High Specific Gravity Research Articles

High-volume utilization of circulating fluidized bed fly ash for the production of autoclaved aerated concrete: Performance optimization and hydration characteristics

Circulating fluidized bed fly ash (CFA) is a waste emitted from coal combustion process in circulating fluidized bed boilers. The high SO3 and f-CaO content severely limits its application in building materials. The purpose of this study is to explore the possibility of large-scale application of CFA in autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC). The preparation parameters of AAC were discussed and the performance was optimized. Moreover, the workability and environmental properties of AAC were explored. The results indicated that AAC was well adapted to high CFA content, although a high CFA content caused a higher water demand as well as a reduction in the silicon content. The introduction of quartz sand and blast furnace slag effectively addressed the problems of insufficient active silica and high specific gravity. When the CFA doping was 50 %, H4 sample showed the best mechanical properties (3.82 MPa and 641 kg/m3), which meet the requests of A3.5, B06 in the Chinese national standard GB/T 11968–2020. Moreover, the toxicity leaching results showed that H4 sample was green and harmless. During the performance optimization process, more well-crystallized tobermorite was produced, whose crystal form changed from acicular to slat. Massive C-S-H gels and better crystallinity of tobermorite were observed, where were bonded and intercalated with each other, thus enhancing the properties. The paper may provide guidance for high dosing of CFA in AAC.

Phenotypic Diversity of Released South African Bred Potato Varieties for Tuber Yield and Processing Quality

Abstract Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a nutritious starchy tuber crop consumed as a staple food in most potato growing countries. Its productivity and production are limited by climate change; thus, it is of utmost importance to tap into the diversity of germplasm resources, therefore, diversifying the potato varieties available for production. The objectives of this study were to determine the phenotypic diversity among the selected Agricultural Research Council-Vegetable, Industrial and Medicinal Plants (ARC-VIMP) potato varieties for tuber yields and processing quality and to determine the correlation between measured traits. Two imported and 22 local potato varieties were planted in three different environments in South Africa. Significant (P < 0.001) differences in the tested varieties across all environments were observed for all measured traits. High broad-sense heritability (> 0.6) was observed for most of the traits, except for fry colour and the yield of unmarketable tubers. Nine ARC varieties and three standard varieties were associated with high tuber yield and quality traits, indicating their suitability for the fresh market and processing industry. Variety Mondial and five ARC varieties were associated with high tuber yield, indicating their suitability for the fresh market. Varieties released between 2004 and 2021 had high tuber yield, dry matter and specific gravity compared to the standard varieties and varieties released between 1980 and 1999, although there were slight differences in the magnitudes of their traits measured. These varieties could be recommended for commercial production for specific markets and for use as potential parents for further genetic improvement of the potato crop.

Geochemical Evaluation of Itakpe Iron Ore Mine Tailings, Itakpe, Nigeria

The study focus on the characterisation of the tailings attributes with a view to understanding the geotechnical properties, leaching potential and possible major oxides. The samples were composited into five. The composited samples were subjected to both physical and chemical tests. The physical tests include particle size distribution, specific gravity, density, residual humidity and Atterberg limits. The chemical tests include pH, organic matter, and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (ED-XRFS). Mineralogical analyses were also carried out on the composited samples using the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (SEM-EDX). The results from the physical tests show that the tailings are mostly fine-medium sands, having high specific gravity and bulk density, with low residual humidity. The chemical analyses show that the tailings are weakly acidic and neutral with low organic matter. The energy dispersive x-ray fluorescence spectroscopy analysis of the samples shows that they contain high concentrations of Fe2O3, SiO2, and other trace compounds. The Fe2O3 of the samples ranged from 15.03 to 20.12% and SiO2 ranged from 57.26 to 60.10%. SEM micrographs obtained revealed the interlocking nature of the minerals constituting the ore matrix. EDX analysis of the regions within the ore matrix revealed the presence of Si, Fe, Al, K, Ca, Nb, Y, Ag, Zn, Mg, Cl, P, S, Na, Ti, Zr; such that silicon and iron are the major elemental constituents of the ore matrix while other elements exists in trace form.

