Husk Research Articles

RECEIVING AND ADSORPTION CHARACTERISTICS OF BIOCARBON MATERIALS FROM HOUSEHOLD WASTE

The aim of this research is the development of new carbon materials based on agricultural waste and a detailed study of their physicochemical properties, which allows to evaluate the potential directions of use of these materials in industry and environmental technologies. Within the framework of the work, four types of waste were chosen, in particular, wood sawdust, apple cake, as well as wheat and corn husks, which are widely available and rarely used as raw materials for creating adsorbents. The selected materials were subjected to the process of pyrolysis at a temperature of 500°C for one hour, which effectively preserves the porous structure of the material and improves its adsorption properties. The obtained samples of biocarbon materials were analyzed using nitrogen porosimetry, which made it possible to determine their adsorption potential, porosity, and total surface area. The results of the study showed a significant difference in the adsorption capacity of the samples, depending on the type of raw material. The sample based on corn husk demonstrated the highest adsorption activity, which indicates its potential for water purification from various types of pollution, including organic and inorganic compounds, heavy metals and other toxic substances. In addition, an additional analysis of the samples was carried out in order to assess their potential in other industries. In particular, the revealed porosity and surface area of ​​the materials allow us to consider them as promising components for filtration systems, catalysts in chemical reactions, materials for energy storage, as well as means for environmental protection and environmental restoration. The results of the study confirm that the use of agricultural waste for the creation of functional carbon materials is not only economically beneficial, but also an ecologically appropriate approach, which contributes to reducing the amount of waste and creating new opportunities for sustainable development.

Machine learning enabled smart human activity monitoring using corn husk based eco-friendly triboelectric nanogenerator

ABSTRACT The keys to success in health status clinical investigations, fitness services, and several other related fields are accurate identification of human actions. In this study, the machine learning is integrated with corn husk based biodegradable and environment friendly triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG). This self-powered sensor designed and fabricated in this present study is used for smart human activity monitoring. We devote our focus on using biodegradable materials to make environmentally friendly devices as a green energy source. The corn husk used in this study is a natural agriculture waste by-product. This corn husk based sensor is capable of generating 140 volts and charging various commercial capacitors. This eco-friendly sensing device is also tested as a wearable sensor to gather data and track the user’s physical activity, such as jumping, running, and walking. For accurate prediction of human activity, the designed corn husk based sensor is coupled with an extra randomized tree and random forest-based machine learning model. These models achieve a 98.89% and 98.33% accuracy rate in identifying the user’s three activities. The research presents a novel strategy to support tailored applications of TENG sensors in human motion tracking and enables the development of intelligent, self-sufficient systems for novel uses.

A green approach for delignification of corn husks and their application as an unpowered thermo-responsive sensor

The world is adopting biodegradable materials to replace existing petroleum-based plastics, owing to their toxicity and unfriendly environmental aspects. Biodegradable corn husk (CH) is considered a promising alternative due to its environmental friendliness and widespread availability as agricultural waste. In this work, a green process for the delignification of corn husk was developed and preparation of CH-based reversible thermo-responsive delignified corn husk (RTDCH) sensors was done which exhibit different colors corresponding to particular temperature ranges. These RTDCH sensors employed with reversible thermo-responsive nanoparticles (RTNPs) were characterized thoroughly using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), and Fourier transform spectroscopy (FTIR), which ensures their successful synthesis. Upon deploying them for sensing temperatures from 20 to 80℃, different color displays appeared rapidly within 5seconds, which helps to identify the particular temperature range. The RTDCH exhibited excellent reusability for several cycles and maintained consistency in color displays at certain exposed temperatures. The RTDCH, being unpowered, fast responsive, accurate, biodegradable, economical, and scalable production feasibilities, has the necessary traits to become practical at the industrial level. Such materials have tremendous potential for the food industry, scientific laboratories, and monitoring the temperature of industrial processes. The strategy adopted in this work is crucial since it is paving the way for the development of advanced functional materials from natural wastes through green synthesis approaches.

