Research

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19 pages, 4937 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Diverse Parameters on the Physicochemical Characteristics of Green-Synthesized Zinc Oxide–Copper Oxide Nanocomposites Derived from an Aqueous Extract of Garcinia mangostana L. Leaf

by Yu Bin Chan, Mohammod Aminuzzaman, Lai-Hock Tey, Yip Foo Win, Akira Watanabe, Sinouvassane Djearamame and Md. Akhtaruzzaman

Materials 2023, 16(15), 5421; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16155421 - 02 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1119

Abstract

Compared to conventional metal oxide nanoparticles, metal oxide nanocomposites have demonstrated significantly enhanced efficiency in various applications. In this study, we aimed to synthesize zinc oxide–copper oxide nanocomposites (ZnO-CuO NCs) using a green synthesis approach. The synthesis involved mixing 4 g of Zn(NO [...] Read more.

Compared to conventional metal oxide nanoparticles, metal oxide nanocomposites have demonstrated significantly enhanced efficiency in various applications. In this study, we aimed to synthesize zinc oxide–copper oxide nanocomposites (ZnO-CuO NCs) using a green synthesis approach. The synthesis involved mixing 4 g of Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O with different concentrations of mangosteen (G. mangostana) leaf extract (0.02, 0.03, 0.04 and 0.05 g/mL) and 2 or 4 g of Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O, followed by calcination at temperatures of 300, 400 and 500 °C. The synthesized ZnO-CuO NCs were characterized using various techniques, including a UV-Visible spectrometer (UV-Vis), photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FE-SEM) with an Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) analyzer. Based on the results of this study, the optical, structural and morphological properties of ZnO-CuO NCs were found to be influenced by the concentration of the mangosteen leaf extract, the calcination temperature and the amount of Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O used. Among the tested conditions, ZnO-CuO NCs derived from 0.05 g/mL of mangosteen leaf extract, 4 g of Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O and 2 g of Cu(NO₃)₂·3H₂O, calcinated at 500 °C exhibited the following characteristics: the lowest energy bandgap (2.57 eV), well-defined Zn-O and Cu-O bands, the smallest particle size of 39.10 nm with highest surface area-to-volume ratio and crystalline size of 18.17 nm. In conclusion, we successfully synthesized ZnO-CuO NCs using a green synthesis approach with mangosteen leaf extract. The properties of the nanocomposites were significantly influenced by the concentration of the plant extract, the calcination temperature and the amount of precursor used. These findings provide valuable insights for researchers seeking innovative methods for the production and utilization of nanocomposite materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Materials and Manufacturing Processes)

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22 pages, 4704 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental and Economic Benefits of Using Pomegranate Peel Waste for Insulation Bricks

by Ayman Ragab, Nasser Zouli, Ahmed Abutaleb, Ibrahim M. Maafa, M. M. Ahmed and Ayman Yousef

Materials 2023, 16(15), 5372; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16155372 - 31 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 992

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has negative effects on ecology, economics, and public health, primarily due to unchecked population growth. Sustainable building materials and methods are needed to mitigate these issues and reduce energy use, waste production, and environmental damage. This study highlights the potential of [...] Read more.

Rapid urbanization has negative effects on ecology, economics, and public health, primarily due to unchecked population growth. Sustainable building materials and methods are needed to mitigate these issues and reduce energy use, waste production, and environmental damage. This study highlights the potential of agricultural waste as a sustainable source of construction materials and provides valuable insights into the performance and benefits of using fired clay bricks made from pomegranate peel waste. In this study, fired clay bricks were produced using pomegranate peel waste as a sustainable building material. To optimize the firing temperature and percentage of pomegranate peel waste, a series of experiments was conducted to determine fundamental properties such as mechanical, physical, and thermal properties. Subsequently, the obtained thermal properties were utilized as input data in Design Builder software version (V.5.0.0.105) to assess the thermal and energy performance of the produced bricks. The results showed that the optimum firing temperature for the bricks was 900 °C with 10% pomegranate peel waste. The fabricated bricks reduced energy consumption by 6.97%, 8.54%, and 13.89% at firing temperatures of 700 °C, 800 °C, and 900 °C, respectively, due to their decreased thermal conductivity. CO₂ emissions also decreased by 4.85%, 6.07%, and 12% at the same firing temperatures. The payback time for the bricks was found to be 0.65 years at a firing temperature of 900 °C. These findings demonstrate the potential of fired clay bricks made from pomegranate peel waste as a promising construction material that limits heat gain, preserves energy, reduces CO₂ emissions, and provides a fast return on investment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Materials and Manufacturing Processes)

