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Biomass-based wood composite for building material application
(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2024) Mphahlele, IJ; Khoaele, Katleho K; Gbadeyan, O J; Chunilall, Viren
Fossil fuel serves as the primary global source of energy. It is anticipated that fossil fuels will be depleted in the next half-century. Using biomassbased wood composite for building applications serves as a substitute for fossil fuels. Biomass-based wood composite has proved to display good properties for application in the building sector. This chapter illustrates the valorization of biomass-based materials, sawdust, and wood flour in various building applications. Sawdust-based polymer resin polystyrene for particle board production displayed excellent compressive and tensile strengths of 0.157 N/mm2 and 2.362 N/mm2 respectively. Furthermore, cement substituted with sawdust exhibited satisfactory results for producing bricks or blocks. The results displayed a compressive strength of 10.43 N/mm² following ASTM C67. Moreover, clay bricks production using sawdust content of 2.5 wt% fired at 1100°C depicted a high compressive strength of 18.2 MPa, following ASTM C62-13a, which required a compressive strength of 17.2 MPa -according to the American National Standard Institute (ANSI), composites panels produced using sawdust with plastic waste and polystyrene exhibited good mechanical properties which can be applied for flooring application. The results displayed a modulus of elasticity (MOE) from 694.88 MPa to 4604.89 MPa and a modulus of rupture (MOR) from 5.73 to 21.24 MPa. Wood flour (WF) also displayed potential use in furniture applications. The results showed that 30 wt% WF-filled r-PP content wood polymer composite (WPC) displayed 24.8 MPa tensile strength. Moreover, the flexural strength of 46.2 MPa was achieved due to using MAPP as a coupling agent. According to the ASTM D 6662, the lowest flexural modulus of 0.34 GPa and 6.9 MPa flexural strength is required for decking boards. The results displayed excellent flexural modulus ranging from 2.49 to 3.8 GPa and flexural strength from 23.05 to 35.82 MPa. This is further evidence that wood flour-based composite can be utilized in decking application.
Fiber and textile waste valorization - towards environmental waste reduction
(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2024-10) Baloyi, Rivalani B; Gbadeyan, OJ; Sithole, Bruce B; Chunilall, Viren; Gbadeyan, Oluwatoyin J; Sekoai, Patrick; Chunilall, Viren
The valorization of natural fibers and textile waste represents a promising approach to reducing environmental waste. This strategy involves converting waste materials into valuable products, promoting sustainability and resource efficiency. This chapter examines the technical feasibility of various textile recycling processes and assesses the challenges and limitations associated with each. A comprehensive analysis of various methodologies employed in the recycling and regeneration of fibers, extraction of cellulose, fermentation to bioethanol, pyrolysis, and conversion to other value-added products is discussed in detail. Additionally, the chapter offers insights into prospects and recommendations for establishing a sustainable economy for recycling textiles. The primary obstacles encountered in valorizing fibers and textiles encompass the substantial expenses associated with implementing valorization technologies, sorting and separation methodologies, and the limited yields attained during the processes. Consequently, a hierarchical strategy has been determined as the most effective approach for allocating each type of textile waste to the optimal valorization method, thereby facilitating the efficient retrieval of the preserved quality within the waste materials.
Fundamentals of biomass waste valorization
(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2024-10) Khoaele, Katleho K; Gbadeyan, Oluwatoyin J; Mphahlele, IJ; Sithole, BB; Chunilall, Viren; Sekoai, P; Chunilall, V; Gbadeyan, JG
The devastating impact of climate change and the necessity for sustainable products and processing approaches are significant concerns for the worldwide population. Interestingly, there is an abundance of biomass resources, which might meet the increasing demand for green products, as using fossil fuels is no longer recommended due to environmental concerns and sustainability. Biomass resources (renewable feedstock for renewable energy generation and specialty chemicals) are sourced from several natural sources and have a variety of applications. Most developed economies follow linear consumption concepts that are not feasible in the long term. The circular bioeconomy concept is a promising solution to minimize waste landfilling, generate revenue, and maximize zero-waste by utilizing biomass waste. The valorization of cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose fractions into bioproducts, biofuels, or specialty chemicals depends on the practicality of their pre-treatment and further processing approaches. This chapter discusses biomass feedstock history, valorization processes, and applications, and motivations for their exploration. Several value-added products, which can be harnessed from biomass and residues, are detailed.
Government initiatives in advancing the circular bioeconomy in South Africa
(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2024-10) Sekoai, Patrick T; Sebogodi, Keolebogile R; Johakimu, Jonas K; Chunilall, Viren; Gbadeyan, OJ; Sekoai, P; Chunilall, V
The concept of a circular economy is receiving widespread attention among various stakeholders in South Africa as this scientific approach allows the management of waste streams in a sustainable and environmentally conscious manner while creating new value chains through the synthesis of high-value-added products such as fuels, chemicals, additives, etc. As opposed to the linear model that embraces the take, produce, and discard approach, the circular model embraces the recycle, reuse, and reduce approach, which involves the circularity of the wastes, leading to minimum and/or zero waste during the downstream process. Despite the various socioeconomic benefits that can be achieved from the circular biobased processes, various bottlenecks must be addressed before their full implementation. This chapter discusses the government initiatives to advance circular biobased opportunities in South Africa. The limitations that delay the progress of this technology are also discussed. The study also provides suggestions that could help fast-track the scalability of circular biobased technologies in South Africa.
