Raw Material Base Research Articles

Choice of an environmentally friendly method of producing cellulose from flax biomass (<i>Linum usitatissimum linaceae</i>) grown in different regions of the Volga region

The experimental assessment of prospects of receiving cellulose material on the basis of use of vegetable raw materials – straw of a flax-dolgunetc is carried out. Results of researches showed a possibility of application for extraction of cellulose of the water solutions containing hydrogen peroxide, hydroxide and sodium bisulfite in the conditions of high-temperature influence within 2 hours with receiving the technical cellulose suitable for production of cardboard and packaging materials. For purification of technical cellulose, it was carried out additional processing by solution of hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid in similar parametrical conditions that allowed to receive a target product with high extent of maintenance of the main substance, at insignificant amount of the accompanying impurity. The presented results show a possibility of the solution of questions of environmental safety at the organization of process of receiving cellulose on the basis of renewable vegetable raw materials with use of the chemical reagents which are not containing compounds of sulfur.

Assessment of Yield and Economics under High Density Planting System in Cotton in Kachchh District of Gujarat, India

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) possesses a position of major fiber and cash crop, which plays vital role to sustain national economy. It provides the basic raw material (cotton fiber) to cotton textile industry. Gujarat contributes substantially to the national cotton area (24%) and productions (37%). A field experiment was carried out during the kharif seasons from 2017-18 to 2019-20 at farmers' fields through ICAR-CAZRI Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kachchh-II to evaluate the impact of frontline demonstrations (FLDs) on cotton productivity and profitability. During the experiment period, a total of 30 FLDs on high density planting system (HDPS) in cotton with the high-yielding variety GTHH-49 were demonstrated in a 12-hectare area across 6 villages in the Bhuj, and Nakhatrana talukas of Kachchh district. The improved variety GTHH-49 with a full package of practices was demonstrated in the plots, while existing technology was treated as the local check. Based on three years of data, the improved practice (IP) resulted in an average seed yield of 2868 kg ha-1, which was an increase of 13.35% compared to the local check yield of 2530 kg ha-1. The demonstrated technology showed an average extension gap, technology gap, and technology index of 338.33 kg ha-1, 631.67 kg ha-1, and 18.05%, respectively. The economic analysis of the demonstrations revealed the viability of the improved technology, with a net return of 101670.3 Rs. ha-1 and a benefit-cost ratio (BCR) of 3.24, compared to 84964.67 Rs. ha-1 and a BCR of 3.02 for local check. A wide range of extension and technology gaps had a detrimental influence on crop output and net returns in general. The results revealed that the adoption of the high-yielding variety with a full package of practices significantly increased cotton productivity and reduced both extension and technology gaps.

Modelling the properties of aerated concrete on the basis of raw materials and ash-and-slag wastes using machine learning paradigm

The thermal power industry, as a major consumer of hard coal, significantly contributes to harmful emissions, affecting both air quality and soil health during the operation and transportation of ash and slag waste. This study presents the modeling of aerated concrete using local raw materials and ash-and-slag waste in seismic areas through machine learning techniques. A comprehensive literature review and comparative analysis of normative documentation underscore the relevance and feasibility of employing non-autoclaved aerated concrete blocks in such regions. Machine learning methods are particularly effective for disjointed datasets, with neural networks demonstrating superior performance in modeling complex relationships for predicting concrete strength and density. The results reveal that neural networks, especially those with Bayesian Regularisation, consistently outperformed decision trees, achieving higher regression values (Rstrength = 0.9587 and Rdensity = 0.91997) and lower error metrics (MSE, RMSE, RIE, MAE). This indicates their advanced capability to capture intricate non-linear patterns. The study concludes that artificial neural networks are a robust tool for predicting concrete properties, crucial for producing non-autoclaved curing wall blocks suitable for earthquake-resistant construction. Future research should focus on optimizing the balance between density and strength of blocks by enhancing the properties of aerated concrete and utilizing reliable models.

