Utilization Of Raw Materials Research Articles

Construction and demolition waste management in Jordan: a multifaceted perspective

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the multifaceted challenge of managing construction and demolition waste within the context of the Jordan construction industry. Design/methodology/approach Using data sourced through desk research, interviews and questionnaires, this study examines the principal causes of increased volumes of construction and demolition waste, as well as the obstacles to both developing and implementing better waste management strategies. Findings This study identifies multiple causes of issues related to waste management and barriers to developing and implementing solutions and concludes by recommending a holistic approach to this multifaceted problem. A lack of adequate construction waste management infrastructure, regarding both physical facilities and regulations, was highlighted as the key challenge. Social implications The accumulation of waste that results from construction and demolition activity, and activities characterized by unsustainable utilization of raw materials and inefficiency are a global issue. The challenge of effectively managing construction waste is importantly tied to factors including the availability of the necessary infrastructure; economic conditions; and the scarcity of skilled laborers, among others. Originality/value This study focuses on the Jordan construction industry, which is so far not very well researched. By building upon previous studies, this study supports further research to illuminate the causes of waste and the barriers to better management, an issue that is not only a pillar of progress at the country level but also key for a sustainable development in general.

Utilising olive-stone biomass ash and examining its effect on green concrete: A review paper

The environmental aspects of sustainable development in the construction industry involve the utilisation of secondary raw materials in the design and construction of new structures. This study aims to conduct a critical review of previous literature on the use of olive waste ash (OWA). The use of OWA in concrete helps create and maintain sustainable and greener development. Published literature has confirmed the huge potential of using olive biomass ash (OBA) as replacement for a small portion of natural fine aggregate as admixture or reinforcement. The main goal of this development is to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which cause environmental pollution and climate problems, and support the reuse and exploitation of the waste concept. This study also aims to examine the effect of OBA on concrete properties, such as workability, setting times, soundness, compressive strength, flexural strength, shrinkage and durability, as well as its impact on sustainability. Furthermore, information regarding microstructure in terms of scanning electron microscopy is provided in this work. This study is considered the first review paper to investigate the utilisation of olive-stone biomass ash on construction materials. It also contains recommendations and observations for future research in this field. This study is important for international research as it provides a comprehensive overview of the potential of using OWA as a sustainable alternative in the construction industry and can inform future developments in this area.

Process compatible desulfurization of NSP cement production: A novel strategy for efficient capture of trace SO2 and the industrial trial

Cement industry contributes to more and more SO2 emission due to utilization of alternative raw materials and fuels, whereas the available calcium-based dry flue gas desulfurization (FGD) technologies present low efficiency due to slow reversible de-SO2 reactions and short gas-solid contact time in the preheater. In the present study, the SO2 capture potentials of CaCO3, CaO, and Ca(OH)2 in the preheater environment were maximized by introducing V2O5-based catalyst and selecting optimal reaction temperature, and the de-SO2 mechanism was extensively discussed. The results showed that the de-SO2 efficiency of calcium-based adsorbents increased by 10–57 times as SO2 was effectively oxidized to SO3 in the presence of V2O5-based catalyst, then maximum de-SO2 efficiency of 75.5% was achieved using Ca(OH)2 and V2O5-CeO2 at 600 °C. Furthermore, CaCO3 assisted by V2O5-CeO2 also had a de-SO2 efficiency of 65.6%. Subsequently, a novel process compatible FGD technology was designed to maximize the de-SO2 ability of raw meal in the preheater by adding V2O5-based catalyst and humidification, the SO2 concentration of flue gas reduced from 1000 mg/Nm3 to less than 100 mg/Nm3 in the industrial-scale trial, as more sulfur was solidified into clinker in the form of alkali sulfate without reducing its properties. This novel process compatible de-SO2 strategy is of real significance for reducing SO2 emission of cement industry at low economic cost.

