Potential Raw Material Research Articles

Application of Phosphonium- and Choline Chloride Based Deep Eutectic Solvents as Catalyst for Emulsifier Production from Low Quality Oil Assisted by Microwave Irradiation

Monoglycerides (MAG) and Diglycerides (DAG) have wide applications in the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Despite the economic competitiveness of producing this type of emulsifier from vegetable oils, the increasing demand for products with high nutritional value makes certain types of healthy oils such as rice bran oil (RBO) a potential raw material for high quality fats to serve this growing market. However, the high free fatty acids (FFA) and RBO content which is insoluble in acetone make it difficult to process and is categorized as a low-quality oil, causing RBO to be only used as biodiesel feedstock. Enzymatic catalytic route for glycerolysis of vegetable oil offers milder operating conditions and higher product selectivity (MAG) but it has high production costs and long processing time. In this study, biodegradable catalysts were used, namely deep eutectic solvents (DES) based on phosponium and choline chloride for glycerolysis of dewaxed/degummed RBO (DDRBO) assisted with microwave irradiation. Effects of different types of DES catalysts (phosphonium and choline chloride based DES) on DES-catalyzed glycerolysis of low quality oil will be evaluated using 5%wt of DES, 300 W(150°C) for about 15 minutes. Out of the four DESs used, DES [TBAB][PTSAM] and DES [ChCl][AcAd] both showed outstanding catalytic performance. Especially [ChCl][AcAd] as a reaction catalyst for DDRBO glycerolysis showed the best catalytic activity, and high selectivity for the formation of monoglycerides (MG). Meanwhile [TBAB][PTSAM] showed high selectivity (92.57%) for diglyceride (DG) formation.

The Application of Green Seismic Survey Technology in Forested Areas and Its Ecological and Economic Effectiveness: Methodology and Practice of Application

The issues surrounding the employment of technology targeted at enhancing environmental safety to increase the productivity of the reproduction process of the natural gas and oil resource base are equally important. The paper discusses the use of green seismic survey technology to determine the oil and gas potential of the subsoil. A methodological toolkit is proposed for carrying out technical and economic calculations to determine indicators of the environmental and economic efficiency of using innovative resource-saving technology for geological surveys in areas densely planted with forests. The purpose of the work is to establish the viability of employing resource-saving technology known as green seismic technology to search for promising hydrocarbon resources in forested areas and determine the expected environmental and economic benefits of geological exploration using the suggested enhanced methodology for their evaluation. The tasks set to achieve the goal were solved using methods of geological and economic assessment of the hydrocarbon raw material potential of territories and water areas; environmental assessments of the negative influence of anthropogenic environmental impacts on the natural environment; and economic and statistical methods of performing technical and economic calculations to determine performance indicators for the implementation of innovative projects in the field of geological exploration. The novelty of the results obtained lies in the proposed improved algorithm for conducting an environmental and economic assessment of geological exploration for hydrocarbon raw materials; a conceptual description of the green seismic technology; systematization of technical, economic, and environmental risks; and justification of new regional directions for geological exploration using resource-saving seismic exploration technology.

Proximate and Physicochemical Analysis of Castor, Neem, and Waste Cooking Oils, and their Waste Seed-Cakes Post Oil Extraction as Potential Raw Materials for Biodiesel Production

