Estimated Production Cost Research Articles

Pemberdayaan ibu rumah tangga di Kelurahan Kalibaru, Cilincing Jakarta Utara melalui kegiatan Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat UTA’45 Jakarta

The processing of small fish into fish sauce is an innovative process in the sustainable utilization of fisheries resources. Groundfish, which is generally considered as waste fish -as it does not have high economic value, can be transformed into value-added products such as fish sauce. This study aims to explore and develop the production process of fish sauce from low-cost fish, as well as to analyse the economic potential of this low-cost fish. The research method involves the stages of selecting suitable low-cost fish, processing the fish into soy sauce raw materials, and making fish sauce through fermentation. The economic analysis involved estimating production costs, selling prices, and potential profits. The Kalibaru Subdistrict, Cilincing, North Jakarta has great potential in the development of the fisheries sector. To improve the sustainability of fisheries in this area, innovation is key. One of the potentials from the Kalibaru Subdistrict is groundfish. The processing of raw fish into fish sauce allows for a more efficient and sustainable utilization of fishery resources. The fermentation process not only increases the nutritional value of fish sauce but also provides economic sustainability for local communities. In addition, involving housewives provides a positive impact on local economic empowerment and increases awareness of the value-added potential of fishery products.

Eco-Friendly Approaches against Chili Thrips Scirtothrips dorsalis Hood (Thysanoptera: Thripidae)

Chili (Capsicum annuum L.) is a crucially economically viable vegetable and spice crop cultivated worldwide. Numerous issues impact chili production, both vertebrate and non-vertebrate, leading to significant reductions in both quantity and quality. The chili thrips, Scirtothrips dorsalis, poses a serious threat to chili, causing approximately 50-70% yield loss in every season. In Pakistan, farmers frequently resort to using synthetic pesticides to control the pest population. Unfortunately, the injudicious use of pesticides results in environmental, soil, and water pollution, leading to hazards for humans, animals, and wildlife. This study employed a combination of eco-friendly tactics to suppress the thrips population. The lowest thrips population was observed in plots where maize was planted as a barrier for chili, followed by marigold cultivated as a trap. Maize exhibited a remarkable disruptive effect against the thrips population, acting as a barrier to restrict their entrance into the main crop. The combined release of the biocontrol agents Chrysoperla carnea and Coccinella septempunctata proved to be more effective against the thrips population than plots with a single bio-control agent. Among the natural remedies, neem seed kernel powder was the most effective in reducing the thrips population, followed by neem leaves extract and neem oil. Notably, neem oil showed the lowest reduction percentage of thrips compared to neem seed kernel powder and neem leaves extract. The cost/benefit ratio of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plots compared to conventional plots revealed that the IPM plot had a lower estimated production cost (Rs. 19,277) and yielded 547 kg more than the conventional plot. Similarly, a higher cost/benefit ratio (3:13) was recorded in the IPM plot than in the conventional plot (1:36). IPM, through eco-friendly measures, proves to be an efficient approach to suppress S. dorsalis in chili crop.

Big data and machine learning in cost estimation: An automotive case study

This paper presents a case study on the applicability of machine learning and big data technology for product cost estimation, using data on the material cost of passenger cars. The study provides contributions to six research aspects. First, we show which machine learning algorithms are appropriate when dealing with product cost estimation for highly complex products with more than 2000 parts and hundreds of cost drivers. Second, our case study provides a novel approach to increasing the predictive accuracy of cost estimates for subsequent product generations. Third, we show that the accuracy is up to 3.5 times higher when using big data compared to an intermediate size of data. Fourth, machine learning can outperform cost estimates from cost experts during the early stage of new product development, even when dealing with highly complex products. Then, we evaluate the use cases, issues, and benefits of machine learning and big data from the perspective of cost experts. Specifically, the case study shows that machine learning can reliably select the most important cost drivers (fifth aspect) and calculate the average cost of cost drivers over thousands of product configurations (sixth aspect). However, cost experts must be knowledgeable about the product and remain careful when interpreting machine learning outcomes, as they can yield misleading outcomes in some exceptional cases. In conclusion, machine learning and big data empirically proved to be able to generate additional value in many aspects for managing costs during the early phase of new product development.

