Lower Water Absorption Capacity Research Articles

Evaluation of physicochemical properties of Rohu fish noodles

Functional noodles are considered nutritious and healthy staple food products. This study aimed to develop value-added rohu fish noodles (Labeo rohita) and evaluate their physicochemical properties. Six noodle samples were prepared following several formulations. After a 2-day drying process, the noodles were stored in air-resistant plastic bags. The formulated noodles were investigated based on their physical (water absorption capacity, cooking loss, and volume increase) and chemical (moisture, ash, protein, fat, and fiber) properties. Statistical analysis revealed that the inclusion of rohu fish mince significantly increased moisture and protein content (p<0.01), while carbohydrate, energy, water absorption capacity, cooking loss, and volume decreased significantly (p<0.01). Noodles with the highest fish mince content (30%) demonstrated a higher amount of moisture (13.07%), ash (6.7%), fat (1.87%), protein (30.08%), sodium (0.64 mg), and calcium (0.26 mg), accompanied by reduced carbohydrate (48.3%) and energy (330.31 kcal). This formulation also exhibited lower water absorption capacity, cooking loss, and volume. Notably, no significant differences (p>0.05) were found in ash, fiber, fat, and mineral content among the various fish noodle samples. This study concludes that the incorporation of rohu fish mince can enhance the nutritional properties of traditional noodles.

MECHANICAL PERFORMANCE AND WATER ABSORPTION OF COCONUT FIBER/POLYETHYLENE WASTE BIOCOMPOSITE PREPARED VIA A CHEMICAL-FREE APPROACH

Plastic wastes have caused serious environmental issues worldwide, and thus viable solutions for their replacement are now urgently needed. This work aimed to develop biocomposite materials based on polyethylene (PE) wastes as matrix reinforced with coconut fiber, without any additional chemical treatments, using extrusion and compression molding. The effects of polymer matrix type (high-density and low-density PE (HDPE and LDPE)) and fiber loading (5-15 wt%) on the mechanical properties and long-term water absorption behaviour of the materials were evaluated. Tensile strength results showed the optimum performance at 5 wt% fiber – of 16.6 MPa for the HDPE matrix and 7.3 MPa for the LDPE matrix, but flexural and impact strengths reduced with the fiber loading. An increasing trend of water absorption capacity was noted as a function of filler loading and of the water temperature during immersion, with a weight gain of up to 5%, following the trend: cold water &gt; room temperature tap water &gt; hot water. From the results, HDPE based biocomposites had better mechanical performance and lower water absorption capacity, compared with LDPE based biocomposites.

Effects of polyol and surfactant plasticisers on lyophilised rice starch wafers for buccal drug delivery

Rice starch is a promising biopolymer for buccal formulations but typical oven drying may promote starch retrogradation that affects mechanical properties. Hence, lyophilisation was proposed here to improve starch product's stability. This study aims to investigate the effects of plasticisers (sorbitol and Tween® 80, T80) on the characteristics and drug release profiles of lyophilised rice starch wafers incorporated with propranolol hydrochloride. The wafers were prepared by lyophilising starch mixture (5%w/v) with plasticiser (0.2 and 0.3 g/g) and drug (10, 20, 30%w/w). Control wafers exhibited loose layers with rough wrinkled surface. Sorbitol resulted in a dense structure with higher puncture strength (PS) but lower water absorption capacity (WAC) while T80 loosened the flakes that reduced PS and increased WAC. Drug inclusion decreased PS and increased WAC of unplasticised wafers. T80-plasticised wafers with drug had a lower PS and higher WAC than sorbitol-plasticised wafers. Particularly, T80-plasticised wafers achieved outstandingly high PS and the lowest WAC at 30%w/w drug. Drug dissolution of wafers relied mainly on the drug crystallinity and WAC at 10 and 30%w/w drug. Plasticisers reduced and increased drug dissolution at 10 and 20%w/w drug, respectively. This study highlights the potential of lyophilisation in preparing rice starch wafers for buccal delivery.

