This study provides insights into nanocellulose production using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hydrogen sulphate ([Bmim]HSO4) as a green solvent, utilizing cellulose derived from date palm waste. Critical hydrolysis parameters were optimized through analysis of variance and response surface methodology. The predicted nanocellulose yield (Y) followed a quadric equation represented by Y=55.48-0.57pH-0.478ST+0.997T-0.006721T2+0.0681pH×ST-0.0681pH×T+0.003833ST×T. The developed empirical model showed excellent predictive accuracy (R2>0.95). The optimized hydrolysis parameters were pH 1, a temperature of 80 °C, and a stirring time of 45 min, resulting in an 80.5 % yield of nanocellulose. Scanning electron microscopy showed the nanocellulose's needle like morphology, while transmission electron microscopy indicated an average particle size ranging from 50 to 60 nm. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the purity of the nanocellulose by indicating the removal of non-cellulosic components. X-ray diffraction analysis showed a crystallinity index (Crl) of 72.22 %, representing a 67.5 % increase compared to the Crl raw date waste. Dynamic light scattering showed a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 100 nm. Thermal stability performed using thermogravimetric analysis indicated a high initial degradation temperature (Tonset) of 233 °C, while differential scanning calorimetry confirmed the absence of melting transitions up to 250 °C, underscoring the material's exceptional thermal stability. This study highlights the robust capability of [Bmim]HSO4 to produce high quality nanocellulose from lignocellulose-derived cellulose, broadening its application beyond the previously reported use with microcrystalline cellulose to produce nanocellulose.

In this study, the role of a transition metal complex in improving hydrolysis efficiency during nanocellulose production was analysed. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) were extracted from date seeds by incorporating a copper metal complex during HCl hydrolysis. In contrast to traditional HCl hydrolysis at moderate conditions, which yielded only microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), this approach resulted in the extraction of CNCs with a 10 % improved yield compared to MCC. Morphological analysis using scanning electron microscopy revealed semispherical shaped particles, while transmission electron microscopy showed CNCs with a particle size ranging from 70 to 80 nm. Dynamic light scattering analysis indicated a significant reduction in average particle size from 900 nm to 121 nm, highlighting the remarkable efficiency of using the copper metal complex in combination with HCl to improve yield and particle size. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis confirmed the purity of the CNCs, with no residual copper detected. Thermal analysis demonstrated the high stability of the CNCs, with an initial decomposition temperature (Tonset) of 274.02 degrees C and an activation energy (Ea) of 219.90 kJ/ mol. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the CNCs exhibited high degree of crystallinity (Crl=72.03 %). Disseminating these research findings will significantly impact the CNCs production industry, facilitating improved yields and the production of nano-sized fibers through the utilization of transition metal complexes alongside hydrolysis solvents.

Among various biorenewable polymers, poly(2,5-ethylene furandicarboxylate) (PEF) has a large potential to replace fossil-based poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) for different applications. However, despite showing better gas barrier properties compared to PET, the inferior mechanical properties of PEF hinder its potential applications. This study reports the toughening of PEF with linear low-density polyethylene (PE) via melt blending by reactive compatibilization at the polymer-polymer interface and benchmarking against similar PET/PE blends. The wettability and spreading coefficient predictions indicate a preferable location of the ternary component (styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene-graft-maleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MA) or polyethylene-graft-maleic anhydride (PE-g-MA)) along the PEF/PE interface. The interfacial ternary component (concentration and type) exhibited substantial effects on the PEF/PE morphology, altering it from a very coarse incompatible structure to a dispersed morphology for SEBS-g-MA, and fibrillar and cocontinuous morphologies for PE-g-MA. The morphology change in the blends is attributed to reactive compatibilization between the anhydride group of the compatibilizer and the hydroxyl end-group in PEF at the interface. The SEBS-g-MA compatibilized blends exhibited enhanced ductility, as the elongation at break substantially increased with increasing compatibilizer loading, resulting in an 800% increment in the elongation at break and 250% in the tensile toughness compared to those of the neat PEF. These improvements may open new applications of biobased PEF flexible materials for the packaging industry.