Regional bioethanol supply chain optimization with the integration of GIS-MCDM method and quantile-based scenario analysis

This study presents a novel decision-support framework for the bioethanol supply chain network planning and management under uncertainties. Under the holistic framework, the most suitable sites for biorefineries are first screened out by adopting a GIS-based multi-criteria decision-making approach. Then, a mixed-integer linear programming model combined with quantile-based scenario analysis is developed to determine the strategic planning (i.e. locations and size of biorefineries) and tactical management (i.e. biomass purchasing, feedstock transportation, bioethanol production, and product delivery) under uncertainties. The model can effectively search for reliable solutions under uncertainties and achieve tradeoff solutions with the consideration of decision makers’ risk tolerance. The proposed framework is demonstrated through a case study in China. It is suggested to build seven biorefineries with a capacity of 100 million liters in Zhumadian city. Utilizing 41% of local agricultural residues could satisfy the bioethanol requirement in the transportation sector under the E20 policy. However, the estimated production cost of bioethanol in Zhumadian is very high, about 1.11 $/L, which makes it lose cost advantage in the fuel market. Thus, currently, effective subsidies, mandatory energy substitution policies, along other environmental regulatory measures are desired to promote the bioethanol industry development.

Biodiesel from Bark and Black Liquor—A Techno-Economic, Social, and Environmental Assessment

A techno-economic assessment and environmental and social sustainability assessments of novel Fischer–Tropsch (FT) biodiesel production from the wet and dry gasification of biomass-based residue streams (bark and black liquor from pulp production) for transport applications are presented. A typical French kraft pulp mill serves as the reference case and large-scale biofuel-production-process integration is explored. Relatively low greenhouse gas emission levels can be obtained for the FT biodiesel (total span: 16–83 g CO2eq/MJ in the assessed EU countries). Actual process configuration and low-carbon electricity are critical for overall performance. The site-specific social assessment indicates an overall positive social effect for local community, value chain actors, and society. Important social aspects include (i) job creation potential, (ii) economic development through job creation and new business opportunities, and (iii) health and safety for workers. For social risks, the country of implementation is important. Heat and electricity use are the key contributors to social impacts. The estimated production cost for biobased crude oil is about 13 €/GJ, and it is 14 €/GJ (0.47 €/L or 50 €/MWh) for the FT biodiesel. However, there are uncertainties, i.e., due to the low technology readiness level of the gasification technologies, especially wet gasification. However, the studied concept may provide substantial GHG reduction compared to fossil diesel at a relatively low cost.

Development and Characterization of Conductive Ink Composed of Graphite and Carbon Black for Application in Printed Electrodes

This work developed a conductive ink composed of carbonaceous material for printing electrochemical sensors. The optimized ink comprises graphite, carbon black, and nail polish, respectively (35.3:11.7:53%), as well as acetone as a solvent. The proportion was optimized with consideration of the binder’s solubilization, the ink’s suitability for the screen-printing process, and lower electrical resistance. The materials used, and the resulting ink, were analyzed by way of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cyclic voltammetry (CV). The charge transfer resistance (Rct) obtained was 0.348 kΩ. The conductive ink was used to print an electrode on a PET substrate, and a flexible and disposable electrode was obtained. The electroactive area obtained was 13.7 cm2, which was calculated by the Randles-Sevcik equation. The applicability of the device was demonstrated with a redox probe, providing a sensitivity of 0.02 µ A L mmol−1. The conductive ink has adequate homogeneity for producing electrodes using the screen-printing technique, with a low estimated production cost of $ 0.09 mL−1.

