conditions. Similarly, gel strength reduction reached 94.36%, 94.89%, and 95.79% for SBO, CAO, and xylene, respectively. Pour point reduction was 56.3%, 52.7%, and 45.5% for SBO, CAO, and xylene, respectively, at the highest concentration tested. The study demonstrated the potential of bio-based additives as viable alternatives to conventional flow improvers for waxy crude oil. Further research is necessary to optimize their performance and explore their application in different crude oil systems.

Characterization and Performance Enhancement of Bio-Based Polyurethane-Modified Cement Mortar Utilizing Polyglycerol Polyester Polyol.

The increasing focus on sustainable construction is driving the industry toward materials that combine functionality with environmental benefits. A viable approach to address this demand is the use of bio-based additives to improve traditional cementitious composites. This study introduces a novel approach to developing a polymer-modified construction material by incorporating varied amounts (0, 1, 2, 3, and 6%) of bio-based polyurethane (PU), derived from polyglycerol polyester polyol, into cementitious mortar. The resulting PU-modified cementitious mortar (PUMC) was evaluated for its mechanical, physicochemical, and microstructural properties. Results show that the incorporation of 2% PU by cement weight significantly enhanced compressive strength by 58.2%, flexural strength by 37.0%, and initial flow performance by 20.0% after 28 days, while a 6% PU incorporation provided the best abrasion resistance. These improvements were attributed to a uniform particle and pore size distribution and the formation of a uniform interpenetrating polymer network (IPN), as confirmed by BET-BJH and SEM-EDX analyses. Additionally, FTIR and TGA analyses revealed that the metal-ligand coordination between Ca2+ ions in the cement mortar and PU ligand groups strengthened the interfacial connectivity through noncovalent bonding, further enhancing the material properties. This research highlights the potential of bio-based PU as an eco-friendly additive that significantly improves the performance of cementitious mortars, making it a promising option for industrial flooring applications.

Wetting and emulsification properties of cellulose nanocrystals modified with tannic acid and alkyl cellulose derivatives

HypothesisCellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are sustainable rod-like nanoparticles that can be used to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions and can create hydrophilic coatings. Modifying the surface of CNCs can improve emulsion properties and allow for adjustable wettability. ExperimentsThis study explores the improvement of Pickering emulsion properties for various oils and the adjustability of coated surfaces through the physical modification of CNCs, without chemical functionalization. Bio-based additives, including antioxidant tannic acid (TA), methyl cellulose (MC), and ethyl cellulose (EC) were used as surface modifiers. The identification of optimal formulations involved varying the weight fraction of the alkyl cellulose derivatives. FindingsThe findings suggest that, akin to pure CNCs, Pickering emulsions stabilized by TA and/or MC-modified CNCs demonstrate comparably high stability. The introduction of MC at a low weight fraction enhances hydrophilicity, and AFM analysis reveals smooth surfaces, mitigating the potential influence of roughness. In contrast, EC-modified CNCs result in less stable emulsions but exhibit more hydrophobic surfaces. This translates to a broad spectrum of characteristics, ranging from quasi-superhydrophilic to nearly hydrophobic (with contact angles spanning from below 11° up to 68°), all controllable through a straightforward physical coating process. This facile preparation of coated CNCs provides a versatile approach to customizing the wetting and emulsification properties of nanomaterials.

Integration of Sustainable and Net-Zero Concepts in Shape-Memory Polymer Composites to Enhance Environmental Performance.

This review research aims to enhance the sustainability and functionality of shape-memory polymer composites (SMPCs) by integrating advanced 4D printing technologies and sustainable manufacturing practices. The primary objectives are to reduce environmental impact, improve material efficiency, and expand the design capabilities of SMPCs. The methodology involved incorporating recycled materials, bio-based additives, and smart materials into 4D printing processes, and conducting a comprehensive environmental impact and performance metrics analysis. Significant findings include a 30% reduction in material waste, a 25% decrease in energy consumption during production, and a 20% improvement in shape-memory recovery with a margin of error of ±3%. Notably, the study highlights the potential use of these SMPCs as biomimetic structural biomaterials and scaffolds, particularly in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. The ability of SMPCs to undergo shape transformations in response to external stimuli makes them ideal for creating dynamic scaffolds that mimic the mechanical properties of natural tissues. This increased design flexibility, enabled by 4D printing, opens new avenues for developing complex, adaptive structures that support cell growth and tissue regeneration. In conclusion, the research demonstrates the potential of combining sustainable practices with 4D printing to achieve significant environmental, performance, and biomedical advancements in SMPC manufacturing.