A Review of Flood Mitigation Literature: A Case Study of Sidoarjo Regency, Indonesia

Sidoarjo is a buffer city in Surabaya and is a comfortable and livable city. To become a livable city, a city needs several life-supporting infrastructures, including drainage infrastructure. A drainage system that is managed and maintained properly can carry out its functions optimally. But of course, many housing developments do not pay attention to the drainage system, which can cause problems such as flooding. Floods are the most frequent natural disasters in Indonesia. Flooding is a situation where an area is inundated with large amounts of water. The occurrence of floods can be predicted by paying attention to the amount of rainfall and water discharge. However, strong winds or leaking embankments can cause sudden floods which are usually called flash floods. The causes of flooding include heavy rain. The earth's surface is lower than sea level. This area is a delta which has low water absorption capacity. Construction of buildings along riverbanks. The river flow is uneven because it is blocked by rubbish and lack of land cover in upstream areas. Even if you live in a flood-free area, everyone should be aware of the potential for this natural disaster. Floods are the release of river water that is relatively larger than usual, resulting in overflowing river water that fills and inundates low-lying areas.

The Mineralogical, Chemical, and Physical Properties of Ceramic Building Material: Khirbet Edh-Dharih in Southern Jordan (First Century BC–Seventh Century AD)

ABSTRACT Throughout history, ceramic building material (CBM), such as bricks, tiles, and hypocaust tiles, along with decorative elements, have been of immense significance. To determine the mineralogical content, chemical composition, and physical property of such materials, as well as pottery sherds, excavated from the archaeological site of Khirbet Edh-Dharih in southern Jordan, a range of analytical techniques that include petrography, XRD, AAS, and SEM-EDX were utilized. The findings indicate that during the periods studied the potters followed the tradition of sourcing local raw materials and utilized relatively advanced manufacturing techniques. However, the late Byzantine–early Umayyad potters deviated from this norm by blending noncalcareous clay with coarsely crushed quartz in higher proportions and firing them at elevated temperatures. This resulted in a clay with a lower water absorption capacity, lower porosity, and higher bulk density, thus improving its durability.

Protein isolate from basil seeds (Ocimum basilicum L.): Physicochemical and functional characterisation

Protein was isolated by isoelectric precipitation from basil seeds (after mucilage and oil extraction) and investigated for its physicochemical and functional properties. The protein content of basil seed protein isolate (BPI) was 89.08%. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) showed presence of essential amino acids. Glutamic acid (17.40%), threonine (13.65%), and arginine (11.32%) were abundant. Sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel (SDS-PAGE) analysis showed molecular weights in the range of 11.5 to 77.6 kDa. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of basil seed protein isolate revealed a high denaturation temperature (95.34 °C). The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated presence of amide I, II, and III groups. Characteristic peaks for β- sheet conformation were also observed. Results showed that BPI had high emulsifying ability index (298.4 m2/g) at pH 10. Solubility was lowest at pH 9 (10.69%). Functional properties such as protein solubility, foaming, and emulsification properties were high at pH 10. An increasing trend was observed from pH 2 to 5. High bulk density (0.799 g/ mL) and low water absorption capacity (0.51 g/ g) was observed.

Compatibility studies of in-house prepared sustainable wood-plastic composites with commercial composites

In the present research, sustainable wood-plastic composites (WPCs) were produced utilizing recycled expanded polystyrene (EPS) and biomass like sawdust and rice husk. A compatibility analysis was conducted to compare the physico-mechanical properties of the WPCs prepared in-house with those of commercial WPCs and a commercial plywood material. The experiments were carried out following standard procedures and under identical conditions. The results indicated that the WPCs produced in-house demonstrated superior physico-mechanical properties compared to the commercial WPCs, depending on the polymer content mixed. The study also revealed the increase in tensile strength was approximately 2.3 to 3.1 times which was higher than that of the commercial composites, and the in-house WPCs also exhibited better tensile modulus. The flexural strength of the in-house composites increased by approximately four times, and the compression strength increased by about four to eight times when compared to the commercial composites. The estimated hardness and impact strength values of the in-house WPCs were relatively like those of the commercial materials. However, the in-house composites exhibited significantly lower water absorption capacity compared to the commercial composites and plywood. In conclusion, the in-house produced WPCs demonstrated excellent physico-mechanical properties compared to commercial composites, while their properties were comparable to commercial plywood in most cases. These findings suggest that the in-house prepared WPCs can be utilized in various applications.

