Source Of Raw Materials Research Articles

Optimizing Basil Seed Vigor Evaluations: An Automatic Approach Using Computer Vision-Based Technique

The short cultivation cycle and high essential oil content of basil plants render them a valuable raw material source for diverse industries. However, large-scale production is hindered by the lack of specific protocols to assess seed vigor; thus, a consistent supply of high-quality seeds that meet consumer demands cannot be ensured. This study investigated the effectiveness of an automated system for seedling analysis as a tool for evaluating basil seed vigor and compared it to traditional tests. For this purpose, seeds from eight commercial lots were evaluated in two separate trials spaced six months apart using the following tests: germination, first germination count, saturated salt accelerated aging, primary root emergence, mean germination time, seedling emergence, seedling emergence speed index, and computerized seedling image analysis. The parameters provided by the system allowed us to clearly and objectively classify the basil seed lots based on vigor, and the results were strongly and significantly correlated with the findings of traditional vigor tests, particularly between the vigor index and seedling length. Digital analysis of four-day-old seedlings proved to be a fast and efficient technique for evaluating basil seed vigor and has the potential for use in automating the data collection and analysis process.

Mortars in the Archaeological Site of Hierapolis of Phrygia (Denizli, Turkey) from Imperial to Byzantine Age

Hierapolis of Phrygia, an archaeological site in southwestern Turkey, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988. During archaeological campaigns, 71 mortar samples from public buildings were collected, dating from the Julio-Claudian to the Middle Byzantine period. The samples were analyzed using a multi-analytical approach including polarized optical microscopy (POM), digital image analysis (DIA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and SEM–EDS to trace the raw materials and understand the evolution of mortar composition and technology over time. During the Roman period, travertine and marble were commonly used in binder production, while marble dominated in the Byzantine period. The aggregates come mainly from sands of the Lycian Nappe and Menderes Massif, with carbonate and silicate rock fragments. Variations in composition, average size and circularity suggest changes in raw material sources in both Roman and Byzantine periods. Cocciopesto mortar was used in water-related structures from the Flavian to the Severan period, but, in the Byzantine period, it also appeared in non-hydraulic contexts. Straw became a common organic additive in Byzantine renders, marking a shift from the exclusively inorganic aggregates of Roman renders. This study illustrates the evolving construction technologies and material sources used throughout the city’s history.

Effects of fish meal replacement with composite proteins source on growth performance, antioxidant capacity and swim bladder quality of chu’s croaker (Nibea coibor)

Collagen, as a commercial functional protein, is widely applied in food, cosmetics, biomedicine and other industries, and swim bladder is regarded as an ideal source of raw materials due to its rich collagen content. Chu’s croaker (Nibea coibor), as an economical fish that can produce high-grade swim bladder, is popularly farmed, however, its high fishmeal demand limits the development of the feed industry. Therefore, it is worth thinking about how to reduce the use of fish meal without affecting the swim bladder quality. Given that, an 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effects of fish meal partially replaced (0.0%, 5.0%, 10.0%, 15.0%, 20.0%) with composite proteins (CPs, consisted of corn protein meal and hydrolyzed feather meal) on growth, antioxidant capacity and swim bladder quality (texture and collagen deposition) of chu’s croaker. Results showed that although growth performance decrease with the increase of CPs’ replacement level, it did not compromise the swim bladder quality. Specifically, 5% - 10% CPs did not affect the growth significantly, but can improve antioxidant capacity, protein content, collagen synthesis and texture quality of swim bladder. The enhancement of swim bladder texture, including hardness, chewiness, springiness, and adhesiveness may be caused by changes in the expression of related genes, such as colga1t1, col12a1, cyp27a1, etc. These results indicated that appropriate fish meal replaced by CPs could be applied during aquaculture practice after comprehensive consideration of feed cost, growth rate and quality of swim bladder. This study provides support for the development of cost-effective feed formulations that improve the sustainability and economic viability of chu’s croaker culture.

Current recycling innovations to utilize e-waste in sustainable green metal manufacturing.

