Optimum Blend Ratio Research Articles

Study on the composition and properties of EME-SBS-Nano ZnO high modulus asphalt material

The objective of this research is to address the rut problems in asphalt pavements and to resist the permanent plastic deformation with the increasing heavy traffic loads. In this paper, a new type materials of high modulus asphalt was developed by incorporating styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) and zinc oxide nanoparticles (nano ZnO) with an (EME)-type high modulus modifier, guided by the synergistic effects and the preparation methods of High-speed shear. The basic road performance, mechanical response and thermal stability of the new high modulus asphalt materials were analysed through basic physical indicator tests, dynamic shear rheometer tests, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), the time–temperature superposition principle, the Refutas model, and the Christensen-Andersen-Marasteanu model. The optimal results demonstrate that the optimal blend ratio of the developed asphalt is 12% EME/8% SBS/1.5% ZnO. Under this composition, the road performance indicator values of softening point, penetration and ductility of the modified asphalt met the standard requirements. The dynamic shear rheometer tests demonstrates that the inclusion of SBS and nano ZnO considerably enhanced the shear resistance and recovery deformation capacity of EME, effectively improving the high-temperature deformation resistance of asphalt. Furthermore,the Refutas and the Christensen-Andersen-Marasteanu model fitting results showed that adding SBS and nano ZnO considerably improved the temperature sensitivity of the EME types high modulus modified asphalt and exhibiting low frequency sensitivity. Compared to PR Module-type high modulus modifier(PRM),TGA reveals that the maximum thermal weight loss of EME-SBS-ZnO decreased by 3.5441%, indicating better thermal stability and the major character of SBS,EME and asphalt is physical reaction. Moreover, EME-nano ZnO-SBS high modulus asphalt at 64 °C shows Jnr-diff = 9.5% and passes the "E" extreme traffic grade. Additionally, its cost is 4.67% lower than that of the PRM high modulus modified asphalt, presenting considerable economic benefits.

Fabrication of ultrafiltration membrane with antibacterial properties by blending Ag/UiO-66-NH2 and bamboo cellulose

Cellulose is a widely available organic substance that forms membranes with excellent hydrophilicity and biocompatibility. However, it is prone to biological contamination because its surface is conducive towards the accumulation of biologically active substances, which has hindered its application potential. In this work, an antimicrobial cellulose-based membrane (Ag/UiO-66-NH2@BCM) with high water flux, high retention rate, and good hydrophilicity was prepared. At an optimal blend ratio of 1 wt% Ag/UiO-66-NH2, the membrane exhibited significant improvements, including a 31% increase in pure water flux, a Bovine Serum Albumin retention rate of 99.6%, and a water flux recovery of 97.4%. Crucially, the membrane demonstrated potent antibacterial, showcasing its broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. Investigations into the ability of Ag/UiO-66-NH2@BCM to remove Pb2+, Cd2+, and Cr6+ ions from a water column revealed that the maximum adsorption capacity of the monolayer was 405, 390, and 328 mg/g, respectively. The composite membrane demonstrated broad-spectrum and highly effective antimicrobial properties, along with efficient removal of heavy metal ions. The proposed method can be utilized to prepare other composite membranes for water treatment and other fields of membrane separation technology.

Eco-Friendly Shield Muck-Incorporated Grouting Materials: Mix Optimization and Property Evaluation for Silty Clay Tunnel Construction

As shield tunnels increase, managing shield muck strains construction and the environment. To mitigate this problem, shield muck replaced bentonite in silty clay to improve synchronous grouting slurry. Initially, the physical attributes and microstructural composition of shield muck were obtained, alongside an analysis of the effects of the muck content, particle size, and general influencing factors on the slurry properties through standardized tests and regression models. Subsequently, leveraging three-dimensional response surface methodology, admixture interactions and multiple factor impacts on the slurry were explored. Finally, utilizing the SQP optimization technique, an optimal slurry blend ratio tailored for actual project needs was derived for improved muck slurry. The findings reveal with the decreasing bleeding rates as the muck content rises, the particle size diminishes. An inverse relationship exists between the muck content and slurry fluidity. At soil–binder ratios below 0.6, a decrease in the soil–binder ratio intensifies the influence of the water–binder ratio on the slurry density, bleeding rate, and setting time. The fly flash–cement ratio inversely correlates with the slurry bleeding rate, while the ratio greater than 0.6 is positively correlated. For muck particle sizes under 0.2 mm, the fly flash–cement ratio inversely impacts the density, while over 0.2 mm, it correlates positively. The optimal proportion for silty clay stratum synchronous grouting slurry, substituting muck for bentonite, includes a water–binder ratio of 0.559, binder–sand ratio of 0.684, fly flash–cement ratio of 2.080, soil–binder ratio of 0.253, particle size under 0.075 mm, and water-reducing admixture of 0.06.