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20 pages, 9621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fabrication of Thermal Insulation Bricks Using Pleurotus florida Spent Mushroom

by Sally A. Ali, Marwa Kamal Fahmy, Nasser Zouli, Ahmed Abutaleb, Ibrahim M. Maafa, Ayman Yousef and M. M. Ahmed

Materials 2023, 16(14), 4905; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16144905 - 09 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1263

Abstract

This study explores the potential for making lightweight bricks via the use of dry, pulverized spent mushroom materials (SMM) as a thermal insulator. There are five distinct replacement proportions of SMM that are used, and they range from 0% to 15% of the [...] Read more.

This study explores the potential for making lightweight bricks via the use of dry, pulverized spent mushroom materials (SMM) as a thermal insulator. There are five distinct replacement proportions of SMM that are used, and they range from 0% to 15% of the weight of the clay. The firing of the fabricated bricks at temperatures of 700, 800, and 900 °C led to the development of pores on the interior surface of the bricks as a consequence of the decomposition of SMM. The impact of SMM on the physicomechanical characteristics of fabricated bricks is assessed based on standard codes. Compressive strength, bulk density, and thermal conductivity decreased as the SMM content increased, reaching up to 8.7 MPa, 1420 kg/m³, and 0.29 W/mK at 900 °C and 15% substitution percentage. However, cold water absorption, boiling water absorption, linear drying shrinkage, linear firing shrinkage, and apparent porosity increased with the increase in SMM, reaching 23.6%, 25.3%, and 36.6% at 900 °C and 15% substitution percentage. In the study simulation model, there was a significant improvement in energy consumption, which reached an overall reduction of 29.23% and 21.49% in Cario and Jazan cities, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Materials and Manufacturing Processes)

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21 pages, 6607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Clay-Composite Plasters Integrating Industrial Waste

by Andreea Hegyi, Cristian Petcu, Adrian Alexandru Ciobanu, Gabriela Calatan and Aurelia Bradu

Materials 2023, 16(14), 4903; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16144903 - 09 Jul 2023

Viewed by 925

Abstract

This research investigates the feasibility of developing clay composites using natural materials and incorporating waste by-products suitable for plastering diverse support structures. The study identified a versatile composition suitable for a wide range of support materials and explored the potential of revaluing industrial [...] Read more.

This research investigates the feasibility of developing clay composites using natural materials and incorporating waste by-products suitable for plastering diverse support structures. The study identified a versatile composition suitable for a wide range of support materials and explored the potential of revaluing industrial waste and by-products by reintegrating them into the Circular Economy. The experimental investigation outlines the process of evaluating the influence of different raw materials on the performance of the clay composite. The findings confirm that using limestone sludge and fly ash as additives to clay contributes to reducing axial shrinkage and increasing mechanical strengths, respectively. The optimal percentage of additives for the clay used are identified and provided. Using hydraulic lime as a partial substitute for clay reduces the apparent density of dried clay composites, axial shrinkage, and fissures formation while improving adhesion to the substrate. Introducing dextrin into this mix increases the apparent density of the hardened plaster while keeping axial shrinkage below the maximum threshold indicated by the literature. Mechanical strengths improved, and better compatibility in terms of adhesion to the support was achieved, with composition S3 presenting the best results and a smooth, fissure-free plastered surface after drying. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Materials and Manufacturing Processes)

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17 pages, 3974 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Biochar from Oat Hulls on the Physical Properties of Asphalt Binder

by Camila Martínez-Toledo, Gonzalo Valdés-Vidal, Alejandra Calabi-Floody, María Eugenia González and Oscar Reyes-Ortiz

Materials 2022, 15(19), 7000; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15197000 - 09 Oct 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1491

