Corn Stalk Research Articles

Pemanfaatan Abu Limbah Bonggol Jagung Sebagai Filler Aspalt Concrete Wearing Cource ( AC-WC )

This study aims to determine how the results of the effect of the addition of corncob waste additives with a percentage of 2%, 3%, 4%, 5% on asphalt mix Asphalt Concrete - Wearing Course AC-WC with Marshall Test testing. The problems in this study are 1). The potential of natural resources that are not utilised. 2). Lack of public knowledge about the use of corncob waste, so that this research can provide knowledge to the public that corncob waste can be used as an added material for asphalt mixtures. 3). Reduced agricultural land area due to the large accumulation of unmanaged corn stalk waste. The method in this research is the experimental method, which is a method carried out by conducting experimental activities to obtain data. In this study, testing was carried out in stages, consisting of testing aggregates (fine, coarse, and filler) and asphalt and testing the mixture (marshaall test). The results of this study provide the results of the effect of the addition of corncob ash waste with variations of 2% and 3% can be used as an added material for asphalt mixtures because it meets and complies with the 2018 rev 2 bina marga specifications, while the addition of corncob waste with variations of 4% and 5% cannot be used as an added material for asphalt mixtures because the resulting value is not in accordance with the 2018 rev 2 bina marga specifications because the value of VIM does not meet the specifications of the 2018 rev 2 bina marga.

Effects of starch dilution with corn stalks or wet distillers grains with solubles on growth performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot steers

Effects of starch dilution with corn stalks or wet distillers grains with solubles on growth performance and carcass characteristics of feedlot steers

CFD-Based Study on the Airflow Field in the Crushing Chamber of 9FF Square Bale Corn Stalk Pulverizer

During the steady operation of the 9FF square bale corn stalk pulverizer, the rapidly rotating spindle drives the hammers and impellers to form a complicated airflow field environment in the crushing chamber. The flow field characteristics in the crushing chamber can affect the motion law of stalks, thus influencing the pulverizing effect of the hammer blades on stalks and the ejection of materials. Based on establishing the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) calculation model of the crushing chamber in the 9FF square bale corn stalk pulverizer, in this paper, the effect of three groups of components, such as the hammer rack and blades, hammer rack and blades and the sieve, as well and the sieve and the impeller, on the distribution characteristics of airflow field in the crushing chamber. The simulation results show that the hammer piece group, screen, and impeller in the crushing room can effectively improve the crushing quality of materials, with the crushing efficiency and conveying efficiency at the highest speed of 3000 r/min.

Effects of a Delayed Harvest and Additives on the Fermentation Quality of Corn Stalk Silage

This study investigated the effects of harvest time, cellulase, lactic acid bacteria, and ensiling with alfalfa hay on the chemical parameters, bacterial community composition, and fermentation of corn stalk silage. Corn stalks were ensiled after the ear harvest at 0 days (D0) and 20 days (D20). Each harvest was treated with alfalfa hay [AL, 5% of fresh matter (FM)], Lactobacillus plantarum (Lp) (1 × 106 CFU/g of FM), Trichoderma cellulase (TC) (100 mg/kg of FM), or both Lp and TC (Lp+TC). The silos were opened after 60 days of fermentation. The dry matter (DM) content of raw materials increased from 18.79% to 28.32% with the harvest time. The acid detergent fiber (ADF) content also significantly increased (p < 0.05), while water-soluble carbohydrates (WSCs) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) significantly decreased (p < 0.05). After 60 days, the neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and ADF contents increased, and all chemical composition and fermentation state parameters of silages had significant differences (p < 0.05) with the harvest time. Compared with the control group, the AL treatment resulted in higher (p < 0.05) DM and crude protein (CP) contents, and the Lp+TC treatment resulted in a lower NDF (p < 0.05) content. For D0, the TC and Lp+TC treatments resulted in a higher WSC content and lower NDF and ADF contents than in D20. Meanwhile, the ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) content in each treatment was less than 10% of the DM. The pH values were all approximately 3.70. The AL treatment significantly increased the lactic acid (LA) content and lactic/acetic acid ratio (LA/AA). Additionally, the silages had a similar microbial environment before and after fermentation. We recommend harvesting corn stalks for silage immediately after the corn ear harvest. Adding cellulase improved the corn stalk feed value, and ensiling with alfalfa hay improved its fermentation quality.

