Wood Biomass Research Articles

Alternative Fiber-Based Paperboard Adhesion Evaluation with T- and Y-Peel Testing

Due to increased pressure on the availability of wood biomass in the EU and the regulatory attempts to lower CO2 values, where wood-based biomass plays a crucial role in carbon sequestration, the use of cellulose derived from alternative sources is gaining increased interest in the pulp and paper industry as well as in other industries. The processing properties of alternative fiber-based packaging need to be checked in current processing operations with other types of materials and recycling workflows. For example, in the production of folding boxes, after printing other converting properties such as glueability are also of great importance. The adhesive absorption and bonding strength of materials are important as adhesive joints of packaging can interfere with the protective function. In the presented research, three different paperboards produced on a pilot scale from alternative raw material sources were tested. Two paperboards were produced from the alien invasive plants Japanese knotweed and black locust, and one from residual sawdust. The basic paperboard properties were tested regarding paperboard porosity, roughness, z-directional tensile strength, and dynamical behavior regarding liquid interaction (contact angle and liquid penetration dynamic), as water-based adhesives were used in the research. For adhesive joint strength testing, Y- and T-peel adhesion testing was performed on the joint paperboard samples, as still there is no fully standardized method for the evaluation of such fiber-based material properties. The results indicate differences in the penetration dynamics of liquids. This parameter had the highest influence on the peel adhesion strength, while porosity, roughness, and dynamic contact angle were not so significant. Regarding the two adhesive joint tests, the differences in separate materials regarding peel adhesion curves show similar results. However, the Y-peel maximum force values are higher due to the testing setup (in comparison to the T-peel test). The paperboards made from invasive plants showed adhesive joint failures which are more suitable for tamper-proof packaging due to their low surface strength and crack propagation into the fiber structure.

Synthesis of biomass hyperbranched polyamide resin from cellulose and citric acid for wood adhesive

Traditional wood adhesives have the problems of excessive dependence on fossil resources and environmental pollution. Cellulose, a renewable biomass resource with a low price and huge output, provides a basis for preparing biomass wood adhesives. In this study, a new type of polyamide resin was prepared by modifying microcrystalline cellulose and reacting with natural citric acid. Specifically, toluenesulfonyl cellulose (TS) was synthesized, and functional amino cellulose (AC) was prepared by a nucleophilic substitution reaction with hyperbranched polyamide (HP). Then cellulose-based hyperbranched polyamide resin (CHP) was prepared by polycondensation with citric acid. The structure of CHP resin was investigated by FTIR, XPS, 13C NMR and GPC, and plywood was prepared to study its mechanical properties. Due to the formation of hyperbranched cross-linked network structure inside the resin, the prepared plywood has excellent properties. The dry shear strength reaches 2.24 MPa, and the strength reaches 1.25 and 1.31 MPa after soaking in water at 63 °C and 93 °C for 3 h. The resin in this study has a simple preparation process and excellent performance, which provides a solid foundation for developing high-performance cellulose-based wood adhesives.

Association Mapping and Expression Analysis of the Genes Involved in the Wood Formation of Poplar.

Xylogenesis is a complex and sequential biosynthetic process controlled by polygenes. Deciphering the genetic architecture of this complex quantitative trait could provide valuable information for increasing wood biomass and improving its properties. Here, we performed genomic resequencing of 64 24-year-old trees (64 hybrids of section Aigeiros and their parents) grown in the same field and conducted full-sib family-based association analyses of two growth and six woody traits using GEMMA as a choice of association model selection. We identified 1342 significantly associated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 673 located in the region upstream and downstream of 565 protein-encoding genes. The transcriptional regulation network of secondary cell wall (SCW) biosynthesis was further constructed based on the published data of poplar miRNA, transcriptome, and degradome. These provided a certain scientific basis for the in-depth understanding of the mechanism of poplar timber formation and the molecular-assisted breeding in the future.

