This study investigates the chemical and mineralogical composition, particle size distribution, and physical and chemical properties of raw dune sands from the Kushkupyr district of Uzbekistan. The particle size distribution indicates a predominance of particles larger than 0.007 mm, with a fineness modulus of less than one, which classifies these sands as fine-grained. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveals that the sand particles consist primarily of irregularly shaped quartz grains. This work proposes compositions for producing sodium silicate based on a microsilica – dune sand – caustic soda system.
Exploring Pt-free electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for achieving low-cost hydrogen production. Herein, we present a facile one-pot approach for coconut-driven hierarchical porous carbon nanofibers (h-CNFs) encapsulated metal nanocrystals (M/h-CNFs) (M = Co, Cu, W, Mo, and Bi) by direct impregnation of coconut fibers in metal precursors solution followed by carbonization under argon. Coconut fiber with its rich built-in ether (C-O-C) and hydroxyl (OH) groups, can act as a source for carbon and as a rector to drive the scalable production (several grams) of ultra-long (similar to 100-500 mu m) hierarchical porous nanofibers (multimodal pores), well-distribution of tiny metal nanocrystals (10-20 nm) active sites, and high surface area (275.8 m(2)/g). These merits endowed the electrocatalytic HER performance of M/h-CNFs significantly higher than metal-free h-CNFs, but Co/h-CNFs and Cu/h-CNFs revealed activities close to the commercial Pt/C (10 wt % Pt) catalyst with a current density (similar to 300 mA/cm(2)), low overpotential of (154 mV), and H-2 production rate of (19.5 mol g(-1)& centerdot;h(-1)), although low metal content (i.e., similar to 10 wt %). This study is evidence for paving the way for the conversion of coconut fiber wastes to a cost-effective catalyst for HER.
The potential of insect-derived chitosan, particularly from the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.), as a sustainable resource for food packaging is attracting growing interest within the food industry. In this study, we have developed a biodegradable, antibacterial food packaging material, incorporating black soldier fly chitosan (BSCS), glycerol (GC), and glacial acetic acid (AA) as key components. The resulting film exhibits excellent uniformity and compatibility, which is confirmed by SEM (uniform microstructure), FTIR (strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding) and XRD (amorphous network structure), with strong inter-molecular hydrogen bonding interactions between BSCS, GC, and AA, which facilitate the formation of an amorphous network structure. When compared to commercial chitosan-based films, the BSCS-based composite with a deacetylation degree of 97.6% similar to 98.4% demonstrates notable improvements in thermal stability (15.2% higher) and biodegradability (13.7% higher). The composite films further display robust antioxidant and antibacterial properties, with the film prepared showing the most superior performance. Additionally, the composite film effectively retards the spoilage of cherry tomatoes, reducing the weight loss rate by 11.35% during 10 days of storage and extending their shelf life by 4 similar to 6 days. This biodegradable, active packaging material derived from black soldier fly chitosan presents a promising alternative to petroleum-based packaging and holds considerable potential for applications in fruit preservation.
This study explores the technological potential of “Istak” barley grain for producing functional flour for layered bread and instant pasta. It focuses on optimizing multi-stage pearling, extrusion, and air classification to improve nutritional and technological properties. Results showed that controlled husk removal reduced microbial contamination and lignin content while increasing β-glucan concentration and product safety. Barley contained 55–66% starch, 4–10% β-glucan, and essential amino acids. Air classification increased protein concentration up to 2.13 times, while extrusion at 160°C for 6–10 s improved digestibility and preserved bioactive compounds. The findings confirm barley flour’s suitability for functional foods with improved nutrition, shelf life, and sustainability.
The article presents the results of a study on the physicochemical parameters, antioxidant activity, and rheological properties of plant-based raw materials and the dessert product “kiyoma” developed on their basis. Saffron, turmeric, and ginger were used as the objects of the study, as well as kiyoma samples formulated using various recipe solutions. The aim of this study is to substantiate the feasibility of using plant ingredients with high antioxidant activity in the development of a functional fruit-vegetable-berry dessert “kiyoma”, as well as to assess their influence on the structural and mechanical characteristics of the finished product. The expansion of the range of natural desserts based on fruits, vegetables, and spice-aromatic raw materials contributes to the formation of rational nutrition by replacing traditional sugar-containing confectionery products with foods of increased nutritional and biological value. During the experimental studies, moisture content, ash content, pH value, content of biologically active compounds, and antioxidant activity of the plant raw materials were determined. It was established that saffron is characterized by the highest antioxidant activity due to its high content of crocin and flavonoids, while turmeric and ginger complement the composition through the presence of curcumin. The rheological properties of kiyoma were evaluated by viscosity, torque, flowability, stickiness, and adhesion parameters. It was shown that the studied samples belong to viscoplastic systems with a pseudoplastic flow behavior, and that formulation differences significantly affect the formation of their structural and mechanical properties. The obtained results confirm the prospects of the developed «kiyoma» dessert as a functional food product.
