Biomass has become of recent interest as a raw material for‘green’graphenic carbon(GC)since it promotes an environmentally friendly approach.Here,we investigate a single pyrolysis route to synthesize GC from coconut...Biomass has become of recent interest as a raw material for‘green’graphenic carbon(GC)since it promotes an environmentally friendly approach.Here,we investigate a single pyrolysis route to synthesize GC from coconut shells which provides a simple method and can produce a high yield,thus being convenient for large-scale pro-duction.The pyrolysis involves a stepped holding process at 350℃ for 1 h and at 650℃ or 900℃ for 3 h.The GC sample resulted at the 900℃ pyrolysis has a thinner sheet,a less porous structure,a higher C/O ratio,and an enhanced electrical conductivity than those pyrolyzed at 650℃.The addition of Na3PO4 catalyst has no signifi-cant effects on the GC structures obtained by this route.The single pyrolysis route generates thinner GC sheets compared to the two-step heat treatment followed by the liquid phase exfoliation(LPE)procedure.Nevertheless,the latter method offers a formation of clean samples with a porous or holey feature which has potential for advanced energy-storage applications.展开更多
In present study,we report the preparation of coconut shell activated carbon as adsorbent and its appli-cation for Bi(Ⅲ) removal from aqueous solutions.The developed adsorbent was characterized with scanning elec-tro...In present study,we report the preparation of coconut shell activated carbon as adsorbent and its appli-cation for Bi(Ⅲ) removal from aqueous solutions.The developed adsorbent was characterized with scanning elec-tron microscope(SEM),Fourier Transform Infrared(FTIR),C,H,N,S analyzer,and BET surface area analyzer.The parameters examined include agitation time,initial concentration of Bi(Ⅲ),adsorbent dose and temperature.The maximum adsorption of Bi(Ⅲ)(98.72%) was observed at 250 mg·L-1 of Bi(Ⅲ) and adsorbent dose of 0.7 g when agitation was at 160 r·min-1 for 240 min at(299±2) K.The thermodynamic parameters such as Gibb's free energy(△Gθ),enthalpy(△Hθ) and entropy(△Sθ) were evaluated.For the isotherm models applied to adsorption study,the Langmuir isotherm model fits better than the Freundlich isotherm.The maximum adsorption capacity from the Langmuir isotherm was 54.35 mg?g?1 of Bi(Ⅲ).The kinetic study of the adsorption shows that the pseudo second order model is more appropriate than the pseudo first order model.The result shows that,coconut shell ac-tivated carbon is an effective adsorbent to remove Bi(Ⅲ) from aqueous solutions with good adsorption capacity.展开更多
An rGO−like carbon compound has been synthesized from biomass,i.e.,old coconut shell,by a carbonization process followed by heating at 400°C for 5 h.The nitrogen doping was achieved by adding the urea(CH4N2O)and ...An rGO−like carbon compound has been synthesized from biomass,i.e.,old coconut shell,by a carbonization process followed by heating at 400°C for 5 h.The nitrogen doping was achieved by adding the urea(CH4N2O)and stirring at 70°C for 14 h.The morphology and structure of the rGO-like carbon were investigated by electron microscopies and Raman spectroscopy.The presence of C-N functional groups was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared and synchrotron X-ray photoemission spectroscopy,while the particle and the specific capacitance were measured by particle sizer and cyclic voltammetry.The highest specific capacitance of 72.78 F/g is achieved by the sample with 20%urea,having the smallest particles size and the largest surface area.The corresponding sample has shown to be constituted by the appropriate amount of C–N pyrrolic and pyridinic defects.展开更多