NUTRITIONAL AND ECONOMIC ANALYSIS OF COCOA AND COFFEE BEAN SKINS IN SILAGE PRODUCTION

Cocoa bean skin and coffee bean skin are biomass waste that is underutilized in Indonesia. Given the nutritional potential of cocoa and coffee bean skin biomass waste, processing it is considered to add potential value. The objective of this research is to investigate the potential of utilizing cocoa and coffee bean skin waste in silage production to address specific nutritional requirements. This will be accomplished through the analysis of nutritional characteristics via proximate analysis and the evaluation of economic value added (EVA). Characteristic analysis was carried out with predetermined parameters with raw materials from silage in the form of odot grass, corn husks and additional biomass in the form of cocoa and coffee bean skin waste with concentrations of 20%, 25% and 30% respectively. The results showed that cocoa bean skin silage generally has a higher fat and protein content than coffee bean skin silage. Meanwhile, coffee bean skin silage showed a higher crude fiber and carbohydrate content than cocoa bean skin silage. Economic Value Added (EVA) analysis also revealed that silage generated an added value of IDR 806,018 with a profitability value of 40%, indicating the economic potential in processing biomass waste into silage. Future research can optimize the formulation of biomass waste and explore various biomass sources to improve nutritional and economic benefits. Evaluation of these formulations on various livestock species can also provide valuable insights into their effectiveness in various types of livestock feed. Keywords: proximate analysis; cocoa bean skin; coffee bean skin; silage

Interval Analysis of Volatile Solid (VS) and Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) in Batch Anaerobic Fermentation of Selected Agrowaste

This study investigated the degradation of volatile solids (VS) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) during the anaerobic digestion of selected agro-waste, specifically cassava peels, maize husks, pig slurry, and the composite. The objective was to evaluate the biodegradability of these feedstocks, in line with their potential for biogas production. The Research was conducted at the National Centre for Energy Research and Development (NCERD) laboratory, University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN). Batch reactors were used to conduct experiments over a period of 45 days. The digesters were operated under controlled conditions, and samples were analyzed at three (3) different points: 24 hours, peak of gas production (day 30), and at the end of the digestion (day 45). The results demonstrated that all the substrates exhibited a reduction in VS and BOD in the course of digestion. However, the most significant reduction in VS and BOD occurred around the peak of gas production. This entails that this period is critical for microbial activity and biogas yield. Corn husks had high initial VS and BOD values of 4.73±0.22 % and 92.80±3.26 mg/L respectively. However, that did not translate to higher biogas production compared with the composite that had initial values of 4.34±0.19 % and 88.00±5.50 mg/L respectively. By the end of the digestion, an average VS reduction of 65% and a BOD reduction of 70% were observed across all substrates, indicating a substantial degradation of organic material. Biogas production was better in the composite (72.580±4.53 %), an indication that higher VS and BOD do not automatically translate to higher gas yield. Thus, factors like multiple substrate interaction affect gas yield and process efficiency.

Optimizing the Production of Biodegradable Containers from Corn Husks Using Hot Mold Forming: Study on Temperature, Forming Time and Husk Arrangement

Optimizing the Production of Biodegradable Containers from Corn Husks Using Hot Mold Forming: Study on Temperature, Forming Time and Husk Arrangement

Effect of plasticizer and filler on the mechanical and thermal properties of carboxymethyl cellulose films from corn husk

Effect of plasticizer and filler on the mechanical and thermal properties of carboxymethyl cellulose films from corn husk

Solid-state anaerobic digestion of sweet corn waste: The effect of mixing and recirculation interval

