This study considers biocomposite materials based on a glutinous matrix and fillers of plant origin. Waste from the woodworking industry and the agricultural sector is a promising raw material for obtaining fillers for biocomposite materials, which are characterized by a high degree of environmental safety and renewable raw material base. The task addressed is to optimize the amount of technological additive (water) in the glutinous composition, which contributes to the formation of a dense structure of the biocomposite material with a compact arrangement of particles of the combined mixture of fillers. In the process of research, the effectiveness of using fillers of different granulometric composition against the effect of mechanical loads was determined. The complex effect of fillers of plant origin on the mechanical characteristics of biocomposite materials was studied, which made it possible to define the optimal composition of the biocomposite. An analysis of the effect of the amount of moisture in the composition on the formation of the structure and the resistance of the biocomposite material to the effect of static and dynamic loads was carried out. The maximum values of the ultimate compressive strength (115–120 MPa) were obtained for biocomposites containing a mixture of fillers of different granulometric composition (40–80% of cereal stalk particles, the remaining particles of wood flour) provided that 30% of moisture is removed from the composition. The maximum impact strength (13.8 kJ/m2) was established for biocomposites containing 100% of crushed cereal stalks provided that 10% of moisture is removed from the composition. The designed materials could be used to manufacture packaging elements that are disposed of after operation by recycling or through safe decomposition at landfills without harm to the environment

Sustainable N, P co-doped hierarchical porous carbon via coupling phytic acid-melamine assisted hydrothermal carbonization with high temperature activation.

Plastic waste poses a growing environmental challenge due to the extensive use of plastics in packaging applications. Recycling plastics offers environmental and economic advantages. Wood flour-derived from cypress wood, often generated as a by-product and discarded in landfills, contributes to environmental In this study, wood–plastic composites were fabricated from recycled high-density polyethylene, wood flour, and high-density polyethylene with maleic anhydride-grafted polyethylene as a coupling agent. Five composite formulations were produced by varying the recycled high-density polyethylene and wood flour volume ratios and processed through injection molding. The mechanical properties, including flexural, tensile, and impact strengths, along with water absorption behavior and microstructural characteristics, were evaluated in accordance with relevant standards using a universal testing machine, Charpy impact test, and scanning electron microscopy. The results revealed that increasing the recycled high-density polyethylene content from 20% to 35% significantly improved the composite performance, reducing water absorption by 9.86% and enhancing flexural, tensile, and impact strengths by 43.33%, 36%, and 35.03%, respectively. Morphological analysis confirmed improved fiber–matrix interfacial adhesion with higher recycled plastic content. These findings demonstrate the potential of recycled high-density polyethylene wood composites as sustainable materials for structural applications, combining environmental benefits with enhanced mechanical performance.

In response to growing interest in green additives derived from natural raw materials or post-production waste of natural origin, epoxy compositions containing the additive in the form of waste wood flour and microcellulose were prepared. The research involved the chemical modification of the additive through a two-stage silanization process using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane. Followed by filler’s characterization using Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) to analyze the modification in chemical structure, Wide Angle X-Ray Diffraction (WAXD) to detect differences in crystal structure, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to observe morphological changes. Next, waste oak flour (WF) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were used in unmodified and silanized form (sil-WF and sil-MCC, respectively) to prepare epoxy composites, followed by testing their influence on the mechanical (hardness, tensile strength, flexural strength, compressive strength, and impact strength), thermal, and morphological characteristics of epoxy composites based on Epidian 6. Comparing the effect of modification on the properties of the analyzed additives, it was found that silanization had a larger impact on increasing the interaction of the waste wood flour with the epoxy matrix than silanization of MCC due to a lesser tendency of the sil-WF than the sil-MCC to agglomerate. An enhanced interaction of sil-WF with the polymer resulted in improved mechanical properties. Composite EP/sil-WF (cured epoxy composite based on low-molecular-weight epoxy resin Epidian 6 filled with 5 wt.% of silanized wood flour) was characterized by improved flexural (61.97 MPa) and compressive properties (69.1 MPa) compared to both EP/WF (cured epoxy composite based on low-molecular-weight epoxy resin Epidian 6 filled with 5 wt.% of unmodified wood flour) (42.39 MPa and 61.0 MPa) and the unfilled reference composition (54.55 MPa and 67.4 MPa, respectively). Moreover, compositions containing a cellulosic additive were characterized by better impact properties than the reference composition.

