Development and Characterization of Eco-Friendly Non-Isocyanate Urethane Monomer from Jatropha curcas Oil for Wood Composite Applications

The aim of this research work was to evaluate the potential of using renewable natural feedstock,i.e.,Jatropha curcas oil(JCO)for the synthesis of non-isocyanate polyurethane(NIPU)resin for wood composite applications.Commercial polyurethane(PU)is synthesized through a polycondensation reaction between isocyanate and poly-ol.However,utilizing toxic and unsustainable isocyanates for obtaining PU could contribute to negative impacts on the environment and human health.Therefore,the development of PU from eco-friendly and sustainable resources without the isocyanate route is required.In this work,tetra-n-butyl ammonium bromide was used as the activator to open the epoxy ring with 3-Aminopropyltriethoxisylane as a catalyst to yield urethane of JCO(UJCO).The UJCO were characterized by Fourier Transform Infra-Red spectroscopy(FTIR)and their oxirane,and hydroxyl values were measured.The result showed that a decrease in oxirane value was found while the hydroxyl value was increased during the time,confirming that the urethane group was formed.The presence of functional groups in FTIR spectra at wave numbers 1732.08,1562.34,and 3348.42 cm^(−1) indicates the functional groups of C=O(urethane carbonyl),–NH,and–OH,respectively confirmed this finding.The potential applications of NIPU in the wood composite were also outlined.

Preparation and Characterization of Thermoplastic Starch from Sugar Palm (Arenga pinnata) by Extrusion Method

Sugar palm(Arenga pinnata)starch is considered an important renewable,biodegradable,and eco-friendly polymer,which is derived from agricultural by-products and residues,with great potential for the development of biocomposite materials.This research was aimed at investigating the development of TPS biocomposites from A.pinnata palm starch using an extrusion process.Palm starch,glycerol,and stearic acid were extruded in a twin-screw extruder.Scanning electron microscopy(SEM)analysis of TPS showed that the starch granules were damaged and gelatinized in the extrusion process.The density of TPS was 1.3695 g/mL,lower than that of palm starch,and the addition of stearic acid resulted in increased TPS density.X-ray diffraction(XRD)results showed that palm starch had a C-type pattern crystalline structure.The tensile strength,elongation at break,and modulus of elasticity of TPS were 7.19 MPa,33.95%,and 0.56 GPa,respectively.The addition of stearic acid reduced the tensile strength,elongation at break and modulus of elasticity of TPS.The rheological properties,i.e.,melt flow rate(MFR)and viscosity of TPS,were 7.13 g/10 min and 2482.19 Pa.s,respectively.The presence of stearic acid in TPS resulted in increased MFR and decreased viscosity values.The peak gelatinization temperature of A.pinnata palm starch was 70°C,while Tg of TPS was 65°C.The addition of stearic acid reduced the Tg of TPS.The thermogravimetric analysis(TGA)analysis showed that the addition of glycerol and stearic acid decreased the thermal stability,but extended the temperature range of thermal degradation.TPS derived from A.pinnata palm starch by extrusion method has the potential to be applied in industrial practice as a promising raw material for manufacturing bio-based packaging as a sustainable and green alternative to petroleum-based plastics.

Characterization of Formacell Lignin Derived from Black Liquor as a Potential Green Additive for Advanced Biocomposites

Black liquor is obtained as a by-product of the pulping process,which is used to convert biomass into pulp by removing lignin,hemicelluloses and other extractives from wood to free cellulose fibers.Lignin represents a major constituent in black liquor,with quantities varying from 20%to 30%,of which a very low share is used for manufacturing value-added products,while the rest is mainly burned for energy purposes,thus underestimating its great potential as a raw material.Therefore,it is essential to establish new isolation and extraction methods to increase lignin valorization in the development of bio-based chemicals.The aim of this research work was to determine the effect of KOH or ethanol concentration as an isolation agent on lignin yields and the chemical characteristics of lignin isolated from formacell black liquor of oil palm empty fruit bunch(OPEFB).Isolation of lignin was carried out using KOH with various concentrations ranging from 5%to 15%(w/v).Ethanol was also used to precipitate lignin from black liquor at concentrations varying from 5%to 30%(v/v).The results obtained showed that the addition of KOH solution at 12.5%and 15%concentrations resulted in better lignin yield and chemical properties of lignin,i.e.,pH values of 3.86 and 4.27,lignin yield of 12.78%and 14.95%,methoxyl content of 11.33%and 10.13%,and lignin equivalent weights of 476.25 and 427.03,respectively.Due to its phenolic structure and rich functional groups that are favorable for modifications,lignin has the potential to be used as a green additive in the development of advanced biocomposite products in various applications to replace current fossil fuel-based material,ranging from fillers,fire retardants,formaldehyde scavengers,carbon fibers,aerogels,and wood adhesives.