Optimization of turbidity removal and floc formation for ballasted flocculation using magnetite-based agents by response surface methodology

In this study, a static mixer was used as an alternative to the existing flash mixing method for ballasted flocculation to assess the turbidity removal and ballasted floc formation characteristics. Synthetic magnetite exhibits excellent properties, such as high specific gravity, hydrophobicity, and wear resistance, making it a suitable ballast agent (BA). The experimental design was optimized using the response surface methodology. To evaluate turbidity removal, a model based on polyaluminum chloride dosage, BA surface charge, and pH was developed. To assess the ballasted floc characteristics, the BA dosage, BA size, and G value of the static mixer were used. During ballasted flocculation, the impact of the zeta potential of the BA was minimal. Consequently, bonding primarily resulted from the viscosity of the floc caused by physical collisions rather than electrostatic forces stemming from the BA charge. The findings of this study demonstrated promising outcomes, including potential energy savings and process streamlining, by identifying crucial design elements for implementing a static mixer in the ballasted flocculation process.

Tetrazole-grafted-hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene: A novel energetic binder for solid rocket propulsion

The present study reports on the synthesis, characterisation, and energetic aspects of poly-nitrogen containing azole-grafted hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) based energetic binders (EBs). A comprehensive computational analysis at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory reveals that azole-grafted HTPB variants exhibit significantly higher HoF (1061.6 to 1659.8 kJ/kg) and densities (1.26 to 1.61 g/cc) as compared to traditional non-energetic binders such as HTPB (specific heat of formation (HoF): 781.8 kJ/kg, density: 0.92 g/cc),. Their ballistic properties, including specific impulse (Isp: 266.2 to 283.8 s) and density specific impulse (ρIsp: 484.5 to 547.4 g/cc.s) are also superior as compared to HTPB (Isp: 283.8 s, ρIsp: 547.4 g/cc.s). Moreover, the synthetic methodology for grafting azole compounds onto HTPB, utilizing cost-effective, metal-free, and environmentally sustainable procedures with straightforward iodine and base mediation, underscores its potential for large-scale industrial applications. In addition to its advantages in synthesis and energetic properties, tetrazole-grafted HTPB exhibits favourable physicochemical properties: it has a low molecular weight ([Mn(VPO)] = 3023), high specific gravity (1.25 g/cc at 30 °C), moderate flowability (η = 623.6 Pa.s at 30 °C and 62.7 at 60 °C), a low glass transition temperature (−57 °C), mechanical insensitivity (low impact sensitivity and no ignition up to 400 °C), high thermal stability (onset temperature, Td,onset = 190 °C, TDSC = 246 °C), and a desirable hydroxyl value (47 mg/KOH). These properties make tetrazole-grafted HTPB an appealing choice for advancing novel propellant composites. Overall, these findings not only pave the way for advancements in HTPB-based propellants but also inspire further exploration in real-world applications, highlighting the transformative potential of azole-grafted HTPB in propellant technology.