A series of oxidants supported on coconut shell-based activated carbon(CAC) through microwave irradiation were prepared and characterized using scanning electron microscopy(SEM), N_2 adsorption/desorption analysis, an...A series of oxidants supported on coconut shell-based activated carbon(CAC) through microwave irradiation were prepared and characterized using scanning electron microscopy(SEM), N_2 adsorption/desorption analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS). The SO_2 adsorption capacities and rates were evaluated by adsorption tests performed in a fixed bed reactor with a simulated flue gas, and the adsorption isotherm models were validated against the experimental results. The findings revealed that the SO_2 adsorption capacity decreased in the following order: MW-K_2Cr_2O_7-CAC > MWKMnO_4-CAC > MW-H_2O_2-CAC > MW-CAC. The SO_2 adsorption capacities and adsorption rates of the samples increased with an increasing oxidizability of the oxidants owing to the increment of mean pore size and oxygen-containing functional groups. In addition, a high initial SO_2 concentration and a low bed temperature could positively affect the SO2 adsorption. Finally, the Langmuir model validated that SO_2 was mainly adsorbed through chemical adsorption on the sample surfaces.展开更多
The study is focused on the phenomenon of diffusion of water through the shells of two coconut species (coconut nucifera) of Cameroun. The kinetics absorption of water was studied experimentally by the gravimetric met...The study is focused on the phenomenon of diffusion of water through the shells of two coconut species (coconut nucifera) of Cameroun. The kinetics absorption of water was studied experimentally by the gravimetric method with discontinuous control of the mass of the samples at the temperature of 23℃. The mature coconut shells were cleaned mechanically, cut in a spherical shape and placed in a drying oven with 105℃ for 4 hours before being plunged in distilled water at 23℃. This study made it possible not only to determine the rate of water absorbed, but also to model the water kinetic absorption of the shells. Of the two models tested (Peleg and Page), the Page model predicted very well the experimental data. The Fick law made it possible to evaluate the effective diffusivity coefficients at the initial and final phases of absorption. The effective diffusivity coefficient was given from the Arrhenius equation.展开更多
[Objective] The paper aimed to study kinetics analysis of coconut shell pyrolysis. [Method] Thermo gravimetric analysis was used to study the pyrolysis characteristic of coconut shell at different pyrolysis rates (5, ...[Objective] The paper aimed to study kinetics analysis of coconut shell pyrolysis. [Method] Thermo gravimetric analysis was used to study the pyrolysis characteristic of coconut shell at different pyrolysis rates (5, 10, 20 K/min). [Result] The pyrolysis process included 3 stages, water loss, pyrolysis, and thermal condensation. The pyrolysis process can be described through first-order reaction model. With the increasing pyrolysis rate, activation energy in the first stage rose, but activation energy in the second stage reduced. [Conclusion] The study provided theoretical basis for the promotion and application of biomass energy.展开更多
The use of waste materials to produce engineering components is currently attracting so much interest due to their low cost, availability and environmental impact. In this study, coconut shell ash (CSA) and kyanite pa...The use of waste materials to produce engineering components is currently attracting so much interest due to their low cost, availability and environmental impact. In this study, coconut shell ash (CSA) and kyanite particles (KP) produced from coconut shells and kyanite mineral respectively were characterized. X-ray Florence (XRF), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to analyze the oxide compositions, crystalline phases and microstructures of CSA and KP. The XRF analysis revealed major oxides in CSA and KP as SiO2 and Fe2O3;and Al2O3 and SiO2 respectively. The XRD analysis revealed the presence of Quartz, Hematite, Andradite and Gaultite phases at major peaks in diffractogram of CSA;and Quartz and Beryl phases at major peaks in the diffractogram of KP. The crystallite sizes of the quartz phases in CSA and KP at diffraction angle of 26.72°C and 20.91°C were determined as 638.28 Åand 789.38 Årespectively. From the SEM image of CSA, it was observed that particles of different sizes are present in the microstructure of CSA. The average size of the particles in the microstructure of CSA is 26.24 μm. A similar result was observed in the SEM image of KP and average size of the particles is 3.074 μm. Also, the energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrums of CSA and KP revealed the presence of many elements with calcium as the major element in CSA and Aluminium as major element in KP. The presence of the crystalline phases in CSA (SiO2, Al2O3, andradite, gaultite and hematite) and KP (SiO2 and Al2O3) will make them good strengthening materials for the production of Aluminium based composites that can be used in applications where a good combination of strength and wear characteristics is a basic requirement like brake disc.展开更多
