Polylactic acid (PLA) is a promising biopolymer for environmentally friendly coating development. However, its UV radiation resistance has not yet been sufficiently studied, particularly in formulations containing plasticizers or fillers. In this study, a series of samples were prepared: pure PLA films, PLA films with plasticizers, filled composites, and films obtained from aqueous PLA dispersions. The samples were tested for UV resistance and characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, surface energy analysis, and topography. The results showed that UV irradiation of pure PLA caused carbonyl band broadening and a shift toward lower wavenumbers, water contact angle decrease and surface energy polar component increase. The effect of plasticizers was chemical composition-dependent; epoxy linoleic acid increased the degradation rate, whereas PEG-400 and menthol oleic acid reduced the carbonyl groups accumulation. Menthol oleic acid demonstrated the strongest stabilizing effect. The calcite and kaolin fillers promoted surface oxidation and hydrophilization, while coffee grounds biochar reduced the degradation rate. Films obtained from aqueous dispersions were the most sensitive to UV aging, as residual emulsifier significantly enhanced surface hydrophilization.

Silicon is an attractive anode material due to its high theoretical capacity; however, microsilicon (mu Si) powders undergo large volume changes, repeated SEI damage, and particle debonding, leading to capacity-degrading transport losses. Here, we develop a water-borne polyurethane (WPU) ionomer binder composed of PTMEG/PEG soft segments and a PEG-citric-acid polyol. Partial LiOH neutralization converts carboxylic acids to lithium carboxylates, providing multipoint anchoring to Si/SiOx, reversible ionic associations, and Li-ion conduction pathways. Two formulations differing in PTMEG:di-PEG-CA ratio were synthesized via a solvent-minimized water-inversion route. NMR, HSQC, and FTIR confirm the targeted segmented ionomer architecture. The ionomeric WPUs are elastomeric (>1500% strain) with tunable modulus across formulations. Relative to a poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) binder, the ionic conductivity increases by an order of magnitude (1.8-2.2 & times; 10(-4) vs 2.4 & times; 10(-5) S cm(-1)), and the peel strength approximately doubles (similar to 2.0-2.2 vs similar to 0.9-1.0 N cm(-1)). In mu Si half-cells at 0.2 C, the capacity stabilizes at similar to 2.1-2.3 Ah g(-1) after 500 cycles with a Coulombic efficiency >= 99.98%, whereas PAA shows rapid fading to similar to 1.0 Ah g(-1). Postcycling Warburg slopes (19.3, 28.9 vs 123.2 Omega & centerdot;s(1)/(2)) and GITT-derived diffusion coefficients confirm substantially faster Li+ transport for both ionomeric binders. These results establish LiOH-neutralized WPU ionomers as a practical, NMP-free binder platform for mu Si anodes, with the degree of neutralization and soft/hard-segment ratio serving as key tuning parameters.

This study investigates kraft lignin, hydrolysis lignin, and tall-oil bio-additives as bio-based extenders for a 70/100 penetration-grade bitumen. The objectives were to evaluate whether kraft lignin behaves predominantly as a reinforcing filler rather than as a more interactive binder modifier, and to assess how tall-oil bio-additives influence rheological and thermal performance. Bio-extended binders were produced using kraft lignin (KLEB−15%) as the core system and benchmarked against hydrolysis lignin (HLEB−15%) and a conventional limestone mastic (LSM−15%) representing an inert filler reference. Composite binders were prepared by adding 5 wt% and 10 wt% of crude tall oil (CTO) or tall oil pitch PN (TOP PN) to KLEB−15%. The chemical composition and thermal stability of unaged binders were determined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis, while frequency sweep and multiple stress creep recovery tests characterised the linear and non-linear rheological response. The results indicate that kraft lignin was incorporated predominantly through physical blending and behaved mainly as a reinforcing filler, closely resembling the response of the limestone mastic. In contrast, hydrolysis lignin showed a more modifier-like character with higher elastic recovery and lower non-recoverable compliance. The tall-oil bio-additives acted as effective softening agents: a 5 wt% dosage reduced stiffness while preserving much of the high-temperature performance, whereas 10 wt% CTO caused pronounced softening and compromised rutting resistance. Overall, the findings suggest that kraft lignin’s filler-like behaviour can be modulated by tall-oil additives, while hydrolysis lignin provides a more modifier-type bio-extension. This functional classification offers a viable framework for designing performance-balanced, lignin-extended binders.