The ever-increasing market demand and the rapid uptake of the technologies of electronics create an unavoidable generation of high-volume electronic waste (e-waste). E-waste is embedded with valuable metals, alloys, precious metals and rare earth elements. A substantial portion of e-waste ends up in landfills and is incinerated due to its complex multi-material structure, creating loss of resources and often leading to environmental contamination from the release of landfill leachates and combustion gases. Conversely, due to the ongoing demand for valuable metals, global industrial and manufacturing supply chains are experiencing enormous pressure. To address this issue, researchers have put multifaceted efforts into developing viable technologies and emphasized right-scaling for e-waste reclamation. Several conventional and emerging recycling technologies have been recognized to be efficient in recovering metal alloys, precious and rare earth metals from e-waste. The recovery of valuable metals from e-waste will create an alternative source of value-added raw materials, which could become part of supply chains for manufacturing. This review discusses the urgency of metal recycling from e-waste for sustainability and economic benefit, up-to-date recycling technologies with an emphasis on their potential role in creating a circular economy in e-waste management.This article is part of the discussion meeting issue 'Sustainable metals: science and systems'.

Extent of Locally Sourced Feed Ingredients and Performance of Feed Mill Entreprises in Southwest, Nigeria

Promoting local sourcing of raw materials for firms in Nigeria has become one of the critical areas of government policies. In achieving this, the government introduced a ban on the importation of grains/cereals, which are critical ingredients in feed production for the feed mill industry. Hence, this study examines the extent (share) of locally sourced feed ingredients and its implications on the performance of feed mills in Southwest, Nigeria. Primary data used for this study was analysed using descriptive statistics and fractional probit regression. Firm’s age, quantity of feed produced and location of the feed mills significantly determined the share of locally sourced feed ingredients in feed production of feed mills in the region while level of education of feed mill operators, firm’s age, quantity of feed produced and proportion of locally sourced feed ingredients had significant effect on the performance (profitability) of feed mill entreprises in the area. It was therefore recommended that policies on improving infrastructure, production of feed ingredients, and addressing insecurity should be prioritised rather than promoting a ban on the importation of critical feed ingredients for the feed mill industry in Nigeria.

INVESTIGATION OF FLUORESCENCE EFFECTS OF EU(TTA)3(H2O)2 AND EU(TTA)3(PHEN) COMPLEXES IN THE PRESENCE OF OTHER LANTHANIDE METAL IONS

In this study, we explore the fluorescence behavior of Eu(TTA)3(H2O)2 and Eu(TTA)3(Phen) complexes in the presence of various other lanthanide metal ions, with the objective of ensuring diversity in the raw material sources for military purposes. The fluorescence properties of these complexes are investigated to understand their potential interactions with other lanthanide ions and their effects on fluorescence emission. Spectroscopic analysis is conducted to examine how the presence of different lanthanide ions influences the fluorescence emission of Eu(TTA)3(H2O)2 and Eu(TTA)3(Phen) complexes. Product structure characteristics are determined by IR, UV-Vis, and EDX spectroscopy. The optical properties of the complex are studied by fluorescence spectroscopy. The results indicate that the structure EuxM1-x(TTA)Phen (M: Tb, Nd, Pr; x = 0.1; 0.5; 0.9; 1.0) gives stronger luminescence at ignited wavelengths λex = 385 nm.

Analyzing the lifecycle of solar panels including raw material sourcing, manufacturing, and end-of-life disposal

The lifecycle of photovoltaic systems, encompassing the procurement of raw materials, manufacturing processes, and eventual disposal at the end of their operational lifespan, presents considerable ecological challenges notwithstanding their contribution to the enhancement of renewable energy sources. This research offers an exhaustive examination of the ecological ramifications associated with each phase of the lifecycle of photovoltaic systems. The extraction of essential materials, including silicon, silver, and rare earth metals, necessitates energy-demanding processes and leads to resource depletion, while the manufacturing phase is associated with the emission of greenhouse gases and resource consumption, particularly in the fabrication of crystalline silicon panels. The disposal at the end of life is becoming increasingly significant, as retired panels accumulate, and existing recycling technologies provide minimal recovery of valuable materials. Despite the substantial reduction in greenhouse gas emissions attributable to solar panels throughout their operational lifespan, there is a pressing need for enhancements in material efficiency, manufacturing methodologies, and recycling frameworks to mitigate their lifecycle repercussions. The investigation underscores the imperative for sustainable methodologies, circular economy paradigms, and policy measures to guarantee the enduring environmental sustainability of solar energy.