Influence of Bio-Additives on Recycled Asphalt Pavements.

The construction and maintenance of asphalt pavements is a resource-consuming sector, where the continuous rehabilitation of the superficial layers demands large volumes of non-renewable resources. The present work focuses on the design and characterization of asphalt mixtures for the binder layer of an asphalt pavement containing 50% reclaimed asphalt (RAP), in which seven different bio-based additives, identified as R1A, R1C, R2A, R2B, R2C, R3A, and R3B, were added to improve the workability, strength, and stiffness properties. The experimental program envisioned the hot mixing of aggregates and RAP with either a 50/70 or a 70/100 bitumen and, in turn, each of the seven bio-additives. The asphalt mixtures underwent the characterization of their densification properties; air voids; indirect tensile strength (ITS); indirect tensile stiffness modulus at 10, 20, 40, and 60 °C; and rutting resistance at 60 °C. The results highlighted that the performance in terms of workability and ITS of the resulting mixtures depends on the type of bio-additive and largely on the fresh bitumen type, while the stiffness at high temperature is not significantly affected by the presence of the bio-additives.

Comparison of Bio-Coke and Traditional Coke Production with Regard to the Technological Aspects and Carbon Footprint Considerations

In a world facing the challenges of climate change, it is imperative to prioritize the search for sustainable technical solutions. This study focuses on evaluating the environmental impact of using bio-coke compared to traditional metallurgical coke, employing Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as the evaluation tool. Bio-coke, produced from a blend of coking coals enriched with biomass, offers greater environmental potential than traditional coke due to a reduced share of non-renewable raw materials. The steel and coking industries are significant contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. LCA provides a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact of bio-based additives, considering raw material deliveries, the coking process, application in metallurgy, and product end-of-life disposal. The analysis results indicate that the use of biomass additives leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to coke production without bio-additives. Given the urgency of addressing global warming and the increasing demand for sustainable energy sources, this study’s findings can advocate for bio-coke as a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional coke in the steel industry.

Plant Waste-Based Bioadditive as an Antioxidant Agent and Rheological Modifier of Bitumen.

In recent times, circular economy initiatives in addition to the need for sustainable biomaterials have brought about several attempts at the eco-friendly, eco-sustainable and cost-effective production of asphalt pavements. It is an increasingly common practice in the asphalt industry to improve road pavement performance using additives to enhance the physico-chemical properties of bitumen, which performs the role of the binder in the asphalt mix. This paper evaluated the potential of a bio-based additive derived from olive leaf residue as a modifier and antioxidant agent for bitumen. Samples of neat, aged and doped aged bitumen were analyzed. In this study, the two bio-based additives were characterized in terms of phenol, chlorophyll, lignin and cellulose content, which was correlated with the mechanical properties of the tested samples. The mechanical properties of the neat, modified, aged and unaged samples were evaluated via Dynamic Shear Rheology. The bio-based additives proved to be promising and can improve the properties of bitumen binder and the performance of asphalt pavements in general.

Evaluation of waste toner asphalt containing crude palm oil from Congo: Rheological properties, compatibility, self-healing and aging characteristic

This study investigates the impact of bio-based additives on waste toner-modified asphalt binder (WTMA) properties. Congo crude palm oil (CCPO) and waste banknote toner (WT) were chosen as modifiers. Rheological properties, including high-temperature behavior, fatigue resistance, and low-temperature performance, were evaluated using dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) and bending beam rheometer (BBR). Storage stability, Aging index, Self-healing, Fluorescence microscopy (FM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) tests were conducted. Results showed that the CCPO reduces WTMA viscosity, leading to lower mixing and compaction temperatures. However, CCPO inclusion decreases rutting performance, evidenced by reduced rutting factor (G*/sinδ) and % recovery (R), and increase non-recoverable creep compliance (Jnr). Fatigue resistance of CCPO/WT composite-modified asphalt surpasses that of WTMA. Similarly, CCPO/WT composite-modified asphalt exhibits higher resistance to low-temperature cracking. Moreover, CCPO addition reduces phase separation in WTMA, enhancing compatibility. Waste toner improves binder self-healing properties, although CCPO initially impacts WTMA’s self-healing ability negatively. Nevertheless, CCPO/WT composite-modified asphalt demonstrates higher self-healing capability compared to the base asphalt.

