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The facile in situ synthesis of graphene-coated metal-oxide nanoparticles and their potential applications in optoelectronic devices are highly anticipated. In this study, we prepared three-dimensional graphene flakes decorated with ZnO nanoparticles (LIG/ZnO) using femtosecond laser-induced zinc salt-containing cork. The LIG/ZnO heterojunction was formed by carbonizing the cork and decomposing the zinc salt in situ to coat LIG during laser irradiation. The correlation between the zinc salt concentration and the morphology, structure, and field-emission characteristics of LIG/ZnO was systematically investigated. The optimized LIG/ZnO-5 emitters demonstrate a decreased threshold electric field (E th) of 1.07 V/μm, an enhanced field enhancement factor (β) value of 20,559, and a maximum current density of 18.07 mA/cm2 at 1.96 V/μm, representing the most superior performance reported to date. The enhanced field-emission performance of LIG/ZnO can be attributed to the larger number of effective emission sites from ZnO nanoparticles and LIG edges, as well as to the energy band variation induced by the heterostructures. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show the migration of electrons from the LIG to the ZnO after the formation of the heterojunction, which elevates the Fermi level of emitters. In addition, the accumulation of electrons on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles in the presence of a strong electric field results in a downward shift of the energy band, thereby enhancing the likelihood of electron-vacuum tunneling. • LIG/ZnO heterojunctions were prepared by ultrafast laser direct writing. • The morphology of LIG/ZnO synthesized by laser irradiation and the density of coated ZnO nanoparticles are controllable. • The relationship between the concentration of zinc salt, and field emission characteristics of LIG/ZnO was systematically studied. • The optimized LIG/ZnO-5 emitters have a low E th ∼1.07 V/μm and stable electron emission properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Cork dust was processed by deep eutectic solvent for biogas and value-added products. • Highest phenolic extraction (137.4 mg GAE g cork dust−1) was at 110 °C for 20 min. • Highest biogas yield (115.1 mL N gVS-1) was observed at 130 °C for 60 min. • Catechin, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and gallic acid were identified as primary phenolics. In this study, phenolic compounds using deep eutectic solvents (DES) were extracted from cork dust, and the biogas production potential of DES-treated cork dust samples was determined. The DES treatment was carried out using choline chloride and formic acid (1:2 M ratio) at various temperatures (90, 110 and 130 °C) and treatment times (20, 40 and 60 min) at a solid-to-solvent ratio of 1:10 g mL−1. The highest total phenolic content (137 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE) g−1 dry cork dust) was achieved at 110 °C/20 min. The extracts exhibited an antioxidant capacity of up to 56.3 ± 3.1 % 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydazyl (DPPH) inhibition at a dilution rate of 100. DES treatment resulted in minimal sugar solubilization at low temperatures, while approximately 42 % of the xylan fraction in the biomass degraded under severe conditions (e.g., 130 °C/60 min). Catechin, 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and gallic acid were the major phenolics in DES extracts. The biogas yield of DES-treated cork dust increased with treatment severity. The highest biogas yield (115.1 mL N g VS -1) was observed at 130 °C/60 min, representing an increase of 125 % compared to the untreated sample. SEM images revealed that the surface structure of the samples became smoother after mild pretreatment and rougher after harsh pretreatment. Compositional and FTIR analyses indicated that a higher biogas formation potential was associated with increased cellulose content in the substrate, which could be attributed to hemicellulose solubilization in the hydrolysate. Overall, DES pretreatment effectively enhanced phenol extraction and anaerobic degradability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The chemical, microstructural and mechanical characterization of novel lightweight composites produced by adding waste cork dust to a metakaolin-based geopolymeric matrix prepared by alkaline activation is presented. The alkaline activator solutions used for the reticulation of the 3D aluminosilicate network at room temperature are composed of NaOH and sodium silicate to maintain a low cost of the final composite. In this line, the research of the highest addition of waste, e.g. cork dust, is pursued starting from 1 and reaching a maximum content of 10 wt% over metakaolin. The chemical stability is evaluated in water as well as in HNO 3 or in H 2 SO 4 0.5 and 2.5 N solutions. The addition of cork does not affect the reticulation of the geopolymeric binder used as matrix, as is demonstrated by FT-IR and XRD analyses. The modification of the dense geopolymeric microstructure with the introduction of cork dust weakens the hardened composites that become more permeable to water and acid solutions increasing the weight loss after immersion and decreasing the mechanical resistance to compression. The mechanical performance of the hardened composite with 10 wt% of cork dust still seems to be sufficient for application as self-supporting thermal insulation panels. (195/200). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • A new strategy for using waste cork. • PC4-800 exhibits excellent pore structure and abundant N-containing groups. • PC4-800 has ultra-high toluene capture of 867.03 mg/g. • Pores with sizes of 1.71–2.28 nm are most effective for adsorption. • N-6 had the strongest affinity for toluene through Gaussian imitating. Converting waste resources into porous carbon for pollutants capture is an effective strategy to achieve the environmental goal of "treating waste with waste". Cork is an ideal precursor of porous carbons due to its ordered honeycomb-like cell structure and layered composition distribution. Herein, N-doped porous carbons (PCs) were prepared via two steps of urea-assisted hydrothermal carbonization and chemical activation to mitigate volatile organic compounds (VOCs) pollution. Results indicated that the obtained PC4-800 exhibited remarkable features for adsorption including high total pore volume (0.97 cm3/g) and specific surface area (1864.89 m2/g), as well as abundant N-containing functional groups. The excellent pore structure was primarily owing to the corrosion of the carbon matrix by the gas produced from the reaction of K 2 CO 3 and N-containing functional groups. The adsorption results showed that the PC4-800 have an outstanding toluene adsorption capacity (867.03 mg/g) that outperforming majority of adsorbents previously reported. There are substantial pores in N-doped PCs with a pore width of 1.71–2.28 nm, which is 3 to 4 times the molecular dynamic diameter of toluene, and plays a crucial role in the absorption process. Moreover, the promotional influence of N-functional groups on the toluene adsorption process was verified through DFT calculation by Gaussian imitating, where N-6 generated π-electron enrichment sites on the surface of N-doped PCs, facilitating π-π dispersion with the benzene ring in toluene. This study provides a new strategy to convert waste cork into high-performance adsorbents for VOCs removal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural cork stoppers, renowned for their sealing efficacy in wine bottles, face challenges in gas-tightness due to cork surface irregularities. This study investigates the impact of lubricant coatings (silicone or paraffin emulsions), on cork stopper gas-tightness. These coatings facilitate cork conformity to glass, minimizing gaps at the interface and significantly improving sealing capacity. A small amount of lubricant leads to a two-order-of-magnitude reduction in gas flow. However, careful control of coating is crucial to ensure reliable sealing. Additionally, water absorption by cork is proposed to contribute to sealing by generating expansion forces and softening the cork, enhancing conformity to glass. This study emphasizes that natural cork stoppers should be viewed as both sealants and membranes. These findings shed light on the importance of surface treatments and water interaction in achieving reliable sealing in cork stoppers, ultimately ensuring the preservation and quality of bottled wine. • Gas-tightness of cork stoppers in wine bottles can be compromised by cork-glass interface leakage. • Paraffin and silicone coatings mitigate leaks at the cork-glass interface. • Water absorption by cork contributes to sealing by facilitating its conformation to the glass surface. • A small amount of lubricant can significantly improve the sealing capacity of cork stoppers. • Surface treatments and water interaction are key parameters in achieving reliable sealing in cork stoppers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide the first explicit example of a cork of CP 2 # 8 CP 2 ‾. This result gives the current smallest second Betti number of a standard simply-connected closed 4-manifold for which an explicit cork has been found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Sparkling wine tasting was considered from the physicochemical angle. • Sparkling wines are complex hydro-alcoholic mixtures saturated with dissolved CO 2. • A perspective is proposed, from uncorking the bottle to bubble bursting. • The crucial role of glass shape was revealed through various analytical methods. From uncorking the bottle to the bursting of bubbles in the glass, the science behind the tasting of champagne and other sparkling wine is both traditional and at the forefront of modern developments. The strong interaction between the various parameters at play in a bottle and in a glass of sparkling wine has been the subject of study for around two decades. Indeed, sparkling wine tasting is often seen as the pinnacle of glamor and frivolity for most people, but it should also be considered as a fantastic playground for chemists and physicists to explore the subtle science behind this centuries-old drink, whose prestige today goes well beyond the borders of Champagne and France. This article offers an overview of the