FISH PRODUCTION AND THE POTENTIAL OF TILAPIA PRODUCTION IN BRAZIL AND IN THE WORLD: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF ITS USE AS ENERGY AND FOOD

The need for new sources of renewable energy is something that is widely studied today. In several countries, the search for new sources of raw materials for biodiesel production is being evaluated and used. Among these sources is the use of animal fat waste. In this context, the use of fish waste is being evaluated and applied as an intensive source in the production of biodiesel. However, the development of technologies that can make the extraction of these fats viable is still a determining factor in the full use of these wastes. This study presents a review of the production of Nile Tilapia, farmed in captivity, as well as its use in the production of and application in the biodiesel production chain. This work, because it is a review of the potential for the use of waste, used a systematic assessment of the collection of studies, market assessments, and government agencies, which made it possible to obtain data on production and waste generation. For this purpose, searches were carried out on journal platforms and websites that involve the fish production chain. Thus, the verification of this new source of biomass in energy generation becomes viable for the development of new technologies that can add value to waste and reduce the environmental impacts caused by fish farming. The study indicates that there is a significant opportunity in the use of fish waste for the production of renewable fuels, specifically those that have a high lipid content, and their use for the production of biodiesel is possible.

Potential for material valorization of composites (glass fiber in polyester resin) in concrete: performance evaluation on mortar

IntroductionGlass fibers with polyester resin structural composites are highly sought after in many sectors such as transportation industries, thanks to their low density and fairly good mechanical properties. However, their end-of-life management is not yet satisfactory. Composites mostly end in energy recovery in the best-case scenario or, worse, in landfills. Transformation into shreds and powders for reuse as a new source of raw material for the construction sector (concrete) is an economically and environmentally attractive recovery solution. The present study investigates the development of a concrete filled with glass/polyester composite shreds.MethodsTo this end, rheological (cone spread) and physico-mechanical (density and mechanical strength in flexion and compression) characterization tests were carried out. Several mix designs were tested in order to understand the impact of introducing composite shreds as a substitute for sand. Composite shreds were introduced in the following ratios by volume: 0, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, and 7% with water and cement ratio equal to 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7.Results and discussionThe results obtained indicate that workability decreases with the substitution of sand by shreds. For a substitution of sand by shreds of 2%, it is relatively small, and the pouring of the mortar is still feasible. The decrease can be attributed to the water absorption of the composite shreds. Concerning mechanical results, for formulations with a substitution percentage of composite shreds lower than 3%, the mechanical strength (both compression test and flexure test) is slightly higher than that of the reference sample. The increase in compressive strength that can be observed is at its maximum, equal to 10%, compared to that of the reference sample. These results are in line with density results, which are also slightly higher than that of the reference sample. This effect can be attributed to water absorption of composite shreds and the filling effect of the powders. For a percentage of substitution equal to 7%, the mechanical strength is lower than that of the reference sample (30% decrease), with a compressive strength equal to 33 MPa (47 MPa for the reference sample). For this percentage of substitution equal to 7%, a decrease in density is also observed (6% decrease) and can be explained by the porosity created by the incorporation of the composite shreds into the mortar.

Utilization of natural kapok and coconut fiber in thermally insulated sustainable concrete design.

Nowadays, when regenerable alternative green sources are attracting more caution under sustainability targets, kapok and coconut fibers, known as natural fibers, have come to the fore as a very significant raw material source. In this experimental study, compressive strength, thermal insulation, and pore structure characteristics of kapok fiber (KP)- and coconut fiber (CC)-incorporated concrete samples under different curing conditions were analyzed. For that purpose, randomly distributed fiber-incorporated concrete mixtures containing 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% KP and CC fiber by the weight of cement were prepared and under H2O2 and NaClO curing conditions, the effects of KP and CC fiber inclusion on properties mentioned above of fiber-incorporated concrete samples were researched in detail. Experimental results depict that a maximum thermal conductivity coefficient decrease of 24.31% was detected at a content ratio of 1.5% by the reason of the pore modification effect of used natural fibers in the H2O2 curing group. Because of the remarkable pore modification effect of KP fiber incorporation into the cement matrix compared to the CC fiber inclusion cases, strong linear correlations revealing the insulation-strength mechanism could be detected for both H2O2 and NaClO curing cases. This work intends to promote sustainable development in the building industry by integrating natural fibers into concrete mixtures as an innovative design approach.

Age trends of genetic parameters and genotype-by-environment interactions for growth traits of Eucalyptus urophylla clones in South-China.

