Natural Resin Research Articles

Indigenous technical knowledge on the medicinal uses of natural resins and gums in India

Indigenous technical knowledge on the medicinal uses of natural resins and gums in India

Chemical Composition and Biological Evaluation of Algerian Propolis from Six Different Regions

Propolis is considered a natural resin produced by the bee and is still used in folk medicine. Six propolis samples from Apis mellifera (P1-P6) collected from different regions in Algeria were investigated for their contents and biological activities. The obtained results revealed that propolis P1 exhibited the highest total phenolics (210.93 mg GAE/g propolis), total flavonoids (34.33 mg QE/g propolis), and tannins (23.36 mg CE/g propolis). For antioxidant activities, P1 showed strong free radical scavenging activity with EC50 values of 0.055, 0.0306, 0.109 and 0.071 mg/mL, respectively for DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and phosphomolybdenum assays. On the other hand, all propolis demonstrated antibacterial activities against G+ve bacteria (S. aureus) with slightly higher activities that were associated with P1 and P5 (9.83 and 10.92mm, respectively). P5 exhibited the lowest MIC and MBC against S. aureus with values of 62.5 and 125 µg/ml, respectively. Furthermore, all propolis had moderate to low antimicrobial activities against C. albicans (yeast) with moderate activities for P1 and P6 (13.33 and 8.50 mm, respectively). Chemical profiling of the most bioactive propolis samples (P1, P4, and P5) using HPLC‑fingerprint analysis mainly led to detecting phenolic acids and flavonoids in variable percentages.

Sustainable self‐curing epoxy adhesives from Chios natural Mastic (Pistacia lentiscus L.)

AbstractThis study outlines a method for the epoxidation of poly‐beta‐myrcene, a biopolymer that can be easily extracted from the natural resin of the Chios Mastic tree (Pistacia lentiscus L.). The resulting epoxidation products are self‐curing, and have a nearly 100% green carbon content. These Mastic Epoxide products (MASTEP) have the potential to be useful thermosetting resins. One specific product (MASTEP A), was used as an adhesive to create Single Lap Joints, which were then subjected to tensile shear stress tests. MASTEP A was found to be 25%–83% stronger than three commonly used conventional or “semi‐green” epoxy adhesives. Another specific product (MASTEP B), was found able to be thermally converted into a semi‐crystalline form. In order to clarify the 3D chemical structure of MASTEP, IR, and DSC investigations were conducted. The entire production process was designed to be environmentally friendly. The results of this research represent a significant advancement in the development of environmentally friendly epoxies and pave the way to a wide range of potential further research.

Study Reporting an Elective Chemistry Course Titled “The Mysteries of Chemistry in Intangible Cultural Heritage” to Fulfill the Vision of Science Literacy

Current science elective courses in Chinese high schools overemphasize subject knowledge, lack course resources, and apply a single instruction methodology. This study attempts to reform high school elective chemistry courses and aims to promote chemical science literacy in students. It takes the example of the development and practice of elective courses titled “The Mysteries of Chemistry in Intangible Cultural Heritage”. This course encompasses seven chemical themes closely related to health and safety, environmental protection, and social development: combustion, compounds, aqueous solutions, metallic materials, nonmetallic materials, biomacromolecules, and natural resins. The course contents are combined with the human intangible cultural heritage to stimulate student interest by incorporating a rich experience of the chemical sciences. The course focuses on experiential learning processes and employs student-centered situational teaching and project-based learning, combining experimental learning, class discussions, and reflective essay writing. The study results reveal that the course improves academic performance and enhances student interest and self-efficacy in chemistry learning; it also provides students with continuous help in engaging in the safeguarding and inheritance of their intangible cultural heritage and substantially develops scientific literacy.

Nanocomposite Organogel for Art Conservation─A Novel Wax Resin Removal System.