Rapid preparation of hydrogen barrier films by a novel ultrasonic atomization-assisted layer-by-layer self-assembly method

Layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembled films of polyethyleneimine (PEI)/graphene oxide (GO) based on non-covalent force exhibit superior hydrogen barrier properties. Nevertheless, immersing the film in the self-assembly solution brings the problem of cross-contamination during the experiment. The deionized water rinsing step not only consumes time, but also increases the tediousness of membrane production and generates plenty of waste liquid. Herein, a PEI/GO hydrogen barrier film was prepared by ultrasonic atomization-assisted technology. Relying on stable and continuous spraying process and tiny droplets to achieve a unified and ordered surface of the film. The spray time, the dispersion concentration of GO, the pH of PEI solution, and the number of assembled layers were investigated in depth. The study shows that the hydrogen barrier film with excellent performance can be prepared by the atomization-assisted method. When the concentration of GO was 0.9 mg ml−1, the spray time of PEI and GO were 8 s and 20 s, the pH of PEI and GO were 10 and 4, respectively, the hydrogen transmission rate of 25-layer PEI/GO composite films was 21.343 cm3 m−2·day−1·0.1 MPa−1, which was 92.38% lower than that of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates film. Furthermore, this method has high raw material utilization and is easy to scale.

Assessing Systematic Blade Production in the Indian Subcontinent with Special Reference to Eastern Gujarat

Blades as a component of lithic assemblages hold significant importance to understanding the more recent part of human evolution, particularly with regard to the emergence and adaptations of Homo sapiens. The systematic production of elongated stone blanks provides several advantages, including a longer cutting edge and high efficiency in raw material utility. However, the reasons behind the development of these technological forms and the chronological patterns of systematic blade production remain poorly understood in many regions, despite a clear overall intensification in the Late Pleistocene. The South Asian Paleolithic archive is full of blade-bearing assemblages, most of which are defined as Upper Paleolithic or Late Paleolithic. However, many of these previously assumed ‘Upper Paleolithic’ tool components prominently appear in Middle Paleolithic contexts. Here, we discuss some of the most recent case studies of blade-bearing assemblages from Eastern Gujarat that show an in situ emergence of blade technology from advanced Middle Paleolithic technology, suggesting localized origins of blade technology.

Optimization of hydrolysis conditions of crop straw and its effect in Chlorellasorokiniana culture.

Taking straws of corn, wheat, and millet as raw materials, we pretreated them with alkaline hydrogen peroxide, and then hydrolyzed by cellulase and xylanase. We selected the total sugar content in the hydrolysate as the indicator to evaluate the hydrolysis of the straws from three crop species, and further optimized the conditions. Then, the hydrolysates of three types of crop straws were used as carbon source for Chlorella sorokiniana culture to assess their effects on microalgal cultivation. The results showed that the optimal hydrolysis conditions for the three crop straws were identified as solid-liquid ratio of 1:15, temperature of 30 ℃, and treatment time of 12 h. Under such optimal condition, the total sugar contents increased up to 1.677, 1.412, and 1.211 g·L-1 in the corn, millet and wheat straw hydrolysate, respectively. The hydrolysates from the three crop straw could significantly increase both algal biomass and lipid content of C. sorokiniana. Corn straw hydrolysate had the best effect, with high levels of algal biomass (1.801 g·L-1) and lipid content (30.1%). Therefore, we concluded that crop straw hydrolysates as carbon source could significantly promote microalgal biomass and lipid enrichment. The results could lay the foundation for the efficient conversion and utilization of straw lignocellulose raw materials, provide new knowledge for the resource utilization of agricultural wastes, as well as the theoretical basis for the efficient cultivation of microalgae using crop straw hydrolysates.

