Ash Compounds Research Articles

Thermodynamic Analysis of Chloride Corrosion in Steel for Energy System Applications in Fe-O-Cl-Na Environments

The assumptions of contemporary energy policies are increasing the share of renewable energy sources. Biomass combustion is developing as an alternative to fossil fuels. However, it faces challenges such as limited corrosion resistance of steel boiler components due to chloride compounds in flue gases and fly ash. This paper provides a comprehensive thermodynamic analysis of chloride-induced corrosion in steel in the Fe-O-Cl-Na environment, focusing on the influence of steam concentration in the gas phase. The study was performed by using the general thermodynamic rules, the thermodynamic properties of the pure components involved in the reaction, and the properties of the solutions formed in the liquid and gas phases. The study also examined the impact of alkali metal chlorides, particularly NaCl, on the formation of NaFeO2 in the passive oxide scale layer Fe3O4/Fe2O3. Furthermore, it investigated the condensation of NaCl vapour formation of low-melting eutectic mixtures in deposits and the resulting consequences on the corrosion process. The role of HCl in the chlorination and oxidation process of steel in melted ash deposits was also discussed. The presented thermodynamic analysis was compared with assumptions of an “active oxidation” model. This study can be a valuable resource for experimental research planning and a guide for preventing corrosion in industrial settings.

Co-Gasification of Pistachio Shells with Wood Pellets in a Semi-Industrial Hybrid Cross/Updraft Reactor for Producer Gas and Biochar Production

The possibilities of pistachio shell biochar production on laboratory-scale gasification and pyrolysis devices have been described by several previous studies. Nevertheless, the broader results of the pistachio shell co-gasification process on pilot-scale units have not yet been properly investigated or reported, especially regarding the detailed description of the biochar acquired during the routine operation. The biochar was analysed using several analytical techniques, such as ultimate and proximate analysis (62%wt of C), acid–base properties analysis (pH 9.52), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (the presence of –OH bonds and identification of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin), Raman spectroscopy (no determination of Id/Ig ratio due to high fluorescence), and nitrogen physisorption (specific surface 50.895 m2·g−1). X-ray fluorescence analysis exhibited the composition of the main compounds in the biochar ash (32.5%wt of Cl and 40.02%wt of Na2O). From the energy generation point of view, the lower heating value of the producer gas achieved 6.53 MJ·m−3 during the co-gasification. The relatively high lower heating value of the producer gas was mainly due to the significant volume fractions of CO (6.5%vol.), CH4 (14.2%vol.), and H2 (4.8 %vol.), while hot gas efficiency accomplished 89.6%.

Damage constitutive model of fly ash–cementitious iron tailings powder under small strain

With the vigorous development of industrial economy, the production capacity and level have been significantly improved, but at the same time, a large amount of iron tailings, fly ash and a series of bulk solid waste materials have been accumulated. These industrial wastes have caused serious impact on the ecological environment. How to deal with them effectively is an urgent problem that needs to be solved. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cement and fly ash compound admixtures on the mechanical properties of iron tailings powder (ITP). Hence, different mixing ratios of cement and fly ash were used to prepare two kinds of ITP-based materials. A range of uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), resonance column (RC), scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction tests were conducted to investigate the roles of cement, fly ash and curing age in ITP solidification. A random one-dimensional damage model was imported to study the damage evolution of ITP materials using the UCS and RC test results, which showed that cement and fly ash enhanced the unconfined compression strength and small-strain stiffness of ITP. When 5–10% fly ash content was used as a substitute for 10% cement, the unconfined compressive strength and small-strain modulus of cement–fly ash–ITP increased with curing age. The microstructure and mineralogy analysis confirmed that fly ash enhanced the strength of the material. Overall, the damage constitutive model effectively represented the randomness of the compressive strength and stress–strain relationship of ITP materials under unconfined conditions.

