Water Absorption Capacity Research Articles

Experimental Investigation The Effect of Bamboo Micro Filler on Performance of Bamboo-Sisal-E-Glass Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Matrix Hybrid Composites

The numerous advantages of natural fiber reinforced hybrid composites, such as their light weight, biodegradability, recyclability, availability, and low cost, have brought them to the forefront for various structural applications in the automotive and aerospace industries. Aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of varying the weight fractions of bamboo micro filler on the tensile, flexural, impact, and water absorption properties of the Sisal-Bamboo-E-glass fiber reinforced epoxy matrix hybrid composite prepared by manual hand layup method. To enhance the bond between natural and synthetic fibers and reduce the hydrophilic nature of natural fibers, bamboo and sisal fibers were treated with 5% NaOH for 6 and 8 hours, respectively. The E-glass fiber content was kept constant at 10%, while the weight fractions of sisal, bamboo fiber, epoxy matrix, and bamboo micro filler were varied. The bamboo micro filler size ranged from 75 to 100 μm. Tensile and flexural tests were conducted using a computer-controlled universal electromechanical testing machine, while impact testing was performed with a Charpy impact test machine. The results showed that the hybrid composite containing 15% sisal, 10% glass, 15% bamboo fiber, 57% epoxy, and 3% bamboo micro filler exhibited the highest tensile strength (87 MPa),flexural strength (77 MPa), high impact energy (8.9 J) and high toughness (24.64 J/cm2). Conversely, the highest water absorption capacity was observed in composites with 6% bamboo micro filler. Overall, the tensile, flexural, impact, and water absorption properties of the hybrid composites were significantly influenced by the weight fractions of the fibers and bamboo micro filler.

EFFECTS OF GUM ARABIC ON THE MOISTURE CONTENT AND WATER ABSORPTION OF LATERITIC BRICKS OF VARYING PARTICLE SIZES OF FINE AGGREGATES

The increasing greenhouse gas emissions associated with construction, accounts for 37% global emissions. In mitigating these challenges, the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) recommends the use of lateritic bricks due to it's environmental sustainability. To achieve durability and environmental sustainability, Gum Arabic is introduced in laterite soil to improve its properties. The objective of the study is to determine the suitability of Gum Arabic as stabilizer on the moisture content and water absorption capacity of earth bricks of different particle size distributions. Experimental research method was adopted for the study. The particle size distribution of the laterite soil was classified within the ranges 75µm-600µm, and 1.18mm- 4.76mm. Also, the content of the Gum Arabic was proportioned from the range of 0% to 30% partial replacements. Sample bricks were produced and tested at 14, 21 and 28 days curing period. The data collected from the results of the laboratory experiments was analysed using bar charts. The results showed that, particle size distributions for grading fine aggregate suitable for compressed stabilised earth bricks (CSEB) was found to be between 1.18mm-4.76mm considering it low extent of permeability and high durability properties at 28 days curing period. It was concluded that, moisture content influences the rate of water absorption, such that an increase in moisture content consequently increases the rate of water absorption. However, the low extent of water permeability recorded, reduces the water content in the pores of the CSEBs, thereby reducing the extent of expansion and contraction making the GA-based CSEBS to be less brittle and more durable. It was recommended that, when selecting eco-friendly bricks for construction of buildings, Gum Arabic based Compressed Stabilised Earth Bricks (GA-based CSEBs), should be utilised considering its low permeability and durability for particle size ˃ 600µm.

Upcycling Industrial Biomass Wastes Into Aerogels Using Zinc Chloride Salt Hydrates

AbstractEnd‐of‐life paper products, including food packages and rejected fibers from the paper industry, are unrecyclable biomass wastes and thus generally landfilled or incinerated. One of the major obstacles to their recycling is the existence of impurities besides cellulose fiber in the biomass wastes. In this study, a fabrication method is investigated to upcycle biomass wastes directly into high‐performance aerogels without separation of impurities. Surprisingly, this study observes that residual impurities participate in cross‐linking reactions for the aerogel formation. In this study, zinc chloride salt hydrate is applied to convert biomass wastes to aerogel via a dissolution‐regeneration process. The fabricated aerogels exhibited high water absorption capacity (15 times its weight), as well as comparable mechanical strength and thermal insulation performance to the reported cellulose aerogels. In addition, the impurities (i.e., calcium‐based inorganic salt) assisted in the cross‐linking of the cellulose network for the aerogel formation. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) image of the aerogel generated from the rejected fibers showed a honeycomb inner structure. The rejected fiber aerogels also demonstrated a high compressive modulus of 51 MPa and a low thermal conductivity of 0.029 W m−1 K−1. The results for water absorption and thermal insulation suggest excellent potential across various application domains.