Abstract The sustainable utilization of wood waste is critical for reducing environmental impact and promoting more resource-efficient construction materials. This study investigates the effects of wood flour particle size, wood content, and extrusion parameters—specifically extrusion rate—on the fabrication of wood flour–epoxy composites designed for extrusion-based 3D printing. Through a factorial experimental design, the effects of these parameters on mechanical, physical, and fire-resistant properties were systematically evaluated. Characterization included flexural and compressive strength tests, water absorption, dimensional stability, and fire resistance assessments. Statistical analyses revealed that the epoxy-to-wood ratio is the most influential factor, with a 55:45 ratio yielding optimal results enhanced mechanical strength, improved dimensional stability, and superior fire resistance, while minimizing surface defects. These findings highlight the importance of precise extrusion parameter optimization to produce high-performance composites that incorporate renewable wood resources. The results provide valuable insights for developing partially bio-based materials capable of reducing reliance on petroleum-derived polymers, supporting improved sustainability and performance in construction applications.

Comparative study on the machining performance of wood–plastic composites with different wood flour content

This study investigates the development of sustainable PVC-based composites filled with surface-modified wood flour for potential use in modern, energy-efficient building systems. The aim was to enhance the mechanical performance, thermal stability, and interfacial compatibility of PVC plastisols by incorporating fine- and coarse-grained coniferous wood flour modified with silane and surfactants. Composites were formulated using emulsion PVC (Vinnolit E-2059), bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate as a plasticizer, and MARK-17 MOK as a thermal stabilizer, and were gelled under pressure at 150 °C. Their physical, mechanical, structural, and thermal characteristics were evaluated using density and hardness measurements, SEM, thermomechanical analysis, DMA, and TGA. The results demonstrated that composites containing fine-grained, silane-treated wood flour (Lignocel C-120) exhibited the most advantageous balance of stiffness, elasticity, and thermal resistance, attributable to improved polymer-wood interfacial adhesion. The findings confirm the potential of modified wood flour as an effective bio-based filler enabling the design of durable, thermally stable coating and insulating materials with reduced environmental impact. The proposed composites may serve as protective, bonding, or insulating layers in sustainable construction, supporting the development of innovative, wood-based materials for low-carbon building applications.

This work aimed to investigate the properties of cross-linked elastomeric blends based on natural rubber (NR) and chloroprene rubber (CR), incorporating plant-derived fillers as environmentally friendly additives. The selected eco-friendly biofillers included ginseng, lemongrass, turmeric, or wood flour. In situ surface modification with n-octadecyltrimethoxysilane was carried out to enhance the compatibility between the fillers and the elastomeric matrix. The results showed that both unmodified and silane-modified plant-based fillers can be effectively used in NR/CR composites, yielding vulcanizates with favorable performance characteristics. The ginseng-filled composite exhibited the highest degree of cross-linking and superior mechanical strength among the tested materials. Turmeric, in both its unmodified and silane-treated forms, contributed to the greatest resistance against aging factors. Notably, the silane-modified wood flour filler significantly improved tear resistance, nearly doubling that of the unfilled rubber. Overall, these novel rubber composites demonstrate not only promising functional properties but also considerable ecological and economic advantages.

This study provides a comprehensive review of contemporary research and characterization techniques for nanocomposites, along with a thorough analysis of the latest trends in this field. Nanocomposites represent a novel category of material, characterized by the presence of fillers with a nanoscale dimension (graphene 5-25 nm, nano silica 70-90 nm). These materials possess considerable potential for application in diverse industrial sectors, including the automotive, aerospace, construction, electrical, and food packaging domains. There is a substantial interest in the utilization of nanoparticles, such as graphene and nano-silica fillers, in the development of innovative natural composites. The possibility of obtaining environmentally friendly nanocomposite materials with improved properties based on renewable natural raw materials (wood flour), which are easy to obtain and inexpensive, as well as nanoparticles as important fillers in polymer composites, is demonstrated. A range of composite materials has been developed, based on wood flour, with varying dispersion qualities, and with different percentage contents of binder (3-20%), ethyl silicate (40%), as well as nanofillers, including graphene and nano-silica particles. It has been demonstrated that the addition of nanoparticles enhances the mechanical properties and overall performance of the composites. In order to identify the composition of the nanocomposites, a series of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic studies was carried out. The physical-mechanical properties and water absorption of the compositions were studied, and surface morphology was investigated using the optical microscopic method. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis methods were used to observe the thermal properties of the materials.