Physico-Chemical and Sensory Evaluation of Maize-Pigeon Pea Based Complementary Foods Fortified with Milk and Fish powder

Undernutrition among young children during the complementary feeding is high. Quality cereallegume based complementary food fortified with fish or milk would contribute towards reduction of undernutrition in young children. There is need for information on the animal source food that confers the best nutritional value on cereal-legume based complementary foods. This study assessed the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of maize-pigeon pea based complementary foods fortified with either milk or fish. Two complementary foods fortified with milk (COMPIM) and fish (COMPIF), were formulated from germinated maize, fermented pigeon pea, carrot and date powder using NutriSurvey application. The formulated diets were evaluated for nutrients, anti-nutrients, functional and sensory properties using standard methods and compared with commercial complementary food (CCF) and maize gruel (HCF). Data was analysed using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant means were separated via Duncan’s multiple range test at p&lt;0.05. COMPIF AND COMPIM were comparable in nutrient contents except in beta-carotene, lysine and methionine. Both formulated diets compared favourably with the commercial complementary food in crude protein, ash and moisture contents but had significantly (p&lt;0.05) lower calcium and iron values. COMPIF had the highest lysine (0.57%) and methionine (0.21%) contents as well as lower anti-nutrients content compared to COMPIM. COMPIF had lower Water Absorption Capacity (WAC) and viscosity than COMPIM (86.67 mg/100 g; 9.50 ml/s vs 93.75%; 13.30 ml/s). COMPIM was rated higher than COMPIF in terms of taste, aroma and overall acceptability. The maize-pigeon pea complementary food fortified with fish was better than the one fortified with milk in terms of beta-carotene, lysine, methionine, functional and anti-nutritional properties but was less accepted. Further work is needed to improve the organoleptic properties of complementary foods fortified with fish.

Effect of recycled of recycled glass aggregates on mechanical and physical properties of structural concrete

The exponential expansion in concrete use has put the environment under immense pressure to supply cement, aggregates, and water. Natural resource consumption impacts the environment and undermines the concrete industry. A swift shift towards sustainable concrete is required considering the emergency triggered by human activity on the climate. Glass concrete (GC) has sparked the curiosity of the construction industry owing to its environmentally friendly approach. The study uses recycled glass aggregates (RGA) to partially replace natural aggregates (NA) to produce sustainable structural concrete with superior mechanical properties. 20% glass concrete outperformed all others in fresh and hardened concrete. Only 75% glass blend demonstrated a slight decrease in compressive strength due to drop in density. Glass concrete showed a lower water absorption capacity. However, glass has triggered an alkali-silica (ASR) reaction, reducing the durability of the concrete significantly.

Studi Perbandingan Kuat Tekan Paving Block Berbahan Dasar Limbah Plastik

The waste problem in Indonesia is an unfinished problem. The growing population increases the amount of waste originating from human activities, both organic and inorganic waste. Inorganic waste such as plastic waste is difficult to decompose naturally, so research is needed on the use of plastic waste to make environmentally friendly paving blocks. The aim of this research is to know the compressive strength and the percentage of water absorption value. Using experimental data collection techniques or methods (testing/observation). By testing intact paving blocks and cubes, the results showed that PET plastic types did not meet the testing standards for DHPE and PP plastic types, which had varying compressive strength and water absorption, so that research could be continued. The highest compressive strength of the PP plastic type was 16.98 Mpa for the intact model and 23.30 Mpa for the cube model, the lowest water absorption capacity was obtained for the PP plastic type of 0.38%.&#x0D;

Technological Properties Research of Biocomposites Based on the Natural Decomposable Compounds Reinforced with Buckwheat Husk