Eucalyptus urophylla S.T. Blake, an important economic tree species, is widely cultivated as a raw material source for pulpwood, veneer plywood, and sawlog timber in southern China. As a tree in multiple environments, tree-breeding programs can assess genotype by environment (G×E) interactions and identify the suitable genotype for a specific environment. G×E interactions related to growth traits and soil factors have not been adequately studied for clones of Eucalyptus urophylla and its hybrids. To examine this important question, trials containing 20 clones of E. urophylla and its hybrids were established at three sites in southern China: Shankou (SK), Tiantang (TT), and Xiniujiao (XNJ). These sites each have different soil conditions but similar geographical and climatic conditions. With the data across nearly eight years, average phenotypic trends and broad sense repeatability (H2) were modeled, G×E interactions between clones and diverse soil environments were estimated, genetic gains of clones were calculated, and the adaptabilities of E. urophylla clones in different soil environments were compared. Average survival trends for clones tended to show a moderate decrease while growth traits tended to show sharp increases with age. At the same age, sites were ordered for average survival and growth traits as TT>SK>XNJ while H2 values for growth traits by site followed the basic order TT>SK>XNJ. The H2 values for growth traits at SK tended to increase at first, platform, and then smooth with age. The H2 values for growth traits at TT were high and stable across ages, and those at XNJ tended to undulate largely at a relatively low level across ages. Genetic correlations for growth traits between any pair of sites tended to increase at first and then decrease. A genetic correlation was strong between SK and TT, intermediate between SK and XNJ, and weak between TT and XNJ. It was concluded that: (1) clones tended to be adapted better to an environment with acidic and loamy soil with a clay content of about 45.6%, the soil depth from the surface to parent material about 1.5 m, and the previous vegetation of Eucalypts. (2) The G×E interactions between clones and sites are weaker if the environmental conditions between the sites are similar, and which are stronger if the environmental conditions between the sites are different. (3) The optimum selection age for clones ranged from 1.5 to 3.5 years old, while the optimum selection growth trait is individual tree volume.

Порівняння ущільнюваності асфальтобетонної суміші із золою-винесення та вапняковим наповнювачем

Introduction. In Ukraine, about 30 % of all electricity is generated from the combustion of solid fuels — coal, shale, peat. In our country, there are about 15 operating thermal power plants that generate about 5 – 6 million tons of ash and slag waste per year as a secondary product. Thus, the fuel and energy complex waste generated in the furnaces of thermal power plants is a huge accumulation of ash in the form of dusty residues and lumpy sludge, as well as various ash and slag mixtures. These products of high-temperature processing (1 200 – 1 700 ºС) of the mineral part of the fuel are widely used in many countries of the world and, given the global trend towards an increase in the share of the secondary market for the use of waste, it is necessary to predict an increase in the rate of their processing in Ukraine. Problem Statement. The road construction industry is one of the strategic industries of Ukraine, and the issue of quality and availability of basic building materials for road construction is particularly acute now, which is directly related to its high material intensity. The known reserves of high-quality raw materials that could be used as asphalt concrete components are constantly decreasing, so it is necessary to look for alternative sources of raw materials for construction materials and explore the possibility of their use. In this regard, the most effective use of local raw materials is the use of industrial waste, which can be one of the solutions to the problem of lack of raw materials of inorganic origin.

Preparation of coal-based carbon quantum dots and their fluorescence properties

In the field of life sciences, cellular movements play a significant role in influencing the activities of organisms. Current methodologies have limitations in the monitoring of cell recognition, biological macromolecule localization, cell labeling, migration, and biosensors. Although metal–semiconductor quantum dots are commonly used, they may pose toxicity risks to the lungs and kidneys. On the other hand, carbon quantum dots possess the unique optoelectronic properties of traditional quantum dots while exhibiting low toxicity, good biocompatibility, excellent photostability, and abundant raw material sources. In this research, carbon quantum dots were synthesized using the nitric acid oxidation method. The study investigated the effects of temperature, time, and the type of low-rank coal on the synthesis of carbon quantum dots. The structure and properties of the carbon quantum dots, specifically their fluorescence characteristics, were thoroughly analyzed. The proposed synthesis approach includes the nitration of coal macromolecules and the thickening of aromatic clusters through the Scholl reaction, leading to enhanced fluorescence quantum efficiency. The findings of this study indicate that the carbon quantum dots produced through this method demonstrate a high fluorescence quantum yield, making them ideal fluorescent agents for material preparation and offering potential applications in the field of life sciences.

