Superior Qualities Research Articles

Physicochemical and mineralogical characterization of silica sand from the Lemi region, Blue Nile Basin, central Ethiopia: Evaluating industrial applications and resource potential

Silica sand is an essential industrial mineral composed predominantly of quartz, formed through the weathering of rocks. In Ethiopia, silica deposits are geologically widespread, including the Lemi area in the Blue Nile Basin. This study investigates the physicochemical and mineralogical properties of silica sand from the Lemi region to determine its suitability for industrial applications. Samples from four villages in Lemi were collected, prepared, and analyzed using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), grain size analysis, bulk density measurement, and geochemical analysis. The results indicate that Lemi silica sand is predominantly composed of medium-sized, well-sorted, sub-rounded to rounded quartz grains with high silica purity (average SiO2 content of 96.13 %). Mineralogical analysis confirms high crystallinity and a low presence of contaminants. The grain size distribution and bulk density of Lemi silica sand meet industry standards for glass, foundry, and abrasive applications. Comparative analysis shows that Lemi silica sand has comparable or superior qualities to other Ethiopian deposits, making it a promising resource for industrial use. The study estimates a total resource of approximately 6.94 billion tons of silica sand in the Lemi area, highlighting its significant economic potential.

Life cycle assessment of magnesium phosphate cement production

Magnesium phosphate cement (MPC) is gaining attention in the field of rapid repair and coatings due to its superior qualities, yet little research has been done on the environmental impacts of MPC preparation. It's necessary to investigate its environmental implications for the sustainable development and application of MPC. This study develops a life cycle inventory of the production of MgO with three different production processes and the production of two phosphates and applies the inventory to conduct a life cycle assessment from cradle to gate for four scenarios of MPC production: Scenario 1 (S1) - dry route MgO and potassium dihydrogen phosphate (PDP) as raw materials; Scenario 2 (S2) - wet route MgO and PDP as raw materials; Scenario 3 (S3) - salt lake MgO and PDP as raw materials; Scenario 4 (S4) - dry route MgO and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (ADP) as raw materials. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis and cost analysis of MPC are carried out. In order to comprehensively evaluate the low carbon properties of MPC, the carbon emissions of MPC and the commonly used rapid repair materials and coatings are compared. Results indicate S2 shows the highest carbon emission, and the global warming of S2 is 3.97%, 74.55%, and 1.41% higher than that of S1, S3, and S4, respectively. The environmental impact of MPC mainly comes from the production stage of MgO and phosphate (47%–67%). In three MgO production routes, S3 shows the best environmental performance. In two phosphates, S4 has a smaller impact on most impact categories. Sensitivity analysis also indicates that MgO and phosphate have a greater impact on the production of MPC. In addition, the cost of S2 is 2.91%, 0.37%, and 15.40% higher than that of S1, S3, S4, respectively, and S4 shows the best economic benefit. Furthermore, MPC has great advantages in rapid repair and coating, and can reduce carbon emissions by 12%–98% compared to other rapid repair materials and coatings.

The impact of atmospheric air plasma treatment on the polyfunctional end-use polyester fabric using new synthetic pyrazole dye

