Volume 20 Issue 4

The nail-holding performance of two major commercial wood species in southern China, P. massoniana (Masson pine) and C. lanceolata (Chinese fir), were investigated in this paper. Nail-holding strength tests on the two kinds of wood were conducted using self-tapping screws and round steel nails, respectively, with the focus on analyzing the impact law of guiding bore diameter on nail-holding performance. Without the guiding hole, the nail-holding force of both kinds of nails was poor. When the guiding hole diameter increased moderately, the nail-holding force showed an upward trend. Nevertheless, if the guiding hole diameter was too large, the nail-holding force would drop sharply. The nail-holding force of self-tapping screws peaked when the guiding hole diameter was 2.0 mm, and that of round steel nails reached the maximum when the guiding hole diameter was 2.5 mm. In addition, there were remarkable differences in the nail-holding force performance of P. massoniana and C. lanceolata wood under different guiding hole diameters, and their load-displacement curve characteristics also varied. Reasonable design of the diameter of the guiding hole can significantly enhance the nail-holding performance of wood, ensuring the stability and reliability of wood structure connections.

The agricultural sector generates considerable amounts of waste annually, particularly during harvest periods. This study explored the potential of pineapple (Ananas comosus Merr.) leaves, a cellulose-rich byproduct of the pineapple industry, as a sustainable raw material for paper production. Mechanical strength, renewability, and cost-effectiveness make pineapple leaves a promising alternative for eco-friendly papermaking. The research focused on analyzing the chemical composition of the leaves, optimizing the pulping process, and evaluating the physical properties of the resulting paper. Utilizing TAPPI test methods, the chemical analysis revealed high concentrations of holo-cellulose (82.6%), alpha-cellulose (69.7%), and hemicellulose (12.9%), along with relatively low levels of solvent extractives (14.7%) and ash content (4.9%). The physical attributes of the produced paper include a tensile index of 50.1 Nm/g, a tear index of 6.33 mNm²/g, and a burst index of 3.31 kPa·m²/g. Additionally, the brightness of the unbleached paper was measured at 28.8 % ISO, which was increased to 69.7 % ISO after the bleaching process. Pineapple leaves possess more alpha cellulose than most other wood and non wood sources and paper made from these leaves has shown better physical properties.  These findings underscore the potential of pineapple leaves as a viable alternative pulp source for the paper industry, contributing to the advancement of sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing practices.

The acoustic properties of a custom-built bamboo bass guitar (BBG) were examined in this study as a sustainable substitute for traditional wooden instruments. To evaluate tonal and harmonic behavior, the BBG which was made completely of bamboo components was contrasted with the Fender Jazz Bass ’70s (FJB70s). While spectrograms from Adobe Audition offered visual insight into overtone distribution, frequency spectrum data were recorded using a PicoScope oscilloscope and subjected to Fast Fourier transform (FFT) analysis. Although the BBG’s pitch and harmonic series matched those of the FJB70s, its timbre was noticeably different, with less radiation and more damping. Throughout the spectrum, its overtone amplitudes gradually decreased, while the FJB70s’ harmonic presence remained increasingly distinct and steady. In the BBG signal, random partials that show up in between harmonic peaks indicate variations in structural resonance. These results lend credence to bamboo’s potential as an acoustic material for bass instruments, providing unique sound textures and encouraging environmental sustainability.

Palm-leaf manuscripts use palm leaves as their medium. The inherent poor dimensional stability of this biological material is the main reason for ink and pigment detachment. As a valuable cultural heritage, the detachment of ink or pigment on the surface of palm leaf manuscripts under humid-dry cycling poses a critical challenge in the field of conservation. This study simulated traditional palm leaf manuscript preparation and employed accelerated humid-dry cycling to elucidate ink/pigment detachment mechanisms. The substrate—composed of cellulose, lignin, hemicellulose, waxes, and pectin—exhibits anisotropic deformation during cycling: thickness/tangential expansion significantly exceeds longitudinal direction. Chromatic analysis showed minor ΔE* increases in substrate, ink, and pigment, confirming stable chemistry. Color changes primarily resulted from interfacial microcracks and light scattering due to physical deformation. Detachment area escalated with cycles, driven by substrate-ink/pigment expansion mismatch. This induces interfacial tensile-compressive stress cycling, causing mechanical fatigue, adhesion loss, and eventual powdering/flaking. Key conservation strategies include stabilizing environmental humidity and developing flexible protective coatings to buffer interfacial stress. This provides theoretical foundations for scientific preservation of palm leaf manuscripts and conservation material design.

The active ingredients present in Galium species, especially Galium verum, are represented by antioxidant compounds in variable proportions. This study aimed to obtain, by solid-liquid extraction of G. verum, biologically active compounds with antioxidant properties, such as polyphenols and flavonoids. Four classic extraction techniques were used (maceration-M, refluxation-R, sonoextraction-US and a combined method: sonoextraction with maceration – US+M). In the extraction process, glycerin was used in different forms: hydro-glycerin; and water and glycerin-ethanol mixtures with different concentrations. Other monitored parameters were the solid-liquid ratio (S/L) and the extraction time. The best results were obtained using the hydro-glycerin solution as extraction solvent: 85.0 µg GAE/g polyphenols (R: 50% concentration, 60 min, S/L=1:15) and 117 mg QE/g flavonoids ((R: 80% concentration, 60 min, S/L=1:15). This study brings new data about obtaining plant extracts from G. verum with important antioxidant properties, based on the use of a green solvent extraction.

