How dyes and pigments are becoming more eco-friendly

✨ Excited to announce the publication of our recent book chapter: 📘 “Agricultural Palm Waste as a Sustainable Resource for Bio-Based Composite Materials in the Automotive Industry” Published in: Plant Pathology, Fungal Diversity, and Biotechnological Advances in Agriculture. Sustainable Landscape Planning and Natural Resources Management. 🌱 This chapter explores a novel approach to valorizing agricultural palm waste by transforming it into sustainable composite materials for the automotive industry. It highlights the potential of palm fibers, especially from the Washingtonia tree, as technical textiles and reinforcement materials in automotive interiors. By processing these fibers into needle-punched nonwovens and applying waterborne polyurethane and acrylate finishes, we demonstrate excellent mechanical strength, flame retardancy, and aesthetic properties. Beyond their performance, palm fibers show strong adhesion with polymeric matrices, making them a promising eco-friendly alternative that supports both the circular economy and industrial sustainability. 🙏 Many thanks to my co-authors and collaborators for their dedication and contributions to this multidisciplinary work. 🔗 Read the full chapter here: https://lnkd.in/ezmzehdf #MaterialsScience #BioComposites #Naturalfibers #Palmfibers #Sustainability #Automotive #Textile #Nonwovens #Textilefinishes #Thermoset #Thermoplastic #AgriculturalWaste #Wastemanagement

Let’s Talk Semi-Synthetics. Today I wanted to clarify one of the biggest misconceptions in fashion: the difference between natural and semi-synthetic fibers. I started writing about Bamboo and quickly realized many people don't know why it—along with Rayon, Modal, and Tencel—is NOT a natural material. What’s the defining characteristic of a semi-synthetic? It starts with a natural polymer (like cellulose from wood pulp or bamboo) but must be chemically dissolved and regenerated into a fiber. This chemical step is what separates it from cotton (a natural fiber) and polyester (a true synthetic). ➡️ Why This Matters for Sustainability: The "natural" origin is a lure, but the process is what dictates the true impact: The Problem: Older methods (like conventional Viscose/Rayon) use harsh, open-loop chemical systems, creating high pollution risks. The Progress: Newer fibers like Lyocell (Tencel™) use clean, closed-loop systems that recover and reuse up to 99% of the solvent. This innovation is the key to truly responsible semi-synthetics. The future of this category is exciting, focusing on feedstock circularity by regenerating fibers from waste sources like discarded cotton (Circ Lyocell) and agricultural scraps (Orange Fiber). Stay tuned for articles breaking down Rayon, Modal, Lyocell, and more! What's your favorite semi-synthetic fiber, and why? I’ll post the link to this article in the comments. #MaterialScience #TextileInnovation #SustainableFashion #SemiSynthetics #Tencel #Viscose #Circularity

𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗕𝗮𝗺𝗯𝗼𝗼 – 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴, 𝗦𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗙𝘂𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 Bamboo is not just reinforcement or for furniture or flooring, it can now become high-performance, eco-friendly plastic. Researchers have developed a way to turn bamboo into a biodegradable material that competes with conventional plastics like ABS, HDPE, and PLA. 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 (Hydrogen bond engineering):  𝗕𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗸 𝗶𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝘄𝗻: Bamboo’s natural structure is carefully “disassembled” to make it more flexible. (Using Zinc salt and Formic acid)  𝗥𝗲𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗶𝘁: The cellulose chains are reassembled to create a dense, strong plastic (Using Ethanol). 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗰𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: Strong & durable: Tensile strength up to ~110 MPa and flexible enough for many applications Heat resistant: Can work high temperature Closed Loop Recycle: Keeps ~90% of strength even after repeated recycling Biodegradable: Fully decomposes in natural soil in just ~50 days It can be shaped using standard plastic manufacturing methods, casting, moulding, machining, making it ready for real-world applications. #Polymer #Plastic #SustainableMaterials #Bioplastics #Innovation #CircularEconomy #Bamboo #GreenTech #Sustainability Ref publication: https://lnkd.in/d5jBN9zr

Yellowing stains are a common yet stubborn challenge for fabrics. From sweat and sebum to food and environmental contaminants, these compounds build up over time, leaving clothing and textiles discolored and unsightly. A new study, published in ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, shows that high-intensity blue LED light can safely and sustainably erase yellowing from textiles, offering a more sustainable alternative to traditional bleaching methods. Read more on ACS Axial: https://go.acs.org/dk3