We describe a new, safe, and effective method for removing wax resin adhesive from the canvases of paintings conserved by the once widely used Dutch Method, which involved attaching a new canvas to the back of a painting using an adhesive made of beeswax and natural resin. First, a low-toxicity cleaning mixture for dissolving the adhesive and removing it from the canvases was developed, and then a nanocomposited organogel was obtained. The ability of the organogel to remove the adhesive from canvases was investigated on the lining of the 1878 painting "Battle of Grunwald" by Jan Matejko, with promising results. Additionally, we found that the organogel can be used several times with no visible loss of cleaning ability. Finally, the effectiveness and safety of the method were confirmed on two oil paintings (one from the National Museum in Warsaw): all the wax resin adhesive was removed and the painting regained its original brightness and vivid colors.

New Hostplant Record for Lac Insect <i>Kerria</i> spp. from Andhra Pradesh

Lac is the only natural resin of animal origin produced by lac insects. The host range of lac insect is more than 400 plant species. Thick dark brown lac encrustation on the stem of an exotic plant Conocarpus lancifolius Engl., was noticed and recorded as a new host plant for lac insect from Andhra Pradesh, India.

Chemical and Mechanical Properties for Rosin-based Hybrid Resins

The increasing concern for the protection of the environment, through the use of renewable natural resources, has led in the last decades to the realization of a number of natural polymers or hybrids to be able to replace petroleum-based polymeric materials. Rosin is a low-cost wood resin extracted from conifers. In this paper, based on FTIR and Raman analyses, the spectra of natural Rosin resin and some hybrid resins with volume proportions of 45, 55 and 65% Rosin were studied. Some mechanical properties such as modulus of elasticity, elongation at break, tensile strength were determined from stress-strain diagrams obtained from tensile stress. Increasing the volume proportion of Rosin leads to a decrease in stiffness and strength properties and obtaining a visco-elastic behavior.

Exploration of mechanical properties of hemp fiber/flax fiber reinforced composites based on biopolymer and epoxy resin

Recently natural fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials are highly growing both in the relationship of their manufacturing industries applications such as automobile, lightweight biosensor chips, and microfluid and fundamental research as they are renewable, low, eco-friendly, biodegradable and completely recyclable. The hemp and flax solutions have not only met the technical requirements of prepared composite but also reduced environmental impacts. The present study involves the investigation on mechanical behavior such as flexural strength, flexural modulus along with moisture absorption performance of flax and hemp fiber composite is reinforced with the natural resin and epoxy resin. The biodegradable composite by the help of synthesis of natural acids such as citric acid (CA) and maleic anhydride (MA). In additional acrylic acid (AA) and glycerol (GL) were used for synthesis of natural resin to be more reactive by condensation method. The laminate has been prepared by flax and hemp fiber reinforced with the epoxy resin. The prepared laminate has been used study the flexural and tensile studies by ASTM standard procedure. The mechanical properties of flexural test and tensile test has been studied by hemp fiber/flax fiber reinforced composites. The obtain results were compared with the natural fiber reinforced by natural resin and epoxy resin. Hence, this kind of light weight biocomposite materials has been utilized for many industrial applications.

Vat Photopolymerization of Nanocellulose-Reinforced Vegetable Oil-Based Resins: Synergy in Morphology and Functionalization

With the advancement of additive manufacturing (AM) and the mass adoption of 3D printing technology, it is essential to shift focus to environmentally and economically sustainable materials. As the utilization of renewable feedstocks is quite limited in this context, the utilization of more bio-based raw materials in the ongoing development of AM represents an essential means of achieving this shift. In this work, vat photopolymerization 3D printing has been used to process vegetable oil-based (VO) resins with an ultralow concentration of 0.07 vol % nanocellulose fibrils (NFC) and crystals (NCC). The developed nanocellulose containing bio-based vat photopolymerization resin shows excellent shelf stability, enabling high-resolution printing. Compatibilization of the nanocellulose with the polymer matrix was achieved through the introduction of isocyanate or acrylate groups via reactions of acryloyl chloride (AC) and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) with cellulose surface hydroxyls. Surface functionalization results in ∼20–30% increases in interfacial adhesion and stress transfer, yielding significant improvements in mechanical performance (4× higher toughness, 2.4× higher tensile strength, and 2× higher tensile strain) in 3D-printed specimens. Fourier-transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy complemented by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques enabled a more detailed study of the chemical structure of these materials as well. Tensile performance comparison with literature data on VO-based natural fiber-reinforced resins showed that this work brought bio-based resins one step closer to competing with petroleum-based resins. The prepared VO/nanocellulose resins are promising candidates for high-performance bio-based resins derived from completely renewable feedstocks.