Fabrication and performance optimization of novel (Tb0.9975R0.0025)3Sc2Al3O12 (R= Pr, Ho, Dy, Eu) magneto-optical transparent ceramics

Magneto-optical materials with high Verdet constants at high extinction ratios are desirable for the Faraday isolators. However, current terbium-based crystals have encountered several issues, such as low Verdet constants (TGG crystals), difficult growth (TSAG crystals), and low utilization of raw materials, which limit the development of the Faraday isolators. Here, R0.0025TSAG (R= Pr, Ho, Dy, Eu) transparent ceramics are prepared. The ceramics exhibit high optical transparency above 74.0% in the 525–1565 nm range and a high relative density of 98.9%. In particular, the transmittance of R0.0025TSAG ceramics at 1064 nm is approximately 81.6%, 81.6%, 79.8%, and 80.6%, respectively. The Verdet constants of R0.0025TSAG ceramics at the measurement wavelength are greater than those of the TSAG ceramic. The compelling magneto-optical performance of the Dy0.0025TSAG ceramic includes a high Verdet constant of 161.8 ± 3 rad·m−1·T−1 at 635 nm. The Verdet constant of the Dy0.0025TSAG ceramic is still superior to that of TSAG ceramic in the same temperature range. The extinction ratios of the R0.0025TSAG (R= Pr, Ho, Dy) ceramics exceed 40 dB. The figure of merit points out the superior characteristics of R0.0025TSAG ceramics. Moreover, R0.0025TSAG (R= Pr, Ho, Dy) ceramics with a thickness above the centimeter level are successfully prepared. This work indicates that the Dy0.0025TSAG ceramic can promote the miniaturization of magneto-optical isolators and can be applied in high-power lasers.

Vat Photopolymerization of Nanocellulose-Reinforced Vegetable Oil-Based Resins: Synergy in Morphology and Functionalization

With the advancement of additive manufacturing (AM) and the mass adoption of 3D printing technology, it is essential to shift focus to environmentally and economically sustainable materials. As the utilization of renewable feedstocks is quite limited in this context, the utilization of more bio-based raw materials in the ongoing development of AM represents an essential means of achieving this shift. In this work, vat photopolymerization 3D printing has been used to process vegetable oil-based (VO) resins with an ultralow concentration of 0.07 vol % nanocellulose fibrils (NFC) and crystals (NCC). The developed nanocellulose containing bio-based vat photopolymerization resin shows excellent shelf stability, enabling high-resolution printing. Compatibilization of the nanocellulose with the polymer matrix was achieved through the introduction of isocyanate or acrylate groups via reactions of acryloyl chloride (AC) and hexamethylene diisocyanate (HMDI) with cellulose surface hydroxyls. Surface functionalization results in ∼20–30% increases in interfacial adhesion and stress transfer, yielding significant improvements in mechanical performance (4× higher toughness, 2.4× higher tensile strength, and 2× higher tensile strain) in 3D-printed specimens. Fourier-transformation infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy complemented by solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques enabled a more detailed study of the chemical structure of these materials as well. Tensile performance comparison with literature data on VO-based natural fiber-reinforced resins showed that this work brought bio-based resins one step closer to competing with petroleum-based resins. The prepared VO/nanocellulose resins are promising candidates for high-performance bio-based resins derived from completely renewable feedstocks.

Effect of Ni-Fe/CaO-Al2O3 catalysts on products distribution in in-situ and ex-situ catalytic pyrolysis of Chinese herb residue

It is necessary to investigate the differences between in-situ and ex-situ methods of bimetallic supported catalysts for biomass catalytic pyrolysis. In this paper, the Ni–Fe/CaO–Al2O3 catalysts with different Ni/Fe ratios have been synthesized by coprecipitation method, and it was explored that the effect of products distribution about Chinese herb residue(CHR) catalytic pyrolysis by in-situ and ex-situ methods. The results showed that in-situ NiFe-3 group had the highest content of aromatic compounds (59.68%) and the lowest content of aliphatic compounds (17.67%). This was beneficial to the utilization of chemical raw materials extracted from pyrolysis oil. Meanwhile, the CaO in the catalyst effectively reduces the acid content and corrosion of pyrolysis oil. The results showed that higher Ni and CaO content has the synergistic catalytic action in ex-situ catalytic experiments. It could promote water-gas shift reaction, which is conducive to the generation of H2. In-situ catalysis is mainly used for the upgrading of pyrolysis oil, while ex-situ catalysis is mainly used to promote secondary pyrolysis of pyrolysis products and improve the quality of pyrolysis oil. This work provides reference for the difference and high value utilization of biomass pyrolysis by different catalytic methods.