Before gluing, bonding, and painting, a variety of materials' surfaces can be modified using the widely used plasma treatment technique. These materials include plastics, glass, metals, and wood. Materials' physical and chemical properties are changed in an environmentally responsible way to enhance or confer particular qualities. The recently used technology known as low-temperature atmospheric pressure plasma (LTAPP) allows heat-sensitive materials to be surface modified in a simple, one-step process. Polymer-based materials are frequently surface modified using LTAPP treatment to improve adhesion, printability, and surface sterility. Polyester's superior mechanical and physical qualities have led to its widespread use as a technical textile and garment material in the form of fibers, films, and plastics. Its limited versatility in terms of end use has been caused by its poor surface properties as the hydrophobic nature of polyester surface, roughness, the crystallinity, and lack of dyeability which are the main drawback restricting its use in different textile applications especially during wet treatments unlike natural fibers. In order to increase the fabric's hydrophilicity and dyeability, the surface of a polyester fabric was altered in this study using atmospheric pressure plasma treatment with atmospheric plasma jet and dielectric barrier discharge (APJ-DBD) technology in air. The primary obstacles in making dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment suitable for industrial purposes are the extended duration of treatment and the utilization of elevated voltage levels. The combination between the atmospheric plasma jet and the dielectric barrier discharge reduces the optimal treatment time to 1 min and the applied voltage to 3.3 kV. After being exposed to oxygen plasma species for a brief period of time (between 30 and 300 s), and were analyzed using an X-ray diffraction machine, an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), static contact angle, and a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to investigate changes in the morphology and chemical nature of the surface, respectively. Fabric wettability increased as a result of plasma treatment, which also increased the fabric's surface roughness, as demonstrated by SEM and X-ray diffraction. The contact angle decreases by increasing the treatment time. The dyeability of untreated and plasma-treated samples was examined with respect to washing, rubbing, perspiration, sublimation, and light fastness. Additionally, color strength was examined. Adequately, compared to the untreated fabric, polyester treated with plasma showed improved dyeing performances. The technical reactivity of poly (ethylene-terephthalate) (PET) fabrics was found to be effectively increased by atmospheric air plasma treatment, creating new avenues for surface modification in light of the expanding environmental and energy-saving concerns.

Antibacterial Potential and Biocompatibility of Chitosan/Polycaprolactone Nanofibrous Membranes Incorporated with Silver Nanoparticles.

This study addresses the need for enhanced antimicrobial properties of electrospun membranes, either through surface modifications or the incorporation of antimicrobial agents, which are crucial for improved clinical outcomes. In this context, chitosan-a biopolymer lauded for its biocompatibility and extracellular matrix-mimicking properties-emerges as an excellent candidate for tissue regeneration. However, fabricating chitosan nanofibers via electrospinning often challenges the preservation of their structural integrity. This research innovatively develops a chitosan/polycaprolactone (CH/PCL) composite nanofibrous membrane by employing a layer-by-layer electrospinning technique, enhanced with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) synthesized through a wet chemical process. The antibacterial efficacy, adhesive properties, and cytotoxicity of electrospun chitosan membranes were evaluated, while also analyzing their hydrophilicity and nanofibrous structure using SEM. The resulting CH/PCL-AgNPs composite membranes retain a porous framework, achieve balanced hydrophilicity, display commendable biocompatibility, and exert broad-spectrum antibacterial activity against both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, with their efficacy correlating to the AgNP concentration. Furthermore, our data suggest that the antimicrobial efficiency of these membranes is influenced by the timed release of silver ions during the incubation period. Membranes incorporated starting with AgNPs at a concentration of 50 µg/mL effectively suppressed the growth of both microorganisms during the early stages up to 8 h of incubation. These insights underscore the potential of the developed electrospun composite membranes, with their superior antibacterial qualities, to serve as innovative solutions in the field of tissue engineering.

Nonenzymatic electrochemical detection of endocrine disruptor (Bisphenol-A) based on biogenic α-Fe2O3 nano enabled interface prepared by Bluemea sinuata leaf extract

One of the most important organic monomers in the manufacturing of plastic is bisphenol-A (BPA), which is widely used in food packaging, containers, and water pipelines, among other industries. However, because of how easily it contaminates food and water and causes illnesses, including cancer, heart disease, and developmental abnormalities, its extensive usage carries serious dangers to human health and the environment. BPA is nevertheless widely used in numerous products despite its negative effects. A new technique using α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles synthesized from Bluemea sinuate leaf extract is offered to address the requirement for effective BPA detection. The production and composition of α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles were confirmed via rigorous characterization techniques, such as XRD, IR, Raman spectroscopy, XPS, TEM, and UV–Vis spectrophotometry. The nanoparticles showed promising morphology and structure. Then, via electrophoretic deposition, an α-Fe2O3/ITO electrode was created, which showed superior electrochemical qualities for BPA detection. The electrode demonstrated excellent durability and reusability along with great sensitivity (14.4 µA µM−1 cm−2) and a low detection limit (0.03256 µM). The created electrode offers a viable way to quickly and precisely identify BPA in a variety of samples, supporting initiatives related to health, safety, and the environment.