physicochemical processes that mark a tasting of champagne or sparkling wine in the broad sense, from the cork popping out of the bottleneck to the formation and bursting of bubbles in your glass, including the choice of the glass and how to serve and drink the wine correctly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Iron-coated cork granulates (ICG) successfully removed Sb in continuous mode. • Removal capacities of 13 mg Sb(III) g−1 and 10 mg Sb(V) g−1 by ICG were found. • An increase in pH from 3 to 6 caused a reduction in the adsorption capacity. • Desorption by HCl 1 M was 4 times faster than that by ascorbic acid 0.1 M. • Valorisation of water and wastewater can be achieved through antimony recovery. This work investigated Sb adsorption–desorption using iron-coated cork granulates (ICG) in both batch and continuous modes to evaluate the materiaĺs adsorption and regeneration performance, as well as the possibility of antimony recovery. A fixed-bed column filled with ICG, demonstrated maximum adsorption capacities of 13 ± 2 mg g−1 and 10 ± 1 mg g−1 for Sb(III) and Sb(V), respectively, at pH 3. ICG was able to remove Sb within the WHO guideline of 20 μg/L at pH 6. Among the different classes of eluents tested for Sb(V) desorption, the acids achieved the highest desorption rates − 81 ± 9 % and 66 ± 8 % for HCl 1 M and ascorbic acid 0.1 M, respectively. The desorption kinetics showed that HCl 1 M reached equilibrium in 4 h, but ascorbic acid 0.1 M took 16 h. This work presents an ecological emerging solution for antimony removal and recovery from water and wastewater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Innovative and multifunctional building materials with low embodied energy and reduced CO 2 emissions have attracted considerable attention. Herein, a comprehensive comparison between the use of cork and commercial synthetic aggregates (expanded vermiculite, expanded polystyrene (EPS), and lightweight expanded clay (Leca®)) in the production of geopolymer composites was performed. Additionally, composites containing rubber coming from the recycling of end-of-life tires were also studied. The impact of the aggregate nature and amount on the geometric density, compressive strength, thermal conductivity, sound absorption coefficient, and thermal stability of the composites was evaluated. This investigation demonstrates the feasibility of tuning the geopolymer composites properties according to the envisioned application, cork-composites being the most suitable approach for sound absorbing panels (α = 0.8, 2000 3150 Hz), while Leca® and expanded vermiculite containing composites are the best option when considering fire resistant applications. • Rubber, EPS, vermiculite, and Leca® geopolymer composites were compared with cork aggregate. • EPS generates the lightest geopolymer composite (0.17 g/cm3). • Leca® and vermiculite obtained the high thermal stability (600 °C, 2 h) composites. • Cork composite (85 vol%) offers unique thermal (0.068 W/(m·K)) and acoustic (α = 0.8) insulation. • Cork results in composites with multifunctional behaviour and low embodied energy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The plant of Paeonia lactiflora Pall. belongs to Ranunculaceae, and its root can be divided into two categories according to different processing methods, which included that one was directly dried without peeling the root of the P. lactiflora (PR), and the other was peeled the root of the P. lactiflora (PPR) after boiled and dried. To evaluate the difference of chemical components, UPLC-ESI-Q-Exactive Focus-MS/MS and UPLC-QQQ-MS were applied. The distribution of chemical components in different tissues was located by laser microdissection (LMD), especially the different ingredients. A total of 86 compounds were identified from PR and PPR. Four kind of tissues were isolated from the fresh root of the P. lactiflora (FPR), and 54 compounds were identified. Especially the content of gallic acid, albiflorin, and paeoniflorin with high biological activities were the highest in the cork, but they were lower in PR than that in PPR, which probably related to the process. To illustrate the difference in pharmacological effects of PR and PPR, the tonifying blood and analgesic effects on mice were investigated, and it was found that the tonifying blood and analgesic effects of PPR was superior to that of PR, even though PR had more constituents. The material basis for tonifying blood and analgesic effect of the root of P. lactiflora is likely to be associated with an increase in constituents such as paeoniflorin and paeoniflorin lactone after boiled and peeled. The study was likely to provide some theoretical support for the standard and clinical application. [Display omitted] • 86 compounds were identified from two different processing root by LC-MS. • The different compounds were located in four tissues by LMD and LC-MS. • The content of compounds such as paeoniflorin and albiflorin were higher in PPR. • The effects of tonifying blood and analgesic became more pronounced in PPR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A selection of fifty-one artificial aggregates, manufactured with different proportions of kaolinite, an iron phase (Fe0, Fe 2 O 3 , Fe 3 O 4 or FeS 2), cork powder and sodium carbonate in three previous works, have been studied mineralogically using the quantitative Rietveld XRD method. Comparisons between the mineral percentage in the raw materials and the phase percentage in the aggregate have been carried out. Additionally, independence contrast tests have been conducted to determine if significant relationships exist between the raw material mineralogical composition and the aggregate phase composition. Based on these statistical results, the mineralogical evolution, the possible reactions that may have taken place and the type of atmosphere required for them have been presented. Mullite, metallic iron, cristobalite, hematite, magnetite, hercynite, fayalite, clinopyroxenes, troilite, nepheline and amorphous material were new phases produced in the aggregates. The presence and/or percentage of the majority of them were greatly influenced by the added iron phase and by the type of atmosphere in the aggregates. In the latter, cork powder and/or sodium carbonate addition played an important role since their thermal decomposition could give rise to different conditions (oxidizing, reducing or both) depending on whether it is the external or internal zone of the aggregates • Evolution of mineralogy, possible reactions, and type of atmosphere are presented. • Mineralogical comparison is conducted considering the aggregate loss on ignition. • New mineral phases, such as mullite or hercynite, are produced in the aggregates. • The presence and percentage of new minerals are influenced by the added iron phase. • Cork powder and sodium carbonate play an important role in the atmosphere type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For years, scientists have been trying to develop sustainable, environmentally friendly methods of extraction and determination of trace environmental pollutants that take into account the principles of Green Analytical Chemistry (GAC). It is important to save energy and time, minimize and automate individual stages of sample preparation for determination, and significantly reduce or completely eliminate harmful wastes and solvents from the analytical procedure. Therefore, there is continuous development and increase in the popularity of solid-phase extraction (SPE) technique and its derivative techniques in the "micro" form, such as dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction (d-μSPE), magnetic dispersive micro-solid-phase extraction (M-d-μSPE), bar adsorption microextraction (BAμE), rotating disk sorption extraction (RDSE), fabric phase sorption extraction (FPSE), solid phase microextraction (SPME), thin film microextraction (TFME). An important and noticeable trend in recent years has been the search for efficient sorbents based on natural compounds. This review discusses the possibilities of using natural products (cork, cotton, pollen, kapok, bamboo, sponge, algae, various seeds) and biowastes (coffee residues, bracts and peels of various fruits) as sorbents in the above-mentioned solid-phase techniques. These natural materials have fibrous or porous structure, which facilitates sorption of analytes. They also have functional groups necessary for the extraction of selected analytes or may be easily modified to contain such groups. Many of 106 articles described in this review show that sorbents based on natural materials are as good as commercially available synthesized sorbents while being more friendly to the environment. [Display omitted] • The use of natural materials and biowastes in (micro)extractions have been reviewed. • Natural products included: cork, cotton, pollen, kapok, bamboo, sponge, algae, seeds. • Biowastes described included: coffee residues, bracts and peels of various fruits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A more environmentally friendly hybrid system composed of APP and cork bio-waste was developed. • During pyrolysis, cork catalyzed APP thermal decomposition in ABS composite containing 3 wt.% of cork and 27 wt.% of APP, resulted in the lowest flammability among composites. • APP enhanced the dehydration reactions of cork leading to a higher yield residue. • When both cork and APP were present in ABS, nonflammable gases were released during a wider range of temperature compared to when they were added individually. • An optimum flame retardancy performance was observed when 3 wt.% of APP was substituted with cork. • The ABS formulation with 20 wt.% cork and 10 wt.% APP showed a similar fire performance as the ABS composite containing 30 wt.% APP. By having a challenging prospect of developing more environmentally friendly flame-retardant (FR) acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) formulations, an initial study related to the effect of combining ammonium polyphosphate (APP) with cork powder (C), a bio-waste of the cork industry on ABS-FR thermal stability and fire performance is proposed and discussed in the present work. ABS composites with a global filler weight content of 30 wt.