Natural exudate gum from ghatti tree (Anogeissus latifolia): A review on production, processing and marketing

Gum ghatti (GG) is a natural polysaccharide produced from ghatti tree (Anogeissus latifolia). Chemically, the gum is composed of several mono-sugars and uronic acids in the form of calcium and magnesium salts. GG contains soluble and insoluble fractions, which form a thick colloidal solution in water. GG is non-toxic, bio-degradable, and biocompatible to the human digestive system. It finds applications as an emulsifier, stabilizer, binder, thickener, moisture retainer, film-forming agent and a raw material for hydrogel synthesis. The gradual change in the human mindset has increased demand for natural gums like GG to overcome the adverse effects of synthetic additives. As ghatti trees are found in the forest or non-agricultural lands, its gum collection and sales provide an alternate source of sustainable livelihood to the economically backward and resource-constrained population inhabiting forest and sub-forest areas. This review is a unique article covering the literature on production aspects like tree description, importance, GG tapping, production, processing, and marketing. The review of such an important natural product will be useful for researchers, stakeholders, policymakers, and others working in natural resins and gums sector.

A Review of Cellulosic Natural Fibers’ Properties and Their Suitability as Reinforcing Materials for Composite Panels and Applications

There has been much effort to provide eco-friendly and biodegradable materials for the next generation of composite products owing to global environmental concerns and increased awareness of renewable green resources. Increased use of natural materials in composites has led to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and the carbon footprint of composites. In addition to the benefits obtained from green materials, there are some challenges in working with them, such as poor compatibility between the reinforcing natural fiber and matrix and the relatively high moisture absorption of natural fibers. Green composites can be a suitable alternative for petroleum-based materials. However, before this can be accomplished, a number of issues need to be addressed, including poor interfacial adhesion between the matrix and natural fibers, moisture absorption, poor fire resistance, low impact strength, and less durability. Several researchers have studied the properties of natural fiber composites. These investigations have resulted in developing several procedures for modifying natural fibers and resins. To address the increasing demand to use eco-friendly materials in different applications, an up-to-date review of natural fiber and resin types and sources, modification, and processing techniques, physical and mechanical behaviors, applications, life-cycle assessment, and other properties of green composites is required to provide a better understanding of the behavior of green composites.

Conservation of Earthen Bricks in Architecture: An Experimental Campaign to Test Different Treatments on Vernacular Built Heritage

Earthen architecture, by its nature, is a fragile because it has a poor resistance toward the action of weathering, which has also increased in recent years through the effects of climate change. The presence of interesting examples of earthen brick buildings, for example, in the Piedmont Region of Italy, is characterised by the absence of rendering, which reveals the need to test treatments for the protection and/or strengthening of the walls of these buildings. This action is of fundamental importance to improve its resistance to the aggressive action of atmospheric agents and avoid their disappearance. A testing campaign adopting protective products with sustainability characteristics and low environmental impact was carried out on earthen brick walls. Different products belonging to various categories (synthetic polymers, natural resins, nano-structured materials) and selected based on previous experiments or tested for the first time on earthen surfaces were selected. The performance assessment of the products was carried out by taking into account the standardised procedures in the field of cultural heritage conservation through the following tests: water absorption, water vapour permeability, drilling resistance, water erosion tests (Geelong and spray), contact angle measurements, colorimetric measurements, and ageing tests. Although the choice of the optimal protective product should be made on a case-by-case basis, where it is not sustainable to proceed in this way, the results of this experimental campaign—in the presence of materials and weathering conditions similar to those of the case study analysed—will provide indications in identifying of the most appropriate product.