Exploring pectin from ripe and unripe Banana Peel: A novel functional fat replacers in muffins

The study addresses global fruit waste concerns in the food industry by extracting pectin from both ripe and unripe banana peels at varying pH levels and time intervals using hydrochloric acid. The best results were observed for unripe banana peel pectin at pH 1.5 and 250 min exhibiting a yield of 16.46% and favorable characteristics. In muffin development, seven treatments (M0, M1, M2, M3, M4, M5 and M6) are prepared and analyzed for morphology, nutritional content, and sensory parameters. The M4 treatment, utilizing pectin from unripe banana peel at pH 1.5 and 250 min, displays superior qualities with reduced peroxide value, free fatty acids, percent moisture loss, and hardness. Sensory evaluations indicate high acceptability due to lower fat content. In conclusion, the extraction of pectin from unripe banana peels proves promising as a fat replacer in bakery items, maintaining muffin quality while addressing fruit waste challenges in the food industry.

Protein Engineering of Vip3A in a Selected Bacillus thuringiensis Host for Consistent High Protein Production.

This study aimed to obtain reliable high Vip3A production from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) by modifying Vip3A to acquire higher thermostability in a suitable host. Bt117 is a great host for Vip3A production due to protein production consistency, low protease activity in culture media, and large amounts of mostly full-length protein, but it produces Vip3A with lower thermostability (Vip3Aa35). The C-terminal region of Bt117 Vip3A was replaced with that of a Vip3A with higher thermostability (Vip3Aa64 from Bt294) to generate the recombinant Bt117-Vip3Aa64-C. Like the parental strain Bt117, this strain expressed mostly full-length protein and exhibited low protease activity and similar protein expression profiles in culture media but retained greater larvicidal activity upon 37°C storage like Bt294 Vip3Aa64. Importantly, every culture batch of Bt117-Vip3Aa64-C yielded over 200mg/l Vip3A, which is a notable improvement over the original Vip3Aa64-producing strain Bt294 where 45% of culture batches failed to produce Vip3A at the same level. Successfully, we combined the superior qualities of two Bt strains, Bt294, which produces thermostable Vip3A but at low and inconsistent levels, and Bt117, which produces Vip3A with low thermostability but at consistently high levels. Protein engineering of Vip3A in Bt117 ultimately yielded an improved strain producing a thermostable Vip3A with reliably high protein production.

Comparative evaluation of push-out bond strength and mode of failure of three different obturating materials: An in vitro study.

This research aimed to assess the push-out bond strength (PBS) to dentin of three distinct obturation materials inside the root canal and identify the failure mechanism. The research used 30 undamaged human mandibular premolars. The specimens were randomly assigned to three groups, each employing a different sealer (n = 10). Group 1 used AH Plus sealer, Group 2 used GuttaFlow-2 sealer, and Group 3 used bioceramic sealer (CeraSeal). The obturation procedure was performed utilizing the single-cone method with gutta-percha. The specimens were divided into sections and loaded using a universal testing machine. Following PBS testing, every sample underwent a stereomicroscope examination, and the specific failure mechanism was documented. The average PBS was greatest for AH Plus, followed by CeraSeal and Guttaflow-2. Notable disparities existed between the coronal and apical levels. AH Plus exhibited superior PBS qualities to root dentin compared to other sealers.

A review on guided bone regeneration using titanium mesh.

The gold standard for bone regeneration in atrophic ridge patients is guided bone regeneration (GBR). This makes it possible to get enough bone volume for an appropriate implant-prosthetic rehabilitation. The barrier membranes must meet the primary GBR design requirements, which include adequate integration with the surrounding tissue, spaciousness and clinical manageability. Titanium mesh's superior mechanical qualities and biocompatibility have broadened the indications of GBR technology, enabling it to be used to restore alveolar ridges with more significant bone defects. GBR with titanium mesh is being used in many clinical settings and for a range of clinical procedures. Furthermore, several advancements in digitalization and material modification have resulted from the study of GBR using titanium mesh. Hence, we report a review on the various characteristics of titanium mesh and its current use in clinical settings for bone augmentation.