% were prepared by using a melt-compounding process. Two different types of thermal decomposition behavior, assessed by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), were observed for ABS/C/APP composites. For formulations with C/APP weight ratio < 1, the thermal decomposition of APP polyphosphate network was shifted to lower temperature. On the other hand, when C/APP ratio was ≥ 1, a new thermal decomposition (TD) step related to an earlier thermal decomposition of cork components was registered between 320 °C and 370 °C. Moreover, by means of Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis of the pyrolysis gasses, a broader temperature range of ammonia and water release was noticed when APP and C were simultaneously incorporated in ABS. In addition, a micro-scale combustion calorimeter (MCC) analysis revealed that replacing APP by cork led to a decrease of the heat release capacity (HRC) and an increase of the residue formation compared to when only APP was present in ABS composite. Furthermore, forced flaming fire characterization of ABS formulations, studied by means of cone calorimetry (CC), revealed that replacing 20 wt.% of APP by cork (ABS/20C/10APP) led to a similar fire performance to the ABS formulation with 30 wt.% of APP (ABS/30APP). A similar trend under horizontal UL-94 was observed, nevertheless, for the composite with cork in its composition no dripping was noticed. Additionally, by only replacing a 3 wt.% of APP (ABS/3C/27APP) by cork an optimum improvement in fire retardancy was achieved, with the highest efficiency in reducing the peak heat release rate (pHRR) of 21 % regarding ABS/30APP. These results have been related to the chemical interaction between APP and cork components in the condensed phase confirmed by the observance of a more intense P-O-C absorbance peak of the CC residue of ABS/3C/27APP, analyzed by means of FTIR. This composite also showed a more cohesive and expanded char layer, observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which acted as a more efficient protective barrier, reducing heat and mass transfer phenomena during combustion which also led to the highest reduction in linear burning rate (LBR) under horizontal UL-94. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seismic metamaterials, a novel seismic engineering technology composed of multiple layers of materials, can form barriers by being periodically arranged to protect properties in a region from earthquake disasters. Parametric analysis of pile-type two-layered seismic metamaterials reveals that the outer layer material with low Poisson's ratio, low Young's modulus, and low density can achieve low and wide frequency band gap, aligning with the design objectives of seismic metamaterials. Since cork, a readily available material, meets the above characteristics, this study aims to investigate its feasibility in being applied to pile-type two-layered seismic metamaterials. Furthermore, the effect of hollows within pile-type seismic metamaterials on lowering the bound frequency of the band gaps is explored. Through laboratory-scale tests at one-fifth scale and numerical simulation, it is demonstrated that cork pile-type seismic metamaterials without hollows can generate a low and wide frequency band gap and effectively attenuate waves at frequencies ranging from 5.6 Hz to 10 Hz. In addition, employing hollows in the cork outer layer can further decrease the lower bound frequency of the band gap by 25 % and result in an effective attenuation range of 4.6 Hz–9.8 Hz while slightly reducing the width of the band gap. [Display omitted] • Cork is used in seismic metamaterials to achieve a low and wide frequency band gap. • Incorporating hollows further reduces lower bound frequency of band gaps by 25 %. • Wave attenuation effect within band gaps is verified by laboratory-scale tests. • Validated numerical modeling is developed to confirm applicability of cork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A UHPLC-QqQ-MS method to quantify selected polyphenols was developed and validated. • Different polyphenol kinetics patterns were observed during 24 months of ageing. • The cork OTR influenced the evolution of polyphenols during bottle ageing. • Specific polyphenol wine oxidation markers were evidenced. A Syrah red wine ageing experiment was set up during 24-months and the influence of four micro-agglomerated corks were investigated. Specific phenolic ageing markers were selected and hemi-synthesized: vitisin B, malvidin-ethyl-catechin, and epicatechin-sulfonate. A targeted quantification method of these markers was then developed and validated by using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography - triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QqQ-MS) operating in MRM (Multiple Reaction Monitoring). Results showed a significant decline in native grape polyphenol levels (anthocyanins, flavanols) as ageing progresses while pyranoanthocyanins, ethyl-linked pigments, and flavanol-sulfonates content increased. The cork oxygen transfer rate emerged as a pivotal factor and had significant effects on polyphenolic concentration evolution but had no significant impact on flavanol-sulfonate formation. These results provide valuable insights into the chemical evolution ongoing during wine ageing, accentuating the pivotal role of cork stopper selection in preserving wine quality over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] The current study investigates the synergistic influence of cork powder and temperature on the strength characteristics of tubular adhesive joints subjected to pure mode-II failure. Two distinct joint configurations, Steel-CPVC and Steel-PVC, were employed in the study. The adhesive matrix consisted of Araldite-LY-556 and hardener AD-22962, with cork powder serving as the filler. Various proportions of cork powder, specifically 0.25 wt%, 0.50 wt%, 0.75 wt%, and 1 wt%, were incorporated into the adhesive mixture. Test samples were prepared for each configuration by using the modified adhesive followed, by a curing step at an elevated temperature. Tensile tests were conducted at four different temperature settings: 25 °C, 50 °C, 75 °C, and 100 °C, by utilizing a universal testing machine (UTM) equipped with a thermal chamber. The results revealed that, in the case of the Steel-CPVC configuration, the failure load characteristics of the joint exhibited an increasing response at lower cork concentration of 0.25 wt%, irrespective of the service temperature. However, was negatively impacted with the further increase in cork concentration. A maximum improvement of 53.48 % in failure load compared to the neat adhesive case at 25 °C was reported. Notably, the influence of cork powder persisted even under elevated temperature conditions, hence suggesting that that the impact of cork filler reinforcement is independent of service temperature. For the Steel-PVC joint layout, an entirely opposite trend was observed were both the increase in concentration of cork filler and service temperature significantly reduced the strength compared to the control case. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Composite exhibited higher bending strength in stone facing up configuration. • Stone crushing was the predominant failure mode in stone facing up configuration. • Fibre breakage was the predominant failure mode in stone facing down configuration. • The neutral line of the sandwich composite was found within the stone layer. • Strain data from destructive bending tests indicated that damage was detected. Sandwich composites have been a growing subject of interest to various industries, thus it has become essential to monitor these structures. There is a need to implement damage identification and characterization strategies. This work aims to study the reliability of the implementation of strain gauge sensors, the mechanical properties of an asymmetric sandwich composite made by a core of cork agglomerate, two fibre-reinforced epoxy skins and a natural stone on top. Initially, destructive bending tests were conducted to establish the maximum load for the specimens. This served as a crucial reference point for subsequently employing strain gauges to investigate the mechanical properties of the composite. Finally, the destructive bending tests were performed using strain gauges in order to assess the performance of strain gauges to detect damage within the composite. The study provides comprehensive insights into various mechanical properties, including bending strength, tensile, compressive, and flexural moduli, as well as the determination of the neutral line location within the material. Notably, the results from the destructive bending tests employing strain gauges demonstrated their effectiveness in detecting catastrophic events within the composite. This research contributes to the advancement of reliable structural integrity monitoring and characterization techniques for sandwich composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The applicability of Washburn capillary rise (WCR) method on cork powders wettability was investigated. An adapted sample preparation method was also developed to guarantee measurements accuracy and reproducibility. The processing of cork powders by 3D Printing (3DP) presents a clear challenge related to cork wettability. The common liquid binders used in 3DP printers are composed mainly by water (95% w /w). Two sets of cork powders with different particle size distributions (PSD) were prepared and studied, namely Full Range powder with a wider distribution (20–100 μm) and Coarse powder with a narrow distribution (63–80 μm). Among the studied wetting liquids, hexane revealed to be the wetting liquid with higher ability to completely wet cork powders in a short period of time (14–18 s). Coarse powder exhibited higher packing ability based on the calculated parameter C values. Contact angles between a commercial binder and Full Range and Coarse powders were estimated as 86.1 ± 2.1° and 87.3 ± 1.5°, respectively. The obtained results showed that WCR method can successfully describe the wettability behaviour of cork powders. [Display omitted] • Cork powders wettability was successfully evaluated by the WCR method. • Hexane completely wetted cork powders in a short period of time (14–18 s). • Powders with narrow PSD exhibited a higher packing ability. • Estimated contact angle values between cork and binder were found to be 86.1–87.3°. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Shear thickening fluids (STFs) are a unique type of fluids that can quickly transform into a solid-like state when subjected to forces (rate dependent). These fluids are created by dispersing micro and nanoparticles within a medium. When the force is removed, they return to their original liquid state. Shear thickening fluids can absorb a significant amount of impact energy, making them useful for reducing vibrations and serving as a damper. This study provides a comprehensive and brief overview of existing literature on shear thickening fluids, including their properties, classification, and the rheological mechanisms behind the shear thickening behaviour. It also examines the use of these fluids in various applications, such as improving resistance to stabs and spikes, protecting against low- and high-velocity impacts, and as a new medium for energy dissipation in industries such as battery safety, vibration control and adaptive structures. Lastly, this work reviews the promising combination of STFs with cork. Given the sustainability of cork and its energy absorption capacity, cork-STF composites are a promising solution for various impact-absorbing applications. Overall, the paper underscores the versatility and potential of STFs, and advocates for further research and exploration. [Display omitted] • Shear thickening fluids enhance composites energy absorption • Shear thickening colloidal suspensions perform well as sandwich structure interface • Cork composites are highly sustainable • Promising combination of shear thickening fluids with cork composites [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

3D printing lightweight aggregate concrete potentially allows building components with reduced thickness and lighter structures. However, the effect of lightweight additives in 3D printing compositions, particularly the use of cork, in the fresh and hardened properties of 3DP is still unknown. This study demonstrates that adding increasing amounts of cork (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) in place of fine sand enhances the insulation of printable mortars. Cork mortars positively reduced the required yield stress at the bottom layer in the fresh state due to lighter bulk densities. Attaining lower hardened densities (1363.0–1791.5 Kg/m3), printed mortars with high amounts of cork (50, 67, and 100%) showed fair values of thermal conductivity ranging between 0.40 and 0.96 W/mk, for a value of 1.42 W/mk of the reference. Cork composites presented sufficient mechanical strength, with a compressive strength between 21.1 MPa at 100% cork and 51.1 MPa at 17% cork compared to 58.3 MPa of reference mortar. Printing did not considerably affect strength development or thermal conductivity in printed mortars. The latest showed isotropic behavior in all test directions, while mild anisotropy was found for compressive and tensile strength. Micro and macrostructure analysis revealed that printing reduces macropores in the sample's core relative to the compaction of lightweight aggregate mortars. When applied on a large scale, these composites can bring printed constructions closer to meeting thermal comfort standards with reduced self-weight. • Lightweight and low-conductive mortars containing cork are designed for 3D printing. • Effect of cork on the mortars' printability and buildability was investigated. • Cork's impact on hardened properties of printed and cast samples was evaluated. • Microstructure analysis revealed reduced pores in printed sample's core. • Printed mortars attained adequate mechanical strength and insulation values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, three classes of materials are used in deck boards production, i.e., wood, plastics and wood polymer composites. Wood is the best choice being bio-based, biodegradable and displaying better mechanical performance, but the environmental concerns deriving from forest depletion make the identification of a new bio-based solution necessary. In this sense, agglomerated cork is promising, being derived from the bark of the oak, but in its native form is not suitable for decking boards production due to low bending properties. The present work proposes a solution to use agglomerated cork in decking board manufacturing by converting its cellular structure in a consolidated one by hot compression. Design of Experiment was used to optimize consolidated cork mechanical properties as a function of the main manufacturing parameters, i.e., time and temperature. The exposure to high temperatures allows cork cell walls welding by developing adhesive properties, but it also induces a strong degradation of polysaccharides. It was discovered that the manufacturing parameters which maximize both flexural and tensile properties are a 180 °C operating temperature and a 31.5 min holding time. These conditions ensure a bending stiffness 40.9% and a bending strength 107.1% higher than the ASTM D6662 minimum requirements. • Agglomerated cork was consolidated by hot compression for decking boards production. • Mechanical properties were optimized through Design of Experiment. • Bending stiffness and strength of optimized configuration are 40.9% and 107.1% higher than ASTM D6662 minimum requirements. • The optimized configuration ensures the lowest water uptake fundamental for outdoor use. • Consolidated cork proved to be a feasible solution to produce eco-friendlier deck boards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The experiment was conducted by comparing normal pulp and diseased pulp. • To verify the effect of boron on vascular bundles by treating test tube plantlets with boron deficiency. • Preliminary exploration on the role of boron in the development of pear vascular bundles. • Preliminary explanation of the pathogenesis of pear cork spot disease. Cork spot-like physiological disorder (CSPD) is a kind of physiological disease, which seriously affects pear fruit quality. In this study, the susceptible strain '2003-1-43′ was used as the test material. There were brown lignification spots in the pulp tissue of the affected fruit, and the surface was uneven, the vascular bundles around the affected tissue lost their transport capacity, and the hormone levels changed. The contents of nitrogen in the disordered fruit were significantly higher than those in the normal fruit, while the contents of magnesium and boron were significantly lower than those in the normal fruit, there was no significant difference in the contents of phosphorus, potassium and calcium. On normal pulp, mildly disordered pulp and severe disordered pulp analyzed the transcriptome differentially expressed genes, determine the styrene acrylic biosynthesis, flavonoids biosynthesis, cell aging, necrotic cells apoptosis, plant hormone signal transduction, MAPK signal pathway, such as enrichment on these pathways most genes expressed in the onset of pulp increased. These results indicated that cell death, phenylpropanoid and flavonoid accumulation, hormone signal and MAPK signal changes occurred in the disordered pulp. In addition, the genes related to boron transport, such as aquaporins PbNIP and PbPIP , and boron transporter gene PbBORs , were up-regulated in the disordered pulp, indicating that boron plays an important role in the formation of cork spot disease. Compared with the boron-supplied seedlings, the leaves of the seedlings were yellowing with white or brown lignification spots, the content of lignin in the leaves was significantly reduced, the vascular bundles were underdeveloped and lacked transport capacity, and the hormone levels change dramatically. In conclusion, the lack of boron in pear fruit results in the imperfect development of vascular bundles and the inability to transport organic matter and mineral elements to pulp cells, resulting in insufficient nutrients for pulp cells, which affects the normal development of the cells, resulting in the death of the cells, and the formation of lignin and flavonoids to form cork spots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing demand of natural aggregates for concrete in construction has degenerated the environment. This has given impetus to researches for sustainable development by using different bio-aggregates as lightweight aggregate for concrete. Cork which is a light, renewable and biodegradable material and cork industries generate a considerable amount of solid wastes, among them are granulated cork with bark (GCB) that is not suitable to produce cork agglomerated because of its grains high density lack the required qualities. In order to reduce its volume and to reutilize it in the productive chain, it is possible among applications, to use GCB as lightweight aggregates in the production of non-structural concrete for applications such as making blocks. The main characteristics of a fresh and hardened non-structural concrete made with GCB are presented here and compared with a non-structural concrete made exclusively with natural aggregate. The wide experimental investigation carried out in this study is addressed to maximize the use of GCB in a non structural concrete block manufacturing. Replacement of 10%, 20%, 30% and 40% of particle sizes 2–5 mm of natural aggregate by an equal volume of granulated cork with bark of particle size 3.2–5 mm in an industrial dosage were made. The results show that the volume of pores increases in concrete mixtures. The comparison of concrete mixtures manufactured with GCB with a reference non-structural concrete shows that GCB decreases consistence and fresh density but increases air content. The density of hardened concrete decreases and the volume of larger capillary pores is increased. Concrete mixes with GCB in its composition show a lower flexural and compression strength and modulus of elasticity. Durability properties such as water absorption and wáter penetration are increased but absorption by capillarity decreases. GCB contributes to reduce the thermal conductivity of concrete and despite an increase in the sound absorption value in the concrete with higher proportion of GCB, it might still be classified as class E • The effect of granulated cork with bark (GCB) on multiproperties of a non-structural concrete for block is assessed. • The comparison of the theoretical and experimental density indicates an additional porosity and real cement content lower. • The water absorption in concrete with GCB increases. This is explained