Partisan Impacts and Determinants for Internationalization of Ethiopian Pharmaceutical Products

<i>Background</i>: The pharmaceutical and related commodities manufacturing industry in Ethiopia is long-lived because the country is well-endowed with basic raw materials and local ownership and to some extent with machinery and technological know-how. The pharmaceutical industry, both globally and in Africa, encounters challenges in internationalizing products. In Ethiopia, challenges like regulatory complexities and limited government support hinder international market access for pharmaceutical products. This aim is to explore the barriers and understand why Ethiopian pharmaceuticals struggle to enter global markets. <i>Method</i>: The study adopted a mixed research approach, integrating qualitative and quantitative methods. It focuses on 15 pharmaceutical industries in Ethiopia, particularly those in Addis Ababa and the Oromia Special Zone, using probability and none probability sampling technique. The total study participants involved in the quantitative and qualitative studies were 373 and 15, respectively. Data collection comprises questionnaires, key informant interviews, and observation checklists, supplemented by secondary data from official and theoretical sources. Ethical considerations underscore obtaining verbal consent and ensuring confidentiality. Analysis entails descriptive statistics and qualitative synthesis, with numerical analysis conducted using STATA 14.1 software. <i>Results</i>: Out of the expected 384 study participants, 373 (97.13%) participated in our study, while the entire group of participants proposed in the qualitative study (15) also participated in this study. Key findings include resource constraints, regulatory issues, and biased perceptions against local products, hindering their global recognition. While strong political commitment and effective policy enforcement at the top government level are crucial, inadequate collaboration across government tiers undermines these efforts. Despite existing policies, inadequate implementation and procedural guidance diminish industry interest. There's uncertainty about government support for local pharmaceutical production, with persistent challenges like resource shortages and policy inconsistencies impeding progress. Perceptions vary on the effectiveness of policies promoting local production, and concerns about taxation issues impact the industry. Nevertheless, most respondents’ express confidence in the quality of domestically produced pharmaceuticals. <i>Conclusion</i>: Despite crucial government commitment, weak collaboration across levels impedes progress. Respondents note deficient policy implementation and doubt government support. Persistent issues like resource shortages persist, along with taxation concerns, despite locally produced products being perceived as equal in quality. To advance, better policy implementation, regulatory harmony, financial support, infrastructure enhancement, increased awareness, and improved collaboration are essential.

Development and prospect of the acetylene production chain based on the process systems engineering: a focus on the polyvinyl chloride production

Abstract With the shortage of international oil resources and rising oil prices, the acetylene chemical industry has been revitalized. As an important basic raw material in the petrochemical industry, it can produce many chemical products and extend the acetylene production chain. Firstly, the production, conversion, and utilization of acetylene are outlined. Subsequently, this paper focuses on reviewing the core production process routes and the corresponding research progress in the acetylene production chain and points out the development trends of the domestic acetylene downstream conversion. Then, considering that acetylene is produced by calcium carbide technology in Ningdong and the extended downstream polyvinyl chloride industry chain is a large energy consumer and the focus of environmental safety monitoring, the entire process from coal-based calcium carbide acetylene production to polyvinyl chloride synthesis is elaborated from the perspective of process systems engineering. The resource utilization status and bottlenecks in the process are declared, and the direction of process improvement and optimization is proposed. Finally, the entire acetylene production chain is briefly analyzed and reviewed.

Central Asia as a Continental Bridge or Thucydides Trap?

When the Western press and media report on Xinjiang, they tend to focus on the situation of the Uyghurs in this autonomous region of China. The fact that Xinjiang is of the highest strategic importance for China as a raw materials base, gateway to Central Asia and starting point of the New Silk Road, which is orientated towards Europe, and that real geopolitics is all about precisely these things, is often neglected. Of course, the starting point of the New Silk Road is in the strategists' crosshairs and it goes without saying that Central Asia and the South Caucasus are also targeted. After all, the shortest transport corridors to Europe run through these areas, now that the transport routes via Russia have been cancelled by Russia's war in Ukraine. This is where the Chinese New Silk Road and the European Global Gateway meet. What is the situation in Central Asia? What role does the International Trans-Caspian Transport Route play? How are China, the USA and Europe acting where the future of the New Silk Road is ultimately at stake? This article aims to provide a few answers to these questions, which should therefore only be understood as an approach to the topic of "Central Asia as a continental bridge or Thucydides' trap?".