This study presents a novel method for nanocellulose production using [Bmim]Cl as a green solvent, with enhanced hydrolysis efficiency achieved through the addition of a transition metal complex as a catalyst. The redox capability of the transition metal complex to break the glycosidic bonds in cellulose is amplified by the addition of an oxidizing agent. This protocol represents the latest innovation in the field of nanocellulose production, resulting in improved yield and reduced particle size. Nanocellulose (NC) was extracted from date seeds using 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride [Bmim]Cl coupled with a transition metal complex comprising copper metal and pyridine as a ligand along with H2O2 as an oxidizing agent. Unlike conventional [Bmim]Cl hydrolysis, which typically yields only microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), this approach resulted in a 25% higher yield of NC than that of MCC. Dynamic light scattering analysis showed a substantial reduction in hydrodiameter from 1200 nm for MCC to 128.7 nm for NC, highlighting the remarkable efficiency of this process. Thermal analysis demonstrated the high stability of NC, which showed a T onset of 286 degrees C and an activation energy (E-a) of 220.41 kJ/mol. X-ray diffraction analysis indicated that NC possessed a high degree of crystallinity (C-rl = 70.28%). Furthermore, NC underwent modification with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane to replace free hydroxyl groups (-OH), making it redispersal and suitable for various applications. This modification was confirmed through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, which showed the presence of characteristic functional groups, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, which verified the elemental composition. Zeta potential measurements revealed surface charge differences, with MCC at - 27.87 mV, NC at - 27.28 mV, and modified NC at - 44.72 mV, indicating improved colloidal stability after modification. These findings highlight the protocol's effectiveness and its potential impact on the NC production industry, offering improved yields and the production of nanosized fibers using green solvents.

The utilization of natural deep eutectic solvents in the extraction of lignin presents a promising sustainable approach for biorefineries. While lignin extracted with NADES has been utilized in various applications, there is a lack of research on its potential for CO2 adsorption. This article aims to assess the potential of CO2 adsorption on lignin extracted with NADES. In this work, lignin was studied, and their properties were analyzed using analytical techniques such as FTIR, XRD, TGA, SEM, BET, and particle size analysis. The gravimetric adsorption method was employed to evaluate the CO2 adsorption capacity of lignin. Thermal analysis showed broader decomposition at 416.45 °C, suggesting potential suitability for exploration of CO2 adsorption. The lignin exhibited high selectivity towards CO2 at an adsorption capacity of 75 mg/g at 30 bar. Lignin exhibited Type-II adsorption isotherm which indicates existence of multilayer adsorption. CO2 adsorption performance agrees well with BET and SEM results, revealing low surface area in the NADES extracted lignin and dense-like structure. It also showed good stability after 10 adsorption/desorption cycles. The overall results of this study suggests that the lignin extracted with NADES has the potential for application in CO2 adsorption that requires further exploration.

Lignin-containing nanocellulose (LNC) is a compelling alternative to traditional nanocellulose (NC), it offers enhanced yields and a reduction in the demand for toxic chemicals. This research involves the isolation of LNC from date palm waste using a green hydrolysis process and its subsequent characterization. The potential of using ionic liquids (ILs) as green solvents to isolate LNC has not yet been explored. Our findings suggest that 1-ethyl-3methylimidazolium chloride ([Emim]Cl) can hydrolyze partially delignified and unbleached lignocellulose, achieving LNC synthesis. The obtained LNC showed a higher yield than its NC counterpart and exhibited rodshaped fibers with nanoscale diameters and micrometer lengths, indicating a high aspect ratio. Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) results indicate average particle sizes of 143.20 nm for NC and 282.30 nm for LNC, with a narrow particle size distribution conforming their monodisperse behavior. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry revealed high thermal stability (initial degradation temperature = 222.50 degrees C and glass transition temperature = 84.45 degrees C) of LNC. Moreover, the obtained LNC fibers were crystalline (crystallinity index = 52.76 %). Their activation energy (124.95 kJ/mol) was determined using the Coats-Redfern method by employing eight solid-state diffusion models. Overall, this study motivates the use of ILs as green solvents to produce lignocellulose derivatives that are suitable for various applications.

