Research Articles

This study reports silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesis through a green, facile, and eco-friendly route using aqueous leaf extract of Phyllanthus amarus as both reducing and stabilizing agent. GCMS screening of the plant extract affirmed the presence of phytochemicals such as   flavonoids, polyphenols, and other biomolecules responsible for the reduction and stabilization of synthesized nanoparticles. The biosynthesis was confirmed with a visible color change from pale yellow to brown with UV–Visible spectroscopy indicated AgNPs formation within 400 to 450 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed three distinct peaks corresponding to (111), (200), and (220) crystal planes, while transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated circular-shaped particles with particle size in the range of 10.02 to 28.5 nm. The optical activity of the synthesized nanoparticles was confirmed by its ability to sense the presence of selected metals such as manganese, iron, lead, arsenic, and cadmium ions, demonstrating potential environmental applications. In addition, the as-prepared AgNPs exhibited antimicrobial effects against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. The green synthesis method using P. amarus offers a low-cost and sustainable route to stable AgNPs with bi-functional properties suitable for biological and environmental applications.

Drawing on Google Trends data from 2015 to 2024, this study examined patterns of digital attention toward lignocellulosic packaging materials, including paper, wood, and bamboo. Search activity was interpreted as an indicator of evolving sustainability-related public interest rather than simple query frequency. The analysis revealed sustained growth across all packaging-related terms, with “biodegradable packaging” exhibiting the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR = 16.86%), substantially exceeding that of “paper packaging” (6.84%). This pattern suggests that public attention is expanding more rapidly toward broad sustainability concepts rather than toward individual material categories. Interpreted within the framework of Signaling Theory, rising search intensity reflects increasing cognitive engagement with environmentally responsible packaging. However, because Google Trends provides relative rather than absolute measures of search volume, the results should be understood as indicators of digital attention rather than direct evidence of purchasing behavior.

The compressive strength and dynamic bending resistance were tested for solid wood reinforced with glass and carbon fiber fabrics perpendicular to the fibers. The obtained data were used to predict the structural suitability of fiber-reinforced systems, especially for strengthening vertical load-bearing elements of historical buildings. Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) and Turkish beech (Fagus orientalis Lipsky), which are widely used in the construction and furniture industries in Türkiye, were coated with 200, 300, and 400 g/m² glass fiber fabric, carbon fiber fabric, and glass chip using epoxy resin. Compression tests conducted in the direction perpendicular to the fibers were applied according to the TS ISO 13061-5 (2021) standard. The highest compressive strength was obtained in the KK group (84.6 N/mm²), while the lowest value was obtained in group ÇCW1 (48.6 N/mm²). Dynamic (shock) bending strength tests were conducted in accordance with the TS ISO 13061-10 (2021) standard, and the highest dynamic bending strength was measured in the KCW2 group (70.2 kJ/mm²), while the lowest value was measured in the Scotch pine control group (35.6 kJ/mm²). Fiber-reinforced systems, with their mechanically weak properties, offer a viable solution for improving the compressive and dynamic bending strength of wood materials.