This study aimed to achieve the value-added utilization of waste Tetra Pak (WTP) and to alleviate the shortage of wood resources by partially replacing wood shavings with WTP and using phenol-formaldehyde resin (PF) to prepare composites. Flame-retardant modification was conducted by introducing single additives-boric acid/borax (BA/Brx), ammonium polyphosphate (APP), and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate (DOT)-as well as the combined systems (BA/Brx/APP, BA/Brx/DOT, and BA/Brx/APP/DOT). Their effects on flame retardancy, mechanical properties, and thermal stability were investigated. It was found that all six systems improved flame retardancy, among which the DOT-modified composite specimen (Z3) achieved a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 34.3%, representing a 25.6% increase compared with the control composite specimen (Z0), reaching the flame-retardant grade. The mechanical properties of Z3 met the requirements of GB/T 4897 (2015) for general particleboard. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that the flame retardants interacted with the matrix through hydrogen bonding and functional composite specimen reactions. Thermogravimetric analysis (TG) showed that the char yield of Z3 reached 32.0%, which was 4.16 times higher than that of the control composite specimen, indicating a significant improvement in thermal stability. This study provides a feasible pathway for WTP recycling and the preparation of flame-retardant composites.

To overcome empirical and discrete parameter selection and severe energy attenuation in wolfberry (Lycium barbarum L.) harvesting using single-source vibration, in this study, a dual-source low-frequency excitation method is proposed. Using ‘Ningqi No.7’ branches and a two-point synchronous excitation device, the effects of the amplitude (28 to 80 mm) and phase (-180° to 180°) of the upper and lower vibration sources (UVS and LVS) on the detachment percentages of the middle section, lower section, and the total detachment (TD) were investigated via response surface methodology. Singular value spectrum analysis of the acceleration signals extracted the maximum singular value (MSV) to quantify the overall branch vibration energy. Two main low-frequency modes near 4 Hz and 8 Hz with high damping were identified. The MSV was strongly correlated with TD (r = 0.751), confirming its reliability for effectiveness evaluation. The optimal parameters found were a UVS of 80 mm, LVS of 68 mm, and phase of 135°, yielding a TD of 85.9% in validation. This demonstrates that the synergistic control of amplitude and phase at a low frequency enhances the harvest efficiency, offering a new approach for intelligent parameter optimization based on vibration monitoring.

Current carbon footprint tools for the pulp and paper industry focus on conventional wood fibers and overlook alternative biomass and soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. This study developed a software tool for market pulp production comparing conventional eucalyptus and Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft (NBSK) against alternative non-wood fibers (bamboo, switchgrass, sorghum, rice husk, hemp hurd, sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw, rice straw, banana fiber, and ryegrass straw). The tool models kraft and alkaline peroxide mechanical pulping (APMP), integrates ISO 14040-44 standards, and incorporates SOC sequestration based on cultivar morphology. While applicable to diverse market pulps, tissue production is the primary application. Results identify Brazilian Eucalyptus Kraft (BEK) as the most environmentally favorable option. Specifically, the kraft process delivers lower carbon footprints (504 to 794 kg CO2eq/ADt) than APMP (1,015 to 1,320 kg CO2eq/ADt) because lignin combustion provides superior energy self-sufficiency. Energy sources critically affect APMP, with wheat straw ranging from 643 to 1,715 kg CO2eq/ADt (hydropower versus coal), while NBSK varied minimally (631 to 779 kg CO2eq/ADt). Across the twelve biomasses, high SOC stabilization factors reduced carbon footprints by up to 86%, while low factors showed less than 1% variation. This tool provides a practical platform for industry decision-making and sustainability education.

Scientific progress has never been driven solely by perfect data or bullet-proof methods. Rather, it has been propelled by imagination—by researchers’ willingness to observe the world and ask, “What if?” Yet, according to my experience, the contemporary research landscape often suggests that speculation is suspicious, simple investigation methods are inadequate, and acceptance of submitted manuscript is reserved for those employ the most elaborate investigation methods, at least in high impact journals. This editorial argues that these trends risk narrowing the boundaries of inquisitiveness and creating even more unequal opportunities based on the financial wealth of individual researchers and institutions. The scientific method is not a ritual of complexity, but rather a disciplined form of curiosity. If we lose sight of this, we may end up optimizing precision at the expense of inspiration.

The preparation of wheat straw biochar (MWSB) was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM) with a Box-Behnken Design (BBD) to maximize Cr(VI) removal. Parameters assessed were wheat straw particle size, KOH modifier concentration, and pyrolysis temperature. Optimal conditions (0.1 mm particle size, 3 mol/L KOH, 494 °C pyrolysis) yielded 86.5% Cr(VI) removal efficiency. Adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second-order model, and isotherm data fitted the Langmuir model, indicating monolayer adsorption limited by site density. The Langmuir model gave a maximum adsorption capacity (Qmax) of 105.28 mg/g at 25 °C. MWSB was characterized using SEM-EDS, FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, and XPS. The optimized MWSB preparation significantly enhanced the efficacy and feasibility of wheat straw in environmental applications, particularly for Cr(VI) removal.