Optimizing municipal solid waste management in industrial ports: A case study of source separation implementation

ABSTRACT With the acceleration of industrialization and population growth, there has been a notable surge in municipal solid waste (MSW) production globally. This necessitates the development of efficient waste management strategies that align with sustainable economic, environmental, and social goals. Implementing sorting and source separation policies serves as foundational steps toward optimizing material flow and resource utilization. In industrial areas, waste generation around a primary source may improve policy implementation and participation. Given the unique strategic context of port environments, Bahregan Port in Iran was selected as a case study to evaluate the proposed methodology. Three integrated scenarios were formulated and prioritized using the ELECTRE-I model: currently practiced collection method, and segregated collection followed by source separation of MSW into two or three groups. The analysis identified the third scenario as the most effective approach. Remarkably, when evaluating the results under optimistic and pessimistic conditions, the ranking of preferences remained consistent across scenarios in the optimal state. Under pessimistic conditions, all scenarios received identical scores, indicating significant uncertainty in criteria weights. Furthermore, sensitivity analysis revealed that criteria such as the raw material sources protection, emissions in the waste separation sector, and greenhouse gas emissions were highly influential. Interestingly, criteria with the highest weighting did not always dictate the final scenario selection. External factors, such as expert opinions on specific criteria, played a pivotal role in scenario prioritization. This research serves as a foundational study for source separation initiatives, offering practical and technically viable strategies to enhance environmental sustainability within industrial settings. Implications Statement Rising industrialization and population growth have led to increased municipal solid waste (MSW) production worldwide. To address this, efficient waste management strategies are essential, focusing on sustainability and resource optimization through sorting and source separation policies. By prioritizing the scenario of segregated collection followed by source separation – industrial areas can optimize material flow and resource utilization. The study highlights the influence of criteria like raw material protection, emissions, and greenhouse gases, making this research foundational for enhancing environmental sustainability in industrial settings. This study provides practical strategies for enhancing environmental sustainability in industrial settings through source separation initiatives.

Analysis of the co-hydrogenation process of coal tar and kitchen waste oil based on reaction kinetics model

Kitchen waste oil (KWO) and coal tar (CT) are two commonly used alternatives to crude oil for fuel production through hydrogenation. If these two raw materials can be co-hydrogenated, it will help broaden the company's sources of raw materials. Therefore, in order to reveal the positive and negative impacts of the co-hydrogenation process of these two materials and to conduct a quantitative analysis of these phenomena, co-hydrogenation experiments of CT and KWO were completed in this study. The reaction kinetics parameters of the co-hydrogenation reaction were calculated. Experiments have shown that co-hydrogenation with coal tar hydrogenation products (CTHP) can increase the hydrogenation efficiency of KWO by approximately 1.5%. This promoting effect is mainly attributed to the hydrogen-supplying properties of compounds such as tetralin and hexahydro naphthalene present in the CTHP. Through a combined model of reaction kinetics and thermodynamics, it is calculated that the activation energy of KWO hydrodeoxygenation under the action of catalysts is 50.936kJ·mol-1, while under the action of CTHP hydrogen supply, it is 148.429kJ·mol-1, and this promoting effect accounts for 19.3% of the total reaction (as deduced from comparing reaction rate constants). The experimental data presented in this paper and the calculated reaction parameters can provide a basis for design improvements in technology.

Exploring the scalability and sustainability of community-based agroforestry to achieve planetary health benefits in Haiti’s Lower Artibonite Valley

Community-based agroforestry, as a planetary health solution, can rebuild fertile soils, minimize climate risk, diversify farmer incomes, and provide a source of food, raw materials, and other vital ecosystem functions. Utilizing focus groups, individual semi-structured interviews, and field observations, we studied how the Haiti Timber Reintroduction Program (HTRIP), an agroforestry program operating in Haiti since 2005, leveraged institutional infrastructures and social networks to facilitate the adoption, scaling, and sustainability of community-based agroforestry as a solution for planetary health. Results show that the adoption and scaling of community-based agroforestry was facilitated by support from institutional and social networks. The results underscore the importance of cross-sector collaboration and coordination in creating the enabling conditions necessary for successful community-based agroforestry implementation. Additionally, strengthened social networks, cultivated through long-term participation in the HTRIP, contributed to the program’s sustainability. While competing socio-political problems in some low-income settings may seem insurmountable—particularly those in fragile states, where our study took place—our research demonstrates that community-based agroforestry solutions are possible. Where culturally relevant, this ecologically and socially based practice could be scaled up to amplify its benefits to more communities. We encourage further research to explore the scaling up of regenerative practices such as agroforestry for climate resilience and planetary health.