This work presents an approach to water-dispersible polylactide (PLA) particle fabrication and their application in low-temperature film formation using a combination of mechanical dispersion and ultrasonication techniques. Stable PLA dispersions were obtained after removal of surfactant and allowed for thin-film preparation, exhibiting a significantly reduced minimum film formation temperature (MFFT) from 128 °C to 80 °C after reducing the characteristic particle size from ~2.2 µm to ~140 nm. To tailor the interfacial behavior and mechanical flexibility of the resulting coatings, a set of conventional and bio-based plasticizers was evaluated, including epoxidized fatty acids, PEG-400, and several hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) synthesized from menthol and carboxylic acids. Compatibility between PLA and each plasticizer was predicted using Hansen solubility parameters. The efficiency of plasticization was assessed through glass transition temperature suppression in solvent-cast films. The combination of submicron PLA particles and selected plasticizers enabled film formation at temperatures as low as 48 °C, confirming the potential of these systems for energy-efficient coating technologies. Furthermore, composite coatings incorporating micro-sized cellulose fibers (L/D ≈ 10.5–11.5) regenerated from agricultural residues were successfully obtained, demonstrating the feasibility of integrating bio-derived fillers into waterborne PLA formulations. In this study, the use of water-insoluble deep eutectic solvents type plasticizers for PLA coatings from water dispersions was reported for the first time. This establishes a foundation for developing sustainable, low-VOC, and low film formation temperature PLA-based coating materials.

The growing interest in sustainable lignin valorization has prompted the exploration of new recovery methods compatible with modern kraft pulp mills. This study investigates the use of ultrafiltration for extracting lignin, referred to as oxlignin, from oxygen-delignification wash liquors. Unlike traditional acid precipitation, ultrafiltration enables lignin concentration and fractionation without disrupting the high-pH conditions required for brown stock washing or interfering with the sodium-sulfur balance of the recovery cycle. The oxlignin also has properties similar to lignosulfonates rather than kraft lignin. Using industrial process streams, ultrafiltration successfully prepared oxlignin, as confirmed by characteristic UV-vis absorbance features at 280 and 340 nm. These results demonstrate the ability to tailor lignin composition and open new opportunities for producing application-specific lignin products, such as dispersants or performance additives in bio-based materials. The retained filtrate could be suitable for reuse in the pulping process, ensuring integration with existing operations. Despite practical challenges such as membrane cost and fouling, the use of robust ceramic membranes offers a technically viable path forward for industrial implementation.

This study explores paired electrolysis, leveraging the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and industry-relevant lignosulfonate oxidation to enhance sustainable electrochemical processes. The anode reaction is driven by the direct oxidation of lignosulfonate, an abundant biopolymer derived from sulfite pulping, on bare graphite electrodes, eliminating the need for costly catalysts. This process occurs in a membrane electrolyzer, where the cathode catalyst dictates ORR selectivity: a carbon paper cathode modified by the conducting polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) favors hydrogen peroxide formation via a 2-electron pathway, while a platinum-modified carbon paper cathode facilitates full oxygen reduction to water via a 4-electron pathway. When applying a cell voltage of 0.7 V (a geometrical current density of 0.04 mA cm^–2), the air-saturated catholyte had an 8-fold decrease in dissolved oxygen, which corresponded to 68% faradaic efficiency and an electrical energy consumption of 0.0233 W hour l^–1. Removing the low molecular weight lignosulfonate (<3.5 kDa) via dialysis minimizes membrane crossover but also reduces oxygen consumption rates. The oxidation process preserves the lignosulfonate backbone while enriching its quinone content, offering a novel, energy-efficient approach to biomass valorization. By integrating lignosulfonate oxidation with ORR, this work presents a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to conventional anodic processes, with potential applications in green hydrogen peroxide production and biobased electrochemical systems.

