Research Articles

The increasing demand for sustainable and high-performance materials has prompted research into biocomposites as eco-friendly alternatives to traditional plastics. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA), which is widely used, often lacks the mechanical and thermal stability required for advanced applications. This limitation can be overcome by reinforcing PLA with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), a renewable and abundant resource. While existing PLA composites have shown promise, the uniform dispersion and interfacial bonding of reinforcements remain challenges. To bridge this gap, an optimal 80:20 wt% PLA/MCC ratio was identified and processed into filament using a single-screw extruder, followed by 3D printing via fused filament fabrication (FFF). The composite’s properties were evaluated through mechanical, thermal, and morphological analyses. Results revealed significant enhancements: tensile strength increased by 30%, flexural strength by 22.3%, impact strength by 78.9%, and compressive strength by 21.3%, compared to neat PLA. Thermogravimetric analysis showed improved thermal stability, with reduced weight loss at elevated temperatures. This research demonstrates that the integration of MCC into PLA not only improves mechanical and thermal properties but also offers an environmentally sustainable solution for engineering applications. The findings highlight the potential of PLA/MCC composites for industries requiring lightweight, durable, and eco-conscious materials, including automotive and biomedical sectors.

Bamboo is a versatile, sustainable resource used in industries such as construction, furniture, textiles, and paper. Its species vary in properties, influencing their suitability for specific applications. This research aimed to perform a comparative analysis of the fiber characteristics and chemical properties of Indonesian bamboo species from the genera Gigantochloa, Schizostachyum, and Bambusa. Pearson’s correlation analysis was performed to quantify associations among fiber characteristics, chemical composition, and mechanical performance. The results indicated that Bambusa presented the greatest fiber density, whereas Gigantochloa presented superior fiber dimensions, and Schizostachyum presented intermediate values. The mechanical properties of the fibers were inversely related to density. Bambusa showed the highest fiber dimensions, followed by Schizostachyum, whereas Gigantochloa presented the lowest scores, with the exception of the flexibility ratio. All the species, notwithstanding their variation, satisfied the criteria for fiber quality class II. The Bambusa species presented the highest contents of holocellulose, α-cellulose, and hemicellulose, followed by Gigantochloa and Schizostachyum. The highest concentration of starch was found in Schizostachyum, followed by Gigantochloa, and then Bambusa. Notably, G. serik, S. brachycladum, and B. blumeana have demonstrated considerable potential for pulp and paper applications, similar to traditional pulpwood species.

Different fermentation substrates were employed to investigate the variation patterns of lignocellulolytic enzymes in Lyophyllum decastes and the changes in laccase activity in subculture. The results showed that the activities of Lac, CMCase, and Xyl produced by the L. decastes F1 strain in liquid fermentation were significantly affected by different cultivating substrates. The optimal primary substrate for inducing Lac secretion in L. decastes F1 strain was corncob, followed by cottonseed hulls. The best supplementary substrate for Lac induction was soybean meal. The addition of corn cob and wheat bran was found to significantly stimulate the secretion of CMCae and Xyl in L. decastes F1 strain. The addition of different cultivation substrates enhanced Lac production in L. decastes subcultured strains (F1, F5, F10), but strains subjected to serial subculturing exhibited progressively diminished laccase production. The highest laccase activity detected in the fastest-growing subcultured strains within identical solid cultivation substrates demonstrated a phase-specific positive correlation between mycelial growth and extracellular laccase secretion.

As global environmental problems become increasingly severe and consumers’ environmental awareness grows, traditional gift packaging is facing heavy criticism due to its excessive luxury orientation, high material consumption, and recycling difficulties. To address these challenges, this study proposed an innovative sustainable gift-packaging design methodology driven by user requirements and integrating the KANO model, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and Quality Function Deployment (QFD), aiming to enhance consumers’ willingness to adopt green practices and improve overall user experience. First, the KANO model was employed to identify and classify consumers’ packaging requirements, resulting in twenty user needs categorized by attribute. Second, AHP was used to construct a judgment matrix and calculate the composite weight of each requirement, thereby establishing the prioritization of design elements. Finally, QFD translated these user requirements into concrete design parameters, which were then ranked according to their importance. The resulting sustainable gift-packaging solution not only met users’ functional and aesthetic demands but also significantly elevated their environmental awareness. This research offers a scientifically grounded and practically applicable reference for the sustainable development of the packaging industry, while pointing to future research directions and potential applications in sustainable packaging design.

The structural performance of timber buildings is significantly affected by the behavior of connections. This study investigated the structural behavior of bolted glulam beam-to-column connections with external steel plates. Data were obtained for the structural behavior of two types of connections. The glulam was manufactured from Red Meranti (Shorea spp.). The load-carrying capacity, moment capacity, rotational stiffness, initial stiffness, post-elastic stiffness, and ductility ratio of the connections were evaluated and discussed. The results indicate that the type 1 connection was in the partial ductility capacity category (μ = 2.60), while the type 2 connection was in the limited ductility (μ = 1,27). The average moment capacities of type 1 and type 2 connections were 4.56 kN.m and 21.2 kN.m, respectively. The moment and rotation relationships models of the glulam beam-column were approximately bilinear with initial stiffness 9 times and 2.4 times for type 1 and type 2 connections, respectively, compared to corresponding post-elastic stiffness. Steel plates helped improve ductility ratio, as shown by splitting failures near the column bolt rows. This stiffness model can then be used as input data for spring properties of similar connections in the analysis of multi-story building structures.