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to verify the feasibility of using biochar from oat hulls (BO) as a potential bio-modifier to improve the physical properties of conventional asphalt binder. The BO and asphalt binder were characterized by confocal (fluorescence) laser microscopy, scanning [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to verify the feasibility of using biochar from oat hulls (BO) as a potential bio-modifier to improve the physical properties of conventional asphalt binder. The BO and asphalt binder were characterized by confocal (fluorescence) laser microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Then, an asphalt binder modification procedure was established and modifications with 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5% of BO on the weight of the asphalt binder were evaluated, using a particle size < 75 µm. The physical properties of the evaluated modified asphalt binder with BO were: rotational viscosity in original and aged state, aging index, Fraass breaking point, softening point, penetration, penetration rate and storage stability. The results indicated that the BO has a porous structure, able to interact with the asphalt binder by C=O and C=C bonds. In addition, modification of the asphalt binder with BO increases the rotational viscosity related to high-temperature rutting resistance. The results obtained from the Fraass breaking point and softening point indicated that the use of BO extends the viscoelastic range of the asphalt binder. In addition, the evaluated modifications present low susceptibility to aging and good storage stability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Materials and Manufacturing Processes)

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31 pages, 7619 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Overview of Concrete Performance Made with Waste Rubber Tires: A Step toward Sustainable Concrete

by Jawad Ahmad, Zhiguang Zhou, Ali Majdi, Muwaffaq Alqurashi and Ahmed Farouk Deifalla

Materials 2022, 15(16), 5518; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15165518 - 11 Aug 2022

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3416

Abstract

Utilizing scrap tire rubber by incorporating it into concrete is a valuable option. Many researchers are interested in using rubber tire waste in concrete. The possible uses of rubber tires in concrete, however, are dispersed and unclear. Therefore, a compressive analysis is necessary [...] Read more.

Utilizing scrap tire rubber by incorporating it into concrete is a valuable option. Many researchers are interested in using rubber tire waste in concrete. The possible uses of rubber tires in concrete, however, are dispersed and unclear. Therefore, a compressive analysis is necessary to identify the benefits and drawbacks of rubber tires for concrete performance. For examination, the important areas of concrete freshness, durability, and strength properties were considered. Additionally, several treatments and a microstructure investigation were included. Although it has much promise, there are certain obstacles that prevent it from being used as an aggregate in large numbers, such as the rubber’s weak structural strength and poor binding performance with the cement matrix. Rubber, however, exhibits mechanical strength comparable to reference concrete up to 20%. The evaluation also emphasizes the need for new research to advance rubberized concrete for future generations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Materials and Manufacturing Processes)

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31 pages, 862 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Environmental and Economic Assessment of Repairable Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymers in Circular Economy Perspective

by Elisabetta Abbate, Maryam Mirpourian, Carlo Brondi, Andrea Ballarino and Giacomo Copani

Materials 2022, 15(9), 2986; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15092986 - 20 Apr 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2792

Abstract

The explosive growth of the global market for Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) and the lack of a closing loop strategy of composite waste have raised environmental concerns. Circular economy studies, including Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC), have investigated composite recycling [...] Read more.

The explosive growth of the global market for Carbon-Fiber-Reinforced Polymers (CFRP) and the lack of a closing loop strategy of composite waste have raised environmental concerns. Circular economy studies, including Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costing (LCC), have investigated composite recycling and new bio-based materials to substitute both carbon fibers and matrices. However, few studies have addressed composite repair. Studies focused on bio-based composites coupled with recycling and repairing are also lacking. Within this framework, the paper aims at presenting opportunities and challenges of the new thermosetting composite developed at the laboratory including the criteria of repairing, recycling, and use of bio-based materials in industrial applications through an ex ante LCA coupled with LCC. Implementing the three criteria mentioned above would reduce the environmental impact from 50% to 86% compared to the baseline scenario with the highest benefits obtained by implementing the only repairing. LCC results indicate that manufacturing and repairing parts built from bio-based CFRP is economically sustainable. However, recycling can only be economically sustainable under a specific condition. Managerial strategies are proposed to mitigate the uncertainties of the recycling business. The findings of this study can provide valuable guidance on supporting decisions for companies making strategic plans. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Materials and Manufacturing Processes)

