NaOH/ethylene glycol (EG) pretreatment of corn straw was evaluated using detergent-fiber compositional analysis, solid recovery, XRD, and FTIR. Single-factor experiments examined the effects of NaOH/EG molar ratio, temperature, and reaction time, while a Box–Behnken design (BBD) was used to model apparent acid detergent lignin (ADL) removal. At the empirically selected working condition of NaOH:EG = 1:8, 70 °C, and 1 h, apparent ADL removal, cellulose retention, and solid recovery were 83.92
Citrus processing industries generate substantial quantities of residues, accounting for approximately 50–60
The aim of this work is to investigate the potential for producing carbonized fibers from flax, hemp, and jute yarns, through slow pyrolysis using batch and under-loaded pyrolysis benches at different temperatures 150 °C, 300 °C, 390 °C and 600 °C. The thermal and chemical properties of the different plant-based yarns, were analyzed using Thermogravimetry-Differential Scanning Calorimetry (TG-DSC) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The mechanical properties of both raw and carbonized plant-based yarns were assessed, and their microstructure was examined using Optical and Scanning Electron Microscopy (OM and SEM). The results indicate that plant-based yarns, produced at temperatures below or equal to 390 °C remained sufficiently intact for subsequent mechanical characterization. It was also found that pyrolysis at temperatures below 300 °C enhanced the Young’s modulus of all the studied samples. Microstructural analysis revealed a reduction in cross-sectional area along with an increase in porosity as the pyrolysis temperature increased, which was attributed to the decomposition of chemical components, particularly hemicellulose and cellulose. These chemical and microstructural evolutions provide a plausible explanation for the observed mechanical behavior.
Composting can recycle tomato straw, but slow lignocellulose degradation may limit humification. A 45-day aerobic composting experiment compared an unamended control (CK), 0.5
In this present study, we have developed a new biodegradable hybrid composite system made from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), alkali-treated rice husk (RH) and nano–calcium carbonate (nCaCO _3 ) using a simple and cost effective solution casting method. The work focuses on combining an agricultural waste material, rice husk, with an inorganic nanofiller, nCaCO _3 , to improve the multifunctional properties of PVA based composites. The rice husk underwent alkali treatment to enhance interfacial adhesion by removing lignin and hemicellulose, which better aligns it with the hydrophilic PVA matrix. The researchers systematically studied the structural, morphological, optical, and dielectric properties of the composites based on the concentration of rice husk. X-ray diffraction analysis showed increased crystallinity with the addition of nCaCO _3 . Scanning electron microscopy confirmed better filler dispersion and interfacial bonding at optimal loading. Photoluminescence studies revealed a broad blue-violet emission band linked to defect states and interfacial interactions, with maximum intensity observed for the PCR4 composition (2.5 wt _3 ), indicating ideal filler distribution. At higher filler concentrations, the emission intensity decreased due to agglomeration and non–radiative recombination effects. Dielectric analysis showed a higher dielectric constant and AC conductivity with increasing frequency and temperature, which was explained by Maxwell-Wagner interfacial polarization and hopping conduction mechanisms. The study establishes a clear link between filler dispersion, interfacial compatibility, and the optical and electrical properties that result. Identifying an optimal filler composition that enhances structural integrity, optical emission, and dielectric performance is a key contribution of this research.