Copper-nitrogen dual-doped activated carbon derived from alder wood as an electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction

In the present study, unmodified nitrogen-doped carbon material (N-doped C) and modified with copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) nitrogen-doped carbon material (Cu-N-doped C) have been synthesized using wood biomass as a carbon precursor, dicyandiamide as a nitrogen precursor, and anhydrous copper acetate as the precursor of Cu. The morphology, structure, and chemical composition of the obtained materials have been analyzed by performing nitrogen sorption experiments and described using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning-electron microscopy (SEM). The electrocatalytic performance of N-doped C and Cu-N-doped C materials has been evaluated for the electro-reduction of oxygen (ORR) in alkaline media using linear scan voltammetry (LSV) and the rotating disk and ring-disk electrode (RDE and RRDE) methods.It has been determined that the nitrogen-doped carbon material and that modified with CuNPs have been synthesized with graphene-like structures and especially high specific surface areas of 2631 m2 g−1 and 2243 m2 g−1, respectively. The onset potential (Eonset) and half-wave (E1/2) potential values are approximately 0.921 V and 0.828 V, respectively, for the N-doped carbon with the loading of 0.0889 mgcat cm−2 and 0.975 V and 0.843 V, respectively, for Cu–N-doped carbon (0.4044 mgcat cm−2), comparable with the commercial Pt/C catalyst.

Development of an algorithm for wood biomass processing at the stage of logging operations

The paper presents an analysis of the volumes of harvested wood in the Krasnoyarsk Territory. The volumes of wood biomass utilized in the cutting area have been calculated. The urgent need for the use of logging waste as an additional raw material in the production of wood chips, softwood and wood flour, as well as wood fiber semi-finished product is discussed. A technological scheme for the processing of individual parts of wood biomass is proposed, which makes it possible to use logging waste as a raw material base. The aim of the work was to develop an algorithm for implementing the proposed scheme. A mathematical method and statistical analysis were used. The developed algorithm clearly demonstrates the possible prospects for the development of such a direction as the processing of waste from logging and woodworking industries. The results of the study allow us to estimate the volume of potentially lost benefits from the processing of logging waste.

Analysis of the rationality of using a natural resource in the form of wood biomass

The paper presents an analysis of the rationality of using a natural resource in the form of wood biomass. An assessment was made of the volumes of their formation and disposal in the process of logging operations in the period from 2019 to 2021 based on the data on the formation, processing, disposal, neutralization, disposal of production and consumption wastes provided by the Federal Service for Supervision of Natural Resources. The inefficiency of the modern approach to the issue of using a natural resource in the form of wood at the harvesting stage is substantiated based on the assessment of the volumes of formation and disposal of waste from individual parts of wood biomass. To achieve this goal statistical analysis was chosen as the main research method. The results obtained in the course of the work are necessary for the formation of a development strategy for both individual logging and wood processing enterprises, and the entire timber industry complex. Research of the type, characteristics and volume of the wood resource not used in the main production will allow rationally forming the technological chains of logging and wood processing works, the park of equipment and machines for the enterprises of the timber industry complex.

Research of the energy parameters of the most demanded wood biomass pellets on Bulgarian market

The following research focuses on exploring the energy parameters of the most demanded wood biomass pellets on the Bulgarian market. To assess the accuracy and reliability of the information provided on the packaging of wood pellets, a comparative analysis was conducted. The initial step involved conducting experimental tests to determine the energy characteristics of the most demanded brands of waste wood raw materials, as reported by the surveyed customers. These parameters included diameter, calorific value, ash content, and moisture content. By comparing the data obtained from the experiments with the information stated on the packaging, it was observed that all analysed parameters met the requirements outlined in the ENplus quality certificate. Additionally, the results confirmed that the wood pellets belonged to class A1, indicating their high quality and adherence to the specified standards.