In this study, proximate and physicochemical analysis of castor oil (CO), neem oil (NO), and waste cooking oil (WCO) is being investigated. The castor and neem seed oil were extracted using soxhlet extraction method with n-hexane as solvent with yields of 40.43% and 41.10% respectively. The results of the study indicated low moisture contents of 2.95% and 2.58% for castor and neem seed-cake/shell composite biomasses respectively. The castor seed-cake/shell composite biomass contained volatile matter (54.83%), ash content (7.85%), and fixed carbon (34.37%), while the neem seed-cake/shell composite biomass contained volatile matter (52.45%), ash content (12.74%), and fixed carbon (31.25%) respectively. The order of the proximate parameters in percentage for both castor and neem seed cake/shell composite biomasses is: Volatile Matter > Fixed Carbon > Ash Content > Moisture. Acid value is highest in the NO sample (14.95 mg KOH/g) than in the other two samples (CO (3.96 mg KOH/g) and WCO (3.93 mg KOH/g)). The NO sample had highest saponification value (198.17 mg KOH/g) and a low density (0.938 g/cm3) than the CO (181.48 mg KOH/g, 0.984 g/cm3) and WCO (184.29 mg KOH/g, 0.961 g/cm3) samples. The WCO (122.14 gI2/100g) sample had higher amount of unsaturated fatty acid compounds than NO (82.49 gI2/100g) and CO (80.39 gI2/100g) samples based on the iodine values obtained. The low moisture contents and significant amount of carbon contents in the two composite biomasses indicates that activated or carbonized carbon can be prepared using these composite biomass samples.

Quality analysis of coffee waste compost with the addition of cassava tapai local microorganism (LMO) bioactivator

Coffee waste contains a large amount of nutrients, making it a potential raw material for compost fertilizer. The nutrients contained in coffee waste include N, P, K, Mg, and Ca. Utilization of coffee waste as compost requires bioactivators to accelerate the decomposition process. This study aims to determine the difference in compost quality from coffee waste by using bioactivators in the form of local microorganisms (LMO) of cassava tapai. This study was conducted from April to May 2023 at the greenhouse of LPP Polytechnic Yogyakarta, consisting of two stages: making the LMO and making the compost. Cassava tapai LMO was prepared as a treatment for composting coffee waste. Each treatment was repeated three times. After that, the fermentation results in the form of compost were tested, then the results were compared with the standards of the Decree of the Minister of Agriculture No. 261/KPTS/SR.310/M/4/2019 on the minimum technical requirements for organic fertilizers, biological fertilizers, and soil conditioners. The results reveal that the provision of cassava tapai LMO bioactivator affected the quality of coffee waste compost produced. The quality of composts produced from control, cassava tapai LMO of 90 ml, and EM-4 treatment does not meet the standards of the Decree of the Minister of Agriculture in the parameter of chemical properties, namely the C/N ratio. The quality of compost produced from cassava tapai LMO of 120 ml meets the standards of the Decree of the Minister of Agriculture and SNI 2004 in all parameters of physical properties, chemical properties, and nutrient content.

Phenolic compounds in purple whole-wheat flour and bread: Comparative analysis

Whole-wheat flour of purple wheat varieties contains anthocyanins and other phenolic compounds with high antioxidant activity, which makes it a potential raw material for functional foods. The content and composition of phenolic compounds in whole-wheat flour depends on the genotype and weather conditions; in the bread, however, they also depend on the bread-making technology. This article offers a comparative analysis of phenolic compounds in purple whole-wheat flour and bread baked from this flour.
 The study featured purple soft spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) of two varieties, Nadira and Line 193, which were harvested in 2016 and 2017, and corresponding bread samples. The antioxidant activity and phenolic content were measured spectrophotometrically while the qualitative analysis relied on the method of high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). 
 In the hot and dry year of 2016, the content of bound phenolic acids reached 2.0–2.4 mg/g dry weight in the flour of both genotypes. In the cool and humid year of 2017, the content of anthocyanins in the Nadira flour increased by 2.7 times and amounted to 0.65 mg/g dry weight. However, the corresponding bread sample had a much lower phenolic content: soluble phenolics were halved, anthocyanins dropped by 3–4 times, and bound phenolic acids went down by 7–17 times. The content of bound phenolic acids in the flour correlated positively with the content of free phenolic acids in the bread. The HPLC analysis revealed an increase in the content of free hydroxycinnamic acids in the bread: p-coumaric acid was the most abundant and amounted to 0.14–0.22 mg/g dry weight.
 Conventional State Standard 27669-88 for bread making resulted in a total decrease in anthocyanins, bound phenolic acids, and most free phenolics. Therefore, this technology cannot be applied to functional bread. The results can help develop a breadmaking technology for purple wheat varieties.

