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.

The phytochemical composition and biological activities of Spartium junceum flower extracts were studied after fractionation using solvents of increasing polarity. Among the tested fractions, the butanol extract exhibited the highest levels of total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols, and tannins, suggesting enrichment in polar bioactive metabolites. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) analysis revealed that the major constituents were mainly fatty acids and unsaturated lipid derivatives, including n-hexadecanoic acid, linoelaidic acid, oleic acid, and linoleic acid methyl ester. The butanol fraction demonstrated significant cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 breast and PC-3 prostate cancer cell lines, with IC₅₀ values of 96 and 89.8 µg/mL, respectively, while showing lower toxicity toward normal WI-38 cells. Moderate antioxidant activity was confirmed using (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate), (2,2 (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and total antioxidant capacity assays, with the strongest scavenging effect observed in the ABTS method. Additionally, the extract showed pancreatic lipase inhibitory potential (IC₅₀ = 79.6 µg/mL) and concentration-dependent antibiofilm activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. These findings support S. junceum flowers as a promising source of multifunctional natural therapeutics.

A statistical evaluation was done for the morphological traits of Cydonia oblonga Mill. genotypes, highlighting significant variations among them. Fruit weight exhibited a highly significant difference, ranging from 438 ± 107 g in genotype Q4 to 90.3 ± 10.5 g in Q3. Similarly, fruit width, fruit length, peel thickness, seed number, and Brix values showed statistically significant differences. Principal component analysis revealed that the first two principal components (PC1, PC2) explained 98.04% of the total variation, with fruit weight being the most influential trait. The highest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) inhibition (97.2%) and total phenolic content (908.7 ± 25.0 mg GAE/mL) were observed in genotype Q4. The lowest minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values from antimicrobial tests were for Q4. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis revealed significant variations in vitamin, phenolic, and flavonoid contents, with genotype Q4 having the highest levels of gallic acid (9.97 µg/mL) and epicatechin (76.6 µg/mL). Molecular docking results further supported the potential biological activity of the identified compounds, with catechin demonstrating the strongest binding affinity against bacterial target proteins. These findings demonstrate significant morphological, biochemical, and antimicrobial differences among C. oblonga genotypes, especially the Q4 genotype, indicating their potential for food, and pharmaceutical applications.

This study evaluated multivariate statistical strategies to select critical properties for the performance of particleboards bonded with urea-formaldehyde (UF) adhesive modified with glass wool residues. Panels were produced with six different proportions of glass wool incorporated into the UF adhesive (0%, 3.34%, 4.93%, 6.52%, 9.49%, 12.35%). These panels were characterized by physical, mechanical, fire-retardant, and acoustic properties. Three statistical tools were applied: hierarchical cluster analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and Pearson correlation. PCA explained 80.3% of the total variance, revealing distinct patterns among treatments, especially at the lowest and highest filler contents. The correlation matrix showed the interdependence between the rheological properties of the adhesive and the final composite performance. Glass wool as a filling material, in the proportion of 3.34% of the adhesive, provided the best performance among the panels, as it promoted balance between mechanical, physical and acoustic properties. Up to the limit of 6.52% glass wool contributed to improving fire resistance without significant changes in mechanical strength but reduced dimensional stability due to changes in adhesive rheology. The combination of multivariate analyses provided a robust approach to identify key attributes and guide the formulation of panels with enhanced technical and functional performance.

Graphical Abstract

This paper attempts to provide a general characterization of the properties and applications of plant cellulose (PC) based on literature data regarding its sources, discovery, fractional composition and cell dimensions, the microphysical structure of the fibrous component, its content in wood and non-woody plants, functional properties, traditional uses, and selected contemporary opportunities to expand the use of this material in the production of new types of industrial products. This topic can be useful from systematic, informational, and practical perspectives for engineers involved in teaching plant cellulose technology, for researchers and practitioners searching for substitute materials as alternatives to synthetic polymers and fossil-fuel-derived chemicals, and for paper mills seeking opportunities to mitigate the effects of declining demand for printing papers through the development of other PC-based products. The issues discussed in this article may serve as a starting point for the development of an expanded version of this study, supplemented with additional PC properties and applications not identified by the author, and ultimately for the preparation of a book that would include a comprehensive discussion of specific PC applications.

To develop high-performance soy protein-based adhesives, this study employed a phenol-glyoxal precondensate as a crosslinking agent and optimized the hot-pressing process parameters for plywood through orthogonal experiments, exploring its feasibility for application in wood-based panel manufacturing. Electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (¹³C-NMR) analyses revealed the self-polymerization behavior of glyoxal and its condensation reaction pathway with phenol under acidic conditions, confirming that cyclic ether intermediates were predominant. Using boiling water-resistant bond strength as the evaluation index, orthogonal experiments were conducted to optimize hot-pressing temperature, pressure, time, and glue spread amount. The results demonstrated that hot-pressing temperature exerted the greatest influence on performance, with the optimal conditions being 170 °C, 1.4 MPa, 1.0 min/mm, and 330 g/m². The crosslinking agent enhanced the compactness and water resistance of the adhesive layer through multi-site covalent bonding, hydrogen bond entanglement, and π-π stacking, providing a reference for the industrial application of bio-based adhesives.