The development, characterisation and optimisation of bismuth ferrite (BFO)-incorporated Nafion membrane with comb-shaped inner structure as IPMC actuator for driving valveless micropump

Micropumps have become increasingly popular in biomedical devices due to their accurate, safe, and precise pharmaceutical administration. Ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMC) have shown great potential as diaphragm materials for micropump actuation. Redesigning the diaphragm shape can increase deformation by eliminating edge limitations in circular IPMC actuators. The present study demonstrates the application of inner cantilever-based (comb-shape) IPMC as actuation diaphragms in a micropump to enhance fluid movement. Furthermore, the effectiveness of an IPMC actuator is influenced by water absorption capacity, capacitance, and proton conductivity. To enhance the aforementioned characteristics, bismuth ferrite (BFO) was added to a Nafion matrix, resulting in a porous structure that increases capacitance. Moreover, the BFO-Nafion nanocomposite membrane exhibits a notably higher proton conductivity (0.1806 Scm−1) at a temperature of 30° C, in comparison to the normal Nafion 117 membrane (0.0254 Scm−1). The COMSOL Multiphysics and LASER Doppler Vibrometer are used to optimise the shape of the membrane and assess the IPMC’s electromechanical response. The deflection of the comb-shape geometries is around 171μm, surpassing existing membrane geometries. Finally, the drug delivery device prototype has a pump module, an Android-operated electronic control module, and an OLED display. This gadget achieves an insulin flow rate of 70 μL/min when operated at 3 V with a square wave frequency of 0.1 Hz. Moreover, the experimental findings indicate that applying an 8 V voltage resulted in a peak flow rate of 270 μL/min and a maximum back pressure of 140 Pascal.

Valorisation of apple pomace for the development of high-fibre and polyphenol-rich wheat flour cookies

Apple pomace, abundant in dietary fibre and polyphenols, often goes unutilized, contributing to environmental pollution as it is discarded in open fields of Jammu and Kashmir. This study aimed to develop functional cookies fortified with apple pomace powder (APP), an industrial by-product. Wheat flour-APP formulations (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) were assessed. APP addition notably affected color values and functional properties, enhancing water and oil absorption capacities, swelling power, foam capacity and stability. Phenolic content increased significantly (p < 0.05) post-fortification, elevating antioxidant properties. FT-IR spectroscopy identified distinctive chemical components in wheat flour and APP. Sensory evaluation favored cookies with 10% APP, indicating their potential for consumer acceptance. Thus, APP shows promise for producing innovative functional cookies, improving consumer health, utilizing industrial by-products, and reducing waste from apple processing plants, thereby mitigating environmental pollution.

Study of the Mechanical Properties of Chitosan/Onggok Starch (Arenga Pinnata) Biocomposite Films Reinforced with Cellulose from Rice Straw

Bioplastics are biodegradable polymers derived from biomass sources, and starch is the substrate of choice for bioplastic production because of its ability to decompose into environmentally friendly compounds. Nevertheless, bioplastic films composed solely of starch demonstrate hydrophilic characteristics and are highly vulnerable to water, leading to insufficient durability. In order to enhance the mechanical integrity, this issue is resolved by blending polymers and integrating cellulose into the bioplastic structure. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of incorporating cellulose at different percentages ranging from 3% to 20% on the mechanical capabilities, water absorption capacity, and biodegradation properties of the onggok chitosan-starch biocomposite. Overall, the addition of cellulose to bio-composite significantly impacts these characteristics.