by the greater voids of these concrete mixtures. • The volume of larger capillary pores is greater in concrete with GCB and explains the decrease in capillary absorption. • In spite of increasing the sound absorption value in the concrete with more GCB, it would still be classified as class E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Virgin cork – plaster composites with density 1.312–0.878 g/cm3 were produced. • The additon of the cork to the plaster matrix reduces the apparant density, mechanical resistance and thermal conductivity. • The cork-plaster composites can be used as an insolation material. The aim of this study is to develop a composite insulation material based on plaster and virgin cork from Corsica which has an insufficient quality for cork stoppers. This paper presents the results of design and characterization. In this study, six cork-plaster mixtures with a C/P ratio of 0.025; 0.05; 0.075; 0.10; 0.15; 0.20 were produced. The cork-plaster composites were compared with a reference sample without cork particles in terms of properties. It was observed that the compressive and flexural strength, density, and thermal conductivity decrease with the increase of the cork content. The value of thermal conductivity (0.460 – 0.168 W/(m⋅K)) shows that virgin cork-plaster composites can be used in building applications as non-structural material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Sustainable cork metal syntactic foam (MSF) was manufactured successfully. • Cork MSF showed typical behaviour of metal foams. • Cork MSF demonstrated suitability for energy absorption applications. Metallic syntactic foams are fabricated through the combination of ZA27 alloy and cork particles. This novel methodology embodies a holistic sustainability paradigm, harnessing a fully recyclable metal matrix alongside naturally proliferating cork. It results in samples with densities from 2007 to 2251 kg/m3 and around 60 % porosity. Uni-axial compression tests reveal a high offset yield strength (26.7 to 37.8 MPa) and substantial energy absorption of 13.4 to 20.4 MJ/m3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the inherent brittleness of biodegradable poly(lactic acid) (PLA) was mitigated through the utilization of a carbon-neutral biomass—depolymerized suberin derivatives (DSDs)—as a plasticizer. The DSDs were subjected to repolymerization under mild conditions, resulting in weight-average molecular weights of 2744 g/mol and 11546 g/mol. These polymerized DSDs (pDSDs) were subsequently blended with PLA, leading to a notable reduction in the glass transition temperature of the blends, confirmed through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) characterizations. Remarkably, the tensile toughness exhibited a substantial increase up to 1148% from 0.56 MJ/m3 in the neat PLA to a range of 4.37–6.99 MJ/m3 for blends incorporating more than 3 wt% of pDSDs. Furthermore, the blends demonstrated a marked reduction in shear viscosity compared to neat PLA, corroborated by an increased melt flow index which shifted from 10.0 g/10 min to a range of 29.3–33.3 g/10 min. This alteration promises to be beneficial in enhancing the quality and producibility during the injection molding process. Importantly, the biodegradability of the pDSDs/PLA blends remained comparable to that of the neat PLA, showing a 90% degree of disintegration in 12 weeks from the biodisintegration test. This study can pave the way to valorize other bio-based materials with aliphatic compounds for the plasticizing modification of various polymers. Furthermore, understanding the interactions between different bio-based aliphatic compounds and various polymers could lead to tailor-made solutions for specific applications, ranging from biomedical devices to structural parts, further broadening the scope of biodegradable and sustainable materials in many engineering fields. • Carbon-neutral pDSDs were firstly utilized as a bio-based plasticizer for PLA. • A notable reduction in T g of pDSDs/PLA blends was confirmed from DSC and DMA. • Tensile toughness of pDSDs/PLA blends increased up to 1148% compared to neat PLA. • 300% higher melt flow index of pDSDs/PLA blends is beneficial for processability. • 90% degree of disintegration was achieved for pDSDs/PLA blends in 12 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aims of this study were to find out whether scoring in a rose-trellis pattern improved the stretch of mucoperiosteal flaps more than conventional scoring in the horizontal plane, and to consider its application in the closure of oroantral communications. Sixteen sections of cadaveric porcine buccal mucoperiosteum were removed from the molar region of the maxilla and mandible. A three-sided flap was raised in the subperiosteal plane, excised, and pinned to a cork board with the periosteal side facing upwards. Eight samples were scored in the horizontal plane (control) using lines perpendicular to the line of simulated advancement, and eight in a rose-trellis or criss-cross pattern. Scoring using a rose-trellis pattern yielded a mean increase in stretch of 24.3% (p = 0.0003) when compared with the conventional method. Buccal advancement flaps are widely used to close oroantral communications, and scoring of the mucoperiosteum facilitates the stretching of the tissue over the defect. To be successful, defects should be fully closed to prevent contamination, and closure should be tension-free. In this study, scoring in a rose-trellis pattern increased the stretch of the tissue sample more than scoring in the horizontal plane. The rose-trellis technique therefore could aid the effective closure of oroantral communications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Providing a simple and reliable method for utilize industrial waste cork. • Relations between pyrolysis conditions and biochar characteristics were revealed. • The specific surface area of cork biochar (392.5 m2/g) surpasses most biochars. • Cork biochar exhibits superior Cu (II) adsorption capacity (18.5 mg/g) and fast adsorption speed. Cork is light, porous, carbon-rich, and renewable, which leads to competitive advantages in the preparation of biochar, as compared to other biomass material. In this work, we propose to convert cork powder into cork-based biochar as Cu (II) adsorbent via slow pyrolysis, thereby providing a reliable and simple method for recycling cork industrial waste. The physicochemical properties of cork-based biochar prepared under different pyrolysis temperatures (450, 550, 650, and 750 °C) and pyrolysis time (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 h) were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, XRD, N 2 adsorption and SEM. The adsorption capacity of cork-based biochar on heavy metal ions was further evaluated by Cu ion adsorption testing. Results showed that the cork-based biochar produced under conditions of higher pyrolysis temperature and time, has higher aromaticity and lower polarity, larger specific surface area, and enhanced Cu ion adsorption capacity. The maximum specific surface area of cork-based biochar prepared at 750 °C for 0.5 h was 392.5 m2/g, which surpasses most other biochars reported in previous studies, which are beneficial to the application of wastewater management. The SEM image demonstrated that the biochar retains the special hollow polyhedral cell structure of raw material cork. Furthermore, a large number of pores formed on the cell wall after high temperature pyrolysis, and the cells are connected with each other through these open pores. Finally, cork-based biochar exhibits superior Cu ion adsorption capacity (18.5 mg/g) with a shorter equilibrium time (4 h), which gives it a competitive advantage to similar adsorbents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports for the first time the use of laminar cork as a sorptive phase in a microextraction technique, rotating-disk sorptive extraction (RDSE). Typical hormones (estrone, estradiol, estriol and ethinyl estradiol) were selected as analyte models and extracted from wastewater samples on laminar cork with statistically equivalent extraction efficiency to that provided by Oasis HLB. The cork characterization was performed by confocal fluorescence microscopy (CLSM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), allowing the identification of lignin, suberin and polysaccharides (cellulose and hemicellulose) as the main components of the cork. The best conditions for extraction were as follows: rotation velocity of the disk, 2000 rpm; extraction time, 45 min; and sample volume, 20 mL. The analytical features of the developed method show that calibration curves for all analytes have R2 values higher than 0.99. The absolute recoveries were higher than 63%, and the precision, expressed as relative standard deviation, ranged from 2 to 16%. The LOD and LOQ ranges were 3–19 and 10–62 ng L−1, respectively. The proposed method was applied to the analysis of wastewater, and the concentrations of hormones in a wastewater treatment plant in Santiago, Chile, ranged from