Unlocking the Secondary Critical Raw Material Potential of Historical Mine Sites, Lousal Mine, Southern Portugal

A steady supply of mineral raw materials is vital for the transition to a low-carbon, circular economy. The number of active mines in Europe has severely declined over the last century and half, giving rise to many abandoned mining waste sites and corresponding geological heritage. Also, the rise in minerals demand for large-scale deployment of renewable energy requires the continued and steady availability of key minerals. The supply risk associated with unpredicted geopolitical events needs to be eliminated/mitigated. Historical mine waste sites are the answer but evaluating mine waste is a lengthy and costly exercise. The study, undertaken in the Lousal Mine, used small unmanned aerial systems (sUASs) to model and determine mine waste volumes by generating orthomosaic maps with quick, inexpensive, and reliable results. Calculated mine waste volumes between 308,478 m3 and 322,455 m3 were obtained. XRD and p-XRF techniques determined the mineralogy and chemistry of waste, which varied from mineralization and host rocks with hydrothermal alteration and numerous neogenic sulphates (mostly gypsum, rhomboclase, ferricopiapite, coquimbite, and jarosite) related with supergene processes and weathering. The study shows the viability of using these sUASs to successfully model historical mine waste sites in an initial phase and for future monitoring programs.

Solid waste recycling and organic particulate hybrid nanocomposite technologies for sustainable infrastructure—A comprehensive review

Solid waste has become a major environmental concern globally in recent years due to the tremendous increase in waste generation. However, these wastes (e.g., plastics and agro-residues) can serve as potential raw materials for the production of value-added products such as composites at low cost. The utilization of these waste materials in the composite industry is a good strategy for maintaining the sustainability of resources with economic and environmental benefits. In this report, the environmental impacts and management strategies of solid waste materials are discussed in detail. The study described the benefits of recycling and reusing solid wastes (i.e., plastic and agro-waste). The report also reviewed the emerging fabrication approaches for natural particulate hybrid nanocomposite materials. The results of this survey reveal that the fabrication techniques employed in manufacturing composite materials could significantly influence the performance of the resulting composite products. Furthermore, some key areas have been identified for further investigation. Therefore, this report is a state-of-the-art review and stands out as a guide for academics and industrialists.

Production of Biogas From a Mixture of Chicken Litter and Cow Manure and Its Effect on the Resulting Volume and C/N Ratio

The livestock sector's waste is a potential raw material for producing biogas because it is abundantly available. This experiment aimed to understand the potential of two types of livestock waste to produce biogas. The two sources of raw material were mixed with different variations. The results showed that the volume of fermentation gas produced from livestock waste varied depending on the type and composition of the raw material used. Mixing was done to determine the best variation in producing biogas from chicken litter and cow manure. The volume ratio of litter to cow manure used was (0%:100%), (25%:75%), (50%:50%), (75%:25%), (and 100%:0%), with a total volume of 2 liters. In addition, 10% of EM-4 (effective microorganism) was added to the mixture of livestock waste that had previously been given 2 liters of water. The waste mixture was then fermented for 30 days. The fermentation process was carried out under mesophilic conditions at room temperature and pressure. This study showed that the higher the concentration of chicken litter in the mixture, the higher the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio value. On the other hand, if there is a higher composition of cow manure in the mixture, the substrate pH value will be higher. Furthermore, a 50%:50% composition of chicken litter and cow manure produced a high volume of biogas. Similarly, the biogas formation rate in this composition showed the best performance. These results prove that the balance of carbon and nitrogen composition, temperature, and substrate acidity significantly affect biogas production.