The morphology and mechanical properties of coconut shell reinforced polyethylene composite have been evaluated to establish the possibility of using it as a new material for engineering applications. Coconut shell re...The morphology and mechanical properties of coconut shell reinforced polyethylene composite have been evaluated to establish the possibility of using it as a new material for engineering applications. Coconut shell reinforced composite was prepared by compacting low density polyethylene matrix with 5% - 25% volume fraction coconut shell particles and the effect of the particles on the mechanical properties of the composite produced was investigated. The result shows that the hardness of the composite increases with increase in coconut shell content though the tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, impact energy and ductility of the composite decreases with increase in the particle content. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of the composites (with 0% - 25% particles) surfaces indicates poor interfacial interaction between the coconut shell particle and the low density polyethylene matrix. This study therefore exploits the potential of agrobased waste fiber in Nigeria as an alternative particulate material for the development of a new composite.展开更多
This study aims to evaluate the erosion behavior and the hardness of hybrid composites made of varying amounts of coconut shells,walnut shells,and carbonfibers dispersed in a polyester matrix.MINITAB(L16)Taguchi experi...This study aims to evaluate the erosion behavior and the hardness of hybrid composites made of varying amounts of coconut shells,walnut shells,and carbonfibers dispersed in a polyester matrix.MINITAB(L16)Taguchi experiments were used to determine the optimal combination of parameters.In particular,an erosion device con-sisting of a motor with a constantflow rate of 45 L/min,a pump with a diameter of 40 mm,a nozzle with a dia-meter of 5 mm,and a tank made of“perspex glass”55 cm long,30 cm tall,and 25 cm wide was used.The tests were conducted by varying the sample-to-nozzle distance,the pattern angle,and the sand particle size.The results have revealed that the presence of 7.5%by weight of waste coconut shell,for conditions corresponding to 90°angle,sand size 425μm,stand distance 30 cm,gives the best wear resistance(3.04×10^(-5) g/g).Thefiller content and sand particle size affect the erosive rate,with the angle playing a secondary role.The distance between the sample and the nozzle has a weaker effect on erosive wear.The hardness results show that the models(UP-5%carbonfiber-2.5-3.5-4.5-5.5-6.5-7.5 wt.%waste coconut shell)give the best values for prayer compared to the samples(UP-5 wt.%carbonfiber-2.5-3.5-4.5-5.5-6.5-7.5 wt.%waste walnut shell).展开更多
Water diffusion of two species of coconut shells (CS) nucifera from Cameroon, in the case of drying, was experimentally studied. The experiment was done with the aid of an oven, by the method of gravimetric batch cont...Water diffusion of two species of coconut shells (CS) nucifera from Cameroon, in the case of drying, was experimentally studied. The experiment was done with the aid of an oven, by the method of gravimetric batch control of the mass of the test samples with the temperatures varied from 70° to 180° Celsius. The shells of mature coconuts from two species were conserved in the laboratory at a temperature ranging between 20° and 23° Celsius for two months before being mechanically cleaned. This study allows not only the determination of the water content of the shells, but also the identification of the drying model. It is thus from the ten model tests, and the statistical analysis shows that the Midilli model best predicted this drying phenomenon. The coefficient of effective diffusion was determined at different temperatures which permitted the evaluation of the activation energy per the Arrhenius equation.展开更多
Catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is at the heart of key renewable energy technologies such as water splitting and rechargeable batteries. But developing a low-cost ...Catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is at the heart of key renewable energy technologies such as water splitting and rechargeable batteries. But developing a low-cost oxygen electrode catalyst with high activity at low overpotential remains a great challenge. Coconut shells can be utilized as suitable raw material to produce activated carbon for enhanced adsorption capacity, bulk density, and hardness to be used as regenerative fuel cells running ORR and OER. The present work is designed to obtain an alternative to noble metal-based catalysts by synthesizing electroactive N-doped porous carbon from coconut shells;the use of biodegradable raw material through a single-step activation followed by nitrogen doping provides a more economical and environmentally friendly route to produce green catalysts for fuel cell applications. In valorization of biomass for the development of novel catalytic materials, our aim is also to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals. N-doped activated carbon shows promising bifunctional catalyst for ORR and OER as low-cost noble-metal-free and carbon-based oxygen catalysts.展开更多
In this paper, the authors aim to propose the use of waste plastics as a binder in a coconut shell reinforcement for the development of an 8/6 size composite rafter to replace the natural 8/6 size backbone in construc...In this paper, the authors aim to propose the use of waste plastics as a binder in a coconut shell reinforcement for the development of an 8/6 size composite rafter to replace the natural 8/6 size backbone in construction. Following a study into the choice of the best proportions, a total of 30 size 8/6 composite rafters with different proportions of 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40% and 50% plastic content were developed. All the 8/6 composite rafters were subjected to mechanical (3-point bending strength and Monnin hardness) and physical (bulk density and water absorption) characterization analyses. The results show that flexural strength increases from 27.56 MPa to 33.30 MPa for proportions ranging from 20% to 35% plastic content. Above 35% plastic, the strength drops to 19.60 MPa for a 50% plastic content. Similarly, the Monnin hardness drops from 9 mm to 5 mm when the plastic content varies from 20 to 50%. As for the results of the physical characterisation, the values obtained for apparent density vary from 0.89 to 1 for proportions varying from 20% to 35% plastic content and drop to 0.94 for 50% plastic content. As for water absorption, values drop from 6.82% to 2.45% when the plastic content increases from 20% to 50%. These mechanical strengths stabilise at 35% plastic content. The development of an 8/6 chevron composite material based on plastic and coconut shell could therefore be a way of recovering waste and solving the problem of deforestation.展开更多
In this work, low cost coconut biochar based activated carbon (CBAC) was used for adsorption of Butylparaben (BPB) from aqueous medium. The prepared CBAC was characterized using BET, Boehm analysis and the adsorption ...In this work, low cost coconut biochar based activated carbon (CBAC) was used for adsorption of Butylparaben (BPB) from aqueous medium. The prepared CBAC was characterized using BET, Boehm analysis and the adsorption equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamics studies of BPB adsorption were carried out. During batch adsorption runs, the effects of factors, such as contact time (0 - 300 min), CBAC dose (200 - 800 mg), pH (3 - 11) and solution temperatures (303 - 348 K) were investigated on BPB removal. Experimental results reveal that the BPB removal efficiency on CBAC is higher than 97% under acidic and neutral conditions. Equilibrium data were fitted by Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models with correlation coefficient more than 0.9. The pseudo-second order kinetic model was observed to fit well the adsorption data. Thermodynamic analysis shows positive values of standard Gibb’s free energy, suggesting the non-spontaneity of the process. The changes in enthalpy (0.2 J.mol-1) and entropy (19 J.mol-1) were found to be endothermic with an increase of randomness. The high adsorption efficiency of the synthesized coconut biochar materials with low cost indicates that it may be a promising adsorbent for removing organic compounds.展开更多
