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The surface characteristics of thermally and chemically modified wood, such as surface roughness, surface free energy (SFE) and wettability, are important properties that influence further manufacturing processes such as gluing and coating. The aim of this paper was to determine the influence of the surface roughness of thermally and chemically modified teak wood on their SFE, wettability and bonding quality for water-based acrylic and solvent-based alkyd varnishes. In addition, durability against subterranean termites in the field of these modified teak woods was also investigated to give a valuable information for their further application.

The woods tested in this study were fast-growing teak woods that were prepared in untreated and treated with furfuryl alcohol (FA), glycerol maleic anhydride (GMA) and thermal. SFE values were calculated using the Rabel method. The wettability values were measured based on the contact angle between varnish liquids and wood surfaces using the sessile drop method, and the Shi and Gardner model model was used to evaluate the wettability of the varnishes on the wood surface. The bonding quality of the varnishes was measured using a cross-cut test based on ASTM 3359-17 standard. In addition, durability against subterranean termites in the field of these modified teak woods was also investigated according to ASTM D 1758-06.

The results showed that furfurylated and GMA-thermal 220°C improved the durability of teak wood against termites. The furfurylated teak wood had the roughest surface with an arithmetic average roughness (Ra) value of 15.65 µm before aging and 27.11 µm after aging. The GMA-thermal 220°C treated teak wood was the smoothest surface with Ra value of 6.44 µm before aging and 13.75 µm after aging. Untreated teak wood had the highest SFE value of 46.90 and 57.37 mJ/m² before and after aging, respectively. The K values of untreated and treated teak wood increased owing to the aging treatment. The K values for the water-based acrylic varnish were lower than that of the solvent-based alkyd varnish. The untreated teak wood with the highest SFE produced the highest bonding quality (grades 4–5) for both acrylic and alkyd varnishes. The solvent-based alkyd varnish was more wettable and generated better bonding quality than the water-based acrylic varnish.

The originality of this research work is that it provides evaluation values of the durability and SFE. The SFE value can be used to quantitatively determine the wettability of paint liquids on the surface of wood and its varnish bonding quality.

This study evaluates the implementation of circular economy (CE) design strategies in mass timber construction to identify knowledge gaps and define crucial future research areas for promoting CE design adoption in this field.

A two-stage systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to, first, identify CE design strategies applicable to the construction industry and then investigate the current state of CE design research in mass timber construction. Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant literature. In total, 52 peer-reviewed journal articles published between 2016 and 2023 were shortlisted. Descriptive and thematic analyses were then employed to analyse and synthesise the relevant literature.

Seven CE design strategies were identified in the first stage of the SLR. The second stage of the SLR revealed limited research on CE design strategies in mass timber construction. Several research problems were identified, including a lack of suitable connectors for the deconstruction phase, durability concerns, insufficient knowledge of CE design methods, lack of knowledge and education about mass timber construction, missing actors within the value chain, higher cost, an underdeveloped market and inadequate regulatory requirements. These findings highlighted the future research directions to foster CE design adoption in mass timber construction.

The study systematically identifies existing knowledge on the application of CE design strategies in mass timber construction. Moreover, it presents a conceptual framework that links current research problems to future research directions across technical, social, economic and regulatory categories, thereby advancing CE practice in mass timber construction.

This research explores the role of concrete 3D printing (C3DP) in the development of culturally appropriate housing in Indigenous Reserves in Canada through the design, building and evaluation of the Star Lodge project located in the Siksika Nation of Alberta, Canada. The project aims to assess the potential of C3DP in addressing the escalating housing demands in Indigenous communities in Canada.

The research involved a collaborative and multidisciplinary approach, engaging Blackfoot Elders, Knowledge Keepers from the Siksika Nation, Siksika Housing and Nidus3D. Central to this was the design, build and documentation of the Star Lodge project to analyse the advantages and challenges, guided by weekly meetings and site visits.

The project harnessed C3DP to streamline construction, enhance durability, reduce maintenance costs and enhance the energy performance of the homes. Notable time savings were achieved compared to conventional construction methods. Challenges included developing strategies to overcome extreme cold weather conditions, achieving a consistent concrete mix and integrating conventional construction elements such as drywall construction in interiors. The project served as a platform for collaboration and community participation, shaping the design and construction process while raising awareness of innovative construction techniques in the community.

This study provides an evidence-based framework for the evaluation of C3DP technology by analysing the Star Lodge Project, the first C3DP project in Alberta and the largest of its kind in Canada. By addressing housing challenges in Indigenous communities, the research holds broader implications for sustainable development and Indigenous empowerment across Canada.

A review of sustainability challenges of flame retardants (FRs) for textiles has been conducted. Specifically, the purpose of this paper is to identify and recommend solutions to sustainability challenges emanating from the raw material, processing technology and performance of the FRs used for textiles.