Geochemical Characterization of Sedimentary Materials (Limestone, Gypsum, Coal, and Iron Ore) along the Nile River Basin, South Wollo, Ethiopia

Sedimentary rocks are produced by the weathering of preexisting rocks and the subsequent transportation and deposition of the weathering products. Among the sedimentary rocks, especially limestone is a crucial raw material for cement production. The purpose of this study was to characterize the valuable industrial raw materials, limestone, gypsum, clay, coal, and iron ore, along with the Nile River basin. For sample collection, a random sampling method was applied. Different analytical methods were carried out for complete oxide analysis such as LiBO2 fusion, HF attack, and gravimetric, calorimetric, and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The percentages of oxides detected in this study are in the range of acceptable values (high content of CaO ranging from 47.3 to 50.4% and less content of SiO2 ranging from 8.72 to 11.24%) for good proposal as a potential raw material for cement production. The most dominant and wide-range coverage of limestone along with the Nile basin, particularly near Arsema Monastery, was found as matured limestone. The petrographic analysis of gypsum, sandstone, and clay samples indicated that all the samples taken from Wegidi revealed that the high percentage of gypsum ranges from 90 to 95%. Sandstone is dominantly preset in Kelala to Jamma road along with Beto River with high content of SiO2 ranging from 61 to 95%. The results of this study indicate that the treated coal samples are relative to high calorific value, fixed carbon, and low ash content. Coal and iron ore from Jamma revealed that high calorific value is 4929.24 and hematite content is 52.2, respectively. The result of this study revealed that a huge amount of limestone reservoir is detected in Borena Wereda, Amhara, Ethiopia.

Enhancing reactivity of granite waste powder toward geopolymer preparation by mechanical activation

Granite waste powder (GWP) is a solid waste produced during stone processing, and its accumulation has brought serious environmental and ecological problems. Due to its rich Si and Al components, GWP is a potential raw material for the preparation of geopolymers, but its low reactivity limits its utilization. This study aimed to enhance the reactivity of GWP toward geopolymer preparation by mechanical activation. During mechanical activation, the particle size of GWP decreased rapidly, and its internal pore volume gradually increased, which made its specific surface area continuously increase. The relative crystallinity of the main mineral phases in GWP decreases continuously with mechanical activation, and the aluminosilicate minerals (including albite, microcline, and biotite) are more easily amorphized than quartz. Leaching tests show that activated GWP can dissolve higher percentages of silicon and aluminum components in alkaline solutions. After 120 min of activation, the dissolution percentage of Si increased from 1.55% to 6.25%, and that of Al increased from 4.83% to 20.86%. The reaction heat result shows that the early geopolymerization involving activated GWP releases higher cumulative heat, which reflects a higher degree of reaction. Also, geopolymer incorporated with activated GWP, its compressive strength increased from 50.83 MPa to 78.94 MPa, and its flexural strength increased from 7.2 MPa to 10.0 MPa. These results confirmed that the reactivity of GWP can be significantly enhanced by mechanical activation. This technology may provide an efficient and promising method to improve the reactivity of GWP and promote its utilization in the preparation of geopolymers.

Content of Bioactive Compounds in Highbush Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum L. Leaves as a Potential Raw Material for Food Technology or Pharmaceutical Industry.

This study was performed to investigate the content of selected phenolic compounds, antioxidant activity and the levels of arbutin and hydroquinone in 25 varieties of highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum) leaf samples. An analysis of the bioactive components was performed using the HPLC technique and the antioxidant activity was determined via spectrophotometric methods. The content of chlorogenic acid in the analysed leaf extracts ranged from 52.76 mg/g (Spartan variety) to 32.37 mg/g (Nelson variety) and was present in the highest concentration among all the analysed phenolic acids. Particularly large levels of isoquercetin were found in the Aurora, Ivanhoe and Toro varieties (28.40 mg/g, 26.24 mg/g and 21.57 mg/g, respectively). An exceptionally high rutin content (p < 0.05) was found in the Ivanhoe variety (27.19 mg/g) as compared to the other varieties, where it ranged from 2.06 mg/g (Earliblue and Patriot varieties) to 10.55 mg/g (Bluejay variety). The Patriot variety was determined to possess the highest antioxidative activity using the FRAP method (1086.15 μmol Trolox/g d.w.) and based on its DPPH radical scavenging activity (1124.17 μmol Trolox/g d.w.). The total phenolic content (TPC) determined via spectrophotometry ranged from 48.11 mg GAE/g d.w. (Elizabeth variety) to 177.31 GAE/g d.w. (Patriot variety). The arbutin content in the leaves of all tested varieties exceeded 2%, so it can be concluded that they constitute a stable source of arbutin. Three varieties (Bonus, Chanticleer and Herbert) can be considered a potential alternative to bearberry and lingonberry leaves. The hydroquinone content in the analysed extracts was determined to be at a lower level. V. corymbosum leaves can be considered an interesting herbal material for use in traditional herbal medicinal products but not directly for food products and dietary supplements.