Effect of corn stalks on coal catalytic hydrogasification in a pressurized fluidized bed for manufacturing CH4

Coal catalytic hydrogasification (CCHG) is a straightforward approach for producing substituted natural gas with a high CH4 yield and thermal efficiency. To reduce fossil fuel consumption for CH4 manufacturing, this work proposed a integrated process combining CCHG and biomass hydrogasification. Using a pressurized fluidized bed, the effect of corn stalks (CS) on CCHG was carefully analyzed in terms of product formation behavior, catalysis process, and feedstock adaptability. Experimental results showed that CS benefits CCHG in terms of reactivity, CH4 production, and CO2 emissions. Specifically, adding 30 wt% CS resulted in a maximum CH4 formation rate of 94.9 ml/g·min, production capacity of 1.38 Nm3 CH4/kg coal, and CO2 emissions of 26.37 g/mol CH4, which were 2.25, 1.29, and 0.69-folds that of cobalt-catalyzed hydrogasification alone, respectively. In the rapid pyrolysis stage, CS volatiles promoted Co dispersion and restrained coal structure ordering by mediating the interactions between cobalt catalysts and coal, favoring the subsequent hydrogasification. Meanwhile, the cobalt-containing char catalyzed methanation of CS-pyrolyzed volatiles, increasing CH4 formation while decreasing CO, CO2, C2-C3, and tar yields. In the gasification stage, Ca and Mg compounds in biomass ash gradually promoted the catalytic hydrogasification of coal char via potential Lewis basic-acid interactions. These mutual behaviors of CS and catalyst-containing coal were found to be universal in hydrogasification and helped strengthen cheaper but less active Fe/Ni catalysts. This work will provide theoretical guidance for future research on the production of CH4 with a low carbon footprint via co-hydrogasification of biomass and coal.

Feasibility of Water Hyacinth Ash as an Accelerator in Cement Slurry Formulation

Cement is primarily used in drilling operations to protect the casing against the corrosive tendency of formation fluid and to support the casing with the external load on and around it. Cement slurry is formed by mixing water with Portland cement or with cement containing various essential additives as the case may be and pumping it down through to critical points in the annulus around the casing using various techniques. Class G cement is widely used in cementing jobs because it allows the use of accelerators and retarders for wide range of well depths and temperatures. Due to wait-on-cement time before commencement of drilling of the next section of the well, it is necessary to reduce the waiting time and it ripple effects on cost of drilling by introducing accelerator to the cement slurry. The chlorides of calcium, potassium and sodium are the commonly used accelerators. Water hyacinth ash have been known to contain high percentage of calcium, potassium and chlorine, these elements readily combine with water to form potassium chloride and calcium chloride of which both are used as accelerator additives in cement slurry formulation. The utilization of these compounds in water hyacinth ash as accelerator additives would be a major breakthrough in cementing jobs especially in shallow section of the wells. Locally sourced water hyacinth plants were dried and combusted in air, the ash was then activated with water and filtered. The filtrate was used to determine the thickening time of class G cement slurry and the results obtained was compared with that of inorganic calcium chloride. The thickening times at the various set temperatures for this experiment were close to the inorganic calcium chloride used. Though, the thickening time of cement slurry is dependent on temperature, the concentration of the accelerator in the slurry also affect it.. It was found out that water hyacinth ash reduces the thickening time of class G cement slurry comparatively and therefore, should be considered as accelerator additive in the formulation of oil well cement slurry for accelerating the cement setting time.

Preliminary Results of Innovative Two-Stage Torrefaction Technology Applied for Thermochemical Treatment of Sunflower Husk

This article proposes an innovative two-stage technology for biomass torrefaction generating high-quality biochar, more specifically biocoal, as solid fuel, and offering a promising solution to the challenges posed by the combustion of biomass. In particular, the higher quality of biochar as solid fuel reduces the build-up of unmanageable deposits on fired surfaces, as these deposits inhibit heat transfer and reduce the efficiency of biomass boilers. The proposed two-stage technology involves torrefaction in a hearth-type reactor at temperatures up to 250 °C, followed by a subsequent stage of cooling achieved through washing with water. The two-stage torrefaction technology is integrated within a vertical hearth reactor vessel composed of three superimposed trays serving for biomass input, torrefaction, and water washing combined with biomass cooling, respectively. Upon contact with torrefied biomass, cooling water turned into water vapor; hence, eliminating the requirement for subsequent biomass separation and drying. The system was tested on sunflower husk, and results showed a reduction in the content of problematic elements such as alkali metal chlorides or sulfur compounds in biochar ash, suggesting lower corrosion rates of convective heating surfaces of the boiler under ash sediments. It is hypothesized that, while water exited hot biomass in the form of water vapor instead of liquid water, as is typically the case in water-washing processes, a share of undesirable elements may still have been removed from biomass through vaporization, without necessitating any additional process for ash removal. Hence, the index values calculated according to the chemical analysis of biomass ash suggested that sunflower husk biochar (biocoal) resulting from the proposed two-stage torrefaction process may display fuel characteristics similar to biomasses whose combustion ash may form reduced levels of deposits on boiler surfaces. Therefore, the proposed technology holds the potential to improve solid fuel characteristics of biomass, targeting enhanced efficiency and sustainability of biomass-fired power plants.