THE IMPACT OF DESERTIFICATION CONTROL AND GUM ARABICL IN NIGERIA

Nigeria simply due to consistency in high quality, Nigeria farmers should therefore maintain good reputation on their products and meet the highest standards. Food and agricultural organization (FAO) in 1996 made a review and discovered that the products taken into the market were adulterated because it was poorly produced, processed and so poor quality. This was attributed to lack of proper coordinating body to control the rate of competition amongst producers and to esure consistent production methodology and quality. The restructuring of the only existing association into national association of gum Arabic producers, processors, and exporters of Nigeria (NAGAPPEN) has been largely responsible for Nigeria’s position back on the ladder of production, (Okoro et al), generating foreign exchange of over US $6 billion within a period of 4 year needs to be further strengthened. Established same in the state which have the vehicle through which informal training can be conducted, should be encouraged, with financial institutions taking the lead. Proper supervision to ensure non tempering with the original quality which reduces its market value, creating had impression on the product must be put in place hearing in mind, every shipment is tested to ensure its optical rotation, solubility. Color and moisture content (5% moisture or less is considered stable). The inclusion of Nigeria in the second phase of acacia operation project (AOP) organized by the network for natural gums and resins in Africa (NGARA) with a national focal point and the national project coordinator domiciled in federal ministry of environment aimed at enhancing best practices in the production of gum Arabic is to be taken more serious by the government. There should be close relationship with the associations involved in its production and quality control (physical and physiochemical determination).

Advances In Lac Insect Culture Research And Scope For Innovative Entrepreneurship Using Natural Resins And Gums

Lac insects are specialized group of phytosuccivorous insects (Coccoidea: Tachardiidae) that secrete resin of industrial importance having diverse applications. Around 101 species of lac-insects and over 400 species of lac host-plants have been reported but insects belonging to sub-family Tachardiinae are considered important for laksha-culture (lac insect farming). Not only the lac insect, but also the host-plants and various biotic associations play a significant role in determining the quantity and quality of the produce. India is endowed with rich wealth of lac insect resources. 27.7% lac insect biodiversity reported from the world is found in our country under two genera i.e., Kerria and Paratachardina. Kerria the true lac secreting genus includes 28 species worldwide, 23 of which are recorded from India. Cultivation of lac / tapping of natural resins and gums not only provides livelihood to millions of lac growers but also helps in conserving the vast stretches of forests, lac insects and associated biota. Lac also provides sustained high economic returns, generates employment opportunities and has the potential to lay a strong foundation for lac based rural cottage industries. Lac farming can easily be integrated with agriculture thus helping in land use diversification for increased income. Indian Institute of Natural Resins and Gums (ICAR- IINRG) has recently developed new technologies of lac insect farming including newer host plants and developed value added products from lac and other natural resins and gums. Lac integrated farming system models and many of these products have the potential to pave the way for rural industrialization and entrepreneurship development. This review article discusses all these aspects in detail

Электропроводящие нанокомпозиционные битумные вяжущие, содержащие углеродные нанотрубки и многослойный графен

In the modern literature, there are practically no data on the electrical characteristics of bituminous binders modified with carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplates, while they are necessary for the design and development of innovative asphalt pavement compositions sensitive to the super-high-frequency microwave radiation. Contemporary bituminous binders are multi-component systems that may contain polymers, rubbers, synthetic or natural resins, inorganic salts, and even fragrances. As a result of application of modifying additives, bitumen acquires high performance characteristics. A special class of modifiers are micro- and nano-sized electrically conductive fibers and particles (steel wool, carbon fibers, carbon black, carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoplates), the use of which makes it possible to ensure the sensibility of bituminous binders to super-high-frequency microwave radiation and the implementation of the process of healing cracks in an asphalt pavement with its subsequent regeneration. As part of the study, the authors developed an original technique to produce bituminous binders modified with carbon nanotubes and multilayer graphene. Modified bituminous compositions in the concentration range from 0.2 to 6 and from 0.2 to 11 wt. % for multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and multilayer graphene nanoplates (MG), respectively were experimentally obtained. For the first time, the dependence of the specific volume electrical conductivity of bitumen-based nanocomposites on the concentration of nanostructured carbon filler (MWCNT and MG) was researched. The maximum values of electrical conductivity were 4.76×10−4 S/cm and 3.5×10−4 S/cm for nanocomposites containing 6 wt. % MWCNT and 11 wt. % MG, respectively. The study determined the filler volume fractions at the percolation threshold for nanocomposites containing MWCNT and MG. They amounted to 0.22 and 2.18, respectively. The formation of a percolation contour in nanocomposites containing MWCNT occurs at significantly lower filler concentrations compared to bituminous compositions containing MG.