Chitosan/coconut (CTS/coconut) composite membranes were successfully prepared by the cross-linking reaction with glutaraldehyde and they were applied in eliminating heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The cross-linke...Chitosan/coconut (CTS/coconut) composite membranes were successfully prepared by the cross-linking reaction with glutaraldehyde and they were applied in eliminating heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The cross-linked membranes were obtained at the ratios of 1/1, 1/1.5 and 1/2 and the coconut fiber was chemically treated by NaOCl/NaOH. The best ratio of CTS/coconut fiber is found to be 1/1.5 which has a relatively high stability with the degree of swelling (DS) and solvent content (SC) of membrane to be 13.33% and 69.88%, respectively. The results also indicate that the CTS membranes showed preferential separation of heavy metals for blend CTS/coconut membranes.展开更多
为解决MnO_(2)材料在水系锌离子电池(ZIBs)中存在的导电性差、材料利用率低等问题,以农业废弃物椰壳为原料,将低成本、来源丰富、绿色可再生的生物质资源引入到电极材料中,通过高温碳化得到导电性优异的椰壳碳,用水热法在椰壳碳表面生长...为解决MnO_(2)材料在水系锌离子电池(ZIBs)中存在的导电性差、材料利用率低等问题,以农业废弃物椰壳为原料,将低成本、来源丰富、绿色可再生的生物质资源引入到电极材料中,通过高温碳化得到导电性优异的椰壳碳,用水热法在椰壳碳表面生长MnO_(2)纳米粒子,获得椰壳碳@MnO_(2)复合纳米材料。借助扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、X射线衍射仪(XRD)、电化学技术等表征测试手段,分析该复合材料的形貌结构以及电化学性能。结果表明椰壳碳@MnO_(2)在100 mA g^(-1)的电流密度下,经过300次循环,比容量仍高达到344.6 mA h g^(-1),性能远高于商用MnO_(2)材料(64.3 mA h g^(-1));椰壳碳@MnO_(2)优异的导电性,纳米化的结构设计提高了材料利用率,减少了离子扩散路径,带来更快的离子扩散速率,提高了材料的倍率性能,具有良好的应用前景。展开更多
基金This work is funded by the Matching Fund Kedaireka Program Based on the Decision Letter No.15/E1/PPK/KS.03.00/2023 dated 26 April 2023the Cooperation Agreement No.114/E1/HK.02.02/2023.
文摘Biomass has become of recent interest as a raw material for‘green’graphenic carbon(GC)since it promotes an environmentally friendly approach.Here,we investigate a single pyrolysis route to synthesize GC from coconut shells which provides a simple method and can produce a high yield,thus being convenient for large-scale pro-duction.The pyrolysis involves a stepped holding process at 350℃ for 1 h and at 650℃ or 900℃ for 3 h.The GC sample resulted at the 900℃ pyrolysis has a thinner sheet,a less porous structure,a higher C/O ratio,and an enhanced electrical conductivity than those pyrolyzed at 650℃.The addition of Na3PO4 catalyst has no signifi-cant effects on the GC structures obtained by this route.The single pyrolysis route generates thinner GC sheets compared to the two-step heat treatment followed by the liquid phase exfoliation(LPE)procedure.Nevertheless,the latter method offers a formation of clean samples with a porous or holey feature which has potential for advanced energy-storage applications.
文摘In present study,we report the preparation of coconut shell activated carbon as adsorbent and its appli-cation for Bi(Ⅲ) removal from aqueous solutions.The developed adsorbent was characterized with scanning elec-tron microscope(SEM),Fourier Transform Infrared(FTIR),C,H,N,S analyzer,and BET surface area analyzer.The parameters examined include agitation time,initial concentration of Bi(Ⅲ),adsorbent dose and temperature.The maximum adsorption of Bi(Ⅲ)(98.72%) was observed at 250 mg·L-1 of Bi(Ⅲ) and adsorbent dose of 0.7 g when agitation was at 160 r·min-1 for 240 min at(299±2) K.The thermodynamic parameters such as Gibb's free energy(△Gθ),enthalpy(△Hθ) and entropy(△Sθ) were evaluated.For the isotherm models applied to adsorption study,the Langmuir isotherm model fits better than the Freundlich isotherm.The maximum adsorption capacity from the Langmuir isotherm was 54.35 mg?g?1 of Bi(Ⅲ).The kinetic study of the adsorption shows that the pseudo second order model is more appropriate than the pseudo first order model.The result shows that,coconut shell ac-tivated carbon is an effective adsorbent to remove Bi(Ⅲ) from aqueous solutions with good adsorption capacity.