Effect of Wood Ash on salt Crystallization and Rapid Chloride Permeability Test (RPCT) in Mortar

Abstract: Ash by-products obtained from combustion of wood biomass are generally used in land filling for embankments, road/highway construction. It can be used as soil supplementing material to reduce the alkalinity of soil in agricultural lands. And it can also be used as raw material in the manufacturing of cement in cement industries. Many researches had been carried out to incorporate wood waste ash as a cement replacement material in the production of greener construction material (concrete/mortar) and also as a sustainable means of disposal for wood waste ash. Results of these researches indicated that wood waste ash can be effectively used as a cement replacement material for the production of structural concrete/mortar of acceptable strength and durability parameters. In the present study salt crystallization, rapid chloride permeability test are performed. The results shows As wood ash contains more amount of calcium oxides which are soluble in water and leached out and further react with sodium sulphate. That is why, on increasing the percentage of wood ash, loss in weight as well as loss in compressive strength and chloride ion permeability is high in all the cases but as we increase the percentage of wood ash, chloride ion permeability decreases

Methodology for Evaluating the CO2 Sequestration Capacity of Waste Ashes.

The concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere is constantly increasing, leading to an increase in the average global temperature and, thus, affecting climate change. Hence, various initiatives have been proposed to mitigate this process, among which CO2 sequestration is a technically simple and efficient approach. The spontaneous carbonation of ashes with atmospheric CO2 is very slow, and this is why accelerated carbonation is encouraged. However, not all ashes are equally suitable for this process, so a methodology to evaluate their potential should be developed. Such a methodology involves a combination of techniques, from theoretical calculations to XRF, XRD, DTA-TG, and the calcimetric determination of the CaCO3 content. The present study followed the approach of exposing ashes to accelerated carbonation conditions (4% v/v CO2, 50-55% and 80-85% RH, 20 °C) in a closed carbonation chamber for different periods of time until the maximum CO2 uptake is reached. The amount of sequestered CO2 was quantified by thermogravimetry. The results show that the highest CO2 sequestration capacity (33.8%) and carbonation efficiency (67.9%) were obtained for wood biomass bottom ash. This method was applied to eight combustion ashes and could serve to evaluate other ashes or comparable carbon storage materials.

A combined analysis of the drying and decomposition kinetics of wood pyrolysis using non-isothermal thermogravimetric methods

In this paper, we evaluate the pyrolysis of wood biomass as a combination of drying and thermal decomposition via the Page and modified Page models for drying kinetics as well as the Friedman and Vyazovkin methods for solid-state decomposition kinetics. This approach was applied to data obtained from thermogravimetric analysis of three wood species (spruce, pine, and birch) at 5, 20, and 30 K/min temperature programs.According to the Page model, the average activation energies for spruce, pine, and birch wood between 30 and 150 °C were 12.87 ± 1.08, 13.32 ± 0.48, and 11.61 ± 0.59 kJ/mol, respectively. While all activation energies fell between 11.0 and 14.5 kJ/mol, the modified Page model predicted slightly higher energies, with an average absolute difference of 6.4% from Page's predictions. The activation energies and pre-exponential factors predicted by both models were lower at low heating rates, with the pre-exponential factor yielding significantly large differences between 5 and 30 K/min. These results showed that drying kinetics were significantly affected by heating rates. In addition, the goodness-of-fit analysis revealed that both models were reasonably accurate when predicting wood drying kinetics.For the analysis of solid-state decomposition kinetics, a comparison of Friedman's linear differential method (FR) and Vyazovkin's nonlinear integral method (NLN-INT) was conducted at temperatures higher than 150 °C. In contrast to the NLN-INT method, the FR method predicted activation energies slightly higher, with an average absolute difference of about 8.4%. Evaluation of the relative errors revealed that both the FR and NLN-INT methods performed similarly. However, the Friedman (FR) method provided a reasonable fit to multistep decomposition kinetics through the simultaneous estimation of activation energies and pre-exponential factors. Nevertheless, the activation energies estimated by both the FR and NLN-INT methods were unreliable at conversions of α < 0.15 and α > 0.85. Validation of the kinetic results was conducted with differential thermogravimetric data at a heating rate of 5 K/min.

