Synthetic Resin Research Articles

Hydroxymethylfurfural(HMF): Exploring Its Potential as a Wood Resin Derived from Cellulose

As the demand for sustainable materials continues to rise, the development of innovative and renewable resins has become a central area of research. This study explores the creation of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) resin derived from cellulosic glucose extracted from finely powdered greens and fruit peels. Characterization of HMF was performed using NMR and FTIR-ATR, confirming the presence of HMF. The crude HMF resin underwent purification through crystallization, resulting in an increased conversion efficiency from 51% to 92%. The resin displayed high moisture resistance and enhanced bond strength in HMF/wood composites when subjected to boiling water. Morphological analysis revealed an absence of voids, and the HMF/wood composite exhibited a notable tensile strength of 21.5MPa, comparable to other phenolic composites. The novelty of this work lies in the use of sustainable, powdered waste greens and fruit peels low-cost biomass sources for HMF production, offering a promising renewable alternative to traditional synthetic resins with improved performance characteristics.

Dynamic covalent bonds enabled recyclable chitosan oligosaccharide-based wood adhesive with high adhesion and anti-mildew performances

Biomass wood adhesives have emerged as a promising alternative to traditional synthetic resins due to their ability to address issues related to formaldehyde pollution and reliance on petrochemical resources. However, these adhesives are generally not recyclable and require high curing temperatures. Herein, a novel eco-friendly, strong, and recyclable chitosan oligosaccharide (CS)-based wood adhesive named CS-PB was developed using CS, lignin-derived 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde, and 1,4-phenylenediboronic acid. The cohesive strength and recyclability of the adhesive were significantly enhanced by the dynamic borate ester and imine networks formed through catalyst-free covalent cross-linking. The adhesive exhibited a maximum bonding strength of 5.60 MPa, surpassing many synthetic and biomass adhesives. Moreover, the recycled adhesive retained 88 % of its original strength. Even under extreme conditions such as 100 °C, −196 °C the CS-PB adhesive can still maintain high bonding strength. Notably, the CS-PB adhesive demonstrated low-temperature curing properties, achieving a high bonding strength of 5.21 MPa when cured at 90 °C, since imine bonds can be formed under mild conditions. Furthermore, the adhesive displayed excellent mildew resistance attributed to the synergistic effects of amino, boronic acid, and benzene rings. The proposed straightforward design strategy provides valuable insights for constructing high-strength and recyclable biomass adhesives.

Effects of Synthetic Resin on Characteristics of Cement Clinker

Effects of Synthetic Resin on Characteristics of Cement Clinker

Waterproof pavement membrane based on synthetic resins used on concrete and steel bridge deck slabs

Waterproof pavement membrane based on synthetic resins used on concrete and steel bridge deck slabs

The Scale Model Room Approach to Test the Performance of Airtight Membranes to Control Indoor Radon Levels and Radiation Exposure

Indoor radon is one of the most significant contributors to lung cancer after smoking. Mitigation strategies based on protecting buildings with radon barrier materials, combined with home ventilation or room pressurization, are regularly used. A scale model room made from a porous ignimbrite rich in radon precursors was used as an analogue to test the efficiency of fifteen airtight membranes to reduce radon levels, also in combination with room pressurization. The results of these experiments were considered together with previous ones to propose the scale model room approach as a tool for rapidly evaluating the performance of specially designed radon barrier materials, and for radiation exposure assessment. Relative reduction of indoor radon (RIR) ranges from −20 to −94%. The most effective materials were FPO membrane, single-component silane-terminated polymer membranes and synthetic resins. The presence of additives likely modified the composition and structure of some products, improving their radon barrier capacity. The introduction of room pressurization further reduced radon levels in the model room where the membranes were applied. The overpressure necessary to reach RIRs of the order of 85–90% is very low for materials that powerfully stop radon even without ventilation, but necessarily higher for poorer membranes.