The mixing and sludge recirculation interval is one of the key successes of the solid-state anaerobic digestion process, a promising technology for converting high-solid agro-industrial wastes to renewable energy. This study employed a pilot-scale completely stirred tank reactor to examine biogas production from sweet corn waste, including corn cobs, husks, and seeds. The reactor was operated as solid-state anaerobic digestion at an ambient temperature. The mixing and recirculating intervals were set to non-mixing and mixing for 10 minutes every 3, 6, and 12 hours. The initial total solid of the feedstock was 25%, while the hydraulic retention time was 30 days. The results showed that during the mixing and recirculation every three hours, the highest chemical oxygen demand, total solid, and volatile solid (VS) removal efficiencies were 85.42%, 62.92%, and 64.59%, respectively. The ratio between volatile fatty acid and alkalinity ranged between 0.20 and 0.30 without any sign of system failure. The highest specific methane yield of 766 L/kg VSadded was obtained in the experiment with mixing and recirculating intervals every 3 hours. It was found that the modified Gompertz model could effectively fit the methane yields with an R2 of 0.9667. The modeled methane production potential and the maximum methane production rate were 867.40 NL/kg VSadded and 132.01 NL/kg VSadded-d, respectively. Additionally, the levelized cost of the biogas produced from the solid-state anaerobic digestion of the sweet corn waste was calculated to be 0.61 USD/kg. The findings of this study can serve as a guide for the design and operation of the SS-AD system, which aims to transform various types of lignocellulosic waste into environmentally friendly energy.

Carotenoid and Phenolic Compositions and Antioxidant Activity of 23 Cultivars of Corn Grain and Corn Husk Extract.

As a byproduct of corn processing, corn husk is usually burned or disposed of. To make a better use of corn husk, its bioactive components need to be further explored. In this work, the carotenoids and phenolics of the extracts from the corn grain and corn husk of 15 different yellow corn and 8 different waxy corn were identified and quantified, and their antioxidant activities were assessed. The results showed many considerable variations in carotenoid contents. Four types of carotenoids were observed only in both yellow corn and black waxy corn. The highest lutein and zeaxanthin contents were both observed in yellow corn husks. Lutein dominates in yellow corn, ranging from 494.5 μg/g dw to 2870.8 μg/g dw, which is followed by zeaxanthin, ranging from 63.0 μg/g dw to 360.2 μg/g dw, and finally β-cryptoxanthin and β-carotene. The total content of polyphenols (TPC) and flavonoids (TFC) of the husk from 13 yellow corn cultivars, as well as the TPC of husk from 8 waxy corn cultivars, were all higher than those of their corn grain, with the highest TPC found in waxy corn husk. Additionally, a total of 20 phenolic compounds were identified, and ferulic acid showed the highest content and reached 1101.9 µg/g dw in a waxy corn husk. The average antioxidant activity of a waxy corn husk was 25-65% higher than that of a yellow corn husk, and the highest values were observed in the husk of the waxy corn cultivar Huhong 1. These results suggested that corn husk is a rich source of lutein and phenolics and provided excellent cultivars as a reference for functional food products in agriculture and the food industry.

Influence of dammar resin on the mechanical properties of composites reinforced with corn husk and paper waste

This study aimed to investigate the influence of dammar resin on the mechanical properties of composite materials reinforced with corn husk and paper waste laminates. Different percentages of dammar resin (50%, 60%, and 70%) were added to the matrix while keeping the reinforcement constant. For all samples, the ratio was maintained at 40% matrix and 60% reinforcement. With the experimental results obtained, statistical analyses were conducted: two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Levene’s test, Shapiro-Wilk test, and ANOVA post hoc (with Bonferroni correction). The null hypothesis stated that dammar resin does not influence the mechanical properties. For all tests considered, the null hypothesis was rejected (p < 0.05), the variances were homogeneous (p > 0.05), and the data followed a normal distribution (p > 0.05). It was found that dammar resin had a significant influence on the mechanical properties as the percentage increased from 50% to 70% (p < 0.0083). For each test, based on already known premises, an explanation of the phenomenon that could occur due to the insertion of dammar resin was provided, serving to complement and validate the statistical estimations.