Peluang Usaha Ibu Rumah Tangga dalam Mendekor Tas Bebahan Baku Pandan dengan Teknik Decoupage

Pandan leaves can be used as a handicraft that has economic value. Processing pandan leaves into a bag requires skill and creativity. Decoupage is one way to decorate a pandan leaf bag to make it look attractive. This community service activity aims to provide information and training on making bags made from pandan leaves using decoupage techniques. The target of the activity is hosuwives employees of the Badan Pertanahan Nasional (BPN) at Gunung Kidul Regency. The background of this goal is region has the potential raw material for pandan leaves.The training given to housewives provides an opportunity to hone their crearivity to fill their spare time. Community service activities are carried out through extension, training and mentoring methods. The impact of this activity is to increase the knowledge of partner groups in using pandan leaves to become useful and economically valuable handicrafts. The partner group was also able to make bags from pandan leaves using the decoupage technique. The pandan leaf bags are sold to internal and external BPN consumers. With this activity, it is hoped that the partner groups will provide information to the surrounding community to share information about utilization and how to make pandan leaves bags.

Assessment of vitamin- and mineral-content stability of tomato fruits as a potential raw material to produce functional food

Background: Tomatoes are a valuable source of biologically active substances (vitamin C, lycopene, lutein, macro- and microelements) and can be used to produce functional foods.Objective: Nine varieties of tomato fruits, featuring a spectrum of colors such as red, yellow, and dark hues (brown, burgundy), were examined. These tomatoes were cultivated in open ground in both the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus. Methods: The mineral composition of tomato fruit samples was determined using an atomic emission spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma, mass fractions of vitamin C and carotenoids were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography.Results: The highest vitamin C content was observed in the fruits of tomato varieties Viagra and Chocolate, cultivated in the villages of Khokhol and Nikonovo in the Voronezh Region, Russia, and in the variety Budenovka, grown in Nikonovo. Additionally, the highest lycopene content was identified in the fruits of The Black Prince, cultivated in the agro-town Samokhvalovichi, Belarus; Volgogradskiy skorospelyi, grown in Nikonovo; Bull's Heart, cultivated in Khokhol in the Voronezh Region, Russia; and Black Heart of Bull, cultivated in Khokhol and Nikonovo respectively. Notably, tomatoes of the varieties The Black Prince (agro-town Samokhvalovichi, Belarus), Chocolate, Black Heart of Bull, and Bull's Heart (Khokhol, Russia) exhibited a significant amount of lutein. Furthermore, tomatoes of the variety Budenovka, grown in Khokhol, Russia, displayed high mineral saturation. Varieties Bull's Heart and Black Heart of Bull, grown in the same region, were found to be rich in macro- and trace elements (K, Ca, Mg, P, Mn, Fe). The optimal calcium-to-phosphorus ratio (1:1.5) was observed in varieties Bull's Forehead, Black Heart of Bull, and Budenovka, while the optimal calcium-to-magnesium ratio (1:0.7) was present in the fruits of tomato varieties Volgogradskiy skorospelyi, Bull's Forehead, Budenovka, Black Heart of Bull, Bull's Heart, and Orange, grown in various regions of the Russian Federation. Conclusion: The inclusion of biologically active substances, notably lycopene, lutein, Vitamin C, and essential minerals (Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorus), positions tomatoes as valuable sources for developing functional foods and those designed to prevent cardiovascular diseases. The composition of tomatoes varies significantly based on the fruit's color and the cultivation location. This variability underscores the importance of considering these factors to achieve the desired level of functional ingredients in the final product.Keywords: tomato fruits, biologically active substances, vitamin C, lycopene, lutein, macro- and microelements.