Development of a non-wood composite from whole jute plant

Wood-based panel industries seek an alternative biomass to wood chips due to deforestation. This leads to the use of non-wood ligno-cellulose plant residues for the development of medium density particle board. Jute sticks after being extracted from jute fibre are used for the production of medium density particle board and charcoal; similarly, the whole jute plant is residual biomass after harvesting the jute seed and is used as household fuel. Being lignocellulosic residuals, they also have the potential for the development of particle board. Natural resin is being used for the binding of the particles. However, they lack bonding efficiency and dimensional stability due to their hydrophilicity. The objective of this study is to develop a medium density particle board with desirable mechanical properties from whole jute plant particles and rosin/phenol formaldehyde resin combination through optimization of processing protocols, i.e., size of particle (12.5, 25 & 50 mm), amount of mat feed (900, 1000 & 1100gm), amount of resin (15, 20 & 25 % owm) and the rosin/PF resin combination (70/30, 80/20 & 90/10 %). The density and modulus of rupture of particle boards were evaluated as per IS standards and the results were analyzed as per Taguchi model in Minitab 18.0 software. Statistical analysis revealed that there is a very good agreement between the predicted and actual values of the experiment, with an R2 value of > 0.95 in density only. To attain the desirable particle board with maximum 35 MPa modulus of rupture and a 0.50 gpcc density, the response optimizer identified the 26 mm particle size, 1100 gm particle weight, 25 % resin, and 70/30 rosin/PF combination as optimized condition with > 0.99 individual and 0.99 composite desirability.

Characteristics of Bio Pellets from Spent Coffee Grounds and Pinewood Charcoal Based on Composition and Grinding Method

One type of biomass that has promising potential for bio pellet production is spent coffee grounds (SCGs). However, previous studies have shown that SCGs in bio pellets cause a lot of smoke. Therefore, they need to be mixed with a material that has a higher calorific value to produce better quality pellets. One material that can be used is pine wood because it has a natural resin content that can increase the calorific value. The aim of this study was to examine the quality of bio pellets produced with SCGs and pine wood charcoal at different particle sizes. The charcoal was ground using either a hammer mill (HM) or a ball mill (BM). Pine wood charcoal was mixed with SCGs at ratios of SCGs to pine wood charcoal of 4:6 and 6:4 by weight, respectively, and the adhesive used a tapioca with a composition ratio 5% of the raw material. The bio pellets were produced using a manual pellet press. The quality of the bio pellets was assessed based on Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 8021-2014, and the physical observations include flame length, burning rate, and compressive strength. The average water content, ash content, and calorific value of the bio pellets were in accordance with SNI 8021-2014, but the density and ash content values were below the standard values. The BM variation of bio pellets had a higher compressive strength than the HM variation, and the 4:6 BM variation had the longest burning time compared with 4:6 HM.

Threat to the Sustainable Production of Natural Resins: A Case of Rangeeni Strain of Kerria lacca (Kerr) in Eastern Plateau & Hills Region of South East Asia