The performance of bubble-mixed lightweight soil to relieve expansion of circulating fluidized-bed fly ash

The treatment of circulating fluidized bed (CFB) fly ash with bubble-mixed lightweight soil (BMLS) was proposed. Artificial air bubbles in BMLS were used to restrict the dilatancy of CFB fly ash mixed with cement. The effects of CFB fly ash on pore structure of BMLS with CFB fly ash (BMLS-CF) were investigated. The material composition of BMLS was evaluated by X-ray diffractometry, and the pore structure was characterized by scanning electron microscope and mercury intrusion porosimetry. The results show that sulfur compounds in CFB fly ash react with cement in BMLS-CF to form ettringite and gypsum, which adhere to pore sizes of various sizes. The pore sizes of 50 nm to 50 μm are the most affected by expansive substances. The pores in BMLS-CF can accommodate the formation of expansive substances, and the effect of the accommodation increases with the increases in volume and number of bubbles. When the CFB fly ash content is between 50% and 66.7% with the same air-corbubble content, the effect of the accommodation is the best. The unconfined compressive strength of BMLS-CF first increases, then decreases with the increase of the CFB fly ash content, and the peak arises at a CFB fly ash content of 66.7%. It is therefore recommended that the CFB fly ash content in BMLS-CF be 66.7–75%.

The Effect of Fly Ash Mixture on Concrete Compressive Strength

Fly ash is a waste from the steam power plant industry that can be used as added material in making concrete. This is because the chemical compounds in fly ash are almost the same as cement. The purpose of this study was to determine the compressive strength of concrete with partial replacement of cement with fly ash. The composition of partial replacement of cement with fly ash is 0%, 20%, 25%, 30%, and 35%. The planned concrete quality is 30 MPa and tested at the age of 7 days and 28 days. The test results show the average compressive strength of the concrete for all variations of both 7-day and 28-day replacement is less than 30 MPa. The greater composition of fly ash used, the smaller the compressive strength value of the concrete. This is caused by the slow hydration process because fly ash is pozzolans which delay the hydration process. In addition, the reduction of cement content will also result in a decrease in compressive strength, this is because the bonding capacity of the aggregate decreases. However, when viewed based on the density of the concrete, the fine fly ash grains can make the concrete denser.

The Effects of Fermentation Extent and Acid Concentration on Bioethanol from HVS Paper Waste

<strong>ABSTRACT. </strong>Bioethanol is an alternative energy sourced from environmentally friendly raw materials from wastes that contain a lot of lignocellulosic such as HVS paper. Paper contains about 85% cellulose, 8% hemicellulose, 5% lignin and the rest is in the form of ash compounds. Bioethanol is ethanol produced from the fermentation of glucose (sugar) followed by a distillation process. This study aims to analyze the effect of a combination of fermentation time and concentration of sulfuric acid on bioethanol. The highest yield of beathanol was obtained at a hydrolysis concentration of 6.5% with a 7-day fermentation time of 3.45%. Bioethanol density that was close to standard was 3.5% acid concentration with 3 and 5 days fermentation. Moreover, at 3.5% acid concentration showed the closest bioethanol viscosity to the standard value with all conditions synthesized acidic bioethanol with pH ranged from 6 to 6.5

An improved method for feeding ash model compounds to a bubbling fluidized bed – CLC experiments with ilmenite, methane, and K2CO3

AbstractBiomass conversion with carbon capture and storage (Bio‐Energy CCS; BECCS) is one of the options considered for mitigating climate change. In this paper, the carbon capture technology chemical‐looping combustion (CLC) is examined in which the CO2 is produced in a stream separate from the combustion air. A central research topic for CLC is oxygen carriers; solid metal oxides that provide oxygen for the conversion process. Biomass and waste‐derived fuels contain reactive ash compounds, such as potassium, and interactions between the oxygen carrier and the ash species are critical for the lifetime and performance of the oxygen carrier. This work develops and demonstrates an improved method for studying the interactions between ash species and oxygen carriers. The method uses a lab‐scale reactor operating under fluidized conditions, simulating CLC batch‐wise by switching between feed gas. The novelty of the setup is the integrated system for feeding solid particles of ash model compounds, enabling the simulation of ash species accumulating in the bed. Ilmenite is a benchmark oxygen carrier for solid fuel conversion and was used in this study to evaluate the method using K2CO3 as a model ash compound. Experiments were done at 850 and 950°C. Methane conversion in CLC cycles and fluidization was evaluated with gas analysis and pressure drop measurements. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of bed particles were done after the experiments to establish changes in the morphology and composition of the ilmenite. The method for feeding the ash model compound was concluded to be satisfactory. At 950°C, K accumulated in the particles forming K‐titanates and agglomeration was enhanced with K2CO3 addition. The agglomeration mechanism was solid‐state sintering between the Fe‐oxides forming on the particle surfaces. The bed defluidized at 950°C, but no such effect was seen at 850°C. The method is suitable for studying the Fe‐Ti‐K system with ilmenite and potassium without the influence of other ash species. © 2023 The Authors. Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