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Review

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13 pages, 2908 KiB

Open AccessReview

Literature Review on the Utilization of Rice Husks: Focus on Application of Materials for Digital Fabrication

by Kohei Morimoto, Kazutoshi Tsuda and Daijiro Mizuno

Materials 2023, 16(16), 5597; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16165597 - 12 Aug 2023

Viewed by 3057

Abstract

To achieve a sustainable society, it is important to use biological resources effectively to the extent that they are renewable. Rice husk, which is abundantly produced in various regions, is a useful biomass resource. To promote their use further, it is important to [...] Read more.

To achieve a sustainable society, it is important to use biological resources effectively to the extent that they are renewable. Rice husk, which is abundantly produced in various regions, is a useful biomass resource. To promote their use further, it is important to expand the fields in which they are used. Therefore, this study reviews the research on rice-husk-based materials that can be used in digital fabrication, such as those used with 3D printers and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines, which have become increasingly popular in recent years. After outlining the characteristics of each machining method, the authors surveyed and analyzed the original research on rice-husk-based materials for 3D printers and particleboard available in digital fabrication machines for 2D machining. This review identifies issues and proposes solutions for expanding the use of rice-husk-based materials. It also indicates the need for further research on various aspects, such as the workability and maintainability of the equipment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Materials and Manufacturing Processes)

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26 pages, 19024 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Study on Sustainable Concrete with Partial Substitution of Cement with Red Mud: A Review

by Hisham Jahangir Qureshi, Jawad Ahmad, Ali Majdi, Muhammad Umair Saleem, Abdulrahman Fahad Al Fuhaid and Md Arifuzzaman

Materials 2022, 15(21), 7761; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15217761 - 03 Nov 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2550

Abstract

Every year, millions of tons of red mud (RDM) are created across the globe. Its storage is a major environmental issue due to its high basicity and tendency for leaching. This material is often kept in dams, necessitating previous attention to the disposal [...] Read more.

Every year, millions of tons of red mud (RDM) are created across the globe. Its storage is a major environmental issue due to its high basicity and tendency for leaching. This material is often kept in dams, necessitating previous attention to the disposal location, as well as monitoring and maintenance during its useful life. As a result, it is critical to develop an industrial solution capable of consuming large quantities of this substance. Many academics have worked for decades to create different cost-effective methods for using RMD. One of the most cost-effective methods is to use RMD in cement manufacture, which is also an effective approach for large-scale RMD recycling. This article gives an overview of the use of RMD in concrete manufacturing. Other researchers’ backgrounds were considered and examined based on fresh characteristics, mechanical properties, durability, microstructure analysis, and environmental impact analysis. The results show that RMD enhanced the mechanical properties and durability of concrete while reducing its fluidity. Furthermore, by integrating 25% of RDM, the environmental consequences of cumulative energy demand (CED), global warming potential (GWP), and major criteria air pollutants (CO, NO_X, Pb, and SO₂) were minimized. In addition, the review assesses future researcher guidelines for concrete with RDM to improve performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Materials and Manufacturing Processes)

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19 pages, 4920 KiB

Open AccessReview

Concrete Made with Dune Sand: Overview of Fresh, Mechanical and Durability Properties

by Jawad Ahmad, Ali Majdi, Ahmed Farouk Deifalla, Hisham Jahangir Qureshi, Muhammad Umair Saleem, Shaker M. A. Qaidi and Mohammed A. El-Shorbagy

Materials 2022, 15(17), 6152; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15176152 - 05 Sep 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2861

Abstract

According to the authors’ best information, the majority of research focuses on other waste materials, such as recycling industrial waste (glass, silica fume, marble and waste foundry sand), etc. However, some researchers suggest dune sand as an alternative material for concrete production, but [...] Read more.