Techno-economic assessment of atmospheric CO2-based carbon fibre production enabling negative emissions

The fight against global warming requires novel approaches for the defossilisation of industrial processes, and the limitation of global warming requires options for negative carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. The production of carbon fibre (CF) is an energy-intensive chain of processes which cause CO2 emissions. Having in mind the high market growth for CF composite materials, CF production might stand against the fight against global warming. CF also offers a huge mitigation opportunity, as CF contain up to 95–98wt% of pure carbon. This study investigates possible ways to link CF production to atmospheric CO2, enabling negative CO2 emissions through CF manufacturing. Production value chains for CF based on poly(acrylonitrile) (PAN) and pitch, the two most important CF precursor materials, are developed and analysed regarding their energy and mass balances. The PAN value chain is further assessed regarding a first economic estimation of CF production cost with atmospheric CO2 as carbon source. The results show that production costs per ton CO2 removed might be unattractive at 2949 €/tCO2 in 2050. However, from a CF perspective, production cost of 10.3 €/kgCF in 2050 might enable a business case for electricity-based CF production from atmospheric CO2 in the future. Each ton of CF produced can store about 3.5 tCO2 due to a very high carbon share in the final product. With an increasing market for CF, a total negative emission potential of at least 0.7 GtCO2 per year can be enabled by 2050. Further research opportunities are discussed.

Efficiency Estimation of Gum Arabic Production Cost in North and West Kordofan States, Sudan

Purpose: The aim of the study was to estimate the cost efficiency of gum Arabic Production under the applied free –trade policy in North and West Kordofan States.
 Methodology: Primary data was collected in 2016 by using a structured questionnaire and direct interviews with a sample of 100 gum Arabic producers; about 15% of the population of the study. Secondary data was collected from related official documents. Primary data was analyzed using, maximum-likelihood parameters of stochastic frontier cost function analytical methodology was used to estimate economic efficiency the level of the gum production cost. The factors of gum Arabic production tested were tapping tools, tapping labor, picking tools, picking labor, packing tools and transport.
 Findings: The coefficients of all these factors was found significant at 1% level of significance indicating the profitability of gum Arabic production. The mean economic efficiency for gum Arabic cost function was (0.97), indicating there is a likelihood increase of gum Arabic production by (97%). The cost efficiency range was between (81% to100 percent) only 2% lied between 61% to 80% range. This range implies that the cost efficiency of gum production was found to be high. As such, the variable cost of gum production was low since gum Arabic production needs only two main operations, tapping and picking. The tapping and picking tools were extremely of negligible cost.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: The study recommended getting benefit from low cost of gum Arabic production to allocate all the covered areas with gum trees, registering gum Arabic orchards, to provide a grantee for financing institutions.

Analysis of Applications Principles of Barcode Technology in Product Cost Estimation and Identification

Bar codes are a technology for automatic identification which has found application in many business sectors. As we know that, bar codes have many applications; they have been mostly used in segments of the retail grocery as well as consumer goods industries. They use computers for barcode detection. A bar code has a self-contained message whose information is encoded in the geometry of its printed bars and spaces. When a bar code is read, the patterns of light and dark contained in the bars and spaces are translated into patterns of ones and zeros, which the reading computer interprets as numeric or alphanumeric data. In a simple barcode system, bar codes are read by passing a wand containing a light source and a photo-diode across the code to be read.