Phase Change Materials (PCMs) enhance cementitious composites by leveraging latent heat capacity, reducing heating and cooling demands. This study investigates PCM-impregnated cork granules as aggregate in cement mortar. Thermal Energy Storage Aggregates (TESAs) were created using Parafol 18–97 and Parafol 20Z PCMs. The sand was partially substituted with TESAs and cork granules. Analyses assessed physical, thermal, and mechanical attributes, revealing favorable phase change temperatures and notable latent heat values in TESA-A and TESA-B. While TESAs reduced mechanical properties, they outperformed cork granules. TESA-mortar specimens displayed acceptable properties, with TESA-50 showing the best energy-saving performance and longest time lag. These findings highlight PCM-infused cork granules' potential in energy-efficient cement mortar. • Thermal Energy Storage Aggregates (TESA-A and TESA-B) were manufactured using cork granules and PCMs. • TESA-A and TESA-B displayed favorable phase change temperature ranges and latent heat values. • TESA-A and TESA-B specimens showed better mechanical properties and observations than C50 specimens. • TESA-A and TESA-B specimens demonstrated superior energy-saving performance than other specimens. • TESA-50 showed the highest energy-saving performance, with an 18-minute time lag and a temperature difference of 6.6 °C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents for the first time results on hydrothermal treatments (autohydrolysis) of cork to assess their chemical effect on its structural components, namely on suberin. Extractive-free cork was autohydrolysed in isothermal conditions with a broad range of severity factors (SF) of 2.1–4.7 (120–180 °C, 60–240 min) determining mass loss and chemical changes in cork, namely on suberin content and composition. Mass loss was small for milder conditions, and increased steadily with severity e.g. 4.0% for SF 3.0, 9.8% for SF 3.8, 14.1% for SF 4.6. However, mass loss of cork by autohydrolysis is much smaller than that of lignocellulosic biomass under comparable treatment severity. Until SF 3.0, little chemical changes were seen, with SF 3.3–4.1, the autohydrolysed cork showed higher dichloromethane (DCM) solubles and suberin, and less polysaccharides, while for the most severe conditions (SF 4.4–4.7), there was a substantial increase of DCM solubles, a downfall in suberin and polysaccharides, and an unaltered lignin content. Cork polysaccharides decreased steadily with SF increase by hydrolysis of hemicelluloses, e.g. 7.1% of cork for SF 3.5% and 3.9% for SF 4.7. Suberin was maintained in cork until SF 4.4 without changes in composition, but decreased subsequently e.g. at SF 4.7, suberin represented 47% of the initial untreated cork (56% in the initial cork) and showed less ω -hydroxy acids and more α,ω -diacids. The amount and composition of suberin and DCM solubles in the autohydrolysed cork under the various reaction severities allow concluding that suberin is stable until 160 °C but depolymerizes at higher temperatures by ester bond cleaving mostly of mono-functional long-chain monomers. Overall cork showed higher hydrothermal stability than lignocellulosic materials. ● Cork is resilient to autohydrolysis and mass loss is very small for mild conditions. ● Hemicelluloses are the most hydrothermal sensitive cork structural components. ● Suberin is chemically resistant under mild autohydrolysis until 160 °C. ● 18% suberin depolymerization occurred in the severest conditions (180 °C, 240 min). ● Carboxylic acids and α,ω - diacids are, respectively, most and less sensitive to hydrolysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass waste, an attractive renewable carbon source, has great potential for carbon reduction. In recent years, high-performance porous carbon materials prepared from agricultural and forestry waste have demonstrated significant promise for applications in the field of dye wastewater purification. In this study, cork waste from Quercus variabilis was utilized as a raw material, melamine as a nitrogen source, and K 2 CO 3 as a green activator to prepare nitrogen-doped porous cork activated carbon (NCAC) with a honeycomb structure. The results showed that NCAC-900, activated at 900 °C, exhibited a highly porous structure with an optimal specific surface area of 2051.35 m2/g and a pore volume of 1.18 cm3/g. To evaluate its adsorption performance towards rhodamine B (RhB), collaborative activation and post-treatment were employed to enhance the adsorption capacity of the dyes. NCAC-900 demonstrated excellent removal efficiency, with a theoretical maximum adsorption capacity of 2552.52 mg/g (at an adsorbent dosage of 0.2 g/L) in a 300 mg/L solution. Nitrogen doping effectively improved the adsorption capacity for RhB, fitting well to the quasi-secondary kinetic model (R2 = 0.9973–0.9999) and Langmuir isotherm (R2 = 0.7697–0.9523) for the adsorption kinetics and equilibrium data. A comparison with the existing literature also revealed that NCAC-900 possessed a remarkably fast adsorption rate of 12.82 mg/g/min. Moreover, the resorption efficiency of NCAC-900 for RhB reached approximately 66.78% after five consecutive adsorption-desorption cycles. Additionally, the obtained nitrogen-doped cork activated carbon exhibited impressive adsorption capabilities of anionic dye Congo red (CR, q m =1499.14 mg/g) and cationic dye methylene blue (MB, q m =571.54 mg/g). In conclusion, our work presented a promising method for preparing excellent NCAC as an efficient adsorbent for wastewater dyes, offering new ideas and theoretical foundations for the high-value utilization of cork materials and the development of cork activated carbon. [Display omitted] • NCAC with a honeycomb structure was prepared using a green activator. • Successful N- doping on the surface of CBC facilitated the adsorption of dyes. • The prepared NCAC offered new ideas for the high-value utilization of cork. • NCAC-900 had maximum theoretical adsorption capacity was 2552.52 mg/g. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, several binding gels were successfully prepared in Diffusive Gradient in Thin-film (DGT) that targeted the inclusion of novel biomass-derived materials for the determination of the labile fraction of mercury (Hg) in water. First, five biomass-derived materials were tested and the descending order as a function of the average percentage of Hg removal in solution was feathers > biochar > cork > canola meal > rice husk. The best two materials were treated and pulverized into powder to be embedded in a hydrogel; and so, feathers were pyrolyzed preserving the sulfur contained in their keratin structure (FBC), and biochar (BC) was modified and pyrolyzed with sublimated sulfur (SBC) to increase the Hg sorption sites in its structure. Analysis by Energy Dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) spectrometry confirmed that the different pyrolysis procedures increased sulfur absorption successfully. The efficiency of the new gels (BC, SBC and FBC) in agarose was evaluated by comparative Hg uptake tests, showing a larger efficacy in the following order: SBC > BC > FBC. To assess the suitability of their application in freshwater environments, novel DGT devices were also evaluated to determine their diffusion coefficients (D). This test was conducted under controlled laboratory conditions, with particular focus on the potential competence of trace elements (Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd and As), which are commonly present in natural waters affected by mining. A stronger linear relationship between the Hg uptake by binding layers and the deployment time were obtained for the DGT devices with SBC (R2 = 0.948) vs. BC (R2 = 0.885). Therefore, the D obtained for Hg were 8.94 × 10−6 cm2 s−1 for DGT-SBC and 5.12 × 10−6 cm2 s−1 for DGT-BC devices at 25 °C, both within the same order of magnitude reported by previous studies. The good performance obtained by DGT-SBC devices is a promising result and indicates the potential for valorization of waste materials in the DGT technique. [Display omitted] • Valorization of five waste materials was carried out as binding gels in DGT technique. • Pyrolyzed feathers, biochar and biochar pyrolyzed with S were embedded in a hydrogel. • EDXRF technique confirmed that pyrolysis procedures increased S absorption. • Binding gels with waste materials suitably extract Hg in the presence of trace elements. • Diffusion coefficients (10−6 cm2 s−1) are in the same order of magnitude than reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The mechanical behavior of balsa is still not studied for intermediate strain rates. • In-depth knowledge of the local strain mechanisms happening during loading is needed. • Mechanical behavior of bio-inspired structures under dynamic loading lacks of study. Natural cellular materials can be used directly or as a constituent of bio-sourced composites for industrial applications involving dynamic loadings, usually for the purpose of absorbing mechanical energy. These biological materials can also be used as an inspiration to conceive more efficient heterogeneous structures for impact mitigation. In this review letter, we present two natural materials for which the properties have been studied dynamically: balsa wood and cork-based agglomerates. Both display an important strain-rate dependence but because of their different microstructure, this dependence is not the same. Consequently, a better understanding of the relationship between the hierarchical structure of natural cellular materials and their mechanical behavior, from quasi-static to dynamic, would be beneficial for the conception of new bio-inspired architected structures. We then focus on two types of bio-inspired architected structures: the functionally density graded cellular structures and the multi-layered architected structures. These two types of structures are gaining interest, but it appears that their dynamic behavior still lacks studying and understanding. More research linking the local strain mechanisms to their macroscopic mechanical behavior in quasi-static and dynamic would allow further architected structure optimization for mechanical energy absorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waste cork torrefaction was optimized in order to improve the properties of this material for its application as biofuel. A two-level factorial design involving three factors -torrefaction temperature, torrefaction time and heating rate- was proposed with two-responses -mass yield (MY) and high heating value (HHV)-. Factorial design results revealed that torrefaction time and especially temperature were the most influential factors. Using simultaneous optimization of the two variables MY and HHV, and giving them two different weights, two different sets of optimum conditions were obtained. The first one (246 ºC, 60 min and 5 ºC/min) led to a biofuel with similar HHV as the raw material, therefore it did not give any benefit in terms of biofuel upgrading. The second one (275 ºC, 60 min and 5 ºC/min) gave a biofuel with 10% more energy density than the raw material, which allowed to classify this biofuel as lignite. Both torrefied samples showed significant increase in hydrophobic character. Finally, ATR-FTIR results revealed the occurrence of carbonization reactions during torrefaction. • Two-level factorial design for waste cork powder torrefaction. • First optimum set did not result in a biofuel with higher HHV. • Second optimum set gave a lignite-type biofuel with 10% more energy density. • Torrefied biofuels were up to 50% more hydrophobic, interesting for storage purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Early asymptomatic