Enhancing the Performance and Emission characteristics of Butanol-Diesel Blend with Ethanol

—In this experimental work diesel is blended with 12% v/v ethanol(E12D88), 12% v/v butanol (B12D88), 20%v/v butanol (B20D88) separately) and a fourth blend with 12% and 8% v/v of butanol and ethanol in diesel (B12E08D88) are prepared. These blends are experimentally investigation on a VCR engine at different loadings. Their performance and emission (PE) characteristics are compared with pure diesel in order to have optimum blending ratio. From the investigation it is found that B12D88 is having better brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and Brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) is better than all the blends at all loading condition. This is due to lower density, Cetane number and Calorific value (CV) of the alcohol as compared to pure diesel, CV of butanol is 23% more than ethanol. Emission characteristics of E12D88 is observed better than all the fuels. oxygenated fuels have lower emission. On investigating the data, it is observed that B12E08D80 blend is having better CO and HC emission than E12D88, Nox emission is larger than E12D88 but better than butanol blend and performance is close to B12D88

Optimization of hydrogen-rich syngas from coal and sewage sludge co-gasification in supercritical water

Supercritical water gasification (SCWG) of coal and biomass waste complies with the structure of energy consumption and the targets for carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. In this work, the optimal blending ratio and thermochemical transformation characteristics of coal and sewage sludge (SS) co-gasification were explored experimentally at various temperatures (500–660 °C), residence time (0–40 min), feedstock concentrations (5–15 %), and catalyst utilization. The demethylation and dehydroxylation of intermediate products (aliphatic compounds, monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (MAHs)) improve the gasification performance under favorable experiment conditions (high temperature, long residence time, low feedstock concentration, and addition of catalysts). The optimal gasification results are an H2 yield of 38.36 mol/Kg and a 118.81 % increase of CGE (cold gas efficiency) in K2CO3-catalyzed gasification compared to the absence of the catalyst. Subsequently, the co-gasification mechanism of coal and SS was determined by the analysis of the three-phase product. Ultimately, a regression model was first established to obtain the practical optimization mechanism and yield prediction of hydrogen-rich syngas through response surface plots and regression equations. As verified in multiple experiments under varying situations, the regression model’s fitting accuracy yields an average relative error of 5.53 %.

Effect of the blending between upland and combing waste on cotton fiber and yarn quality

Blending of cotton wastes with raw materials to produce different textile products has economically and environmentally beneficial. This study was carried out in Cotton Research Institute, Agricultural Research Center. This investigation aimed to study the impact of blending ratio on fiber, mechanical and physical yarn quality properties to find out the optimum blending ratio that achieves the optimum yarn quality properties. For this purpose, fiber properties, mechanical and physical yarn quality properties of ring spun yarns produced from cotton variety Giza95, Delta pine245 cotton variety (upland cotton) combed cotton waste of Extra Fine Giza93 and six different binary blend ratios were studied. Blended samples were spun into 36s, and 40s, carded yarns at constant twist multiplier 4 on ring spinning system. the results showed that fiber properties, Physical and mechanical properties of yarns produced from Giza95 were better than 100% upland cotton, 100% combed cotton waste and the other blended yarns.65% Giza95-35% combed waste of blended samples recorded higher fiber properties(maturity ratio, fiber length, uniformity index, fiber strength and fiber elongation) than all blended samples.Also,the same blended ratio at 36s, yarn count give better lea count product strength, yarn strength, yarn elongation, evenness, imperfections and yarn hairiness compared with all blended yarns followed by 65% combed waste - 35% Giza95.While, the lowest yarn quality properties recorded by The blended yarn of 35% Giza95-65% Delta pine245. Also, it observed that increasing proportion of G95 cotton variety in blended samples led to improve fiber, mechanical and physical yarn properties