Exploring the potential of microbial biomass and microbial extracted oils in tribology: a sustainable frontier for environmentally acceptable lubricants

ABSTRACT Mineral oil-derived lubricants, extracted from fossil fuels, account for approximately 90% of the lubricant market. A large proportion of these lubricants end up in the environment through usage, spillage, and disposal, leading to contamination of aquatic systems, ecosystems, and agricultural lands. To address this, new regulations were released (e.g. Vessel General Permit 2013) to promote the use of Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs) over conventional, toxic, non-biodegradable mineral oils. Today, the range of EAL is limited, particularly affecting the maritime sector. Since 2013, the variety and effectiveness of EALs have improved, but further advancements and cost reductions are essential. This study focuses on developing sustainable bio-based additives from microbial processes to enhance EALs. These additives, sourced through fermentation, avoid using fossil fuels and do not require arable land, preserving water resources and food production areas. The research reveals that yeast, high in sulfur and phosphorus, and microbial oils, mainly carboxylic acids, effectively stabilize EAL formulations, reducing friction and wear in water-based lubricants. Microbial oils are superior in reducing friction, while yeast offers better wear protection. This study opens the possibility of incorporating various bio-based products into EALs, providing a sustainable, environmentally friendly option.

Evaluation of synthetic and bio-based additives on the oxidation stability of palm biodiesel: Parametric, kinetics and thermodynamics studies

This study evaluated the effects of additives on the oxidation stability of palm biodiesel (PBD) and appraised their oxidation kinetics cum thermodynamics. The results of Rancimat induction period (IP) and effectiveness factor, as well as acid value (AV) and iodine value (IV) indicated that tert-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) was the most effective antioxidant. Notably, the reverse IP ranking of TBHQ under PetroOXY was likely caused by its degradation. Pyrogallol (PY), propyl gallate (PG), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA) and quercetin demonstrated mid-range to high effectiveness in terms of IP. Nevertheless, PY, quercetin and curcumin had partial solubility in PBD. While α-tocopherol (α-T) had the least effects on IP and effectiveness factor, it still met the EN14214:2012 limit. The IP, AV, IV and kinematic viscosity except AV for 1000 ppm of PG met the limits. Correlations between the Rancimat and PetroOXY IP values were developed. The oxidation kinetics adhered to the first order kinetic model. By appraising the k values, TBHQ and BHA were clearly the most effective and this concurred with the IP values. The oxidation reactions were endothermic, non-spontaneous and endergonic in nature. Overall, TBHQ and BHA were the most effective synthetic antioxidants while α-T was the best bio-based additive.

Polyols from cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL): corner-stone building blocks for cutting-edge bio-based additives and polymers

From CNSL to polyols.

The role of bio-based additives in achieving sustainability in asphalt pavements

Increased service demands from asphalt pavements due to ever-increasing volumes, coupled with the aging of highway networks, and calls for improved sustainability across the industry, have rendered the need for smart and sustainable pavement material and design more important than ever. While chemical warm mix additives and rejuvenating technologies have been utilized in pavement materials at various scales of research and practice in the past, in recent years bio-based additives have emerged as increasingly practical solutions for potentially achieving more sustainable pavements, offering the prospect for high performance combined with environmental and economic sustainability. Adaptation of chemical warm mix additives and rejuvenators in practice requires a working knowledge on the definitions, relevant evaluation criteria available to the practitioner, and, perhaps most importantly, demonstrated experience of successful application in practice. The present study will review current efforts underway in the industry to incorporate bio-based chemical warm mix additives and rejuvenators in performance-based design methods for HMA and WMA, using real world Balanced Mix design (BMD). Examples including comprehensive research being carried out in conjunction with NCAT and MnROAD research and test facilities will be reviewed to illustrate the utilization of such concepts in practice today.

Eco-Friendly Multilayer Coating Harnessing the Functional Features of Curcuma-Based Pigment and Rice Bran Wax as a Hydrophobic Filler.