Light-weight high strength porous thermal insulation materials based on dolomite-granite waste

The first choice for the treatment of solid waste is its industrial utilization. Therefore, in the present study, dolomite tailings and granite waste are used as the basic raw materials, along with silicon carbide as a high-temperature foaming agent, to prepare a light-weight, high-closed porosity thermal insulation material. The effects of (i) the chemical compositions of the main raw materials and (ii) the relationship between the sintering process and the properties, microstructure and crystalline phase of the samples are systematically investigated. At the same time, the formation mechanism of high closed porosity of the thermal insulation material is analyzed. The results showed that when sintering temperature, time, and heating rate are 1200 °C, 30 min, and 3 °C/min, respectly, the sample density, compressive strength, true porosity, and closed porosity are 0.7 g/cm3, 6.62 MPa, 74.21%, and 66.36%, respectively. In addition, due to the high closed porosity, relative to traditional inorganic thermal insulation materials, the water absorption and thermal conductivity are significantly reduced to as little as 1.5%, and 0.30 W/(m·K), respectly. This research not only realizes the recovery and utilization of granite waste and dolomite tailings, but also provides a new prospect for energy saving and consumption reduction in the construction industry.

The possibility of recycling iron sludge in the steel industry

Abstract The steel industry strives to achieve quality steel with improved mechanical properties. In order to meet these market requirements, steel manufacturers need to streamline technological operations, increase process efficiency and productivity, and improve product quality control. Old iron and scrap metal used in the production of steel come from various sources and special attention should be paid to their quality, in particular, to the content of elements harmful to steel. The paper presents the results of the research undertaken on the use as raw material of the steel-making aggregates, in addition to the classic assortments of old iron of by-products obtained from the processing of iron slats in the form of briquettes. The influence of the quality of waste used was assessed by expanding the raw material base in the context of sustainable development, on steel blanks by investigating the effect on the chemical composition as well as the possibility of recovery of alloying element.

Геохимические и типологические особенности детритовых цирконов сосновской толщи палеогена (Русская плита)

The Paleogene Sosnov Formation is represented by glass quartz sands which are widely occurred in the eastern part of the Russian Platform. Interest in Paleogene quartz sands in Russia is increasing due to the growing needs of the glass industry. But by now, the mineral resource base of glass raw materials in the European part of Russia is of almost complete exhaustion. In recent years, the comprehensive study using modern mineralogical and geochemical methods is undertaken resulting in substantiation of the injecting mechanism of formation of Sosnov quartz sands. The current paper presents the results of the study of morphologic and geochemical features of detrital zircons extracted from the sands of the Paleogene Sosnov Formation and the Bathonian Lukoyanov Formation. The latest can be proposed as a source layer for the Paleogene sand injectites. It has been determined that zircons from both strata are of the same Pupin`s morphological types and regarded to be originated from predominantly intermediate, mafic, and rarely felsic rocks. The Puchezh-Katunk endogenous structure is suggested to be the most probable source area. The assumption that the Bathonian Lukoyanov sandstones are the most probable source for the injection of the Paleogene sands is confirmed.

Evaluation of Cretaceous-Tertiary Limestones and Clay for Portland Cement in Erbil, Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Due to the high demand for construction in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, it is economically natural resources used to minimize importing from other countries, and to increase working hands. Since, limestone is one of the basic raw materials in the cement industry, for this purpose, in the Harir anticline limestone of the Shiranish Formation was mixed with clay of Fatha Formation, in the Shakrok anticline limestone of the Shiranish Formation mixed with clay of Injana Formation, and in the Binabawi anticline limestone of the Shiranish Formation in mixed with clay of the Mukdadiya Formation, dependent on their suitable nearby site locations for factories from each other. The chemical analysis observed by XRF for specifying the major oxides content of CaO, MgO, SiO2, Al2O3, and Fe2O3. three theoretical mixtures of the cement raw materials showed that they have lower liquid content and higher minimum burning temperature in the burning zone, this problem was solved by adding 0.5% iron ore. The Scanning Electron Microscope and Energy-Dispersive by X-Ray spectroscopy carried out for better observation of clinker phase formation showed that the major phases are alite and belite, which indicates suitable burning conditions. Presence of free lime after burning as shown in SEM is due to high CaO content in the limestone raw material.