Date palm pit (DPP)-filled poly (-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) composites were prepared, evaluated, and characterized to determine their thermal insulation ability. Thermal conductivity values ranged between 0.086 and 0.100 W/(m·K). At a maximum filler concentration (50% (w)), the specific heat capacity and thermal diffusivity were 1 183 J/(kg·K) and 0.068 9 mm2/s, respectively. The DPP increased the thermal stability, and the highest compressive strength obtained was 80 MPa at 30% filler content. The PHB-DPP composites exhibited promising water absorption (less than 6%) and tensile strength (6–14 MPa). Date-pit-based PHB composites could be used in sustainable building engineering and cleaner production.

Natural deep eutectic solvent (NADES) composed of choline chloride and formic acid was used to fractionate date waste into lignin and cellulose streams. NADES treatment increased the cellulose content from 44 wt% in raw waste (RW) to 72 wt% in extracted cellulose fibers (CFs). Scanning electron microscopy revealed needle-like fibers, underlining the effectiveness of NADES treatment in removing non-cellulosic components. Additionally, the CFs exhibited improved thermal stability, with an initial decomposition temperature () of 265 °C. Kinetic analysis revealed a higher activation energy () of 100.90 kJ/mol for CFs than 63.10 kJ/mol for RW, indicating higher thermal stability due to enhanced cellulose content. Pyrolysis coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy analyses of CFs showed a lower release of nitrogen compounds and a higher content of hydrocarbons and cyclic ethers, all of which are beneficial for bio-oil production. Overall, the findings of this study will promote the use of NADES as an inexpensive, nontoxic, and recyclable solvent to advance the field of selective pyrolysis.

Highly functional and robust biobased materials are still in research to produce valuable bio-composites. In the present research, microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was obtained through an agricultural waste, pineapple leaf fiber (PL) and further functionalized using upscaled chemical approach to carboxymethyl microcrystalline cellulose (CMMMC). To derive CMMCC from PL fiber, monochloroacetic acid, sodium hydroxide, and ethanol were used as solvents in an etherification procedure. FTIR, TGA, SEM, EDX, XRD, and DSC served to characterize the raw material, high crystalline MCC, and modified carboxy methyl MCC. FTIR analysis determined the presence of a different absorbed peak at approximately 1620.2 cm-1, and at 1423.8 cm-1, carboxyl groups were assigned to CMMCC. On the other hand, the XRD findings verified that CMMCC's crystalline structure has decreased. Analysis by SEM revealed a damaged surface morphology for CMMCC. Following chemical treatments, the EDX analysis revealed that each fiber sample contained a highly pure cellulose elemental composition. Thus, results explain the utilization of agricultural waste, pineapple leaf fiber to high valuable products like highly crystalline MCC, in addition further modification of MCC could leads to formation of highly functional material that could be used for other applications too in future.

Composite materials were developed by incorporating date palm leaves (DPL) into polypropylene (PP) from recycled face masks, with filler concentrations varying from 0 to 40 wt%, thereby recycling large amounts of face mask waste and date palm waste. A twin-melt extruder was used for mixing, followed by compression molding. Thus, this study provides a sustainable alternative to fossil-fuel-derived heat insulators used in construction by replacing a portion of the PP content with biodegradable wood fibers. Moreover, the research aims to provide a waste management for PP produced from face masks and agricultural waste from date palm trees. The composites were thoroughly characterized to assess their prospects for the desired applications. The outcomes of this study revealed that the addition of DPL filler reduced the thermal conductivity values, increased the acoustic absorption coefficient, and improved the mechanical strength. The composites demonstrated thermal conductivity values as low as 0.069 W/m & sdot;K, acoustic absorption coefficient of 0.4, light density of 0.81 g/cm3, compressive strength of approximately 45 MPa, and maximum water retention of 1.1 %. Furthermore, the composites exhibited specific heat of 1480-2030 J/kg & sdot;K, and thermal diffusivity between 0.0465 and 0.0573 mm2/s. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis showed a high thermal stability for the composites, with degradation temperature exceeding 300 degrees C. Hence, the developed composites show strong potential for use as thermal insulation materials in the building and construction sector.