Enhancing the Mechanical Strength and Thermal Stability of Polylactic Acid (PLA) with the Addition of Epoxidized Waste Cooking Oil (EWCO)

Polylactic Acid (PLA) comes from renewable resources, has a reasonable biodegradability rate, and is used in biomedical, food packaging, textiles, and agricultural applications. PLA offers high mechanical strength and the ability to compost, similar to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and nylon. However, the brittleness of PLA has always limited its usage. Therefore, bio-based plasticizers in the biopolymer matrices can increase flexibility (elasticity), durability, and workability. This study aims to determine the optimal blending ratio for the PLA blended with epoxidized waste cooking oil (EWCO) to enhance the mechanical and thermal properties of PLA/EWCO. The mechanical strength test consists of the hardness test (N/mm<sup>2</sup>), flexural strength (MPa), and impact energy (kJ/m<sup></sup>) adopted to evaluate the plasticizing characteristics. The thermal stability analysis involves glass transition temperature (T<sub>g</sub>) (°C), cold-crystallization temperature (T<sub>cc</sub>) (°C) and melting temperature (T<sub>m</sub>) (°C). The blending ratio is 97.5PLA/2.5EWCO, 95PLA/5EWCO, 92.5PLA/7.5EWCO and 90PLA/10EWCO. As a result, 97.5:2.5 of PLA/EWCO reduces intermolecular interactions by stimulating more free volume in biopolymer chains’ mobility and enhancing the flexibility and elasticity of the PLA blends. Ultimately, the brittleness of PLA decreased with increasing EWCO bio-based plasticizer.

Strength and Acid Resistance of Mortar with Different Binders from Palm Oil Fuel Ash, Slag, and Calcium Carbide Residue

This study deals with the use of ground palm oil fuel ash (GPOFA) in combination with ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) and ground calcium carbide residue (GCR) to produce the binary and ternary binders-based alkali activated mortar. The appropriate content of materials in each binder type was determined as a function of compressive strength. The results revealed that both GPOFA:GGBFS and GPOFA:GCR binders had an optimum blending ratio of 70:30 wt%, while the GPOFA:GGBFS:GCR binder was 55:30:15 wt%. An alkaline catalyst of NaOH was admixed to the best mixture in each binder type to stimulate the mortar's compressive strength. The sulfuric acid (H2SO4) resistance of the mortar in terms of weight change was also examined. The addition of 1M NaOH in both binary and ternary binders could enhance the compressive strength and H2SO4 resistance of the mortar. The highest compressive strength and lowest weight change due to soaking in H2SO4 solution were found in the ternary binder mortar with a 1 M NaOH. The mortar with GCR immersed in H2SO4 solution resulted in an increased weight, which was different from that of the mortar without GCR. The microstructural analysis of the alkali-activated pastes indicated more reaction products than in the case of the pastes without alkali activator. However, a higher concentration of 2 M NaOH resulted in a poor microstructure, which had a negative effect on the compressive strength and H2SO4resistance. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2024-010-07-08 Full Text: PDF

A simultaneous optimization of the seawater bittern and waste seashell recovery process for CO2 and SOx utilization

This study proposes a novel integration of seawater bittern and waste seashell recovery processes for CO2 and SOx utilization. Furthermore, simultaneous optimization of waste seashells and Ca(OH)2 separated from seawater bittern as an SOx absorbent was conducted to derive the blending ratio using a genetic algorithm (GA). The GA-based optimization process consists of four steps: (1) data generation using process model and data preprocessing, (2) DNN-based surrogate model development to predict the gypsum purity, CaCO3 yield, and CO2 emissions, (3) mathematical model development for TAC calculation, (4) GA-based optimization to derive the cost-optimal blending ratio and TAC. As a result, the derived cost-optimal blending ratios were scallop shells (0.03 %), cockle shells (0.03 %), clam shells (13.66 %), oyster shells (40.31 %), mussel shells (28.80 %), and Ca(OH)2 (17.18 %), reducing the TAC by up to 10.88 % compared to conventional CO2 and SOx capture processes. At the optimal blending ratio, the recycling efficiency of each seashell in the Republic of Korea was achieved from a minimum of 2.72 % to a maximum of 99.15 % annually. Therefore, this work makes a significant contribution to the chemical engineering field, providing an environmentally friendly, economical process and an efficient simultaneous optimization framework applied to the proposed model.

