Water Absorption Research Articles

Crystallization, structure-property evolution, and solidification of heavy metals of glass-ceramics based on copper tailing/coal slag/red mud

The Dexing copper tailing (DCT), Coal slag (CS) and Red mud (RM) were used to prepare a solid waste-derived glass-ceramics. The result shows that the stable base glass can be formed when DCT/CS/RM mass ration is 35/25/40. Different crystallization temperatures (780∼980 ℃) were implemented on the base glass, and found that the glass-ceramics with Ca(Mg0.5Al0.5)((Si1.5Al0.5)O6) as the main crystal phase can be synthesized, whose bulk density, water absorption, Vickers hardness, bending strength, acid/alkali-resistance are in the range of 2.747∼2.887 g/cm3, 0.010∼0.027 %, 6.65∼8.24 GPa, 33.89∼118.53 MPa, 67.77∼99.97/97.85∼99.98 %, respectively. Especially, the GC880 not only shows the best properties (bulk density: 2.87 g/cm3; water absorption: 0.018 %; Vickers hardness: 6.96 GPa; bending strength: 118.53 MPa; acid/alkali-resistance: 99.34/99.97 %), but also has an solidification effect on heavy metal ions (Cr3+/Mn2+/Fe3+/Cu2+/Ni2+), wherein the leaching concentration reduction rates of Mn2+ and Fe3+ are over 97 %, which has the potential to be applied in decorative glass-ceramics.

Impact of thermomechanical pretreatment by twin-screw extrusion on the properties of bio-based materials from sugarcane bagasse obtained by thermocompression

The aim of this study was to produce binderless materials by thermocompression from lignocellulosic biomass pretreated using twin-screw extrusion. The impact of twin-screw extrusion pretreatment on sugarcane bagasse (SCB) was evaluated, along with the effects of two associated parameters: the liquid-to-solid (L/S) ratio and the screw profile, using three different mechanical shear rates. It was shown that twin-screw extrusion pretreatment resulted in materials with improved properties as compared to those obtained with untreated SCB. The mechanical properties and water resistance of materials obtained after pretreatment were mainly impacted by the screw profile. The flexural modulus increased from 5.3 to 6.1GPa and the flexural strength from 39.0 to 55.5 MPa. Water absorption (WA) from the thermocompressed materials ranged from 25 to 62 %, and thickness swelling (TS) from 24 to 67 %. Materials obtained with a 0.4 L/S ratio had lower flexural strength but the best water resistance. For the same L/S ratio, the use of a more shearing screw profile improved the material properties, especially the water resistance. The best material was produced with pretreated SCB using a 1.25 L/S ratio with the most restrictive screw profile, resulting in materials with a 5.6GPa flexural modulus, 55.5 MPa flexural strength, and WA and TS values of 44 % and 42 %, respectively.

Development of cold-bond artificial aggregate with excavated soil and alkali-activated slag

This study investigates the feasibility of utilising high-volume ES along with alkali-activated slag to manufacture cold-bond artificial aggregates. The effects of slag content, alkali dosage, and silicate modulus of the alkaline activator on the properties of the alkali-activated aggregate (AAA) were evaluated, including aggregate size distribution, apparent density, water absorption, and crushing strength. Subsequently, microstructural and statistical analyses were conducted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The results indicate that higher GGBS content and alkali dosage significantly enhance the engineering properties of AAA. Specifically, increasing the GGBS content from 10% to 40% raises the 28-day crushing strength from 1.71MPa to 8.98MPa and reduces the 24-hour water absorption from 15.9% to 9.5%. Similarly, increasing the alkali dosage from 4% to 8% boosts the 28-day crushing strength of AAA by 26.0% and reduces the 24-hour water absorption by 25.2%. The variation in silicate modulus has a marginal impact on the properties of AAA, with an optimal value of 1.0. The improvement in the AAA properties relies heavily on the reaction products and pore structure, showing high correlation coefficients ranging from 81.039% to 94.306%. Particularly, pores between 100 and 1000nm could predominantly affect these properties. Overall, this study presents a novel method for producing eco-friendly AAA by stabilising ES with alkali-activated slag, promoting the high-value utilisation of ES.