Managing Risk: a Decision Tool to Enhance Yield and Quality of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) in Ghana

Peanut cultivation in Ghana is influenced by abiotic (e.g., drought, fertilization, etc.) and biotic (e.g., pests, diseases, etc.) factors that must be managed effectively to maximize yields. These factors differ across agro-ecologies and pose significant risks to yields and aflatoxin contamination and can limit financial returns to farmers. Knowledge of interactions among key production practices such as pest management, crop rotation sequence, varietal selection, tillage systems, and chemical inputs is required to mitigate these risks and to provide quality advice to peanut farmers by Agricultural Extension Agents (AEAs) and/or similar advisory groups. This paper describes the development of a comprehensive, Microsoft (MS) Excel based risk management tool to help farmers and their advisors implement practices that minimize the risk of yield loss and aflatoxin contamination while providing production cost estimates. This tool is based on a similar one developed for peanut production in North Carolina (USA). Three risk tools were developed; one for the interior savannah zone of northern Ghana which has a unimodal rainfall pattern, and two for the forest and transition zones of southern Ghana which are characterized by a bimodal rainfall pattern. These tools will aid AEAs and farmers to make informed decisions on the best combinations of production practices that will minimize risk and increase yields in Ghana. The development process considered the differences in selection of varieties, plant density, fertilization, and pest management between savannah and the forest-transition regions as well as the impact of their interactions on peanut yield and aflatoxin contamination. Overall, this risk management tool benefits extension service providers (government and private), breeding, agronomy, and plant protection programs as well as teaching in higher education institutions.

Comparison and techno-economic evaluation of process routes for lower olefin production via Fischer–Tropsch and methanol synthesis

This paper describes the simulation and techno-economic evaluation of a carbon dioxide capture and utilization unit integrated in a cement plant with a capacity of 10,000 tons of CO2 per year. The aim is to utilize CO2 along with hydrogen to produce lower olefins (C2–C4), the feedstock for polyolefin production. In a first step, three process routes, namely a Fischer–Tropsch synthesis with steam cracker, a methanol synthesis with rWGS syngas production and a methanol synthesis with direct hydrogenation of CO2, latter two followed by a methanol-to-propylene unit, are simulated in ASPEN Plus V12.1®. Furthermore, the effect of a high- and a low-temperature electrolysis on key performance indicators are also considered in the evaluation. Additionally, an estimation of investment, operating and specific net production costs (NPCPR) of the different process routes is made. The evaluation is based on the comparison of calculated global efficiencies, specific energy consumption (SEC), NPCPr and yields of the lower olefine products (C2–C4). The power-to-lower olefin plant, consisting of an amine scrubber unit, a PEM electrolysis and a Fischer–Tropsch synthesis with downstream steam cracker proves to be the most efficient process route for polyolefin production, resulting in a global efficiency of 38.2 %, an SEC of 34.4 kWh/kg and an NPCPr of 14.92 EUR/kg of lower olefine product.

PENENTUAN BIAYA PRODUKSI DENGAN METODE FULL COSTING UNTUK MENETAPKAN HARGA JUAL PRODUK CAFE BUKAN RUANG

The purpose of this study is to determine the cost of production at the Not Ruang Cafe using the full costing method to set the price. This type of quantitative descriptive with a comparative approach. The data used are primary data and secondary data to help researchers do the calculations. The results of this study indicate that the production costs determined by the company are lower than those determined using the full costing method, because the company has not included elements of direct labor costs and factory overhead costs into production costs. The current selling price of the product only uses estimates of production costs and competitors' selling prices. In contrast to the selling price determined by the cost plus pricing method, the selling price of Anteng's milk coffee, latte and pandan latte is higher than the company's selling price. However, Long Black, Taro Latte, Matcha Latte and Chocolate products are priced below the retail price set by the company. With the cost plus pricing method, a profit of Rp 1,520,491 is obtained, which is higher than the current selling price.