Low-Cost Biosorbents Derived from Corn Husks for the Exclusion of Fe(II) and Cr(VI) Ions Undertaken Aqueous Media: Application for Wastewater Treatment

Low-Cost Biosorbents Derived from Corn Husks for the Exclusion of Fe(II) and Cr(VI) Ions Undertaken Aqueous Media: Application for Wastewater Treatment

Biochar-Based Catalyst Derived from Corn Husk Waste for Efficient Hydrogen Generation via NaBH4 Hydrolysis

Biochar-Based Catalyst Derived from Corn Husk Waste for Efficient Hydrogen Generation via NaBH4 Hydrolysis

In-vitro and thermal stability study of bioglass synthesized from biogenic sources

In this work, the bioactive glasses are derived from biowaste resources such as corn husk ash, sugarcane leaves ashes, and eggshell powder via the melt quench method. The raw materials were melted in a platinum rhodium crucible at 1550 °C, followed by rapid cooling to obtain a glassy phase. In order to assess the in-vitro bioactivity, glasses were soaked in simulated body fluid at 37 °C for different time durations, i.e., 7,14, 21, and 28 days. Biocompatibility of these glasses was also tested on MG-63 cell lines using a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl) 2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay test. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were used to analyze the hydroxyapatite (HAp) layer formation and the thermal stability of soaked samples. SEM micrographs showed the cauliflower and flakes type morphology of hydroxyapatite (HAp) on the glass surfaces after 7 days of soaking in SBF. The EDS analysis also confirmed the formation of a hydroxyapatite layer with a Ca/P ratio that varies from 1.6 to 3.9. MTT assay revealed the biocompatibility for different dosages (1, 2, 5, and 10 mg/ml) of the as-prepared glasses with MG-63 cell lines. The heat treatment of soaked glasses converts the amorphous HAp layer into a crystalline HAp layer, followed by its conversion in stable diopside as main and Ca2.589Mg0.41(PO4)2 as minor phase. The tested glasses exhibited good bioactivity and biocompatibility particularly higher CaO content glass, suggesting for use in bone regeneration applications.

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of Corn Husk-Based Hydrogels Grafted with Acrylamide

Corn husk waste contains cellulose, which has the potential as a raw material for hydrogel preparation. Hydrogels can be applied as water purification, diapers, and superabsorbents. This study aimed to synthesize hydrogel from corn husk cellulose grafted with acrylamide monomer using a microwave-assisted grafting method. Potassium peroxodisulfate (PPD) was used as an initiator, and the effects of acrylamide and PPD on hydrogel swelling capacity were investigated. The process involved drying and crushing corn husks into powder, then mixing the powder with acrylamide and PPD for microwave grafting to form a polymer, which was then ground into powder. The grafted polymer was combined with carrageenan to create bead gels soaked in distilled water and urea to measure swelling capacity. Results showed that swelling capacity increased with more acrylamide and decreased with more PPD. The highest swelling capacity reached 1016.16% in water and 961.6% in urea. FTIR analysis confirmed the successful grafting of acrylamide onto corn husk cellulose by detecting changes in the infrared spectrum. Based on FTIR and swelling capacity data, it was concluded that the grafting process was completed using the microwave method with PPD as the initiator.

Protective Effects of Purple Corn (Zea mays L.) Byproduct Extract on Blue Light-Induced Retinal Damage in A2E-Accumulated ARPE-19 Cells.

This study investigated the antioxidative characteristics of Zea mays L. purple corn cob and husk extract (PCHE) and its potential protective effects against blue light (BL)-induced damage in N-retinylidene-N-retinylethanolamine (A2E)-accumulated ARPE-19 retinal pigment epithelial cells. PCHE had a 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical-scavenging capacity and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity of 1.28±0.43 mM Trolox equivalents (TE)/g and 2,545.41±34.13 mM TE/g, respectively. Total content of anthocyanins, polyphenols, and flavonoids in the PCHE was 11.13±0.10 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/100 g, 227.90±7.38 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, and 117.75±2.46 mg catechin equivalents/g, respectively. PCHE suppressed the accumulation of A2E and the photooxidation caused by BL in a dose-dependent manner. After initial treatment with 25 µM/mL A2E and BL, ARPE-19 cells showed increased cell viability following additional treatment with 15 µg/mL PCHE while the expression of the p62 sequestosome 1 decreased, whereas that of heme oxygenase-1 protein increased compared with that in cells without PCHE treatment. This suggests that PCHE may slow the autophagy induced by BL exposure in A2E-accumulated retinal cells and protect them against oxidative stress.