Quantification and valorization of compost derived from urban households’ waste in Bukavu City, Eastern D.R. Congo

This study focused on quantifying and valorizing domestic waste in Bukavu, a rapidly growing city in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). With increasing anthropogenic pressure, waste management has become a pressing issue, yet documentation in this area is still limited. This study aimed to fill this gap by providing comprehensive data on domestic waste generation, composition, and disposal practices in Bukavu city. Through field surveys and analysis, waste quantities and types were documented, revealing significant challenges in waste management infrastructure and practices. Additionally, the study explores opportunities for waste valorization, particularly through composting, given the region's agricultural potential and growing urban food demand. The findings revealed that ~ 5% of the domestic waste is biodegradable, with the majority consisting of metals and plastics. These wastes are predominantly used as livestock feed (10%), incinerated (66%), or buried (17%), with ~ 5% undergoing composting. Waste management is primarily handled by children (82%), with very few non-governmental organizations (NGOs) involved in such activities. Among the three composting methods evaluated, outputs from vermicomposting demonstrated superior qualities in terms of promoting crop growth, increasing yield, and achieving a high germination index. Overall, the application of composts improved plant growth and yield parameters of the two major legumes (common bean and soybean). Future interventions should explore the implementation of large-scale composting units at the household or citywide level, while also considering additional strategies to enhance the quality of the compost products. Such efforts are crucial in mitigating the environmental and health impacts of urban household waste and promoting sustainable practices in urban agriculture.

Fresh-eating Lingzhi becomes possible: Comparative evaluation of nutritional and taste profile of Ganoderma tsugae at different fruiting body morphogenesis stages

Ganoderma tsugae is a significant mushroom with medicinal and dietary properties. However, it has not been used as dishes and fresh-eating food. In order to fully explore this rare mushroom resource, an in-depth investigation was conducted on the dynamic changes in various nutritional and taste indicators of G. tsugae for the first time. This study focused on an analysis of the nutritional components, mineral elements, non-volatile taste compounds, electronic tongue, and texture profile analysis of samples at six different morphogenesis stages (primordia stage, coloration stage, stipe differentiation stage, pileus differentiation stage, spore pre-ejection stage, late stage of spore ejection, respectively). The results indicated that the nutrient and mineral contents in primordia and coloration stage exhibited superior qualities compared to the other treatments. Partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed the differences and comprehensive evaluation in taste and nutritional value between different treatments. According to the analysis of the edibility and economic benefit of various samples, it has been determined that the optimal harvest stage for the fresh-eating G. tsugae is coloration stage. This finding serves as a fundamental basis for the development and utilization of fresh culinary lingzhi. It also provides essential data and a comprehensive reference for addressing the issue of raw materials in the production of Ganoderma products.

Applying different nanomaterials to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries

Due to their superior qualities, lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have lately taken the top spot among rechargeable secondary batteries. To achieve the increasing demand for electricity in the related industries, its improvement and development are in full swing, especially the nanomaterials have become an important direction of improvement because of their special structure matching with charging-discharging mechanisms. This paper focuses on the application of nanomaterials in the LIBs. It briefly introduces carbon-based and silicon-based nanomaterials, metal (alloy), metal oxide (sulfide), MOFs nanomaterials, and Mxenes in lithium-ion batteries and lithium-sulfur batteries by reviewing the pertinent literature from recent years. including the reasons for their application, the application mechanism and the effectiveness of their improvement. It has been discovered that nanoparticles have numerous and intricate uses in the LIBs. It is hoped that this study can provide new ideas for the structural design and functional modification of nanomaterials in battery applications in the future.