Multi-objective RSM-based optimization of diesel-diethyl ether blends in diesel engine to achieve sustainable development goals

With the plummeting reserves of fossil fuels at present, there has been a growing imperative for sustainable energy technologies over the last couple of decades. This imperative highlight the need for a shift towards renewable sources, not just to fulfill the current energy demands but also to lessen environmental degradation, fostering an eco-conscious and sustainable future. One way to accomplish such a goal is the utilization of diesel-diethyl ether (D-DEE) blends, instead of neat diesel in compression ignition (CI) engines. This study presents the multi-objective RSM-based analysis and optimization of D-DEE blends (0,5 and 10 %. vol) at manifold engine speeds (1200, 1400, and 1600 rpm). The responses that were recorded in this research included brake power (B.P), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake-specific fuel consumption, and CO2 emissions. The results demonstrated an increment in brake power as well as brake thermal efficiency, along with the enhanced CO2 emissions whereas the BSFC decreased while using the Di-ethyl ether enrichment in a 4-stroke CI engine. Upon implementing optimization parameters, the results illustrated the optimal blend ratio of 9.5786 %. vol at 1600 rpm, along with the associated values of B.P, BTE, BSFC, and CO2 emissions which were, 1.26726 kW, 20.861 %, 0.3354, and 7.837 % vol., respectively for this optimized fuel. This study addresses the lack of research on optimizing engine conditions for diesel-DEE blends in CI engines, specifically focusing on diethyl ether as a renewable fuel. Using response surface methodology (RSM), it aims to bridge this gap and contribute to the understanding of optimal blend utilization. The current research also aligns with the attainment of an important sustainable development goal (SDG) which includes the availability of responsible consumption (SDG 12) and improved power generation, contributing towards a greener and cleaner future.

Experimental study on co-combustion of domestic garbage and sewage sludge: Evaluation of synergistic effect and thermo-kinetic behavior

A persistent increase in domestic garbage (DG) has become a significant worldwide issue due to its negative impact on the ecosystem. The co-combustion way of DG and sewage sludge (SS) in a garbage incineration plant has been deemed a viable option. The study aims to quantify co-combustion behaviors, interaction effects, and thermo-kinetic properties between DG and SS at isothermal conditions by a thermogravimetric analyzer. The results showed that co-combustion of DG with 20 % SS could boost the combustion performance indices, and exhibit the synergistic effect. In addition, at the various SS blending ratios (10, 20 and 35 %) under an air atmosphere, combustion performance indices gradually decreased with an increased SS blending ratio but the synergistic effects were inhibited with a 35 % SS blending ratio. Coat-Redfern method was used to determine the combustion kinetics and thermodynamic properties. The apparent activation energy in the DG-SS (80 %/20 %) blend exhibited a non-linear relationship but increased proportionally with higher SS blending ratio. The lowest activation energy (34.70 kJ/mol) was obtained at the DG-SS (90 %/10 %) blend. The results suggest that the co-combustion of DG and SS can improve the overall combustion performance with an optimal blending ratio of 20 % SS for the co-combustion application.

Utilization of RSM to optimize the performance and emissions of a single cylinder diesel engine using waste hazelnut biodiesel

One of the environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and renewable alternative fuels widely used around the world is biodiesel. Among vegetable oils, hazelnut oil has great importance in biodiesel production due to its high content of oleic acid. For this study, it is aimed to determine the optimum mixing ratio of biodiesel, produced from waste hazelnut oil (WHB). The tests were carried out on a diesel engine operated with WHB/diesel mixtures at different loads. By means of the design of experimental method (DOE), three different fuel ratios (WHB0, WHB15 and WHB30) were defined and tests have been performed. The results obtained from the tests were analyzed using the response surface method (RSM). Engine load and mixing ratio were determined as input factors while CO, NOx, smoke, indicated thermal efficiency (ITE), ignition delay (ID) and break specific fuel consumption (BSFC) were determined as output factors. In the mathematical model created, the R2 values were found to be 0.98, 0.95, 0.91, 0.98, 0.99 and 0.90 respectively. The high R2 values indicated a strong correlation between the optimization outputs and the real experiments. By using these performance and emission parameters, optimization was performed to identify the optimum blend ratio and load. Based on the results, the optimum inputs were determined as 8.46 Nm load and 4.86 % blend ratio. As a result, with the optimized fuel blend, BSFC (8.03 %), ID (3.57 %), and NO (2.87 %) increased while ITE (7.7 %), CO (18.37 %), and smoke (26.15 %) decreased comparing to WHB0. Despite the slight increase in consumption, the results showed that this blend could be used in an environmentally efficient manner, thanks to the reduction in pollutant emissions.