ЖЕРГІЛІКТІ ШИКІЗАТ НЕГІЗІНДЕ ҚАБЫРҒАЛЫҚ КЕРАМИКАЛЫҚ КІРПІШ ТЕХНОЛОГИЯСЫНДА ШЫНЫ ҚАЛДЫҒЫН ҚОЛДАНУ МАҢЫЗДЫЛЫҒЫ

Annotation. The results of experimental studies on the development of technological parameters of effective wall ceramics are presented. The main physical and mechanical properties of wall ceramics were studied. The possibility of obtaining effective wall ceramics using non-traditional raw materials has been established. Glass waste is the optimal raw material base for the production of ceramic wall materials. The use of by-products of glass waste in the production of wall ceramics is very relevant. In order to obtain such a high-quality product, it is necessary to carefully study its chemical composition and mineral composition. Based on the obtained information, it is necessary to design a new suitable, economical technology. Due to the abundance of modern energy-saving wall materials, brick always maintains its position by combining its valuable properties. Ceramic wall products are environmentally friendly, durable for a very long time, maintain a favorable climate and temperature and humidity in the residential area. However, a serious problem in the production of these products is the forced involvement in the field of production of low-grade raw materials - clays, drying and chemical and mineralogical composition are very sensitive, production-quality wall ceramics do not meet the technological requirements. In the industry of ceramic wall products, the main part is to increase the efficiency of production by introducing new facilities with advanced technologies, as well as using additives for various purposes and introducing advanced technologies and equipment into production.

Milk and dairy products market: creation of dairy clusters

In modern conditions, public health as a strategic resource is one of the most important indicators that determine the level and quality of life, and is ensured by saturating the market with high-quality food products with high consumer properties. The authors have studied the current state of production of milk and its processed products, which are in the second place in demand after bakery products. In each region of the republic there are processing enterprises of the dairy industry, but not all producers supply goods of high quality. Purpose - development of practical recommendations to provide the domestic market with high-grade and competitive dairy products on the basis of formation and development of dairy clusters. Methods - the system approach was used to determine the value chain from raw materials to finished products, statistical and comparative analysis - to study the dynamics, state, potential opportunities of the dairy subcomplex, economic entities, generalization method - to summarize the results of the study. Results - the main problems existing in the dairy industry of Kazakhstan are revealed: insufficiency of milk for food products, underutilization of production capacities, lack of large farms producing conditioned raw materials in the required volumes, high import dependence, purchase prices for raw milk. Conclusions - the authors recommend the formation of territorial dairy cluster structures. The implementation of this direction will allow to meet the needs not only of the domestic market, but also to achieve a high export potential of the dairy industry, to solve the issues of supply of necessary equipment, fodder for livestock, to increase the competitive advantages of dairy products, the level of utilization of the existing production potential, as well as to expand the raw material base. Of particular importance is the study of promising areas of the dairy industry, since milk and dairy products are necessarily present in the food basket of every family.

Measuring Multidimensional Poverty of the Population of the Regions of Russia: A Hybrid Approach