FTIR-ATR chemometric analysis on pelagic Sargassum reveals chemical composition changes induced by cold sample transportation and sunlight radiation

The massive arrival of Sargassum biomass on the Caribbean coast is a potential raw material source that needs an assessment of its quality and preservation state. Thus, the present study aimed to investigate how pelagic Sargassum changes its chemical composition due to sample transportation, morphotype (S. natans I, S. natans VIII, and S. fluitans III), and exposure to open-air conditions during two months of outdoor conditions using Fourier Transform Infra-Red (IR) spectroscopy and chemometric analysis. The results demonstrate that cold transportation to the lab before flash-freezing caused sample degradation, characterized by mannitol consumption and the formation of anaerobic metabolism products. Multivariate analyses showed that the IR spectral zone with differences between S. natans and S. fluitans were in the same IR spectral regions related to sample degradation. In the two flash-freezing treatments, S. fluitans had the highest IR peak absorbance of mannitol and a lower absorbance for the carboxylic acids IR peak. Between S. natans morphotypes, S. natans I had the highest modification caused by the cold transportation to the lab. The decomposition under prolonged time (up to eight weeks) in open-air conditions demonstrated an increased absorbance on the IR bands of carboxylic acids in the first four weeks. In the sixth and eighth weeks, the IR signals of calcium carbonate increased more than those from organic matter. This study provides a better understanding of the importance of preserving the collected samples and how the decomposition dynamics of Sargassum species may impact the extraction of key compounds, e.g., alginate and mannitol.

Fermentation of waste water from agar processing with Bacillus subtilis by metabolomic analysis.

Fungal infection has become a major threat to crop loss and affects food safety. The waste water from agar processing industries extraction has a number of active substances, which could be further transformed by microorganisms to synthesize antifungal active substances. In this study, Bacillus subtilis was used to ferment the waste water from agar processing industries extraction to analyze the antifungal activity of the fermentation broth on Alternaria alternata and Alternaria spp. Results showed that 25% of the fermentation broth was the most effective in inhibited A. alternata and Alternaria spp., with fungal inhibition rates of 99.9% and 96.1%, respectively, and a minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was 0.156μg/mL. Metabolomic analysis showed that flavonoid polyphenols such as coniferyl aldehyde, glycycoumarin, glycitin, and procyanidin A1 may enhance the inhibitory activity against the two pathogenic fungal strains. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that polyphenols involved in the biosynthesis pathways of isoflavonoid and phenylpropanoid were upregulated after fermentation. The laser confocal microscopy analyses and cell conductivity showed that the cytoplasm of fungi treated with fermentation broth was destroyed. This study provides a research basis for the development of new natural antifungal agents and rational use of seaweed agar waste. KEY POINTS: • Bacillus subtilis fermented waste water has antifungal activity • Bacillus subtilis could transform active substances in waste water • Waste water is a potential raw material for producing antifungal agents.

Heavy mineral catalogue for the characterization and provenance of red sandstone macrolithic tools from Hódmezővásárhely-Gorzsa