The rising liability to suffer the environment eco-friendly covers the approach to the improvement of materials with bio-natural wastes. This research experimentally aims to study bamboo/oil palm reinforced bio-epoxy hybrid composite. Bamboo (B) and oil palm (O) reinforced bio-epoxy was fabricated as a control. The fabricated biocomposites were characterised by mechanical properties (tensile tests), physical characterisations (density, water absorption (WA) and thickness swelling(TS)), thermomechanical analysis (TMA), and morphological (scanning electron microscopy (SEM)). Among the hybrid composites, 5B5O has the highest tensile strength and modulus which is 35.66 MPa and 4.95 GPa, respectively. Based on the findings, the physical properties, WA and TS capacities (WA and TS) of B and 3B7O biocomposites were increased compared with all corresponding biocomposites while the O biocomposite exhibited lower TS and WA values compared to other samples. The hybrid 3B7O biocomposite sample was attributed to a higher void percentage (6.29%) and lower density (1.25 g/cm3) compared to other biocomposites. Generally, the SEM analysis of hybrid biocomposites confirms a valuable interaction between the filler and the matrix as further penetration for the matrix was permitted into the greatly porous structures of natural fibres. Furthermore, the SEM test of the fracture point confirmed the observations from the mechanical properties. The obtained findings confirmed that hybrid fibres improve the properties of the bio-epoxy matrix and can be utilised as sustainable and renewable biocomposites for several applications such as automotive tools, furniture and medical tools.

In this study, the preparation methods, types, and developments of cellulose aerogels are comprehensively reviewed and evaluated. Aerogels can be prepared from synthetic or natural organic or inorganic materials. However, cellulose-based aerogels have gained tremendous attention in the past few years because of their biodegradability, abundance, and nontoxicity. In this study, the extraction of cellulose from various sources using different methods is discussed. Moreover, preparation of nanocellulose materials using different processes is reviewed. The different types of solvents used to dissolve cellulose and the various drying methods employed in the preparation of cellulosic aerogels are reviewed critically with a focus on green methods. The recent developments in hybrid aerogels for various applications are also discussed. In addition, the areas requiring further investigation are highlighted, such as the effect of the cellulose source on aerogel properties.

The escalating demand for fresh water has increased the challenge of water scarcity. Insulations hinder heat loss, so they significantly affect thermal desalination. The use of primary materials derived from fossil fuels presents drawbacks mainly due to their unsustainable nature. Therefore, this study proposed biomass thermal insulation from date palm waste for thermal desalination applications. Then, the proposed insulation polystyrene and date palm wood (PS-DPW) was compared experimentally and holistically with commercial polyurethane (PUR) and aerogel (AR) insulations. The evaporation rates of water were observed for different insulation materials, with each container insulated on all sides except the top. Experimentally, the PS-DPW, PUR, and AR insulations exhibited thermal conductivity of 0.05844, 0.0322, and 0.02783 W/m & sdot;K, respectively. In addition, the PS-DPW, AR, and PUR improve the evaporation by 5 %, 9 %, and 12 %, respectively. Holistically, the insulations were compared based on technical, environmental, social, and economic insights. PUR emerged as the most favorable insulation, closely followed by PS-DPW insulation, showing a high correlation in manufacturing, low carbon footprint, market availability, and cost. Although AR has the lowest thermal conductivity, it was the least favorable due to its high cost, carbon footprint, limited availability, and complex manufacturing process. Generally, the present study paves the road for future exploration of biomass-based insulations in thermal desalination, showcasing their potential sustainability contribution.