EFFECTS OF SOWING DATE AND LOCATIONS ON THE SELECTED WHEAT CULTIVARS QUALITY PERFORMANCE

The current study was aimed assessing the effects of cultivars, sowing date and locations on bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L) quality parameters grain protein concentration (GP), Gluten Index GI, falling number (FN), Water absorption capacity (WAC %), Pasting temperature (PT), and loaf volume (LV) of five bread wheat cultivars viz. Alla, Hassad, Charmo, Maaroof, and Adana as control, two sowing dates (Nov 15th, Dec 15th) at each location under rainfed environment. Grain samples were obtained from previous field experiments were conducted at two locations of Sulaimani Governate in Iraq-Kurdistan-region, Qlyasan and Halabja, during growing seasons 2018-2019. The experiments were conducted using RCBD within split plot arrangement with three replicates. Result for companied analysis, showed that cultivars sowing date, locations, the interactions CS, CL, and SL and tri-interaction CSL were high significantly affects to all quality traits except GP for location, LV for SL and GP for CS interaction, which were non-significant. The results confirmed that sowing wheat lately is an accept option for maximizing GP, GI, PT, and LV, while, optimum sowing was increasing FN and WA traits, regardless of cultivar or location. Wheat grown at Qlyasan appeared to have more GP content, FN, WA, PT, and LV, while Halabja location to have stronger gluten quality (GI). The di-interactions viz. CS, CL, and SL and tri-interaction CSL played a significant important role in changing or modifying the values of the quality traits.

Salinity and oven-drying effects on the plasticity of a marine soft clay

Considering the extensive use of plasticity-based correlations in geotechnical practice to estimate soil parameters, this paper evaluates the influence of pore fluid salinity and soil drying on the plasticity of Ballina clay, an estuarine soft clay from northern New South Wales (Australia). A comprehensive experimental study, which includes controlled leaching/salinisation paths applied to natural (remoulded) as well as oven-dried clay, prior to the estimation of the Atterberg limits, is presented. Plasticity tests are complemented with chemical analysis of the pore fluid carried out to evaluate the processes involved in the leaching/salinisation mechanisms for remoulded and oven-dried clay. A strong dependency of liquid limit on pore fluid salinity and oven-drying is observed in Ballina clay. Leaching modifies the soil fabric from an initially saline–sodic flocculated towards a normal flocculated arrangement. The experimental results show that changes in soil plasticity upon leaching are largely reversible upon salinisation paths. Oven-drying promotes the stacking of clay minerals (aggregation), which in turn reduces the water absorption capacity of the clay. The consequences of neglecting both salinity and drying effects in practice when adopting well-established relationships between mechanical parameters and soil plasticity are also briefly discussed.

Research on the Mechanism and Prediction Model of Pressure Drive Recovery in Low-Permeability Oil Reservoirs

China boasts significant reserves of low-permeability oil reservoirs, and the economic and efficient development of these reservoirs plays a crucial role in enhancing oil and gas production. However, the “difficult injection and difficult recovery” issue in low-permeability oil reservoirs is a major challenge. To address this, research is conducted on the mechanism of pressure drive based on the mathematical model of oil-water seepage in low-permeability reservoirs and the model of fracture permeability. The study finds that pressure drive technology, by directly delivering the pressure drive agent deep into the low-permeability reservoir, effectively prevents viscosity loss and adhesion retention of the agent in the near-wellbore area. This technology expands the swept volume, improves oil washing efficiency, replenishes formation energy, and facilitates the gathering and production of scattered remaining oil. For reservoirs with higher permeability, pressure drive yields quick results, and high-pressure water injection can be directly adopted for pressure drive to reduce costs. On the other hand, reservoirs with lower permeability have difficulty in water absorption, and the use of surfactant-based pressure drive can effectively reduce the seepage resistance of the reservoir, enhancing its water absorption capacity and improving development outcomes. Based on the mechanism of pressure drive development, further research is conducted on the production characteristics of pressure drive mines. Addressing the variability in pressure drive effects, big data analysis tools such as SHAP analysis and correlation analysis are employed to evaluate the main controlling factors of pressure drive in both new and old areas. Additionally, non-time series and time series pressure drive production forecasting models are established based on pressure drive data.