Geoinformation modeling of sand injectites

The results of application of geoinformation modeling technology to create a three-dimensional model of Paleogene sand injectites are presented. The mineralogenic significance of sand injectites as sources of glass and construction raw materials is described. The modeling process using the obtained data set and three-dimensional modeling environment Blender is revealed step by step. The compiled spatial models can be used in blocking and calculation of reserves and resources at the objects of subsoil use.

Study on preparation and properties of GA/h-BN modified road petroleum asphalt based on ball milling method

ABSTRACT Graphene (GA), a two-dimensional nanomaterial, is noted for its exceptional mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. The integration of GA with road materials can potentially develop high-performance composite road materials. However, its application in road engineering is limited by complex preparation processes and high costs. This paper presents a GA/h-BN composite material developed through mechanical stripping using flake graphite and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN). A mathematical model was created employing uniform design methods and optimised through numerical analysis to identify the optimal process parameters. Microscopic techniques, including X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy, confirmed that the GA/h-BN product consists of approximately three layers, forming a ‘graphene-hexagonal boron nitride-graphene’ nanolayer structure. The composite was then used to modify matrix asphalt, with performance tests determining the optimal dosage. The results indicated that adding 0.3% GA/h-BN significantly improved the asphalt's high- and low-temperature performance, fatigue resistance and cracking resistance. Moreover, the evaluation of the physical properties of matrix asphalt modified solely with h-BN revealed that, despite h-BN comprising 70% of the mass fraction in the GA/h-BN modifier, it exerted a minimal impact on the performance of the asphalt. This study introduces a novel source of raw materials for the application of GA in road engineering.

Thermal insulation materials based on eucalyptus bark fibres

The civil construction industry significantly contributes to global energy consumption, prompting a shift towards sustainable practices to mitigate environmental impacts throughout the building lifecycle. Traditional thermal insulation materials, such as polyurethane foam and mineral wool, are cost-effective but fail to meet environmental safety standards. In this context, plant-based materials have emerged as an eco-friendly alternative for thermal insulation, with agroforestry waste offering a sustainable raw material source. This waste is abundant and often improperly disposed of, thus utilizing it can reduce the environmental footprint of the agroforestry sector. This study focuses on developing thermal insulation plates using eucalyptus bark fibres, with some samples incorporating wheat straw. Various methods were employed: sodium silicate as a binder in some samples, while others used a binder-free method involving pulping bark in lye, and some included carbonised eucalyptus bark. The primary goal was to evaluate properties like thermal conductivity and moisture sorption. The electron microscope analysis provided insights into the microstructure of the fibres, explaining their insulation mechanisms. The thermal conductivity of the plates ranged from 0.036 to 0.059 W/(m·K) at a density of 80–220 kg/m3, influenced by the preparation processes (mechanical grinding, lye pulping, carbonization) and binder use. Eucalyptus bark fibre samples demonstrated low moisture sorption for plant-based materials, with 9.4–14.5 % at 60 % relative humidity and 21.6–38.5 % at 97 % relative humidity. Additionally, the samples showed high resistance to fungal growth when wet, suggesting good durability for thermal insulation applications. Overall, the study's results indicate that eucalyptus bark fibres hold significant promise as a sustainable raw material for producing thermal insulation, offering an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional materials while enhancing the durability and effectiveness of insulation in construction.

Extraction and Quality Control of Chitin and Chitosan from Shrimp (Vanami) Litophenause Vanamei Shells Wastes

Objective/Background: The biological value of chitin and chitosan obtained from shrimp, such as physiological compatibility, non-toxicity, bio digestibility, absorption and chelating capacity, depends on qualitative parameters that are directly related to raw material source. This study was carried out to investigate extraction and characterization of chitin and chitosan from shrimp Litophenause vanamei shells wastes. Methods: Chitin and chitosan was extracted and characterized from shrimp L. vanamei shells found in Iran, using conventional methods of pretreatment, demineralization, and deacetylation. In this study, commercial shrimp L. vanamei shell was used to extract chitin and chitosan. Results: The degree of deacetylation of shrimp chitosan (49%) is directly related to solubility of chitosan. Chitosan is considered to have excellent biological value with these qualitative parameters. The yield of shrimp chitosan was 13.96%. Conclusion: These results showed that use of shrimp shell waste to produce chitin and chitosan will have more economic and biological value along with reducing environmental pollution.