Assessing the profitability of scaling up for retail access: Lessons from local salad mix in Southeast Michigan

Changes to the supermarket supply chain in recent decades have “squeezed out” local and small farmers in exchange for more consolidated and global suppliers. As a result, these small-scale farmers have turned to more direct-to-consumer markets, which capture a higher price point but also bear higher marketing costs. Previous research indicates potential saturation and lack of profita­bility in this market type. Researchers have explored strategies for “scaling up” local farmers into intermediary supply chains, such as grocery retail, and have tested the profitability of hybrid marketing strategies with positive results. However, there are very few studies that utilize production costs to test market feasibility, and even fewer that include retailer willingness-to-pay estimates. To assess strategies from the perspectives of both producers and buyers, this study uses salad mix in Southeast Michigan as a pilot case. Farmer-generated production costs incurred for strategies and production types were estimated in focus groups, and retailer willingness-to-pay estimates were obtained in interviews. The analysis suggests that a combination of more efficient harvest technology and central processing would have the greatest impact on increasing profitability, but the dramatic effect that central processing has on output price makes it the most feasible strategy for small-scale farmers. In addition, the minimal costs of organic certification for small farmers are likely to be justified by the price premium that grocery retailers are willing to pay. Hydroponic production may be challenging to break even at a smaller scale but could potentially meet retailers’ price prefer­ences at larger scales. Pairing production cost estimates with buyer willingness-to-pay estimates may generate more comprehensive assessments of the relative profitability of potential scaling-up strategies. This method could be applied to other crops, regions, and produce buyers by cooperative extension, nonprofit, or local government person­nel working with small farmers on their market development plans.

Economic viability analysis of recycling waste plastic as aggregates in green sustainable concrete

Plastic waste management is one of the major global challenges at present. Recycling single used plastic waste as partial replacement of natural aggregates in concrete may reduce problems regarding mismanagement of plastic waste and unsustainable utilisation of natural resources as aggregates. This concept has been explored in many studies and positive results are obtained, but it has not been materialized at a large scale due to the uncertainty regarding economic viability. The present study therefore focuses on the economic aspects of using Polyethylene based fine aggregates and Polyethylene Terephthalate based coarse aggregates as partial replacement (10%, 20%, 30% and 40%) of natural fine and coarse aggregates separately and simultaneously, with special emphasis given on environmental and social cost. A material flow diagram using STAN is first developed to calculate plastic waste generation. An industrial survey has been conducted to estimate production cost of plastic aggregates, while social cost as WTP is determined through CVM method. The result shows that the total cost of concrete decreases with increase of replacement percentage and cost reduction varies between 0.65% and 7.58% compare to conventional concrete depending on the percentage and type of replacement without compromising strength. So, alongside being hugely beneficial to environment and society in terms of reduction of leachate and greenhouse gas generation, micro-plastic pollution, requirement of landfill area, mosquito borne diseases, erosion, sedimentation, land loss etc.; the concept of recycling plastic waste as partial replacement of natural aggregates in concrete has been proved to be economically viable and beneficial too.

Maximizing the use of hydrogen as energy vector to cover the final energy demand for stand-alone systems, application and sensitivity analysis for the Canary Archipelago by 2040

Fossil fuel-based economies must undergo a deep transition for complete decarbonization. To this end, it is widely recognized that all economies must move towards the electrification of energy end uses. Even though there is a part that cannot be electrified, at least at affordable costs; clear examples are heavy road transport, maritime and air transport, and some industrial processes. As a result of the limitations of electrification in certain energy end uses, the potential use of hydrogen as an alternative energy carrier has been examined in recent decades. Hydrogen is seen as a viable option for the medium to long term. Specifically, efforts are being made in the case of the Canary Islands to move towards a carbon-free energy mix. In fact, the aim is to advance the economy decarbonization by 10 years over the date foreseen for both Europe and the rest of Spain. To this end, the HOMER program has been used to analyze the possibility of producing the necessary hydrogen in a scenario applied to the Canary Islands in which the uses of this energy vector have been maximized. This research considers two possible scenarios, together with a sensitivity analysis under the different uncertain conditions associated with the used technologies. The results have been the estimation of hydrogen production costs for high demands, about 230,000 tH2/year, in 2040 for an isolated archipelago under two totally different generation scenarios. The first scenario is totally renewable, while the other is based on nuclear generation by means of high-temperature SMRs. The results show, that it would be possible to produce at a cost in the range of 1 €/kgH2 using nuclear technology and around 4 €/kgH2 using renewables, with uncertainty cost ranges of around 40%, i.e. costs between 0.85-1.48 and 3.29–4.99 € kgH2 respectively.