Experimental Investigation of Low-Cost Bamboo Composite (LCBC) Slender Structural Columns in Compression

This paper experimentally investigates the behavior of innovative sustainable Low-Cost Bamboo Composite (LCBC) structural columns under compressive loading. The LCBC columns are manufactured from bamboo culms in combination with bio-based resins to form composite structural columns. Different LCBC cross-sectional configurations are investigated in this study, including the Russian doll (RD), Big Russian doll (BRD), Hawser (HAW), and Scrimber (SCR). Two bio-based resins, including one bio-epoxies and one furan-based resin, in addition to a soft bio-based filler and a synthetic epoxy resin, are applied. The bamboo species used as the cast-in-place giant bamboo for all configurations include Moso, Guadua, and Tali. Slender LCBC columns showed maximum stress equal to 60 MPa at failure. The study found that the samples with bio-epoxy resin (BE2) exhibited enhanced material stiffness when compared to synthetic epoxy (EPX) and furan-based resin (PF1), while PF1 specimens demonstrated increased ductility. Among the specimens with Moso bamboo and BE2 resin, those with SCR and HAW configurations achieved the highest compressive strengths.

Electric Pulse Treatment of Cured Thermosetting Synthetic Resins

Electric Pulse Treatment of Cured Thermosetting Synthetic Resins

End-grain bonding of spruce timber at low curing temperatures – effects on tensile strength and how to improve

ABSTRACT The end-grain bonding of timber components using Timber Structures 3.0 technology (TS3) represents an emerging construction method in the field of timber engineering. For onsite applications, research is being conducted to determine how low temperatures during the curing process affect the bonding and to explore potential methods of mitigating any adverse impacts. The current research results reveal that low curing temperatures detrimentally influence the mechanical properties of the bond. Conversely, investigations into bonding with heated casting resin as a means to counteract the effects of low curing temperatures demonstrate highly beneficial outcomes. Overall, this study provides design-relevant tensile strength values, which, when coupled with suitable application strategies, enable effective bonding under low ambient temperatures. Future investigations will delve deeper into the failure mechanism (adhesion – cohesion) as it relates to curing temperature variations.

Studies on particleboard production using Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) waste as a binder for construction applications

This study explored the potential of using EPS waste as a substitute for synthetic resin in particleboard production. The objectives were to assess the impact of various processing parameters, including board density, EPS waste percentage, and pressing temperature, on the properties of the board. For this purpose, lab-scale particleboards were fabricated by combining kelempayan wood particles with EPS waste powders. Subsequently, the physical, mechanical, and thermal stability properties of the board were assessed. The results indicated that the board density, EPS waste percentage, and pressing temperature influenced the physical, mechanical, and thermal stability properties of the board. The bending properties, internal bond (IB) strength, and thickness swelling (TS) of the board exhibited an upward trend with increasing board density. At the same time, the TS decreased while bending properties and IB strength increased with rising EPS waste percentages and pressing temperatures. Notably, the board fabricated with a target density of 0.70 g/cm3, comprising 20 % EPS waste and pressed at 180°C, met the standard requirements for particleboard designated for construction purposes, except the modulus of rupture (MOR), which is slightly lower than the standard requirement. In addition, the thermal stability of the board increased with higher pressing temperatures. Conversely, increasing the density and EPS waste percentage to 40 % appeared to decrease the thermal stability of the board. These findings underscore the significant potential of EPS waste as a binder in particleboard production.

The Roman villa at the Castle of Baia (Naples, Italy): investigations on the polychromy of frescoed surfaces by using non-destructive spectroscopic techniques

During the Roman age, the southern promontory of the gulf of Baia was the perfect location for the construction of villae maritimae for the Roman élite that decided to spend their summer residences by the sea.One of these residences is now located in the military fortress of the Castello Aragonese di Baia, built in 1495 CE during the Aragonese period (15th century). Here, during restoration works, the ruins of the residential sector of the villa, which historical sources ascribe to Caesar, were unearthed. The most representative evidence of this is the outstanding in situ remain of mosaics, decorated plasters and finely frescoed surfaces decorated according to the repertoire of the II style. This research aims to investigate the polychromy of a wall decoration representing a perspective depiction of architectural scenes en trompe l'oeil analysed by means of a multi-analytical, non-destructive approach performed in situ. The combined use of spectroscopic techniques (portable X-ray fluorescence, Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) points out the use of a characteristic Roman palette, quantitatively assessed by colorimetric measurements. It consists of red and yellow ochre, calcite, hematite, organic black pigments, precious materials such as cinnabar and Egyptian blue, green copper compounds. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy also revealed the presence of synthetic resins, likely used for the conservation of mural paintings. These are, however, damaged by atmospheric humidity, as detected by Infrared Thermography. Gypsum has been identified as the main weathering product.

