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Valorization of Lignocellulosic Biomass for Functional Materials

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 December 2023) | Viewed by 7424

Special Issue Editors

1. Research Center for Biomass and Bioproducts, National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Jl Raya Bogor KM 46 Cibinong, Bogor 16911, Indonesia
2. Research Collaboration Center for Biomass-Based Nano Cosmetic, Collaboration Mulawarman University and BRIN, Samarinda 75123, Indonesia
Interests: biomass conversion; cellulose valorization; lignin valorization; bio-composite; lignin-based fire retardant; lignin-based biosurfactant; bioethanol production; biomass pretreatment; biomass hydrolysis; biomass chemistry; natural fiber characterization; pulp and paper; biomedical pulp; active bio-packaging
Department of Mechanical Wood Technology, Faculty of Forest Industry, University of Forestry, 1797 Sofia, Bulgaria
Interests: wood and wood-based composites; eco-friendly wood-based composites; lignocellulosic composites; wood technology; wood sciences; bio-based adhesives; advanced formaldehyde-based wood adhesives; formaldehyde emission; formaldehyde scavengers; recyclable materials; sustainability; bioeconomy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Department of Wood Industry, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Universiti Teknologi MARA Pahang Branch Campus Jengka, Bandar Tun Razak 26400, Pahang, Malaysia
Interests: wood composites; wood treatments; wood adhesives; wood modification; polymers
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Materials Technology Research Group (MaTReC), School of Chemical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Minden 11800, Penang, Malaysia
Interests: biomass (particularly lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose) and bioresources process; physical electrochemistry (polarization, impedance, electrochemical noise); corrosion protection (inhibitors and coatings); material technology (polymer electrolytes, absorbent, adhesives, and composites)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

It is well known that lignocellulosic biomass from wood and non-wood sources is abundant, renewable, and biodegradable. Owing to its complex structure, it can be fractionated using a variety of methods to obtain biopolymers, including cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin as the main structural components, as well as non-structural components, such as extractives. Biopolymers have become an important source for a wide variety of bioproducts, such as biocomposites, bioenergy, pulp and paper, functional materials, and fine chemicals. Biomass conversion, accomplished through different physicochemical, thermochemical, and biochemical methods, represents a key step to producing energy, chemical products, and other functional materials in an environmentally friendly and economically feasible way. Despite the fact that research on the valorization of biopolymers, such as cellulose and lignin, is progressing, the related economic aspects still remain a challenge. Therefore, relevant fractionation technology has been pursued in order to identify the best and most economically viable methods. It is also influenced by the variability of basic properties of lignocellulosic biomass based on species, growth site, age, environmental conditions, etc. The biorefinery concept in biomass conversion is a promising approach for achieving complete biopolymer utilization into various value-added bioproducts. Waste generation in the conversion process can be significantly reduced, and, thus, the circular economy principles can be achieved. The efficiency process can then be attained and the production costs can be substantially reduced. This Special Issue “Valorization of lignocellulosic biomass for functional materials” is aimed at collecting high-quality original research and review articles on topics including (but not limited to) the most recent approaches in biomass conversion of wood and non-wood materials into bioproducts; basic properties of biomass for bioproduct sources; the most recent and advanced biomass conversion technologies applicable to both woody and non-woody biomass; the effects of pretreatment variables on the properties of bioproducts; principal mechanisms of biomass conversion; utilization of biopolymers, including structural and non-structural components for functional materials, such as bio-composites, bioenergy, chemicals, pulp and paper, cosmetics, biosurfactant, etc.; application of biorefinery concept of biomass conversion into bioproducts; environmental impact and life cycle assessment of bioproducts; and socio-economical aspect assessment in the biomass conversion. We strongly encourage contributions from biopolymer scientists and experts from all related fields in the form of original research works or review articles.

This Special Issue “Valorization of lignocellulosic biomass for functional materials” is aimed at collecting high-quality original research and review articles on topics including (but not limited to) the most recent approaches in biomass conversion of wood and non-wood materials into bioproducts.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Basic properties of biomass for bioproduct sources;
  • The most recent and advanced biomass conversion technologies applicable to both woody and non-woody biomass;
  • The effects of pretreatment variables on the properties of bioproducts;
  • Principal mechanisms of biomass conversion;
  • Utilization of biopolymers including structural and non-structural components for functional materials;
  • Application of biorefinery concept of biomass conversion into bioproducts environmental impact and life cycle assessment of bioproducts;
  • Socio-economical aspect assessment in the biomass conversion.