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues worldwide, with large amounts of conventional plastics accumulating in terrestrial and marine ecosystems due to their persistence and ineffective waste management. Developing and understanding the biodegradation behavior of environmentally friendly alternatives, such as bioplastics, is therefore crucial to mitigate this problem. In this context, the degradation of PHBV-based biocomposites containing purified cellulose (TC), wood flour (WF), and almond shell (AS) fibers have been investigated and compared with neat PHBV in two Mediterranean marine locations—a port and the open sea, within the same geographic region. Changes in weight, surface morphology, surface roughness, surface chemistry, and mechanical properties were monitored and periodically evaluated over 18 months of seawater exposure at the two sites. After 18 months of immersion, PHBV/AS showed the highest disintegration degree (88% for 150 µm films and 33% for 500 µm sheets), with the port environment promoting up to a two- to three-fold higher biodegradation rate compared to the open sea. Additionally, mineralization was studied in lab-simulated marine conditions by tracking CO2 release in order to study the actual effect of the fibers on the biodegradation rate of the PHBV. The research highlighted the significant influence of habitat-specific factors on biodegradation, with the port environment exhibiting a more pronounced impact on bacterial adhesion, weight loss, and the deterioration of mechanical properties compared to the open sea. Lignocellulosic fillers, regardless of type, promoted PHBV biodegradation in both conditions. In particular, PHBV/AS exhibited the highest disintegration degree, followed by PHBV/TC and PHBV/WF. Fiber characteristics such as size, shape, and porosity predominantly governed biocomposite disintegrability. Almond shell was revealed as the most favorable fiber for PHBV biodegradation during mineralization test. Under laboratory-simulated marine conditions, the composites reached 50% mineralization between 55 and 70% faster than neat PHBV, confirming the accelerating effect of the fibers on the biodegradation kinetics. This study aims to shed light on the understanding of the biodegradation mechanism of biodegradable polymers and the effect of cellulosic fillers on this natural process. Additionally, the study includes tests and measurements of biodegradation under real conditions, which will provide further insights into the kinetics of this process. This knowledge is of interest for designing biodegradable products and predicting their biodegradation time.

The paper presents the results of research on composites containing wood flour and vinyl ester resins as matrices. One of the resins was a commercially available vinyl ester resin (VER) based on bisphenol A, while the other (VPE)—not containing bisphenol A, was obtained by us in an innovative way protected by a patent, whereas light yellow wood flour (WF) powder was obtained from spruce (Picea) and fir (Abies). Due to the fact that vinyl ester resins are characterized by large mechanical and chemical resistance, they are used mainly in the form of composites for the production of everyday products. To verify the possibilities of their biomedical applications, our studies focused on the evaluation and comparison of cytotoxicity of both resins using human skin fibroblasts and their resistance to bacterial bio-film adhesion for the aerobic Gram-positive bacteria Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Enterococcus faecalis PCM 896 (Polish Collection of Microorganisms), and the aerobic Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli ATCC 25992.

Sustainable composite from furfuryl alcohol and wood flour with outstanding fire resistance and its prediction using neural networks