Properties and photosynthetic promotion mechanisms of artificial humic acid are feedstock-dependent

AbstractThe artificial humic acids (AHA) approach contributes to achieving the carbon (C) emission peaking and neutrality goal through efficient recycling of waste biomasses and promotion of plant photosynthesis. However, the dependence of their production processes and photosynthetic promotion mechanisms on feedstocks remains unclear. In this study, waste biomasses including camphor leaves (CL), corn stalks (CS), peanut shells (PS), and mixed cyanobacteria (MC) have been respectively converted into artificial humic acids through an environmentally friendly hydrothermal humification approach. The dynamic humification process of different feedstocks and the composition, structural properties, and electron transfer capacity of AHA products were determined. Moreover, the different AHA products were applied to corn to explore their respective photosynthetic promotion mechanisms. High relative contents of lignin and C/N in feedstocks are not conducive to the formation of photodegradable substances and the redox property in AHA. The application of AHA increased the net photosynthetic rate and biomass C of corn by 70–118% and 22–39%, respectively. The AHA produced from higher H/C (0.19) and hemicellulose content (17.09%) in feedstocks (e.g., MC) increased corn photosynthesis by improving light energy capture and conversion efficiency in the PSII process. In contrast, the AHA produced from a higher content of lignin (19.81%) and C/N (7.67) in feedstocks (e.g., CS) increased corn photosynthesis by providing functional enzymes (proteins) and nutrients for leaves. This work provides new insights into the utilization of renewable resources, and the artificial humic acids approach sheds light on environmental sustainability by constructing a closed loop of C in environments. Graphical Abstract

Isolation of delignifying bacteria and optimization of microbial pretreatment of biomass for bioenergy.

Microbial pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass holds significant promise for environmentally friendly biofuel production, offering an alternative to fossil fuels. This study focused on the isolation and characterization of two novel delignifying bacteria, GIET1 and GIET2, to enhance cellulose accessibility by lignin degradation. Molecular characterization confirmed their genetic identities, providing valuable microbial resources for biofuel production. Our results revealed distinct preferences for temperature, pH, and incubation period for the two bacteria. Bacillus haynesii exhibited optimal performance under moderate conditions and shorter incubation period, making it suitable for rice straw and sugarcane bagasse pretreatment. In contrast, Paenibacillus alvei thrived at higher temperatures and slightly alkaline pH, requiring a longer incubation period ideal for corn stalk pretreatment. These strain-specific requirements highlight the importance of tailoring pretreatment conditions to specific feedstocks. Structural, chemical, and morphological analyses demonstrated that microbial pretreatment reduced the amorphous lignin, increasing cellulose crystallinity and accessibility. These findings underscore the potential of microbial pretreatment to enhance biofuel production by modifying the lignocellulosic biomass. Such environmentally friendly bioconversion processes offer sustainable and cleaner energy solutions. Further research to optimize these methods for scalability and broader application is necessary in the pursuit for more efficient and greener biofuel production.

Effects of Medium Additives on the Mycelial Growth and Polysaccharide Biosynthesis in Submerged Culture of Bjerkandera fumosa.

Medium additives have been shown to affect the synthesis of active products in fungi. This study investigated the effects of corn stalk, poplar sawdust, Tween-80, and oleic acid on mycelial biomass and physicochemical properties, as well as the bioactivity of polysaccharides, including exopolysaccharides (EPS) and intracellular polysaccharides (IPS), in the submerged culture of Bjerkandera fumosa. Results showed that the addition of corn stalk or poplar sawdust increased the production of EPS but decreased the production of IPS; Tween-80 had less effect on the production of EPS and IPS; and oleic acid stimulated polysaccharide production significantly. Polysaccharide property analysis showed that the addition of corn stalk or poplar sawdust promoted the production of high-molecular-weight components in polysaccharides and changed the monosaccharide composition of polysaccharides, as well as increased the mannose, glucuronic acid, and xylose contents of IPS. Tween-80 and oleic acid also changed the molecular weight distribution of polysaccharides but only slightly affected the composition of monosaccharides. The bioactivity assay indicated that the polysaccharides obtained by adding corn stalk possessed high hydroxyl radical scavenging and antitumor activities. The effect of poplar sawdust was slightly weaker than that of corn stalk. EPS and IPS obtained from a culture with Tween-80 and oleic acid possessed low antioxidant activity. Moreover, their antitumor activity was improved and lost, respectively. The results obtained in this work are useful for improving the understanding of the optimization and regulation of bioactive polysaccharide production in the submerged culture of B. fumosa.

