Cantab Research Articles

Effect of High-Velocity Impact Loading on Concrete Slabs Reinforced by Metallic Strips from Soft Drink Cans as Fiber

Effect of High-Velocity Impact Loading on Concrete Slabs Reinforced by Metallic Strips from Soft Drink Cans as Fiber

Corrosion study of cola soft drink cans

The study of corrosion in aluminium packaging is fundamental to ensuring the quality and safety of the product. The varnish layer present on metal packaging aims to minimize any interaction between the food or drink and the metal, as well as minimizing the corrosion process. The acidic nature of soft drinks, as well as the ions present in solution, such as phosphates, benzoates or chlorides, play a strong role in the oxidative process of aluminum. This study evaluated the corrosion of the body of aluminum cola cans. The beverage was first characterized and the results obtained were: pH =2.5; 7.5 oBrix; chloride concentration of 0.17g/L, acidity 0.17 %m/m; density 1.04 g/mL and concentration of reducing sugars was 11.3 %m/m. The corrosion of aluminum in model solutions with different concentrations of citric acid and NaCl was studied via linear polarization for samples with and without varnish. The statistical analysis carried out, via factorial design 23 with a triplicate at the center point, showed that the corrosion rate (CR) of the sample with varnish was significantly influenced by temperatures above 45 oC in the range of chlorides studied. On the other hand, the CR of the sample without varnish was strongly influenced by the combination of high temperatures and high chloride concentrations. Removing the varnish resulted in a higher activation energy (AE = 67.48 kJ/mol) when removed with acetone and then polished with sandpaper compared to the sample with varnish (AE = 88.92 kJ/mol). From a kinetic point of view, this showed the protective effect of this layer and its effectiveness against corrosion. The ΔHo and ΔGo activation parameters of the process were positive, showing that corrosion is an endothermic process with increased disorder when the varnish is removed, respectively. It is therefore important to buy the product with the packaging in good condition to guarantee the integrity of the protective layer and its quality, since oxidation of the aluminum can lead to products that compromise the quality of the food or drink.

Innovative recycling and conversion of aluminum waste to hydrogen and aluminum chloride: Enhancing economic feasibility and sustainability in Saudi Arabia

The rapid industrialization and urbanization in Saudi Arabia have led to significant challenges in waste management, particularly in recycling aluminum waste. This study explores an innovative approach for converting aluminum waste, specifically beverage cans, into valuable products such as aluminum chloride (AlCl3) and hydrogen (H2). The process involves the chemical reaction of aluminum with hydrochloric acid (HCl), producing AlCl3 and H2, and is modeled using Aspen Plus software. Two scenarios are evaluated: one without recycling and one incorporating recycling processes. In the first scenario, the direct conversion process yields 355 tons of AlCl3 and 9 tons of H2 per day from 100 metric tons of aluminum waste. The minimum selling price (MSP) of AlCl3 is calculated to be $764 per ton, with an annual profit of $25 million, assuming a market price of $1000 per ton. However, the economic viability of this scenario is highly sensitive to conversion efficiencies and market conditions. The second scenario integrates a recycling loop, processing 90 % of the aluminum waste back into aluminum, significantly enhancing economic stability. This scenario produces 35 tons of AlCl3 and 1 ton of H2 per day, with an MSP of $1068 per ton. Despite the higher MSP, the inclusion of recycled aluminum, sold at $2400 per ton, results in a higher annual profit of $38 million, demonstrating greater economic resilience and sustainability. This study provides a comprehensive techno-economic analysis, highlighting the dual benefits of waste reduction and resource recovery. By optimizing reaction conditions and incorporating recycling, the proposed process aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 sustainability goals, offering a viable pathway for enhancing economic feasibility and environmental sustainability in aluminum waste management.