Mixed Saliva Chemical Parameters Changes in Age‑Related Oral Diseases

Introduction. The prevalence of oral cavity age-related diseases, such as chronic periodontitis (CP) and oral lichen planus (OLP) increases in the elderly and senile age people. The aim of the study was to evaluate changes in the biochemical parameters of mixed saliva in age-related oral diseases and evaluate impact of correction by total protein concentration.Materials and methods. The study included 86 elderly people from 60 to 74 years. They were divided into following groups: excessive attrition of teeth patients (n = 16); moderate CP patients (n = 22); OLP patients (n = 28); healthy peoples (n = 20). Reagent strips Siemens Multistix 10 SG (USA), analyzer Siemens Clinitek Status+ (USA), chemistry analyzer Mindray BS-240Pro (China) were used. In total, 16 biochemical markers and 4 calculated indices were determined. Saliva results were expressed without any correction, and corrected by total protein concentration.Results. It was found that OLP patients differed by a higher specific gravity and an increased level of total protein and calcium from the control group. CP patients had a higher level of c-reactive protein in compared to the healthy peoples. There were no differences between groups after correction.Discussion. The data corresponded to literature sources describing mixed saliva changes in age-related oral diseases. However, correction methods practically were not used in the considered works.Conclusion. Mixed saliva chemical markers changed in age-related oral diseases. It is necessary to find the optimal correction method because dilution and viscosity can significantly affect mixed saliva research results.

Treatment of the Bitumen and Heavy Oil in Zubair Formation/ East Baghdad Field

Bitumen precipitation refers to the separation and settling of heavier, denser hydrocarbon compounds from crude oil, which can occur under certain conditions of pressure and temperature. Crude oils with high viscosity, high density, low API gravity, and high sulfur content are more prone to bitumen precipitation. Understanding these properties is essential in the oil industry for predicting the behavior of crude oils during production, transportation, refining, and storage. The viscosity, density, API, and sulfur content of crude oil were examined as part of this investigation. The viscosity test is achieved by using automated viscometer apparatus with ASTM D 7042 standard, while the sulfur content test is performed by using Sindie 2622 Sulfur Analyzer with ASTM D 7039 standard. However, density and API gravity tests are done depending on manually condition related to mixing, time, method, temperature and percentages until obtained an optimized result. In order to determine the reduction in viscosity and other physical properties of crude oil, which will offer a better solution against the precipitating of asphaltene and Bitumen that essentially lead to plug the production pipe and stop oil production. The chosen solvent was kerosene, which mixed with three samples of crude oil over the course of three periods under standard conditions from the Zubair formation/East Baghdad field [EB-58]. However, the kerosene is selected because it has a high specific gravity which is considered as the best solvent for heavy crude oil and it is inexpensive. Moreover, in experimental work used three percentage of kerosene to mix with crude oil; [6%, 12% and 18%]. The results show that all ratio of kerosene addition will optimize the crude oil properties. The best result was gotten by adding 18 % kerosene to crude oil and the best optimization results were viscosity 89.3%, density 4.27%, API 39.5% and sulfur content 21.2%. In addition to reduce the viscosity of the heavy crude oil, using kerosene for 1 job will minimize the expenses approximately 1,177,000 IQD.

Anaerobic treatment of low-strength municipal wastewater with electroactive magnetite-embedded granules under mainstream conditions

This study examined the potential for the anaerobic treatment of low-strength wastewater (250 mg chemical oxygen demand/L) using expanded granular sludge bed (EGSB) with conductive magnetite-embedded granules (MEGs) under mainstream conditions (25°C). The inclusion of magnetite, with high specific gravity and conductivity, enhanced the settleability, structural stability, and electron transfer capability of MEGs compared to granules without it. Within the hydraulic retention time (HRT) range of 4–12 h, the MEG-EGSB reactors maintained superior treatment performance, along with comparable or higher methane production, compared to the control EGSB reactors lacking MEGs. This performance enhancement was more pronounced under conditions of higher hydraulic and organic loading. The MEG-EGSB reactors achieved approximately 90% organic removal efficiency at 8–12-h HRTs, a range comparable to that of the aerobic activated sludge process, with minimal loss of magnetite. The results from RNA-based microbial community analysis, alone with the consistently higher methane content in the biogas from MEG-EGSB reactors, supported the potential development of electric syntrophy between exoelectrogenic bacteria and electrotrophic methanogens in electroactive MEGs. This capability of MEGs to promote electro-syntrophic methanogenesis could potentially enhance methanogenic degradation of organic matter. The overall findings suggest that the MEG-EGSB process is a promising candidate for anaerobic municipal wastewater treatment.