𝐒𝐢𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 – 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐢𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐄𝐧𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝑫𝒐𝒘𝒏𝒍𝒐𝒂𝒅 𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒆 𝑷𝑫𝑭 𝑩𝒓𝒐𝒄𝒉𝒖𝒓𝒆: https://lnkd.in/dJ4KbeSi In industries where paper, textiles, and fibers are essential, sizing agents play a critical role in improving surface strength, smoothness, and resistance. As sustainability and performance-driven production gain momentum, the Sizing Agents Market is evolving to meet new industrial and environmental demands. 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 The Sizing Agents Market is witnessing significant growth, driven by rising demand from the paper & packaging, textile, and construction industries. These agents enhance printability, water resistance, and fiber bonding, ensuring high-quality end products. The growing shift toward bio-based and eco-friendly sizing materials is reshaping the market landscape. 𝐊𝐞𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐤𝐞𝐭 𝐓𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐬 Rising demand for bio-based sizing agents as sustainable alternatives Increasing application in paperboard and packaging for durability and strength Expanding use in textile manufacturing to improve fiber smoothness and weaving efficiency Technological innovations in starch-based and synthetic sizing formulations 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐎𝐮𝐭𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤 With industries striving for greener production processes, the use of eco-friendly sizing agents will continue to rise. Innovation in biodegradable polymers and performance enhancers will shape the next phase of the market — balancing strength, quality, and sustainability. Do you think sustainable chemistry will redefine the future of fiber treatment and paper production? #SizingAgents #PaperIndustry #TextileIndustry #Sustainability #EcoFriendly #Packaging #MaterialScience #GreenChemistry #MarketInsights

1. What is Plasticity (in Soil Mechanics)? Plasticity is the property of fine-grained soil (mainly clay) that allows it to be molded or deformed without cracking or changing volume when water is added. 👉 In simple words: Plasticity means the ability of soil to change shape under load and retain that shape when the load is removed. It depends on the amount and type of clay minerals and the water content. 2). Plasticity Index (PI) Plasticity Index (PI) represents the range of water content where the soil remains plastic. It is calculated using Atterberg Limits PI=LL−PL Where: LL (Liquid Limit): The water content at which soil starts behaving like a liquid. PL (Plastic Limit): The water content at which soil just begins to behave plastically. Example: If Liquid Limit (LL) = 45% Plastic Limit (PL) = 25% Then, PI=45−25=20 So the soil remains plastic between 25% and 45% water content. 3). Interpretation of Plasticity Index: PI Range Soil Type / Plasticity 0 – 5 Low plasticity (silt or sandy soil) 5 – 15 Medium plasticity (clayey silt) 15 – 30 High plasticity (clay) > 30 Very high plasticity (expansive clay) 4). Importance of Plasticity & PI . Helps classify soils (as per IS 1498 / USCS system) . Indicates workability and swelling potential . Important for foundation design, embankment, and earthwork stability

The challenge here is to the perception that post-consumer polymers are all hopelessly degraded or require chemical regeneration to bring back into industrial use, that they are only good for 'lightweight' applications. It is simply not true - mechanically recovered nylon from used monofilament fishing net is a robust and credible drop-in replacement for virgin materials, the challenge is in gathering enough of it togther in one place for corporates to engage with - that is why 0rCA® has developed a deployable containerised mechanical recycling system. This paper, written by Loughborough University academics, shows the ups and the downs of re-using Marine Nylon® but clearly demonstrates the ups are worth serious consideration. #lowcarbon #sustainable #manufacturing #blueeconomy

Very happy to share our latest publication, published in the #RapidPrototypingJournal. We examined the properties of PA6 recycled fishing nets for #AdditivieManufacturing using #Mex and benchmarking against nylon copolymer and carbon filled PA12. More can be found here: https://lnkd.in/etbtsikG Marine nylon is found to have high strength in comparison to nylon containing chopped fibre reinforcement and a standard nylon copolymer, highlighting the potential of the material for manufacturing purposes where high tensile and compressive yield strengths are required. This study highlights the potential of recycled marine nylon and AM as a method of sustainable re-manufacturing. Please feel free to reach out for more information, and huge thanks to our industry partners #FishyFilaments for your kind support through this study. #AM #3dprinting #sustainability #plastic #recycling #marinenylon #productdesign Loughborough School of Design and Creative Arts

Researchers have discovered a sustainable alternative to plastic coatings — an edible fungus that can make materials waterproof! In tests, this natural coating blocked water, oil, and grease on paper, denim, polyester, and even wood — showing huge potential to replace single-use plastics with eco-friendly materials. #Sustainability #Innovation #GreenScience #PlasticFree https://lnkd.in/gj4mHTtu

From waste to wonder — grown by nature, not manufactured. 🌿 In my lab, I’ve been exploring how we can let nature do the engineering for us. What you see here is a mycelium composite block — cultivated using a blend of agro-bio waste and discarded textile fibers. Within just a few days, the mycelium (the root network of mushrooms) colonizes the waste, weaving it into a solid, lightweight, and durable structure. No glue. No chemicals. Just the intelligence of nature at work. What makes it fascinating is its potential: 🧱 Building Materials – biodegradable insulation, wall panels, and eco-bricks 📦 Sustainable Packaging – replacing Styrofoam and single-use plastic 👕 Fashion & Design – mycelium leather and bio-based fabrics 🪑 Furniture & Interiors – naturally strong and visually organic materials By combining agricultural residues and textile waste, this work moves us closer to a circular bioeconomy — where waste streams become raw materials and sustainability literally grows from the ground up. ✨ It’s not just a material; it’s a message from nature — that innovation doesn’t always need invention, sometimes it just needs observation. #Mycelium #BioMaterials #CircularEconomy #Sustainability #Innovation #GreenTechnology #VNOrganics #MushroomTechnology #FutureMaterial