Mechanical properties of a mortar with aluminum fibers waste of drink cans

The aim of this study is to utilize drink cans as fibers to reinforce mortars production. for this purpose, we cut the cans into various sizes to investigate how the width and length of the fibers affect the mechanical properties of the mortar (2x10, 4x10 and 2x20)mm, as well as using different percentages 0,5%,1%, 1,5%, 2%, and 2,5% by the weight of the cement. The results of this study showed improvement of mechanical strength of the mortar especially the flexural strength. The comperessive strength increased by 14% compared to the control mortar, whereas the flexural strength increased by 14% and 20% compared to the control mortar of the fiber MF1 and MF2, while the addition of 2% of aluminium in fiber MF3 incresed the flexural strength by more than 39% compered to mortar not reinforced. The addition of alimunium fiber have helped in reducing the cracking of the mortar . Consequently, incorporating aluminum fibers from drink cans into the mortar mix will significantly impact the indirect tensile strength, flexural strength, ductility, and post-cracking behavior.

Application of multi draw radius deep draw die for increase in formability of redrawn cylindrical cups

Currently, deep drawing and redrawing are the primary methods used to create beverage cans. Research to increase the efficiency of this procedure is ongoing. This study aimed to improve the formability of redrawn cups by proposing a new technique, wherein a multi-die radius (MDR) die was used as a deep drawing die for producing deep-drawn cups and then redrawn once more to create the redrawn cup. It was found that a more uniformly deformed grain microstructure evolutions and cup wall thickness around the cup were achieved in the case of the MDR deep-drawing process compared with the conventional deep-drawing process. However, using the MDR deep-drawn cups to fabricate redrawn cup, the formability in terms of LDR could not be increased. However the formability in terms of cup wall thickness can be significantly increased by approximately 7% thicker.

A platform for continuous monitoring of the degradation of aluminum beverage can lids in realistic conditions through electrochemical impedance spectroscopy

The coatings on aluminum beverage can lid interiors can be prone to long-term degradation due to the high impact forces during fabrication and the corrosive nature of beverages. Multi-month tests are required to assess their resistance to this degradation. This study aims to present an innovative can lid coating testing method that incorporates in-situ Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) monitoring under real-world conditions and with actual beverages. A robust testing chamber was meticulously engineered to house the 3D-shaped lid and maintain the conditions found in a beverage can. Experiments were conducted at stressed and non-stressed conditions, assessing different coatings and different beverages. The developed method has the potential to mimic the multi-month pack tests and offers a quicker, more insightful, and less laborious alternative for the lid coating degradation assessment. Ultimately, this method could help in improving the longevity and quality of aluminum beverage cans.

An experimental parametric study assessing the effect of a certain initial geometric imperfection on cylinder buckling

Given the sensitivity of axially-loaded cylinder buckling to geometric imperfections, the advent of additive manufacturing provides a compelling platform to assess subtle changes in initial configuration from an experimental perspective. The cylindrical form is ubiquitous in many load-bearing contexts, from soda cans to submarines to rocket fuel tanks. Despite the relative simplicity of the shape, it is striking how the assessment of buckling loads continues to pose strong challenges to the designers of these load-bearing components, often in a situation where weight-saving is a key constraint. Furthermore, this type of buckling typically corresponds to a sudden, severe, catastrophic event, and in addition to posing serious consequences in practice, this also presents challenges for those conducting high-fidelity experiments, especially in terms of repeatability. Any conditions that deviate from a pristine cylindrical shape, and purely axial loading, are the root-cause of the buckling variability. Typically, the slight deviations from the pristine (perfect) conditions are somewhat random and unpredictable in nature. 3D-printing now provides the experimentalist with the ability to produce cylindrical specimens to a very high degree of geometric fidelity, thus allowing a degree of control of the form of subtle geometric imperfections. This paper focuses attention on a specific form of deviation from a pristine cylindrical shape, in which the longitudinal sides follow a mild cosine wave form. The amplitude of this shape is varied (in both directions, i.e., inwards and outwards), and its effect on both the buckling load and buckling mode shape assessed experimentally, using the outcome of finite element analysis as a guide.

Mass Spectrometric Study of the Most Common Potential Migrants Extractible from the Inner Coatings of Metallic Beverage Cans.