THERMAL AND STATIC ANALYSIS OF AN AUTOMATED BRAKE SYSTEM USING CATIA

Safety aspect in automotive engineering has been considered as a number one priority in development of new vehicle. Each single system in brake system has been studied and developed in order to meet safety requirement. Instead of having air bag, good suspension systems, good handling and safe cornering, there is one most critical system in the vehicle which is the braking systems. If there is no proper braking system in the vehicle the passenger in the vehicle is in unsafe position. Therefore, it is a must for all vehicles to have proper braking system. Due to critical system in the vehicle, many of researchers have conducted a study on brake system and its entire component. In this project, we have conducted a study on performance of normal disc brake rotor of normal passenger vehicle at different speeds when different materials are used. The study is more likely concern of Stress distribution on disc brake rotor and deformation and stresses developed on it due to different speeds. The widely used brake rotor material is cast iron which consumes much fuel due to its high specific gravity. The aim of this project is to select the optimum material for the application of brake disc system emphasizing on the substitution of this cast iron by any other lightweight material. The present project is aimed to study the given disc brake rotor for its stability and rigidity, for this Thermal analysis and coupled structural analysis is carried out on a given disc brake rotor to find out its deformation, stress when different materials are used. For these three different materials in each case is analyzed. KEYWORDS: Disc brake, Disc brake rotor, CATIA, ANSYS

Perlite incorporation for sedimentation reduction and improved properties of high-density geopolymer cement for oil well cementing

Portland cement (PC) is known for its environmental and technical concerns and massive energy consumption during manufacturing. Geopolymer cement is a promising technology to totally replace the use of PC in the oil and gas industry. Although geopolymers are widely used in the construction industry, it is yet to see a full-scale application in the petroleum industry. High-density geopolymer cement development is essential to substitute heavy-weight Portland cement slurries for high pressure well cementing applications. Sedimentation issue is associated with high-density cement slurries which use high specific gravity solids such as weighting materials. This problem causes heterogeneity and density variation along the cemented sections. The main target of this work is to evaluate the use of perlite powder to address the sedimentation issue in the heavy weight geopolymer systems. Hematite-based Class F fly ash (FFA) geopolymer cement slurries with perlite concentrations of 0, 1.5, and 3% by weight of binder (BWOB) were prepared. The sedimentation problem was investigated using three techniques: API method, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and computed tomography (CT) scan. The perlite effects on different geopolymer properties such as unconfined compressive strength (UCS), porosity, elastic and rheological properties were assessed. The results proved that perlite incorporation in high-density hematite-based FFA geopolymer significantly reduced sedimentation issue by increasing yield point and gel strength. NMR and CT scan showed that perlite decreases porosity and density variation across the geopolymer samples. The UCS increased with increasing perlite percentage from 0 to 3%. The measured Young’s moduli (YM) and Poisson’s ratios (PR) showed that the developed perlite based geopolymer systems are considered more flexible than Class G cement systems. It was found that the optimum perlite concentration is 3% BWOB for tackling sedimentation and developing a slurry with acceptable mixability and rheological properties.

New perspectives on radial profiles of specific gravity in North American conifers

North American conifers exhibit three radial specific gravity (SG) patterns (Type 1, 2, and 3), which balance hydraulic and mechanical requirements. Type 1 and 2 patterns (Pinaceae) have low SG and high microfibril angle (MFA) corewood ensuring compliance, whereas in outerwood high SG/low MFA provide stiffness and strength resisting bending. Hydraulically, corewood, especially in Type 2 species, is resistant to embolism, whereas outerwood has higher specific conductivity. Cupressaceae (Type 3) have hydraulically very efficient, low SG outerwood, facilitating rapid growth. Corewood is flexible, whereas outerwood is mechanically weak and compensated for by more conical stems and durable heartwood (which prevents Brazier buckling). Radially earlywood (EW) decreases, and latewood (LW) increases for all types, whereas %latewood (%LW) increases (Type 1), decreases, then increases (Type 2) and decreases (Type 3). Ring SG increases when increasing LW SG and %LW are sufficient to counteract decreasing EW SG. Shade tolerance, crown recession, hormone gradients, and environmental variation affect patterns. Auxin concentration decreases with increasing distance from juvenile foliage slowing cell division, concomitantly gibberellin concentration (lignification) and carbohydrates (cell wall thickening) increase, producing higher %LW. Across a species range regions receiving relatively high summer rainfall have trees with higher %LW (by ring).