Effect of extrusion on physicochemical and functional properties of cladode flour from Opuntia cochenillifera and Opuntia ficus-indica

In this study, the physicochemical and functional properties of flours obtained from mature cladodes of two nopal species, Opuntia cochenillifera (OC) and Opuntia ficus indica (OF), subjected to different extrusion conditions, varying moisture (20 % and 26 %) and temperature levels (120 °C, 140 °C and 160 °C) were evaluated. The results showed significant differences in chemical composition, physical, functional and phytochemical properties between the two species. OC had a higher ash and ether extract content (29.27 % and 1.28 % respectively), while OF had more protein and carbohydrates (7.83 and 55.31 % respectively). The expansion index was higher (1.06 – 1.27) in OF, especially under high temperature extrusion and low moisture conditions. Bulk density decreased with increasing extrusion temperature, and color was significantly altered by temperature and moisture, with greater changes observed in OF. Functional properties such as oil absorption capacity, water absorption capacity, and water solubility index, were significantly affected by the extrusion process in both species of nopal. In terms of dietary fiber, extrusion increased (4.99 to 10.38 %) the soluble fiber content and decreased (36.91 to 32.30 %) the insoluble fiber content in both species. However, OC had a higher percentage of soluble and total dietary fiber. Phenolic compounds, flavonoids and antioxidant activity were significantly affected by the extrusion process in most treatments, although some maintained or improved these properties. These results highlight the influence of species and extrusion conditions on the properties of nopal flours, providing valuable information for the development of nopal-enriched food products, thereby optimizing their nutritional and technological properties.

Hydrogel Containing Propolis: Physical Characterization and Evaluation of Biological Activities for Potential Use in the Treatment of Skin Lesions.

Skin injury affects the integrity of the skin structure and induces the wound healing process, which is defined by a well-coordinated series of cellular and molecular reactions that aim to recover or replace the injured tissue. Hydrogels are a group of promising biomaterials that are able to incorporate active ingredients for use as dressings. This study aimed to synthesize hydrogels with and without propolis extract and evaluate their physical characteristics and biological activities in vitro for potential use as active dressings in the treatment of skin lesions. The antifungal [Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Candida tropicalis (C. tropicalis)] and antibacterial [Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), Pseudomonas aeruginosas (P. aeruginosas) and Escherichia coli (E. coli)] activity was assessed by the microdilution method in plates and antioxidant potential by the reduction of the phosphomolybdate complex. The hydrogels showed good water absorption capacity, high solubility, and high gel fraction, as well as good porosity, water retention, and vapor transmission rates. They revealed a totally amorphous structure. The extract and the hydrogels containing the propolis extract (1.0% and 2.5%) did not inhibit fungal growth. However, they showed antibacterial activity against strains of S. aureus and P. aeruginosas. Regarding the E. coli strain, only the extract inhibited its growth. It showed good antioxidant activity by the evaluation method used. Therefore, the hydrogels containing propolis extract can be a promising alternative with antibacterial and antioxidant action for use as dressings for the treatment of skin lesions.

Microwave Cooking of Some or All High Starch Ingredients of Cattle Feed Concentrate Improves Nutritional Value and In Vitro Bioavailability.

Microwaving has been used to qualitatively improve feed ingredients prior to including them in cattle feed. However, it is not known whether feed ingredients should be microwaved separately or in a mixture before being included in cattle feed concentrates. In the current study, the effects of the partial and full microwaving of high starch ingredients were investigated regarding their impact on the nutritional composition, physicochemical properties, and in vitro digestibility of feed concentrates. The cassava was microwave-irradiated before being mixed with other ingredients (MC, 35% of formulation). A microwave-cooked cassava-corn meal mixture (MCC, 45% of formulation) and a combination of all solid components (MSI, 96% of formulation) were also compared. A feed containing non-microwaved ingredients was formulated and served as the control (NM). Significantly altered proximate compositions and nutritive profiles were observed in all the microwaved components (p < 0.05). The observed modifications in pHs, water absorption capacities, thermal properties (differential scanning calorimetry), diffraction patterns (X-ray diffractometry), and microstructures (scanning electron microscopy) indicated enhanced enzymatic hydrolysis in vitro. A higher cellulase organic matter solubility and digestible organic matter were observed in the MCC and MSIs feeds relative to the control NM (p < 0.05). These findings indicate a combination of components could be added to feedstock before it is microwave processed to potentially include this pretreatment in the feed production process.