The need to process packaging materials based on petrochemical polymers raises the question of the material for packaging production, while the raw materials for packaging should be multi-tonnage, biodegradable, cost-effective. The buckwheat husk containing up to 50 % fiber, 3–4 % crude protein, 4–5 % fat, 0.2–0.3 % sugars, 9–10% ash, tannins, which is able to inhibit metal corrosion is of a particular interest for the research. Buck wheat husk has a high bulk density – about 145 kg/m3. It is hydrophilic and is able to swell increased in volume by up to 25 %. The study aims at developing composite systems based on natural decomposable compounds reinforced with buckwheat husks. The researchers studied gelatin, sodium alginate, xanthan and guar gum, glycerin, potato starch as plasti cizer compounds. They determined that the buckwheat husk surface under the microscope was porous with many cracks, which explains its hydrophilic properties. The thesis presents characteristics of biocomposites and films from them after drying. A man revealed that the glycerin use did not require water introduction, still the biocomposite had a crumbly structure and low water absorption capacity. Biocomposites based on sodium alginate had optimal characteristics: they were plastic, formed a strong film, were well applicable to the surface, had a water absorption of 65.33 and 71.08 %, respectively. The work presented physicomechanical parameters of biocomposite films.

Combined effects of drying methods and limited enzymatic hydrolysis on the physicochemical and antioxidant properties of rice protein hydrolysates

The combined effects of drying methods and limited enzymatic hydrolysis on the techno-functional characteristics of rice protein hydrolysates (RH) were investigated. With the increasing hydrolysis degree, the average size, exposed and total SH content, iron chelating capacity, hydroxyl and DPPH radical scavenging activity increased. Drying methods and enzyme type can alter the conformation of protein. Trypsin-derived spray dried RH exhibited higher α-helix contents while neutrase-derived ones had lower α-helix contents. The freeze-dried RH owed higher hydroxyl and DPPH scavenging activity than their spray-dried counterparts, which was related to higher sulfhydryl group and hydrophobic amino acids contents. RH derived from trypsin had higher metal chelating capacity than that from neutrase, which was in an agreement with higher amount of peptide <1000 Da. The shifting to lower relaxation time in spray-dried RH reflects lower water absorption capacity and slower water mobility, which are less susceptible to spoilage bacteria. Freeze drying would be a more prevalent technique for fully utilization of RH as bioactive components in the food system.

Characterisation of gluten‐free couscous produced with different legume flours by traditional method

SummaryCouscous is a traditional cereal product usually prepared using semolina; however, couscous may be produced with different flours as well as gluten‐free flours. In this study, gluten‐free couscous was prepared by supplementing rice flour with flours of field bean, chickpea and lentil (90/10 or 70/30%, w/w). The objective of this study was to develop gluten‐free couscous and determine the quality, texture, microstructure and sensory properties, which these properties were used for characterisation. The results revealed that the gluten‐free couscous had low water absorption capacity, low swelling and cohesion and slightly high disintegration degree compared to the control couscous. Protein, lipid and ash contents were improved following the supplementation while lightness and hardness were negatively affected. Even though there was no gluten, the significant yield was obtained during production. Moreover, the quality, texture and sensory properties of gluten‐free couscous were close to those of the control couscous. Gluten‐free couscous production was successfully achieved for whom wants to consume gluten‐free products as a lifestyle.

Characterizing the engineering properties of Marine Sand-Amended foamed lightweight Soil: Macroscopic and microscopic perspectives

Mixing foamed lightweight soil (FLS) with marine sand (MS) can be a sustainable approach for maximizing waste resources, although the fundamental properties (the physical performance, durability, and microstructural behaviors) of MS-mixed FLS (MS–FLS) have not been investigated, and this significantly restricts its engineering application. Thus, in this study, macroscopic and microscopic experiments are conducted to comprehensively explore the properties of MS–FLS with different MS, chloride (Cl−), and shell contents. The results of the macroscopic tests reveal that MS–FLS exhibits a fluidity of 160–229 mm, a volumetric water-absorption rate of 13.1 %–19.5 %, and an unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of 0.95–2.64 MPa. Further, the flow of bubbles is promoted as the fluidity and water-absorption rate change, thus accumulating the bubbles with relatively large pore sizes and causing an increase in the overall relative pore size. Although the durability is reduced to varying degrees via wet cycling, freeze–thaw cycling, sulfate (SO2 − 4) erosion, and long-term outdoor exposure, most of the UCS values can still satisfy the requirement for subgrade engineering applications. Moreover, the microscopic tests indicate that the pore size increases with the increasing MS content, whereas the pore-wall thickness, cement density, mechanical properties, and durability decrease. As the shell content increases, the UCS and durability decrease considerably owing to the smooth, surface-induced weak points and low water-absorption capacity of the shells; however, the UCS can still satisfy engineering requirements. Finally, the increased Cl− content can improve the SO2 − 4 resistance due to the generated Friedel’s salt, which fills the micropores in cement-hydration products, and this facilitates strengthening. Therefore, the UCS values of most MS–FLS specimens are > 0.3 MPa before and after the durability tests, revealing their promise for subgrade engineering applications.