Sustainable Hybrid Lime Mortars for Historic Building Conservation: Incorporating Wood Biomass Ash as a Low-Carbon Secondary Binder

Renewables-based power grid expansion has increased the use of wood biomass as a low-carbon fuel, resulting in the generation of predominantly inorganic wood biomass ash (WBA) as waste during biomass combustion. The conservation of historically valuable, damaged, and energy-inefficient buildings can help downsize carbon emissions and energy consumption, while promoting the use of alternative repair materials, including unavailing materials such as WBA, and implementing zero-waste measures. This study aims to underscore the importance of a proactive approach in managing WBA and its application in artificial hydraulic lime (AHL) mortars. Hybrid lime mortars were prepared by combining natural hydraulic lime (NHL) as the primary binder with fly wood biomass ash (WBA) as the secondary substitute, using different mass ratios of NHL to WBA (100:0, 80:20, and 70:30). The experimental framework encompassed interconnected analytical steps, ranging from binder analysis to paste and mortar preparation. The chemical and mineralogical composition, physical properties, and reactivity of WBA were evaluated to determine the appropriate proportion of WBA for low-carbon AHL binder formulation. Prior to mortar mixing, the water demand, setting time, and soundness of the AHL pastes were assessed. The effects of each AHL binder blend on the mechanical properties of the AHL mortars were analyzed based on compressive and flexural strength measurements after 28 days of curing under different CO2 and moisture conditions (CO2~400 ppm at 70% RH and 95% RH; CO2~30,000 ppm at 60% RH). Additionally, changes in the porous structure were studied. Notwithstanding the greatly prolonged setting time, the results indicate that the mechanical properties of AHL mortars can be enhanced by the addition of WBA in a moderate ratio, empowering the development of environmentally friendly lime mortars suitable for conservation purposes.

Evaluation of Invasive Herbaceous Plants Utilization for the Production of Pressed Biofuel

The present article focuses on pressed biofuel preparation from invasive herbaceous plants, and the quality indicators and properties were analyzed and determined. Two invasive herbaceous plants were chosen for this research: giant knotweed (Fallopia sachalinensis) and Sosnowsky’s hogweed (Heracleum sosnowskyi). For a control, pine wood biomass was utilized. After harvesting and drying, plant biomass was chopped and milled and later pressed into cylindrical pellets and briquettes. The research results for the pellets’ and briquettes’ physical and elemental properties showed that the density of the pellets (moisture 5–8%) reached 1145.60–1227.47 kg m−3, and the average density of the briquettes reached 615.60–867.31 kg m−3. The determined critical compressive strength of the pellets ranged from 420 N to 676 N, and the briquettes disintegrated under a significantly greater critical force of 783 N to 1219 N. The variation in pellet compressive strength with changes in their moisture content was also investigated. The determined lower caloric value of the pellets varied from 15.9 MJ kg−1 to 18.6 MJ kg−1. Harmful gas emissions during burning of the tested biofuel pellets were also evaluated and determined, and they were sufficiently low and did not exceed the permissible values. Finally, it can be stated that all of the pressed biofuels produced from invasive herbaceous plants met the most important requirements for the quality of pressed solid biofuel and can be used for burning in special boilers.

Resistance of Chip Block Pallet from Teak Wood Particle against Decay Fungi and Subterranean Termites

Wood biomass such as sawdust, particles, and chip obtained wood industry can be used as raw material for chip block pallets (CBP). This study evaluated the resistance of chip block pallets made from teak-sawn waste and polyurethane adhesive against decay fungi (white-rot and brown-rot fungi) and subterranean termites. The CBPs with dimensions of 9 × 9 × 9 cm and a target density of 0.6 g/cm3 were cold pressed at 9.8 MPa for 4 h using several polyurethane concentrations and composition of particle sizes. The termite and decay resistance tests were conducted following JIS K 1571 2004. The results showed that CBP treated with different polyurethane concentrations and composition of particle sizes was resistant to subterranean termite attacks. However, the CBP manufactured were not resistant to white-rot and brown-rot fungi attacks, showing more than 3% mass loss percentage. Considering the efficiency of polyurethane use, the study suggested the best content for using polyurethane in the manufacture of CBP is 4.5% with a particle size composition of 50 (4-14 mesh): 50 (&gt; 60 mesh). Keywords: Biodeterioration, chip block pallet, polyurethane, teak wood particles