Waterborne polyurethane based on dual crosslinked structure with excellent mechanical properties, water and corrosion resistance

Due to the increased presence of hydrophilic groups in waterborne polyurethane (WPU) coatings, consequently leading to compromised corrosion resistance and reduced service life. To solve the problem, a series of waterborne polyurethanes were synthesized via internal emulsification using dicyclohexylmethane diisocyanate (HMDI) and polytetrahydrofuran ether diol (PTMG) as the primary raw materials. The triethanolamine (TEOA) was used as a crosslinking agent and corrosion inhibitor, while N- (β-aminoethyl) -γ-aminopropyl trimethyl-(ethyl) oxy-silane (KH-792) was introduced as a coupling agent to establish a system with a dual crosslinking structure. The crosslinking degree of the double network structure can be adjusted by changing the amount of KH-792. Then the influence of KH-792 content on the performance of SWPU dispersions and film were studied. The research shows that the waterborne polyurethane with a KH-792 content of 3 wt% exhibits exceptional mechanical strength, reaching 34.64 MPa, with only 3.32 % water absorption and an adhesion strength of 2.64 MPa. Furthermore, it exhibited a high impedance modulus (2976.4 Ω/cm2) at low frequencies. Therefore, this compound holds promising potential for application in anti-corrosion coatings field.

Comportamento higrotérmico de tijolo cerâmico de olaria do sul do Brasil

Abstract The presence of moisture in buildings can lead to pathological manifestations, and the behavior of materials when exposed to various conditions can be predicted through computational simulations. For this purpose, the hygrothermal characteristics of building elements are paramount. In Brazil, there is a gap in studies on the hygrothermal properties of materials, compromising simulations. This article discusses the possibilities of using European data in simulating moisture transport in ceramic brick walls in the southern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The results were generated by comparing hygrothermal simulations with WUFI Pro 6.5 using the simulation program database with data collected from laboratory tests on ceramic bricks from a southern Brazilian brickyard. Tests for water vapor diffusion resistance, water absorption, and hygroscopic curves were conducted. Although both situations led to the growth of filamentous fungi, experimental data led to3% lower values compared to database results. Regarding surface condensation, a likely higher occurrence was observed when using laboratory test data.

Laboratory Evaluation of Mechanical Properties and Noise Absorption in Magnetite-Enhanced Concrete for Pavement Applications

This paper aims to evaluate the effects of incorporating magnetite as an aggregate in concrete mixtures and as a partial replacement for Portland cement in standard mortar mixtures, focusing on performance and mechanical properties. Noise pollution from cement concrete pavements has become a significant concern for residents, making it a priority to implement effective measures to reduce traffic noise pollution. The primary goal of this research is to explore the relationship between mixture design variables with magnetite aggregates as a partial replacement for Portland cement in concrete pavement and the mixture's acoustic performance. Samples with 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% replacement of aggregates with magnetite sand were prepared initially. Subsequently, Portland cement was replaced with 0, 1, 2, 3.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 15, and 20% magnetite concentrate powder in standard mortar. Routine tests, such as slump, density, and flow table, were conducted on fresh concrete and mortar. Additionally, compressive strength, flexural strength, water absorption, electrical resistance, and impedance tube tests were performed on the concrete and mortar mixes. The impedance tube measurements demonstrated an increase in the sound absorption coefficient for concrete incorporating magnetite compared to the reference concrete. Among the tested concrete samples, the one containing 50% magnetite as aggregate exhibited the highest sound absorption coefficient, reaching a maximum value of 0.1 within the frequency range of 315 to 400Hz. This value was 2.5 times higher than the maximum sound absorption coefficient of the reference concrete.