Green fabrication techniques for transparent wood composites: Pioneering sustainable materials for the future
(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2024) Simelane, NP; Olatunji, OS; Mathew, Maya J; Andrew, Jerome E
As the world battles with environmental challenges and the need for sustainable alternatives to conventional building materials such as glass, transparent wood composites have emerged as a promising solution. Transparent wood composites, derived from renewable and abundant wood resources, offer a unique combination of strength, thermal insulation, and optical transparency. This chapter explores the latest progress in transparent wood composites, focusing on innovative and eco-friendly fabrication techniques that pave the way for widespread adoption in various applications. It highlights using sustainable wood sources, such as fast-growing trees, and reducing energy-intensive processing steps. The chapter also explores other emerging technologies, including nanocellulose reinforcements and bio-based polymers, that have the potential to revolutionize the fabrication of transparent wood composites. Through a comprehensive review of recent advancements and prospects, this chapter aims to provide researchers with valuable insights into the exciting world of transparent wood composites. Focusing on green fabrication techniques underscores the critical role transparent wood composites can play in building a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future.
Process techniques for conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to biogas
(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2024-10) Sebogodi, Kelebogile; Sekoai, Patrick T; Chunilall, Viren; Gbadeyan, Oluwatoyin J; Sekoai, Patrick; Chunilall, Viren
The urgent need to combat climate change and establish sustainable energy sources has propelled biofuel research and development. Biogas production through anaerobic digestion is widely recognized as a pivotal solution to divert biomass waste from landfills, reduce environmental pollution, and provide a carbon-neutral energy source for humanity. Secondgeneration feedstocks, specifically lignocellulosic biomass waste from the agricultural, forest, and timber industries, have emerged as the optimal alternative to foster economic growth without jeopardizing food security or misusing arable land. However, their intrinsic resistance hampers the complete extraction of their fermentable sugars, necessitating the exploration of diverse methods to facilitate the easy access of sugars for hydrolysis. Hence, this chapter delves into various lignocellulosic biomass pretreatment techniques employed to optimize easy access to fermentable sugars for valorization in biogas production.
Remediation of marine pollutants for biorefinery innovations
(Springer, 2024-10) Khoaele, KK; Mphahlele, IJ; Gbadeyan, OJ; Sithole, B; Chunilall, Viren; Aransiola, Sesan Abiodun; Bamisaye, Abayomi; Abioye, Olabisi Peter; Maddela, Naga Raju
The exponential growth of plastic production and consumption worldwide has been a growing concern for environmentalists. Mismanaged waste plastic significantly contributes to marine pollution, which can have severe environmental implications. To fully understand the environmental impact of plastics throughout their lifecycle, it is essential to identify their sources, pathways, and removal during remediation. Plastic waste harms marine species, threatening their survival and affecting the food chain. The ingestion of plastic waste is the primary way marine animals are affected. However, the consumption of waste plastic by “invader” species and the absorption of chemical additives from ingested plastics are lesser-known threats. This can help determine the adverse effects of waste plastic on overall ecotoxicity. Recycling waste plastic to develop composites with naturally sourced fiber as reinforcement is another measure for reducing resources and remediating the environment. This practice has increased the demand for waste plastic biocomposite for various applications in various industries, helping reduce waste and lessen environmental outcomes. This chapter focuses on integrating marine waste plastic into value-added products using biorefinery innovation.
Valorization of food waste to high value-added products - An innovative approach toward a circular bioeconomy framework
(Cambridge Scholars Publishing, 2024-10) Sekoai, Patrick T; Sebogodi, Kelebogile; Gbadeyan, Oluwatoyin J; Chunilall, Viren; Gbadeyan, Oluwatoyin J; Sekoai, Patrick; Chunilall, Viren
The continual increase in global population and the high level of industrialization have led to a large food waste output to the point where natural reclamation pathways have become overloaded by this crisis. Furthermore, the consequences of food waste can no longer be ignored, as it poses severe hazards to the environment and humans, and a high capital expenditure is required for its treatment. Therefore, there is a need for the development of cheap and environmentally conscious processes. Secondgeneration feedstocks will advance circular bioeconomy practices by enabling the sustainable production of high-value-added products. The valorization of food waste to high-value-added products has garnered considerable attention in the scientific literature, and it is seen as an Valorization of Food Waste to High Value-Added Products innovative strategy that will advance the circular bioeconomy. This chapter discusses the various market-based products that can be synthesized using food waste as a sustainable feedstock. Biobased products such as biofuels, biochemicals, biopolymers, biofertilizers, and volatile fatty acids are discussed in this chapter.

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