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The present work aims to prepare biocomposites blend based on linear low density polyethylene/ starch without using harmful chemicals to improve the adhesion between two phases. Also, the efficiency of essential oils as green plasticizers and natural antimicrobial agents were evaluated.

Barrier properties and biodegradation behavior of linear low density polyethylene/starch (LLDPE/starch) blends plasticized with different essential oils including moringa oleifera and castor oils wereassessed as a comparison with traditional plasticizer such as glycerol. Biodegradation behavior forLLDPE/starch blends was monitored by soil burial test. The composted samples were recovered then washed followed by drying, and weighting samples after 30, 60, and 90 days to assess the change in weight loss. Also, mechanical properties including retention values of tensile strength and elongation at break were measured before and after composting. Furthermore, scanning electron microscope (SEM) was used to evaluate the change in the morphology of the polymeric blends. In addition to, the antimicrobial activity of plasticized LLDPE/starch blends films was evaluated using a standard plate counting technique.

The results illustrate that the water vapor transition rate increases from 2.5 g m⁻² 24 h⁻¹ for LLDPE/5starch to 4.21 g m⁻² 24 h⁻¹ and 4.43 g m⁻² 24 h⁻¹ for castor and moringa oleifera respectively. Also, the retained tensile strength values of all blends decrease gradually with increasing composting period. Unplasticized LLDPE/5starch showed highest tensile strength retention of 91.6% compared to the other blends that were 89.61, 88.49 and 86.91 for the plasticized LLDPE/5starch with glycerol, castor and M. oleifera oils respectively. As well as, the presence of essential oils in LLDPE/ starch blends increase the inhibition growth of escherichia coli, candida albicans and staphylococcus aureus.

The objective of this work is to develop cost-effective and environmentally-friendly methods for preparing biodegradable polymers suitable for packaging applications.

The purpose of this article is twofold. First, this study characterises the current state of the bio-packaging market's development. Second, it identifies key factors influencing and possible scenarios of the bio-packaging market transition to increase the market share of compostable packaging.

The results of 29 in-depth interviews (IDIs) with representatives of the key groups of bio-packaging supply chains' (SCs') stakeholders were the input for the consideration of the research problem.

The main economic, legal, social and technological enablers and barriers to the bio-packaging regime transition are recognised, and their impact at the market level is explained. The authors recognised the hybrid transition scenario towards an increase in the market share of compostable packaging related to the three traditional pathways of transformation, reconfiguration and technological substitution.

This study contributes to a better understanding of the socio-technical system theory by examining interdependencies between landscape (external environment), market regime (bio-packaging market) and niche innovations (compostable packaging) as well as system transition pathways. The findings and conclusions on bio-packaging market developments can be important lessons learnt to be applied in different countries due to the same current development stage of the compostable packaging lifecycle worldwide.

This study aims to investigate the potential use of potato peel extracts as antibacterial finishes for cotton fabrics against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. Potato peels are abundant as waste and provide a natural, cheaper and sustainable alternative means of preventing the spread of bacterial infections on cotton fabric.

This research included the characterization of potato peel extracts, application of the extract onto cotton fabric and efficacy testing of the treated cotton fabric against bacteria. Phytochemical screening, agar well diffusion antibacterial test, minimum inhibitory concentration and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) tests were used to characterize the extract. Antibacterial efficacy of the treated fabric was determined qualitatively using the disc diffusion assay and quantitatively using the bacteria reduction test.

Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of several secondary metabolites including phenols and flavonoids. Antibacterial tests revealed a positive response in Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with a zone of inhibition of 6.50 mm and 5.60 mm, respectively. Additional peaks on the FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of potato peel extract on the treated cotton fabric. The treated cotton fabrics showed efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli up to 20 washes.

This study introduced the application of potato peel extracts onto cotton fabrics and assessment of the antibacterial properties before and after washing. Results of this study suggest that potato peel extracts can be used as an organic eco-friendly antibacterial finish for cotton fabrics.

This study aims to evaluate the nutrient content and acceptable qualities of plant-based burger patties (PBBP) formulated with chickpea flour, defatted sesame cake (DSC) flour, coffee silver skin and pomegranate juice as colorant.