Influence of different types of superabsorbent polymers on fresh mechanical properties and interlayer adhesion of 3D printed concrete

3D printed concrete (3DPC) is an essential technology for achieving efficient, precise, and sustainable construction. Nevertheless, due to limitations in materials and processes, 3DPC is prone to insufficient green strength and weakness in the interlayer area, which can result in print collapse and diminish its interlayer adhesion strength. Therefore, understanding green strength and interlayer adhesion strength of 3DPC is crucial for ensuring its structural safety. Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) serves as a novel type of concrete admixture, demonstrating the potential to promote green strength development and augment interlayer adhesion properties by facilitating the hydration process through water absorption and release. This study presents the first investigation into the effects of two commercially available SAPs on green strength and interlayer adhesion of 3D printed concrete. The role of SAP in improving interlayer adhesion performance in 3DPC is further elucidated through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicate that, compared to the control group, in the absence of added compensated water to SA1, the compressive strength at 15min and splitting tensile strength of the printed specimen at 28 d increased by 282% and 24.9%, respectively, whereas SA2 demonstrates a relatively weaker enhancement effect. This study demonstrates that SAP promotes structural accumulation during the 3DPC printing stage, thereby presenting itself as a favorable material choice for applications involving 3DPC.

Use of volcanic ash and chamotte as substitute temper in the production of ceramic tiles

This paper explores the use of waste materials as substitutes in ceramic paste formulations. Building on previous research which has laid the groundwork for the use of volcanic ash as temper in ceramic tile manufacture, investigation is here extended to a broader spectrum of waste-based ceramic pastes. Specifically, five different mixtures have been manufactured through the hand-made technique by using Etna volcanic ash and/or tile processing residues (chamotte), mixed with clay in variable proportions. Physical-mechanical tests including flexural strength, water absorption, resistance to thermal shock, deep abrasion and impact, have been performed and results compared with those of reference tiles. Notably, ceramic pastes combining clay with chamotte or clay with chamotte and fine volcanic ash, show better performance. This is certainly due to the good physical-mechanical properties of chamotte which binds well with the clayey groundmass so reducing shrinkage / cracking and improving the overall quality of ceramic products. Conversely, volcanic ash does not show a high degree of union with the clayey matrix, particularly when occurring in larger grain size. However, when present in fine clasts and in combination with chamotte, the resulting products display good physical-mechanical characteristics.This study highlights once again the potential of waste materials in ceramic manufacturing, paving the way for a more sustainable and resource-efficient industry.

Development and Optimization of Geopolymer-Based Artificial Angular Coarse Aggregate Using Cut-Blade Mechanism

This research introduces a novel approach to developing geopolymer-based artificial coarse aggregate using a cut-blade mechanism, providing an innovative approach to traditional aggregate. A modified concrete drum mixer equipped with additional cutting blades was employed to produce angular aggregates with consistent particle sizes ranging from 10mm to 20mm with rough surface texture. Compared to conventional techniques, this method ensures a more uniform aggregate shape, enhancing its mechanical interlocking properties in construction applications. The experimental results demonstrated abrasion values between (13.2% to 31.5%), impact value test (9.8% to 21.6%), water absorption rates of (2.62% to 4.2%), and specific gravity values ranging from (1.18 to 2.2). To further optimize the alkali activator dosage, a mathematical model was developed using the ANOVA test and Response surface methodology (RSM), achieving high regression predictive accuracy with R2 values > 0.93. The model demonstrated optimal results between experimental results and predicted results for specific gravity, impact value, abrasion value, and water absorption. Microstructural analysis via Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals optimal pore distribution inside aggregates, while X-ray Fluorescence identifies significant intensities of Quartz, Ettringite, and calcium silicate hydrate gel. Overall, this research not only demonstrates the technical feasibility of producing high-performance artificial aggregate from waste materials but also underscores its potential to mitigate environmental impacts and promote sustainable construction practices.

From thaw till fall: Interacting hydrology, carbon cycle, and greenhouse gas dynamics in a subarctic stream-lake continuum.

