Volume 20 Issue 3

As people pay more attention to environmental issues, incorporating leather elements in solid wood furniture has become a new trend. This change reflects consumers’ concern for sustainable materials and their quest for personalized home design. Due to the similarity between styling of leather custom closets in the market, its surface texture and color are the key factors influencing consumers’ purchasing decisions. This study explored the visual-tactile perception of different leather materials by Chinese leather custom furniture consumers and establish an evaluation model. Based on Kansei engineering and market trend research, 12 representative leather samples and 7 perceptual phrases were selected through expert evaluation and KJ methods. Questionnaires were used to collect consumers’ visual-tactile perception evaluations of leather samples. Analysis using SPSS software showed that surface roughness, softness, and comfort of the material were the key factors affecting the tactile perception, while the visual perception was closely related to the color characteristics and aesthetic of the material. Cluster analysis categorized these materials as suitable for 4 different styles of home environments. This paper provides a theoretical basis for selecting materials for leather customized furniture and guides future design.

Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.) wood often has a spiral grain character, which contributes to shape instability in the resulting products. Spiral grain refers to the deviation of wood fibers from the longitudinal axis. This study identified and quantified specific shape changes caused by spiral grain in hornbeam samples. Differences between samples were analyzed with varying degrees of spiral grain and their impact on the shape stability of hornbeam lumber. Changes in the warp cup and the warp twist were monitored during three months of an air-drying process. Moisture loss was found to have a significant influence on the increase in the observed types of warps. An average rise in warp cup from 0 mm to 0.61 mm was recorded in specimens lacking spiral grain, whereas in specimens exhibiting spiral grain, it was raised from 0 mm to 0.92 mm over the same period. Warp twist was increased from a mean value of 7.2 mm in non-spiral-grain specimens to 19.6 mm in spiral-grain specimens. Moreover, the original position of the lumber pieces within the logs whether adjacent to the pith or the bark was determined to be a significant factor in the final type and size of the warp (curvature). This study highlights the critical role of spiral grain and log positioning in shaping the dimensional stability of hornbeam lumber during drying.

Pyramid-type and lattice-type sandwich structure plate members were designed and fabricated using oriented strand board as the panel and larch finger-joined lumber as the core material, while glass fiber was used as the panel reinforcing material. The mechanical properties of the four types of sandwich structure plate members were tested by four-point bending test. The test results showed that the damage forms of the plate members were mainly the debonding between the core and the panel and the bending failure of the core. It can be concluded from the mechanical properties of plate members with sandwich structure that the transfer path and efficiency between the panel and the core layer of a sandwich structure plate members have a decisive influence on the flexural performance of the specimen. The core configuration determines the relative stiffness ratio between the panel and the core. This study was able to provide reliable experimental data and theoretical support for the application of wood-based sandwich structure plate members in prefabricated temporary buildings, landscape timber structures, and other fields, in order to promote their optimized design and wide application.

Dehydrogenation polymer (DHP) was synthesized by free radical coupling dehydrogenation polymerization of the lignin precursor coniferin under the catalysis of various enzymes. DHP has a highly similar connection structure to natural lignin (such as β-O-4, β-β, β-5, etc.), so it shows the potential as a new zero formaldehyde release adhesive. In plants, a very stable lignin-carbohydrate complex (LCC) is formed between lignin and cellulose and hemicellulose, which makes plants have excellent mechanical strength. In this paper, the thermal condensation reaction between DHP and D-glucose-¹³C₆ was simulated by hot pressing of wood-based panels, and the DHP-D-glucose-¹³C₆ complex was prepared. The condensation was analyzed by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic response (NMR) characterization. The signals of C₁ and C₆ of glucose in the complex could be clearly observed in the FTIR and NMR spectra, which showed that DHP and D-glucose-¹³C₆ can undergo thermal condensation reaction in the simulated hot-pressing environment. The C₁ on the glucose unit may form a C-C bond with the C₆ on the aromatic ring in DHP. It was found that DHP can function as a formaldehyde-free wood-based panel adhesive, thereby providing new evidence about the mechanism of adhesion within plant fibers.

The study of surface properties—particularly wettability—and how these vary from pith to bark in relation to changes in surface roughness, chemical composition and crystallinity is of importance to improve the use of wood that comes from thinning of a hardwood plantation. In this study, water wettability was assessed by measuring the contact angle using a drop shape analyzer, while surface roughness was evaluated with a confocal microscope. The chemical composition and crystallinity of the surface were analyzed using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). To minimize the influence of machining variables on surface properties, a consistent surface quality before and after thermal modification was ensured using computer-controlled cutting. The results revealed that, prior to thermal modification, the contact angle varied significantly from pith to bark. After modification, the contact angle increased, but the differences were no longer statistically significant, due to the homogenization of the chemical-structural characteristics caused by the thermal modification. Relative crystallinity and surface roughness tended to increase towards the bark, with the contact angle tending to decrease, before and after modification.

