Comparison of conventional extraction under reflux conditions and microwave-assisted extraction of oil from popcorn.

Popcorn offers an environmentally friendly alternative to the commercial synthetic loose-fill packing materials. Popcorn could be used for cushioning purposes if the oil is extracted after the popping process. Conventional and microwave-assisted extraction methods were used for oil extraction from whole and ground, popped and unpopped kernels. The conventional extraction method achieved 68.5% oil recovery from whole popped kernels. However, whole unpopped kernels were not efficiently de-oiled with either of the methods. Extraction of oil from popped kernels is recommended; corn varieties with higher starch content and lower oil content should be used.     

A multifactor study of catalyzed hydrolysis of solid NaBH4 on cobalt nanoparticles: Thermodynamics and kinetics

In the present work, hydrogen generation through hydrolysis of a NaBH_4(s)/catalyst_(s) solid mixture was realized for the first time as a solid/liquid compact hydrogen storage system using Co nanoparticles as a model catalyst. The performance of the system was analysed from both the thermodynamic and kinetic points of view and compared with the classical catalyzed hydrolysis of a NaBH₄ solution. The kinetic analysis of the NaBH_4(s)/catalyst_(s)/H₂O_(l) system shows that the reaction is first order with respect to the catalyst concentration, and the activation energy equal to 35 kJ mol_NaBH4⁻¹. Additionally, calorimetric measurements of the heat evolved during the hydrolysis of NaBH₄ solutions evidence the global process energy (−217 kJ mol_NaBH4⁻¹). Characterization of the cobalt nanoparticles before and after the hydrolysis associated with the calorimetric measurements suggests the “in situ” formation of a catalytically active Co_xB phase through “reduction” of an outer protective oxide layer that is regenerated at the end of reaction.     

Water molecular dynamics during bread staling by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance

Bread staling is a complex phenomenon that originates from multiple physico-chemical events (amylopectin retrogradation, water loss and redistribution) that are not yet completely elucidated. Molecular properties of white bread loaves were characterized by multiple proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) techniques (proton FID, T₂ and T₁ relaxation time) over 14 days of storage. Changes at a molecular level (faster decay of proton FIDs and shifting of proton T₂ relaxation times distributions towards shorter times), indicating a proton mobility reduction of the bread matrix, were observed during storage. Multiple ¹H T₂ populations were observed and tentatively associated to water-gluten and water-starch domains. Proton T₁ of bread was for the first time measured at variable frequencies (Fast Field Cycling NMR) and found to be strongly dependent upon frequency and to decrease in bread during storage, especially at frequencies ≤ 0.2 MHz. An additional proton T₁ population, relaxing at 2 ms, was detected at 0.52 MHz only at early storage times and tentatively attributed to a water-gluten domain that lost mobility during storage.     

Explaining the failure of the Dutch innovation system for biomass digestion—A functional analysis

Since the 1970s research on energy conversion technologies, such as biomass digestion, has been carried out in the Netherlands. However, after 30 years biomass digestion has not been implemented on large scale. The aim of this paper is to create insight into the underlying factors of this troublesome trajectory by applying the ‘Functions of Innovation Systems’ framework. This results in clear understanding of the (lack of) activities that took place in the innovation system of biomass digestion and the role of government policy in both inducing and blocking this development. The analysis provides several lessons to take into account when developing policies for the acceleration of the development and diffusion of biomass energy.     

Effect of the fuel injection strategy on the combustion process in a PFI boosted spark-ignition engine

In this paper, the effect of different fuel injection strategies on the combustion process was investigated in a boosted port fuel injection spark-ignition engine. The experiments were performed on a partially transparent single-cylinder engine, equipped with a four-valve head and boost device. Single and double fuel injection strategies were tested in the open-valve condition. Moreover, two fuel injection pressures were considered. Optical techniques based on 2D-digital imaging were used to follow the flame propagation in the combustion chamber. In particular, the diffusion-controlled flames near valves and on cylinder walls due to the fuel film burning were studied. Two-colour pyrometry was employed to measure soot concentration. In-cylinder optical investigations were correlated to the engine parameters and to the exhaust emissions.     

Study of the effect of noble metal promotion in Ni-based catalyst for the Sabatier reaction

This paper reports the preparation and the evaluation of the performance of Ni-based powder catalysts with low nickel loading on the CO2 methanation reaction, that is an integral part of the power-to-gas (PtG) technology. CeO₂, CeZrO₄ and CeO₂/SiO₂ were selected as possible supports, and the results of this first screening pointed out that 10%Ni/CeO₂ catalyst could offer the best reaction performances because of ceria's peculiar characteristics. Moreover, the promotion of this promising formulation with the addition of a small amount of noble metals (Pt, Ru, Rh) was investigated, showing that platinum in particular can enhance the catalyst performances. A further study related to the noble metal loading pointed out that platinum and ruthenium have a different optimum loading condition: this result, together with the activity tests performed on monometallic formulations with only the noble metal, suggested that the two metals are able to catalyse two different reactions, thus promoting two different reaction mechanisms.