Population exposure to endocrine disrupting chemical- bisphenols, which are used commonly in food containers and drinking water pipes in Europe, is above acceptable health and safety levels, according to updated research data. In order to evaluate the most abundant potential migrants in canned sweetened beverages marketed in Poland, we performed the HPLC-MS screening test of the migrants present in the can coating material. The analyzed samples represented the three top-ranked companies of the global soft drink market; it is reasonable to assume that the obtained data are of global validity. The tested can coatings and beverages contained bisphenols conjugates such as five butoxyethanol (BuOEtOH) adducts with bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (BADGE), one butoxyethanol adduct with bisphenol A monoglycidyl ether (BAMGE), and cyclo-di-BADGE. The performed HPLC-MS/MS analysis in the MRM mode enabled evaluation of the concentrations of the detected conjugates in canned beverages which were found to be very low, namely at the level of 1 µg/L. On the other hand, the high consumption of canned beverages may yield a risk associated with the presence of these compounds in the diet. The subsequent HPLC-QTOF-MS/MS experiments allowed, for the first time, a detailed determination of the fragmentation pathways of the detected migrants as well as detection of the isomers of the two migrants, namely BADGE + BuOEtOH and BADGE + BuOEtOH + HCl.

On the Crush Behavior and Energy Absorption of Sustainable Beverage Cans and Their Polyurethane Foam-Filled Structures: An Experimental Study.

In the pursuit of global energy conservation and emissions reductions, utilizing beverage cans as energy-absorbing components offers potential for a sustainable economy. This study examines the impact of foam filling on the crushing behaviors and energy absorption of various types of beverage cans. Quasi-static compression tests were conducted on five geometrically sized cans filled with three densities of polyurethane foam to study their deformation modes and calculate crashworthiness parameters within the effective stroke. Results show that empty beverage cans have lower energy absorption capacities, and deformation modes become less consistent as can size increases. Higher foam density leads to increased total energy absorption, a slight reduction in the effective compression stroke, and a tendency for specific energy absorption to initially increase and then decrease. Regarding crush behavior, smaller cans transition from a diamond mode to a concertina mode, while larger cans exhibit a columnar bending mode. Next, the coupling effect of energy absorption between foam and cans was analyzed so as to reveal the design method of energy-absorbing components. The specific energy absorption of smaller cans filled with polyurethane foam is superior to that of similar empty cans. These findings provide valuable insights for selecting next-generation sustainable energy absorption structures.

Unlocking Creative Potential: Sustainable Art Practices Through Scrap Art and SCAMPER Design Innovation

Abstract: In today's consumer-centric world, rapid technological progress has led to an alarming increase in discarded items, posing a significant environmental threat. This situation underscores the pressing need for embracing sustainable practices in artistic endeavors. Many contemporary artists are now turning to "Scrap Art" or "Junk Art," creating stunning pieces from discarded materials, not only beautifying their surroundings but also raising awareness about reuse. This paper delves into the detrimental impact of rampant consumerism on the environment and advocates for repurposing and upcycling waste materials in art. It outlines a four-stage design process: selecting waste products, developing concepts, generating ideas, and creating a series of innovative designs. The SCAMPER technique, known for its effectiveness in generating creative ideas, was applied during the concept development and idea generation stages. Through this methodology, the study showcased how waste soft drink cans could be transformed into five distinct products: a desk watch, a picture frame, a spring paper clip, a pencil holder, and a lamp. These creations not only demonstrated the potential of upcycling but also reduced the need for recycling or landfill disposal. The research emphasizes the compatibility of the design process with creative concept generation and highlights the importance of sustainable art practices in mitigating environmental challenges. By unlocking the creative potential of upcycling and addressing environmental concerns, this study aims to contribute to a more sustainable and vibrant artistic landscape, benefiting both artists and the environment.

