Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
5.8
3.1
Journals
Materials
Special Issues
Application of Natural Polymers in Bio-Based Products
materials-logo
Submit to Materials Review for Materials Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

► Journal Menu

Journal Browser

► Journal Browser
share announcement

Application of Natural Polymers in Bio-Based Products

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Polymeric Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 October 2023) | Viewed by 21215

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Reza Hosseinpourpia

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Forestry and Wood Technology, Faculty of Technology, Linnaeus University, Georg Lückligs Plats 1, 352 95 Växjö, Sweden
Interests: wood modification; functionalization of biopolymers; bio-based adhesives and additives; wood composites
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Building industries, like many other sectors, use almost exclusively inorganic, synthetic, and petroleum-derived materials in various products as protective and water-repallent agents, matrix polymers, adhesives, and additives. With the worsening global energy crisis, and the increasing concerns on the carcinogenic formaldehyde-based components as well as the greater consumer interest in healthy and sustainable products, the building-related industries including wood and paint sectors, have been forced to find alternatives from renewable resources. However, developing good properties from biobased polymers is challenging and requires more research.

This Special Issue, entitled “Application of Natural Polymers in Biobased Products”, welcomes high-quality research and review articles that address various topics related, but not limited, to the latest approaches on the application of biobased polymers in composites; the uses of biopolymer-based adhesives in panel manufacturing, i.e., wood-based panels; the application of additives from renewable resources to improve the material properties of natural products; the application of biopolymers to entirely or partially replace petroleum-based materials; the application of natural polymers for protection of lignocellulosic materials; and the use of bio-nanomaterials for production of smart wood composites. 

Dr. Reza Hosseinpourpia
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • Biopolymers 
  • Chemical modification 
  • Bioadhesives and additives 
  • Natural products 
  • Protection of bioproducts 
  • Lignocellulosic materials 
  • Smart wood composites 
  • Bionanomaterials