Uncertainties in estimating production costs of future nuclear technologies: A model-based analysis of small modular reactors

Predicting future costs of technologies not yet developed is a complex exercise that includes many uncertain parameters and functional forms. In that context, small modular reactor (SMR) concepts that are in a rather early development stage claim to have cost advantages through learning effects, standardized design, modularization, co-siting economies, and other factors, such as better time-to-market even though they exhibit negative economies of scale in their construction costs due to their lower power output compared to conventional nuclear reactors. In this paper, we compare two different approaches from production theory and show that they have a theoretically equal structure. In the second step, we apply these approaches to estimate a range of potential construction costs for 15 SMR projects for which sufficient data is available. These include water cooled, high temperature, and fast neutron spectrum reactors. We then apply the Monte Carlo method to benchmark the cost projections assumed by the manufacturers by varying the investment costs, the weighted average cost of capital, the capacity factor, and the wholesale electricity price in simulations of the net present value (NPV) and the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE). We also test whether the differences between the manufacturer estimates and ours differ between technology families of SMR concepts and apply a sensitivity analysis. Here we contribute to an intensifying debate in the literature on the economics and finance of SMR concepts. The Monte Carlo analysis suggests a broad range of NPVs and LCOEs: Surprisingly, the lowest LCOE is calculated for a helium-cooled high-temperature reactor, whereas all of the light water reactors feature higher LCOEs. None of the tested concepts is able to compete economically with existing renewable technologies, not even when taking their variability and necessary system integration costs into account. The numerical results also confirm the importance of the choice of production theory and parameters. We conclude that any technology foresight has to take as much of the case specifics into account, including technological and institutional specifics; this also holds for SMR concepts.

Productivity costs associated with reactive school closures related to influenza or influenza-like illness in the United States from 2011 to 2019.

Schools close in reaction to seasonal influenza outbreaks and, on occasion, pandemic influenza. The unintended costs of reactive school closures associated with influenza or influenza-like illness (ILI) has not been studied previously. We estimated the costs of ILI-related reactive school closures in the United States over eight academic years. We used prospectively collected data on ILI-related reactive school closures from August 1, 2011 to June 30, 2019 to estimate the costs of the closures, which included productivity costs for parents, teachers, and non-teaching school staff. Productivity cost estimates were evaluated by multiplying the number of days for each closure by the state- and year-specific average hourly or daily wage rates for parents, teachers, and school staff. We subdivided total cost and cost per student estimates by school year, state, and urbanicity of school location. The estimated productivity cost of the closures was $476 million in total during the eight years, with most (90%) of the costs occurring between 2016-2017 and 2018-2019, and in Tennessee (55%) and Kentucky (21%). Among all U.S. public schools, the annual cost per student was much higher in Tennessee ($33) and Kentucky ($19) than any other state ($2.4 in the third highest state) or the national average ($1.2). The cost per student was higher in rural areas ($2.9) or towns ($2.5) than cities ($0.6) or suburbs ($0.5). Locations with higher costs tended to have both more closures and closures with longer durations. In recent years, we found significant heterogeneity in year-to-year costs of ILI-associated reactive school closures. These costs have been greatest in Tennessee and Kentucky and been elevated in rural or town areas relative to cities or suburbs. Our findings might provide evidence to support efforts to reduce the burden of seasonal influenza in these disproportionately impacted states or communities.

Sugarcane Straw as a Source of Arabinoxylans: Optimization and Economic Viability of a Two-Step Alkaline Extraction.