Synthesis and Electrochemical Properties of Fe3O4/C Nanocomposites for Symmetric Supercapacitors

In the work, nanostructured Fe3O4/C composites based on natural raw materials (beet pulp and corn stalks) are synthesised in various ways. Iron chloride FeCl3 is used as an activator. The synthesised composites are investigated using the following methods, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffractometry, nitrogen adsorption/desorption porometry, magnetometry, impedance and galvanostatic measurements. The presence of nanosized Fe3O4 magnetite in the synthesised carbon structures is disclosed. Based on the magnetic measurements, the particle size of Fe3O4 is on average 50 nm for the sample of the composite synthesised from beet pulp in one step, 30 nm for the sample of the composite synthesised from beet pulp in two steps, 33 nm for the composite synthesised from corn stalks in one step, and 29 nm for the composite synthesised from corn stalks in two steps. It is shown that the two-step synthesis using pre-carbonised raw materials gives the specific capacitance of the composite made with beet pulp at 96 F/g, and for the composite made with corn stalks at 95 F/g. The high coulombic efficiency (>95%) and the stability of the electrical capacitance during long-term cycling make it possible to use Fe3O4/C composites for the manufacture of supercapacitor electrodes with aqueous electrolytes.

Green Preparation and Functional Properties of Reinforced All-Cellulose Membranes Made from Corn Straw.

In this study, all-cellulose nanocomposite (ACNC) was successfully prepared through a green and sustainable approach by using corn stalk as raw material, water as regeneration solvent, and recyclable two-component ionic liquid/DMSO as the solvent to dissolve cellulose. The morphology and structural properties of ACNC were determined by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction analysis, indicating homogeneity and good crystallinity. In addition, a comprehensive characterization of ACNC showed that CNF not only improved the thermal stability and mechanical characteristics of ACNC, but also significantly improved the oxygen barrier performance. The ACNC prepared in this work has a good appearance, smooth surface, and good optical transparency, which provides a potential application prospect for converting cellulose wastes such as corn straws into biodegradable packaging materials and electronic device encapsulation materials.

Study on the degradation conditions of corn stalks by Asian corn borer digestive enzymes combined with white-rot fungus.

Since the environmentally friendly reuse of corn stalks attracts more and more attention, it is an efficient and feasible way to reuse corn stalks as forage. However, whether the cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose within corn stalks can be effectively decomposed becomes a key to reusing corn stalks as forage. Orthogonal test was designed by five different degradation temperatures (22°C, 24°C, 26°C, 28°C, 30°C), five different pH values (4, 5, 6, 8, 10), and five different degradation time durations (5, 15, 25, 30, and 35 days) to examine 25 kinds of different degradation conditions. It was found that the decomposition effect of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin, of group 25 (26°C, pH = 5, 25 days) was stronger compared with other groups, with the contents calculated as 8.22%, 31.55%, and 22.55% individually (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). Group 19 (22°C, pH = 4, 5 days) revealed the worst degradation effect of cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose compared to other groups, with contents calculated as 15.48%, 38.85%, and 29.57%, individually (p < 0.01, p < 0.05). The research data deliver a basis for ideal degradation conditions for corn stalks degradation in combination with the digestive enzymes of P. chrysosporium and O. furnacalis larva. Aiming to explore a highly efficient and environmentally friendly corn stalk degradation method.

Enhanced co-pyrolysis of corn stalk and bio-tar into phenolic-rich biooil: Kinetic analysis and product distributions

This study explores the interaction between corn stalk and bio-tar through co-pyrolysis, aiming to provide insights for the valorization of bio-tar and biomass into phenolic-rich biooil. The study focuses on the thermal behavior analysis, pyrolysis kinetic, and product distributions during the co-pyrolysis process. The results demonstrate a significant interaction between bio-tar and corn stalk during the co-pyrolysis process. Notably, the co-pyrolysis of bio-tar and corn stalk with a ratio of 1:3 exhibits the most pronounced synergistic effect, enhancing the thermal decomposition of corn stalks. Kinetic modeling calculations reveal a reduction in activation energy for all mixing ratios, with a substantial decrease of 72.87 kJ/mol observed for the 1:3 bio-tar-to-stalk ratio. Additionally, the distribution of pyrolysis products varies with different mixing ratios, with lower bio-tar addition (ratio of bio-tar to stalk = 1:3) favoring phenolic compound production (>70% of phenols in biooil). These findings contribute to a better understanding of the interaction between bio-tar and corn stalk during co-pyrolysis, offering valuable insights for the efficient utilization of biomass resources.