According to the authors’ best information, the majority of research focuses on other waste materials, such as recycling industrial waste (glass, silica fume, marble and waste foundry sand), etc. However, some researchers suggest dune sand as an alternative material for concrete production, but knowledge is still scarce. Therefore, a comprehensive review is required on dune sand to evaluate its current progress as well as its effects on the strength and durability properties of concrete. The review presents detailed literature on dune sand in concrete. The important characteristics of concrete such as slump, compressive, flexural, cracking behaviors, density, water absorption and sulfate resistance were considered for analysis. Results indicate that dune sand can be used in concrete up to 40% without any negative effect on strength and durability. The negative impact of dune sand on strength and durability was due to poor grading and fineness, which restricts the complete (100%) substation of dune sand. Furthermore, a decrease in flowability was observed. Finally, the review highlights the research gap for future studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Materials and Manufacturing Processes)

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28 pages, 5407 KiB

Open AccessReview

Concrete Made with Partially Substitutions of Copper Slag (CPS): State of the Art Review

by Jawad Ahmad, Ali Majdi, Ahmed Farouk Deifalla, Haytham F. Isleem and Cut Rahmawati

Materials 2022, 15(15), 5196; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma15155196 - 27 Jul 2022

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 2460

Abstract

Copper slag (CPS) is a large amount of waste material produced during the manufacture of copper. The disposal of this waste material becomes a problem for environmental concerns. Therefore, it is necessary to explore feasible alternate disposal options. They may also be utilized [...] Read more.

Copper slag (CPS) is a large amount of waste material produced during the manufacture of copper. The disposal of this waste material becomes a problem for environmental concerns. Therefore, it is necessary to explore feasible alternate disposal options. They may also be utilized in concrete manufacturing to cut down on the usage of cement and natural aggregates. A lot of researchers focus on utilizing CPS in concrete, either as a cement replacement or as a filler material. This article aims to summarize the literature already carried out on CPS in conventional concrete to identify the influence of CPS on the fresh, hardened and durability performance of cement concrete. Results indicate that CPS improved the strength and durability performance of concrete but simultaneously decreased the slump value of concrete. Furthermore, an increase in the durability performance of concrete was also observed with CPS. However, the higher dose results declined in mechanical and durability aspects owing to a scarcity of flowability. Therefore, it is suggested to use the optimum dose of CPS. However, a different researcher recommends a different optimum dose ranging from 50 to 60% by weight of fine aggregate depending on the source of CPS. The review also recommends future researcher guidelines on CPS in concrete. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Materials and Manufacturing Processes)

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47 pages, 12662 KiB

Open AccessReview

Progressing towards Sustainable Machining of Steels: A Detailed Review

by Kashif Ishfaq, Irfan Anjum, Catalin Iulian Pruncu, Muhammad Amjad, M. Saravana Kumar and Muhammad Asad Maqsood

Materials 2021, 14(18), 5162; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma14185162 - 08 Sep 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3603

Abstract

Machining operations are very common for the production of auto parts, i.e., connecting rods, crankshafts, etc. In machining, the use of cutting oil is very necessary, but it leads to higher machining costs and environmental problems. About 17% of the cost of any [...] Read more.

Machining operations are very common for the production of auto parts, i.e., connecting rods, crankshafts, etc. In machining, the use of cutting oil is very necessary, but it leads to higher machining costs and environmental problems. About 17% of the cost of any product is associated with cutting fluid, and about 80% of skin diseases are due to mist and fumes generated by cutting oils. Environmental legislation and operators’ safety demand the minimal use of cutting fluid and proper disposal of used cutting oil. The disposal cost is huge, about two times higher than the machining cost. To improve occupational health and safety and the reduction of product costs, companies are moving towards sustainable manufacturing. Therefore, this review article emphasizes the sustainable machining aspects of steel by employing techniques that require the minimal use of cutting oils, i.e., minimum quantity lubrication, and other efficient techniques like cryogenic cooling, dry cutting, solid lubricants, air/vapor/gas cooling, and cryogenic treatment. Cryogenic treatment on tools and the use of vegetable oils or biodegradable oils instead of mineral oils are used as primary techniques to enhance the overall part quality, which leads to longer tool life with no negative impacts on the environment. To further help the manufacturing community in progressing towards industry 4.0 and obtaining net-zero emissions, in this paper, we present a comprehensive review of the recent, state of the art sustainable techniques used for machining steel materials/components by which the industry can massively improve their product quality and production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Green Materials and Manufacturing Processes)

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