Carbon-water interaction studies between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems are especially needed today in Arctic and Boreal regions, as they are facing drastic warming and precipitation shifts. Despite the importance of streams in the carbon cycle, northern stream-based studies are scarce, owing to a lack of measurements throughout the north, and possibly skewing global greenhouse gas estimates. We used a combination of multiscale measurements to quantify water sources (H2O isotope proxies), carbon availability (dissolved in/organic carbon concentrations) and quality (water absorbance, SUVA254 -index), microbial community structure (16S rRNA sequencing), and carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes and concentrations. Our study site comprises a groundwater-influenced and peatland-dominated second-order stream, along with its adjacent lake inlet located in Northern Finland. Sampling was conducted three times during the summer of 2019 at 21 locations along the stream-lake continuum. Temporal and spatial shifts in water sources altered carbon characteristics, with CH4 concentrations being the key environmental factor shaping the microbial communities, overriding the influence of dissolved organic carbon amount and quality. The prevalence of methanotrophic bacteria highlighted the importance of CH4 as a carbon source and the methanotrophic groups as drivers of the CH4/CO2 source-sink attributes of subarctic stream systems. Our results highlight the value of integrated hydrological, biogeochemical, and microbiological measures to resolve the biocomplexity of carbon-water interactions in northern headwater catchments.

Cooperative resource sharing and cost minimization in energy hub systems using an improved grasshopper optimization algorithm approach

This study presents a cooperative paradigm for energy hub systems (EHSs) where a network of interconnected hubs cooperates in exploiting the resources with the purpose of economic saving. In such an architecture, each hub provided with various sources of energy, such as combined heat and power (CHP), hot water tanks, renewable sources, electric chillers, and absorption chillers, will integrate all these sources for more adaptability and efficiency to the system. Moreover, the integration of energy storage systems (ESSs) is considered to enhance the flexibility of the energy hub concerning power, heating, and cooling. Recognizing the complexity associated with incorporating multiple constraints, the improved grasshopper optimization algorithm (IGOA) is introduced to effectively address this challenge. By leveraging this algorithm, the study aims to overcome the intricacies involved in considering various constraints and achieve an optimal outcome. The IGOA improves the efficiency and effectiveness of local and national searches in solving complex energy hub optimization problems. Reducing the likelihood of getting stuck in suboptimal solutions, enhances the algorithm's ability to find optimal solutions considering multiple constraints, thereby enhancing the overall performance and cost-effectiveness of EHSs. The issue is defined as a planning challenge, and by collaborative efforts, the expenses associated with the network energy hubs are reduced, illustrating the efficacy of this concept. The findings indicate the influence of the suggested cooperative technique, with operating cost reductions of 19.09 %, 13.27 %, and 8.75 % for Hub 1, Hub 2, and Hub 3, respectively. Furthermore, the cooperative framework eradicates energy deficits and disruptions, in contrast to 1,198.21 kWh of unfulfilled demand and 22 interruptions in the non-cooperative scenario. These results underscore the significant advantages of the collaborative technique in improving cost-efficiency, reliability, and resource utilization.

Investigating the Multifaceted Changes in Physicochemical and Nutritional Attributes of Chicken-Based Nutri Cereal Mix under Cold Plasma Treatment

In this study multifaceted changes in physicochemical and nutritional properties of nutri-cereal mix (NCM) under cold plasma treatment (CPT) were investigated. In present investigation NCM was prepared and treated under CPT using a DBD-based plasma source for 5 min, 10 min, and 15 min at 9 kv. The results revealed that the water and oil absorbing capacity of cold plasma treated Nutri cereal mix (CPT-NCM) increased with increasing CPT time. The carbohydrate content in CPT-NCM decreased with increasing CPT time. From the colour analysis it was observed that the total colour difference (TCD) and whiteness index (WI) increased from 0.23 (NCM -5) to 0.97 (NCM -15), and 55.11 (NCM -5) to 56.08 (NCM -15), respectively. Additionally, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis suggested that the thermostability of CPT-NCM is likely affected by NCM levels and changes in protein structure and conformation. The diffractograms and micrographs confirmed the crystallinity and microstructural changes in protein content, respectively. Amino acid profiling confirmed that NCM -10 comprises the higher amount of most of the analysed amino acids. Overall, the current study recommends that CPT enhances the physicochemical and nutritional properties of NCM, making it suitable for producing a variety of food products with improved quality characteristics.