Heat insulation materials used in the construction industry are essential for energy conservation. Nonetheless, the majority of current commercial heat insulators are fossil-fuel derived materials; thus, it is vital to provide sustainable, biodegradable, and environmentally friendly alternatives. In this work, an innovative method for producing cellulose II aerogels extracted from date palm waste and from microcrystalline lab-grade cellulose, targeting thermal insulation applications in the construction industry was introduced. A key aspect of the investigated approach is the use of a co-solvent system that combines 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (Bmim)Cl and dimethylformamide (DMF), chosen for its efficiency in dissolving cellulose. The cellulose (at 3, 5, 7, and 9 wt%) was dissolved in a co-solvent system of 70 wt% (Bmim)Cl ionic liquid and 30 wt% DMF, saving costs associated with using purely ionic liquid solvents. The prepared aerogels exhibited low thermal conductivity (0.033-0.065 W/m & sdot;K), low densities (0.08-0.15 g/cm3), high porosity (89.85-94.69 %) and good thermal diffusivity (0.06-0.022 mm2/s). Furthermore, the developed insulators required a compressive strength of 75 kPa to reach 50 % strain and exhibited a sound absorption coefficient of 0.9. Structural characterization of the materials, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis, highlights the prospect of cellulose extracted from date palm wood in aerogel preparation and the potential for the (Bmim)Cl/DMF co-solvent system in dissolving cellulose.

Date palm fiber (DPF) holds great potential for composite materials, but its flammability limits its practical applications. In this study, DPF was modified using a pad-drying method to impregnate it with a 5 wt.% solution of ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP). These treated fibers were then utilized to fabricate poly(β-hydroxybutyrate)- (PHB-) based composites. The resulting thermal insulators were comprehensively evaluated for their flammability, physical, mechanical, and thermophysical properties, as well as morphological and thermal stability characteristics. The findings revealed a significant reduction in flame spread and smoke suppression; however, the concentration used is not sufficient to achieve the desired rating grades. The thermal insulation capacity of the modified fiber composites was substantially enhanced, particularly with the 40% PHB/DPF-ADP composite displaying the lowest thermal conductivity at 0.0564 W/m.K. Moreover, the presence of gaps and voids at the interface led to a reduction in tensile strength to 4-7 MPa. Additionally, the modified fiber composites exhibited significantly reduced water absorption (~0.76%), attributed to the formation of a highly water-resistant substance containing a furan compound. This work provides a simple and effective approach for achieving durable flame retardancy and long-term thermal insulation performance, offering promising opportunities for the practical application of biobased PHB composites.

In this work, short oil palm fibre-reinforced bio-epoxy matrix composites were fabricated using the hand-lay-up technique. The effects of oil palm fibre composites on mechanical, physical, and thermal behaviours were examined. This work aimed to identify the optimal fibre loading that enables the oil palm/bio-epoxy composite to have superior thermal and mechanical properties. Fibre loading varied from 30 to 60 wt

Extraction of lignin via green methods is a crucial step in promoting the bioconversion of lignocellulosic biomasses. In the present study, utilisation of natural deep eutectic solvent for the pretreatment of kenaf fibres biomass is performed. Furthermore, extracted lignin from natural deep eutectic solvent pretreated kenaf biomass was carried out and its comparative study with commercial lignin was studied. The extracted lignin was characterized and investigated through Infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, UV–Vis spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. FTIR Spectra shows that all samples have almost same set of absorption bands with slight difference in frequencies. CHNS analysis of natural deep eutectic solvent pretreated kenaf fibre showed a slight increase in carbon % from 42.36 to 43.17% and an increase in nitrogen % from − 0.0939 to − 0.1377%. Morphological analysis of commercial lignin shows irregular/uneven surfaces whereas natural deep eutectic solvent extracted lignin shows smooth and wavy surface. EDX analysis indicated noticeable peaks for oxygen and carbon elements which are present in lignocellulosic biomass. Thermal properties showed that lignin is constant at higher temperatures due to more branching and production of extremely condensed aromatic structures. In UV–VIS spectroscopy, commercial lignin shows slightly broad peak between 300 and 400 nm due to presence of carbonyl bond whereas, natural deep eutectic solvent extracted lignin does not show up any peak in this range. XRD results showed that the crystallinity index percentage for kenaf and natural deep eutectic solvent treated kenaf was 70.33 and 69.5% respectively. Therefore, these innovative solvents will undoubtedly have significant impact on the development of clean, green, and sustainable products for biocatalysts, extraction, electrochemistry, adsorption applications.