The concept of the “olfactory economy” has recently emerged as a novel consumer trend. Flooring has been observed to emit an undesirable olfactory sensation during its initial use. The implementation of scented flooring has been demonstrated to mitigate this concern. This study examines the problem of undesirable odors emitted by engineered wood flooring during its initial application. A Kano-AHP model in conjunction with TRIZ theory was used to investigate market demand for fragranced flooring and to offer novel insights into its advancement. A questionnaire survey was administered to ascertain market demand for aromatic flooring. The Kano model was employed to assess user requirements, with a focus on individuals seeking aromatic flooring. This finding emerged after the investigation of fragrance intensity, comfort, and suitability. The aromatic flooring surface was then subjected to artificial olfactory testing, and the findings were statistically analyzed using the Hierarchical Analysis Method to rank user olfactory preferences by weight and priority. TRIZ theory was ultimately employed to transform these requirements into enhancement strategies for aromatic flooring. The findings demonstrate the efficacy of this research approach in translating user requirements into research and development trajectories, thereby enhancing the relationship between users and goods and offering novel insights for the research and development of indoor furniture panels.

Distillers’ grain (DG) was used as an ingredient in paperboard made in the laboratory from recycled containerboard fibers. The chemical composition and physico-chemical properties of DG fractions that had been isolated using varied screens were investigated. The effect of DG incorporation on the properties of the recycled paperboard was compared relative what was obtained with either precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) or talc powder as fillers. The DG was found to mainly contain cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, protein, and fat. At a filler addition level of 5%, the 100- to 140-mesh DG-filled handsheet exhibited the most satisfactory physical properties, with a tensile index of 25.4 N·m·g^-1 and a ring crush index of 7.95 N·m·g^-1. The strength values were generally higher than those of paper filled by PCC or talc powder at the same addition levels. The tensile index and ring crush index of hybrid-filled handsheets increased with increasing ratios of DG. The results suggest that DG can be used as a substitute for fiber content in some grades of paperboard, especially where a low-cost, bulky material could provide an advantage. Such usage of DG can resolve environmental challenges associated with storage and transportation of excess DG that is presently discarded.

Effects of thermal modification were investigated relative to the surface and adhesive bonding of coatings to tannin-rich oak (Quercus petraea) and chestnut (Castanea sativa) woods. Samples were heat-treated for 2 hours at different temperatures (160 °C, 180 °C, and 200 °C) and then coated sequencially with linseed oil followed by poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) varnish. Increasing heat treatment temperature led to a significant darkening of the wood and a decrease in gloss and surface roughness. While thermal modification alone caused a reduction in adhesion strength, the subsequent application of linseed oil was effective in mitigating this adverse effect. The oil created a more favorable bonding interface by reducing the negative influence of tannins and hydrophobicity on the adhesive. The combined thermal modification and linseed oil treatment achieved favorable adhesive bonding performance of tannin-rich wood species with the varnish. This study suggests that low heat treatment temperatures combined with a linseed oil coating can be recommended for applications where good adhesion strength is desired.

This study explores Cyprus’s long-standing and rich heritage of carving wooden furniture, a craft that plays a significant role in the island’s artistic, cultural, and historical narrative. The Cypriot woodcarving heritage is a singular fusion of artistic, religious, and practical craftsmanship. It has roots in centuries-old techniques and influences from succeeding civilizations such as Byzantine, Venetian, and Ottoman. This study investigates the dissemination of carving methods, the development of artistic motifs, and the socio-cultural meanings ingrained in the carved items using an interdisciplinary approach that combines historical research, fieldwork, and interviews with modern artists. Religious iconography, the vine, and the rosette are examples of traditional motifs that are examined as both decorative accents and symbols of shared memory and identity. The research also analyses regional variances across the island, from the intricate furniture of the Troodos region to the simpler, yet symbolically rich, home objects found in rural towns. The materials utilized—especially local hardwoods like walnut and olive—as well as the specialized hand tools and techniques used by expert carvers are all carefully considered. The study shows how, despite the demands of mass production and modernization, these artisans have preserved a high level of technical and symbolic continuity.

Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) is a purified partially depolymerized nonfibrous form of cellulose, a crystalline powder composed of porous particles. In this study, the drying of MCC was investigated with two different solids content MCCs by using three different drying methods: a high-velocity cyclone dryer, a spray dryer, and a fluidized bed dryer. The effects of the different drying techniques on the geometrical dimensions and morphology of the dried MCC particles and aggregates were researched. Based on the results, the dried MCC particle morphology is highly dependent on the used raw material properties as well as the liquid removal mechanism during drying. The preserving of the morphology of the raw material MCC was mostly achieved by fluidized bed drying, which facilitated MCC to dry as discrete particles with high surface area and lesser aggregation when using the MCC with 45% dry consistency as raw material. Spray drying was observed to produce small, most circular particles with the most homogenous size distributions and high velocity cyclone largest, most heterogenous and irregular shape particles and aggregates. All results have been presented as such after drying without screening.