cork spot disorder of "Akizuki" Pear was diagnosed by NIR model. • A transfer method named Trans_NIR with introducing NAS was proposed for NIR. • Trans_NIR with SG and VN pretreatment performed the best for predicting asymptomatic. "Akizuki" pear cork spot disorder is a physiological disease, the ability to effectively diagnose the diseased fruit can directly affect the fruit quality. To improve the diagnostic performance of asymptomatic samples, this paper proposes a novel spectral transfer modelling method based on neural network architecture searching, named TranNAS_NIR. The experiments show that the model by the proposed TranNAS_NIR method is more effective. The accuracy of the target domain test set reaches 82.61%, which is 5.3% better than the model with transfer component analysis (TCA) and 10.5% better than the model constructed only relying on the target domain data and without the transfer learning method. The novel transfer method with neural network architecture search proposed in this paper for the asymptomatic prediction model of "Akizuki" pear cork spot disorder also further provides a theoretical basis for the NIR model improvement of other asymptomatic diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recently, a novel lightweight cork with enhanced thermal stability has been prepared using a respiratory impregnation method. In this paper, the thermal stability and decomposition of two kinds of cork CS-P (Quercus suber) and CV-P (Quercus variabilis B1) and corks that infused silica aerogel in cells CSS-P (Quer cus suber) and CSV-P (Quercus variabilis B1) were systematically studied, and their decomposition mechanisms were proposed. The results showed that the decomposition was inhibited at 200 °C, and the pyrolysis was significantly inhibited at the main pyrolysis stage (400 °C). Interestingly, the evolved gaseous products and their evolution models have also changed. Specifically, CO 2 and aldehyde emissions were significantly reduced in the main pyrolysis stage, reducing environmental pollution. Silica aerogel filler plays a catalytic role in the pyrolysis process, thus increasing the output of some value-added products (such as aromatics), which is suitable as the appropriate raw material or source of olefins to produce aliphatic rich pyrolysis biofuels. In general, the yield of biochar and bio-oil can be adjusted under low environmental pollution by loading silica aerogel and adjusting pyrolysis temperature. Corks that infused silica aerogel in cells may be a promising raw material for the production of biochar and biofuel through pyrolysis and contribute to the environmental and economic sustainability of the cork production industry. [Display omitted] • The pyrolysis thermal behavior of cork cells filled with silica aerogel was explored. • The emission of CO 2 and aldehydes decreased significantly during the main pyrolysis stage. • Silica aerogel filler plays a role in catalyzing the yield of valuable by-products during pyrolysis. • This work provides a novel and effective method to convert and manage biological waste resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Functionalization of friedelane A-ring. • Simple synthesis of epi -cerin. • Reduction of friedelin with LiAlH 4 gave epimeric product compared to sodium reduction. • Stereoselective reduction of epi -cerin as method for synthesis of friedelin diols. Friedelin (1) and 3-acetoxyfriedel-3-en-2-one (4), commonly known as friedelane triterpenoids, have been isolated from cork smoker wash solids (also known as black wax) on a multi-gram scale. These compounds are valuable starting materials for the synthesis of new friedelane derivatives. Stereoselective reduction of friedelin by treatment with LiAlH 4 , sodium, or catalytic hydrogenation results in the formation of both isomers of friedelinol (5 and 7) in excellent yields. Similarly, the reduction of 3-acetoxyfriedel-3-en-2-one gave epi - cerin (14) and a series of isomeric 2,3-diols or α-hydroxyketones. These transformations provide the most straightforward and convenient methods for the synthesis of A-ring functionalised friedelane derivatives using easily accessible starting materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, an assessment of different environmentally friendly formulations for shear thickening fluids (STFs) is performed. These formulations consist of concentrated dispersions of particles of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC) in glycerin varying mass concentrations combined with four particle aspect ratios. A full rheological characterization is developed under simple shear (steady and oscillatory tests, i.e., SAOS and LAOS) and elongational flows. The study allows not only to select the most convenient particle aspect ratio and concentration of PCC, but also to observe a clear viscoelastic behaviour that shows unexpectedly " Beads On A String " (BOAS) structures under extensional flow, which is characteristic of polymer solutions. It is reported for the very first time that a continuous shear thickening fluid exhibits an increasing relaxation time with the extension rate within the thickening region. Based on the rheological information, the best formulation was used to develop reinforced cork composites that were implemented in cork helmet liners. The impact performance of the STF-cork helmet liners was better than commercial helmet liners without hard shell and for a reduction of 36% in thickness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short cells are specialised epidermal cells of grasses and they include cork and silica cells. The time of occurrence, distribution, and number of short cells differ among plants or tissues of the same plant. The present study aimed to assess the occurrence, structure, and function of short cells in the epidermis of maize (Zea mays L.) leaves from cultivar "Zhengdan 958″ under field and potted experimental conditions. Results showed that short cells occurred synchronously in multiple maize leaves. Few short cells occurred at the base of the fifth leaf; most were found at the middle and base of the sixth leaf, and throughout the seventh leaf. The accumulation of K+ and H 2 O 2 in cork cells changed periodically with stomatal opening and closure, which was consistent with the accumulation of K+ and H 2 O 2 in subsidiary cells; whereas no accumulation was observed in silica cells. Moreover, photosynthetic parameters and stomatal aperture were significantly higher in leaves containing short cells than in those without them in the same parts of different leaves or in different leaves at the same leaf position. Accumulation of K+ and H 2 O 2 in cork cells increased with increasing water stress. In conclusion, short cells not only improved leaf mechanical support and photosynthetic performance, and maize drought resistance, but they also participated in stomatal regulation. • Short cells occur synchronously in multiple maize leaves. • Short cells enhance support, photosynthesis, and drought resistance of maize leaves. • K+ and H 2 O 2 content in cork cells are consistent with those in subsidiary cells. • Short cells co-regulate the stomatal opening and closing together with subsidiary cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quercus variabilis is a deciduous woody species with high ecological and economic value, and is a major source of cork in East Asia. Cork from thick softwood sheets have higher commercial value than those from thin sheets. It is extremely difficult to genetically improve Q. variabilis to produce high quality softwood due to the lack of genomic information. Here, we present a high-quality chromosomal genome assembly for Q. variabilis with length of 791,89 Mb and 54,606 predicted genes. Comparative analysis of protein sequences of Q. variabilis with 11 other species revealed that specific and expanded gene families were significantly enriched in the "fatty acid biosynthesis" pathway in Q. variabilis , which may contribute to the formation of its unique cork. Based on weighted correlation network analysis of time-course (i.e., five important developmental ages) gene expression data in thick-cork versus thin-cork genotypes of Q. variabilis , we identified one co-expression gene module associated with the thick-cork trait. Within this co-expression gene module, 10 hub genes were associated with suberin biosynthesis. Furthermore, we identified a total of 198 suberin biosynthesis-related new candidate genes that were up-regulated in trees with a thick cork layer relative to those with a thin cork layer. Also, we found that some genes related to cell expansion and cell division were highly expressed in trees with a thick cork layer. Collectively, our results revealed that two metabolic pathways (i.e., suberin biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis), along with other genes involved in cell expansion, cell division, and transcriptional regulation, were associated with the thick-cork trait in Q. variabilis , providing insights into the molecular basis of cork development and knowledge for informing genetic improvement of cork thickness in Q. variabilis and closely related species. [Display omitted] • High-quality chromosomal genome was assembled for Q. variabilis with length of 791,89 Mb and 54,606 predicted genes. • Cell expansion, cell division, and suberin biosynthesis related genes contribute the cork thickness. • A total of 198 suberin biosynthesis-related new candidate genes were identified, which contribute to the thick cork layer formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, the selection of the trees to be removed in a thinning, carried out in a young cork oak plantation, is determined by a systematic rule to reach a predefined tree density value, in combination with simple criteria regarding individual tree sanitary conditions and stem shape. Since no criteria regarding the cork are available, thinnings can result in the removal of individuals that would later produce high quality secondary cork, leaving tree producers with lower quality cork. This study aims to test the feasibility of using CIELAB colour space coordinates and porosity values, measured in virgin cork samples, as predictors of the industrial cork quality and porosity obtained in secondary cork, thereby providing additional information usable for the classification of trees prior to the first thinning implementation. The