Biochar from agricultural biomass: Green material as an ecological alternative to solid fossil fuels

The stalks left after harvesting corn, tomatoes, and tobacco have no further use and are usually burned on agricultural land. In our work samples of this waste were collected and pyrolyzed at 400 ? for 30 min in a nitrogen atmosphere. The solid residue (biochar) obtained by pyrolysis was analyzed, and the results were compared with widely used solid fuels such as wood, coal, coke and charcoal. The heat values of biochar from tomato, tobacco, corn ZP 6263, and corn BC 398 stalks were 24.12, 23.09, 26.24 and 25.78 MJ kg-1, respectively. These values are significantly higher than the heat value of wood, which is about 12.50 MJ kg-1. The ash content of biochar was 12?20 %, which is consistent with the ash content of solid fuels. No heavy metals were found in biochar samples. The results show that biochar obtained from the pyrolysis of agricultural waste, such as tomatoes, tobacco and corn stalks, has good potential for use as a solid fuel.

Pyrolysis of corn stalks: The potential of using bio-oil as a fuel

Due to the increasing consumption of fossil fuels, there is a growing demand for renewable energy resources. At the same time, a significant amount of agricultural waste accumulates, including corn residues, and the efficient management of this waste is a challenge. In this work, the waste biomass, which consisted of the stalks of two types of corn, was characterized and subjected to the pyrolysis process at 400?. The physicochemical characterization of the obtained liquid fraction (bio-oil) was performed, and the obtained data were compared with the literature data for liquid biofuel. The calorific value of bio-oil was above 22 MJ kg-1, which indicates the good potential of waste corn biomass as an energy source. With appropriate further changes in the composition of waste, by adding materials with a higher carbon and hydrogen content, corn stalks can represent a significant energy source, with better regulation of disposal and storage of agricultural waste.

Compressive Strength of Corn Stalk Ash as Supplementary Cementitious Material in Mortar

The availability of agricultural wastes, especially corn stalks, offers sustainability benefits in reducing the demand for cement production. Altering this waste into ash becomes significant for cementitious material. Thus, the study utilized corn stalk ash (CSA) as a partially cementitious material in producing cement mortar. This experimental study aims to understand the compressive strength of CSA mortar samples and their characteristics, such as absorption and their correlation. Compressive strength and absorption tests were performed in the laboratory to specimen control (M0) and partial replacement of CSA to Portland Composite Cement (PCC) at different portions of 5%, 10%, and 15% or M5, M10, and M15 at 7d, 28d, and 56d. Before mixing, we measured cement and fine aggregate (sand) properties with a water-to-binder ratio (w/b) of 0.48, based on the standard reference in producing an ordinary mix mortar. The CSA used came from an agricultural field around central Java known to have good pozzolanic reactivity. Then, the average compressive strength and weight change were measured. The results indicate that the optimum increase in compressive strength of mortar was achieved with a 10 percent CSA replacement, which exhibited 96% enhancement from 7 to 28 days compared to other mixes. In addition, the weight changes of the mortar mix have shown an increase with the CSA replacement through 10 percent at 28 days of curing. Nevertheless, the relation between compressive strength and weight change of specimens shows a low linear relationship.