Sugarcane processing produces a significant amount of byproducts in the form of straw and bagasse, which are rich in cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. This work aims to provide a valorization approach to sugarcane straw by optimizing a two-step alkaline extraction of arabinoxylans by a response surface methodology to evaluate a potential industrial-scale production. Sugarcane straws were delignified using an alkaline-sulfite pretreatment, followed by alkaline extraction and precipitation of arabinoxylan, a two-step process optimized using a response surface methodology. A KOH concentration of (2.93-17.1%) and temperature (18.8-61.2 °C) were chosen as independent variables, and the arabinoxylan yield (%) as a response variable. The model application shows that KOH concentration, temperature, and the interaction between both independent variables are significant in extracting arabinoxylans from straw. The best-performing condition was further characterized by FTIR, DSC, and chemical and molecular weight evaluation. The straws arabinoxylans presented high purities levels, ca. 69.93%, and an average molecular weight of 231 kDa. The overall estimated production cost of arabinoxylan from straw was 0.239 €/g arabinoxylan. This work demonstrates a two-step alkaline extraction of the arabinoxylans method, as well as their chemical characterization and economic viability analysis, that can be used as a model for industrial scale-up production.

Essential oil extraction for all: A flexible and modular system for citrus biomass waste

The essential oil industry is a growing sector that generates 5.41 billion USD annually worldwide. Essential oils are widely used in medicine, agriculture, and perfumery. Although there are available systems in the market for domestic essential oil extraction, replacing the entire equipment in case of repair or malfunction can be costly. To address this problem, a pilot-scale essential oil extractor system was developed that operates through hydrodistillation. This system was used to process various citrus wastes such as green and yellow lemons, oranges, grapefruits, and Eucalyptus globulus. A factorial design was performed, and the best conditions were used to extract other biomass residues. GC-MS analysis revealed that the primary compound for orange, grapefruit, and green lemon essential oils is D-imonene, with 95.4%, 95.5%, and 49.2%, respectively. For yellow lemon the primary compound appeared to be D-limonene with 73.0% content, though the GC/MS data were less clear, and for eucalyptus, it is eucalyptol with 71.0%. The estimated production costs were 0.01 USD/mL, 0.04 USD/mL, 0.06 USD/mL, 0.07 USD/mL, and 0.15 USD/mL for orange, grapefruit, green lemon, yellow lemon, and eucalyptus essential oils, respectively. Therefore, the developed system is a competitive option for pilot-scale essential oil extraction.

In Situ Lignin Modification Enabling Enhanced Interfibrillar Interactions in Lignocellulosic Nanomaterials toward Structural Applications

Lignocellulose nanopaper (LNP) assembled from lignocellulose nanofibrils (LCNFs) is an emerging eco-friendly structural material applicable to a variety of fields. Lignin serves as a crucial functional component in the LNP matrix; however, it negatively affects the interfacial hydrogen-bonding behaviors among LCNFs and consequently the inferior mechanical performance of LNP. In this study, a mild ozone-oxidation strategy was used to modify lignin macromolecules in situ without significant degradation of carbohydrate polymers (i.e., cellulose and hemicellulose) in LCNFs whereupon the interfacial hydrogen-bond energy was dramatically improved in the assembly and deformation process of LNP as validated by molecular dynamics simulation. Consequently, the lignin-modified LNP exhibited significantly enhanced tensile strength (from 83 to 140 MPa) and toughness (from 1.9 to 7.1 J/m3), which even surpassed those of conventional cellulose nanopaper. Benefiting from the well-preserved lignocellulosic structure, lignin-modified LNP maintained its inherent favorable water and thermal stability and intriguing optical performance, which supported our developed LNP to be a multifunctional structural material for diversified fields, for example, flexible electronic applications. Additionally, the estimated production cost for our developed LNP was approximately half of that for conventional cellulose nanopaper due to its significantly lower resource inputs such as the material, water, and energy. Overall, our study provides a site-specific macromolecular modulation strategy for the economically and environmentally feasible fabrication of high-performance lignocellulosic nanomaterials toward advanced structural applications.