This work aims to highlight the multiple features shown by curcuma-based pigment and rice bran wax, which can be selectively employed as bio-based additives for the realization of multilayer wood coatings with multiple functionalities, harnessing the capabilities of the two environmentally friendly fillers, in line with current environmental sustainability trends. The role of the two green materials on the morphology of the composite layers was examined through observations employing scanning electron and optical microscopy, revealing a strong alteration of the film's appearance, both its color and reflectivity. Additionally, their influence on the paint's resilience was assessed by exposing the samples to UV-B radiation and consecutive thermal shocks. The coating displayed a clear and uniform change in color because of substantial curcuma powder photo-degradation but it remained exceptionally stable when subjected to thermal stresses. Moreover, the protective properties of the coatings were evaluated by conducting liquid resistance tests and water uptake tests, while the hardness and the abrasion resistance of the coatings were assessed to evaluate the effect of the additives on the mechanical properties of the coatings. In conclusion, this study showcases the promising joint action of curcuma-based pigment and rice bran wax in multilayer coatings. This combination offers vibrant yellow tones and an appealing appearance to the paint, enhances the surface's water-repellent properties, and improves the mechanical resistance of the coatings.

Effects of hexa (ethyl lactate)-cyclotriphosphazene on flame retardancy and mechanical properties of polylactic acid

Using biobased additives to improve the performance of polylactide (PLA) is important for maintaining its sustainability. In this work, an eco-benign flame retardant HELCP was synthesized by reacting ethyl lactate with cyclotriphosphazene. The HELCP was used to modify the flame retardancy of PLA. A small amount of 5.0 wt% HELCP endows PLA with a UL-94 V0 rating and a limiting oxygen index of 25.3 vol%. The mechanical properties and transparency of PLA/HELCP blends is almost the same as neat PLA. Moreover, the molecular weight of PLA blends does not decrease but increase instead. The phosphazene group of HELCP plays an important role in gas phase and the plasticization of HELCP shows a certain melting-away effect which is the flame-retardant mode of action in this system. The ethyl lactate part of HELCP undergoes ester exchange reactions with PLA and improves the compatibility between PLA and HELCP. This work provides a novel method for preparing PLA blends with good flame retardancy and mechanical properties.

Chemically mediated asphalt rejuvenation via epoxidized vegetable oil derivatives for sustainable pavements

Here we report the chemical passivation of agglomerated asphaltenes in low-quality asphalts and reclaimed asphalt pavement via epoxidized vegetable oil derivatives. This facilitates the production of new pavements with 45 wt% recycled content and a 30% reduction in cost, energy, and emissions impact over current best practices. Recycled asphalt pavement and low-quality asphalt both represent materials streams with the potential to drastically reduce the energy and emissions footprint of our transportation infrastructure, provided that their poor performance properties can be ameliorated. We show that epoxidized methyl soyate and sub-epoxidized soybean oil act as chemical rejuvenators that reduce the asphaltene content in binder formulations enabling both low-quality asphalt and recycled asphalt pavement fractions far exceeding common usage. We demonstrate that compared to “fluxes”, or inert diluents, these bio-based additives show far superior solvency, rheological characteristics, and resistance to cracking as evidenced by both lab-based binder studies and a full-scale demonstration paving project.

Analyzing the effect of tannic acid as a bio-additive and water purification agent in cement pastes

Non-toxic and bio-based additives create opportunities for cementitious composites, such as reducing carbon emissions. This study aims to analyze the functionality and availability of tannic acid as a purifying agent in cement pastes. Tannic acid created a porous structure in cement pastes and decreased the compressive strength and ultrasonic pulse velocity due to excessive hydroxyl groups. However, tannic acid showed a crucial improvement ratio of 97% in the inhibition of total viable micro-organisms at the end of the fourth day. Moreover, micro-organisms growth was inhibited after 4 days with the use of 1% tannic acid and 0.1% graphene oxide instead of cement in the paste. It is envisaged that tannic acid can be used in the production of permeable concrete with its water treatment performance, and can be used in filter design in sewage and city infrastructures.

Biocatalytic selective acylation of technical lignins: a new route for the design of new biobased additives for industrial formulations.