The research paper is devoted to the measurement of poverty (and its depth) of the population of Russian regions on the basis of a hybrid approach. This approach involves both an objective assessment of the phenomenon under study (according to Rosstat data) and taking into account the subjective perception of poverty by the population. In the first case, the index method is used in combination with the method of self-organising maps by T. Kohonen and an ensemble of multilayer perseptrons of various configurations. Artificial intelligence allows not only to deepen the results of retrospective assessment of multidimensional poverty through cluster analysis, but also to realise the predictive function. In the second case, a sociological survey is conducted on the example of a certain region of Russia (the Republic of Bashkortostan). According to the results of the cluster analysis, taking into account the earlier retrospective assessment, we can conclude that there is a high degree of polarisation of Russian regions based on the actual level of ‘multidimensional poverty’. ‘Oases’ (St. Petersburg, Moscow and the Republic of Tatarstan) contrast with “centres” (the Republic of Ingushetia, the Republic of Tyva, the Karachay-Cherkess Republic and the Republic of Altai) of multidimensional poverty. At the same time, the Republic of Bashkortostan (one of the old-industrial regions with a rich mineral and raw material base) in the formed rating regularly occupied the median position among other constituent entities of the Russian Federation. The main (key) problems in the sphere of poverty for this region of Russia are specified based on the results of sociological research. Such a study also makes it possible to deepen the retrospective assessment of ‘multidimensional poverty’, since not all the necessary data for a comprehensive analysis of the phenomenon under study are generated by Rosstat on a regular basis. The results obtained in the framework of the study can be used in the actualisation of the most important direction of the state social policy of modern Russia – the fight against poverty. In the long term, the top management of the country needs to ensure a significant reduction in the poverty level of the population regardless of the territorial factor (constituent entity of the Russian Federation).

USING THE INTEGRAL INDICATOR TO DETERMINE TI-ZR PRIORITY AREAS OF PLACERS

The article presents the author’s method of selection of priority areas of Ti-Zr placers using an integral indicator. As you know, the integral indicator is the ratio of the total beneficial effect from the development of the deposit to the total costs of operation, it is calculated as the difference between the value of conventional ilmenite (according to the US Geological Survey) (Mineral Commodity..., 2023) and the cost of obtaining overburden and processing the productive layer. Based on the methodology developed and presented in the article, an experiment was conducted on the data of one of the placer deposits located within the Ukrainian placer sub-province. It is proposed to develop it in small blocks that ensure high productivity, minimal impact on the environment and allow replenishment the mineral and raw material base of the titanium industry of Ukraine. This technique can be used at any deposit of titanium-zirconium ores both in Ukraine and abroad.

The Nazi regime in Lithuania: recovery of agricultural obligations imposed

The purpose of this study is to investigate methods and means of recovery of imposed agricultural obligations. The aim of this paper is to analyse the methods and means for recovery of imposed agricultural obligations in Lithuania, occupied by military forces of Nazi Germany. To achieve the aim, the following objectives have been set: 1) to discuss adaptation of production of agricultural products to meet needs of the war in Lithuania under the Nazi regime; 2) to analyse the methods and means used by occupational Nazi authorities for recovery of agricultural obligations imposed on farmers of Lithuania; 3) to discuss other obligations imposed (other than delivery of agricultural products) on Lithuanian farmers, analyse methods and means for their recovery; 4) submit the exhaustive and reliable statistics on recovery of imposed obligations related to delivery of agricultural products. The topic chosen is a relevant and new one, as this problem has not been presented exhaustively in Lithuanian historiography. First of all, we lack a generalized analysis on the entire Lithuania scale, analysis which must be more detailed, based on archive or reliable statistical data related to practical application of the mechanism of recovery of agricultural obligations (primarily aiming at agricultural products) imposed. This article aims at filling these and other gaps in relevant historiography. During the research the following conclusions have been drawn: 1. In the case of Germany victory in the war, the territories of all Baltic states, including Lithuania, were to be included into the Nazi Reich. During the wartime, the economy of these countries had to serve demands of the Vermacht and meet other Reich needs, irrespective of the interests of the local people and local economies. It had not been planned to create a considerable consumer goods industry. These countries had to be cheap labour sources and base for provision of raw materials, as well as a market for realization of German industry products.2. The essence of the Nazi agricultural policy in the occupied Lithuania meant a unilateral demand to increase production of basic food products and raw materials in order to provide the German troops as well as local residents and Germans in Germany with food products. The Nazi imposed on farmers various obligations related to agricultural products and various equipment (mobilization of horses with carts and harnesses, obligations of manual work and transport, etc.)3. Civil occupational Nazi authorities adapted Lithuanian municipal system to meet their agricultural needs during the wartime. The occupational authorities through threatening the officers of Lithuanian municipal system with penalties and negative consequences related to agriculture and farmers, using the help of Lithuanian officers, managed to recover a huge amount of agriculture products from this country agriculture sector. Whereas Lithuanian municipal officers of higher rank were forced to apply constantly the psychological pressure or even coercion on their own subordinates and colleagues of lower rank.4. In order to recover agricultural obligations fulfilment, the occupants applied both repressive and promoting measures. Among repressive ones, farmer removal from his/her farm should be mentioned as well as requisition of agricultural products, cash penalties, farmers suing with the German Special Court, forcible confining in detention facilities, forced-labour camps or even killing by firing squad. Especially famous for farmers killing by firing squad was H. Wulff, the commissar of Vilnius county district. By killing the farmers, the occupants sought to intimidate the villagers so that they would better fulfil the obligations imposed.5. To perform recovery of fulfilment of imposed agricultural obligations, the following promoting measures used to be applied: issue of ownership documents, granting the possibility of acquisition of industrial goods, etc.6. The Nazi failed to convert Lithuanian farmers into obedient executors of alien will. Due to harsh conditions of the wartime and sabotage of Lithuanian farmers in order to protect their farms from the complete deterioration, occupational government of the Nazi each economic year failed to collect from Lithuanian villages planned agricultural products contingencies irrespective of requisition of the large part of agricultural production of this country.