Two R2R3-MYB transcription factors from Chinese cedar (Cryptomeria fortunei Hooibrenk) are involved in the regulation of secondary cell wall formation

As the most abundant renewable energy source, wood comprises the secondary cell wall (SCW). SCW biosynthesis involves lignin and cellulose deposition. Increasing studies have illustrated that R2R3-MYB transcription factors (TFs) play pivotal roles in affecting lignin accumulation and SCW formation. Nevertheless, the regulatory roles of R2R3-MYBs are still unresolved in Cryptomeria fortunei Hooibrenk cambium and wood formation. To dissect the potentials of CfMYBs, we successfully cloned and intensively studied the functions of CfMYB4 and CfMYB5 in SCW formation and abiotic stress response. They both contained the conserved MYB domain capable of forming a special structure that could bind to the core motifs of downstream genes. The phylogenetic tree implied that two CfMYBs clustered into different evolutionary branches. They were predominantly expressed in the stem and were localized to the nucleus. Furthermore, CfMYB4 functioned as an activator to enhance lignin and cellulose accumulation, and increase the SCW thickness by elevating the expression levels of SCW-related genes. By contrast, CfMYB5 negatively regulated lignin and cellulose biosynthesis, and decreased SCW formation by reducing the expression of SCW biosynthetic genes. Our data not only highlight the regulatory functions of CfMYBs in lignin deposition but also provide critical insights into the development of strategies for the genetic improvement of Cryptomeria fortunei wood biomass.

Wood Biomass Ash (WBA) from the Heat Production Process as a Mineral Amendment for Improving Selected Soil Properties

This research concerned the possibilities of the natural management of ash, which is a waste product obtained in the process of burning wood chips in a bio-heating plant. The basis of the research was a pot experiment, which was carried out in a greenhouse of the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn, Poland. This experiment dealt with the influence of increasing doses of wood biomass ash added to soil on selected soil properties. The soil used for the pot experiment was taken from the arable layer (0–25 cm) of the soil. It was characterized by acidic reaction, low salinity, and an average content of total carbon (TC). The test plant was corn. Soil analysis after plant harvest showed an increase in pH and a significant improvement of soil sorption properties, without causing an excessive increase in soil salinity. In addition, a significant increase in the content of available K, P, and Mg was observed, which at the highest dose of WBA reached: 121.9; 109.3, and 41.33 mg kg−1 of soil, respectively. The content of trace metals: iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), chrome (Cr), and nickel (Ni) in the soil was quite varied but did not exceed the permissible values for agricultural soils. The content of available forms of these trace metals at the highest dose of WBA was, respectively, 1004, 129.9, 8.70, 2.08, 5.54, 0.195, 1.47, 0.97, and 1.92 kg−1 of soil. The results confirmed the significant fertilizing potential of wood biomass ash.

Experimental Analysis of Heavy Metal Contaminated Electroplating Industrial Site Soil Using Tamarind Seed Biochar

Abstract: Biochar application is a promising strategy for the rehabilitation of contaminated soil while ensuring suitable waste management. Biochar is a highly porous organic material derived from wood, manure, or plant-based biomass through pyrolysis in a low-oxygen environment. Pyrolysis is a technique that produces biochar by means of the thermal decomposition of the feedstock in an oxygen-free environment. In this work, tamarind seed was pyrolyzed in a muffle furnace 500 – 700oC to prepare biochar. The soil is contaminated with the electroplating industrial effluent, which is rich in nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), and chromium (Cr) concentrations. In this study, the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) technique has been used to find the removal efficiency of heavy metals for a curing time of 7, 14 and 28 days soil samples The result obtained from the physicochemical analysis indicated that the contaminated soils recorded an acidic pH. Adding biochar to contaminated soil in different percentages (2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10%) to increase the pH value and using direct shear test, the shear strength of the soil determined different percentage of biochar. The result obtained adding 8% of Biochar to get optimum Shear strength. The functional groups present in the raw biomass and pyrolyzed biochar are determined using fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)