Evaluating the blending potential of two different biomass via co-pyrolysis as sustainable pathway using RSM optimization for bioenergy and bio char production

The present study addresses the co pyrolysis of Lantana Camara (LC) and Spent Coffee Grounds (SCG) to produce renewable biofuels. The aim is to optimize the process by determining the optimal blending ratio, temperature, and residence time to obtain the highest bio-oil yield. The experiments were performed using a fixed-bed pyrolysis reactor, and the parameters were optimized using response surface methodology. The physicochemical properties of the products were analyzed using GC MS, XRD, FTIR, and TGA analysis. The results of the study show that the highest bio-oil yield was obtained at a blending ratio of 5(LC):5(SCG), a temperature of 500 °C, and a residence time of 6 min. The bio-oil yield increased from 23.3 wt.% at 400 °C to a maximum of 40.2 wt.% at 500 °C. Kinetic analysis was done using TGA data by plotting Coats Redfern plot. Activation energy for LC and SCG were found to be 31258.442 and 56766.714 J/mol, respectively, and Arrhenius parameters for LC and SCG were 113.66 and 8783.017, respectively. The bio char produced has potential applications in water treatment. Overall, the study identified optimal conditions for maximizing bio-oil yield, demonstrating a significant increase compared to traditional methods.

A genetic algorithm-based optimal selection and blending ratio of plastic waste for maximizing economic potential

Pyrolysis of plastic waste presents an innovative solution to convert plastics into valuable fuels like oil and gas, thereby contributing to circular economy and sustainability. The efficiency of this process highly depends on the types and compositions of plastics utilized, as each type reacts uniquely during pyrolysis, affecting fuel yield and quality. However, previous studies have not thoroughly examined the impact of plastic selection and blending ratios on the pyrolysis outcome, as this requires extensive experimentation due to the numerous possible combinations. Optimizing these factors, along with operational conditions, is essential for enhancing the economic viability of plastic recycling via pyrolysis. This study introduces an optimal selection and blending ratio for plastic waste in pyrolysis fuel production to enhance economic viability using the surrogate model-based genetic algorithm (GA). The optimization process involves (1) generating data via a process model of the plastic waste pyrolysis reactor, (2) preprocessing data, (3) developing a surrogate model based on deep neural networks (DNNs), and (4) deriving the optimal solution using GA. The results reveal an optimal blending ratio: 4 wt% LDPE, 30 wt% HDPE, 43 wt% PP, and 24 wt% PS. Additionally, the optimal pyrolysis temperature is 607 ℃. By adopting this optimal solution, the net profit could increase by 20% compared to the conventional scenario, resulting in an additional annual net profit of US$ 407,811, thus highlighting the potential this approach offers to attain maximum economic feasibility in industrial applications.

