Novel Insights into Cr(VI)-Induced Rhamnolipid Production and Gene Expression in RW9 for Potential Bioremediation.

Rhamnolipid (RL) is renowned for its efficacy in bioremediating several types of organic and metal contaminants. Nevertheless, there has been a scarcity of studies specifically examining the relationship between this substance and metals, especially in terms of their impact on RL formation and the underlying interaction processes. This study addresses this gap by investigating the RL mechanism in Cr (VI) remediation and evaluating its effect on RL production in RW9.

Nucleating and reinforcing effects of nanobiochar on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate--3-hydroxhexanoate) bionanocomposites.

This study promotes the use of nanobiochar (NBC) as an environmentally friendly substitute to conventional fillers to improve various properties of biopolymers such as their mechanical strength, thermal stability and crystallization properties. TGA analysis showed a slight increase in onset thermal degradation temperature of the composites by up to 5 °C with the addition of 4 wt% NBC. Non-isothermal DSC analysis determined that the addition of NBC into PHBHHx increases the crystallization temperature and degree of crystallinity of PHBHHx while isothermal DSC analysis demonstrated higher crystallization rate in PHBHHx/NBC composited by up to 54%.

Isolation and characterisation of lignin using natural deep eutectic solvents pretreated kenaf fibre biomass.

Extraction of lignin via green methods is a crucial step in promoting the bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomasses. In the present study, utilisation of natural deep eutectic solvent for the pretreatment of kenaf fibres biomass is performed. Furthermore, extracted lignin from natural deep eutectic solvent pretreated kenaf biomass was carried out and its comparative study with commercial lignin was studied.

Emerging trends in the appliance of ultrasonic technology for valorization of agricultural residue into versatile products.

The utilization of agricultural residues to obtain biocompounds of high-added value has significantly increased in the past decades. The conversion of agro-based residues into valuable products appears to be an economically efficient, environment-friendly, and protracted waste management practice. The implementation of ultrasonic technologies in the conversion of value-added goods from agricultural waste materials through pre-treatment and valorization processes has imparted many advantageous effects including rapid processing, effective process performance, minimization of processing steps, minimal dependency on harmful chemicals, and an increased yield and properties of bio-products.

Preparation and Effect of Methyl-Oleate-Based Polyol on the Properties of Rigid Polyurethane Foams as Potential Thermal Insulation Material.

Recently, most of the commercial polyols used in the production of rigid polyurethane foams (RPUFs) have been derived from petrochemicals. Therefore, the introduction of modified palm oil derivatives-based polyol as a renewable material into the formulation of RPUFs is the focus of this study. A palm oil derivative-namely, methyl oleate (MO)-was successfully modified through three steps of reactions: epoxidation reaction, ring-opened with glycerol, followed by amidation reaction to produce a bio-based polyol named alkanolamide polyol.

Green Phenolic Resins from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch (EFB) Phenolated Lignin and Bio-Oil as Phenol Substitutes for Bonding Plywood.

Lignin is a natural biopolymer with a complex three-dimensional network and it is rich in phenol, making it a good candidate for the production of bio-based polyphenol material. This study attempts to characterize the properties of green phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resins produced through phenol substitution by the phenolated lignin (PL) and bio-oil (BO), extracted from oil palm empty fruit bunch black liquor. Mixtures of PF with varied substitution rates of PL and BO were prepared by heating a mixture of phenol-phenol substitute with 30 wt.

Optimization of Cellulose Nanofiber Loading and Processing Conditions during Melt Extrusion of Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate--3-hydroxyhexanoate) Bionanocomposites.

This present study optimized the cellulose nanofiber (CNF) loading and melt processing conditions of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate--3-hydroxyhexanoate) P(HB--11% HHx) bionanocomposite fabrication in twin screw extruder by using the response surface methodology (RSM). A face-centered central composite design (CCD) was applied to statistically specify the important parameters, namely CNF loading (1-9 wt.%), rotational speed (20-60 rpm), and temperature (135-175 °C), on the mechanical properties of the P(HB--11% HHx) bionanocomposites.

High-Energy Ball Milling for High Productivity of Nanobiochar from Oil Palm Biomass.