Natural weathering effects on the surface morphological and physicochemical properties of radiation curable coatings in tropical climate

The purpose of this research is to discover the effects of natural weathering on palm oil-based and petrochemical-based film coatings. The film coatings were prepared using the radiation curing approach via cross-linking. Three palm oil-based resins with TiO2 nanoparticle loading were developed: EPOLA, EPOLA-OPV, and POBUA. The petrochemical-based coatings were also developed to compare the performance of natural and synthetic coatings. The coatings were exposed to natural weathering for up to 60 days at varied angles of 0°, 45°, and 90°. The effect of natural weathering conditions on the surface morphological, physiochemical, and also flexural characteristics of coatings, as well as the discoloration visual inspection and the growth of mould or fungus on the tested specimen, was studied. The results showed that natural weathering exposure induced severe discoloration and deterioration of the polymer network structure of the coatings due to photo-oxidation reaction and the presence of fungi. Overall, palm oil-based coatings deteriorate slower than petroleum-based coatings, especially at a 90° angle. This study indicated that bioresources-based palm oil has a significant potential for interior wood varnish applications due to its superior qualities over synthetic-based coatings.

Utilization of Multi-Ionic Interaction of Yumoto Hot Springs for Enhancing the Moisturizing Properties of Hyaluronic Acid Sodium Salt

Hot spring (HS) waters manifest diverse positive effects on the skin due to their unique chemical compositions. Sodium hyaluronate acid (HA) comprises N-acetylglucosamine and D-glucuronic acid, and distinguishes itself with superior qualities in skin regeneration, providing moisturizing and anti-aging benefits. The combination of HA with HS water is widely applied across ophthalmology, pneumology, nutrition, and cosmetics. This study delved into the application of HA in cosmetology, with a focus on its interaction with HS water and its effects on moisture retention and promoting wound healing. In particular, with the alkaline pH levels of the Yumoto HS, HA molecules may undergo dissociation to be ionized resulting in a negatively charged polymer and interacting with positively charged ions in the HS water through electrostatic interactions. The shifted peaks in the FTIR result and zeta potential shifts to a less negative region in the case of HA-HS compared to HA-DI indicate an ionic interaction between HS water and HA. Moisture tests confirmed the sustained hydration when HA is dissolved in HS water, underscoring its potential to improve skin hydration at certain concentrations, specifically at 0.5% and 1%. Additionally, MTT assay results demonstrated that HS water stimulates the growth of fibroblast cells compared to distilled water, implying its potential beneficial effect in wound healing. These findings suggested the multifaceted benefits of HAHS in skincare, highlighting its role in enhancing skin hydration and potentially accelerating wound healing processes, thus presenting avenues for the development of advanced cosmeceutical formulations.

Effect of Starter Culture and Temperature on the Flavor and Sensory Characteristics of Dry-Cured Ham.

This study focused on understanding the effects of yeast and mold on the sensory properties of dry-cured ham aged at 20°C and 25°C. Debaryomyces hansenii isolated from Doenjang and fermented sausages, and Penicillium nalgiovense isolated from fermented sausages were utilized. The CIE a* tended to increase in all treatments as the aging period increased. At 6 weeks of aging, DFD25 showed a significantly higher CIE a* value than other treatments. The shear force tended to increase in all treatments as the aging period increased. At 6 weeks of aging, among the treatments aged at 25°C, DFD25 showed a low tendency to shear force. The PC1 of the electronic nose was 42.872%. At 25°C, the hexane content was higher and levels of ethanol, propan-2-one, 2,4,5-trimethylthiazole, and limonene were lower than that at 20°C. DFD25 showed significantly higher hexane content and significantly lower limonene content than other treatments. The PC1 of the electronic tongue was 84.529%. All treatments, except for the C starter, exhibited higher salt and lower sour levels at 25°C compared to 20°C when the same starter was used. The DFD25 showed the lowest sour taste and a higher tendency of umami than the other treatments. Sensory evaluation revealed that DFD25 had significantly higher scores for texture than C25, whereas no significant differences were observed in other aspects. Therefore, the used starters are considered suitable for aging at 25°C; among them, the DFD starter demonstrates superior qualities and enhanced commercial potential compared to the control.