Preparation and Mechanical Properties of PBAT/Silanized Cellulose Composites

Polybutylene adipate-terephthalate (PBAT) is a fully biodegradable polyester, which has been proven to be the most suitable alternative to traditional plastics. However, due to the low strength of PBAT (17.2 MPa) and high price, the use of PBAT has a degree of limitations. To obtain a cost-effective and high-performance composite material of PBAT, for this study we selected microcrystalline cellulose, which is inexpensive and easily available, as the reinforcing medium. However, due to the hydrophobicity of PBAT, the mechanical properties of PBAT when mixed with hydrophilic cellulose were low. In order to improve the compatibility of cellulose and PBAT, this study selected hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS) containing long carbon chains to silanize microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) to obtain silanized cellulose (SG). Three types of SGs with different degrees of silanization were obtained by controlling HDTMS with different mass ratios (1:10; 3:10; 5:10) to react with MCC. Characterization of these three types of SGs was conducted using FTIR, TEM, and water absorption analysis. The results demonstrated the successful synthesis of SG. With the increase in the reaction ratio of HDTMS and MCC, the size of the nanoparticles increases, and the water absorption decreases significantly. Subsequently, PBAT/SG composites were prepared by blending three kinds of silanized cellulose with PBAT in different proportions by the sol-gel method. To study the thermal stability and compatibility, the mechanical properties of the composites were evaluated, including thermogravimetric testing, scanning analysis, and dynamic thermomechanical testing. The optimal blending ratio and the optimal type of silane cellulose were found. Analysis of the mechanical properties revealed that the tensile strength initially increased and then decreased with increasing blending ratio for all three composites tested. Among them, the PBAT/SG2 composites exhibit superior performance, with a maximum tensile strength reaching 22 MPa at an 85/15 blending ratio, nearly 30% higher than that of pure PBAT alone. The addition of SG significantly improved the strength of the PBAT, and SG2 is more suitable for preparing high-strength composite materials. In addition, after the addition of SG, the yield stress of the composite is improved while maintaining good thermal stability. Both the SEM and DMA results indicated good compatibility of the PBAT/SG composites. This study provides a new idea for the industrial-scale development of degradable polyesters with low cost and good mechanical properties.

Synergistic effect of blended amines on carbon dioxide absorption: Thermodynamic modeling and analysis of regeneration energy

Chemical absorption using amine-based aqueous solutions is a promising approach for limiting CO2 emissions. This study evaluated the performance of commercial amines, including monoethanolamine (MEA), diethanolamine (DEA), diisopropanolamine (DIPA), N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), triethanolamine (TEA), and 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol (AMP), along with their binary mixtures, with a focus on their synergistic effect in reducing the regeneration energy. The thermodynamic behavior of these aqueous amine systems for CO2 capture was analyzed using the electrolyte nonrandom two-liquid model; the shortcut method was used to estimate the regeneration energy. The CO2 loading ratio, concentrations of the molecules and ions in the liquid phase, heat of absorption, pH, and regeneration energy were included in the analysis. Amine blending was found to synergistically lower the regeneration energy in the following two cases. First, blending carbamate-forming and non-carbamate-forming amines enhanced carbamate formation, thereby increasing the CO2 cyclic capacity and reducing the regeneration energy in the DIPA-MDEA and DEA-AMP systems. Second, the MEA-MDEA system revealed an optimal blending ratio for balancing different heat components (sensible, reaction, and latent heat). These findings offer a guide for selecting and blending amines to optimize the CO2 capture performance.

Cellulose nanocrystals engineered TPS/PBAT granulation through extrusion process and application for compostable carry bags

An economical and scalable process route has been developed for preparation of bio nanofillers, cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) using acid hydrolysis and ceramic membrane-based continuous neutralization process alternative to conventional dialysis process. Optimized process achieved 42 % yield with crystallinity index of 91.3 % and average size 20–50 nm as confirmed by TEM analysis. Solid-state NMR result shows that the CNCs lateral dimension is comparable to elementary cellulose crystallites. Prior optimized composition of CNCs (Kesari et al., 2022) in TPS was used to prepare bio-nanocomposite with aim to reduced Poly (butylene adipate co-terephthalate) (PBAT) content in packaging films. A strong evolution in the mechanical and rheological properties of the CNCs reinforced blends was observed with increase in PBAT content with optimum blending ratio of 70/30. The composite attained tensile strength and young’s modulus of 11.01 ± 0.15 and 1200.94 ± 16 MPa, respectively with water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) of 63.96 ± 1.02 g/m2/day than neat PBAT (124.56 ± 6.89) which has higher vapor permeation. The thermal analysis confirms with bio nanofillers addition reduced the processing temperature of the polymeric blend. Thus, this work provides an economical and sustainable pathway for high content of biobased carbon (>70 %) for biodegradable packing industry.