Dr. Widya Fatriasari
Dr. Petar Antov
Dr. R.A. Ilyas
Dr. Seng Hua Lee
Dr. Mohd. Hazwan Hussin
Guest Editors

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

  • biomass conversion
  • cellulose and lignin valorization
  • woody and non-woody biomass
  • agro-industrial biomass
  • socio-economical assessment
  • life cycle assessment
  • biopolymer composites
  • lignocellulosic composites
  • reinforced composite structures
  • bioenergy
  • biorefinery
  • fine chemicals
  • functional materials

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

27 pages, 7066 KiB  
Article
Properties of Ramie (Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaudich) Fibers Impregnated with Non-Isocyanate Polyurethane Resins Derived from Lignin
by Vincentius Yolanda Angger Raditya, Muhammad Adly Rahandi Lubis, Rita Kartika Sari, Petar Antov, Seng Hua Lee, Lubos Kristak, Efri Mardawati and Apri Heri Iswanto
Materials 2023, 16(16), 5704; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16165704 - 20 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1193
Abstract
The textile industries need an alternative to cotton since its supply is unable to keep up with the growing global demand. The ramie (Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaudich) fiber has a lot of potential as a renewable raw material but has low fire-resistance, [...] Read more.
The textile industries need an alternative to cotton since its supply is unable to keep up with the growing global demand. The ramie (Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaudich) fiber has a lot of potential as a renewable raw material but has low fire-resistance, which should be improved. In this work, the objectives were to investigate the characteristics of lignin derived from black liquor of kraft pulping, as well as the properties of the developed lignin-based non-isocyanate-polyurethane (L-NIPU), and to analyze ramie fiber before and after impregnation with L-NIPU. Two different formulations of L-NIPU were impregnated into ramie fiber for 30, 60, and 90 min at 25 × 2 °C under 50 kPa. The calculation of the Weight Percent Gain (WPG), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), Rotational Rheometer, Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (DMA), Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (Py–GCMS), Universal Testing Machine (UTM), and hydrolysis test were used to evaluate the properties of ramie fibers. The result showed that ramie fiber impregnated with L-NIPU produced higher mechanical property values and WPG than non-impregnated ramie fiber. There is a tendency that the longer impregnation time results in better WPG values, FTIR intensity of the urethane group, thermomechanical properties, crystallinity, and mechanical properties of ramie fiber. However, the use of DMC and HMT cannot replace the role of isocyanates in the synthesis of L-NIPU because it produces lower heat resistance than ramie impregnated using pMDI. Based on the results obtained, the impregnation of ramie fiber with L-NIPU represents a promising approach to increase its wider industrial application as a functional material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Lignocellulosic Biomass for Functional Materials)
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22 pages, 3428 KiB  
Article
Briquettes Made of Branches Wood of Three Mangrove Species Bonded by Starch Adhesive
by Hardiansyah Tambunan, Arif Nuryawan, Apri Heri Iswanto, Iwan Risnasari, Mohammad Basyuni and Widya Fatriasari
Materials 2023, 16(15), 5266; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16155266 - 27 Jul 2023
Viewed by 1078
Abstract
The development and utilization of wood briquettes is one of the efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, including to fulfill overseas market need. This study aimed to evaluate the properties of wood briquettes made of the branches of three mangrove species and [...] Read more.
The development and utilization of wood briquettes is one of the efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, including to fulfill overseas market need. This study aimed to evaluate the properties of wood briquettes made of the branches of three mangrove species and to analyze the effect of different wood species of mangrove branches, and the types of starch adhesive, on the quality of wood briquettes. The wood briquettes made in this study were 3 cm × 4 cm in a cylindrical shape using three wood species of mangrove branches, namely mata buaya (Bruguiera sexangula), buta-buta (Excoecaria agallocha), and bakau minyak (Rhizophora apiculata), while the adhesives used were tapioca starch, maize starch, and potato starch. The results showed that the moisture, ash content, and calorific value of the wood briquettes mostly met the ISO 17225-3:2-2020 class A2 standard and the specification and quality standards of wood briquettes for Grade A2 issued by the Korea Forest Research Institute, except the density. Wood briquettes made of mata buaya by using the three types of starch adhesives generally had better properties than all other types of wood briquettes. The interaction of mangrove wood species and the types of starch adhesive had a significant effect on the properties of wood briquettes, except for volatile matter and calorific value for which they had no significant effect. The use of wood briquettes from mangrove wood branches contributes to sustainable forest management and maintains the ecological function of mangrove forests while providing environmentally friendly alternative energy for households as a source of fuel/energy. Furthermore, future research is needed, such as investigating the optimal pressing pressure needed to achieve higher density of the wood briquettes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Lignocellulosic Biomass for Functional Materials)
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14 pages, 3244 KiB  
Article
Tensile Strength Improvements of Ramie Fiber Threads through Combination of Citric Acid and Sodium Hypophosphite Cross-Linking