L* and b* colour coordinates, measured in the transverse direction, depicted three main cork quality groups. Other L* and b* colour parameters, measured in the radial direction or in the cork back surface, have also shown statistically different average values while measured in different quality cork samples. Cork porosity from virgin and secondary cork showed a positive moderate monotonic relationship. A hyperbolic model for the prediction of secondary cork porosity was developed based on the virgin cork porosity, with one parameter expressed as a function of virgin cork colour coordinates (R2 =0.445). Results were successful in confirming the hypothesis raised. They may be used for the classification of trees prior to thinning. • Virgin cork colour average values allow to predict main secondary cork quality groups. • L* and b* parameters measured in the transversal section were the most relevant. • Increase L* in virgin cork was associated to lower quality of the secondary cork. • Increase b* in virgin cork was associated to higher quality of the secondary cork. • Virgin and secondary cork porosity present a moderate positive monotonic relationship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cork and EMS lower the density of composites comparing with neat PLA. • ePLA and eCPC present lower cold crystallization temperature. • ePLA and eCPC present higher crystallinity degree. • Cork recovered it's native alveolar structure after injection molding process. Expanded cork polymer composites (eCPC) using a PLA matrix and expandable microspheres (EMS) were developed and characterized. A blowing agent was introduced to evaluate its effect on cork structure in eCPC injected pieces. A chemical and thermal characterization was conducted using Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared-Attenuated Total Reflection (FTIR-ATR) to investigate the effect of cork and EMS in eCPC. The results have shown that the introduction of cork and EMS led to composites with up to 8% less density and with lower temperature of cold crystallization. The presence of cork in CPC and eCPC allowed to lower the cold crystallization temperature by almost 13 ºC. It was found an increase on the crystallinity degree in the presence of cork and EMS. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was used to perform morphological studies. A recovered alveolar structure was found for cork cells in eCPC injected pieces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims to assess the effectiveness of an integrated approach combining surfactant-assisted soil washing (SASW) and cork granules for removing lindane from contaminated soil. It focuses on the evaluation of cork granules (raw and regranulated) as natural sorbents for lindane and on the feasibility of the combination of this physical treatment with surfactant-enhanced soil washing to face the remediation of soil polluted with this hazardous pesticide. The results demonstrate that cork can efficiently retain lindane contained in aqueous solutions and dispersions consisting of mixtures of lindane and sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) surfactant. Performance improves when using regranulated cork because of its higher affinity for nonpolar species. For lower concentrations of lindane and without surfactant, the raw cork granules presented a sorption capacity of 3.02 mg g− 1, while the regranulated cork presented 6.52 mg g−1. When using a much higher concentration of lindane and SDS, the capacities were 1.90 and 8.21 mg g−1 for raw and regranulated cork, respectively. As well, soil washing with SDS can separate efficiently lindane from spiked soil. It was also observed that the integration of both treatments was feasible, but not as efficient as initially expected. It exhibited a non-expected antagonistic effect caused by the entrapping of the lindane into SDS micelles, which makes it not readily available for sorption. Hence, the higher the amount of SDS the lower the lindane retained by the cork. If the aim is to eliminate lindane with cork specifically, the use of low concentrations of SDS in the combined treatment is encouraged, resulting in an uptake capacity for lindane of 80% from the soil. However, better overall results are achieved when higher concentrations of SDS are used where about 91% of lindane was removed from the soil remaining mainly in the liquid phase. Dichlorination caused by interaction with hydroxyl ions is also observed, being less important in the case of using cork because it attains operation at mild conditions. The results demonstrate that the integration of processes in soil remediation does not always yield expected outcomes and they enhance the knowledge about environmental technologies and their interactions. [Display omitted] • Lindane can be retained by sorption onto cork granules. • Thermal treatment of cork influences the capacity and rate of sorption. • Combination of soil washing and cork facilitates extracting lindane from soil. • The combined use of cork and SDS is antagonistic. • SDS produces a reduction in the availability of pollutants for sorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Expanded cork agglomerate is an eco-friendly alternative for green vertical systems. • This material may contribute to reduce water irrigations needs. • This material allows to quickly drain the excess water during periods of heavy rain. • Retention and drainage properties may be optimized by varying the material density. The expansion of urban centres, together with the increasing frequency of extreme weather phenomena, have prompted the need to study and implement Natural-Based Solutions that can enhance the sustainability and resilience of cities. In this context, green vertical systems (GVS) have been referred to as eco-efficient solutions with potential benefits in terms of building insulation and urban environment. Nonetheless, the sustainability of these solutions has been questioned due to the possible low environmental performance of some of the materials used and the irrigation needed to support vegetation. This work describes studies that have been performed to evaluate expanded cork agglomerate as an alternative eco-friendly material for building GVS. Expanded cork agglomerate is an insulation material produced with by-products from the industry, which may have benefits when used in GVS in terms of regulating the moisture in the planted facade. Experimental tests were carried out to evaluate the water retention and drainage capability of expanded cork agglomerate boards of varying density, height and thickness. For this, board specimens were fully laterally confined in a watertight box with open ends at the top and bottom, with successive water discharges being carried out on the top. Other tests were performed with the front of the box removed, thus allowing the water to drain from the facade too. The results suggest that expanded cork agglomerate is suitable for use in GVS, with the boards achieving water retention up to 20 kg/m3 and providing rapid drainage of excess of water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cork industry generates large quantities of waste, which has been studied for the application in the construction industry. However, the literature refers to it as cork waste (granulated or dust) in general, and its features have not been clearly specified. However, cork waste includes several by-products with different characteristics depending on the stage of process which they are generated in. The main goal of this study is to investigate the specific characteristics of one of those by-products that is granulated cork with bark, in order put to use as a lightweight aggregate in the construction industry. In this paper, its surface chemical properties are studied, by the first time, employing Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and they are compared to those of cork. The chemical functional groups that are present at the granule surface, carbonyl and hydroxyl groups, are able to interact with cement components and water by important intermolecular chemical forces such as hydrogen bonds or dipole-dipole. The microstructure of grains is evaluated through image analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy. The found cellular structure gives rise to density and absorption values similar to those of commercial lightweight aggregates and provides thermal insulating properties to this material. Then this material presents suitable properties to find a use as lightweight aggregate for concrete or mortar. The optimal replacement of aggregate by granulated cork with bark would contribute to a sustainable manufacture of cork providing an outlet for this waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conflicts in flood hazards decision-making and policy have important implications for both disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation. This study uses a frame analysis to examine the disputed Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme in Cork, Ireland. This analysis reveals a multi-party and multi-perspective dispute that is more complex than the two sided conflict it may appear to be at first glance. However despite this diversity of views, many of the stakeholders involved share similar assumptions about flood risk and its management, reflecting the role of a dominant discourse in setting the boundaries of debate. Place attachment emerges as a key cross cutting theme, of importance to both opponents and proponents of the proposed scheme. Place attachment can act as either a barrier to transformative adaptation or as a motivator for action. While highlighting areas of disagreement between local stakeholders, conflicts such as the Cork dispute can also represent new opportunities to engage wider constituencies with hazards management and to bring new perspectives into the decision-making process. The emergence of place attachment as a cross cutting theme illustrates that using place as a boundary concept around which to centre the decision-making process may allow for the testing of new approaches to hazards management and climate change adaptation. These would incorporate both a wider range of stakeholders including those not directly impacted by hazards, and a broader range of issues, situating hazards management within a wider context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]