The approach used in preparing this paper was based on the review of various scholarly databases about the subject matter. The review approach is designed to inform the readers about the sustainability challenges of FRs for textiles. The science of burning and FRs for synthetic and cellulosic fibres were reviewed. Both synthetic and natural biodegradable FRs for textiles has been identified. The obtained literature was then synthesised to get information about sustainable challenges of non-halogenated FRs both synthetic and natural biodegradable. Finally, possible approaches for mitigating the identified challenges have been recommended.

The sustainability challenges of the FRs in terms of raw material, processing, affordability and performance have been identified. Synthetic FRs suffer from sustainability challenges in terms of raw materials, processing and non-renewability. Despite the environmental friendliness and sustainability in terms of being renewability, processability and biodegradability, natural biodegradable FRs have poor performance compared to synthetic ones. Moreover, natural biodegradable FRs depend on geographical condition and lack economic variability data. Potentially, the challenges of FRs can be mitigated through eco-friendly synthesis, chemical modification and sustainable methods of applications. Because of its renewability and environmental friendliness, biodegradable FRs have a potential to becoming sustainable if researched more.

In this review, a collection of literature about sustainability challenges of FRs and the approaches to overcome the challenges has been provided. The collected information was analysed and synthesised to bring understanding of the science of burning, types and application of FRs for textiles and biodegradable FRs. Sustainability challenges have been identified, and mitigation approaches are provided.

This study aims to explore the synthesis, characteristics and utilization of polymer composites integrated with cutting-edge pigments.

The incorporation of advanced pigments introduces functionalities such as enhanced mechanical strength, thermal stability, ultraviolet resistance and color stability, thus extending the range of applications in diverse fields including automotive, aerospace, electronics and construction.

This review discusses the mechanisms underlying the property enhancements achieved through the incorporation of advanced pigments and highlights recent developments in the field.

Polymer composites incorporating advanced pigments have garnered significant attention in recent years because of their potential to enhance various material properties and broaden their applications. This paper explores the fabrication methods of polymer composites reinforced with organic/inorganic advanced pigments in brief along with their characteristics and applications.

This study aims to investigate the demoulding characteristics of material-jetted rapid mould inserts having different surface textures for micro-injection moulding using in-line measurements and surface metrology.

Material-jetted inserts with the negative cavity of a circular test product were fabricated using different surface finishes and printing configurations, including glossy, matte and vertical settings. In-line measurements included the recording of demoulding forces at 10 kHz, which was necessary to capture the highly-dynamic characteristics. A robust data processing algorithm was used to extract reliable demoulding energies per moulding run. Thermal imaging captured surface temperatures on the inserts after demoulding. Off-line measurements, including focus variation microscopy and scanning electron microscopy, compared surface textures after a total of 60 moulding runs.

A framework for capturing demoulding energies from material-jetted rapid tools was demonstrated and compared to the literature. Glossy surfaces resulted in significantly reduced demoulding forces compared to the industry standard steel moulds in the literature and their material-jetted counterparts. Minimal changes in the surface textures of the material-jetted inserts were found, which could potentially permit their prolonged usage. Significant correlations between surface temperatures and demoulding energies were demonstrated.

The research presented here addresses the very topical issue of demoulding characteristics of soft, rapid tools, which affect the quality of prototyped products and tool durability. This was done using state-of-the-art, high-speed sensing technologies in conjunction with surface metrology and their durability for the first time in the literature.

The aim of this paper is to propose a basis upon which accounting reporting can be developed to reflect real values and the real economy. It aims to address the environmental considerations discussed in the UN debate (Bebbington and Unerman, 2020) and the concern for a “better life-world”, which is the theme of this special issue.

Addressing the task involves the application of the philosophy of pragmatic constructivism (which explains how people can relate to their reality in ways that lead to successful action) and the philosophical concept of the “good life” (which establishes the values to be pursued through action and so defines action success). Also, it outlines the necessary characteristics of measurement frameworks if they are to be effective in the development and control of human practices to achieve desired values.

This paper proposes a conceptual framework for guiding the measurement of how a sustainable good life has improved and/or deteriorated as a result of organisational activities. It outlines a system of concepts on basic and instrumental values for analysing the condition of maintaining a sustainable good life in real terms. This is related to the financial results and societal regulations to analyse and adjust controls according to the real economic goals. Also, it provides a system of value measurands to produce valid information about the development of a sustainable good life. The measurand makes accounting reporting reflect the conditions of the good life that constitute the real economy instead of merely the financial economy driven by shareholder capitalism. Providing tools to analyse whether the existing practices of business and social regulations promote or counteract the real economic goals of producing a sustainable good life means the measurement system proposed makes the invisible hand of the market visible.