The role of additives in improving the flammability and calorific value of leather shavings and the binding of chromium compounds in ash

Leather processing companies are struggling with the problem of increasing costs of post-production waste disposal. Therefore, the issue of thermal waste disposal at the plant and the use of generated heat in the production process is becoming more and more popular. Leather waste on its own does not allow for autothermal combustion despite the sufficient higher heating value (HHV). Therefore the Authors proposed to improve the flammability of the fuel by adding a small amount of wood sawdust to leather waste and produce premixed pellets. Six such samples were incinerated in a laboratory-scale reactor, which enables the simultaneous measurement of characteristic temperatures, exhaust gas analysis and sample mass loss rate. Research has shown that even a small addition of sawdust enables a stable combustion process and does not cause the formation of sinters. In addition, studies of the ash showed that in the case of chromium-containing waste, a large part of it remained in the ash in the form of Cr2O3. Nevertheless, very fine ash causes the small fraction chromium to be carried with the flue gas stream, therefore controlled agglomeration of the ash structure would be advisable in the final installation. Emission analysis showed high and moderately high NOx and SO2 emissions, decreasing with the increase in the amount of sawdust addition in the sample. Research has shown that leather waste is not a burden, but can be an attractive and safe source of energy for the company, while improving waste management in a circular economy.

Interactions between potassium ashes and oxygen carriers based on natural and waste materials at different initial oxidation states

AbstractOne of the most essential features of an oxygen carrier is its ability to be oxidized and reduced in order to transfer oxygen in a chemical looping system. A highly reduced oxygen carrier can experience multiple performance issues, such as decreased reactivity, agglomeration, and defluidization. This is crucial for processes that require limited oxygen transfer from the air reactor to the fuel reactor. Meanwhile, biomasses as environmentally friendly fuel options contain ashes, which would inevitably react with oxygen carriers and exacerbate the performance issues. To mimic the interactions between a highly reduced oxygen carrier and biomass ash compounds, four iron‐based oxygen carriers, based on natural ores and waste materials, and three potassium salts, K2CO3, KH2PO4, and K2SO4, were investigated in a tubular reactor under an atmosphere consisting of 2.5% H2 and 10% steam in Ar and N2 at 900°C for 3 h. The results from the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) material analysis showed that both initially fully oxidized and highly reduced materials reach the same oxidation state after the experiment. Based on the scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy results, K from K2CO3 and K2SO4 diffuses in the oxygen carrier particles, while K from KH2PO4 always forms a distinct layer around the particles. The initial oxidation state of an oxygen carrier surface affects the interactions with the potassium salt only to minor extents. Thus, the final state of the material and its performance in a large‐scale process are only occasionally and mildly affected by its initial oxidation state. © 2023 The Authors. Greenhouse Gases: Science and Technology published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Macro and Micro Mineral Composition of Haruan Fish (Channa striata) in Banjar District, South Kalimantan

Minerals have an essential role in the human body. Information about the mineral content of haruan fish in Banjar Regency is very limited. This research aimed to determine the mineral compound of haruan fish originally from ponds in Banjar Regency. Pond-sourced fish samples were processed until they became powders. The ash compound of haruan fish powder was calculated using the gravimetric method. The mineral compound was analyzed using an XRF spectrometer. Wild haruan fish contained 98.85% macro minerals, with the mineral composition of 14.4% P (10.2 mg/kg), 19.9% Ca (19,9 mg/kg), 60.6% K (42.5 mg/kg), and 0.85% S (0.6 mg/kg). Farmed haruan fish contained 94,76% macro minerals, consisting of 15.6% P (12.9 mg/kg), 17.2% Ca (14.3 mg/kg), 61.1% K (50.8 mg/kg), and 0.86% S (0.7 mg/kg). Wild haruan contained 3.51% micro minerals, consisting of 4.44% Fe (3.7 mg/kg), 0.10% Cu (0.08 mg/kg), and 0.22% Zn (0.18 mg/kg). Farmed haruan contained 4.76% micro minerals, consisting of 4.44% Fe (3.7 mg/kg), 0.10% Cu (0.08 mg/kg), and 0.22% Zn (0.18 mg/kg). Wild haruan fish contained 0.56% trace element, 0.46% Rb (0.32 mg/kg), and 0.1% Re (0.07 mg/kg). Farmed haruan fish contained 0.42% trace element, 0.34% Rb (0.28 mg/kg), and 0.08% Re (0.06 mg/kg).

