Life cycle assessment of oil palm empty fruit bunch delignification using natural malic acid-based low-transition-temperature mixtures: a gate-to-gate case study

In future biorefineries, the development of cheap and environmentally friendly solvents for biomass pretreatment is highly desirable. In this sense, low-transition-temperature mixtures (LTTMs) have high potential to serve as green solvents for replacing conventional pretreatment technologies. In this study, a life cycle assessment of LTTMs pretreatment was conducted to determine the environmental impacts caused by biomass delignification. A gate-to-gate analysis which started with harvested oil palm empty fruit bunch and ended with lignin was selected. The environmental impacts such as acidification potential, global warming potential, eutrophication potential, photochemical ozone creation potential, human toxicity potential and volatile organic compounds emission were evaluated. The comparable environmental balances of commercial l-malic acid and cactus malic acid-based LTTMs pretreatment processes verified the suitability of the process with natural malic acid as the source of proton donor. This study concludes that biomass delignification using natural cactus malic acid-based LTTMs had promising features such as high delignification efficiency and environmentally friendly compared to commercial l-malic acid-based LTTMs. Based on environmental point of view, the overall process of biomass delignification using sucrose-based LTTMs had lower CO₂ emissions compared to the monosodium glutamate- and choline chloride-based LTTMs. These findings are important for verifying the greenness and sustainability of LTTMs to be applied at industrial scale.     

Comparative life cycle assessment (LCA) of bio-oil production from fast pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction of oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB)

This paper presents a life cycle assessment of two alternative processes for the production of bio-oil from Malaysian oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB), namely, fast pyrolysis and hydrothermal liquefaction, in which limited studies have been reported in the literature. In this study, both processes were evaluated and compared in terms of their impacts to the environment, specifically based on the selected impact categories: global warming potential (GWP), acidification, eutrophication, toxicity, and photochemical-oxidant formation. The results indicated that fast pyrolysis process of EFB caused more severe impact on the environment compared to hydrothermal liquefaction process. Fast pyrolysis process caused almost 50 % more GWP impact compared to hydrothermal liquefaction process, due to both high energy demand in the drying process and high-temperature operation of fast pyrolysis. Other than that, the assessment on other environmental impacts indicated that hydrothermal liquefaction operation is more environmentally benign compared to fast pyrolysis due to the reduced energy consumption. Lastly, sensitivity analysis involving three scenarios (change in bio-oil yield, thermal efficiency of boilers, and thermal efficiency of dryers), respectively, were constructed and presented.     

Structures and performances of simultaneous ultrasound and alkali treated oil palm empty fruit bunch fiber reinforced poly(lactic acid) composites

In this study composites were produced using extrusion followed by injection molding with alkali and ultrasound treated oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) fibers with poly(lactic acid). The fiber content, alkali solution concentration, exposing time and treatment temperature were optimized. The optimized EFB fibers were treated with hyper branched polyester solution. The composites were characterized by tensile testing, impact testing, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier transformation infra-red spectroscopy. A significant increase in mechanical and interfacial properties was found for composites due to simultaneous alkali and ultrasound treatment.     

Electrical and mechanical properties of carbon pellets from acid (HNO3)treated self-adhesive carbon grain from oil palm empty fruit bunch

Factors such as its natural properties, low cost and availability in large quantities as a by-product may give oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) a great potential as a candidate precursor for solid carbon products. Self-adhesive carbon grains (SACG) were prepared from EFB by a low temperature pre-carbonization process. Green pellets were prepared from SACG and SACG treated with nitric acid having concentration of 1, 3 and 5 Molar (M). Carbon pellets were produced by carbonization of green pellets up to 1000°C in a nitrogen environment using multi-step heating profile. Measurements on carbon pellets show that the electrical conductivity (), hardness (H) and Young's modulus (Y) follow the linear equations /[10^–3 × (m )^–1] = 0.57M + 4.74, H/[Vickers hardness] = 27M + 148 and Y/[GPa] = 2.6M + 5.0, respectively. This indicates that nitric acid systematically affected the properties of the product. The behavior that , H and Y increase linearly with M seems to be associated with the effect of acid treatment on the weight loss, lignocellulosic structure and particle size of the SACG.     