The influence of addition of fly ash from biomass combustion on selected properties of red building ceramics

The paper characterizes waste in the form of fly ash generated in a power plant during the combustion of biomass in a fluidized bed in terms of its possible use in the ceramic building materials industry. This is important from the point of view of environmental protection. In order to assess the possibility of using ash in the production of red ceramics (e.g. bricks), two different clay raw materials (Clay I and Clay II) were selected to prepare the raw material sets. First of all, the investigated fly ash was subjected to thermogravimetric TG-DTG analysis and its basic chemical composition was determined. Then the specific density was determined for all the raw materials, XRD analysis was also performed and finally characteristic temperatures were determined by means of a high-temperature microscope. The basic raw material sets included clayey raw material and fly ash in various contents: 5 wt%, 10 wt% and 15 wt%. Samples were pressed from the ready sets and fired at the temperature of 1000℃. Afterwards, the obtained samples were subjected to XRD and microstructural tests, then selected physical properties were determined, i.e. water absorption, porosity, apparent density, and compressive strength. Based on the research and analysis of the results, it was found that the introduction of fly ash from biomass combustion into the raw material set in the range of 5–15 wt% has a positive effect on the insulating properties of red ceramics. In addition, the density of the red ceramics decreases with the increase in the addition of fly ash, while its porosity and water absorption increase. Furthermore, the addition of fly ash decreases the compressive strength and visually brightens the microstructure of the products.

High-quality analysis of dry extract of prickly artichoke raw material (Cynara Scolymus L.) cultivated in Uzbekistan

The aim. Artichoke plants are increasingly cultivated in Uzbekistan, where there is growing interest in their raw materials for potential applications within the pharmaceutical industry. This exploration aims to evaluate the feasibility and advantages of integrating components derived from artichokes into pharmaceutical formulations, focusing on their recognized medicinal properties and the possible economic benefits that could arise from such innovations. Materials and methods. For the creation of highly effective preparations on the basis of artichoke raw material (Cynara scolymus L.) cultivated in Uzbekistan, qualitative and quantitative analysis of some biologically active substances contained in the raw material was carried out, as well as a comparative assessment of their accumulation in the plant growing in different climatic conditions. During qualitative analysis of artichoke prickly raw material cultivated in Uzbekistan, identified important biologically active substances such as phenolic compounds, oxycinnamic acids and flavonoids, tannins, amino acids, and ascorbic acid. Results. The quantitative analysis conducted on artichoke raw material revealed a notably high concentration of several biologically active compounds. Specifically, the study identified significant levels of chlorogenic acid, which is known for its antioxidant properties; cynaroside, recognized for its potential health benefits; riboflavin, an essential vitamin; caffeine, a stimulant; and caffeic acid, another potent antioxidant. These findings underscore the nutritional value and potential therapeutic applications of artichoke. Conclusions. The artichoke prickly (Cynara cardunculus) is notable for its significant accumulation of essential bioelements, including sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals are present in high concentrations within the plant's raw material, suggesting that it possesses valuable medicinal properties. The therapeutic potential of these elements enhances the appeal of an artichoke prickly as a promising source for medicinal applications