Biscuit production from composite flours of wheat and yellow maize: A linear programming, physicochemical, and quality-based approach

Food enrichment plays a critical role in the food industry, with a significant influence on the nutritional value of various food products and their potential health advantages when consumed. The demand for nutritious food products has led to significant advancements in the technology used for the production of biscuits, with the aim of enhancing their nutritional characteristics. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to develop nutritionally optimised biscuits using a linear programming model. The study focused on the optimisation of biscuit ingredients, specifically wheat and yellow maize flour, with or without moringa leaf. The formulation process involved the use of conventional methods and a linear programming model. The resulting biscuits were then analysed for their proximate, sensory, functional, and anti-nutritional properties. The biscuits formulated using the linear programming (LP) model exhibited superior qualities compared to other groups. These biscuits had a protein level ranging from 17.5 to 15.4%, and significantly improved organoleptic properties. The concentration of anti-nutritive compounds showed a notable decrease in the LP group compared to the conventionally prepared biscuits. Therefore, the use of a linear programming model can be adopted for the formulation of biscuits that have high nutritional value.

Elite Genotypes of Water Yam (Dioscorea alata) Yield Food Product Quality Comparable to White Yam (Dioscorea rotundata)

Water yam (Dioscorea alata), also known as winged yam, is one of the most economically significant yam species, serving as a staple food crop in tropical and subtropical regions. Its widespread cultivation is due to its favorable agronomic characteristics, including high yield, improved tuber storability, and significant nutritional and health benefits. Despite these advantages, water yam often remains underutilized due to consumer biases towards its traditional food product quality, particularly for pounded yam preparations. In this study, we evaluated fifty-eight improved genotypes of water yams grown across three locations to assess their potential to produce superior food qualities comparable to the widely consumed white yams (D. rotundata). Seven white yams, including popular landraces, were used to set thresholds for desirable food quality. Through standardized analysis, yam samples were assessed for their biochemical composition and culinary and sensory texture attributes. The results revealed varying ranges of dry matter (DM), starch, sugar, protein, crude fiber (CF), fat, and amylose, spanning from 20.35 to 35.95 g/100 g, 42.81 to 83.31 g/100 g, 4.76 to 6.95 g/100 g, 4.33 to 6.62 g/100 g, 1.55 to 3.89 g/100 g, 0.32 to 0.53 g/100 g, and 29.27 to 38.52 g/100 g, respectively. The mean values (±SD) were found to be 29.85 ± 4.0 g/100 g (DM), 67.90 ± 44g/100 g (starch), 5.82 ± 0.64 g/100 g (sugar), 6.31 ± 1.31 g/100 g (protein), 2.14 ± 0.57 g/100 g (crude fiber), 0.44 ± 0.08 (fat), and 33 ± 16.43 g/100 g (amylose). Significant effects (p < 0.001) of the planting environments and genotypes on the biochemical composition of the yam samples were observed, except for the sugar content. Furthermore, specific water yam genotypes, such as TDa 0900354, TDa 9801174, TDa 1401619, TDa 1400301, TDa 140091, TDa 0100029, TDa 1100793, TDa 1401249, TDa 1100242, and TDa 1401276, exhibited biochemical properties and culinary and sensory textural attributes akin to the improved white yam genotypes and their landrace counterparts. These findings underscore the potential for promoting selected water yam genotypes to diversify food options and reduce reliance on a limited array of crops, particularly in traditional food-insecure regions of tropical Africa.

Analysis and Characterization of Composites for their potential use in Disc Brake Pad

Brake pads are crucial for vehicle safety, converting kinetic energy to halt motion. They come in types like organic, semi-metallic, ceramic, and metallic. Beyond automotive, brake pads find application in industries such as aerospace, railways, manufacturing, and wind energy for controlled deceleration and safety. This study is primarily concerned with the quality and appropriateness of ceramic brake pads for automotive applications, which are an essential aspect of braking systems for vehicles. The performance characteristics of ceramic brake pads are well established, and this study explores the variables affecting their quality. Under high pressure, brake pad samples are prepared in the study using Powder Metallurgy (PM), which guarantees superior mechanical qualities by removing interface bonding problems. The samples are then sintered at 2850. Hardness, temperature resistance, wear resistance, and Electron Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analysis are all included in the evaluation to ascertain the make-up and distribution of the materials in the brake pad. EDS sheds light on the degree of sintering and the presence of reinforcements. Heat resistance is evaluated using controlled thermal testing, while wear resistance and hardness are determined through Rockwell hardness testing and wear tests, respectively. These measurements are validated for use in automotive disc braking systems for vehicles and motorcycles. The findings are more reliable thanks to statistical analysis done with MINITAB. The study highlights research gaps in environmentally friendly materials, emerging technology impacts, and long-term brake pad durability.