The current production method of nanobiochar (NBC), an emerging, environmentally friendly nanocarbon material, is tedious and lengthy. Therefore, in this study we aimed to improve the productivity of NBC via high-energy ball milling by manipulating the grinding media and processing time. The particle size distribution of the resulting NBC measured using dynamic light scattering showed that grinding media with steel balls of different sizes were more effective at producing NBC than small uniform steel balls, which failed to produce NBC even after 90 min of milling.

Emerging application of biochar as a renewable and superior filler in polymer composites.

Biochar is conventionally and widely used for soil amendment or as an adsorbent for water treatment. Nevertheless, the need for transition to renewable materials has resulted in an expansion of biochar for use as a filler for polymer composites. The aim is to enhance the physical, chemical, mechanical and rheological properties of the polymer composite.

Facile Preparation of Cellulose Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene Using Hybrid Filler Method.

Dried hybrid fillers comprised of silica/CNF were successfully synthesized in ethanol/water mixed solvents at room temperature without the usage of any precursor. The as-prepared fillers were incorporated with polypropylene (PP) as a polymer matrix through a twin-screw extruder. From surface morphology analysis, the agglomeration of the silica/CNF hybrid fillers was prevented in the PP matrix and they exhibited moderate transparency, around 17.

Combined Effects of Cellulose Nanofiber Nucleation and Maleated Polylactic Acid Compatibilization on the Crystallization Kinetic and Mechanical Properties of Polylactic Acid Nanocomposite.

This work investigated the combined effects of CNF nucleation (3 wt.%) and PLA--MA compatibilization at different loadings (1-4 wt.%) on the crystallization kinetics and mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA).

Thermal, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Poly(Butylene Succinate)/Kenaf Core Fibers Composites Reinforced with Esterified Lignin.

In this study, Kraft lignin was esterified with phthalic anhydride and was served as reinforcing filler for poly(butylene succinate) (PBS). Composites with different ratios of PBS, lignin (L), modified lignin (ML) and kenaf core fibers (KCF) were fabricated using a compounding method. The fabricated PBS composites and its counterparts were tested for thermal, physical and mechanical properties.

Performance Evaluation of Cellulose Nanofiber with Residual Hemicellulose as a Nanofiller in Polypropylene-Based Nanocomposite.

Residual hemicellulose could enhance cellulose nanofiber (CNF) processing as it impedes the agglomeration of the nanocellulose fibrils and contributes to complete nanofibrillation within a shorter period of time. Its effect on CNF performance as a reinforcement material is unclear, and hence this study seeks to evaluate the performance of CNF in the presence of amorphous hemicellulose as a reinforcement material in a polypropylene (PP) nanocomposite. Two types of CNF were prepared: SHS-CNF, which contained about 11% hemicellulose, and KOH-CNF, with complete hemicellulose removal.

Improving the decolorization of glycerol by adsorption using activated carbon derived from oil palm biomass.

This study provides insight into the decolorization strategy for crude glycerol obtained from biodiesel production using waste cooking oil as raw material. A sequential procedure that includes physico-chemical treatment and adsorption using activated carbon from oil palm biomass was investigated. The results evidenced decolorization and enrichment of glycerol go hand in hand during the treatment, achieving >89% color removal and > 98% increase in glycerol content, turning the glycerol into a clear (colorless) solution.

Melt- vs. Non-Melt Blending of Complexly Processable Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene/Cellulose Nanofiber Bionanocomposite.

The major hurdle in melt-processing of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) nanocomposite lies on the high melt viscosity of the UHMWPE, which may contribute to poor dispersion and distribution of the nanofiller. In this study, UHMWPE/cellulose nanofiber (UHMWPE/CNF) bionanocomposites were prepared by two different blending methods: (i) melt blending at 150 °C in a triple screw kneading extruder, and (ii) non-melt blending by ethanol mixing at room temperature. Results showed that melt-processing of UHMWPE without CNF (MB-UHMWPE/0) exhibited an increment in yield strength and Young's modulus by 15% and 25%, respectively, compared to the Neat-UHMWPE.

Optimisation of Epoxide Ring-Opening Reaction for the Synthesis of Bio-Polyol from Palm Oil Derivative Using Response Surface Methodology.

The development of bio-polyol from vegetable oil and its derivatives is gaining much interest from polyurethane industries and academia. In view of this, the availability of methyl oleate derived from palm oil, which is aimed at biodiesel production, provides an excellent feedstock to produce bio-polyol for polyurethane applications. In this recent study, response surface methodology (RSM) with a combination of central composite rotatable design (CCRD) was used to optimise the reaction parameters in order to obtain a maximised hydroxyl value (OHV).