Two methods on one stone: Integrating visual and analytical techniques to clarify lithic raw material utilization in the Middle and Later Stone Age at Umhlatuzana rockshelter (South Africa)

We develop a study protocol to efficiently and accurately identify the raw material categories constituting the lithic assemblages at Umhlatuzana rockshelter, South Africa. We combine visual and analytical methods to establish a raw material database and to provide a more accurate insight into raw material selection during the Pleistocene Middle and Later Stone Age occupational sequence of Umhlatuzana. The protocol combines petrological properties (as studied on micromorphological samples), elemental composition of the specimens (as measured with p-XRF) and visual characterization by lithic analysts. We tested the protocol by applying it to a sample of piece-plotted lithics from four spits across the stratigraphic sequence. We document the intensive use of sandstone accounting for 25% of the tested sample. We also report a larger importance of hornfels and lower proportion of quartz than was reported in previous analyses (Kaplan 1990). The combination of micromorphological and p-XRF analysis of the Umhlatuzana assemblages demonstrates that with only visual inspection, the variability of raw materials used may be misinterpreted. With accurate raw material datasets, we are better equipped to answer techno-economic questions of the southern African Stone Age.

High Temperature Lignin Separation for Improved Yields in Ethanol Organosolv Pre-Treatment

The full utilization of renewable raw materials is necessary for a sustainable economy. Lignin is an abundant biopolymer, but is currently mainly used for energy production. Ethanol organosolv pre-treatment produces high-quality lignin, but still faces substantial economic challenges. Lignin solubility increases with temperature, and previous studies have shown that it reprecipitates during cooling after the pre-treatment. Thus, a possibility for the optimization of lignin production with this process can be the separation of extract and residual biomass at high temperatures. In this work, lignin was extracted from wheat straw at 180 °C, and the extract was separated from the remaining solids at several temperatures after the pre-treatment. The results show that 10.1 g/kg of lignin and 2.2 g/kg of carbohydrates are dissolved at the pre-treatment temperature of 180 °C, which is reduced to 8.6 g/kg of lignin and 1.2 g/kg of carbohydrates after cooling. The precipitation of lignin separated from the extracts at 180 °C showed that a higher lignin concentration at high temperatures results in a 46% improvement in the yield of solid lignin, while there was no significant impact on the lignin purity.

Microwave-Assisted Extraction of Carrageenan from Sarcopeltis skottsbergii.

The development of greener processes for the sustainable utilization of raw materials is increasingly demanded for environmental and economic reasons. A rapid and chemical-free technique was proposed for the extraction of hybrid kappa/iota (6/4) carrageenan from Sarcopeltis (ex Gigartina) skottsbergii. After separation, carrageenans were analyzed by Fourier transform infrared attenuated total reflectance, high-performance size-exclusion chromatography, and rheology. Maximum carrageenan extraction yields up to 63-64% were obtained operating at 110 or at 160 °C, for 5-7 min considering the sum of the heating and cooling periods, but the extraction of the phenolic fraction was favored at 220 °C. The recovered carrageenan showed apparent viscous values around 103 mPa at the lowest tested shear rates (0.1 1/s) and could be suitable to formulate films. Furthermore, those carrageenans obtained under 140 °C showed gel characteristics without previous separation from the liquid extract, avoiding ethanolic precipitation and energy consumption. The antiradical properties correlated with the phenolic content in the liquid phase, but no influence of temperature on the reducing properties was observed. The microwave-assisted hydrothermal treatment could be an efficient tool without needing chemicals for the extraction of carrageenans, which showed adequate rheological properties for commercial uses.