Tibetan furniture faces the dual challenge of maintaining the authenticity of cultural heritage while meeting the functional needs of modern living. The Tibetan-style seating bed is used in religious rituals and for daily purposes. A hybrid model integrating the Triangular Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (TFAHP), Quality Function Deployment (QFD), and VIseKriterijumska Optimizacija I Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) was constructed, aiming to resolve the conflict between cultural heritage revival and modern functional requirements in Tibetan furniture design. Through the grounded theory, 16 design elements were identified. TFAHP was employed for quantitative analysis, and the results showed that the cultural dimension of Tibetan furniture has a higher weight than the functional, apparent, and technological dimensions. Cultural recognition and Buddhist culture are the core driving forces behind this design. After mapping user needs via QFD, technical features such as modular design and integrated seating/storage designs were identified. Finally, VIKOR was used to conduct multi-objective optimization on three design schemes, and the optimal one is selected. The hybrid model proposed in this study provides a scientific framework for balancing cultural authenticity and user experience and offers a replicable design paradigm for the modern transformation of ethnic cultural heritage.

The mechanical and thermal properties of epoxy hybrid composites reinforced with natural fibers were studied, addressing the growing demand for eco-friendly materials. Fibers from chicken feathers (CF) and Sesbania grandiflora (SG) were used together with epoxy resin in composites, which were fabricated using the compression molding technique. Both the CF and SG fiber ratios ranged from 1:2 to 2:1, while fiber-to-resin weight proportions were set at 30:70 and 40:60. The composites were evaluated for mechanical and thermal characteristics in adherence to ASTM standards, with thermal properties assessed using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Surface morphology was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Process parameters were optimized using mathematical modeling, employing Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The hybrid composite with a 30:70 fiber/matrix ratio and a 2:1 CF/SG fiber combination demonstrated superior mechanical and thermal properties while showing reduced water absorption. A 30% fiber loading with a 2:1 CF/SG fiber ratio considerably enhanced the composite’s overall performance. The optimal blending ratio for hybrid composites was a 2:1 weight proportion of CF to SG fibers, offering a promising approach to developing sustainable materials with improved characteristics. This research highlights the potential of natural fibers in creating environmentally friendly composites.

Consumers tend to purchase and use furniture products that fulfill their emotional needs. However, existing bamboo furniture design departments lack a systematic and scientific approach to morphological design, and their innovation capabilities remain insufficient. This study proposes a generative design method for bamboo furniture that integrates Game Theory (GT) with AI-Generated Content (AIGC), grounded in Kansei Engineering. This approach aims to assist design departments in developing creative products that align with consumers’ emotional needs, thereby fostering sustainable consumption and advancing the bamboo furniture industry. First, consumer-driven Kansei words were collected and categorized. Then, subjective and objective weight values of consumer requirements were calculated using Grey Relational Analysis (GRA) and entropy, respectively. Based on GT, a comprehensive weight value was determined to accurately identify key consumer requirements. Next, Diffusion Models in AIGC technology were employed to generate new furniture images, followed by morphological deconstruction. Finally, a House of Quality based on Fuzzy Quality Function Deployment was constructed to establish the mapping relationship between key consumer requirements and new morphological elements, determining the optimal furniture design parameters. The proposed method integrates the strengths of both subjective and objective approaches, enhancing the accuracy and scientific rigor of design decision-making.

The structural safety of a natural monument tree was evaluated using the finite element method (FEM), assuming the tree’s material properties to be isotropic. This research involved quantifying external forces, gravity, snow, and wind loads, and analyzing the resulting stress and displacement of the tree. The effectiveness of support structures in improving the tree’s overall structural stability was also investigated. The results show that the greatest displacement and stress occur under snow load conditions. The highest stress was observed in branch D (13.63 MPa) under snow load without any support structure. When this stress was compared with the bending strength of the Zelkova tree’s branches (69.7 MPa), it was found that the tree has a safety margin of 56.1 MPa. Furthermore, when the current support structure positions were considered, branch F, which is supported, exhibited a significant reduction in displacement (by 30% to 42%) and stress (by 84% to 92%) compared to conditions without support. Conversely, branch D, which lacks a support structure, showed no reduction in displacement or stress. These results show that FEM simulation can contribute to the review of reinforcement facility installation to ensure the stability of large old trees.

Amid growing concerns about antibiotic resistance in livestock systems, there is a global shift toward identifying plant-based alternatives to conventional synthetic feed additives. This study explored the physicochemical characteristics of raw Napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) and assessed its viability as a low-cost, functional feed additive for colored broiler chicken diets. Comprehensive characterization was conducted on the raw grass, revealing structural features and functional groups characteristic of bioactive, fibrous biomass. A subsequent feeding trial was conducted with 216 Sasso broiler chicks divided among six dietary regimens: a negative control (basal diet), a positive control (100 mg/kg oxytetracycline), and four supplementation levels of P. purpureum grass meal (1.25 to 5.00 g/kg). The highest supplementation level (5.00 g/kg) significantly enhanced growth performance (p < 0.05), reducing feed conversion ratio (FCR) while maintaining low feed intake. Economic analyses demonstrated that this treatment yielded the greatest profitability, exhibiting superior net profit margin, break-even efficiency, and margin of safety. These findings indicated P. purpureum as a promising phytogenic feed additive with dual benefits of enhancing production efficiency and promoting sustainable poultry farming.