The chemical composition, energy value, cholesterol content, amino acid composition, cooking loss, pH, color characteristics and sensory attributes of PBBP were analyzed using official procedures and compared to beef burger. 

PBBP had a protein value of 16.0 g/100g, which is nearly close to the protein content of the beef burger (18.1 g/100g). The fat content of the PBBP was approximately three times lower than that of the beef burger. The fiber content in PBBP was approximately 23 times as high as that in beef burgers samples (p = 0.05). The raw PBBP samples supplies 178 Kcal/100g, whereas beef burger possessed 259 Kcal/100g. Neither the raw nor the cooked PBBP samples contained any cholesterol. Both the beef and PBBP displayed acceptability scores higher than 7.0, which suggests that PBBP was well accepted.

It is concluded that the PBBP sample exhibited a protein value of 16.0 g/100g, which is comparable to the protein level of beef burgers (18.1 g/100g). The fat level of the PBBP samples was significantly lower than that of the beef burger samples. Uncooked PBBP samples contained significantly higher fiber content compared to beef burger samples. No cholesterol was found in raw or cooked PBBP samples. Overall acceptance scores for both beef and PBBP samples exceeded 7.0, suggesting that the proposed product (PBBP) was received favorably.

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the performance of bio-based lubricants (BBL), namely, palm mid-olein (PMO) enriched with an antioxidant agent, tertiary-butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) and a viscosity improver, ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), in journal bearing (JB) applications.

Samples of the BBL were prepared by blending it with TBHQ and EVA at various blending ratios. The oxidative stability (OS) and viscosity of the BBL samples were examined using differential scanning calorimetry and a viscometer, respectively. Meanwhile, their performance in JB applications was evaluated through the use of a JB test rig with a 0.5 length-to-diameter ratio at various operating conditions.

It was found that the combination of PMO + TBHQ + EVA demonstrated a superior oil film pressure and load-carrying capacity, resulting in a reduced friction coefficient and a smaller attitude angle compared to the use of only PMO or VG68. However, it was observed that the addition of TBHQ and EVA to the PMO did not have a significant impact on the minimum oil film thickness.

The results would be quite useful for researchers generally and designers of bearings in particular.

This study used PMO as the base stock, and its compatibility with TBHQ and EVA was investigated in terms of its OS and viscosity. The performance of this treated BBL was evaluated in a hydrodynamic JB.

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/ILT-11-2023-0363/

The host–guest molecules are often used in various fields and applications. This paper aims to discuss the role of host–guest complexes in the textile industry, focusing on calixarenes as a potential adsorbent for hazardous dyes. The paper begins with an introduction to nanotechnology and its many uses, including textiles.

The risks associated with the utilisation of dyes and its adverse effects on the environment are then also highlighted. This paper also discusses the structure and characteristics of calixarenes and their potential use as an adsorbent to extract toxic metals from aqueous solutions. The paper also explains the molecular structure of calixarenes, especially the ability of its upper and lower rims, which can be altered to yield derivatives with various selectivities for diverse guest ions and small molecules. In addition, the application of various host–guest molecules in the textiles industry to extract dyes also had been discussed.

In conclusion, the paper highlights the essential in establishing a systematic review on the significance of selective adsorbents, such as calixarenes, to isolate particular targets from diverse matrices in the textile industry.

Only discussing several applications for several host–guest molecules.

The paper concisely describes various host–guest molecule applications in the textile industry, with each molecule being elaborated upon in detail.

The purpose of this research is to identify and investigate some natural dyes with halochromic properties for potential use as food spoilage indicators to reduce waste and curve the negative effects of food borne diseases.

Exactly 10 potential dye-yielding plants were selected based on their colour (mostly purple, red, maroon and pink). Solvent extraction was used to extract the dyes and pH differential method was used to determine the concentrations of anthocyanin in the extracted dyes. Different concentrations of hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide (0.1 M, 1 M and 2 M) in drops and in excess as acidic and basic solution, respectively, were used to test the halochromicity of the extracted dyes. Methyl red (a synthetic dye) was used as a reference standard/control. The pH of the dyes was recorded before and after addition of both NaOH and HCl solutions.