Role of the MnCoGe alloys to enhance the capacitance of flexible supercapacitors made with electrodes of recycled aluminum and carbon nanotubes

Flexible and sustainable supercapacitors (SCs) were fabricated with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) as the anode and recycled aluminium as the cathode (obtained from soda cans). Devices made with the configuration of CNT//Al had maximum energy-densities/capacitances of 97.8 Wh kg−1/313.5 F g−1. Later, MnCoGe (MCG) alloy powders doped with boron (MCG:B) or gallium (MCG:Ga) were incorporated into the SC electrodes and the energy-density/capacitance was enhanced up to 269.5 Wh kg−1/862.3 F g−1. This outstanding increment of the electrochemical performance was caused by the formation of multiple redox centers on the SC electrodes (oxygen vacancies, Mn3+/Mn4+, Co2+/Co3+, and Ge4+/Ge2+/Ge0) as confirmed by XPS and Raman spectroscopies. The SCs made with MCG alloys were immersed in acid (pH=3)/basic (pH=11) aqueous media and electrochemically tested. Surprisingly, the capacitance retention was reduced a maximum of 0.6%, demonstrating their capacity to operate underwater. The tests of bending and charging/discharging cycles demonstrated that the SCs made with the MCG:B powder were the most stable because their capacitance retention was above 95%. In contrast, SCs made with the MCG:Ga alloy had capacitance retentions below 93% after the same tests. Overall, we demonstrated that efficient/flexible/waterproof SCs can be made with low-cost aluminium, which of interest for wearable electronics.

In Case You Haven't Heard…

Yet another state has fallen for the “it's not the pandemic anymore, but hospitality…” argument. Alcohol‐to‐go is now legal in Colorado. Originally approved on a temporary basis four years ago to prevent transmission of COVID (and, unspoken at the time, to help keep restaurants alive), the measure was extended by lawmakers last year. It was due to expire in July 2025. Now, Gov. Jared Polis — the same person who signed the emergency to‐go alcohol rule in 2020 — has signed a bill to make alcohol‐to‐go legal. ADAW isn't objecting to this, any more than we would object to people drinking alcohol in a restaurant or at home. But let's be clear on who wants this: drinkers, perhaps who drive, and alcohol sellers. Meanwhile, there are no masks, no more free COVID tests, and, in Colorado, plenty of marijuana in addition to the alcohol. Maybe we should take a closer look at why alcohol is considered so financially helpful to restaurants and stores (incidentally, the limit for alcohol‐to‐go in Colorado is two bottles of wine, 12 cans of beer, or one liter of spirits, and this is unchanged from the previous COVID‐era rule).

Selection of Crosslinking Agents for Acrylic Resin Used in External Coatings for Aluminum Packaging in the Beverage Industry

Paints and coatings are widely used in various applications such as walls, cars, packaging, and food products. The quality of food packaging is essential due to its direct or indirect contact with food. The demand for high-quality food packaging is increasing due to the higher production and consumption rates. However, containers used in the beverage industry often face problems like scratches and abrasions during transportation. This study aimed to investigate different formulations of external coatings for beverage cans to improve their physical resistance properties and prevent corrosion and surface damage problems. The study involved reacting an acrylic resin with six different amino resins, including methylated melamine, butylated melamine, glycoluril, methylated urea, butylated urea, and benzoguanamine, in various proportions. The results of 25 formulated samples were compared based on properties such as adhesion, durability, and chemical resistance. The outcomes of the study showed significant differences among the crosslinking agents. Among all the crosslinking agents, methylated melamine showed the most favorable results in the analyses, proving to be effective in almost all tests.

UPCYCLING FOR REPURPOSING WASTE INTO CREATIVE PRODUCTS

Upcycling is the process of repurposing non-used materials or products to make them more valuable or usable, with increased quality and value. However, truly little research has been conducted on the design process and/or creative ideation of upcycling in order to produce higher-quality and more valuable products. This study presents the four stages of the design process, consisting of selecting the waste products, emerging conceptions, generating ideas, and rendering a series of creative ideas. SCAMPER (substitute, combine, adjust, modify, put to other uses, eliminate, reverse), one of the practical and effective techniques to create various creative ideas, was applied in the stages of emerging conceptions and generating ideas. With the upcycling concept of waste product design utilizing SCAMPER, the results demonstrated that waste soft drink cans could be converted into five creative products: a desk watch, a picture frame, a spring paper clip, a pencil holder, and a lamp. The five products featured the upcycling of waste soft drink cans, removing the need to recycle or send them to landfills at that point in their lifecycle. Consideration was given to the design process’ compatibility with creative concept generation and design. The study indicated that upcycling should be viewed as an essential component of waste management and repurposing in order to provide an intelligent answer to escalating product waste problems.