Molecular pathways of osmoregulation in response to salinity stress in the gills of the scalloped spiny lobster (Panulirus homarus) within survival salinity

Scalloped spiny lobster (Panulirus homarus) aquaculture is the preferred strategy to resolve the conflict between supply and demand for lobster. Environmental conditions, such as salinity, are key to the success of lobster aquaculture. However, physiological responses of P. homarus to salinity stress have not been well studied. This study investigated the gill histology, osmoregulation and gill transcriptome of the early juvenile P. homarus (weight 19.04 ± 3.95 g) cultured at salinity 28 (control), 18, and 38 for 6 weeks. The results showed that the gill filaments of P. homarus exposed to low salinity showed severe separation of the cuticle and epithelial cells due to water absorption and swelling, as well as the dissolution and thinning of the cuticle and the rupture of the septum that separates the afferent and efferent channels. The serum osmolarity of P. homarus varied proportionately with external medium salinity and remained consistently above ambient osmolarity. The serum Na+, Cl−, K+, and Mg2+ concentrations P. homarus exhibited a pattern similar to that of serum osmolality, while the concentration of Ca2+ remained unaffected at salinity 18 but significantly increased at salinity 38. Gill Na+/K+-ATPase activity of P. homarus increased (p < 0.05) under the both salinity stress. Salinity 18 significantly increased Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and Glutamicpyruvic transaminase (GPT) activity in the hepatopancreas of P. homarus (p < 0.05). According to transcriptome analysis, versus control group (salinity 28), 929 and 1095 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained in the gills of P. homarus at salinity 18 and 38, respectively, with these DEGs were mainly involved in energy metabolism, transmembrane transport and oxidative stress and substance metabolism. In addition, the expression patterns of 8 key DEGs mainly related to amino acid metabolism, transmembrane transport and oxidative stress were verified by quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR). The present study suggests that salinity 18 has a greater impact on P. homarus than salinity 38, and P. homarus demonstrates effective osmoregulation and handle with salinity fluctuations (18 to 38) through physiological and functional adaptations. This study provides an improved understanding of the physiological response strategies of P. homarus facing salinity stress, which is crucial for optimizing aquaculture practices for this species.

Influence of core-shell structure design on the preparation of oil-contaminated soil ceramsite and the pollutant decomposition effect

With the growing severity of oil-contaminated soil, its remediation technology has received increased attention. In this study, oil-contaminated soil is granulated into a core, covered with a layer of clean material, and sintered at a high temperature to make a core-shell structured ceramsite that can be used as building aggregates. The results showed that the cylinder compression strength, bulk density and 1h water absorption of the sintered core-shell structure ceramsite is 9.1MPa, 1134kg/m3 and 4.36%. Furthermore, in comparison with the conventional ceramsite, the core-shell structure process generated 26.9% more CO2. This indicates that the design of the core-shell structure makes it easier for the organic gases in the oil-contaminated soil to crack and release CO2 and H2O, reducing the tail gas pollution problem. After the process, the alkane organic matter in the ceramsite was removed, and the C content was significantly reduced. This method provides a new approach for the preparation of ceramsite for organic contaminated soil.