Corrosion-resistant polypyrrole-banana carbon (PPy-BC) nanocomposites for protection against electromagnetic interference: a green approach

Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics - The article focuses on the suitability of electrically characterized polypyrrole-banana carbon (PPy-BC) nanocomposites for broadband...     

Micromechanical modelling of poly(ethylene terephthalate) using a layered two-phase approach

The aim of this study is to assess the interactions between the constituent phases of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and thereby analyse the validity of a hybrid interaction model in a mean-field micromechanical model based on layered two-phase inclusions. Two different modelling approaches are used to simulate the behaviour of semicrystalline polymers. The first approach is the micromechanical model based on interactions of the crystalline lamellae and the adjacent amorphous layers. The second approach is a two-scale finite-element model of the spherulitic microstructure. Isotropic poly(ethylene terephthalate) is selected as the model material. The deformation mechanisms at the microscopic scale are examined. Various crystal geometries are used in the finite-element model to analyse the case when the crystalline regions do not form an interconnected network. It is shown that the predictions of the microscopic deformation measures obtained with the micromechanical and the finite-element models are similar. Experimental evaluation of the elastic moduli has been performed to further estimate the applicability of the micromechanical model to PET.     

The impact of the ICT4D project on sustainable rural development using a capability approach: Evidence from Bangladesh

Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) projects have shown a great promises in recent years. However, simply materializing of ICT4D projects is not enough for minimizing the prevalent digital divide in rural areas in developing countries. For the success of an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) intervention, it is important to consider the capabilities of users, who are responsible for converting ICT resources into outcome. While most of the ICT-related studies are focused on the adoption of actual technologies and influences of different internal and external factors on intervention outcomes, very few studies are focused on evaluating intervention outcomes and redesigning intervention strategies. In this study, I opted for using a conceptual framework following the Capability Approach that simultaneously identifies the influence factors for intervention outcome as well as evaluates the outcome based on Noble Laureate Amartya Sen’s five freedoms concept. A qualitative technique has been chosen to conduct the study. As part of the impact evaluation of an ICT4D intervention, a project known as Union Digital Centres (UDCs) in Bangladesh was selected. A total of ten themes are identified indicating that the outcome of the intervention is contributing to socio-economic and human development. However, the study has revealed that lack of capabilities of users (e.g. prior knowledge and financial inability) bar the UDC programs to fulfill their goals at highest level. This study would practically help the UDC policy makers to adjust the UDC intervention design by addressing the shortcomings of the users to yield higher UDC program outcome. Additionally, this study theoretically contributes in ICT adoption literature by showing that there is a mutual influence between users’ capabilities and ICT-related project outcomes. Finally, using specific case study (ICT4D project in Bangladesh), this study contextualizes Amartya Sen’s five freedoms concept in the ICT-specific context.     

Biosorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) from aqueous solution using green alga (Ulva lactuca) biomass

The biosorption characteristics of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solution using the green alga (Ulva lactuca) biomass were investigated as a function of pH, biomass dosage, contact time, and temperature. Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich (D-R) models were applied to describe the biosorption isotherm of the metal ions by U. lactuca biomass. Langmuir model fitted the equilibrium data better than the Freundlich isotherm. The monolayer biosorption capacity of U. lactuca biomass for Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions was found to be 34.7mg/g and 29.2mg/g, respectively. From the D-R isotherm model, the mean free energy was calculated as 10.4kJ/mol for Pb(II) biosorption and 9.6kJ/mol for Cd(II) biosorption, indicating that the biosorption of both metal ions was taken place by chemisorption. The calculated thermodynamic parameters (DeltaG degrees , DeltaH degrees and DeltaS degrees ) showed that the biosorption of Pb(II) and Cd(II) ions onto U. lactuca biomass was feasible, spontaneous and exothermic under examined conditions. Experimental data were also tested in terms of biosorption kinetics using pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The results showed that the biosorption processes of both metal ions followed well pseudo-second-order kinetics.     

