• Advances in materials Research
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• v.13 no.3
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• pp.173-181
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• 2024

Fly ash, plastic waste, and clay are mineral materials and residues commonly found in Malaysia. In this study, these materials were fully utilized as raw materials for synthesizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Recycled polypropylene, previously used as a food container, served as a carbon source. Fly ash and clay were explored as potential substrates for CNTs growth. The recycled polypropylene was thermally decomposed at 900 ℃ in an inert environment for 90 minutes. Carbon atoms released during this process were deposited on fly ash and clay substrates, which had been immersed in a ferrocene solution to provide a metal catalyst for CNTs growth. The deposited products were characterized using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). Morphological analysis revealed that both fly ash and clay were coated with fiber-like structures, confirmed to be CNTs based on a diffraction peak around 26° from the XRD pattern. In conclusion, clay and fly ash demonstrate the potential to be utilized as substrates for CNTs formation.

• Journal of Nuclear Fuel Cycle and Waste Technology(JNFCWT)
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• v.15 no.3
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• pp.207-218
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• 2017

In this study, pitch-based activated carbon fibers (ACFs) were modified with pyrolysis fuel oil (PFO). Carbonized ACF samples were activated at $850^{\circ}C$, $880^{\circ}C$ and $900^{\circ}C$. A scanning electron microscope (SEM) and a BET surface area apparatus were employed to evaluate the indoor radon removal of each sample. Among three samples, the BET surface area and micropore area of ACF880 recorded the highest value with $1,420m^2{\cdot}g^{-1}$ and $1,270m^2{\cdot}g^{-1}$. Moreover, ACF880 had the lowest external surface area and BJH adsorption cumulative surface area of pores with $151m^2{\cdot}g^{-1}$ and $35.5m^2{\cdot}g^{-1}$. This indicates that satisfactory surface area depends on the appropriate temperature. With the above scope, ACF880 also achieved the highest radon absorption rate and speed in comparison to other samples. Therefore, we suggest that the optimum activation temperature for PFO containing ACFs is $880^{\circ}C$ for effective indoor radon adsorption.

• Microbiology and Biotechnology Letters
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• v.51 no.4
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• pp.449-456
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• 2023

Sugar or dextrose increases the cost of production of xanthan gum by Xanthomonas campestris. Brewers' Spent Grain (BSG) was chosen as a source of fermentable sugars. BSG is a significant industrial by-product generated in large quantities from the breweries. Primarily used as animal feed due to its high fiber and protein content, BSG holds great potential as an economically and ecologically sustainable substrate for fermenting biomolecules. This study explores BSG's potential as a cost-effective carbon source for producing xanthan, utilizing Xanthomonas campestris NCIM 2961. An aqueous extract was prepared from BSG and inoculated with the bacterium under standard fermentation conditions. After fermentation, xanthan gum was purified using a standard protocol. The xanthan yield from BSG media was compared to that from MGYP media (control). The fermentation parameters, including pH, temperature, agitation and duration were optimized for maximum xanthan gum yield by varying them at different levels. Following fermentation, the xanthan gum was purified from the broth by alcoholic precipitation and then dried. The weight of the dried gum was measured. The obtained xanthan from BSG under standard conditions and commercial food-grade xanthan were characterized using FTIR. The highest xanthan yields were achieved at 32 ℃, pH 6.0, and 72 h of fermentation at 200 rpm using BSG media. The FTIR spectra of xanthan from BSG media closely resembled that of commercial food-grade xanthan. The results confirm the potential of BSG as a cost-effective alternative carbon source for xanthan production, thereby reducing production costs and solid waste.

• Journal of Korean Society of Environmental Engineers
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• v.31 no.11
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• pp.1025-1032
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• 2009

This study investigated a possibility to develop an adsorption process for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of the solvent emitted during dry cleaning. Pitch activated carbon fiber (ACF) was chosen as an adsorbent of VOCs, and an electric swing adsorption process was utilized for the reproduction of the adsorbent after the completion of VOCs adsorption. Effects of ACF types and several solvents such as trichloroethylene (TCE) and toluene were examined on breakthrough curves and amounts of adsorbed VOCs. ACF was pretreated under various conditions in order to enhance the amounts of the adsorbed VOCs. Temperatures and voltages were measured for the reproduction of the ACF after full adsorption. ACF having micropores exhibited high adsorption of TCE, and high surface area of ACF could increase the adsorption property of toluene. In general, ACF could adsorb 41~54% TCE of the adsorbent weight. The increase of inlet VOCs concentration significantly decreased the breakthrough time and slightly lowered the amounts of adsorbed VOCs. Thus, ACF could effectively adsorb VOCs in low concentration in the feed stream. ACF pretreated by heat under vacuum showed excellent toluene adsorption with controlling oxygen functional groups on the ACF surface, which revealed that vacant carbon site could be the adsorption point of toluene. Most adsorbed toluene was desorbed at $150^{\circ}C$.

• Composites Research
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• v.34 no.5
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• pp.269-276
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• 2021

PCM (Prepreg Compression Molding) process is a high-speed molding technology that can manufacture high-quality CFRP (Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic) parts. Compared to the autoclave process, it generates less waste and can significantly reduce cycle time, so various studies are being conducted in the aerospace and automobile industries. In this study, in order to improve the quality of the PCM process, a molding method was developed to increase the compression pressure of the press step by step according to the curing behavior of the prepreg. It was confirmed that this multi-stage compression molding technology is a good means to produce high-quality CFRP products and shorten cycle times. And, the laminated prepreg at room temperature was immediately put into the mold and preheated and molded at the same time, so that it could be molded without a separate preheating process. In addition, as a result of applying the same process conditions optimized for flat plate molding to three-dimensional shapes, a product similar to a flat plate in appearance could be made without the process of establishing process conditions.

• Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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• v.9 no.2
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• pp.223-228
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• 2021

The final disposal method for asbestos building materials is to be landfilled at a designated waste landfill in accordance with the Waste Management Act. However, it is difficult to secure a domestic designated waste landfill site to landfill the entire amount of asbestos waste, which is expected to emit more than 400,000 ton/year by 2044. In this study, a detoxification treatment was performed on a ceiling tex with a density of 1.0 to 1.2g/cm³ containing 3 to 7% of chrysotile, and it was used as a reinforcing fiber for extruded panels. It was confirmed that asbestos components were detoxified through the reaction process using 30% oxalic acid and carbon dioxide, and it was recognized that these detoxifying properties were maintained even after extrusion molding. However, it was found that milling to a fiber size of less than 1mm for complete detoxification of asbestos resulted in a decrease in reinforcing performance. Therefore, in the case of using detoxified asbestos fibers in the extrusion molding process, it is considered desirable to add fibers with a length of 5mm or more to improve the reinforcing performance.

• Composites Research
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.175-180
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• 2017

Currently, since carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) are lightweight and have excellent physical properties, their demand has increased dramatically. Many works have studied the CFRPs based on recycled thermoplastics. In this study, the applicability of recycled composite was evaluated using recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PET was collected from waste materials used in beverage bottles and processed to produce PET films. Optimal thermoforming temperature and time were analyzed by comparing the mechanical properties with forming temperature and time difference for producing PET films. CF mat and PET film were used to determine the suitable parameters for the optimum thermoforming of CF/PET composites. The mechanical properties of each thermoforming condition were verified by bending test. The degree of impregnation of the PET film into the CF mat was evaluated by cross-sectional photographs, whereas the interfacial properties were evaluated by interlaminar shear strength (ILSS). Ultimately, it was confirmed that the thermoforming condition for forming the CF/recycled PET composites yielding the optimal mechanical and interfacial properties was at $270^{\circ}C$ for 5 minutes.

• Korean Chemical Engineering Research
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• v.43 no.1
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• pp.60-65
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• 2005

The electrosorption of U(VI) from waste water was carried out by using activated carbon fiber(ACF) felt electrode in a continuous electrosorption cell. In order to enhance the electrosorption capacity at lower potential, ACF felt was chemically modified in acidic, basic and neutral solution. Pore structure and functional groups of chemically modified ACF were examined, and the effect of treatment conditions was studied for the adsorption of U(VI). Specific surface area of all ACFs decreases by this treatment. The amount of acidic functional groups decreases with basic and neutral salt treatment, while the amount increases a lot with acidic treatment. The electrosorption capacity of U(VI) decreases on using the acid treated electrode due to the shielding effect of acidic functional groups. Base treated electrode enhances the capacity due to the reduction of acidic functional groups. The electrosorption amount of U(VI) on the base treated electrode at -0.3 V corresponds to that of ACF electrode at -0.9 V. Such a good adsorption capacity was not only due to the reduction of shielding effect but also the increase of $OH^-$ in the electric double layer on ACF surface by the application of negative potential.

• Journal of the Korean Recycled Construction Resources Institute
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• v.11 no.4
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• pp.501-508
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• 2023

Addressing urban noise problems, this study develops eco-friendly, inorganic sound-absorbing panels, overcoming the limitations of traditional PMMA and cement-based panels. These conventional panels pose safety risks due to flammability and environmental concerns due to carbon emissions. Utilizing industrial waste, the research comprises two phases: initial tests for physical and performance characteristics (fluidity, density, compressive strength, sound absorption) and subsequent development of optimized panel mixtures. This approach aims to replace existing panels with sustainable, effective alternatives, significantly contributing to safer, environmentally responsible urban infrastructure. The findings of this study have implications for the sound panel market, offering novel solutions for noise control while aligning with environmental and safety standards.

• Advances in environmental research
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.127-137
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• 2017

Cotton is the major fiber crop in Pakistan that accounts for 2% of total national gross domestic product (GDP). After picking of cotton, the dry stalks are major organic waste that has no fate except burning to cook food in villages. Present research focuses use of cotton stalks as feedstock for biochar production, its characterization and effects on soil characteristics. Dry cotton stalks collected from agricultural field of Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan were combusted under anaerobic conditions at $450^{\circ}C$. The physicochemical analysis of biochar and cotton stalks show higher values of % total carbon, phosphorus and potassium concentrations in biochar as compared to cotton stalks. The concentration of nitrogen was decreased in biochar. Similarly biochar had greater values of fixed carbon that suggest its role for carbon sequestration and as a soil amendment. The fourier transformation infrared spectroscopic spectra (FTIR) of cotton stalks and biochar exposed more acidic groups in biochar as compared to cotton stalks. The newly developed functional groups in biochar have vital role in increasing surface properties, cation exchange capacity, and water holding capacity, and are responsible for heavy metal remediation in contaminated soil. In a further test, results show increase in the water holding capacity and nutrient retention by a sandy soil amended with biochar. It is concluded that cotton stalks can be effectively used to prepare biochar.