Five out of the 10 dyes extracted (labelled as dye A–E for Ti plant (green Cordyline fruticosa), coleus (Coleus blumei), paper flower (Bougainvillea glabra), painted nettle (Palisandra coleus) and purple heart (Setcresea purpurea), respectively, were found to be halochromic (even at low doses) by changing its colour when exposed to both acidic and basic solutions. While other dyes labelled F–J for red acalypha (Acalypha wilkesiana), golden shower (Cassia fistula), golden dew drop (Duranta repens), wild sage (Lantana camara var Aculeata) and pink oleander (Apocynaceae Nerium oleander), respectively, were either completely insensitive to the solutions in drops, slightly sensitive at high doses or the colour change is insignificant. Although some dyes were found to be more sensitive than others but in most cases, the colour changes in halochromic dyes were more stable in acidic conditions than in basic making it more sensitive to the basic than the acidic solution with the exception of dye A and E (to some extent) which was sensitive to both acidic and basic solution. The anthocyanin contents of dye A–J were found to be between the range of 2.28–10.35 mg/l with dye E having the lowest and dye J with the highest anthocyanin concentration, respectively. The initial pH of all the dyes falls within the range of 4.8–7.3 with most found within the acidic range.

Halochromic dye research studies are still at the infancy stage in developing world despite the vast available and abundant potential natural halochromic dye-yielding plants. The study explored this area of research and gives an opportunity for the development of smart packaging for pH-sensitive foods using natural dyes as an alternative to conventional synthetic dyes to reduce cost and also curve the negative effect of synthetic dyes as well as food borne diseases.

This study elucidated the connections among the influence of Singaporean hawkers, local gastronomy involvement, and the three dimensions of authenticity (objective, constructive, and existential). Furthermore, it investigates how personal nostalgia affects the cultural identity of hawkers.

A self-administered questionnaire was created to assess hawker influence, gastronomy involvement, authenticity, personal nostalgia, and hawker cultural identity. Survey data was gathered from 401 Singapore residents aged 18 and older.

Results of the structural equation modeling revealed various significant aspects of hawker influence, including physical and social environments, uniqueness and cultural significance, and hygiene and food safety. Hawker influence and local gastronomy contributed to objective authenticity, which, in turn, affected constructive and existential authenticity, ultimately shaping personal nostalgia and hawker cultural identity.

The study offers guidance for stakeholders in sustaining hawker culture, emphasizing authenticity’s role and the importance of nostalgia in identity formation. By aligning with the progressive nature of Singapore, these implications aim to ensure the continued thriving of this invaluable legacy for generations to come.

The study affirms relationships between hawker influence, local gastronomy involvement, and authenticity constructs. It emphasizes the hawker’s role and gastronomy involvement in influencing individuals’ perceived authenticity and accentuates the potential for authenticity in strengthening national branding.

The purpose of this study is to analyse the characteristics of cellulose fibres derived from the pseudo-stems of Curcuma longa and to evaluate the properties of non-woven fabric produced using these fibres.

The fibres were extracted via a decortication method. The acquired intrinsic qualities of the fibres were used to assess the feasibility of using them in textile applications. The thermal bonding approach was used for the development of the non-woven fabric, using a hot press machine with low-melt polyester fibre as a binder.

The mean length of Curcuma longa fibres was determined to be 52.73 cm, with a fineness value of 4.00 tex. The fibres exhibited an uneven cross-sectional morphology, characterized by a diverse range of oval-shaped lumens. The fibre exhibited a tenacity of 1.45 g/denier and an elongation value of 4.30%. The fibres possessed a moisture regain value of 11.30%. The experimental non-woven fabrics had consistent weight and thickness, while exhibiting different properties in terms of tensile strength and air permeability, with Fabric C having the highest tensile strength and the lowest air permeability value.

The features of Curcuma longa fibre, obtained with the decortication process, exhibited suitability for textile applications. Three experimental non-woven fabrics comprising different compositions of Curcuma longa fibre and low-melt polyester fibre were produced. The tensile strength and air permeability properties of these fabrics were influenced by the composition of the fibres.