Isolation and characterization of potential multiple extracellular enzyme-producing bacteria from waste dumping area in Addis Ababa

Extremozymes are innovative and robust biocatalysts produced by various microorganisms from harsh environments. As thermophilic organisms can only develop in a few places, studying them in geothermal environments has provided new insights into the origins and evolution of early life and access to significant bio-resources with potential biotechnology applications. The work aimed to isolate and identify likely multiple extracellular enzyme-producing thermophilic bacteria from an Addis Ababa landfill (Qoshe). The streaking approach was used to purify 102 isolates acquired by serial dilution and spread plate method. The isolates were morphologically and biochemically characterized. Thirty-five cellulases, 22 amylase, 17 protease, and nine lipase-producing bacteria were identified using primary screening methods. Further secondary screening using Strain safety evaluation; two bacterial strains (TQ11 and TQ46) were identified. Based on morphological and biochemical tests, they were found to be gram-positive and rod-shaped. Furthermore, molecular identification and phylogenic analysis of selected promising isolates confirmed the identity of the isolates, Paenibacillus dendritiformis (TQ11) and Anoxybacillus flavithermus (TQ46). The results indicated that, multiple extracellular enzyme-producing thermophilic bacteria isolated from a waste dumping area in Addis Ababa offer useful features for environmental sustainability in a wide range of industrial applications due to their biodegradability and specialized stability under extreme conditions, increased raw material utilization, and decreased waste.

Understanding the future of bio-based fertilisers: The EU's policy and implementation

Bio-based fertilisers (BBFs) aim to reduce the European Union's (EU) dependence on imported mineral fertilisers by recycling and reusing nutrient-rich by-streams. However, implementation can be very complex, and the right policies must be delivered to optimize BBFs' production-consumption flows. This study seeks a new perspective for policymakers by understanding current policies and reviewing previous studies on BBFs' implementation. Data collection from the researchers' database plus additional information from the "EU-Lex" platform and Member States' Government websites were obtained to fulfil the critical analysis. Our reviews indicate that policies related to BBFs are still under development to comply with some appropriate laws and regulations for their implementation. The current policies, implemented among others by the new EU Fertilising Products Regulation (FPR), are structured by component material categories (CMC) and product function categories (PFC) that govern the specific function of the product and the raw material utilization. For farmers and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), compliance with the FPR may be challenging. Yet, for regional use, farmers and producers can still rely on BBFs in compliance with national regulations. In addition, attention from policymakers is needed to increase the level of public acceptance, farmer's adoption, and availability of BBF with acceptable prices. Finally, this study provides prospective research opportunities to help the development of BBFs.

Каскадно-циркулярна модель інноваційної трансформації регіональних господарських комплексів: фундаментальні принципи, пріоритети і воєнні та поствоєнні виклики

It is substantiated that the cascade-circular model of innovative transformation of regional economic complexes should be based on a combination of the cascade principle of attracting material resources in the reproduction process and the principle of maximizing closed cycles in product chains. It is determined that the cascade principle is a sequential transition from one phase of production to another, based on the priority of formation of value chains and features of extracting the resource value of primary and secondary raw materials; the principle of maximizing closed cycles in product chains is a principle that provides for the minimization of unit costs and losses of the material substance of raw materials on the basis of the integrated use of primary raw materials through the use of waste-free and low-waste technologies and the most complete utilization of secondary raw materials in order to maximize the value added in food chains. It is identified that the key point in the formation of the cascade-circular model of innovative transformation of regional economic complexes is the formation of the structure-establishing innovation core (a complex of types of production and economic activity with appropriate supporting subsystems), which will be differentiated in the context of economic regions of Ukraine, based on: the existing production and technical base of material production; the level of infrastructural arrangement; available and projected reserves of natural raw materials; scientific and scientific-technical potential; opportunities for establishing inter-regional cooperative relations; participation of the region in the national division of labor and in ensuring national security. It is substantiated that the cascade-circular model of innovative transformation of the economy of the regions of Ukraine should be aimed at more effective use of secondary material resources in the reproduction process and at increasing the assimilation potential as a basic prerequisite for the transition to the rails of low-carbon development.