VALORIZATION OF CORN HUSK (ZEA MAYS) AND CORN SILK IN POLYMER PARTICLEBOARD MANUFACTURE AND EFFECT OF WASTE COLEMANITE ON THE MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE OF PARTICLEBOARDS

In this experimental study, the usability of waste corn husk was investigated as a source of reinforcement material for the first time in eco-friendly particleboard manufacture. For this purpose, the effect of the most appropriate filler/binder (f/b) ratio and pressing temperature manufacturing conditions on three-point flexural strength in particleboard manufacture was examined. To improve the mechanical properties, the water resistance and combustion resistance of the manufactured particleboards, different amounts of corn silk fiber (0~1.50% by weight) and waste colemanite (0~20% by weight) were added. According to the experimental results, the most appropriate manufacturing conditions for the manufacture of corn husk-based particleboard were determined as f/b ratio of 0.75, pressing temperature of 100 °C, and corn silk fiber loading of 0.75 wt%. Additionally, synthetic binders and beet molasses were used together in particleboard manufacture. The particleboards manufactured comply with the specifications of the EN 312 standard, being below the maximum limit values in terms of thickness swelling, and water absorption rates. In addition, by increasing the waste colemanite content in the board composition, the limiting oxygen index (LOI) values and combustion resistance of the boards were increased. However, the use of waste colemanite in particleboard manufacture reduced the flexural strength of the boards. When 5% waste colemanite was added to the particleboards, the boards manufactured met the minimum limit value requirement for P1 type board, according to EN 312. The dimensional stability of the manufactured particleboards, according to the determined manufacturing conditions, is quite good. Particleboards manufactured from corn husks can be used in interior and exterior applications as eco-friendly building materials.

Appraisal of Characterization and Adsorption Isotherm in the Bioremediation of Cu and Zn Ions from Aqueous Solutions Exploiting Unmodified Corn and Coconut Husk

Environment is contaminated by heavymetals has emerged as a substantial globaly. Conventional remediation methods have proven inadequate and costly in addressing this issue. Hence, there is a pressing need to discover bio-remediation as a cost effective, effectual, and environmentally, a substitute for heavymetal removal. This work investigates the adsorption behaviour of Corn Husk (CH) and Coconut Husk (CCH), an inexpensive adsorbent, towards Cu and Zn ions for potential application in wastewater treatment. The physico-chemical variables of unmodified CH and CCH were appraised, and batch experimental methods were employed to study variables like pH, contact time, size of particle, and preliminary content of metals. The impact of solution pH on metals uptake by the adsorbent was investigated on the pH range of 3 to 8, revealing optimal removal efficiencies at pH 6 for Cu and pH 5 for Zn. Equilibrium adsorption times were determined to be 80 minutes for Cu and 60 minutes for Zn ions onto CH and CCH. adsorption volumes is conforming to mono-layer coverage, attained from the Langmuir plots were 4.792 mg/g and 4.594 mg/g respectively for Cu and Zn metals onto the CH and 4.771 mg/g and 4.400 mg/g for their adsorption onto CCH. Experimental values were confirmed to the Langmuir model and Freundlich model, with the Langmuir model providing the best fit. The CH based adsorbent was generally found to have an increased capacity of adsorption of the metal contents than Coconut husk (CCH). These findings underscore the strength of Corn husk as an active adsorbent to extract cationic heavymetal contents from industrial effluents.

Effect of Solid-State Fermentation of Hericium erinaceus on the Structure and Physicochemical Properties of Soluble Dietary Fiber from Corn Husk.