A Narrative Review: Modification of Bio-Based Wood Adhesive for Performance Improvement

Most traditional adhesives applied in the wood industry are synthetic resins obtained from petroleum. However, the production of these resins raises substantial environmental issues because of formaldehyde release, which leads to detrimental impacts on both human health and the environment. In contrast, bio-based adhesives offer an eco-friendly option that is created by renewable biomass resources. These adhesives can effectively overcome the above problems. Hence, it is crucial to pay more attention to bio-based adhesives. However, the inherent characteristics of the raw materials used in the production of bio-based adhesives result in a number of limitations, including weak bond strength, poor water resistance, and susceptibility to mildew, which restrict their further applications. Most researchers have used physical and chemical methods to modify bio-based adhesives in order to improve their overall performance. The defects of bio-based adhesives, including their limited bond strength, inadequate resistance to water, and vulnerability to mildew, are summarized in this paper, and the investigation of potential modification methods on bio-based adhesives is reviewed. Moreover, we encourage the widespread use of bio-based adhesives in various fields to promote sustainable development due to their eco-friendly characters.

A Study of the Thermodynamic Properties of Thermosetting Synthetic Resins after Electric Pulse Treatment

A Study of the Thermodynamic Properties of Thermosetting Synthetic Resins after Electric Pulse Treatment

Effect of Wood Species on Lignin-Retaining High-Transmittance Transparent Wood Biocomposites.

This study explores lignin-retaining transparent wood biocomposite production through a lignin-modification process coupled with epoxy resin. The wood's biopolymer structure, which includes cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, is reinforced with the resin through impregnation. This impregnation process involves filling the voids and pores within the wood structure with resin. Once the resin cures, it forms a strong bond with the wood fibers, effectively reinforcing the biopolymer matrix and enhancing the mechanical properties of the resulting biocomposite material. This synergy between the natural biopolymer structure of wood and the synthetic resin impregnation is crucial for achieving the desired optical transparency and mechanical performance in transparent wood. Investigating three distinct wood species allows a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between natural and transparent wood biocomposite properties. The findings unveil promising results, such as remarkable light transmittance (up to 95%) for Aspen transparent wood. Moreover, transparent wood sourced from White Spruce demonstrates excellent stiffness (E = 2450 MPa), surpassing the resin's Young's modulus. Also, the resin impregnation enhanced the thermal stability of natural wood. Conversely, transparent wood originating from Larch showcases superior impact resistance. These results reveal a clear correlation between wood characteristics such as density, anatomy, and mechanical properties, and the resulting properties of the transparent wood.

Physical aging of a glassy polymer in cultural heritage conservation

AbstractArtworks, particularly easel paintings, are multi‐component materials intended to last indefinitely. The protective coatings applied to these artworks often consist of amorphous glass‐like polymers, which undergo slow physical aging and structural recovery below their glass transition temperature. This process alters key physical properties such as mechanical strength, optical clarity, and thermal stability over extended periods. This study investigates the time‐dependent evolution of these properties in Laropal A81, a widely used synthetic resin for cultural heritage conservation, particularly as a replacement for ancient varnishes. The investigation involves characterization of enthalpy recovery via differential scanning calorimetry, refractive index evolution via refractometry, and creep compliance evolution via rheological measurements. The aging behavior of Laropal A81 is further analyzed using the Kohlrausch–Williams–Watts function and the Tool–Narayanaswamy–Moynihan model, enabling the quantification of critical dynamic parameters such as activation energy, nonlinearity, partition coefficients, and non‐exponentiality. The gained insights into the long‐term behavior of this coating's properties can be valuable for improving preservation and restoration strategies for cultural heritage.

Fabrication and characterization of natural fiber reinforced cowpea resin-based green composites: an approach towards agro-waste valorization.