Equilibrium modeling and kinetic studies on the adsorption of basic dye by a low-cost adsorbent: coconut (Cocos nucifera) bunch waste

In this paper, the ability of coconut bunch waste (CBW), an agricultural waste available in large quantity in Malaysia, to remove basic dye (methylene blue) from aqueous solution by adsorption was studied. Batch mode experiments were conducted at 30 degrees C to study the effects of pH and initial concentration of methylene blue (MB). Equilibrium adsorption isotherms and kinetics were investigated. The experimental data were analyzed by the Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin models of adsorption. The adsorption isotherm data were fitted well to Langmuir isotherm and the monolayer adsorption capacity was found to be 70.92 mg/g at 30 degrees C. The kinetic data obtained at different concentrations have been analyzed using a pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order equation and intraparticle diffusion equation. The experimental data fitted very well the pseudo-second-order kinetic model.     

Microscale size triangular gold prisms synthesized using Bengal gram beans (Cicer arietinum L.) extract and HAuCl4x3H20: a green biogenic approach

Single step and completely green room temperature biosynthesis of microscale size triangular gold prisms (approximately 25 nm thick) using remnant water collected from soaked Bengal gram beans (Cicer arietinum L.) is reported for the first time. Extracellular transport of protein and biomolecules from protein rich gram beans mediate the reduction of aqueous Au3+ ions and direct the growth of triangular prisms. The growth of triangular gold prisms is monitored by UV-vis spectrometer and supported by complementary characterizations using UV-vis/NIR, TEM, EDS, light microscope, XRD, XPS, ATR-FTIR, and ESI-MS. Plausible mechanism for the formation of microscale size triangular gold prisms is discussed. Effect of varying compositions of gram bean extract and aqueous Au3+ solution governing the morphology of the resultant gold particles is also investigated. Procuring the reducing, growth directing, and stabilizing molecules from the remnant water (extract), which normally would have been a kitchen waste, and water as a universal solvent makes it a completely green process displaying both environmental and economic advantages. Furthermore, this biosynthesis approach is simple, green, and an eco-friendly alternative to chemical synthesis of triangular gold prisms with rates comparable to chemical methods.     

Measuring long-term performance of a manufacturing firm using the Analytic Network Process (ANP) approach

This paper provides a multicriteria performance measurement model to measure a manufacturing firm's performance in terms of areas of success, which can be defined as critical areas in generating revenues and controlling costs in the operations of a manufacturing firm. In developing the performance measurement model, the Analytic Network Process (ANP) approach is used. The ANP approach, which is the general form of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) methodology, is recommended when independence among different elements of a system assumption is violated. In a manufacturing system, the system's attributes are interrelated. Furthermore, the relative importance of these attributes with respect to each other and their contribution to the overall performance are affected by the competitive strategies applied by the manufacturing firms. The performance evaluation model developed here incorporates the competitive strategies and interdependence between the system attributes in its hierarchical structure and achieves a more realistic and accurate representation of the firm's long-term performance.     

Removal of Pb(II) using the modified lawny grass: Mechanism,kinetics, equilibrium and thermodynamic studies

A series of new chemical-modified lawny grass adsorbents were prepared and the feasibility of absorbents to remove Pb(II) ion from aqueous solution was examined. The absorbents were characterized by FTIR spectra and elemental analysis. Kinetics, equilibrium, thermodynamics, column adsorption and mechanism were studied. The optimum pH is in the range of 5.0–5.8 for all adsorbents. The sorption system follows pseudo-second-order kinetic model and equilibrium time is obtained after 60 min. The maximum adsorption capacities obtained from Langmuir–Freundlich model are 1.55 and 1.26 mol/kg by using 1 CG and 0.6 CG (lawny grass modified by 1 mol/L or 0.6 mol/L citric acid, respectively). Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG, ΔH and ΔS are evaluated for the adsorption process. The results indicates that the adsorption of Pb(II) is spontaneous and endothermic. The breakthrough point is achieved at 100 BV (bed volume) by a column of 0.6 CG. Desorption of Pb(II) and regeneration of the column is achieved by 0.1 mol/L HCl elution. After 3 adsorption/desorption cycles, the breakthrough point remains around 100 BV, which shows that grass adsorbent is regenerated easily and used repeatedly. Above results indicates that lawny grass have a good potential for removal of lead from dilute aqueous solution in the future.     

Equilibrium, kinetics and mechanism of malachite green adsorption on activated carbon prepared from bamboo by K(2)CO(3) activation and subsequent gasification with CO(2)

In this work, the adsorption of malachite green (MG) was studied on activated carbon prepared from bamboo by chemical activation with K(2)CO(3) and physical activation with CO(2) (BAC). Adsorption studies were conducted in the range of 25-300 mg/L initial MG concentration and at temperature of 30 degrees C. The experimental data were analyzed by the Freundlich isotherm, the Langmuir isotherm, and the multilayer adsorption isotherm. Equilibrium data fitted well with the Langmuir model with maximum adsorption capacity of 263.58 mg/g. The rates of adsorption were found to confirm to pseudo-second-order kinetics with good correlation and the overall rate of dye uptake was found to be controlled by pore diffusion throughout the entire adsorption period. The results indicate that the BAC could be used to effectively adsorb MG from aqueous solutions.     

Investigation of OH X(2)II collisional kinetics in a flame using picosecond two-color resonant four-wave-mixing spectroscopy

Time-resolved two-color resonant four-wave-mixing spectroscopy was used to investigate collisions affecting the ground electronic state of the hydroxyl radical. Picosecond laser pulses provided adequate time resolution for measurements in an atmospheric-pressure methane-air flame. The grating spectroscopy technique used a combination of double resonance, time-delayed probing, and independent control of the polarization of each of the four fields involved in the wave-mixing process to enable measurement of the decay of laser-induced population, alignment, and orientation, as well as state-to-state transfer of these three moments. Results are presented for individual rotational levels of OH in X(2)II(3/2)(v=1).     

High-efficiency and room-temperature reduction of graphene oxide: a facile green approach towards flexible graphene films

A novel, green, and highly efficient strategy for room-temperature reduction of solid-state graphene oxide films has been successfully developed using hydrogen-involved reduction with the assistance of a small amount of Pd catalyst. Based on this approach, flexible reduced graphene oxide films with high conductivity can be achieved and a roll-to-roll technique is expected.     

Comparative study of the extraction of Te(IV) from various aqueous solutions using different organic diluents and solvents

The extraction of Te(IV) from aqueous solutions containing various ligands was studied using various inert organic diluents and other solvents. The extraction was carried out from solutions of various mineral (HCl, HBr, HI, HNO₃) and organic (citric, oxalic) acids of various concentrations. The organic phase was an inert diluent (cyclohexane, CCl₄, chloroform, benzene, p-xylene, toluene, nitrobenzene) or a solution of 20 vol % Aliquat-336, 20 vol % trioctylamine, or 30 vol % TBP in p-xylene. A correlation between the distribution of Te(IV) and some physicochemical properties of the diluents and the possibility of extraction separation radioactive Te isotopes and their daughters, i.e., radioactive I isotopes, were examined. In most cases, the Te(IV) distribution ratio decreases in the order nitrobenzene > CHCl₃ > CCl₄ > p-xylene > benzene > toluene > cyclohexane. Published in Russian in Radiokhimiya, 2007, Vol. 49, No. 4, pp. 353–358. The text was submitted by the authors in English. An erratum to this article is available at .     

Dechlorination of polychlorobiphenyls using NaBH(4) and NaBH(4)/LiCl at 120-310 degrees C in glyme solvents

High temperature PCB dechlorination (Aroclor 1016) occurred using NaBH(4) alone in tetraglyme at 290-310 degrees C within 2h in a sealed tube. Aroclor 1016 dechlorination was also quantitatively achieved using NaBH(4)/LiCl/glyme solvents (di-, tri-, or tetraglyme) at 125-135 degrees C. The best results were obtained by prestirring NaBH(4), LiCl and the glyme solvent at room temperature before heating at 125-135 degrees C. At equivalent conditions, PCB dechlorination rates were found to depend on solvent in the order: tetraglyme>triglyme>diglyme. At 130 degrees C, Aroclor 1016 can be dechlorinated in NaBH(4)/LiCl/tetraglyme in 4h. 2-Chlorobiphenyl and 2,2'-dichlorobiphenyl were the least reactive congeners in dechlorinations with NaBH(4)/LiCl in diglyme. Competitive dechlorinations with NaBH(4)/LiCl in diglyme showed 3-chloro- and 4-chlorobiphenyl reacted faster than 2-chlorobiphenyl at 130 degrees C. The reactions were clean with no solvent decomposition in the range of 120-162 degrees C.     

Facile and green synthesis of cobalt oxide nanoparticles using ethanolic extract of Trigonella foenumgraceum (Fenugreek) leaves

Cobalt oxide nanoparticles (Co₃O₄ NPs) were successfully synthesized using ethanolic extract of Trigonella foenumgraceum L. (fenugreek) leaves as a green, potentially low cost, and easily biosynthesized method. The organic bioactive compounds present in fenugreek leaves extract acted as both reducing agents and stabilizing agents for synthesizing metal NPs from cobalt chloride hexahydrate as a precursor. As evidence from UV/Visible spectroscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) studies, high alkaline pH was found favorable for the preparation of pure and crystallized single-phase Co₃O₄ NPs. The interaction of biomolecules from fenugreek leaves extract with Co₃O₄ NPs was defined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The hydrodynamic size and surface charge of the biosynthesized NPs were measured using light-scattering (DLS) and zeta potential analyses; revealed the formation of negative charged Co₃O₄ NPs with uniform hydrodynamic size distribution. According to transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis, quasi-spherical Co₃O₄ NPs were synthesized with an average size of 13.2 nm under the modified condition of pH 12 and reaction time of 2 h through inexpensive, environmental friendly benign synthesis process without the use of any additional toxic chemical.     

A novel,eco-friendly and green synthesis of PPAC-ZnO and PPAC-nZVI nanocomposite using pomegranate peel: Cephalexin adsorption experiments,mechanisms, isotherms and kinetics

In the present work, powdered activated carbon coated by nanoparticles ZnO and nZVI was derived from pomegranate peel extracts and finally applied for removal of cephalexin (CEX (from aqueous solutions. This experimental research was conducted discontinuously. The effects of pH of solution, reaction time, PPAC-nZVI and PPAC-ZnO composites dose, and initial concentration of cephalexin and composite recovery on process efficiency were investigated. The removal efficiency in optimal conditions for cephalexin with PPAC-nZVI and PPAC-ZnO (CEX = 50 mg L⁻¹, composite dose = 1.25 g L⁻¹, reaction time = 45 min and pH = 5) was obtained 96.06% and 94.17%, respectively. The results of the study of isotherm and absorption kinetics for both composites showed that the absorption process follows Langmuir isotherm and pseudo second-order kinetics. The present study showed that the composites could be used as an effective and bio-friendly absorbent to remove cephalexin from aqueous solutions.