Changes in Nutritional and Techno-Functional Properties of Whole Grain Maize Flours Induced by Dry-Heat Treatment.

The present study was carried out to demonstrate the effects of dry heat treatment (DHT) at different temperatures (100, 125, 135, 150, and 165 °C) on the nutritional and techno-functional properties of white, blue, and yellow whole grain maize flour. Results showed that DHT increased the insoluble dietary fiber and free phenolic compounds of the investigated maize flours, while the bound phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and pasting properties decreased with the rising of the applied temperature. The application of DHT caused the most notable changes regarding the amount of dietary fiber. Content of NDF (neutral detergent fiber) ranged from 11.48% to 44.35%, 14.19% to 37.84%, and 15.15% to 45.86% in white, yellow, and blue maize samples, respectively. Furthermore, at the highest temperature applied in the DHT (165 °C) the content of soluble free phenolic compounds in yellow and blue maize flour samples was 1.2- and 1.4-fold higher compared to control flour samples. DHT significantly improved the functionality of maize flour in terms of water absorption capacity, water solubility, and digestibility, thus it can be effectively used to make up for the poor functionality of raw maize flour. This study shows that DHT at moderate temperatures (125-135 °C), could be a viable solution for the pre-processing of maize flour to enhance the potential for its utilization in the food industry.

Efficacy of sustainable cementitious materials on concrete porosity for enhancing the durability of building materials

Abstract The degradation of concrete structures is significantly influenced by water penetration since water serves as the primary vehicle for the movement of harmful compounds. The process of capillary water absorption is widely recognized as a crucial indicator of durability for unsaturated concrete, as it allows dangerous substances to enter the composite material. The water absorption capacity of concrete is intricately linked to its pore structure, as concrete is inherently porous. The main goal of this work is to create an innovative predictive tool that assesses the porosity of concrete by analyzing its components using a machine-learning (ML) framework. Seven distinct batch design variables were included in the generated database: fly ash, superplasticizer, water-to-binder ratio, curing time, ground granulated blast furnace slag, binder, and coarse-to-fine aggregate ratio. Four distant ML algorithms, including AdaBoost, linear regression (LR), decision tree (DT), and support vector machine (SVM), are utilized to infer the generalization capabilities of ML algorithms to estimate concrete porosity accurately. The RReliefF algorithm was implemented to calculate the significant features influencing porosity. This study concludes that in comparison to the alternative techniques, the AdaBoost method demonstrated superior performance with an R 2 score of 0.914, followed by SVM (0.870), DT (0.838), and LR (0.763). The results of the evaluation of RReliefF indicated that the binder possesses a remarkable influence on the porosity of concrete.

Production of Biopolymer &amp; Preparation of Soap Using Chitin and Chitosan from Brachyura Shell

Collagen, an extracellular protein, was extracted from eggshells using a combination of 5% EDTA, 0.45 M NaCl, 0.2% NaOH, 0.2% H₂SO₄, 0.7% citric acid, and 10% HCl, while chitosan, a naturally occurring polysaccharide, was extracted from crab shells (Brachyura) through demineralization with 1N Hydrochloric acid, deproteinization using 6% sodium hydroxide solution, and deacetylation with 40% NaOH, followed by decolorization using potassium permanganate and oxalic acid. The proximate analysis of chitosan revealed an ash content of 32% and a moisture content of 4.13%, while the protein content of the extracted collagen was found to be 70 µg/dL, with an alternative method indicating 75 µg, equivalent to BSA. The molecular weights of collagen and chitosan were determined to be 300 kilodaltons and 190-310 kilodaltons, respectively, and their purity was confirmed using FTIR analysis. Hydrogels were prepared using a combination of collagen and chitosan and were tested for water absorption capacity and antimicrobial activity, demonstrating that both biomaterials possess significant antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Additionally, chitosan’s biocompatibility supports its use in creating edible films that can interact with other biopolymers and additives, indicating its potential for various industrial and biomedical applications.