A paradigm shift towards using bio-resins or bio-derived resins among materials scientists has led to wide exploration of the sector. Polymers such as soy protein isolate, poly(hydroxy alkanoate), poly(lactic acid), and thermoplastic starch are all synthetically modified bio-based resins and are costly. The cowpea-derived resin with the least chemical modification was used in this study as a matrix for the formation of composites with natural fibers at a lesser cost. Fabrication of composites of vetiver and jute with varying weight percentages of fiber (50, 60, and 70%) in the innovative cowpea resin resulted in favorable mechanical properties and degradability. The tensile strength was the highest for the jute-cowpea composite (JCP2) at around 37.49 MPa, which also has a flexural strength of 40.3 MPa. Dynamic mechanical analysis of composites reflects the moderate storage moduli of 1802 MPa for JCP2 and 1351 MPa for vetiver-cowpea (VRCP2) composites. Impact strength studies and thermal stability also show optimistic results. The contact angle, water absorption behavior, and swelling in thickness show the moderate hydrophobicity of the composites. This is also a reason for the improved degradability of the composites in soil-burial and microbial environments. Characterizations such as FE-SEM and FTIR spectroscopy, conducted after the degradation of the samples, showcased the level of deterioration. All these results suggest using the innovative cowpea resin as a good alternative to various other synthetic thermoplastic resins used in the fiber reinforced composite manufacturing field.

A Short Review: The Use and Application of Matrix Resins Formed with Some Plant-Based Oils in Bio-Composite Materials

Increasing environmental problems, waste recycling problems, and non-biodegradable resources have led researchers to different searches for composite materials in recent years. In these studies, interest in bio-composite materials known as green composites has increased significantly due to their potential to replace traditional materials in material production. The creation of biocomposite materials from natural fibers or natural resins instead of synthetic fibers and synthetic resins has made natural resources the focus of researchers. Among these natural resin formations, the use of vegetable-based oils in various applications has started to be seen frequently due to their low cost, biodegradability, and availability. In addition to being recyclable, vegetable-based oils are an important alternative in many sectors, especially in the chemical industry, both environmentally and economically, with a wide variety of chemical conversion possibilities. The desire to explore the versatility of vegetable oil components formed by the complex multi-component mixtures of fatty acids and glycerol ester accelerates the studies in this field even more. In this study, the chemical compositions of vegetable oils hybridized with different resins, the chemical structures of pure vegetable oils, the different varieties among these vegetable oils, and various types of biocomposites produced using vegetable oil-based resins were investigated. In addition, the latest trends in other applications of these bio-composites, especially in automotive, were examined.

Detection of Protective Coatings Applied on Baroque Amber Artworks: Case Studies

Amber has been used to create decorative items for centuries, but its degradation presents challenges for conservators. This study identifies substances historically used to protect amber objects, especially those from 17th and 18th century Gdansk workshops. Despite their historical value, information on amber conservation is scarce. Traditional substances are noted, but their exact compositions and effects on amber remain unclear. Synthetic resins, introduced in the late 19th century, also degrade, complicating conservation due to their removal difficulty and interference with amber identification. This research aimed to develop methods for detecting and analyzing protective coatings on amber objects using macroscopic and microscopic techniques. Initial methods included analytical photography under visible and UV light and reflectance imaging spectroscopy (RIS) to assess the surface. Raman spectroscopy (RS) and X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) were used for detailed analysis. RS provided precise layer-specific information but was sensitive to surface conditions, while XRF quickly identified inorganic compounds but not organic materials. Examining amber objects from Polish collections using this methodology revealed various protective substances, including synthetic resins and nitrocellulose varnishes. This research contributes to amber conservation by proposing a comprehensive material analysis approach, essential for developing effective conservation strategies for these historic objects.