Characterization of Agnihotra ash

Agnihotra is a traditional domestic solemnity, performed to maintain harmony between living beings and nature, without harming and by giving respect. Agnihotra, the simplest forms of Yajnya performed at sunset/ sunrise in which cow dung is burned in the copper pot by using cow ghee and brown rice as oblations along with chanting of mantras of sun and fire. The ash produced after performance of Agnihotra yajnya has various applications in the agricultural sector, environmental pollution control, medical sector, etc. In the present study we have characterized the Agnihotra ash. Elemental analysis of Agnihotra ash was done with the help of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Characterization of Agnihotra ash was done by using X-Ray Diffraction analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared analysis. Analysis of ash compounds was done by X-Ray Diffraction – Theta-2-Theta spectrum and Energy Dispersive X-Ray spectrum. Agnihotra ash mainly consists of silicon dioxide (SiO2) as major compound. The Agnihotra ash was a highly porous material with a large internal specific surface area.

Effects of Ca-Compounds on the Gases Formation Behavior during Molten Salts Thermal Treatment of Bio-Waste

Bio-waste utilization is essential, and pyrolysis is a prominent way for its effective utilization. However, the gradual accumulation of ash compounds in the intermediate products probably affects the thermal conversion characteristics of bio-waste. In the present study, beech wood and disposable chopsticks were selected as bio-waste samples. The effects of typical ash components (Ca-compounds) on volatile formation behavior were investigated during the molten salts thermal treatment of bio-waste. Results demonstrated that about 80% mass of initial bio-waste was gasified into the volatiles at 300 °C. The introduction of Ca-compounds in the molten salts slightly decreased the total yield of gaseous products. More specifically, Ca2+ could improve the generation of CO2 and suppress the generation of other gases (CO, H2, and CH4), and this is accompanied by a reduction in the low heating value (LHV) of the gases. The possible reason is that Ca2+ might act on the -OH bonds, phenyl C-C bond, methoxy bond and carboxylic acid -COOH bonds of the bio-waste to promote CO2 release. In contrast, the introduction of CO32− and OH- tended to relieve the inhibition effect of Ca2+ on the generation of H-containing gases. Meanwhile, the introduction of Ca2+ can promote the conversion of bio-waste into liquid products as well as increase the saturation level of liquid products. Moreover, as a vital form of carbon storage, CO2 was found to be abundant in the pyrolysis gases from molten salts thermal treatment of bio-waste, and the concentration of CO2 was much higher than that of direct-combustion or co-combustion with coal. It’s a promising way for bio-waste energy conversion as well as synchronized CO2 capture by using molten salts thermal treatment, while the introduction of small amounts of Ca-compounds was found to have no significant effect on the change of CO2 concentration.

Study on characteristics of coal gasification fine slag-coal water slurry slurrying, combustion, and ash fusion

In this study, the effects and mechanisms of coal gasification fine slag-coal water slurry (CGFS-CWS) preparation, combustion and ash fusion (AF) were assessed. As the CGFS content increased, the viscosity of the slurry increased, but the stability of the slurry improved significantly. The improvement in the slurry stability is due to the negative charge on the surface of CGFS is significantly stronger than that coal particles. This stronger charge provides strong electrostatic repulsion, which facilitates particle dispersion. The slurry combustion experiments revealed that the incorporation of CGFS significantly reduced the burnout temperature of the slurry and increased the maximum combustion rate. When the mixing amount was less than 8%, the flammability index, combustion stability index, and comprehensive combustion characteristic index significantly improved. Such finding may be due to the formation of activation centers by the alkali metals in CGFS, which promote combustion reactions. The AF temperature of the CGFS-CWS ash decreased as the CGFS blending amount in the slurry increased. This result is due to the melting-assisting effect produced by the Fe2O3 and sulfate contained in the CGFS ash. Albite crystallization with a lower fusion temperature also appeared in the CGFS-CWS, which may be generated by the reaction of nepheline in coal ash and sodium-containing compounds in CGFS ash at high temperatures.