Although ground stone tools (GSTs) are among the most abundant stone tools in archaeological sites, they are rarely investigated both from the archaeological and the geological point of view. There are many pieces made of siliciclastic sedimentary raw material. Their fragmentary condition makes it possible to examine them by slightly destructive methods, such HMA (heavy mineral analysis), which was developed primarily for siliciclastic rocks. Until now, ‘sensu stricto’ (s.str) heavy mineral analysis has not yet been carried out for ground stone tools, neither at the national nor at the international level. By comparing the heavy mineral compositions of the stone tools and their potential raw materials with the help of a newly developed HM descriptive system (including rutile, zircon, tourmaline, apatite and titanite), it is possible to determine the provenance of these archaeological materials. From the Neolithic tell of Gorzsa, 109 red sandstone macrolithic stone tools are known. These were separated into four, different types (‘Red–1’ – ‘Red–4’), based on the macroscopic and microscopic analysis. 11 fragments were chosen for HMA analysis. In addition, red-coloured sandstones from different geological occurrences of the Carpathian-Pannonian Basin (22 pieces) were also investigated. Based on the heavy mineral analysis, all raw material types of the stone tools could be originated from the Maros River and the Apuseni Mountains (Transylvania). However, the previously determined potential sources (Permotriassic and Miocene sequences from the Mecsek Mountains, Balaton Highlands, pebbles from the Danube River, and Papuk Mountains) cannot be excluded with absolute certainty from the possible raw materials.

Propriedades de painéis MDF fabricados com misturas de madeira de plantações de paricá e resíduos de madeira de espécies nativas da Amazônia

ABSTRACT Brazil stands out as one of the largest manufacturers of MDF (medium density fiberboard) in the world. The industries are concentrated in the south and southeast of the country and are primarily based on the use of Pinus and Eucalyptus wood, which are available in extensive planted areas. In the northern region, there is only one MDF industrial plant. Despite an abundance of potential raw materials in this region, there is a lack of studies on native species wood and their industrial waste utilization for MDF production. The present study aimed to evaluate the properties of MDF manufactured from a mixture of cultivated paricá (Schizolobium amazonicum) wood and wood waste from native Amazonian species. The study assessed the isolated effects of different proportions of the raw materials and panel thicknesses on MDF properties. Panels were produced, and samples were obtained for testing. Using standard procedures, the following properties were determined: density, water absorption, thickness swelling, internal bonding, static bending, and resistance to screw withdrawal. The results revealed a significant impact of the analyzed variables on some physical and mechanical properties of MDF. With the exception of internal bonding, all other properties of the evaluated MDF panels met the specified regulatory requirements for use in furniture manufacturing. It is concluded that mixtures of the assessed raw materials have great potential for MDF production in the furniture industry. However, adjustments in the production process are recommended to improve the internal bonding property.

Sustainable Solution Economically for The Production of Paper Pulp from Peanut Shell

The increasing demand for sustainable and eco- friendly materials has prompted researchers to explore alternative sources for paper pulp production. This research paper investigates the feasibility of utilizing peanut shells, an abundant agricultural waste, as a potential raw material for paper pulp production. The study focuses on the process of converting peanut shells into high-quality pulp through various methods such as chemical and mechanical pulping. The paper further discusses the potential benefits, challenges, and environmental implications of using peanut shell pulp as a sustainable alternative to conventional wood-based pulps. The findings of this research contribute to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable resource management and promote the utilization of agricultural waste for value- added applications.

Effect of processing on the microbiological, proximate, antinutritional and mineral profile of selected yellow cassava varieties and sorghum malt as potential raw materials for alcoholic beverage production

Effect of processing on the microbiological, proximate, antinutritional and mineral profile of selected yellow cassava varieties and sorghum malt as potential raw materials for alcoholic beverage production

Analysis of raw material sources for a plant-based milk alternative from almonds

Plant-based alternative milks are mainly obtained by dry and wet grinding of raw materials. In both cases, it is extracted with water and filtered to remove large particles and residues of the technological process. Although there are many differences and changes in the technological processes in the production of plant milks, the traditional process on an industrial scale is the same as above. In this article, the importance and prospects of milk alternatives based on plant sources are discussed, and the raw material potential of almonds used in the production of plant milks in Uzbekistan is studied. In this research work, the 7 cheapest local varieties of almonds in the local markets were selected. Also, the properties of common almond varieties in the country were studied and optimal varieties were selected for obtaining almond milk. The chemical properties of selected promising varieties were studied in laboratory conditions and the obtained results were discussed. The physical and chemical characteristics of local varieties studied for obtaining almond milk are presented in the tables.