Human Proenkephalin A 119-159 (penKid) in Extracorporeal Therapies: Ex vivo Sieving Coefficient, Diffusive Clearance, and Hemoadsorption Kinetics

Introduction: Enkephalins, endogenous opioid peptides, are involved in the regulation of renal function. One derived molecule, proenkephalin A, also known as penKid, has been demonstrated to be a reliable biomarker for kidney function and its plasma concentration correlates with measured glomerular filtration rate. penKid is used for prediction and diagnosis of AKI and need of renal replacement therapy (RRT). penKid has also been used to predict the successful weaning from RRT in patients with AKI. Whether the concentration of penKid is affected or not by RRT is a controversial point and there are no studies describing the kinetics of the molecule in such conditions. The low molecular weight (4.5 kDa) would imply free removal by the glomerulus and the dialysis membranes. During RRT, this reduction could not be detected in clinical practice due to the complex kinetics involving either low dialytic clearance or increased production in response to impaired kidney function. The aim of this study was to determine the sieving coefficient and the diffusive clearance of the penKid molecule in conditions of in vitro continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) and continuous veno-venous hemodialysis (CVVHD), respectively, and also the penKid removal ratio in conditions of in vitro hemoadsorption (HA) using a synthetic microporous resin. Methods: Blood spiked with a lyophilized penKid peptide solved in 20 mm dipotassium phosphate and 6 mm disodium EDTA [pH 8] to reach target concentrations is used as testing solution. In each experiment, the blood batch was adjusted at a volume of 1,000 mL, maintained at 37°, and continuously stirred. Samples were collected from blood, ultrafiltrate, and spent dialysate at different times during the experiments. Sieving, clearance, and removal ratio were calculated. Results: Significant removal of penKid was observed in CVVH (sieving 1.04 ± 0.27), in CVVHD (clearance 23.08 ± 0.89), and in HA (removal ratio 76.1 ± 1% after 120 min). Conclusion: penKid is effectively removed by extracorporeal therapies. In presence of anuria, penKid generation kinetics can be calculated based on extracorporeal removal and volume variation. In steady state conditions, declining values may be the result of an initial renal function recovery and may suggest discontinuation and successful liberation from RRT.

Study of Plugging Compositions Based on Synthetic Resins for Repair and Insulation Work in Wells.

This research is aimed at analyzing existing plugging compositions and developing a new plugging composition based on phenol-formaldehyde resin. This paper presents the results of studies of a hardening composition based on phenol-formaldehyde resin for repair and insulation work in wells. The plugging composition consists of two parts: Component "A" (resin and additives) and Component "B" (hardener). A resol-type water-soluble phenol-formaldehyde resin was selected for testing. The resin was additionally modified with special additives to improve performance properties. A mixture of acids was chosen as a hardener. Concentrations of resin and hardener were selected to ensure optimal loss of fluidity of the composition for different temperatures. The main physicochemical properties of the plugging composition were determined. The elastic-strength characteristics of the developed composition after curing at various temperatures (Poisson's ratio, Young's modulus, and compressive strength) were assessed. It has been experimentally proven that samples based on phenol-formaldehyde resin do not collapse completely under load but undergo longitudinal and transverse deformations. As the amount of hardener in the system increases, the compressive strength decreases. The presence of the elastic-strength properties of cementing compositions based on synthetic resins distinguishes them favorably from hardening compositions based on cement and microcement.

Basalt Fibre-Reinforced Polymer Laminates with Eco-Friendly Bio Resin: A Comparative Study of Mechanical and Fracture Properties.

Fibre-reinforced polymers (FRPs) are widely used in industry due to their impressive strength-to-weight ratio, corrosion resistance and high durability. One of the primary components of FRPs is synthetic resins, specifically epoxy, which has been identified as harmful to the environment. To address this concern, an eco-friendly alternative made from basalt fibres and bio resin has the potential to reduce the environmental impact. This study investigates Basalt Fibre-Reinforced Polymer (BFRP) laminates manufactured using two bio resins, AMPRO™ BIO and Change Climate, comparing them to one conventional epoxy resin, WEST SYSTEM®, in terms of tensile modulus, strength and fracture toughness, as well as shear properties. The results indicate that BFRP laminates made with bio resins exhibit comparable or better mechanical properties to their conventional counterparts with tensile strength being between 6 and 17% more in bio resins compared to the conventional resin, thereby paving the way for further exploration of sustainable FRP laminates in future engineering applications.