Abstract Transporting and assembling large, complex structures poses significant challenges due to their size, geometry, and cost. Additionally, the installation sites are often inaccessible or hazardous for humans, necessitating self-assembling capabilities in these structures. To mitigate these challenges, we propose using 3D printing materials with shape memory effect (SME) for both transport and construction. This approach involves developing 3D modular components into flat sheets for easier transportation, and then self-assembling into 3D structures on-site using solar energy. To gain a deeper understanding of the factors influencing material memory performance, we have chosen a composite PLA/WF, which is polylactic acid (PLA) with 20wt% wood flour (WF) for this purpose, leveraging its high tensile modulus at 0.966 GPa, low cost, and sustainability. Printed shapes with this material can maintain a recovery ratio over 90% after 3 cycles. While traditional composites fillers (e.g., glass or carbon fiber) are added to enhance mechanical and thermal properties, the addition of bio-based fillers like wood flour accomplish similar goals without compromising sustainability. We conducted multiple experiments to demonstrate how environmental conditions (i.e., temperature) maximize the material's SME. Although still at an early stage, this study provides initial insights into bridging the gap between the small-scale nature of shape memory polymers and their potential for large-scale additive manufacturing, addressing a critical need for efficient and sustainable construction. In the long term, we hope our study contributes to the design vision of utilizing shape memory polymers for transportation, assembly, and deployment of complex structures, providing a new pathway for sustainable construction and transportation of large-scale structures to hard-to-access locations such as disaster-affected areas and remote deserts, etc.

Abstract The global pursuit of sustainable energy solutions has heightened interest in biomass as a renewable feedstock for energy production. Among thermochemical processes, pyrolysis presents a promising method for converting biomass into valuable fuels, chemicals, and biochar. This study investigates the thermal degradation behavior and kinetic properties of four distinct biomasses—municipal sludge, cow manure, cork, and wood flour—using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) at a constant heating rate of 5 °C/min. Mass loss profiles, enthalpy changes, kinetic energies, and activation energies were analyzed to elucidate the thermal stability and reactivity of each material. Activation energies were estimated using a simplified Kissinger method based on mass degradation rates. Cork exhibited the highest enthalpy release (16,021 J/min), reflecting its highly aromatic, lignin-rich structure, while sludge displayed the lowest energy output, attributed to its high inorganic content. Wood flour demonstrated characteristics of crystalline cellulose decomposition, whereas cow manure exhibited a two-step degradation behavior linked to hemicellulose and cellulose breakdown. These findings provide critical insights into the pyrolysis behavior of diverse biomass resources and offer a scientific basis for optimizing energy recovery processes from mixed waste streams.

This study mapped a wide range of naturally derived odors, including those derived from wood, on the two-dimensional axes of tense arousal (TA) and energetic arousal (EA), and examined whether quadrant differences influenced recovery following stress. In the context of Attention Restoration Theory and biophilic design, the study provided preliminary evidence that olfactory stimuli can be treated as a designable element in a functional and reproducible manner. In Experiment 1, wood flours, wood essential oils, and non-wood oils were mapped based on subjective ratings conducted under identical conditions, and differences in their TA-EA positions were revealed. Ratings of "naturalness" were associated with lower EA, suggesting that quadrant mapping can capture meaningful dimensions of odor perception. In Experiment 2, Hinoki and camphor were selected as contrasting stimuli. Hinoki facilitated initial recovery of autonomic nervous system activity, as shown by lower heart rate compared with no odor, whereas camphor showed no effect. These findings demonstrate that TA-EA quadrant mapping provides a practical framework for olfactory design in indoor environments.

This study examined the biodegradation process of highly filled biocomposites composed of ethylene-octene copolymer (EOC) and wood flour (WF) in varying proportions from 30 to 70 wt.%. The researchers analyzed the structure and characteristics of the samples before and after a 22-month soil-aging period. By employing techniques such as weight loss measurement, water absorption testing, optical microscopy, EPR spectroscopy with a radical probe, and gel permeation chromatography, the team identified fundamental patterns in oxidative and biological processes. The investigation revealed that the composition containing 40% WF exhibited the highest level of EOC degradation: polydispersity index increased from 2.7 to 4.5, and the Mw (weight-average molecular weight) decreased from 168 to 114 kDa. An explanation for this observation was proposed, suggesting that the phase structure significantly influences biodegradation, with the rate peaking when the interface area is maximized.