Genetic Basis of Potato Tuber Defects and Identification of Heat-Tolerant Clones.

Heat stress during the potato growing season reduces tuber marketable yield and quality. Tuber quality deterioration includes external (heat sprouts, chained tubers, knobs) and internal (vascular discoloration, hollow heart, internal heat necrosis) tuber defects, as well as a reduction in their specific gravity and increases in reducing sugars that result in suboptimal (darker) processed products (french fries and chips). Successfully cultivating potatoes under heat-stress conditions requires planting heat-tolerant varieties that can produce high yields of marketable tubers, few external and internal tuber defects, high specific gravity, and low reducing sugars (in the case of processing potatoes). Heat tolerance is a complex trait, and understanding its genetic basis will aid in developing heat-tolerant potato varieties. A panel of 217 diverse potato clones was evaluated for yield and quality attributes in Dalhart (2019 and 2020) and Springlake (2020 and 2021), Texas, and genotyped with the Infinium 22 K V3 Potato Array. A genome-wide association study was performed to identify genomic regions associated with heat-tolerance traits using the GWASpoly package. Quantitative trait loci were identified on chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 11 for external defects and on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 10, and 11 for internal defects. Yield-related quantitative trait loci were detected on chromosomes 1, 6, and 10 pertaining to the average tuber weight and tuber number per plant. Genomic-estimated breeding values were calculated using the StageWise package. Clones with low genomic-estimated breeding values for tuber defects were identified as donors of good traits to improve heat tolerance. The identified genomic regions associated with heat-tolerance attributes and the genomic-estimated breeding values will be helpful to develop new potato cultivars with enhanced heat tolerance in potatoes.

Dielectric separation

This article describes the dielectric sorting methods, the pros and cons of existing dielectric sorting machines. At the cotton ginning plants of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the widely introduced KSM-1-15 sizing and sorting machine is used to sort bare cotton seeds. Its disadvantage is that during prolonged operation, the holes of the perforated vibrating gratings become clogged with seeds, and the calibration process deteriorates.With this sorting, both small seeds with a very low and high specific gravity, and a part of seeds with a high weight of 1000 seeds, but a relatively low specific gravity, go into marriage. Some of the seeds are damaged. The sowing fraction of seeds with the same size retains a pronounced heterogeneity in terms of nutrient supply and maturity Therefore, methods and devices are needed that are capable of separating seeds according to the combination of physic-mechanical and chemical-biological properties of seeds. These requirements are met by the dielectric method of sorting seeds in an electric field.

Effects of Tree Portion and Radial Position on Wood Properties Variation of Batai (Paraserianthes falcataria) Tree

Physical and chemical properties of wood are important factors that influence the usability of wood-based products. This study focused on the fast-growing plant species Batai (Paraserianthes falcataria), which has a diameter at breast height ranging from 50 to 70 cm. Tree trunks were cut into three portions (bottom, middle, and top) and partitioned into near pith, intermediate and near bark. Sampling for physical and chemical analysis were performed in accordance with the Pulp and Paper Technical Association Industry USA (TAPPI) T 208 om-94 standards (1996). Statistical analysis of this study revealed that tree portion and radial position have a significant impact on physical properties. The chemical properties of the tree do not differ significantly from the bottom to the top. The bottom has the highest specific gravity, followed by the middle and top. The moisture content increases from the bottom to the top. Cold and hot water, alcohol toluene, ash content, 1% NaOH extract solubility, lignin and holocellulose content were found to differ significantly between the top, middle, and bottom of the tree. Finally, physical and chemical properties of tree portion and parts were found to be significantly affected.