BIOREFINERY CONCEPT OF THE ZITTAU/GÖRLITZ UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

This article presents the circular-economy-based biorefinery concept developed by the “Biorefinery” research group at the Zittau/Görlitz University of Applied Sciences. The biorefinery concept aims the holistic utilization of plant raw materials and residues, in orders to exploit their entire value creation potential. The material or energetic utilization of all parts of the plants or plant residues results in significant economic and ecological advantages compared to conventional recycling methods and commonly accepted utilization concepts. The biorefinery process of our research group also envisages feeding products made of or contanining natural fibers after their use to a novel recycling process using saprobionthic fungi. As a result of fungal recycling mycelium-based biocomposites are produced and provided for further applications, e.g. in the construction industry or as packaging material. In this way, carbon can be sequestered in the long term and CO2 emissions can be avoided.

Synthesis of small-crystal Y zeolites via regulating Na2O/Al2O3 and superior catalytic performance of corresponding NiWS-supported catalysts for hydrocracking of naphthalene

In the process of petroleum refining, realizing the production and utilization of chemical raw materials is the common goal pursued by the petrochemical industry at present.

The more the better: on the formation of single-phase high entropy alloy nanoparticles as catalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction.

High entropy alloys (HEAs) are an important new material class with significant application potential in catalysis and electrocatalysis. The entropy-driven formation of HEA materials requires high temperatures and controlled cooling rates. However, catalysts in general also require highly dispersed materials, i.e., nanoparticles. Only then a favorable utilization of the expensive raw materials can be achieved. Several recently reported HEA nanoparticle synthesis strategies, therefore, avoid the high-temperature regime to prevent particle growth. In our work, we investigate a system of five noble metal single-source precursors with superior catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction. Combining in situ X-ray powder diffraction with multi-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy, we address the fundamental question of how single-phase HEA nanoparticles can form at low temperatures. It is demonstrated that the formation of HEA nanoparticles is governed by stochastic principles and the inhibition of precursor mobility during the formation process favors the formation of a single phase. The proposed formation principle is supported by simulations of the nanoparticle formation in a randomized process, rationalizing the experimentally found differences between two-element and multi-element metal precursor mixtures.

Recent Advances in the Applications of Green Synthesized Nanoparticle based Nanofluids for the Environmental Remediation.

With the ever-growing importance of green technology, the utilization of inorganic metal oxide nanoparticles and their nanofluids against microorganisms garnered more attention than organic metal oxides in recent years. Therefore, using safer, energy and cost-effective natural raw materials, stabilizing agents, and solvents are the fundamental considerations of the greener process. Due to their unique properties, larger surface area to volume ratio, higher stability and selective toxicity towards microbial pathogens, ZnO, TiO2 and silver nanoparticles are considered environmentally friendly and cost-effective antimicrobial agents. Furthermore, amine-based silica nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes are used for the carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide separation. The review mainly focuses on the green synthesis of the various nanoparticles to form nanofluids and their application in environmental remediation. In this light, the current paper briefly summarizes the preparation methods and the prospective environmental remediation applications of various nanofluids in the field of microorganisms controlling mechanisms, wastewater treatment methods and harmful gaseous removal methods.

AN IN-DEPTH STUDY OF INDUSTRIES THAT WOULD HELP NEPAL IN ACHIEVING MAXIMUM BENEFIT BOTH TANGIBLE AND INTANGIBLE FOR ITS CITIZENS

The paper essentially focuses on the untapped resources both in terms of raw materials as well as labour. The essential aim of the paper is that the Nepalese economy should move rapidly on the path of progress. This requires the efficient use of tourist facilities, remittances, hydropower and labour resources, along with the traditional utilisation of raw materials. As the economy is in an important geopolitical space, it should take advantage in the form of increased investment from its neighbours India and China, and in recent years the US. It is important that all the investment coming in is used in a prudent manner to increase its growth and welfare of its citizens.