Corn husk, a by-product of corn starch production and processing, contains high-quality dietary fiber (DF). Our study compares and analyzes the impact of Hericium erinaceus solid-state fermentation (SSF) on the structure and physicochemical characteristics of soluble dietary fiber (SDF) of corn husks. The study also investigates the kinetics of SSF of H. erinaceus in this process. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) results revealed significant structural changes in corn husk SDF before and after fermentation, with a significant elevation in the functional group numbers. The data indicate that the fermented corn husk SDF's water-holding, swelling, and oil-holding capacities increased to 1.57, 1.95, and 1.80 times those of the pre-fermentation SDF, respectively. Additionally, the results suggest that changes in extracellular enzyme activity and nutrient composition during SSF of H. erinaceus are closely associated with the mycelium growth stage, with a mutual promotion or inhibition relationship between the two. Our study offers a foundation for corn husk SDF fermentation and is relevant to the bioconversion of maize processing by-products.

From cornfield to catalyst support: Eco-friendly synthesis of Cu/CuO nanoparticles, immobilization on the waste corn husk fibers, photocatalytic exploration and bioactivity evaluation

This study presents an innovative approach to eco-friendly synthesis and utilization of copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) for photocatalytic applications, employing waste corn husk fibers as sustainable catalyst support. The synthesis of CuNPs was achieved through a green synthesis method utilizing myrtle extract. Subsequently, the remarkable photocatalytic activity of the CuNPs explored (76% removal efficiency of Crystal Violet), showcased their potential in environmental remediation applications. Furthermore, the immobilization of CuNPs onto waste corn husk fibers was investigated, aiming to develop a novel composite material with enhanced catalytic performance. A distinctive approach was introduced by immobilizing CuNPs onto fibers derived from corn husks, and waste biomass material, leading to a significant enhancement in photocatalytic efficiency, surpassing 95.1%. Furthermore, bioactivity evaluation studies revealed the significant antioxidant, antidiabetic, DNA fragmentation, cell viability, antibiofilm and antimicrobial properties of CuNPs. The antioxidant ability was determined at 100 mg/L as 87.12%. The most powerful antimicrobial activity of CuNP was found as a MIC value of 8 mg/L against E. faecalis. The cell viability inhibition of CuNP was 90.05% at 20 mg/L. CuNP exhibited biofilm inhibition activity at different concentrations. The antibiofilm ability was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus compared to Pseudomonas aureginosa. While the DNA cleavage activity of CuNP observed double-strand breaks at 50 and 100 mg, complete fragmentation occurred at 200 mg concentrations. The bioactivity of the synthesized CuNPs shed light on their potential biomedical applications. The synthesized CuNPs are characterized using various analytical techniques to elucidate their structural and morphological properties. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analysis provided insights into the chemical composition and surface properties of the synthesized materials. EDS analysis confirmed their successful integration into waste corn husk fibers. Overall, this interdisciplinary study highlights the potential of CuNPs immobilized on waste corn husk fibers for addressing environmental pollution, advancing sustainable technologies and paving the way for the development of efficient catalysts with diverse functionalities.

Corn Husk Derived Activated Carbon/Siloxene Composite Electrodes based Symmetric Supercapacitor with High Energy Density and Wide Temperature Tolerance

AbstractIn the present work, novel composite material comprising of corn husk derived activated carbon and siloxene nanosheets have been explored as new class of multicomponent electrode material for fabricating high energy density supercapacitors with wide temperature tolerance. The activated carbon obtained from corn husk (ACH–900) with high surface area and pore volume acts as an ideal framework for hosting siloxene nanosheets (S) that allows the overall siloxene–corn husk derived activated carbon (ACH–900/S) composite to deliver excellent electrochemical performance. The as‐prepared ACH–900/S composite electrode exhibited a high specific capacitance of 415 F g−1 at 0.25 A g−1 and retained 73.4 % of its initial capacitance even at a high current density of 30 A g−1 in 1 M Na2SO4 electrolyte. In addition, the symmetric supercapacitor assembled with “acetonitrile/water‐in‐salt (AWIS)” electrolyte exhibited an energy density of 57.2 W h kg−1 at 338 W kg−1 with a cyclic stability of 92.8 % after 10000 cycles at 5 A g−1 current density. Besides, the fabricated ACH–900/S supercapacitor can operate over wide temperature range from 0 to 100 °C. This work opens up new frontiers to develop low‐cost safe supercapacitors with wide temperature tolerance and excellent electrochemical performance.