Innovative Utilization of Fly Ash in Geotechnical Engineering: An Analytical Review Supported by Extensive Geotechnical Testing

Extensive study has been conducted on the use of fly ash as an additive in soil and geotechnical engineering projects due to its capacity to enhance soil properties and the efficacy of geotechnical structures. Various fly ash samples had distinct elemental compositions; nevertheless, the chemical analysis indicated that Sample 3 possessed the highest silica content (55%), which corresponded with enhanced pozzolanic reactivity. The physical property tests revealed significant disparities; for instance, Sample 2 exhibited the smallest particles at 18 microns, but Sample 5 had the highest specific gravity at 2.5. This indicates that the qualities of the soil may alter when mixing these samples. The maximum dry density climbed to 2050 kg/m³, and the cohesive strength to 25 kPa with higher quantities of fly ash, as shown by geotechnical testing findings, which also revealed trends in shear strength parameters and compaction characteristics with varying fly ash concentrations. These findings underscore the potential of fly ash in geotechnical applications for soil stabilization, compaction enhancement, and load-bearing capacity augmentation. Optimizing soil behavior becomes feasible via the judicious use of fly ash, as shown by the enhancements in soil engineering properties found. Fly ash may be used in a few geotechnical applications, yet proper evaluation of its composition and physical properties, any adverse environmental and structure interaction with time must be made before applying the product. The present research focuses on the fly ash as the soil adding material and the direction of its activating material to the geotechnical built environment contributes significant knowledge of its application.

IMPLEMENTATION OF FLOTATION TO RECOVER LEAD AND BARITE FROM KOMSHECHE MINE JIG TAILINGS

With the increase in the basic metal prices, including lead, in the global markets, the processing of this precious metal, particularly for low-grade deposits, has a high economic justification. Investigating the extraction of lead minerals, including galena which is one of the minerals associated with barite, is considered one of the products of barite by-products. The purpose of this research was to study on the potential of producing high-grade barite, and recovering lead concentrate as a by-product from the jig tailings of the Komsheche barite mine. The prepared sample was subjected to mineralogical studies, and the obtained results indicated that the sample contains barite, iron hydroxides and galena as the dominant minerals and the degree of liberation was 90-95% in the size of 100 microns. The work index of the sample was obtained by the standard bond ball mill which was 8.72 kWh/t, indicated that the sample was not hard. The lead and barite grades in sample were 0.34% and 64.83%, respectively. Considering the high specific gravity of lead and barite, the processing tests were carried out in 2 stages of primary pre-processing using Mozley multi-gravity separator and then enrichment by flotation approach. After the end of the Mozley tests, the grade of lead reached to 0.6%, some fines were removed, and the classified sample was prepared for the next stage, flotation. At the end, the grade of lead increased from 0.6% to 53% with a final recovery of 73.65% and separation efficiency was 73.48%. Also, the specific gravity and grade of barite reached from 3.9 g/cm3 and 67% to 4.4 g/cm3 and 95%, respectively. These values are remarkable and meet the needs of the industry.

Rainier Russet: A Dual Use Russet Potato with Long Tuber Dormancy, Excellent Process Quality, and High Early Harvest Packaging Efficiency

‘Rainier Russet’ was released in 2020 as a medium- to late-maturing selection with russeted tubers. Total yields are less, but similar to controls ‘Ranger Russet’ and ‘Russet Burbank’, and U.S. No. 1 yields are higher than Russet Burbank with increased tubers > 284 g. Compared to controls, it has high protein levels, high specific gravity, excellent fry color and flavor ratings, low acrylamide potential, good post-harvest merit scores for processing quality, and few internal and external tuber defects. Rainier Russet is susceptible to blight diseases, PVY, and Fusarium dry rot (F. solani var. sambucinum), but resistant to common scab (Streptomyces scabies) and Fusarium dry rot (F. solani var. coeruleum). Compared to Russet Burbank, tubers are less susceptible to hollow heart/brown center, secondary growth, growth cracks, and internal brown spot but higher tuber defects for net necrosis and shatter bruise with similar blackspot bruise potential. Rainier Russet is noted for its long tuber dormancy compared to Russet Burbank.