A Novel Approach for Nanosponge: Wool Waste as a Building Block for the Synthesis of Keratin-Based Nanosponge and Perspective Application in Wastewater Treatment.

Wool waste is a huge environmental problem that needs to be addressed in order to avoid the continuous accumulation of biohazardous waste in landfills. In recent years, wool has proven to be an excellent source of keratin that can be used for various purposes. But never before has keratin from wool waste been used as a building block to synthesize a well-known class of biopolymers called nanosponges. Typically, nanosponges are produced by the reaction of cyclodextrins with an appropriate cross-linker to obtain an insoluble hyper-cross-linked polymer, which has applications in various fields. For this reason, a novel, affordable approach for the synthesis of a novel class of nanosponge using wool keratin as the building block has been presented. The keratin nanosponge was synthesized by reacting keratin with pyromellitic dianhydride as a cross-linking agent. The formation of a cross-linked polymer was successfully confirmed by CHNS-elemental analysis, TGA, DSC, FTIR-ATR, SEM, and water absorption capacity measurements. Surprisingly, the keratin-based nanosponge showed ∼50% uptake of heavy metals after only 24 h of contact time. The adsorption kinetics was also evaluated, indicating a pseudo-second-order model fit and the mechanism is predominantly the intraparticle diffusion process. The novel synthesized nanosponge proved to be a possible alternative for wastewater treatment.

Effect of germination on the physico-functional and nutritional profile of barnyard millet ()(VL-172)

: Barnyard millet is well-known for its abundant nutrients and adaptability, making it a promising candidate for product innovation, especially by exploring new processing methods like germination to boost its nutritional value and effectiveness. It is vital to examine both the physico-functional and nutrient characteristics of barnyard millet in order to fully harness their nutritional advantages in product development. Understanding factors such as grain size and properties like water and oil absorption capacity is crucial for creating inventive, nutritionally enriched foods that can meet a variety of dietary requirements and gain wider market acceptance.: This scientific approach fosters the effects of germination on the physico-functional and nutritional properties of Barnyard millet. : Barnyard millet was collected and soaked for 12 hours and germinated in different time intervals, then dehydrated at 110°C for 4 hours. Physical properties such as kernel size and volume were analysed. Functional properties, including oil and water absorption capacity, water solubility and nutritional analysis were conducted. The study revealed that as the germination time increased, the length-width ratio increased, accompanied by a slight increase in 1000 kernel weight, volume and decrease in bulk density of germinated millet. Furthermore, functional properties such as oil absorption capacity, water absorption capacity and water solubility index increased with germination time, contributing to improved texture. There was increase in protein and fiber, slight decrease in fat content. The mineral content was increased upon germination. The obtained results indicated slight variations in the physical and functional and nutritional characteristics of barnyard millet and its flour upon germination.

