Morphology, Structure, Miscibility, and Properties of Wholly Soy-Based Semi-interpenetrating Polymer Networks from Soy–Oil–Polyol-Based Polyurethane and Modified Soy Protein Isolate

Reversible Photo-, Thermal-, and pH-Responsive Functionalized Wood with Fluorescence Emission

A reversible photo-, thermal-, and pH-responsive high-performance functional wood with fluorescence has been prepared. The properties, structure, multi-response, fluorescence, water resistance, and corrosion resistance of original wood (ORW) and functional wood (FUW) were investigated with an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) spectrometer, a Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, a N₂ adsorption–desorption analyzer, an atomic force microscope (AFM), tensile tests, a scanning electron microscope (SEM), an ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectrophotometer, a fluorescence spectrometer, the equilibrium swelling ratio (ESR), and corrosion tests. The results of XPS, FTIR, N₂ adsorption–desorption, and AFM exhibited that FUW was successfully prepared. Additionally, the results of the tensile test and SEM revealed that FUW had better mechanical properties than ORW, due to the filling of epoxy resin in the pores of the wood. Moreover, the UV–Vis and fluorescence spectra demonstrated that the introduction of epoxy resin induced multi-response and fluorescence functions to FUW. Furthermore, the data of ESR and corrosion test showed that the introduction of epoxy resin greatly improved the water and corrosion resistance of wood. This study provides ideas and methods for preparing novel high-performance multi-response FUW.

Fabrication, properties and applications of soy-protein-based materials: A review

The environmental crisis caused by the use of petroleum-based nondegradable polymers and the impending petroleum finite resources have directly threatened human being's sustainable development. Therefore, ecofriendly polymers based on natural renewable resources are attracting more and more attention. As the byproducts of soy oil industries, soy protein, is regarded as a viable alternative for petroleum-based polymeric products. In order to improve the physical properties, especially the mechanical properties and water resistance that limit their extensive applications, different modifications were adopted. Among these efforts, incorporating nanoparticles and blending with other polymers are proved to be effective ways. The properties of the resulting materials are highly dependent on the processing methods, nature of the components, dispersion status and the compatibility. This review intends to provide a clear overview on preparation, properties, and applications of soy-protein-based materials. These biodegradable materials will find more and more potential applications in biodegradable foams, edible films, packaging materials, biomedical materials, etc.

Bio-Based Wood Adhesive from Camelina Protein (a Biodiesel Residue) and Depolymerized Lignin with Improved Water Resistance

The aim of this study was to improve water resistance of camelina protein (CP) for wood adhesives with depolymerized lignin. Kraft lignin was depolymerized by H₂O₂-induced oxidation in the presence of ultrasound (US) irradiation to reduce lignin's particle size and thermal stability and increase the hydroxyl group. Coupling with depolymerized lignin camelina protein exhibited increased hydrophobicity. Fluorescence spectroscopy analysis revealed that the oxidation treatment of lignin further stimulated the hydrophobization effect of the protein-lignin copolymer due to the increased reactivity of depolymerized lignin to camelina protein. Accordingly, the water resistance of CP-lignin adhesives was significantly improved. When copolymerized with US-induced oxidized lignin, the camelina protein had increased wet shear adhesion strength from 0.28 to 1.43 MPa, with wood panels passing the three-cycle water-soaking test. The CP resin, with depolymerized lignin as an economical, green, and bio-based hydrophobic enhancer, provided an alternative to the petroleum-based and other edible protein-based adhesives, such as soy protein.