Waste materials generated from the maintenance, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of asphalt pavements present challenges for resource recycling and environmental protection. This study investigates the multiscale rejuvenation mechanism of rejuvenated asphalt pavement binder modified with crude tall oil (CTO) and evaluates its sustainability. Molecular dynamics simulations combined with rheological tests were employed to examine the compatibility, viscosity, glass transition temperature, thermal properties, modulus, and viscoelasticity. Results show that the main components of CTO exhibit high compatibility with aged asphalt, particularly at elevated temperatures. Functional group analysis further supports this conclusion. Simulations reveal that tall oil reduces density, cohesive energy, and viscosity, enhances molecular mobility, and partially restores mechanical modulus. The master curve analysis demonstrates that CTO effectively facilitates the transition of reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) binder from elastic to viscous behavior at high temperatures, with the shear modulus restored by 64.3 %. Notably, the incorporation of tall oil slightly compromises thermal stability, increasing the risk of thermal expansion. Economic and environmental assessments further indicate that CTO is cost-effective and requires lower energy during the mixing process. This study advances understanding by linking molecular-level interactions to macroscopic performance, providing insights for the sustainable application of CTO in asphalt rejuvenation.

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries have gained significant interest, offering several distinct advantages over conventional lithium-ion batteries owing to their compelling low cost, enhanced battery safety, and excellent environmental friendliness. Nevertheless, the unfortunate growth of zinc dendrites during cycling leads to poor electrochemical performance of zinc batteries, primarily attributed to the diminished wet mechanical properties and limited electrolyte uptake of existing commercial separators. Herein, a bio-based separator was developed from sustainable resources using natural polymers derived from wood pulp to replace fossil-based polyolefin separators. The inherent hydrophilicity and swelling ability of cellulose fibers provide separators with superior electrolyte wettability and uptake. Notably, the structural reinforcement provided by lignin, especially after hot pressing, enhances the separator's wet mechanical integrity and performance during battery cycling. These improvements contribute to the separator's more stable electrochemical performance and improved ion transport properties. Separators composed of lignin-rich microfibrillated cellulose fibers showed superior dimensional stability under heat compared to Celgard, ensuring higher thermal safety and enhanced performance of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. Our results reveal the great potential of lignin-rich cellulose-based separators for future zincion batteries.

A long-term goal of the pulping industry is to optimize process parameters for efficiently removing degraded and soluble lignin during the fiber line processes such as kraft pulping, brownstock washing, and bleaching. This study investigates how pulp storage affects the efficiency of brownstock washing and oxygen delignification. Three pulp groups were rinsed with warm and cold water at 40 °C and 5 °C, respectively, and then stored under varying conditions (1 day, 1 week at temperatures of 5 °C and 60 °C. Our findings indicate that after one week of storage at 60 °C, more lignin was extracted, highlighting the influence of storage temperature and time on Kappa reduction (lignin removal) during storage. Additionally, larger lignin fragments were removed with increased storage temperature and time, suggesting that degraded lignin molecules trapped within the fibers can leach out during storage and be subsequently removed in washing. The different storage conditions had only a slight effect on oxygen delignification performance. We conclude that storage conditions, particularly temperature and time, significantly impact lignin removal efficiency and can enhance the pulp washing process. This study also provides valuable insights into lignin mass transfer during storage, offering guidance for industrial applications. The study also revealed that pulp quality after oxygen delignification is influenced by pH and lignin agglomeration and retention in the fibers during preceding washing and storage operations, emphasizing the need for careful control of the latter conditions to minimize cellulose degradation.

Brownstock washing, a critical process in cleansing kraft pulp, removes dissolved lignin residues from the pulp after it has passed through the cooking digester. It plays a significant role in kraft pulp mills by enhancing economic efficiency and environmental sustainability. Improved washing efficiency leads to better pulp quality and more effective recovery of cooking chemicals. Our study aimed to better understand the impact of different chemical compositions in washing liquors on washing performance. We tested a range of washing liquors, including neutral solutions (deionized water, 1M NaCl, 3M NaCl, 1M Na2SO4) and alkaline solutions (tap water, washing liquor composed of 0.35M NaOH and 1M Na2SO4, and white liquor with 50 g[OH]/l and 8.77 g[HS]/l). These liquors were evaluated for their efficacy in maximizing lignin extraction. Our findings suggest that salt solutions generally reduce washing efficiency. Deionized water and white liquor proved to be the most efficient washing agents, while high-concentration salts and those with high ionic strength negatively impacted washing efficiency. This suggests that brownstock washing may not be operating at its full potential.