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

16 pages, 2198 KiB  
Article
Properties and Emissions of Three-Layer Particleboards Manufactured with Mixtures of Wood Chips and Partially Liquefied Bark
by Wen Jiang, Stergios Adamopoulos, Reza Hosseinpourpia, Thomas Walther and Sergej Medved
Materials 2023, 16(5), 1855; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16051855 - 24 Feb 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3462
Abstract
Partial liquefaction of residual biomass shows good potential for developing new materials suitable for making bio-based composites. Three-layer particleboards were produced by replacing virgin wood particles with partially liquefied bark (PLB) in the core or surface layers. PLB was prepared by the acid-catalyzed [...] Read more.
Partial liquefaction of residual biomass shows good potential for developing new materials suitable for making bio-based composites. Three-layer particleboards were produced by replacing virgin wood particles with partially liquefied bark (PLB) in the core or surface layers. PLB was prepared by the acid-catalyzed liquefaction of industrial bark residues in polyhydric alcohol. The chemical and microscopic structure of bark and residues after liquefaction were evaluated by means of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), while the particleboards were tested for their mechanical and water-related properties, as well as their emission profiles. Through a partial liquefaction process, some FTIR absorption peaks of the bark residues were lower than those of raw bark, indicating hydrolysis of chemical compounds. The surface morphology of bark did not change considerably after partial liquefaction. Particleboards with PLB in the core layers showed overall lower densities and mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, and internal bond strength), and were less water-resistant as compared to the ones with PLB used in the surface layers. Formaldehyde emissions from the particleboards were 0.284–0.382 mg/m2·h, and thus, below the E1 class limit required by European Standard EN 13986:2004. The major emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were carboxylic acids as oxidization and degradation products from hemicelluloses and lignin. The application of PLB in three-layer particleboards is more challenging than in single-layer boards as PLB has different effects on the core and surface layers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Natural Polymers in Bio-Based Products)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 3016 KiB  
Article
Performance of Impregnated Paper Decorated Blockboard Manufactured Using HDF as Equilibrium Layer
by Lu Fang, Xizhen Lu, Xianfeng Mo, Xinhao Zhang and Chengsheng Gui
Materials 2022, 15(18), 6342; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15186342 - 13 Sep 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2126
Abstract
In order to further improve the performance of impregnated paper decorated blockboard (ecological board), high-density fiberboard (HDF) was selected as the equilibrium layer to replace the commonly used poplar veneer. Results showed that the performance of HDF ecological board can be comparable to [...] Read more.
In order to further improve the performance of impregnated paper decorated blockboard (ecological board), high-density fiberboard (HDF) was selected as the equilibrium layer to replace the commonly used poplar veneer. Results showed that the performance of HDF ecological board can be comparable to that of poplar veneer ecological board. It had good appearance quality, and its surface scratch resistance, surface wear resistance, water resistance and mechanical properties met the requirements of National Standard GB/T 34722-2017. The surface cracking resistance of the ecological board prepared with HDF as the equilibrium layer reached the highest level (grade 5), far better than that of the poplar veneer ecological board. This was because HDF was a relatively homogeneous material, and its dry shrinkage in both the transverse direction and along the grain direction was much lower than that of the poplar veneer. This characteristic of HDF made it possible to improve the dimensional stability and bending resistance of blockboard substrates under dry and hot conditions. The formaldehyde emission of the HDF ecological board was higher than that of the poplar veneer ecological board, but it met the formaldehyde emission requirements of indoor materials according to GB 18580-2001. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Natural Polymers in Bio-Based Products)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 17528 KiB  
Article
Application of Waterborne Acrylic and Solvent-Borne Polyester Coatings on Plasma-Treated Fir (Abies alba M.) Wood
by Hadi Gholamiyan, Behnam Gholampoor and Reza Hosseinpourpia
Materials 2022, 15(1), 370; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15010370 - 4 Jan 2022
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2442
Abstract
This research investigates the effect of plasma treatment with air, nitrogen (N2), and carbon dioxide (CO2) gases on the performance of waterborne (acrylic) and solvent-borne (polyester) coated fir (Abies alba M.) wood samples. The properties of the plasma-coated [...] Read more.
This research investigates the effect of plasma treatment with air, nitrogen (N2), and carbon dioxide (CO2) gases on the performance of waterborne (acrylic) and solvent-borne (polyester) coated fir (Abies alba M.) wood samples. The properties of the plasma-coated samples were analyzed before and after exposure to accelerated weathering and compared with those of untreated and solely treated ones. According to pull-off testing, the coating adhesion of the wood samples was considerably improved by plasma treatment, and obvious differences were observed between different plasma gases. The effect was more pronounced after the weathering test. Similar results were obtained for the abrasion resistance of the samples. The water contact angle measurement illustrated more hydrophilic character in the solely plasma-treated wood in comparison with the untreated wood. The application of coatings, however, strongly improved its hydrophobic character. The performances of waterborne and solvent-borne coatings on plasma-treated wood were comparable, although slightly better values were obtained by the waterborne system. Our results exhibit the positive effect of plasma treatment on coating performances and the increased weather resistance of the waterborne and solvent-borne coating systems on plasma-treated wood. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Natural Polymers in Bio-Based Products)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3625 KiB  
Article
Propolis and Organosilanes as Innovative Hybrid Modifiers in Wood-Based Polymer Composites
by Majka Odalanowska, Magdalena Woźniak, Izabela Ratajczak, Daria Zielińska, Grzegorz Cofta and Sławomir Borysiak
Materials 2021, 14(2), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14020464 - 19 Jan 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 3266
Abstract
The article presents characteristics of wood/polypropylene composites, where the wood was treated with propolis extract (EEP) and innovative propolis-silane formulations. Special interest in propolis for wood impregnation is due to its antimicrobial properties. One propolis-silane formulation (EEP-TEOS/VTMOS) consisted of EEP, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), [...] Read more.
The article presents characteristics of wood/polypropylene composites, where the wood was treated with propolis extract (EEP) and innovative propolis-silane formulations. Special interest in propolis for wood impregnation is due to its antimicrobial properties. One propolis-silane formulation (EEP-TEOS/VTMOS) consisted of EEP, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), and vinyltrimethoxysilane (VTMOS), while the other (EEP-TEOS/OTEOS) contained EEP, tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), and octyltriethoxysilane (OTEOS). The treated wood fillers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), while the composites were investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and optical microscopy. The wood treated with EEP and propolis-silane formulations showed resistance against moulds, including Aspergillus niger, Chaetomium globosum, and Trichoderma viride. The chemical analyses confirmed presence of silanes and constituents of propolis in wood structure. In addition, treatment of wood with the propolis-silane formulations produced significant changes in nucleating abilities of wood in the polypropylene matrix, which was confirmed by an increase in crystallization temperature and crystal conversion, as well as a decrease in half-time of crystallization parameters compared to the untreated polymer matrix. In all the composites, the formation of a transcrystalline layer was observed, with the greatest rate recorded for the composite with the filler treated with EEP-TEOS/OTEOS. Moreover, impregnation of wood with propolis-silane formulations resulted in a considerable improvement of strength properties in the produced composites. A dependence was found between changes in the polymorphic structures of the polypropylene matrix and strength properties of composite materials. It needs to be stressed that to date literature sources have not reported on treatment of wood fillers using bifunctional modifiers providing a simultaneous effect of compatibility in the polymer-filler system or any protective effect against fungi. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Natural Polymers in Bio-Based Products)
►▼ Show Figures