Synergistic effect of α-alumina integrated silica ceramic nanocomposites prepared using waste beverage cans and rice husk for corrosion protection application

In this study, we investigated the synergistic effect of α-alumina-integrated silica nanocomposites as a promising material for corrosion protection. We synthesized these nanocomposites in different proportions (90 wt% silica:10 wt% alumina (AS-1) and 70 wt% silica:30 wt% alumina (AS-2)) via ball milling using rice husk and waste beverage cans as the precursor source. XRD, FTIR and EDX analysis of α-Al2O3 integrated silica nanocomposites revealed distinct peaks corresponding to both silica and α-Al2O3 components, confirming the successful formation of the nanocomposites. FESEM and TEM analyses showed that the α-alumina and silica nanoparticles were agglomerated and inhomogeneous, with sizes ranging from 150 nm to 250 nm. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and potentiodynamic polarization tests showed that pure silica, AS-1, and AS-2 had corrosion rates of 1.7648, 0.4396, and 0.0610 mm/yr, respectively. AS-1 and AS-2 exhibited higher charge transfer resistance (Rct) values of 34.54 KΩ and 48.60 KΩ, respectively, compared to pure silica (24.4 KΩ). Nyquist and Bode plots revealed the improved corrosion resistance of α-alumina-integrated silica nanocomposites compared to pristine silica-based protective coatings on mild steel. It is noted that the amount of α-alumina content enhances the corrosion resistance efficiency of the nanocomposites. The synergistic effect of the α-alumina-integrated silica nanocomposites can be attributed to the improved barrier properties and forming a protective layer on the metal substrate, effectively mitigating the corrosion process.

Energy drink consumption among medical students in Jordan - prevalence, attitudes, and associated factors: a cross-sectional study.

Energy drinks (ED) are popular beverages that contain high levels of caffeine, sugar, and other supplements, such as vitamins, which are marketed to enhance mental alertness and physical performance. Studies have shown that energy drink consumption is prevalent among medical students. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the prevalence, attitudes, and factors associated with energy drink consumption among medical students in Jordan. A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students from six public universities in Jordan. A total of 307 students were included in the study, and data were collected using an expert-validated questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed using SPSS version 25. The study found that 50% of the sample had consumed ED, half of them started consuming them at the age of 16-18, and learned about them from friends. The primary reasons for consuming ED were to stay awake at night and the majority of them increase their consumption during exams to increase alertness. Regular energy drink consumption was significantly associated with being a student at the university located in the south governorate of Jordan (P=0.021), living alone (P=0.000), drinking alcohol (P=0.049), drinking coffee daily (P=0.043), and consuming more than 10 cans of soft drinks weekly (P=0.001). However, sex, age, academic achievement, and smoking status had no significant association with regular energy drink consumption. Students with regular energy drink consumption experienced daytime sleepiness, decreased concentration, fatigue, and reduced performance more than students with no regular energy drink consumption. The prevalence of energy drink consumption among medical students in Jordan is high, with factors such as social influences, lifestyle behaviors, and academic pressure being significant contributors. This study highlights the need for interventions to promote healthy behaviors and raise awareness about the potential harms of ED among medical students.

Identification of Novel Can Manipulation Behaviour in the Common Raven (Corvus corax)

This study examines the common raven (Corvus corax) population on Lanzarote, Spain, at a previously unstudied site. The study aimed to compare the use of camera trap technology and human observation in capturing a wide repertoire of raven behaviour and pay close attention to the perforation of aluminium cans, a behaviour that has not been described in the scientific literature previously but has been reported anecdotally through human observation. Five cameras were sited over a period of 6 months, with three aluminium cans placed at each location. One of the three cans was baited with meat and eggs, mimicking wild feeding substrate. Human observations took place over the same period of time in the same locations. Raven sightings were highly correlated in human-inhabited areas as well as agricultural areas, seemingly linked to food acquisition. Camera trap technology identified a greater number of can-orientated behaviours (interaction, manipulation, peeking inside, and pecking) compared to the human observation method. Conversely, human observation yielded a greater number of non-can-orientated behaviours (analysed as a group) when compared to that of camera trap observation. Overall, there was a significantly greater number of ravens observed via human observation when compared to that of camera trap observation. Initial evidence suggests that ravens only perforate cans they deem salient in terms of food acquisition, with beer cans being the most common focus of the behaviours observed, possibly linked to olfactory stimuli, the movement of the can or learned behaviour relating to reward acquisition. This study presents new data regarding object interaction in ravens, adding to the current body of knowledge.