This study examined the ability of a biodegradable composite material to absorb water. The com-posites were created by combining a matrix of polylactic acid (PLA) with date palm wood fibers (DPWF) for reinforcement. Before incorporating the fibers into the polymer, they underwent chemical treatment using alkali solutions of NaOH and KOH. This treatment aimed to modify the surface properties of the natural fibers and enhance their water absorption capabilities. Different composites were fabricated, including PLA combined with untreated fibers (PLAUF), and PLA with treated fibers using both NaOH and KOH (PLAF-NaOH and PLAF-KOH), with varying weight percentages of fibers ranging from 0 to 40%. To evaluate the water absorption capability of the composites, water retention tests were conducted at room temperature (cold) and 50 degrees C (hot) for 24, 48 h and until the absorption reached equilibrium. The results demonstrated a significant en-hancement in water retention, particularly in the case of the NaOH-treated samples, which exhib-ited approximately a tenfold increase in water retention compared to untreated samples. For ex-ample, the 20 wt% NaOH treated filler had a hot-water retention of 20%, compared to 2% for the untreated filler. Additionally, a higher percentage of filler resulted in a higher rate of water ab-sorption. The 40 wt% NaOH treated sample with 20% water retention, absorbed 10 times more than the 10 wt% NaOH treated filler, with only 2% water retention. The developed composites have potential applications in natural gas dehydration processes, offering an alternative to the energy-intensive and environmentally harmful glycol-based dehydration methods currently in use.

The environmentally friendly nature of natural cellulose, as well as its excellent crystallinity and mechanical properties, have piqued researchers' interest. In this study, date palm seeds as agricultural waste generated abundantly every year in the Gulf region were used as a raw material to extract crystalline nanocellulose. Dewaxing, alkali treatment, bleaching, and acid hydrolysis were used in a stepwise treatment approach to remove nanocellulose from seeds. The amorphous phase of the biopolymer had been successfully removed, according to the FT-IR analysis of the obtained cellulose. Sodium chlorite bleaching provided the highest degree of crystallinity, with a crystallinity index of 72.49%. The nanocellulose exhibited a bimodal distribution at 43-78 nm and 190-458 nm using particle size analysis. An agglomerated and irregular semi-spherical crystalline cellulose structure was revealed by SEM analysis. Nano spheres of 20-100 nm dispersed within the amorphous matrix of the cellulose was observed in one of the samples using TEM analysis. The extractable crystalline cellulose displayed good thermal stability. Date-derived crystalline nanocellulose has promising properties and could be used in several industrial and domestic applications.

Natural gums are utilized in a variety of products and sectors as stabilizers, thickeners, gelling agents, and emulsifiers. The potential application of natural gums in developing edible films and coatings with enhanced quality has been extensively researched. Gums can also act as carriers for food additives, such as antioxidants, vitamins, and antimicrobial compounds, and have good mass transfer barrier characteristics. Microencapsulation is a technique used to cover and protect active cores, including antioxidants, lipids, pigments, vitamins, and probiotic bacteria. Encapsulation technology especially spray drying is considered an effective strategy for improving the dispersion of bioactive substances in food. Utilization of carriers, such as Arabic gum (GA), which increases bioactivity/bioavailability can reduce digestion-related degradation. This review provides a detailed report of the use of GA in microencapsulation and the importance of encapsulation techniques in industrial applications including extrusion, electro-spraying, freeze-drying, spray drying and coacervation. GA is an effective, natural, and safe antimicrobial and antioxidant additive in food products. However, overall knowledge on the utility of GA from different origins in the industrial encapsulation process is limited at present. The main objective of this research is to elucidate the benefits associated with incorporation of GA or its combinations with other biopolymers in varieties of encapsulation techniques. The study reviews achievements in recent research and provides a consolidated overview of the origins and applications of GA used in various encapsulation processes, with primary focus on the favourable characteristics and attributes of GA that contribute to its suitability as a candidate for encapsulation purposes. The primary challenge researchers might encounter is the considerable variation in GA, with its properties being influenced by factors such as its geographical origin and the specific cultivation and harvesting conditions.