Correlation Between Key Parameters of Wood Biomass Reverse Supply Chains and Their Impact on Total Biomass Acquisition Levels

Correlation Between Key Parameters of Wood Biomass Reverse Supply Chains and Their Impact on Total Biomass Acquisition Levels

Development of drum wood-cutting machines construction

Problem. The wood harvested in forests is increasingly being used as an alternative fuel to replace fossil hydrocarbons for heat and electricity generation on an industrial scale and in everyday life as of today. Currently, the need and importance of developing the means of producing wood biomass has been highlighted even by law. Therefore, it is an important and timely task to improve high-performance wood-shredding machines for the technological wood chips production, from which heat can be obtained in various ways. Goal. The purpose is to improve the process of the technological wood chips production on drum cutting machines. Methodology. Solving the tasks involved improving the conditions for cutting wood with a drum knife and additional grinding of too large wood particles with the steps of the calibration stepped sieve in order to obtain technological wood chips of the required size and quality. Results. Technical solutions for improving the process of producing technological wood chips on a drum cutting machine are proposed, which improve the quality of technological wood chips and increase the productivity of obtaining wood particles of the required sizes. Originality/Novelty. Technical solutions were formed on the basis of the improvement of two areas of wood shredding: in the area of interaction of unshredded wood with the drum knife and in the area of interaction of oversized wooden crushed particles with the steps of the stepped sieve (which work as additional cutting blades). Practical value. The application of the proposed technical solutions will make it possible to increase the efficiency of technological wood chips production of the required size and quality on a drum cutting machine.

Selected Challenges of Closed-Loop Economy in the Furniture Industry

Selected Challenges of Closed-Loop Economy in the Furniture Industry. In this work, the subject matterof the reutilization of wood and other wood-derived materials in the field of carpentry was addressed. To beginwith, particular emphasis was placed on elucidating the definitions of upcycling. Additionally, a comparativeanalysis was conducted, juxtaposing the aforementioned upcycling process with the practice commonly referredto as downcycling. Subsequently, an exposition was presented regarding the concept of a closed-loop economy,alongside an exploration of the legal frameworks governing the reuse of waste materials. The final section of thestudy delved into the intricacies surrounding recycling within the realm of furniture manufacturing, encompassinga comprehensive elucidation of wood biomass and its subsequent utilization, followed by a focused examinationof the potentialities offered through the repurposing of, for instance, antiquated furniture items.

Fine-tuning brassinosteroid biosynthesis via 3'UTR-dependent decay of CPD mRNA modulates wood formation in Populus.

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are plant hormones that regulate wood formation in trees. Currently, little is known about the post-transcriptional regulation of BR synthesis. Here, we show that during wood formation, fine-tuning BR synthesis requires 3'UTR-dependent decay of Populus CONSTITUTIVE PHOTOMORPHOGENIC DWARF 1 (PdCPD1). Overexpression of PdCPD1 or its 3' UTR fragment resulted in a significant increase of BR levels and inhibited secondary growth. In contrast, transgenic poplars repressing PdCPD1 3' UTR expression displayed moderate levels of BR and promoted wood formation. We show that the Populus GLYCINE-RICH RNA-BINDING PROTEIN 1 (PdGRP1) directly binds to a GU-rich element in 3' UTR of PdCPD1, leading to its mRNA decay. We thus provide a post-transcriptional mechanism underlying BRs synthesis during wood formation, which may be useful for genetic manipulation of wood biomass in trees.