Insights into potential of banana leaf powder as a mud soil stabilizer

This study proposes a novel method for managing surplus soil in urban construction projects by investigating the use of banana leaf powder (BLP) as an eco-friendly and efficient mud-soil stabilizer. This study is pioneering in its focus on the use of an agricultural waste product, BLP, as an alternative to conventional methods that frequently rely on cement or lime, which pose environmental concerns owing to their high alkalinity and carbon emissions. BLP, derived from dried and pulverized banana leaves, traditionally used in various industries, was evaluated for its suitability as a stabilizer against orange peel biopolymer (OBP) and fly ash (FA). The findings of this study are groundbreaking. BLP's water absorption capacity, Wab, although lower than that of OBP, was significantly higher than that of FA, demonstrating its potential as a mud soil stabilizer. BLP increased the compaction and strength of the treated clay, whereas OBP made it more challenging to compact the clay owing to gelatinization. The ease of compaction with BLP is attributed to the absorption of free water into the pores of the particles. These results suggest that differences in the stabilizer's water absorption mechanism affect the effectiveness of the post-treatment compaction process on the treated soil. An analysis of the impact of water absorption capacity on the cone index, qc, revealed a material-independent relationship between the parameter β (=Wab × A, where A denotes stabilizer addition content) and qc for BLP and FA. This is because, in contrast to OBP, BLP and FA did not gelatinize the free water that was not absorbed by the stabilizer and remained in the same form within the treated clay. This indicates that understanding the water absorption capacity and mechanism of organic- or inorganic-based stabilizers is important for predicting the strength of treated soil. The same relationship between β and qc holds true for the hybrid-treated clay using both BLP and FA, with β considered to be the sum of β for both BLP and FA. Furthermore, this study innovatively addresses the concern of BLP decay in treated soil by creating a hybrid stabilizer with FA and conducting experiments to accelerate BLP decay using fungal mycelia. These experiments revealed that the hybrid-treated clay exhibited a more gradual decrease in carbon content and stabilized pH levels, implying that FA could inhibit decay by fungal mycelia, improving the BLP-treated soil's long-term durability. These findings suggest that agricultural wastes with high organic content can be effectively used for soil stabilization and ground improvement in civil engineering construction and maintenance projects by combining inorganic materials and taking advantage of their properties, such as high water absorbency. This can address the issues (such as high alkalinity and high carbon dioxide emissions) associated with cement- and lime-based stabilizers, which were previously widely used.

Advancing antimicrobial efficacy of Cucumis momordica seeds: Nanoemulsion application in Eurotium cristatum-mediated solid-state fermentation

This study explores the enhancement of Cucumis momordica seed powder's properties through Eurotium cristatum-mediated solid-state fermentation (SSF) and its application in nanoemulsions, emphasizing protein content, functional properties, stability, and antimicrobial activity. The protein content increased significantly from 23.28±0.23 % in the control to 29.83±0.12 % after 144 h of fermentation. The Cucumis momordica seed powder fermented for 96 h was further analyzed for its functional properties and characterization. The water absorption capacity was increased from 0.91 to 2.56 g/g, and oil absorption capacity from 0.79 to 1.16 g/g. SEM and FTIR analyses revealed morphological changes and chemical profile alterations, indicating enzymatic degradation and enhanced functional properties. Nanoemulsions from fermented powder showed reduced droplet sizes (148±0.34 nm to 126±0.37 nm) and more negative zeta potentials (-24.5±0.12 mV to −25.79±0.18 mV), suggesting improved stability. Temperature stability was superior in fermented seed powder nanoemulsions, demonstrating enhanced thermal resistance. Antimicrobial tests against E. coli and S. aureus showed significantly lower MIC and MBC values for fermented powder nanoemulsions (E. coli MIC: 1.089 mg/mL, MBC: 2.189 mg/mL; S. aureus MIC: 0.459 mg/mL, MBC: 1.196 mg/mL), indicating increased antimicrobial efficacy. These results highlight the potential of SSF and nanoemulsion technology in advancing the functionality and application of Cucumis Momordica seeds as natural antimicrobial agents.

Behavior of recycled aggregates treated with cement paste with respect to capillary absorption and flexion

Recycling waste from destroyed structure as a new resource of aggregates has several technical, economic and environmental advantages although it should be noted that these aggregates have disadvantages which can reduce the mechanical concrete properties, one of the most important is the water absorption problem. The waste valorisation industry stands as an alternative solution, effectively managing waste while also preserving natural resources. In this context, the present study consists to recover waste resulting from demolition of old Sonalgaz (Electrical poles) columns built in 1947 in the wilaya of Mostaganem. The obtained aggregates are enveloped by the old cement paste, which is known for its porous nature, resulting in a significant water absorption capacity. For that purpose, it was advisable to determine the required absorbed water quantity to saturate a specific recycled aggregates (RA) volume. In this work, we have opted for the method of cement paste treatment of the aggregates 3/8 mm and 8/16 mm. This method involves covering them by a film of cement paste and letting them dry for 28 days. Additionally, this study includes an analysis of the physical properties of natural and recycled aggregates, both before and after treatment, along with their impact on the mechanical properties of concrete mixes containing fully pre-saturated aggregates (100% RA) and a blend of half recycled and half natural aggregates (50% RA + 50% NA). These results are compared to reference concrete made solely with 100% natural aggregates (NA).