The study conducted to examine the trends, growth and instability in the production of an insect-based natural resin in India. Study is designed with sampling and Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) based primary data as well as secondary data. District-level time-series data of Jharkhand state for 50 years from 1970-71 to 2019-20 was used. Time series analysis revealed the variation in lac production levels in different levels of geo coordinates. Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) was worked out by fitting the exponential function. The instability indices worked out by using the method suggested by Cuddy and Dell. The growth in lac production and export of lac-based value-added products has decelerated in the post-liberalization period, while yield growth has accelerated. The overall decline in the production level of rangeeni crop ranged from -5.54% in Western Plateau Sub Zone V to -6.98% in South Eastern Plateau Sub Zone VI. Utilization of the existing natural endowment of Butea monosperma in major rangeeni lac-producing districts in Western Plateau Sub Zone V could be a promising strategy to minimize the variation in the production of rangeeni crop. A paradigm shifts from rangeeni lac cultivation during previous decades coupled with climate change issues may be another possible reason for the regional disparity in the level of rangeeni lac production.
 The overall scenario in Jharkhand state depicts the alarming situation for katki crop (Rainy season rangeeni crop) having the highest instability index (49.69), particularly with significant negative growth rates from 2000 to 2020. The magnitude of decline for katki crop was found highest and most significant during the 2001-2010 period. Although, the production of rangeeni strain was affected adversely in Jharkhand (-21.60%) during the Ninth Five Year Plan coupled with shifting from rangeeni to kusmi lac cultivation due to boosting through capacity building and skill development programs which influenced the awareness and knowledge level of the stakeholders. However, COVID-19 could break the momentum, and functionaries including the institutions and facilitators shifted to manage the disrupted supply chains during 2019-20 and 2020-21. Post COVID-19 scenario, emerged with new ICT-enabled interventions with greater scope for extension and awareness programs. However, there is a huge technological gap in the existing lac industry with poor automation and dependency on local labor. Policy interventions including market initiatives like Minimum Support Prices (MSP), Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs); and Institutional initiatives like FPOs, SHGs, JLGs, etc. may play a key role in strengthening the sector. New host plants like Flemingia semialata may be promoted to reduce instability indices in the long run.

Kajian Pemanfaatan Cangkang Sawit Sebagai Pengganti Solar Industri Pada Sistem Thermal Oil Heater di Pabrik Resin

The National Energy Policy to develop the use of renewable energy has opened up opportunities for industry to develop the use of biomass. A study on the use of palm shells as a substitute for industrial diesel in a thermal oil heating system at a natural rubber resin factory in North Sumatra has been carried out. All information and data on the operation of TOH were obtained through secondary data collection and direct discussions in the field. The secondary data obtained include the type and specification of the heater, the characteristics of the thermal oil (type, flow rate, temperature inlet and outlet of the heater), fuel consumption/hour and the characteristics of palm shells. From the study conducted, it can be concluded that during the process of heating thermal oil which takes place gradually in the TOH system using industrial diesel, it has a heat capacity of 1,500,000 kcal/hour, but the maximum heat that is useful for heating thermal oil is 694,396 kcal/hour with maximum thermal efficiency is 80.69%. Estimated consumption of palm kernel shells required to heat thermal oil on the assumption of 70% thermal efficiency as a substitute for energy supplied by industrial diesel is 237 kg/hour. The savings from this fuel replacement is estimated Rp.3.286.800.000/year.

Pinoresinol stimulates keratinocyte proliferation and downregulates TNF-α secretion in peripheral blood mononuclear cells: An experimental in vitro study.

Natural coniferous resins are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of skin wounds. Coniferous wood resins ("callus" resin) are a mixture of abietic (resin) acids, lignans such as pinoresinol, and p-coumaric acid. The wound-healing properties of resins are thought to be related to their antimicrobial properties, but also to their effects on cell proliferation and inflammation. The purpose of this study was to identify and investigate the effects of novel aqueous dispersions of resin and its main components in the proliferation of human primary keratinocytes in vitroand in the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The proliferation studies were performed under low and high calcium conditions with or without added growth stimulators at the time points of 2and 6 days using AlamarBlue Cell Viability Reagent. The cytokine release assay was carried out by incubating the cells with the test articles for 18 h, after which the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and IL-8 were measured in the supernatant by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Resin and the purified lignan PINO, but not p-coumaric acid or abietic acid (industrial tall oil rosin), enhanced the proliferation of human keratinocytes in vitroand inhibited the expression of TNF-α, and to a lesser extent the expression of IL-1β in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. In this study, novel aqueous dispersions of spruce resin were used to investigate the effects of main resin components on keratinocyte proliferation and on the expression of key proinflammatory cytokines known to be associated with chronic wounds. The observations suggest that lignans, such as PINO, but not resin acids, are the components of resins that mediate the proliferative and TNF-α-suppressing effects. Lignans including PINO were identified as novel potential compounds in the treatment of chronic skin ulcers.