The Luna structure, India: A probable impact crater formed by an iron bolide

The Luna structure of India has been rumored to be an impact crater for more than a decade without any convincing evidence. This structure (1.5–1.8 km) is prominently visible in the low-lying Banni Plains of the tectonically active Kutch Basin as a circular morphological feature with a less-prominent rim. Luna area is strewn with melt-like rocks having high specific gravity and displaying wide range of magnetic properties. It contains minerals like wüstite, kirschsteinite, ulvöspinel, hercynite, and fayalite. The whole rock analysis denotes PGE enrichment, with notably higher average concentrations of Ru (19.02 ppb), Rh (5.68 ppb), Pd (8.64 ppb), Os (6.03 ppb), Ir (10.63 ppb) and Pt (18.31 ppb). The target is not exposed at Luna, owing to the overlying thick sequence of Quaternary sediments. The mineralogical and geochemical signatures points to an impact into a target, which is rich in clay with elevated calcium and silica (sand/silt) content. Geochemical data suggests an iron or stony-iron meteorite as the potential projectile at Luna. The silt layer containing plant remnants, underlying the strewn layer, yielded a radiocarbon age of 6905 years, making Luna the biggest crater to result from an iron bolide within the last 10,000 years.

Performance of six potato genotypes as raw material for the national potato chip industry

Industries that process potato chips still use imported raw materials because the potatoes grown by farmers are table potato varieties that are not suitable for making chips. The research aims to obtain raw material varieties suitable for national chips industry. The study was arranged using a Randomized Complete Block Design with 4 Replications. The number of genotypes tested was 6 genotypes derived from breeding programs of Ministry of Agriculture, the plant population per plot was 60 plants. The test results obtained the Bonito Agrihorti variety with very good quality attributes of processed chips such as high Specific Gravity (Sg) of 1.080, low reducing sugar of 0.07%, high starch content of 11.44% and also high yield productivity of 24.5 ton Ha-1. Test frying was obtained that Bonito Agrihorti showed excellent due to taste, chip color, crispness, appearance with a score of 4. The impact of the results of this study can be used as a recommendation for potato chip growers as well as industries to use the Bonito Agrihorti variety as an industrial raw material and can substitute imports industrial potato raw materials.

Characterization of the properties of Buluh Madu (Gigantochloa albociliata)

Thirteen bamboo species are reported to be in commercial use in Malaysia. However, Buluh madu (Gigantochloa albociliata) did not make to the list. As a species, G. albociliata is cultivated for its delicious bamboo shoot and is demonstrated to possess great potential to produce commercialised products such as laminated bamboo panel. Unlike common bamboo, which has hollow cylindrical culms, G. albociliata has thick culms at the base, with smaller hollow cavities at the top portion. Therefore, it can be easily converted into high-thickness strips, thus improving the processing efficiency of laminated bamboo. To validate this theory, the anatomical, chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of G. albociliata were evaluated. The round bamboo and strips from the top and bottom sections of the bamboo stem were tested. It was found that G. albociliata has a vascular bundle type similar to that of the Gigantochloa genus bamboo. The fibre in G. albociliata is long and strong. The top section of bamboo has longer fibres, a higher density, and a higher specific gravity than the bottom section. As a result, bamboo from the top section has greater bending strength than bamboo from the bottom section. The G. albociliata species was discovered to have high mechanical strength, dimensional stability, and good wettability, making it an ideal material for laminated products.