Study on the Co-combustion characteristics and synergistic effect of semi-coke and dust coal produced from biomass briquette in fluidized bed gasification

Biomass briquette semi-coke (BFSC) is one of the byproducts of biomass gasification. It is difficult to reuse due to its inadequate carbonization, unsatisfactory pore structure, and surface properties. Co-combustion of BFSC with coal-fired boilers can be a cost-effective usage of biomass gasification semi-coke while also improving dust coal's combustion characteristics. However, research on the optimal blending ratio, co-combustion properties, and synergistic effects of BFSC and dust coal is lacking. This study conducted experimental and theoretical research on the co-combustion and reaction kinetic characteristics of BFSC and dust coal with a 0.3 MW pilot experimental system. The findings indicate that during co-combustion, sawdust semi-coke (SC), eucalyptus bark semi-coke (EBC), rice husk semi-coke (RHC), and corn straw semi-coke (CSC) exhibit favorable synergistic effects. At a 25 % blending ratio, the corresponding synergistic parameter indexes (SPIs) were 1.313, 1.053, 1.001, and 1.042. Adding EBC and SC may significantly promote the combustion of dust coal and make it enter the combustion stage sooner, improving combustion stability. When 25 % RHC or CSC is co-combusted, the activation energy predicted by the kinetic control equations is 17 kJ/mol and 5 kJ/mol lower than theoretical values, with a relative error of less than 3 %. The annual EBC output from a 1-ton biomass boiler may replace roughly 706 tons of normal coal, lowering CO2 emissions by approximately 634 tons and producing a direct economic gain of $33300. Therefore, BFSC is a low-carbon and low-cost coal boiler fuel with great potential for large-scale industrial applications.

Izabrane inženjerske i osnovne osobine pečenih proizvoda pripremljenih od kompozitnog pšenično-sologold brašna slatkog krompira

Flours from other sources have been incorporated into wheat flour to improve on the nutritional and sensory properties of baked products. However, the quality of production and sustainability of such baked product is still a challenge faced by bakery industries. The aim of this study is to evaluate selected engineering and sensory properties of baked products prepared from composite wheat sologold sweet potato flour; so as to guide the bakers to achieve improved product quality, development and sustainability. In this study, biscuit samples were prepared according to Onabanjo and Dickson method, the bread samples were prepared according to the Straight dough method, the cake samples were prepared according to Egg foaming method while the selected engineering and sensory properties were determined in accordance with standard procedures. The results obtained showed that the optimum blend (70% wheat: 30% sologold sweet potato) flour has specific volume of the baked products range from 4.12 to 0.50 ml/g, crumb moisture from 18.54 to 12.04%, oven spring from 2.38 to 1.12mm, sample height from 4.05 to 1.01mm, sample mass from 146.30 to 8.52g, appearance from 9.40 to 8.70, texture from 8.50 to 7.50, aroma 9.20 to 8.0, flavor from 9.0 to 8.10, crust color from 8.80 to 7.0, overall acceptability from 9.30 to 8.10, intension of consumption from 9.20 to 8.0 and browning index from 1.0 to 4.6. These evaluated engineering and sensory properties of the optimum blend flour attest high quality baked products (bread, biscuit and cake). Hence could be utilized to enhance and facilitate product development, quality control and product sustainability of composite baked products. The optimum blend ratio is therefore recommended to bakers.

Numerical simulation of oxygen-enriched combustion in a precalciner using coal gangue-blended pulverized fuel

This study emphasizes the potential role of coal gangue as an alternative fuel and oxygen-enriched combustion technology within TTF precalciners(Twin-Tank Furnace) in mitigating carbon emissions from cement production. The research primarily unfolds in two segments. Initially, the investigation addresses the influence of blending varying proportions of coal gangue under an air atmosphere on the internal temperature field and raw material decomposition components within the precalciner, aiming to discern the optimal blending ratio. Subsequently, the study simulates combustion under different oxygen-enriched atmospheres at the ideal coal-gangue blending ratio, establishing the combustion patterns under these conditions. Although the mixed fuel prompts symmetry in the flow field and temperature field, the distinct combustion characteristics of coal gangue and coal powder-following a 20% coal gangue blend-lead to an accelerated mainstream velocity and abbreviated fuel residence time. Consequently, the exit temperature and CO2 concentration diminish with increasing blending content, reaching an optimal raw material decomposition rate of 91.12% within the precalciner when blended with 20% coal gangue. Furthermore, in oxygen-enriched combustion, as the oxygen content escalates, both the average temperature at the precalciner's exit and the raw material decomposition rate witness an upsurge, whereas the average CO2 concentration at the outlet experiences a decline.