Analysis of the impact of aging processes induced by environmental conditions, particularly aggressive ones, on the properties of polymeric materials and products made from them has been the subject of intensive research for many years. Developing materials characterized by high resistance to the specific external factors in which these materials are used is a key issue in the context of developing a sustainable economy aimed at minimizing waste and extending the service life of polymeric components. The main objective of this research was to assess and quantify the degradation mechanisms of polymeric materials manufactured using additive Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technology when exposed to aggressive marine environments. To achieve this, the study analyzed the influence of seawater corrosion conditions on the changes in mechanical and rheological properties of two polymeric materials: recycled polylactide (rPLA) and a wood–polymer composite (WPC) based on PLA reinforced with wood flour (MD). The results revealed that rPLA exhibited an approximately 16% decrease in average molecular weight after 9 months of seawater exposure, accompanied by a 37% reduction in tensile strength and a 24% decrease in elastic modulus. In the case of the WPC, the molecular weight decreased by about 20%, while tensile strength and elastic modulus dropped by 30% and 51%, respectively. The findings provide quantitative evidence of the susceptibility of additively manufactured biodegradable polymers to marine-induced degradation, highlighting the necessity of further optimization for maritime and coastal applications.

ABSTRACT In this paper, silica‐strontium aluminate (SrAl 2 O 4 : Eu 2+ , Dy 3+ ) hereafter referred to as SiO 2  SrAl 2 O 4 : Eu 2+ , Dy 3+ were prepared by the solution gel method using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as the silica source. An SiO 2 protective layer was formed on the surface of the strontium aluminate phosphor after drying, which provided the strontium aluminate phosphor with a high degree of water resistance. The pH of its aqueous solution remained at 8.5 after being placed in water for 400 min, after which the fluorescent wood‐plastic composite 3D printing substrate was prepared. This was achieved by utilizing Poly Lactic Acid (PLA) and poplar wood flour as the substrate, with the addition of the SiO 2 SrAl 2 O 4 : Eu 2+ , Dy 3+ phosphor. The preparation of the fluorescent wood‐plastic composite (WPC) 3D printing substrate is outlined below. The composite 3D printing substrate has been found to demonstrate a tensile strength of 48.64 MPa when subjected to an SiO 2 Al 2 O 4 : Eu 2+ , Dy 3+ phosphor content of 4%; at the same time, it has a good fluorescent effect. The substrate has been shown to enhance the versatility of PLA composites and reduce the cost of fluorescent WPC. These materials are both waterproof, making them suitable for a wider range of applications. They exhibit favorable nighttime fluorescent properties and permit experimentation with personalized customization through 3D printing.

Wood flour, a landscaping byproduct, poses disposal challenges due to its poor degradability, despite its potential as a sustainable material. This study modified wood powder by synergistically incorporating fly ash and TiO2, followed by curing it with polyamide and epoxy resin to produce high-performance wood powder-based composites suitable for outdoor furniture applications, it can solve the environmental problems caused by fly ash. The research findings indicated that as the TiO2 content increased, the material’s pore size diminished, structural strength improved, and it demonstrated enhanced hydrophobic properties and UV absorption capabilities. The optimal UV absorption performance was observed at a TiO2 content of 1.5%. The combination of TiO2 and fly ash led to the formation of more stable Si-O-Ti and Si-O-Si bonds, which further strengthened the material. Water contact angle and water repellency tests indicated that the 1.5% TiO2 composite showed a 12% increase in compressive strength and a water contact angle of 100.6°, indicating improved hydrophobicity. The addition of TiO2 reduced the number of free-OH groups within the matrix, thereby improving the composite’s hydrophobicity. Outdoor chairs fabricated by mixing 1.5% TiO2-modified wood powder with PET for demolding exhibited excellent structural stability while also being safe and environmentally friendly. This study proposes a feasible preparation strategy for wood powder, enhancing durability through improved mechanical strength, water repellency, and UV shielding. Furthermore, it offers valuable insights into the material modification of wood powder-based materials for the production of outdoor garden furniture.

In this research, effect of nanoclay cloisite 30B and Coupling agent MAPP on mechanical properties of wood plastic composite that produced from picea flour/ poly propylene/ nanoclay inspected. for this propose, we used picea wood flour in constant level of 40%, MAPP in two levels of 2% and 4% and nanoclay in 4 levels of 0, 1, 3 and 5%. Next, wood plastic nano composite constructed by using of injection moulding method, and mechanical tests containing tensile, bending and impact performed on samples. Results showed that tensile strength and flexural strength and flexural modulus of composite enhance by increasing nanoclay and MAPP. Structural studies of wood plastic nano composite by diffraction of x ray also showed that distribution of nanoclay particles in polymer field is intercalation, and distance of between layers increase by enhancing of nanoclay particles amount.