In this article, we describe a proof of concept of the potential use of a biocatalytic process for the functionalization of technical soda lignins from wheat straw through the selective acylation of primary hydroxy groups of lignin oligomers by acetate or hexanoate, thus preserving their free, unreacted phenols. The selectivity and efficiency of the method, although they depend on the structural complexity of the starting material, have been proven on model compounds. Applied to technical lignins, the acylation yield is only moderate, due to structural and chemical features induced by the industrial mode of preparation of the lignins rather than to the lack of efficiency of the method. However, most of the physicochemical properties of the lignins, including their antioxidant potential, are preserved, advocating the potential use of these modified lignins for industrial applications.

Pentaerythritol and Glycerol Esters Derived from Gum Rosin as Bio-Based Additives for the Improvement of Processability and Thermal Stability of Polylactic Acid

Gum rosin esters are some of the most common gum rosin derivatives used in different applications, such as coatings, paper, varnishes, chewing gum, and food industries. In this study, gum rosin esters are used as additives for polylactic acid (PLA) to improve its processability and thermal stability. Blends of an amorphous PLA with two different gum rosin esters, pentaerythritol ester and glycerol ester, were prepared by melt extrusion process in concentrations from 1, 3, and 5 phr. Besides the comparison of thermal degradation, microstructure assessment, and melt flow index (MFI) analysis, the processability performance during testing samples production by injection molding process was evaluated. Experimental results showed that MFI values of PLA-gum rosin ester blends increased by 100%, 147%, and 164%, along with increasing content of gum rosin esters addition, in both cases. Also, both derivatives slightly improved PLA thermal stability (around 3ºC higher). Injection molding temperature decreased by at least 20 °C for PLA-gum rosin ester blends compared with neat PLA. Furthermore, the maximum tensile strength of PLA-gum rosin esters was negligibly affected in formulations with low content of gum rosin esters, and the FESEM images revealed a good dispersion and compatibility of gum rosin ester particles into PLA matrix in both concentrations.

Synergistic contribution of bio-based additives in wood paint: The combined effect of pigment deriving from spirulina and multifunctional filler based on carnauba wax

This work aims to reveal the synergistic behavior of two bio-based additives on the durability and protective behavior of a bio-based wood paint. The powder extract form spirulina was introduced as a natural pigment, while carnauba wax was used as a multifunctional filler. The impact of the two additives on the morphology of the coatings was investigated by scanning electron microscopy observations, while their role on the durability of the paint was assessed by exposing the samples to UV-B radiation and continuous thermal shocks. Infrared spectroscopy analysis, colorimetric inspections, adhesion test and scanning electron microscope observations were employed to investigate the impact of the synergic behavior of the bio-based additives. Furthermore, the role of the spirulina and wax powders on the barrier performance of the coatings was evaluated by liquid resistance test ad water uptake test. Finally, Buchholz hardness indentation test and the scrub test were employed to estimate the effect of the additives on the mechanical properties of hardness and abrasion resistance of the coatings. Ultimately, this work demonstrates the interesting synergy of spirulina and wax, able to provide an intense coloring and certain aesthetic features to the paint, to improve the water-repellent properties of the surface and to increase the abrasion resistance of the composite layer.

Optimization of pelletization process conditions and binder concentration for production of fuel pellets from oat hull and quality evaluation

Conversion of low-value agricultural residues into biofuels, especially fuel pellets is a promising technique, and the fuel pellet can be used for combustion, co-combustion in boilers and furnace for the generation of heat and power in power plants. Bio-based additives such as mustard meal and bio-oil derived from softwood via pyrolysis have been used as binder for the formulation of oat hull pellets. Central composite design was used to find the different conditions of formulation as well as to optimize the formulation for high quality pellet. Three parameters including the concentration (wt.%, db) of mustard meal (10–20), bio-oil (5-15) and water (8-12) were used as input factors while the response factors were durability index, hardness, relaxed density and moisture uptake rate of fuel pellets. The highest durability, density and mechanical strength was found for pellet formed from 15 wt% of bio-oil, 10 wt% of mustard meal and 8 wt% of water. Pyrolysis bio-oil is the most influential factor that significantly affected pellet properties while the effect of mustard meal as binder is frivolous. Moreover, pelletization operating conditions were also optimized using pelletization force (3000–4500 N), die temperature (90–110°C) and relaxation time (15–60 s) while the die diameter was constant at 6 mm. The pellet quality improved with higher die temperature and pelletization force, but the effect of holding time is insignificant. Computed tomography (CT) analysis reveal that addition of bio-oil significantly decreased the porosity of pellet and thus contributed in enhancing the mechanical strength of pellets.