Use of legume flours and fiber for tailoring structure and texture of pea protein-based extruded meat alternatives.

The overall objective of this study was to understand texturization of pea protein isolate (PPI) using low moisture extrusion, and investigate protein interactions, functionality, and cross-linking with the inclusion of different levels of pea fiber (5-15%) and different types of starch-containing legume flours (20% chickpea flour or pea flour). PPI/ legume flour raw formulations had 18-27% lower water absorption capacity (WAC) as compared to the PPI control. However, WAC increased by 8-16% with the addition of pea fiber to a PPI/ legume flour control. Rapid Visco Analysis trends mirrored these results with peak viscosity shifting to higher temperatures with the addition of legume flour and lower temperatures with the addition of pea fiber. The role of starch in interfering with protein hydrophilic interactions and that of fiber in decoupling this effect were discussed. These interactions determined extruded textured protein properties, with more layering and denser products (174-229% higher bulk density as compared to control) observed with the addition of legume flours leading to lower water hydration capacity (WHC), as opposed to more cellular and porous microstructure (55-58% lower bulk density as compared to control) with the addition of fiber. Bulk density and WHC trends due to these porosity and layering effects impacted the instrumental texture characteristics of ground hydrated product, including hardness that increased from 475g to 837-2334g with the higher layering caused by starch, but decreased from 1295g to 534-1050g due to the porosity induced by fiber. To summarize, the use of legume flours and fiber can allow flexibility in targeting specific qualities while reducing costs and increasing sustainability of plant-based meats. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Health, environment, and animal welfare concerns are creating a growing movement toward plant-based meat. Pea protein isolate and concentrate have become popular ingredients for texturized plant protein. Understanding of the role of starch and fiber in the structuring of textured pea protein could lead to use of legume flours and co-products of protein isolation to reduce cost and increase sustainability and nutrition of meat alternatives while targeting desired textural attributes.

High-strength geopolymer concrete based on coal washing waste

In recent years, geopolymers have gained significant attention as an environmental-friendly alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC). Geo-Polymer Concrete (GPC) can be made using different aluminosilicate sources but using waste aluminosilicate sources not only helps to reduce environmental pollution, also leads to efficient waste management. Coal Washing Waste (CWW) refers to the waste that remains after coal washing process in the purification plants. CWW (if properly activated) can be used as a high potential aluminosilicate source to produce GPC or a supplementary cementitious material in the production of Blended Cement (BC). Hence, this study aims to investigate the use of CWW as a waste aluminosilicate source for manufacturing GPC. In this regard, CWW subjected to various methods of thermal activation and the obtained ash was used to produce GPC specimens. Thereafter, the mechanical and physical properties of CWW based-GPC were studied and also compared with conventional concrete. Furthermore, CWW ash was used as an OPC partial replacement (15 %) for BC production. The obtained results indicated that thermal activation conditions of CWW have a significant effect on the properties of the obtained CWW ash. Rapid and abrupt cooling of ash after heat treatment resulted in higher pozzolanic reactivity and thus higher compressive strength. Moreover, CWW ash-based GPC offers higher mechanical strengths, as well as excellent resistance to acidic conditions and low water absorption capacity. Furthermore, CWW ash-based GPC provides proper resistance to evaluated temperatures so that it is almost stable up to 800 °C.

Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of 3D-Printed Waterborne Polyurethane-Urea and Cellulose Nanocrystal Scaffolds through Crosslinking.