Storage quality of dehulled split pulses as influenced by packaging material

Efficacy of various packaging materials in preserving split dal of blackgram, redgram, and chickpea was assessed at Post-harvest Technology Centre, Bapatla during 2022-23. No natural infestation by pulse beetle, red flour beetle, or almond moth was detected in GrainPro bags and aluminium pouches even after 90 days of storage. Under artificial infestation, GrainPro bags exhibited adult populations of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.) and Tribolium castaneum (Herbst), as low as 0.33 for blackgram and chickpea dal, with zero infestation observed in redgram dal. Aluminium pouches recorded adult populations of C. maculatus at 0.67 for blackgram, 2.0 for chickpea dal, and zero infestation in redgram dal. GrainPro bags recorded adult populations of T. castaneum at 1.33 for blackgram and chickpea dal, and zero infestation in redgram dal, while aluminium pouches had populations at 1.0 for blackgram, 2.33 for chickpea dal, and zero infestation in redgram dal. GrainPro bags exhibited minimal grain damage (<1.0%) and weight loss (<0.1%), while aluminium pouches also showed negligible levels of grain damage and weight loss (1.0% and 0.12% in blackgram dal, 1.67% and 0.04% in redgram dal, and 0.33% and 0.01% in chickpea dal, respectively). GrainPro bags and aluminium pouches exhibited the lowest levels of fungal growth under both natural (1.0 × 103 CFU/g or slightly more) and artificial infestation (2.0 x 103 to 6.0 × 103 CFU/g) coupled with minimal bacterial growth (0.8x107 to 5.0 × 107 CFU/g under artificial infestation). There was no much deviation in the colour of the products stored in GrainPro bags and aluminium pouches under both conditions, highlighting their superior protective qualities. On the contrary, the woven polymer bag recorded significantly higher adult populations with substantial grain damage and weight loss (4.33% and 0.31% in blackgram dal, 7.7% and 1.15% in redgram dal, and 24.0% and 2.2% in chickpea dal, respectively).

Investigation on mechanical behavior of Al6061- coconut shell ash- granite dust reinforced hybrid metal matrix composites manufactured using stir casting technique

Owing to the superior qualities, aluminum metal matrix composites (AMMC) have recently been accepted and suggested as a replacement for traditional materials in a variety of sectors, including automotive, agriculture, aerospace, sports, marine, and many more. To satisfy the industrial requirement, it is necessary to develop economical material with higher mechanical properties like strength, hardness, impact resistance etc. To minimise the environmental impact and depletion of natural resources , it is necessary to Reduce, Recycle and Resuse the solid waste created across the world. This work aims to study the mechanical behavior of hybrid composite of Al6061 reinforced with coconut shell ash (CSA) and granite dust solid waste. Hybrid composite specimens were successfully manufactured using stir casting method. The proportion of granite dust was kept constant at 2 wt percent, whereas the percentage of CSA varied, ranging from 0% to 12% with a multiple of 3. Tests for tension, compression, hardness, and impact were performed to examine the mechanical behavior of the created hybrid composites. SEM & EDAX analysis were carried out to study the microstructure and elemental composition of the hybrid composites. Experimental testing shows that, when the percentage of CSA in the hybrid composite increased, its tensile strength, compressive strength, hardness, and impact strength increased maximum upto 23.65%, 10.12%, 60.89% and 17.38% respectively as compared to base alloy. The experimental findings demonstrated that when compared to matrix and other hybrid composites, the Al6061 alloy reinforced with 2% granite dust and 12% CSA hybrid composite had superior mechanical properties.