Physical (thickness swelling) and mechanical (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity, and internal bond) properties of the particleboard samples produced by mixing spruce (Picea orientalis) particles and oak (Quercus pontica) leaves at various ratios were investigated. Chemical composition of oak leaves and spruce wood (holocellulose, cellulose, lignin, ash content, alcohol-benzene solubility, 1% NaOH solubility, hot and cold-water solubility) were determined. Single-layer test panels were produced using urea-formaldehyde adhesive. Increasing the oak leaf content in the furnish negatively affected the mechanical strength properties, while improving the thickness swelling resistance. However, the particleboard samples produced with 10% oak leaves addition met the minimum mechanical requirements for general uses. Overall, it was found that oak leaves could be used as an alternative supplementary raw material source in the particleboard industry when blended with wood particles.

The mechanical performance of fiber-based materials depends not only on strength but also on elongation, which is particularly critical in converting and end-use applications. Wood-fiber-based materials, such as thermomechanical pulp (TMP) paper webs, are typically brittle and exhibit low breaking strain. However, both dry and wet strengths can be significantly improved through hot-pressing, especially in the presence of lignin. This study examines the influence of hot-pressing time on the complete stress–strain behavior of calendered TMP webs. Dry samples showed only minor, systematic changes in mechanical properties with increasing pressing time at 200 °C. In contrast, wet samples exhibited a pronounced increase in breaking strain for pressing times exceeding 1 s, accompanied by increased wet specific strength and tensile energy absorption. Wet stiffness also increased beyond what could be explained by densification alone, indicating enhanced inter-fiber bonding. To elucidate these effects, X-ray microtomography combined with image analysis was used to characterize microstructural features, including porosity, pore size, surface roughness, sheet thickness, and fiber wall density as functions of pressing time. The results demonstrate that extended hot-pressing promotes microstructural consolidation and bonding mechanisms that improve mechanical performance under both dry and wet conditions.

This study examined the mechanical, acoustic, and microstructural performance of epoxy composites reinforced with Snake Grass Fiber (SGF) and hybrid agro-waste fillers—Tamarind Seed Powder (TSP) and Wood Apple Shell Powder (WASP). Composites were fabricated by compression molding with a constant SGF content of 30 wt% and varying hybrid filler contents (5 to 15 wt%). Mechanical properties including tensile, flexural, compressive, impact strength, hardness, and water absorption were evaluated alongside sound absorption behavior. The incorporation of hybrid fillers significantly improved mechanical strength, surface hardness, and dimensional stability while reducing moisture uptake compared to SGF-only composites. The optimized hybrid composition exhibited superior properties, achieving tensile, flexural, compressive, and impact strengths of 58 MPa, 87 MPa, 70 MPa, and 8.98 J, respectively, with a hardness of 84 Shore D and reduced water absorption of 23%. Acoustic analysis revealed enhanced sound absorption, with a maximum absorption coefficient of 0.24 at an optimal filler-to-fiber ratio, attributed to synergy between fibrous reinforcement and porous fillers. SEM analysis confirmed uniform filler dispersion, improved interfacial bonding, and reduced voids, supporting the observed mechanical and acoustic enhancements. SGF-based hybrid agro-waste composites offer improved structural and sound-absorbing performance, making them suitable for sustainable automotive, construction, and acoustic insulation applications.

Effects of iron oxide yellow pigment content were investigated relative to the properties of wood-plastic composites (WPCs) based on bamboo flour and high-density polyethylene (HDPE). Samples with pigment contents of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% were prepared, and the structure–property relationships were systematically examined. The incorporation of pigment significantly enhanced surface hydrophobicity, with the static water contact angle increasing from 79.41° to 109.15°. This was attributed to the inherent hydrophobicity of the pigment and its physical shielding of wood fibers, thereby reducing surface energy and limiting the exposure of hydrophilic groups. The composite with 5% pigment exhibited the optimum mechanical performance, whereas higher pigment loading (≥10%) resulted in reduced mechanical properties, with flexural strength decreasing by up to 14.8%. SEM analysis revealed that excessive pigment led to agglomeration, causing interfacial defects and stress concentration. The 10% pigment formulation showed a relatively uniform and well-bonded interface, while the 15% sample contained noticeable fiber exposure and voids. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed that the pigment primarily served as a physical filler without introducing new chemical functionalities. In conclusion, an appropriate amount of pigment (5%) can effectively improve the hydrophobicity and mechanical properties of bamboo flour/HDPE composites.

Plant-derived extracts remain a vital source of bioactive molecules with potential medicinal applications. Ruta graveolens, a phenolic-rich medicinal herb, is recognized for its diverse antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities. Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) was carried out using carbon dioxide (CO₂) as fluid. This was compared to Soxhlet extraction (SE) with methanol to obtain Ruta graveolens extracts rich in bioactive compounds. High-performance liquid chromatography revealed notable differences in the phenolic profiles of Ruta graveolens extracts depending on the extraction method. SFE yielded higher concentrations of gallic acid (1380 µg/g), chlorogenic acid (522 µg/g), catechin (595 µg/g), and rosmarinic acid (218 µg/g), while SE contained more kaempferol (242 µg/g) and catechin (921 µg/g). The IC₅₀ assessments were 6.59 µg/g for SFE and 1.63 µg/g for methanol, indicating potent anti-inflammatory potentials for both extracts. Based on DPPH radical scavenging assay, SFE and SE of R. graveolens extracts showed concentration-dependent activity. The IC₅₀ values were 5.81 µg/mL (SFE) and 7.86 µg/mL (SE). SFE showed larger inhibition zones than SE (24 ± 0.2 vs 20 ± 0.3 mm for B. subtilis; 17 ± 0.3 vs 11 ± 0.6 mm for P. aeruginosa) and stronger effects on K. pneumoniae and C. albicans.