Hold my beer! Consumer perceptions of innovative and sustainable secondary packaging

PurposeAs a result of both shifting social concerns and stricter legislation, many companies are seeking innovative and sustainable solutions for both primary and secondary packaging. The craft beer industry has made the most notable advancements with a variety of alternatives to the traditional secondary packaging (e.g. plastic rings) used to link beer cans. Yet, despite the impact packaging has on consumer purchase behavior and the environment, secondary packaging has received far less attention in the literature. This study aims to understand consumer perceptions of craft beer secondary packaging on consumers’ willingness to buy via the underlying mechanisms of perceived packaging innovation and sustainability.Design/methodology/approachA single-factor between-subjects experiment with four conditions (secondary packaging format: Pak-Tech holder, Keel Clip holder, Glue-Pack holder, Biodegradable holder) was conducted with 354 participants to test the hypothesized serial mediation model.FindingsThe results demonstrate that none of the secondary packaging styles had a direct effect on willingness to buy, meaning that the package style alone does not influence a consumer’s purchase decisions. Critically, the results also revealed indirect effects; specifically, the Keel Clip and Glue-Pack six-pack can holders were perceived as more innovative than the Pak-Tech holder, which in turn positively influenced perceptions of packaging sustainability and subsequent willingness to buy.Originality/valueThe authors’ results extend the research on sustainable secondary packaging and aids craft breweries along with other beverage producers in making informed decisions as the push for sustainable packaging becomes more prominent.

Pemanfaatan Bahan Limbah dari Kaleng Menjadi Sebuah Rak Pulpen

The popularity of canned drinks has sparked the idea of making metal crafts from recycled cans. Usually, canned trash is used to make pen holders or other containers without prior processing. However, recycled cans can also be used to create pressed metal art. This study uses this information to identify the types of cans that can be used as components in metal works produced using pressing techniques, the manufacturing process, and the results of experiments conducted to transform used cans into metal works using pressing techniques. Observation, interviews, and documentation are used to obtain data. The findings show that the best material for metal work produced with pressing techniques is lightweight beverage cans (Tebs packaging and the like). The metal in such cans is only 0.3 mm thick, which is relatively thin, flexible, and suitable for the pressing method. This can make marks with just a few presses. The metal is very easy to shape, which saves time. The process of making used cans starts with washing them, followed by cutting them into rectangular shapes, making patterns, sticking them, tracing them with a pencil or old pen, shaping them according to the design, and finishing.

Lost Wax Casting

The lost wax production process is an intermediate step in converting a design idea that has been 3D printed from Polylactic Acid (PLA) plastic into a functional part via metal casting processes. This work offers an experimental assessment of the benefits accompanied by the lost-wax method, from both energy and economic-related aspects. The methodology of this work is represented by a sequence of steps that involve converting a 3D modeled and printed part (an investment casting tree), into a metal part, which in this case is made out of Aluminum. Aluminum was obtained from recycled products (i.e., beverage cans). The first couple of steps revolve around obtaining a 3D printed part of the desired 3D model, that can be created using a multitude of readily available Computer Aided Design (CAD) software. The 3D printed part is then utilized to create a plaster mold, which is followed by a firing step to get rid of the temporal 3D printed part to leave room for the casting metal. An energy assessment was carried out to compare the lost wax method and conventional machining (i.e., computer numerical control (CNC) machining). It was shown that to obtain the exact same functional part using the lost wax method, 12.124 kWh of energy is required, versus that of 17.297 kWh for CNC machining. Moreover, normalized costs of 0.067$/g and 0.096$/g were attributed to the lost wax and CNC machining, respectively, showing an almost 70% reduction in price when opting for the lost wax method.