Publications by authors named "Antonio M Borrero-Lopez"

Acetylated Kraft lignins were evaluated for their ability of structuring vegetable oils into oleogels. Microwave-assisted acetylation was used to adjust lignin's degree of substitution according to reaction temperature (130 to 160 °C), and its effect in improving the viscoelasticity of the oleogels, which was related to the hydroxyl group content. The results were compared with those obtained by Kraft lignins acetylated using conventional methods at room temperature.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • The review outlines the key processes and materials used in creating rigid polymer foams, particularly focusing on polyurethanes and phenolic systems.
  • It highlights the importance of environmentally friendly alternatives, specifically tannin-based foams, addressing their formulation, properties, and potential recycling methods.
  • The study indicates that tannin-based foams have promising structural, thermal, mechanical, and fire resistance characteristics, positioning them as viable substitutes for traditional, non-renewable foams.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The need to find suitable biomaterials and procedures from alternative products able to imitate or even enhance the performance of currently used products has become an important focus of research today due to the depletion of non-renewable resources and the increasing concern related to climate change, sustainability and environmental preservation [...

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The present review is devoted to the description of the state-of-the-art techniques and procedures concerning treatments and modifications of lignocellulosic materials in order to use them as precursors for biomaterials, biochemicals and biofuels, with particular focus on lignin and lignin-based products. Four different main pretreatment types are outlined, i.e.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

In order to identify new sustainable sources for producing cellulose nanofibers (CNFs), fast-growing poplar ( L.) wood was evaluated herein. For that purpose, bleached poplar kraft pulp was produced and submitted to TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl radical) mediated oxidation (TEMPO-ox) chemical pretreatment followed by microfluidization.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Lignin-enriched waste products from bioethanol production of agriculture residues were tested as structuring agents in castor oil once functionalized with hexamethylene diisocyanate. Cane bagasse, barley and wheat straw were processed through steam explosion, pre-saccharification and simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (PSSF). Alternatively, cane bagasse was submitted to steam explosion and enzymatic hydrolysis (EH).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF
Article Synopsis
  • * It examines the physical, rheological, and mechanical properties of the resulting mortar, along with its mineral makeup and microstructure using SEM, while also monitoring the curing process.
  • * The research highlights the detrimental effects of sulphates on mortar strength, emphasizing that managing sulphate levels through precipitation is crucial for enhancing durability and performance.
View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The development of biological strategies to obtain new high-added value biopolymers from lignocellulosic biomass is a current challenge for scientific community. This study evaluates the biodegradability and ecotoxicity of new formulated oleogels obtained from fermented agricultural residues with , previously reported to show improved rheological and tribological characteristics compared to commercial mineral lubricants. Both new oleogels exhibited higher biodegradation rates than the commercial grease.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The replacement of mineral oils and non-renewable gelling agents is an imperative requirement for the lubricant industry in the near future. In this framework, cellulose pulp and castor oil are proposed as sustainable substitutes for these components. Biological treatment has been explored and evaluated to enhance the dispersing and thickening properties of cellulose pulp in oil media.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

This study explores the suitability of residual lignin-containing fractions generated as side-streams in different conversion processes of eucalypt and pine woods as thickening agents in bio-lubricant formulations. These conversion processes included fermentable sugars extraction by autohydrolysis or steam explosion and kraft pulping. Structural properties of lignin fractions were characterized by FTIR, H and C NMR, two-dimensional NMR, TGA and SEC, whereas their compositions were analysed by standard analytical methods.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF