Char Areas Research Articles

The Role of Agricultural Technology in Attaining Food Security among Small Farmers in Char Area in Mymensingh District

Farmers in the char areas of Bangladesh are frequently affected by food insecurity due to their low engagement in modern agriculture such as less use of modern agricultural technology. This study evaluates the socio-demographic characteristics of the sample farmers to assess their nutritional status and the factors influencing char dwellers' dietary diversity. Survey data were collected from 70 households, and focus group discussions were conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire from Nilokhiya char under the Mymensingh District of Bangladesh. An OLS regression model was used to estimate the influence of socioeconomic characteristics of sample households on the decision on factors influencing dietary diversity. The farming type of the farmers is another concern of this study where results show that 90% of farmers in the char areas rely on rice and vegetable farming, whereas more than 60% of the farmers are also involved in livestock and poultry farming at the same time. The nutritional status of char farmers shows that their diet includes a variety of foods but is deficient insufficient protein and healthy fats, which could have an impact on their overall nutrition. Cereals are a staple in the diet, as indicated by the high consumption rate (97.1%) and the substantial average intake (2.30 kg/day). Every household consumes fruits, though in smaller quantities (0.28 kg/day). Eggs are less frequently consumed (57.1%) despite a higher intake (2.64 kg/day). Dietary diversity has a strong positive correlation with supply (.913) at a 1 % significant level which means that efficient supply chains minimize delays, reduce spoilage, and ensure a continuous flow of food to markets to ensure food security. A positive correlation with total income (.373) leads to a higher total income also supports greater dietary diversity. Credit was significant at a 5% level (.267) indicating that a 1 % increase in credit leads to an increase in dietary diversity by 267%. On the contrary, Experience has a negative relationship with dietary diversity which means that experience does not influence food security. Lack of transport and communication, environmental hazards, and natural disasters are the most significant problems faced by the farmers in the char area.

Analyzing the association between the hydrodynamics and bank erosion along the Padma River: 2020 monsoon floods

The 2020 Monsoon floods submerged two-thirds of Bangladesh, profoundly affecting the stable char areas along the Padma River. This study addresses the under-explored link between Monsoonal flood hydrology and river morphological changes, introducing a novel approach that integrates one-dimensional steady flow hydraulic modeling, dual-sensor satellite imagery analysis (Sentinel-1 SAR and Sentinel-2 optical), and multiple machine learning techniques to assess flood impacts on bank erosion in the most affected reaches. Multiple linear regression (MLR), random forest (RF), artificial neural networks (ANN), and support vector machines (SVM) along with other statistical analyses, were employed to elucidate relationships between hydraulic variables and bank erosion. Results indicated a gradual decrease in river discharge-related variables from July to October, with peak erosion in July, primarily along the right banks and concave areas. In analyzing the relationships between hydraulic variables and bank erosion, the ANN model outperformed others, identifying flow area, stream power, and shear stress as the most influential predictors through importance analysis. This integrated approach offers a transferable framework for analyzing flood-induced bank erosion, enhancing riverbank erosion understanding crucial for flood risk management strategies in Bangladesh and similar river systems worldwide.

Elevating clean energy through sludge: A comprehensive study of hydrothermal carbonization and co-gasification technologies

This study explores the recycling challenges of industrial sludge, owing to its non-recyclable properties and associated environmental problems. To promote sustainable energy utilization, a novel approach combining hydrothermal carbonization and co-gasification was employed to facilitate the conversion from waste to energy. The industrial sludge was pretreated in the batch-type hydrothermal treatment unit at 180–220 °C, followed by co-gasification. The experimental results indicate that pretreating the sludge at the hydrothermal temperature of 200 °C maximized its thermal decomposition, leading to a rougher structure with obvious cracks, eventually transforming into numerous fragmented small particles. At 1100 °C with a blending mass ratio of 1:1, the sludge hydrochar at 200 °C significantly enhanced the reactivity of coal char, exhibiting the gasification reactivity index R0.9 of 1.57 times higher than that of untreated char. Using the in-situ technique with the heating stage microscope, it was first observed that the addition of pretreated sludge coal chars underwent gasification in the shrinking core mode, displaying a significant ash melt flow phenomenon. Based on the in-situ X-ray diffraction, it was discovered that more amorphous structures were formed by the reaction of Fe with other minerals in the sludge-coal blended char after hydrothermal carbonization at 200 °C. With pretreatment at the hydrothermal temperature of 200 °C, the sludge can increase the specific surface area of the blended char and facilitate the cracking of carbon crystals during co-gasification. Its specific surface area and the Raman spectroscopic ratio ID1/IG were 1.76 and 1.17 times that of coal char, respectively. Collectively, this study highlights the potential for energy recovery from industrial sludge, contributing to sustainable waste management in the chemical industry.

Effectiveness of flood early warning for the Jamuna char-dwellers at Sirajganj District in Bnagladesh

Floods, a pervasive global natural disaster, are a recurrent challenge in Bangladesh, causing substantial damage to property, infrastructure, and lives. The country has implemented a flood warning system since 1972, focusing on people, property, and cost-effectiveness. However, the efficacy of this system relies on accurate and timely dissemination of warnings and prompt responses from at-risk communities to mitigate losses and damages. This study evaluates the effectiveness of the flood early warning systems at the grassroots level in Sirajganj District, specifically in two purposively selected villages within the Kaijuri Union. One village is situated along the unprotected bankline, while the other is in the island char area. Data was gathered from 116 households through interviews, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews. Results of the Multi-criteria analysis reveal that the system is moderately effective for the bankline village (Kaijuri) with a score of 0.400, but considerably less effective for the char-land village (Thutia) with a score of 0.174. Inadequate communication links contribute to delayed and unreliable information, leading to higher losses and damages. The study emphasizes the necessity of building community trust by involving them in the planning and management of flood warning systems for more effective risk reduction.

Assessing Multi-Decadal Landmass Changes and River Bank Erosion in the Char Areas of Majuli River Island of Assam, India

Majuli, the biggest populated river island, which is bordered to the north by the Subansiri River and to the south by the powerful Brahmaputra River. Since ancient times, the island has been continuously eroding, which is cause for serious concern. The current method uses Remote Sensing (RS) satellite imagery covering the years 1976 to 2024 and Survey of India (SOI) toposheets to study the erosion–deposition processes in a Geographic Information System (GIS) environment. The observation has revealed a dramatic change in reduction of land area of the Majuli Island. This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the long-term changes in landmass and erosion patterns in the char areas of Majuli Island, highlighting both the environmental challenges and the socio-economic implications for local communities. It is evident that the erosion rate on the island mass was significantly higher than that of the depositional processes.

Study on ethnoveterinary medicinal plants used by local people inhabiting char area, Kamrup District, Assam, North-East India

The inhabitants of char areas of Kamrup district, Assam (India) have relied on medicinal plants to treat various livestock diseases. Due to the lack of proper documentation, these plants have received little attention. Therefore, studying these plant species' diversity, utilisation, and phytochemistry is crucial. By doing so, we can preserve their traditional knowledge and comprehend the possibility of using these plants to develop new drugs. The present investigation documented 30 medicinal plant species belonging to 29 genera and 22 families. These plants were used against the treatment of 12 disease categories. The families Fabaceae and Zingiberaceae, with three species for each, were dominant, while the leaf (22%) and seed (16%) were the most frequently used plant parts. The informant consensus factor (Fic) was found to be highest in neurological disorders and neglected tropical diseases (NTD) with a value of 1.0 each. In contrast, the relative frequency of citation (RFC) was found to be highest in Curcuma longa L. (0.41) and Zingiber officinale Roscoe (0.37). This study provides reliable data on medicinal plants and indigenous ethnoveterinary knowledge that could act as a reference for future researchers dealing with new drug discovery.

Co-pyrolysis of municipal sludge and papermaking sludge: Pyrolysis behaviors and heavy metals immobilizations

The co-pyrolysis of municipal sludge (MS) and papermaking sludge (PS) is beneficial for improving the quality of co-pyrolysis biochar and the stability of heavy metals in it. This study investigated the synergistic effect of co-pyrolysis of MS and PS, as well as the influence of different mass ratios (1:9, 3:7, 5:5, 7:3, and 9:1; MS:PS) and pyrolysis temperatures (400–600 ℃) on the physicochemical properties of pyrolysis char, chemical speciation of heavy metals, and their potential ecological risk index. Furthermore, thermodynamic equilibrium calculations were used to study the transformation and stabilization mechanisms of heavy metals during co-pyrolysis. The results indicated that the addition of PS increased the comprehensive pyrolysis index of MS (by 2.09–16.72 times) and the specific surface area of co-pyrolysis char. The inclusion of MS effectively promoted the transformation of heavy metals from unstable fractions to stable fraction, significantly reducing the potential ecological risk index of pyrolysis biochar (by 21.93–41.58 %). The combination of thermodynamic equilibrium calculations and experimental data demonstrated that heavy metals in sludge could be stabilized through the formation of stable heavy metal compounds or their encapsulation within the lattice of inorganic components during co-pyrolysis. These findings suggest that co-pyrolysis of MS and PS is a feasible and promising approach for producing high-quality pyrolysis char with low risk of heavy metals.

Effect of high-pressure pyrolysis on syngas and char structure of petroleum coke

Petroleum coke, a byproduct of petroleum refining, is considered a potential alternative fuel owing to its low ash content and high calorific value. This study aims to enhance our understanding of the pyrolysis process and its potential applications by investigating the effect of pressure on the pyrolysis of petroleum coke, focusing on changes in its syngas composition and char structure. High-pressure pyrolysis was employed to explore structural changes, decomposition pathways, and gas production. High pressures increase the residence time and promote secondary pyrolysis, leading to the increased production of hydrogen. Also, high pressure can promote gasification reactions such as methanation. The influence of pressure on the chemical and physical structures of the produced char was also observed. Higher pressures resulted in more active secondary pyrolysis, causing a decrease in the aromatic groups and an increase in the aliphatic and oxygen-containing groups in the char. The surface area and porosity of char increased at higher pressures, enhancing its reactivity and gasification rate. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the effects of pressure on petroleum coke pyrolysis, shedding light on its potential as an alternative energy resource and highlighting changes in gas composition and char structure under various pressure conditions.

Applying coal char to cattle pens for sustainable agriculture in the semiarid US High Plains

AbstractApplying high carbon (C) additive to cattle pens and land application of the resultant manure mix offers a potential strategy for optimizing manure and soil management while mitigating environmental concerns. An experiment was conducted in western Nebraska from 2019 to 2022 to evaluate the effect of adding coal char (∼290 g C kg−1 by wt.) on feedlot manure's properties and stability and the interacting effect of manure‐char on crop yields in a corn (Zea mays L.)–dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)–corn rotation. Treatments in the crop field included manure from pens with or without char (each at 34 and 68 Mg ha−1; low and high rate), urea at 100% recommended nitrogen (N) rate with or without 45 Mg char ha−1, and a control. Applying char to pens kept them drier following snowfall events. The high surface area and cation exchange capacity of char improved soil and manure nutrient retention. The 100% urea‐N plus char treatment had a greater corn yield than the low‐rate char–manure mix or high‐rate manure in 2020. In 2021, there was a trend for higher bean yields with the high char–manure rate treatment than the control. In 2022, all the fertilized treatments had greater grain yields than the control. A one‐time high‐rate char–manure mix or manure application could replace 314 kg N ha−1 and 90 kg P2O5 ha−1 over 2 years without any yield penalty. This study underscores the synergy between char and manure or chemical fertilizers to improve nutrient balance and supply, ultimately enhancing crop production.

Empowerment of Muslim Women in Char Areas: A Study of the Morigaon District of Assam

This study embarks on an in-depth exploration of the socio-political and economic dimensions of womens empowerment in the char areas of the Morigaon district in Assam, a region marked by its unique geographical and demographic characteristics. Despite accounting for nearly half of the nations population, women in India, particularly those in the under-researched char areas, grapple with low literacy rates and limited access to educational resources, starkly contrasting with the national growth figures. This research aims to dissect the multifaceted layers of empowerment, or the lack thereof, among Muslim women in these regions, scrutinizing their socio-economic status, political awareness, and the systemic obstacles impeding their holistic development. Leveraging both primary and secondary data, and employing empirical, descriptive, and analytical methods, the study seeks to unveil the nuances of empowerment and the factors contributing to the continued backwardness of the char areas, thereby providing a comprehensive understanding of the life and challenges faced by the women residing in these isolated riverine islands of the Brahmaputra.

The synergistic pyrolysis effects of polyethylene terephthalate with the additive of sewage sludge

Pyrolysis could be one of the promising ways for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste-based char production, while the adherence environmental persistent free radicals (EPFRs) brought the risks for the wide application. Co-pyrolysis was employed as the potential way to reduce the EPFRs and improve the char quality simultaneously with the introduction of sewage sludge (SS), and the optimization reaction conditions and the relative mechanisms were proposed in this work. EPFRs in PET-based char were found to decrease from 1.07 × 1018–4.84 × 1018 spins·g−1 to 2.17 × 1017–4.90 × 1017 spins·g−1, with 38.86–48.55% reduction at the mass ratio of 1:1 (PET:SS). The corresponding activation energy decreased by 78.83% with 30.93% higher biochar yield rate due to the synergistic effects. Co-pyrolysis facilitated the decomposition of benzoic acid and its derivatives by enhancing the cleavage of oxygen-containing functional groups and led to the binding of nitrogen with more pyrolysis intermediates, resulting in a reduction of precursors for oxygen/oxygenated-carbon centered radicals. More phenyl radicals were polymerized into carbon-centered radicals through hydride transfer and crosslinking in the mixed system. The additive of SS promoted the aromatization degree, enhanced the defect and pore structure of the biochar, and led to a 43.62-fold increase in the surface area of PET-based char at 400 °C. This work provides a potential approach to reduce EPFRs from the pyrolysis of plastic waste and to deal with multiple waste streams in venous industry park under the implementation of zero waste cities construction.

Profitability and marketing system of Binachinabadam-8 in some selected northern char areas of Bangladesh

The present study was undertaken to assess the profitability, marketing system, production and marketing problems of a groundnut variety, Binachinabadam-8 in the river bed areas of Rangpur, Gaibandha and Kurigram districts during 2022–23. The study analyzed the efficiency of different marketing chains by ranking performance indicators using a composite index formula. The average per hectare production cost of Binachinabadam-8 was Tk. 90,470 and the net return was Tk. 68,064. The benefit-cost ratio was estimated at 1.75 and 2.89 on a full cost and variable cost basis. The average estimated marketing cost was highest (Tk. 925/quintal) for Stockist and lowest (Tk. 87/quintal) for Arathdar. Net marketing margin was also highest (Tk. 1787/quintal) for Stockist and lowest (Tk. 115/quintal) for Arathdar. Farmer’s share in consumer prices of Binachinabadam-8 in different marketing chains was the highest in Chain-IV (65.46%) and the lowest was in Chain-I (63.98%). The performance indicators revealed that the Chain-IV was the most efficient of the chains. Farmers reported major problems including lack of irrigation facilities, high seed value, flood incidence, high fertilizer prices, lack of capital, lack of training and insect and pest. The farmers faced significant marketing challenges, including unstable prices, high transportation charges, lack of storage facilities and lack of cash capital. Therefore, the study will help to over undertake appropriate measures to overcome the production and marketing problems and thereby will increase the profitability and production of Binachinabadam-8 in the river bed areas of Bangladesh. Bangladesh J. Nuclear Agric, 37(2): 109-120, 2023

An application of adjusted livelihood vulnerability index to assess vulnerability to climate change in the char areas of Assam, India

In this paper, socio-ethnographic and Livelihood Vulnerability Index methods have been used as qualitative and quantitative methods respectively to measure vulnerability due to climate change. Three hundred and ninety four (394) numbers of households of Char inhabitants across the Brahmaputra Basin of Assam, India were interviewed during the period of May 2022 to September 2022. Access to food and housing were found to be the main drivers of vulnerability in almost all the Char areas. The study reveals that though ethnically a section of people is seen to be resilient in terms of flood; different geographical factors overpower such advantage, increasing the vulnerability of those households. Different factors affected the vulnerability status of the Char dwellers differently across the different locations. Additionally, apart from the different factors of vulnerability considered in the model used, the study also revealed that flood, erosion and geographical character of Char areas contributed to the creation of the differences in the degree of vulnerability. The results revealed that there is a need for different treatment for vulnerability reduction for Char dwellers in different locations and for which, the sub-indicators of vulnerability used in the study are needed to be studied carefully. Suggestions were also made on the scope for further study on this aspect.

The Effect of Different Diluents and Curing Agents on the Performance of Epoxy Resin-Based Intumescent Flame-Retardant Coatings.

The epoxy resin-based (ESB) intumescent flame-retardant coatings were modified with 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (14BDDE) and butyl glycidyl ether (BGE) as diluents and T403 and 4,4'-diaminodiphenylmethane (DDM) as curing agents, respectively. The effects of different diluents and curing agents on the flame-retardant and mechanical properties, as well as the composition evolution of the coatings, were investigated by using large-plate combustion, the limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical combustion, a cone calorimeter, X-ray diffraction, FTIR analysis, a N2 adsorption and desorption test, a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a tensile strength test, and a viscosity test. The results showed that the addition of 14BBDE and T403 promoted the oxidation of B4C and the formation of boron-containing glass or ceramics, increased the residual mass of char, densified the surface char layer, and increased the specific surface area of porous residual char. When their dosage was 30%, ESB-1T-3 coating exhibited the most excellent flame-retardant properties. During the 2 h large-plate combustion test, the backside temperature was only 138.72 °C, without any melting pits. In addition, the peak heat release rate (PHRR), total heat release rate (THR), total smoke production (TSP), and peak smoke production (PSPR) were reduced by 13.15%, 13.9%, 5.48%, and 17.45%, respectively, compared to the blank ESB coating. The LOI value reached 33.4%, and the vertical combustion grade was V-0. In addition, the tensile strength of the ESB-1T-3 sample was increased by 10.94% compared to ESB. In contrast, the addition of BGE and DDM promoted the combustion of the coating, affected the ceramic process of the coating, seriously affected the formation of borosilicate glass, and exhibited poor flame retardancy. The backside temperature reached 190.93 °C after 2 h combustion. A unified rule is that as the amount of diluent and curing agent increases, the flame retardancy improves while the mechanical properties decrease. This work provides data support for the preparation and process optimization of resin-based coatings.

Livestock, livestock loss and livelihood: a note on Mishing char dwellers of Assam

The geography of char (the sandy land areas found within the river or lining at the bank) and their fertile lands create a suitable environment for livestock rearing, significantly contributing to livelihood, income, and nutritional intact for the char dwellers. The study investigates how livestock rearing and losses due to diseases and disasters are related to the livelihood and economy of the char-residing people, with a particular concentration on the Mishing char dwellers of Assam. The study considers two districts of Assam having char areas populated by the Mishing population. Both quantitative and qualitative tools are used to achieve the desired goals. Table and box plot figures are used to present the results. It is found that the loss of livestock is a serious threat to the economy of char dwellers. It contributes the most significant portion of their economic loss. It is also found that the severity is higher in case of disease loss of livestock than disaster loss. The study further suggests possible adaptation strategies for reducing livestock loss in the study area.

Maternal healthcare utilization in rural Bangladesh: A comparative analysis between high and low disaster-prone areas.

This study examined the disparity in antenatal care (ANC) visits and institutional delivery between high-disaster-prone (HDP) and low-disaster-prone (LDP) areas, defined based on multi-hazards, in Bangladesh and assessed the influencing factors using Andersen's behavioral model. In this study, cross-sectional data of 345 mothers, who had live birth the year preceding the survey, were used from the second-round multipurpose survey of a longitudinal research project conducted in May-June 2011. Hierarchical multinomial logistic and binary logistic models were respectively used to assess the determinants of ANC contacts and choice of childbirth place. We found very low utilization of 4+ ANC visits in both HDP (20%) and LDP (15%) areas. The difference is also not significant. The strong influencing factors of receiving 4+ ANC were mother's education, household size, income, and proximity to health facility. The level of institutional delivery was also low (21%), and no significant difference between HDP (15.2%) and LDP (25.7%) was found. However, in the case of institutional delivery, significant (p-value ≤ .01) difference was found in C-section between HDP (42%) and LDP (79%). A significant (p-value ≤ .05) difference was also found in the attendance of graduate doctors/gynecologists between HDP (58%) and LDP (88%). Mothers of HDP areas were 52 percent less likely to choose institutional delivery compared to those of LDP areas. Moreover, there was 30 percent less likelihood of choosing institutional delivery with an increase in distance to the nearest health facility. Specific demand-side (e.g., awareness raising, expanding maternal voucher scheme, covering more mothers under maternal allowance, and facilitating more income-generating activities especially off-farm ones) and supply-side interventions (e.g., providing training to local traditional birth attendants, and deployment of boat-based medical teams in coastal and char areas) need to be undertaken to increase institutional delivery, especially in HDP areas. However, the ultimate solution depends on adopting long-term measures to prepare facilities ready by filling the vacant posts and reducing absenteeism. Public-private partnerships modality can also be introduced especially in the HDP areas. Policy attention is needed to introduce such interventions.

Fire Resistance Properties of Low-density Neolamarckia cadamba (Roxb.) Bosser Timber

The inherent flammability of timber rises the concern of society about the stability and firmnessof timber materials when exposed to fire. This study illustrated the fire resistance properties oflow-density Neolamarckia cadamba timber to evaluate its charred area (CA), charred depth (CD),mass loss rate (MLR), and charring rate (CR). Three different burning durations – 60, 90, and120 min – were subjected to the timber test pieces following the NIST PS1-09 2010 standard.The CA and CD of the test pieces were measured using ImageJ before the determination ofMLR and CR. N. cadamba showed a statistically significant difference on the top CA (14040.56mm2) at 90 min compared to its side CA (1957.93 mm2). CD remained statistically unchangedfor three burning durations. Top CA increased gradually with burning durations. Side CA andCD, however, were reduced to 1957.93 and 17.84 mm2, respectively, for 90 min, before beingincreased back to 120 min. For CR and MLR, a gradual dropped in trend can be seen in theburning durations. Significant differences were detected when comparing the CR (0.30 mm/min) at 60 min with that in 90 min (0.20 mm/min), whereas the MLR was 2.15 g/m2s at 60 minwith 1.42 g/m2s at 120 min. Generally, top CA, side CA, and CD showed an increased trend inthe area and depth value. whereas CR and MLR showed the opposite.

Flame resistant of birch plywood according to Main Ingredients of Fire retardant paint

This study aims to comparative analyze the flame resistant of birch plywood according to using fire retardant paints. As interest in eco-friendly environmental issues has recently increased, wood, an eco-friendly material, is being used when people choose materials for interior design and furniture. Since wood is easily combustible and susceptible to fire, it should be mainly treated with a flame-retardant material to make up for the vulnerability. Bromine-based and chlorine-based materials, a type of halogen-based system with good flame resistant, were used for flame retardant treatment but those substances can cause toxic and harmful gas emissions when a fire occurs. That’s why these have been still regulated by rules. Although research to solve such problems has been actively conducted to develop phosphorus compound-based materials, nitrogen compound-based materials, and boron compound-based materials as fire retardant paints by applying different numbers and amount of fire retardant paint depending on each type and characteristic of it, attempts to comparative analyze the performance of each fire retardant paint have been still insufficient. Therefore, in order to analyze how the effect of the flame resistant varies whenever the main components and theoretical application amount of each fire retardant paint are applied differently, this study intends to measure the char length and area of birch plywood according to standard of the Nation Fire Agency in Republic of Korea. In this experiment, we used three types of fire retardant paints, each containing ammonium polyphosphate, emulsion resin, and phosphorus-based mixture as main components. Each fire retardant paint was applied to the birch plywood in 150g/m2, 180g/m2, 180g/m2 based on the theoretical application amount. As a control, a non-flame-retardant treated specimen was added. Based on the experiment, the following conclusions were obtained. First, the after flame time and after glow time satisfied the flame resistant standard of the Nation Fire Agency of Republic Korea regardless of the fire retardant paint for each manufacturer. Second, the flame resistant according to the fire retardant paint of each manufacturer was tested. As a result, when ammonium polyphosphate-based fire retardant paint was treated on birch plywood, the value of char length and char area was the smallest, and the effect of flame resistant was clearly shown to be excellent. Third, one fact was confirmed based on the results of previous studies and this study. When two types of fire retardant paint containing a phosphorus-based mixture were treated on a birch plywood, the flame resistant was different according to the technology development of each manufacturer. Through this study, the effect of the flame resistant was different depending on the fire retardant paint of each manufacturer. In order to secure fire safety of indoor furniture using wood construction and wood in the future, it is necessary to select fire retardant paints with high flame resistant depending on the materials of each type. Also, it is judged that it is necessary to compare and analyze the flame resistant of each manufacturer's fire retardant paint for various tree species. Not only that, The results of this study are expected to be used as basic data for selecting fire retardant paints with high flame resistant for each tree species and used as basic data for the production of semi-non-combustible wood suitable for flame resistant standard of the Nation Fire Agency of Republic Korea in the future.

Flame Resistant of Larch Plywood According to Main Ingredients of Fire Retardant Paint

The aims of this study is to comparative analyze the flame resistant of Larix kamperi according to fire retardant paints with different main components. Wood, an eco friendly traditional material, has been proven to reduce carbon, drawing attention as a solution to climate change, an international environmental issue. Wood is used as a material for buildings as furniture, interior, and furniture, and greatly satisfied users who require eco-friendliness. However, wood is a factor that increases the fire load in a fire. In previous studies, the fire vulnerability of Cryptomeria japonica, Pinus densiflora, MDF, OSB, cork board, and plain wood plywood was analyzed. As a result, wood without flame retardant treatment was vulnerable to fire. To compensate for this problem, we intend to secure an evacuation time by delaying the ignition time in case of a fire. Accordingly, Flame retardant treatment is implemented in accordance with Article 20 of ?the Enforcement Decree of the Act on the maintenance and Safety Management of Firefighting Facilities?. The main flame-retardant paint used is bromine, a halogen compound, and has high flame resistant. However, it is subject to environmental regulations due to the problem of soot and smoke generation. Eco friendly fire retardant paint are continuously being developed to escape regulations. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the effect of the flame resistant by treating the developed fire retardant paint for each tree species. So, three types of fire retardant paint with different main components are selected and treated on a larch plywood to analyze flame resistant. In this study, after flame time, after glow time, char length, and char area were measured in accordance with Standard of the Nation Fire Agency of Republic Korea. The main components of fire retardant paint are ammonium polyphosphate, emulsion resin, and phosphorus based mixture. Based on each theoretical application amount, 150g/m2, 180g/m2, and 180g/m2 were applied as the flame retardant paint. As a control group, a test specimen that was not with flame retardant treatment was set. The results are as follows. First, ammonium polyphosphate was the most excellent flame resistant. Second, as a result of flame retardant treatment the phosphorus mixture with the same main ingredient on the same type of larch plywood, the effect of flame resistant was different depending on the technology development of each manufacturer. Third, all larch plywood satisfied the flame resistant regardless of the presence or absence of flame retardant treatment. This seems to be because Larix Kamperi itself has a property that does not burn easily. It is expected that the results of this study will be used as basic data for the production of semi noncombustible material suitable for flame resistant Standard of the Nation Fire Agency of Republic Korea in the future.

Autothermal pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass: Experimental, kinetic, and thermodynamic studies

Autothermal pyrolysis that generates in situ heat is a promising way to convert lignocellulosic biomass into value-added products. Autothermal pyrolysis of pinewood under different oxygen concentrations (i.e., 3 %, 5 %, and 10 % O2) was performed in this work. The results showed oxygen addition significantly decreased the selectivity of anhydrosugars in bio-oil by 41.90% at most. Micropores formation in the char was enhanced in the autothermal pyrolysis, and the BET surface area of char obtained under 10 % O2 was 21.9045 m2·g−1. Fraser-Suzuki function was adopted to deconvolute the biomass autothermal pyrolysis process into four pseudo-reactions; namely three degradation reactions of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin and a combustion reaction of char residues. The activation energies of three pseudo-degradation reactions decreased after oxygen was introduced, whereas the activation energy of pseudo-combustion reaction of char increased from 69.08 to 88.34–127.47–163.13 kJ·mol−1 as oxygen content increased from 3 % to 10 %. Three major thermodynamic parameters of activation for each pseudo-reaction were also calculated. ΔS‡ results indicated that three pseudo-degradation reactions at the transition state became more ordered at higher oxygen concentration, whereas pseudo-combustion of char showed an opposite trend. The results obtained from this study provide systematic and precise fundamental information for biomass autothermal pyrolysis scale-up.