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Plastic containers used in agricultural operations accumulate in the soil, reducing soil fertility and eventually becoming hazardous to humans. The alternatives for these are biodegradable containers that are good for sustainable agriculture. Consequently, biodegradable containers were produced during 2021 at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, Ghana, from three biomaterials (i.e., bamboo culm sheath, banana pseudostem, and corn husk) in the present study as alternatives for plastic containers in agricultural production. The fibre morphological properties of the biomaterials were evaluated based on International Association of Wood Anatomists standards before the formation of the containers. The tensile strength, moisture absorption, and thickness swelling, and biodegradability of the containers were also determined using the American Standards for Testing and Materials. The fibre characteristics of the biomaterials matched the acceptable standard for producing paper containers. Corn husk containers absorbed a high amount of water (203.33%) and swelled more in thickness (41.63%). Banana pseudostem and bamboo culm sheath containers had high tensile strengths (i.e., 6586.46 ± 49.38 N/m and 6437.69 ± 402.64 N/m respectively) although these were lower than that of the plastic containers (8406.72 ± 44.48 N/m). The containers from the biomaterials completely degraded on or before the 60th day in the soil. The biomaterial containers would contribute to the development of modern agriculture since they will degrade, prevent root circling and promote plant growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The alarming global deforestation rate has great impacts on the output of the Pulp and paper Industry since wood is the principal papermaking fiber material. Although, generally, bamboo is an alternative cellulolytic fiber source, the species and culm age have great effects on its papermaking potential. Based on the methods by the International Association of Wood Anatomists (IAWA), this work assessed the characteristics of fibers from the axial culm sections of six-month plantation-grown Oxythenantera abyssinica and Beema bamboo (which was cloned from Bambusa balcoaa) for paper production. The lengths of the fibers ranged from 1.89 to 2.39 mm while the diameters were 0.025–0.031 mm. The fiber lumen diameter and wall thickness were 0.014–0.018 mm and 0.004–0.006 mm, respectively. Fibers from the species had their runkle ratios below 1, slenderness ratios above 70 and flexibility ratios above 50. These characteristics compare well with the recommendations for fibers often used for the production of packaging, writing and printing papers. Establishment of plantations of Beema bamboo and O. abyssinica is encouraged as they will serve as good raw material base for the paper industry within six months of planting. Additionally, their planting will contribute to meeting Sustainable Development Goals 1 and 13. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The global demand for paper-based products continues to increase amidst challenges with raw material supply to the pulp industries. Considerable efforts to discover new wood resources from tropical forests to widen the material stock are ongoing. This study examined the suitability of the outer and inner wood fibres from different axial sections (i.e., butt, middle and top) of Chrysophyllum albidum from a moist semi-deciduous forest in Ghana for paper production. The fibre morphology and derived indices [i.e., Runkel Ratio, Slenderness Ratio, Flexibility Coefficient, Coefficient of Rigidity, Luce's Shape Factor and Solids Factor] were determined using the methods by the International Association of Wood Anatomist. C. albidum inner and outer wood fibres were generally long and thin with wide lumen. The fibre-derived indices were similar to those of many popular paper-producing timbers such as Acacia mangium and Pinus sylvestris. The fibre morphology and derived indices of C. albidum meet the recommended thresholds for fibres for manufacturing writing and printing papers with good tearing and bursting strength properties. Thus, the wood's fibres would be suitable for producing papers with good strength properties. Its utilization will contribute to expanding the raw material sources for the pulp and paper industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wood anatomical properties (e.g. pith opening and pore size) influence joint strength. However, information on specific tissues and fibre morphology and their effect on wooden furniture joint strength is scanty. The linear relationships [using the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient (r)] between the tissue proportions and fibre characteristics of Entandrophragma cylindricum sapwood and heartwood and the strength of their mortise-tenon joints were studied. Fibre proportions had the greatest positive linear association with joint strength (heartwood: r = 0.991; sapwood: r = 0.975), while vessels and axial parenchyma proportions in the heartwood and sapwood respectively had the greatest negative relationships with joint strength (r = -0.986 and r = -0.962 respectively). Fibre diameter had the greatest positive influence on joint strength [r = 0.996 (heartwood); r = 0.994 (sapwood)] followed by fibre double-wall thickness (r = 0.990 and 0.993 respectively) and fibre length (r = 0.968 and 0.992 respectively). However, fibre lumen diameter negatively correlated with joint strength [r = -0.987 (heartwood); -0.978 (sapwood)]. Thus, wood with more fibres, which have large diameters but small lumen, could produce joints with greater strength than those with more vessels and axial parenchyma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mortise-tenon joints for working chair construction fail under bending stresses. Dovetail joints could offer an alternative due to their resistance to bending. However, furniture joint strength depends on the design of the parts and appropriateness of the timber for the construction. Information on timberjoint design combination that would improve joint strength is lacking for most secondary timbers with prospects for joinery-making. This study assessed the bending strengths of two joint designs (dovetail and mortise-tenon) for leg-and-rail construction from Klainedoxa gabonensis (a secondary timber) and Entandrophragma cylindricum (popularly used for furniture). Dovetail joints were stronger than those of mortise-tenon. For both joints, the design with longer, wider and thicker tails and tenons [largesized (Type LS)] was stronger than its counterpart [small-sized (Type SS)]. Joints manufactured from K. gabonensis were also stronger than those from E. cylindricum. Thus, K. gabonensis could be an appropriate material for joinery/furniture production. This would broaden the raw material base for the furniture sector. However, its working chairs designed with Type LS dovetail joints would resist bending forces better and ensure stronger furniture than mortise-tenon. To offset frequent furniture breakdown, this study provides designers with reliable information regarding joint strength from different timbers to guide selection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]