Surface properties of wood materials were determined before and after coating with cellulosic varnish doped with aloe vera gel. For this purpose, samples were prepared from Anatolian black pine (Pinus nigra subsp. pallasiana), fir (Abies nordmanniana subsp. bornmulleriana Mattf.), Ayous (Triplochiton scleroxylon K. Schum), and Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) woods in accordance with TS 53 (1981) and TS ISO 3129 (2021) principles and then coated with cellulosic varnishes doped with 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% aloe vera (L.) gel according to ASTM D3023-98 (2017) principles. Color changes according to ASTM D2244-21 (2021) and surface glosses according to TS EN ISO 2813 (2014) were determined on varnished surfaces. As the percentage of aloe vera gel in the varnish increased, the red color tone, yellow color tone, total color change, glossiness perpendicular and parallel to the fibers, and difference values decreased. Aloe vera gel can be preferred as an additive in cellulosic varnish in applications where the objective is no change or minimal change in the color and glossiness values, depending on type of wood and area of use.

Separate and combined effects of nanocellulose, cationic polyacrylamide, cationic starch, and bleached softwood kraft fibers were evaluated when producing recycled packaging fluting paper. The focus was on enhancing the structural integrity and performance of this paper product, which is essential for packaging applications. Treatments included 10% refined bleached softwood kraft pulp, 5% cellulose nanofibers, 2% cationic starch, and 0.2% cationic polyacrylamide. Combined treatments involved 5% cellulose nanofibers with 2% starch and 5% cellulose nanofibers with 0.2% cationic polyacrylamide. Handsheets with a grammage of 127 g/m² were produced and tested for physical, mechanical, and microscopic properties. Results showed that these additives, either independently or in combination, improved the properties of the paper. The combination of 5% nanocellulose and 0.2% cationic polyacrylamide yielded the highest density and tensile strength, along with the lowest water absorption. This treatment also enhanced critical strengths in the ring crush and corrugated medium tests, making it optimal for packaging paper production. Electron microscopy revealed reduced porosity in handsheets from combined treatments, which may negatively impact water absorption. Further research is needed to optimize these additives while addressing their effects on water absorption.

Grounded Theory was employed to analyze consumer perceived value of sustainable bamboo-woven fashion accessories in Chinese e-commerce, emphasizing green consumption behaviors, awareness of resource reuse, and integration of cultural significance. Unlike prior research focusing on design-stage preferences, the study investigated real consumer feedback from e-commerce reviews, social media comments, and interviews. Findings revealed four key perceived value dimensions: functional, emotional, social, and green value. Among them, emotional value (aesthetic experience and design innovation) was indisputably the strongest driver of consumer attitudes, while functional value highlights craftsmanship, durability, and usability. Social value relates to cultural identity and service experience, whereas green value, despite consumer awareness, has a weaker direct impact on purchasing decisions. The study also explored bamboo’s adaptability in sustainable fashion, offering insights for product innovation, material development, and branding strategies. Through addressing post-market consumer demand, it contributes to the integration of eco-friendly craftsmanship into circular fashion and sustainable industries.

Tomatoes are widely consumed but highly perishable due to their rapid respiration and delicate skin, causing significant post-harvest losses. Sustainable preservation is essential to maintain quality and reduce food waste. This study investigated aloe vera gel (AVG) as a natural, edible coating to extend tomato shelf life. Tomatoes at the pink ripening stage were coated with AVG for 3 and 6 minutes, then stored at 10 °C and 85% relative humidity for 16 days. The physicochemical traits pH, firmness, moisture content, total soluble solids (TSS), and microbial load were assessed every four days. AVG coatings slowed declines in pH, firmness, and moisture content compared to controls (p<0.05). Non-coated tomatoes dropped from pH 4.48 to 2.87, while 3- and 6-minute coated samples retained higher pH (3.28 and 3.65). Firmness fell to 0.56 kg/cm² in controls, but coated samples retained 1.18 and 1.50 kg/cm². Coated tomatoes had higher final moisture (78.35 to 80.25%) than controls (70.45%) and less weight loss (29.55 to 30.26 g vs. 28.11 g). TSS levels remained higher in coated tomatoes (3.10 to 3.40 °Brix vs. 2.40 °Brix), with lower microbial counts (2.95 and 2.16 vs. 4.24 log CFU/g). These results support AVG as an effective, eco-friendly method for preserving tomato quality.

Agave species are increasingly recognized as promising sources of bioactive phytochemicals with therapeutic potential. Among these, β-sitosterol (BSS) and its glucoside (BSSG) have gained attention for their wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. In vitro, these compounds enhance fibroblast viability and regulate cytokine production. In vivo, extracts from Agave angustifolia bagasse (BagEE), obtained through microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), significantly accelerate wound closure and re-epithelialization. MAE, particularly when combined with alkaline catalysts, yields higher concentrations of BSS and BSSG compared to conventional methods. However, despite its environmental and efficiency advantages, supercritical fluid extraction remains underutilized for isolating phytosterols from Agave. This review highlights interspecies variation in bioactive profiles, the critical impact of extraction methodology on compound yield and activity, and the potential for valorizing agro-industrial residues. These findings emphasize the value of Agave-derived sterols in the development of sustainable, plant-based therapeutics. Further research is needed to standardize extraction protocols, achieve comprehensive characterization of active metabolites, and evaluate their clinical efficacy—advancing innovation in bioproduct development aligned with circular economy principles.