The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of two different types of lignosulfonate (LS1 and LS2) added to urea–formaldehyde adhesive on the performance properties of five-layered plywood panels. The physical properties (density, thickness swelling, water absorption and moisture content), mechanical properties (modulus of rupture, modulus of elasticity and bonding quality) and free formaldehyde emission were evaluated in accordance with international standards. The results show that the lignosulfonate used in the production of plywood panels improves not only mechanical properties but also physical properties. Furthermore, the reinforcement caused by the use of proper lignosulfonate resulted in a decrease in free formaldehyde content. Using 3% LS1, eco-friendly plywood panels with improved physical (max. 22.40%) and mechanical properties (max. 42.40%) and drastically reduced free formaldehyde emissions (max. 16.27%) can be produced. It was concluded that lignosulfonates, as a byproduct of the pulping industry, can be used as a high-value additive in formaldehyde-based adhesives for engineered wood composites.

The growing demand for sustainable materials has accelerated the development of biodegradable composites, with cellulose-based materials gaining attention for their abundance, renewability, and biodegradability. The study explores the fabrication and characterization of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH)-based composite films reinforced with nano fibrillated cellulose (NFC) derived from corn stover (CS NFC). Composite films were prepared with varying PVOH: CS NFC ratios (99:1, 97:3, 95:5) and analyzed for their thermal, mechanical, barrier, and structural properties using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ASTM-standard methods for physical and barrier property measurements. At 5% CS NFC loading, tensile strength increased by 22%, thermal stability improved, and barrier performance was enhanced. CS NFC-reinforced PVOH films showed significantly improved water barrier performance over other lignocellulosic fillers, achieving these without requiring extensive chemical modifications or complex processing steps. Furthermore, incorporating CS NFC resulted in outstanding oxygen barrier performance, outperforming all previously reported nanocellulose-reinforced systems. Overall, the results highlight the potential of CS NFC as a sustainable reinforcing agent in PVOH matrices, supporting the development of high-performance, biodegradable materials for use in active packaging, food wrapping films, and other applications requiring protection from oxygen exposure.

The rheology and fiber size of corn stover (CS) and cleaned cotton gin trash (CGT) cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) were studied including behaviors at both moderate and extremely high shear rates, to simulate industrial processes ranging from mixing and pumping to high-speed coating, printing, and extrusion. Particle size analyzer showed that 99% of CS fibers measured around 226 nm, while 85% of CGT fibers were approximately 143 nm. Both CS and CGT CNFs formed gel-like suspensions, and shear flow tests revealed that all samples exhibited shear-thinning behavior, allowing easy flow under shear forces. Gels with higher solid content (1%) demonstrated extended viscoelastic regions, indicating improved flexibility, structural integrity, and energy-dispersing capacity. The combination of shear-thinning behavior, flexibility, and energy absorption makes these CNFs promising for applications in papermaking, coatings, packaging, and areas where shock absorption is required. Graphical abstract