The mechanism proposed to enable accounting reporting to reflect real values and the real economy is a new conceptual framework that will allow accounting to more fully realise its potential to contribute to a “better world”. In aiming to serve a sustainable good life, accounting reporting will inherently foster ethical social practices.

This study aims to develop multifunctional, namely, superhydrophobic, flame-retardant and antibacterial, coatings over cotton fabric, using casein as green-based flame-retardant and silver nanoparticles as antibacterial agent by solution immersion method.

The cotton fabric is first coated with casein to make it flame-retardant. AgNPs synthesized using Cinnamomum zeylanicum bark extract is coated over the casein layer. Finally, stearic acid is used to coat the cotton to make it superhydrophobic. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy analysis and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy are used to investigate the produced AgNPs. The as-prepared multifunctional cotton is characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis and attenuated total reflection-infrared studies. Flame test, limiting oxygen index test and thermogravimetric analyzer studies have also been performed to study the flame-retardant ability and thermal stability of treated fabric, respectively. The antibacterial effect of the coatings is evaluated by disc-diffusion technique. Water contact angle is determined to confirm the superhydrophobic nature of cotton fabric.

The outcomes of this study showed that the prepared multifunctional cotton fabric had maximum contact angle of greater than 150° with good flame retardancy, high thermal stability, greater washing durability and high antibacterial activity against the growth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter indicus. Additionally, the as-prepared superhydrophobic cotton showed an excellent oil–water separation efficiency.

The trilayered multifunctional cotton fabric has limiting washing durability up to 20 washing cycles. Treated functional fabric can be used as an antibacterial, therapeutic, water repellent and experimental protective clothing for medical, health care, home curtains and industrial and laboratory purposes.

The study brings out the robustness of this method in the development of multifunctional cotton fabrics.

The purpose of this paper is to generate nitrogen-containing groups in the cotton fabric surface via low-temperature nitrogen plasma as an eco-friendly physical/zero-effluent process. This was done for rendering cotton dye-able with Acid Blue 284, which in fact does not have any direct affinity to fix on it.

Dyeing characteristics of the samples such as color strength (K/S), fastness properties to light, rubbing and perspiration and durability, as well as tensile strength, elongation at break, whiteness, weight loss and wettability in addition to zeta potential of the dyed samples, were determined and compared with untreated fabric. Confirmation and characterization of the plasma-treated samples via chemical modifications and zeta potential was also studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Malvern Zetasizer instrumental analysis.

The obtained results of the plasma-treated fabric reflect the following findings: FTIR results indicate the formation of nitrogen-containing groups on cotton fabrics; notable enhancement in the fabric wettability, zeta potential to more positive values and improvement in the dyeability and overall fastness properties of treated cotton fabrics in comparison with untreated fabric; the tensile strength, elongation at break, whiteness and weight % of the plasma treated fabrics are lower than that untreated one; and the durability of the plasma treated fabric decreased with increasing the number of washing cycles.

The novelty addressed here is rendering cotton fabrics dye-able with acid dye via the creation of new cationic nitrogen-containing groups on their surface via nitrogen plasma treatment as an eco-friendly and efficient tool with a physical/zero-effluent process.

The rapid growth of 3D printing has transformed the cost-effective production of prototypes and functional items, primarily using extrusion technology with thermoplastics. This study aims to focus on optimizing mechanical properties, precisely highlighting the crucial role of mechanical compressive strength in ensuring the functionality and durability of 3D-printed components, especially in industrial and engineering applications.

Using the Box−Behnken experimental design, the research investigated the influence of layer thickness, wall perimeter and infill level on mechanical resistance through compression. Parameters such as maximum force, printing time and mass utilization are considered for assessing and enhancing mechanical properties.

The layer thickness was identified as the most influential parameter over the compression time, followed by the degree of infill. The number of surface layers significantly influences both maximum strength and total mass. Optimization strategies suggest reducing infill percentage while maintaining moderate to high values for surface layers and layer thickness, enabling the production of lightweight components with adequate mechanical strength and reduced printing time. Experimental validation confirms the effectiveness of these strategies, with generated regression equations serving as a valuable predictive tool for similar parameters.

This research offers valuable insights for industries using 3D printing in creating prototypes and functional parts. By identifying optimal parameters such as layer thickness, surface layers and infill levels, the study helps manufacturers achieve stronger, lighter and more cost-efficient components. For industrial and engineering applications, adopting the outlined optimization strategies can result in components with enhanced mechanical strength and durability, while also reducing material costs and printing times. Practitioners can use the developed regression equations as predictive tools to fine-tune their production processes and achieve desired mechanical properties more effectively.

This research contributes to the ongoing evolution of additive manufacturing, providing insights into optimizing structural rigidity through polylactic acid (PLA) selection, Box−Behnken design and overall process optimization. These findings advance the understanding of fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology and offer practical implications for more efficient and economical 3D printing processes in industrial and engineering applications.