A Review of Landraces’ On-farm Conservation, Practices and Management: An Indian Perspective

Plant genetic resources are the most valuable and essential basic raw materials to meet the current and future needs of crop improvement programs to enhance the genetic base of a crop. With erosion playing a crucial role in diminishing diversity, different conservation methods come to play a massive role in preserving these resources. Thus, in the present paper, the authors tried to provide a gist about the on-farm conservation activities practiced in India and the importance of on-farm diversity in terms of economic importance. Different key words like on-farm conservation, landraces, custodian farmers, on-farm diversity were used to collect the different articles on on-farm conservation. Research articles from different states and regions around the country were gathered to collate the data and knowledge. In managing the key farm resources, the role of community seed banks, kitchen gardens, custodian farmers, their communities and organizations has been highlighted, along with a few case studies of on-farm conservation activities across the sites in the country. With the collection and documentation of on-farm material for genebanks and databases, it may provide easy access to on-farm material for potential users in the future. Providing incentives, identifying key problems, and providing necessary facilities may sustain on-farm conservation.

NEW COMPONENTS OF LOW-VISCOSITY MARINE FUEL BASED ON LOW-VALUE AND BY-PRODUCTS OF OIL REFINING

A comprehensive study of the hydrocarbon composition and physicochemical properties of by-products of oil refining and petrochemistry was carried out to search for new low-margin components of low-viscosity marine fuel (LMF) and to optimize the fuel composition for expanding the raw material base of LMF. The possibility of involving the heavy fractions from primary and secondary oil refining in LMF has been established: 10-12 % higher-weight diesel fraction, 47-60 % straight-run medium distillate fraction, 2-10 % heavy diesel fraction, 35% vacuum distillate, 10 % still residue from hydrogenation units, 4-10 % light catalytic cracking gas oil. A method has been found for obtaining a new component of LMF - a fraction boiling within 180-270 °C, obtained from oil refining wastes after their dehydration and fractionation in the yield of up to 30 %, the involvement of which in LMF (5 %) will give an economic effect of about 7 million roubles per year. Mathematical modelling was used to optimize the composition of fuel from the main and by-products, taking into account the production volumes and the actual values of critical indicators of each component. A method has been found for obtaining a new component of LMF - a fraction boiling within 180-270 °C, obtained from oil refining wastes after their dehydration and fractionation in the yield of up to 30 %, the involvement of which in LMF (5 %) will give an economic effect of about 7 million roubles per year. Mathematical modelling was used to optimize the composition of fuel from the main and by-products, taking into account the production volumes and the actual values of critical indicators of each component.

Process optimization and scale-up of toluene nitration in a microchannel reactor using HNO3-AC2O as nitrating agent

Aromatic nitro compounds are an important class of basic chemical raw materials, while traditional nitration methods may cause safety accidents and environmental pollution due to strong exothermicity and presence of sulfuric acid. In this work, aiming to alleviate these issues, the nitration of toluene was conducted in a microchannel reactor with nitric acid and acetic anhydride. The effect of temperature, molar ratio of nitric acid to toluene, mass fraction of acetic anhydride, and residence time on the conversion and selectivity of reaction were systematically investigated, and response surface methodology was used to optimize the process. A mononitrotoluene yield of 99.21 % can be achieved under optimum condition. Meanwhile, in order to better understand the exothermic behavior, toluene nitration by HNO3-AC2O was investigated in the semi-batch calorimeter. Finally, the optimized process was scaled up and effect of volumetric flow rate was investigated. At the selected maximum volumetric flow rate, the overtemperature of the system was 10.9 °C with a 98.3 % yield of mononitrotoluene. Continuous flow mode had a space-time yield nearly two orders of magnitude greater than semi-batch mode. This work can provide guidance for safe, efficient and green synthesis of mononitrotoluene.