Process Optimization of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene/Cellulose Nanofiber Bionanocomposites in Triple Screw Kneading Extruder by Response Surface Methodology.

Incorporation of nanocellulose could improve wear resistance of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) for an artificial joint application. Yet, the extremely high melt viscosity of the polymer may constrict the mixing, leading to fillers agglomeration and poor mechanical properties. This study optimized the processing condition of UHMWPE/cellulose nanofiber (CNF) bionanocomposite fabrication in triple screw kneading extruder by using response surface methodology (RSM).

Mechanical Strength, Thermal Conductivity and Electrical Breakdown of Kenaf Core Fiber/Lignin/Polypropylene Biocomposite.

Mechanical strength, thermal conductivity and electrical breakdown of polypropylene/lignin/kenaf core fiber (PP/L/KCF) composite were studied. PP/L, PP/KCF and PP/L/KCF composites with different fiber and lignin loading was prepared using a compounding process. Pure PP was served as control.

Effect of Synthesis Temperature on the Size of ZnO Nanoparticles Derived from Pineapple Peel Extract and Antibacterial Activity of ZnO-Starch Nanocomposite Films.

This research investigated the effect of synthesis temperature on the size and shape of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized using pineapple peel waste and antibacterial activity of ZnO NPs in starch films. Zinc oxide NPs synthesized at different temperatures were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Micrographs of ZnO NPs synthesized at 28 and 60 °C showed that synthesis temperature affected the sizes and shapes of ZnO NPs.

Well-Dispersed Cellulose Nanofiber in Low Density Polyethylene Nanocomposite by Liquid-Assisted Extrusion.

Two different liquid assisted processing methods: internal melt-blending (IMB) and twin-screw extrusion (TWS) were performed to fabricate polyethylene (PE)/cellulose nanofiber (CNF) nanocomposites. The nanocomposites consisted maleic anhydride-grafted PE (PEMA) as a compatibilizer, with PE/PEMA/CNF ratio of 97/3/0.5-5 (wt.

Characterization and Cellular Internalization of Spherical Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNC) into Normal and Cancerous Fibroblasts.

The aim was to isolate cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) from commercialized oil palm empty fruit bunch cellulose nanofibre (CNF) through sulphuric acid hydrolysis and explore its safeness as a potential nanocarrier. Successful extraction of CNC was confirmed through a field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and attenuated total reflection Fourier transmission infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectrometry analysis. For subsequent cellular uptake study, the spherical CNC was covalently tagged with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC), resulting in negative charged FITC-CNC nanospheres with a dispersity (Ð) of 0.

Effect of Superheated Steam Treatment on the Mechanical Properties and Dimensional Stability of PALF/PLA Biocomposite.

The effectiveness of superheated steam (SHS) as an alternative, eco-friendly treatment method to modify the surface of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) for biocomposite applications was investigated. The aim of this treatment was to improve the interfacial adhesion between the fiber and the polymer. The treatment was carried out in an SHS oven for different temperatures (190⁻230 °C) and times (30⁻120 min).

Oil Palm Biomass Biorefinery for Sustainable Production of Renewable Materials.

Oil palm biomass is widely known for its potential as a renewable resource for various value-added products due to its lignocellulosic content and availability. Oil palm biomass biorefinery is an industry that comes with sociopolitical benefits through job opportunities, as well as potential environmental benefits. Many studies have been conducted on the technological advancements of oil-palm biomass-derived renewable materials, which are discussed comprehensively in this review.

Dynamics of Microbial Populations Responsible for Biodegradation during the Full-Scale Treatment of Palm Oil Mill Effluent.

Despite efforts to address the composition of the microbial community during the anaerobic treatment of palm oil mill effluent (POME), its composition in relation to biodegradation in the full-scale treatment system has not yet been extensively examined. Therefore, a thorough analysis of bacterial and archaeal communities was performed in the present study using MiSeq sequencing at the different stages of the POME treatment, which comprised anaerobic as well as facultative anaerobic and aerobic processes, including the mixed raw effluent (MRE), mixing pond, holding tank, and final discharge phases. Based on the results obtained, the following biodegradation processes were suggested to occur at the different treatment stages: (1) Lactobacillaceae (35.