Collapse of Earth’s Biosphere: A Case of Planetary Treason

Earth’s life support systems are breaking down, including the stratospheric ozone layer, which protects all higher life on the planet from deadly ultraviolet radiation. This breakdown is a direct result of human activities including the large-scale manipulation of processes that affect Earth’s climate, otherwise known as geoengineering. We present further evidence that coal fly ash, utilized in tropospheric aerosol geoengineering, is the primary cause of stratospheric ozone depletion, not chlorofluorocarbons, as “decreed” by the Montreal Protocol. The misdiagnosis was a potentially fatal mistake by mankind. Coal fly ash particles, uplifted to the stratosphere, are collected and trapped by polar stratospheric clouds. In springtime, as these clouds begin to melt/evaporate, multiple coal fly ash compounds and elements are released to react with and consume stratospheric ozone. Contrary to the prevailing narrative, the stratospheric ozone layer has already been badly damaged and now increasingly deadly ultraviolet radiation, UV-B and UV-C, penetrates to Earth’s surface. Our time is short to permanently end all geoengineering activities, and to reduce and/or eliminate all sources of aerosolized coal fly ash, including first and foremost the jet-sprayed emplacements into the troposphere that are systematically breaking down Earth’s support systems and poisoning life on this planet.

Characteristics and Chemical Composition of Fly Ash From Pulang Pisau’s Power Plant as A Potential Material for Synthesis of Aluminosilicate Materials

The Steam-Electric Power Station (PLTU) is one of the initiatives to meet the nation's current electricity requirements. The use of fuel for steam power plant is still dominated by fossil fuels such as coal. Even though domestic energy needs are met, steam power plant turns out to be a contributor to gas emissions that cause global warming, as well as a by-product in the form of fly ash which can cause environmental and ecosystem problems. Fly ash contains silica oxide (SiO 2 ) and aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) compounds which can be used as raw materials for synthesizing aluminosilicate-based materials such as geopolymers and zeolites. This study tested the characteristics and composition of chemical compounds in fly ash from Pulang Pisau’s power plant, Central Kalimantan. Characterization using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) showed that peaks of quartz material dominated fly ash from Pulang Pisau’s power plant at 2θ=20.82°;26.61° and mullite minerals at 2θ= 31.2°;33.1°; 35.4°;39.2°;59.8°. The results of the chemical compound composition were tested using the ASTM-D3682-12 standard. Fly ash has a composition of 29.00% SiO 2 , 9.98% Al 2 O 3 , 13.75% Fe 2 O 3 , and 28.37% CaO. Fly ash from Pulang Pisau’s power plant is classified as type C fly ash, which can potentially be used as a source of aluminosilicate-based material synthesis.

Antifungal compounds of Chinese prickly ash against drug-resistant Candida albicans.

The leaf of Chinese prickly ash, a unique spice having typical pungent sensation, is a popular food in Southwest China with antipruritic, insecticidal and fungicidal functions, but its bioactive constituents of fungistatic capacity remain unknown. In present investigation, twenty-nine compounds were isolated from leaf of Chinese prickly ash, and their antifungal bioactivity against drug-resistant Candida albicans were evaluated in vitro and in vivo. As a result, three compounds 3, 10, 29 showed antifungal bioactivity by damage of the fungal biofilm, and they might recover sensitive of drug resistant C. albicans to Fluconazole. Then Chinese prickly ash leaf was proved to be a functional food against fungus for the first time in experiment.

The crosslinking and mechanical properties of SBR compounds with the addition of carburized pine nut cone ash

In this study, four different pulps were prepared by adding 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% carburized pine nut cone ash to a reference rubber compound based on styrene butadiene rubber (SBR). After vulcanization, the hardness, density, tensile strength, percentage elongation, tearing strength, and crosslink density of the compound were measured. In addition, the effects of the crosslink density on the mechanical properties were examined. The properties of the carburized pine nut cone ash compounds were evaluated both among themselves and comparatively with the physical and mechanical properties of the reference compound. In addition, it increased the hardness as well as the crosslink density, and it was shown to provide advantages in terms of its density, tensile strength, tearing strength, and percentage elongation properties. Furthermore, the fracture surfaces of the compounds were characterized via scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersion spectroscopy to explain the change in mechanical properties.