Volume 21 Issue 2

This research investigates aerobic composting using palm oil mill biogas sludge, and mixed with shredded empty fruit bunches (EFB). The decomposers used in the process include microorganisms from the composting materials, earthworms (Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae in a 1:1 ratio), and Super LDD1 compost accelerator. The experiment was conducted using seven reactors. Reactors 1, 2, and 3 used 100% biogas sludge, while reactors 4, 5, 6, and 7 used a mixture of 50% biogas sludge and 50% shredded EFB. Reactor 1 relied on natural aeration, whereas reactors 2 to 7 were supplied with air using a blower at a rate of 0.7 L/min·kg. Earthworms were added to reactors 3 and 5, Super LDD1 was added to reactor 6, and both earthworms and Super LDD1 were added to reactor 7. The composting process was carried out over a period of 77 days. Parameters analyzed included temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, moisture content, organic carbon, organic matter, C/N ratio, total nitrogen (Total N), total phosphorus (Total P₂O₅), total potassium (Total K₂O), particle size, and germination index. The results showed that most parameters in all reactors met the 2014 organic fertilizer standards of the Department of Agriculture, with the exception of moisture content and organic matter. Reactor 7 produced compost with the highest nutrient content (Total N : Total P₂O₅ : Total K₂O = 1.70% : 2.00% : 1.35%) and a germination index of 201.46 ± 6.28%. The compost from reactor 7 was crumbly, black in color, and had an earthy odor.

This study presents the development of a sustainable alternative method for crafting traditional Isan long drums through a wood-segment merging technique. Using a combination of documentary analysis, field research, and applied experimentation in collaboration with master drum-makers in Mahasarakham and Buriram provinces, the process was carried out in three phases: (1) analysis and design, (2) prototype production, and (3) refinement and final assembly. The revised design divided the drum into three segments—upper, middle, and lower—to improve material efficiency, ease of fabrication, and structural stability. Each segment was constructed from precisely cut, processed wood wedges, glued, shaped on a lathe, and seamlessly joined. The drumhead was prepared following traditional Isan methods, and the finished instrument was tested for tonal quality, showing results comparable to single-log drums. A panel of seven experts evaluated the drum on sound quality, aesthetics, durability, and suitability, with findings indicating equal or superior performance in most aspects compared to traditional methods. The results suggest that the wood-segment merging technique not only preserves the cultural authenticity and acoustic characteristics of the Isan long drum but also offers an environmentally sustainable and resource-efficient production method.

The effect of polyelectrolyte addition on the rheological behavior of cellulose nanofibril (CNF) suspensions was examined at a CNF consistency of 1.5%. Cationic and anionic polyelectrolytes with different molecular weights and structures were employed, and rheological behavior was evaluated using steady shear and strain-controlled measurements, with particular emphasis on viscosity hysteresis and yield stress as indicators of network deformation and recovery. At this consistency, steady-state viscosity exhibited little response to polyelectrolyte addition. In contrast, viscosity hysteresis and yield stress showed strong dependence on polyelectrolyte molecular weight and structure, reflecting differences in CNF network deformation and reformation behavior. High molecular weight polyelectrolytes restricted nanofibril mobility and altered network recovery after shear, whereas low molecular weight polyelectrolytes acted through electrostatic interactions. Branched cationic polyelectrolytes enhanced network strength, as evidenced by increased yield stress, while linear and anionic polyelectrolytes reduced network strength by limiting effective inter-fibrillar contacts. These results indicate that, at a CNF consistency of 1.5%, rheological responses are governed predominantly by network-scale interactions associated with polyelectrolyte molecular weight and architecture rather than by surface charge alone. These findings clarify the deformation and recovery behavior of CNF suspensions under conditions relevant to practical handling and processing.

Bamboo weaving is a renewable, low-energy craft technique with growing potential for value-added applications in fashion accessories. Bamboo-related studies primarily have focused on material properties or cultural documentation. This study proposes a material-technique adaptability evaluation framework for bamboo-woven fashion accessories, using an integrated Delphi and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach. Building upon established dimensions of consumer perceived value initially derived from a perception model constructed using e-commerce platform data, the study identified 17 design-evaluable indicators through two rounds of expert consultation. The results indicated that emotional and functional value dominated the evaluation structure with form aesthetics, crafts precision, pattern expression, material integration and innovation, and material sustainability receiving the highest weights. To verify the operational applicability of the proposed framework, a design practice was conducted based on the high-priority indicators, and a bamboo-woven shawl cape was developed as a prototype for small-scale user testing. The validation results further confirmed the framework’s suitability for evaluating the adaptability of bamboo weaving in fashion accessory design. The proposed framework provides a systematic and operational tool for assessing the adaptability of bamboo weaving as a bio-based material-technique system, supporting the sustainable utilization and contemporary transformation of bamboo resources in fashion accessory design.

Round bamboo is a critical natural construction material in tropical and subtropical regions because of its high strength, light weight, excellent mechanical properties, and simplicity of access to resources. With the advancement of technology and changes in aesthetics, the design of round bamboo architecture has taken on different development directions, such as simplicity, practicality, and innovative design. The structural components and connection methods are approaching standardization, and the products’ applications are expanded beyond the confines of the home to include commercial spaces and other application scenarios. The current situation, problems, and development direction of round bamboo structures in terms of material production process, modification technology, and standardized processing are summarized in this study. Also discussed are advantages, structural characteristics, and development rules of round bamboo components as building materials, as well as the evolution and innovative development of connection methods. The purpose of this study is to provide references for the innovation and development of round bamboo.