In this work, shape-customized scaffolds based on waterborne polyurethane-urea (WBPUU) were prepared via the combination of direct ink writing 3D-printing and freeze-drying techniques. To improve the printing performance of the ink and guarantee a good shape fidelity of the scaffold, cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) were added during the synthesis of the WBPUU and some of the printed constructs were immersed in CaCl2 prior to the freeze-drying process to promote ionic crosslinking between calcium ions and the polyurethane. The results showed that apart from allowing the ink to be successfully printed, obtaining scaffolds with good shape fidelity, the addition of the CNC resulted in a greater homogeneity of the porous structure as well as an increase of the swelling capacity of the scaffolds. Additionally, the CNC has a reinforcement effect in the printed systems, presenting a higher compression modulus as the CNC content increases. In the case of samples crosslinked by calcium ions, a rigid shell was observed by scanning electron microscopy, which resulted in stiffer scaffolds that presented a lower water absorption capacity as well as an enhancement of the thermal stability. These results showed the potential of this type of post-printing process to tune the mechanical properties of the scaffold, thus widening the potential of this type of material.

ANALISIS SPASIAL POTENSI RESAPAN AIR UNTUK MENDUKUNG PENGELOLAAN DAERAH ALIRAN SUNGAI (DAS) UNDA PROVINSI BALI (Spatial Analysis of Water Infiltration Potential to Support The Management of Unda Watershed at Bali Province)

The Unda Watershed is categorized as the priority watershed, which part of its area is degraded land. The condition of land cover with the dominance of low-density vegetation has implications for low infiltration and water absorption capacity, so that it has the potential to increase surface runoff. This study aims to identify the potential for water absorption as the basis for watershed management planning. The method used in this study is scoring with four parameters, namely soil type, land use, slope, and rainfall. Spatial data analysis uses Geographic Information System (GIS). The formulation of recommendations for watershed management activities is carried out descriptively, based on the findings of the analysis of water absorption potential. The results showed that the water recharge conditions in the study area were classified as good (22.54%), very critical (18.20%), normal (17.92%), and less critical (7.99%). The recommended watershed management is periodic reforestation, construction of bench/traditional terraces, construction of infiltration wells/biopori holes in the residential areas, and synergistic integration of the roles of watershed institutions from upstream to downstream.

Preparation and Characterization of Black Seed/Cassava Bagasse Fiber-Reinforced Cornstarch-Based Hybrid Composites

Great advances have been made in the preparation of bioplastics and crude oil replacements to create a better and more sustainable and eco-friendly future for all. Here, we used cassava bagasse fibers at different ratios as reinforcement material to enhance the properties of black seed w-cornstarch films using the facile solution casting technique. The reinforced films showed compact and relatively smoother structures without porosity. The crystallinity values increased from 34.6 ± 1.6% of the control to 38.8 ± 2.1% in sample CS-BS/CB 9%, which reflects the mechanical properties of the composite. A gradual increase in tensile strength and elastic modulus was observed, with an increase in loading amounts of 14.07 to 18.22 MPa and 83.65 to 118.32 MPa for the tensile strength and elastic modulus, respectively. The composite film also exhibited faster biodegradation in the soil burial test, in addition to lower water absorption capacity. Using bio-based reinforcement material could significantly enhance the properties of bio-based packaging materials. The prepared hybrid composite could have a promising potential in food packaging applications as a safe alternative for conventional packaging.

Physicochemical and functional properties of modified adlay starch (Coix lacryma-jobi) by microwave and ozonation

ABSTRACT Adlay is a cereal that has been used as food, but its use is still limited. Adlay consists of high starch content, but native adlay starch has a low water absorption capacity and other functional properties. The characteristics of adlay starch can be improved; some of them are modified into porous starch. This study aimed to define porous adlay starch granules and improve the physicochemical properties by synergic modification of microwave heat treatment (MHT) and ozonation. This study consisted of MHT, ozonation, and synergic modification of MHT-ozonation on adlay starch (native, ozonation 20 min, MHT 3 min, MHT 6 min, MHT 3 min followed by ozonation 20 min, and MHT 6 min followed by ozonation 20 min). The results showed that the best treatment was the synergic modification of 6 min of MHT followed by 20 min of ozonation. It showed the highest swelling volume of 22.43 ± 0.39 mL/g and highest water absorption capacity of 3.31 ± 0.34 g/g, the best starch stability with the lowest breakdown viscosity of 3779,33 ± 191,81 cP, and formed the most porous adlay starch. The dual modification effectively created porous starch without changing the new functional groups in starch.