High-performance bio-based foam from agricultural waste luffa seed oil polyols

The present study aimed to develop eco-friendly polyurethane viscoelastic foam (PVF) with enhanced tear strength while preserving softness, comfort, and safety by utilizing bio-based polyols derived from luffa seed oil (LSO). Two types of bio-based polyols (PLSO-D and PLSO-M) were synthesized through the epoxidation process using diethylene glycol (DEG) and methanol (MeOH), respectively, for the production of LSO-based polyurethane viscoelastic foams (LSO-PVFs). The analyses revealed that these polyols exhibited high dispersion, appropriate hydroxyl values, and contained by-products such as oligomeric esters of fatty acids that facilitated physical and chemical crosslinking. LSO-PVFs demonstrated a uniform and fine cell structure with abundant open-cells, thick cell walls (55.5–76.6µm), and high apparent density (48.7–50.7kg/m3). Moreover, they exhibited enhanced tensile and tear strength (increasing up to 200% compared to petroleum-based PVFs), lower water absorption, excellent mildew resistance at 10% PLSO substitution. Additionally, these factors endowed LSO-PVFs with low indentation hardness and good bottom support performance, characterized by a compressive deflection coefficient of 2.30–3.54. This approach presents a sustainable alternative for foam production that offers comfort, durability while promoting the value-added utilization of agricultural waste.

Photothermal evaporation of pure, saline, muddy, and dye-contaminated waters using carbon black@PDMS sponges with superhydrophilic surface

This study aimed to develop a carbon black (CB)@ polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sponge capable of highly efficient photothermal water evaporation. The sponge was fabricated through a straightforward method that did not entail a high-temperature carbonization process, utilizing a sugar cube as a sacrificial template to create a porous structure, followed by CB incorporation into the PDMS matrix. A polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) coating was used to enhance the hydrophilicity of the sponge, resulting in improved water absorption and distribution. The photothermal performance of the PVA-coated CB@PDMS sponge was evaluated using various contaminated water types, including seawater, muddy water, and Rhodamine-B-contaminated water. The sponge demonstrated water-evaporation rates ranging from 3.28–4.38kg/m²·h, significantly reducing the water-evaporation enthalpy and effectively preventing salt precipitation during seawater desalination. Additionally, it maintained its performance over repeated experiments and demonstrated efficiency improvement over multiple cycles, indicating that its effectiveness increased with repeated use, likely because of surface conditioning and structural stabilization. Moreover, the water recovered from seawater, muddy water, and dye-contaminated water was free of trace contaminants, thereby yielding clean water and demonstrating the suitability of the sponge for water purification and desalination applications.

Eco-friendly covalently connected silicone hydrogel with negatively charged surface for marine anti-biofouling

In this study, a silicone hydrogel (Gel-TA-Si-x) with amphiphilic and negatively charged surfaces was prepared by combining low surface free energy silicone with highly hydrophilic hydrogel materials using the method of one-step solvent-free bulk polymerization. The hydrogel films exhibited good mechanical properties. This was primarily reflected in the high tensile strength (1 MPa) and elongation at break (358.1 %). Notably, the film exhibited increased hydrophobicity, higher water contact angle and gradual decline in water absorption rate as the mPDMS monomer dosage increased. Despite this, the surface free energy remained low at 22.1 mJ m−2, indicating effective fouling release capability (removal strength against pseudobarnacles was 0.16 MPa). In addition, the surface zeta potential of the hydrogel was as low as −86 mV (at pH = 10). Laboratory antifouling performance tests indicated that the surface negativity of the material enhanced its static antifouling performance and the hydrogel with a negatively charged surface exhibited high bacterial adhesion resistance of 93 % and good resistance to Chlorella adherence and biofilm inhibition. Favorable anti-fouling performance was observed after 180 d of marine field testing. Moreover, the covalent connection of silicone monomers with hydrogel monomers through copolymerization create a stable three-dimension crosslinking network, thereby improving the durability of materials in complex marine environments. This study provides a new idea for developing efficient and environmentally friendly silicone hydrogel antifouling materials.

