Research Articles

Woody plants represent a valuable source of bioactive compounds for medicine. In this study, Carpinus cordata wood was extracted with different solvents. The extracts were analyzed using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS), and thermal desorption – gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). The results revealed a diverse array of compounds, including aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbons, alkanes, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, and esters. These chemical constituents demonstrate significant potential as feedstocks for bio-oils and novel biomaterials in industrial and agricultural sectors. Furthermore, specific bioactive molecules with potential anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and anti-HIV properties were identified, underlining their promise for pharmaceutical and biomedical agents. Live/dead staining results of ethanol extracts of C. cordata wood exhibited significant cytotoxicity against the human chronic myeloid leukemia cell line K-562, indicating the presence of potent anti-cancer constituents. Overall, the multifaceted potential of C. cordata wood was shown to be a source of both bioactive extracts for medicine and valuable chemicals through thermochemical conversion.

This study aimed to establish quantitative relationships between the average uncut chip thickness and the colour change of beech wood (Fagus sylvatica L.) during face milling. A comprehensive analysis of colour change was conducted based on measurements of chromaticity parameters, lightness, total colour difference, and hue angle variation. It was concluded that the average uncut chip thickness was a key factor in determining the surface’s visual quality. It was found that an increase in average uncut chip thickness (0.13 to 0.38 mm) correlated with a decrease in total colour difference and an increase in lightness, bringing the machined surface’s colour closer to the original wood. This effect was attributed to the minimisation of local thermal effects through optimizing the cutting process. This avoids thermally sensitive chemical reactions that cause colour changes. Results from various statistical analyses showed significant differences in total colour differences across average uncut chip thicknesses of 0.13, 0.25, and 0.38 mm.