Graphical abstract

Review

Jump to: Research

34 pages, 2112 KiB  
Review
Nanotechnology Applied to Cellulosic Materials
by Ana Fernandes, Luísa Cruz-Lopes, Bruno Esteves and Dmitry Evtuguin
Materials 2023, 16(8), 3104; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16083104 - 14 Apr 2023
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5788
Abstract
In recent years, nanocellulosic materials have attracted special attention because of their performance in different advanced applications, biodegradability, availability, and biocompatibility. Nanocellulosic materials can assume three distinct morphologies, including cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), cellulose nanofibers (CNF), and bacterial cellulose (BC). This review consists of [...] Read more.
In recent years, nanocellulosic materials have attracted special attention because of their performance in different advanced applications, biodegradability, availability, and biocompatibility. Nanocellulosic materials can assume three distinct morphologies, including cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), cellulose nanofibers (CNF), and bacterial cellulose (BC). This review consists of two main parts related to obtaining and applying nanocelluloses in advanced materials. In the first part, the mechanical, chemical, and enzymatic treatments necessary for the production of nanocelluloses are discussed. Among chemical pretreatments, the most common approaches are described, such as acid- and alkali-catalyzed organosolvation, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (TEMPO)-mediated oxidation, ammonium persulfate (APS) and sodium persulfate (SPS) oxidative treatments, ozone, extraction with ionic liquids, and acid hydrolysis. As for mechanical/physical treatments, methods reviewed include refining, high-pressure homogenization, microfluidization, grinding, cryogenic crushing, steam blasting, ultrasound, extrusion, aqueous counter collision, and electrospinning. The application of nanocellulose focused, in particular, on triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) with CNC, CNF, and BC. With the development of TENGs, an unparalleled revolution is expected; there will be self-powered sensors, wearable and implantable electronic components, and a series of other innovative applications. In the future new era of TENGs, nanocellulose will certainly be a promising material in their constitution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Natural Polymers in Bio-Based Products)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 672 KiB  
Review
Bonding Acetylated Veneer for Engineered Wood Products—A Review
by Maik Slabohm, Carsten Mai and Holger Militz
Materials 2022, 15(10), 3665; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15103665 - 20 May 2022
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 2910
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to put previous research findings on acetylated wood and the fabrication of veneer-based products in a common context. The first research on wood acetylation was already conducted in the 1920s using wood meal, whereas relevant research on [...] Read more.
The purpose of this review is to put previous research findings on acetylated wood and the fabrication of veneer-based products in a common context. The first research on wood acetylation was already conducted in the 1920s using wood meal, whereas relevant research on veneer acetylation was published nearly two decades later, during the 1940s. In the years that followed, a great deal of research has been done on both solid wood and composite acetylation. Developments in the 1990s and early 2000s resulted in the creation of commercial products. Nowadays, wood is becoming increasingly popular in construction. Therefore, high-performance materials with high dimensional stability and durability are required. Veneers are thereby of particular relevance because of their propensity to absorb chemicals into even tough-to-treat wood species. However, acetylation alters the bonding properties of wood, which is important for the manufacture of engineered veneer products, especially in load-bearing construction. A large amount of research is now being conducted on the acetylation of veneer, and acetylated veneer products are anticipated in the near future. This study covers the fundamentals of bonding but focuses specifically on veneer acetylation and its fabrication to engineered veneer-based products. The influencing factors of acetylation on bonding are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Natural Polymers in Bio-Based Products)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-6
Back to TopTop