Enhancing the Public Participation in a Sustainable Biomass Project Using TPB for the Power Generation Industry in Java Island

Establishing a sustainable program for biomass necessitates society's active involvement, particularly in the supply of biomass feedstock (such as sawdust, waste wood, and corn stalks). Because of this practical need, our study aims to identify the most influential factors within a conceptual model that determine society's intention to participate in biomass projects, specifically in biomass feedstock supply. We utilize the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) with ten indicators and Partial Least Squares (PLS) to measure public participation in biomass projects. Our research subjects were corn farmers and wood artisans located at Banyuwangi. We employed a purposive convenience sampling technique, involving 75 respondents (with a response rate of 75%). The results revealed that three variables (attitude toward behavior, subjective norm, and perceived behavioral control) significantly influence behavioral intention. The most influential factor determining the intention to participate in the biomass project is perceived behavioral control, with a loading factor of 0.382, followed by subjective norms, with a loading factor of 0.216, and attitude, with a loading factor of 0.207. These findings have practical implications for promoting public participation in biomass projects, highlighting the need to address these factors effectively.

EXPERIMENTAL AND NUMERICAL STUDY OF DRYING OF POROUS BIOFUEL MIXTURE

The paper presents experimental and numerical studies of the drying kinetics of a porous mixture of biofuel based on the solid residue of peat after extraction and corn stalks. The experiments were carried out on a convective drying stand. The effect of temperature on the duration of drying was determined. As the temperature rises, the drying process intensifies. Effective modes of drying the porous mixture of biofuel have been determined. An adequate model was chosen for numerical simulation. A comparison of the obtained numerical results with our own experimental data show sufficient agreement.

Optimizing Mechanical Properties in Biodegradable Composites: Polypropylene and Corn Stalk Powder Fibers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the microstructure and characteristics of biodegradable composites made from corn stalk powder fiber material and a polypropylene plastic matrix, using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) analysis. The issue of environmental pollution caused by plastic waste is a growing concern, with plastic waste accounting for an average of 10% of total waste production, and less than 1% of plastic waste being effectively decomposed due to the synthetic polymers used in their production. Developing biodegradable plastic materials, such as bioplastics, is one way to address this problem. In this study, different compositions of the composite materials were tested using SEM and microphotography. The composite materials consisted of a polypropylene plastic matrix with varying amounts of corn stalk powder fibers (5%, 10%, and 15%). The SEM results showed that the composition of 85% polypropylene plastic and 15% corn stalk powder had a more significant impact on the mechanical properties of the composites, due to a stronger bond between the plastic and polypropylene. Overall, this study provides important insights into the development of biodegradable plastic materials that can help mitigate the environmental impact of plastic waste.

Evaluation of the influence of inhomogeneous inclusions on the stems bend of agricultural plants

The work is devoted to the study of the bending of cantilever rods in the presence of inclusions leading to a significant increase in the angles of rotation of the rod sections. The presence in the structure of the rod of sections that are inhomogeneous in stiffness and are not subject to bending, but having different lengths and numbers, leads to the need to develop models of bends, in contrast to the simplified equations known in the literature. An example of the calculation of bends and stiffness of the rod in the presence of inclusions of various lengths is given. The calculation was carried out in the direct calculation mode in the PC MatLAB system. The initial data were taken for corn stalks based on field and laboratory studies of limbs within elastic deformations. Analytical models for the rigidity of the rod are obtained, calculations and graphs of the bends of the rod are given.

Factors Influencing the Rheological Characteristics of Modified Corn Stalk Fiber Asphalt Mortar

Factors Influencing the Rheological Characteristics of Modified Corn Stalk Fiber Asphalt Mortar

Co-gasification behavior and products distribution of wet sewage sludge and corn stalks: Effect and mechanism analysis of self-moisture utilization

Wet sewage sludge (WSS) self-moisture gasification is a promising route for H2-rich syngas production. This research investigated the co-gasification of WSS and corn stalks (CS), focusing on the effects of self-moisture content. Thermogravimetric analysis of the pyrolysis of the mixture (WSS:CS = 40:60 wt%) revealed that the reactions followed a three-parallel-reaction model. The co-gasification process was performed to compare the effects of self-moisture and external steam used as gasification agents, respectively. The results showed that the self-moisture gasification led to higher H2 yields (0.057–0.11 L/g), gas yields (0.19–0.21 L/g), and specific gas energy (2.62–2.72 MJ/kg) than those in external steam gasification (0.055–0.090 L/g, 0.16–0.18 L/g and 2.32–2.52 MJ/kg, respectively). Additionally, self-moisture gasification also resulted in lighter tar with primarily light organic acids (28.0%), and char with weaker aromatic structure features, attributed to longer reaction time during diffusion of pyrolysis products. Overall, this study provided theoretical foundations for the high-value exploitation of WSS.