Combine the use of rice husk ash and quarry waste for sustainable masonry blocks: mechanical characteristics, durability and eco-benefits

The construction industry faces a growing demand for eco-friendly practices. This study explores the viability of incorporating quarry waste and rice husk ash (RHA) as partial replacements for cement and river sand in masonry block production. The research investigates the combined effect of these waste materials on the critical characteristics of cement blocks, including physical properties, mechanical behaviour, and resistance to environmental degradation. A cost-benefit analysis also considers economic, environmental, and societal factors. Replacing river sand with quarry waste in the mortar mix resulted in higher density and improved impact resistance. Also, it exhibited lower water absorption and early-age strength than the river sand. Partial cement replacement with RHA yielded positive results at lower incorporation levels. Up to 20% RHA content enhanced compressive and flexural strength while reducing embodied energy and CO₂ emissions. However, higher RHA replacements negatively affected these properties. The optimal balance between cost-effectiveness, environmental benefits, and structural performance was achieved with a combination of 20% RHA and complete quarry waste replacement. This approach offers a sustainable and potentially cost-saving alternative for conventional masonry block production. This research demonstrates the potential of utilizing waste materials in construction while promoting eco-friendly practices and responsible waste management in the industry.

Pasta Enriched with De-oiled Sesame and Yellow Pepper Flours: Evaluation of Physicochemical Properties, Protein Quality, and Antioxidant Potential

Valorization of waste as a sustainable food additive to produce value-added products is a recent interest. De-oiled sesame flour (DSF) is underutilized despite its rich protein, fiber, and phenols content. Pasta has a poor nutritional value but is a good vehicle for fortification. Therefore, pasta was enriched with DSF at 10%, 20%, and 30%, in addition to 5% yellow pepper flour (YPF) to improve the taste (S10, S20, and S30, respectively). The enriched pasta was compared to control pasta (S0) made from 100% durum wheat semolina concerning the sensory attributes, cooking quality, physicochemical properties, and microstructure. S20 pasta demonstrated good cooking properties and a texture profile similar to the control, with high sensory appeal. It had the lowest cooking loss (7.60±0.10), gumminess (39.50±5.12 g), and chewiness (0.62±0.09 mJ), the highest water absorption and volume expansion (101.30±1.27% and 295.00±7.07%), a shorter cooking time (10.05±0.71 min) and hardness (73.00±5.66 g), with a moderate cohesiveness (0.54±0.03) (p<0.05). DSF increased the protein content of the enriched pasta significantly compared to the control (14.40±0.57g to 16.90±0.57g versus 13.20±0.28 g/100g). Besides, the protein quality was improved by adding 20% DSF: The essential amino acid index increased from 62.76±0.05% to 73.11±0.95% in S20 (p<0.05). Furthermore, the antioxidant activity was increased from 1.67±2.12% (control) to 28.75±1.53% (S20) (p<0.05). Besides, iron, calcium, and zinc were increased considerably (p<0.05). De-oiled sesame flour at 20% (S20) is a promising additive for pasta producers that offers acceptable physical changes, high nutritional value, and enhanced protein quality compared to control.

Ambient Pressure Carbonation Curing of Cold-bonded Fly Ash Lightweight Aggregate Using Coal-fired Flue Gas for Properties Enhancement and CO2 Sequestration

In the current CO2 curing process, pure CO2 gas with a concentration exceeding 99% is primarily used. However, flue gas, which typically contains 10-30% CO2, can also be utilized for carbonization. This study sought to explore the viability of employing flue gas for carbonation and assessed the impact of impurity gases such as SO2. Two typical industrial solid wastes (fly ash and coal gangue) were used to substitute a portion of the cement to prepare light aggregates, which were carbonized under varying concentrations of CO2 and SO2. The porosity and water absorption of the samples decreased after carbonation. A higher degree of carbonation was observed at increasing CO2 concentration. Aggregates carbonated with 15% CO2 improved the CO2 absorption by 48%. The actual CO2 uptake reached up to 58.3% of the theoretical value. The presence of SO2 has been found to impact the uptake of CO2. The CO2 uptake initially declined and then increased as the SO2 concentration increased. The existence of SO2 led to varied increases in the leaching concentrations of the aggregates following the process of carbonation, and some even exceed standard limits. In the presence of both CO2 and SO2, SO2 reacted with the aggregates, resulting in the creation of calcium sulfate. This reaction disrupted the structure of the aggregate, facilitating the diffusion of CO2 into the samples.