by Asri Peni Wulandari, Vira Putri Dinda Awis, Ruly Budiono, Joko Kusmoro, Sidiq Syamsul Hidayat, Nanang Masruchin, Muhammad Adly Rahandi Lubis, Widya Fatriasari and Ulyaa Rachmawati
Materials 2023, 16(13), 4758; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16134758 - 30 Jun 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1083
Abstract
Ramie (Boehmeria nivea) is believed to be one of the strongest natural fibers, but it still remains behind synthetic materials in terms of tensile strength. In this study, ramie materials were prepared to evaluate the modification crosslinking effect of natural fiber. [...] Read more.
Ramie (Boehmeria nivea) is believed to be one of the strongest natural fibers, but it still remains behind synthetic materials in terms of tensile strength. In this study, ramie materials were prepared to evaluate the modification crosslinking effect of natural fiber. The aim is to optimize various concentrations of citric acid (CA) crosslinking by adding Sodium hypophosphite (NaPO2H2), which is activated at different temperatures, to obtain the highest tensile mechanical strength. This crosslinking effect has been confirmed by FTIR to show the esterification process in the molecular structure of cellulose. The changes in the character of the fiber surface were analyzed by SEM. The tensile strength increased from 62.33 MPa for 0% CA to 124–172.86 MPa for decorticated fiber with a CA concentration of 0.75–1.875% (w/w). A significant increase in tensile strength was observed more than 19 times when CA/SHP 1% was treated at an activation temperature of 110 °C with a superior tensile strength of 1290.63. The fiber crosslinked with CA/SHP should be recommended for application of Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite (NFRPC), which has the potential to use in functional textile and industrial sector automotive or construction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Lignocellulosic Biomass for Functional Materials)
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15 pages, 3887 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Adsorption Properties of Lignin/Cellulose Hydrogel
by Xiaoyu Li, Penghui Li, Wei Chen, Jianpeng Ren and Wenjuan Wu
Materials 2023, 16(12), 4260; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16124260 - 08 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1577
Abstract
With the development of global industry, industrial wastewater pollution has caused serious environmental problems, and the demand for green and sustainable adsorbents is increasingly strong in the society. In this article, lignin/cellulose hydrogel materials were prepared using sodium lignosulfonate and cellulose as raw [...] Read more.
With the development of global industry, industrial wastewater pollution has caused serious environmental problems, and the demand for green and sustainable adsorbents is increasingly strong in the society. In this article, lignin/cellulose hydrogel materials were prepared using sodium lignosulfonate and cellulose as raw materials and 0.1% acetic acid solution as a solvent. The results showed that the optimal adsorption conditions for Congo red were as follows: an adsorption time of 4 h, a pH value of 6, and an adsorption temperature of 45 °C. The adsorption process was in line with the Langmuir isothermal model and a quasi-second-order kinetic model, which belonged to single molecular layer adsorption, and the maximum adsorption capacity was 294.0 mg/g. The optimal adsorption conditions for Malachite green were as follows: an adsorption time of 4 h, a pH value of 4, and an adsorption temperature of 60 °C. The adsorption process was consistent with the Freundlich isothermal model and a pseudo-second-order kinetic model, which belonged to the chemisorption-dominated multimolecular layer adsorption with the maximum adsorption capacity of 129.8 mg/g. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Lignocellulosic Biomass for Functional Materials)
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18 pages, 5777 KiB  
Article
Clean H2 Production by Lignin-Assisted Electrolysis in a Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Flow Reactor
by José-Enrique Rodríguez-Fernández, María Rojo, Juan Ramón Avilés-Moreno and Pilar Ocón
Materials 2023, 16(9), 3525; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16093525 - 04 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1528
Abstract
Biomass-derived products, such as lignin, are interesting resources for energetic purposes. Lignin is a natural polymer that, when added to the anode of an alkaline exchange membrane water electrolyser, enhances H2 production rates and efficiencies due to the substitution of the oxygen [...] Read more.
Biomass-derived products, such as lignin, are interesting resources for energetic purposes. Lignin is a natural polymer that, when added to the anode of an alkaline exchange membrane water electrolyser, enhances H2 production rates and efficiencies due to the substitution of the oxygen evolution reaction. Higher efficiencies are reported when different catalytic materials are employed for constructing the lignin anolyte, demonstrating that lower catalytic loadings for the anode improves the H2 production when compared to higher loadings. Furthermore, when a potential of −1.8 V is applied, higher gains are obtained than when −2.3 V is applied. An increase of 200% of H2 flow rates with respect to water electrolysis is reported when commercial lignin is used coupled with Pt-Ru at 0.09 mg cm−2 and E = −1.8 V is applied at the cathode. This article provides deep information about the oxidation process, as well as an optimisation of the method of the lignin electro-oxidation in a flow-reactor as a pre-step for an industrial implementation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Valorization of Lignocellulosic Biomass for Functional Materials)
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