基金supported by“Hibah Penelitian Dasar Kompetitif Nasional”,Ministry of Education,Culture,Research and Technology,Indonesia,2021–2022(D).The use of the synchrotron XPES facility at SLRI(Public Organization),Thailand,and some experimental facilities at UNIMAP and UPM,Malaysia,would also be appreciated.
文摘An rGO−like carbon compound has been synthesized from biomass,i.e.,old coconut shell,by a carbonization process followed by heating at 400°C for 5 h.The nitrogen doping was achieved by adding the urea(CH4N2O)and stirring at 70°C for 14 h.The morphology and structure of the rGO-like carbon were investigated by electron microscopies and Raman spectroscopy.The presence of C-N functional groups was analyzed by Fourier transform infrared and synchrotron X-ray photoemission spectroscopy,while the particle and the specific capacitance were measured by particle sizer and cyclic voltammetry.The highest specific capacitance of 72.78 F/g is achieved by the sample with 20%urea,having the smallest particles size and the largest surface area.The corresponding sample has shown to be constituted by the appropriate amount of C–N pyrrolic and pyridinic defects.
文摘A series of oxidants supported on coconut shell-based activated carbon(CAC) through microwave irradiation were prepared and characterized using scanning electron microscopy(SEM), N_2 adsorption/desorption analysis, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS). The SO_2 adsorption capacities and rates were evaluated by adsorption tests performed in a fixed bed reactor with a simulated flue gas, and the adsorption isotherm models were validated against the experimental results. The findings revealed that the SO_2 adsorption capacity decreased in the following order: MW-K_2Cr_2O_7-CAC > MWKMnO_4-CAC > MW-H_2O_2-CAC > MW-CAC. The SO_2 adsorption capacities and adsorption rates of the samples increased with an increasing oxidizability of the oxidants owing to the increment of mean pore size and oxygen-containing functional groups. In addition, a high initial SO_2 concentration and a low bed temperature could positively affect the SO2 adsorption. Finally, the Langmuir model validated that SO_2 was mainly adsorbed through chemical adsorption on the sample surfaces.
文摘The study is focused on the phenomenon of diffusion of water through the shells of two coconut species (coconut nucifera) of Cameroun. The kinetics absorption of water was studied experimentally by the gravimetric method with discontinuous control of the mass of the samples at the temperature of 23℃. The mature coconut shells were cleaned mechanically, cut in a spherical shape and placed in a drying oven with 105℃ for 4 hours before being plunged in distilled water at 23℃. This study made it possible not only to determine the rate of water absorbed, but also to model the water kinetic absorption of the shells. Of the two models tested (Peleg and Page), the Page model predicted very well the experimental data. The Fick law made it possible to evaluate the effective diffusivity coefficients at the initial and final phases of absorption. The effective diffusivity coefficient was given from the Arrhenius equation.
基金Supported by National Forestry Bureau Public Service Industry (201004051)China Forestry Science Institution Central Public Service Science and Research Academy Fundamental Research Operation Feed(CAFINT2009K02)
文摘[Objective] The paper aimed to study kinetics analysis of coconut shell pyrolysis. [Method] Thermo gravimetric analysis was used to study the pyrolysis characteristic of coconut shell at different pyrolysis rates (5, 10, 20 K/min). [Result] The pyrolysis process included 3 stages, water loss, pyrolysis, and thermal condensation. The pyrolysis process can be described through first-order reaction model. With the increasing pyrolysis rate, activation energy in the first stage rose, but activation energy in the second stage reduced. [Conclusion] The study provided theoretical basis for the promotion and application of biomass energy.
文摘The use of waste materials to produce engineering components is currently attracting so much interest due to their low cost, availability and environmental impact. In this study, coconut shell ash (CSA) and kyanite particles (KP) produced from coconut shells and kyanite mineral respectively were characterized. X-ray Florence (XRF), X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to analyze the oxide compositions, crystalline phases and microstructures of CSA and KP. The XRF analysis revealed major oxides in CSA and KP as SiO2 and Fe2O3;and Al2O3 and SiO2 respectively. The XRD analysis revealed the presence of Quartz, Hematite, Andradite and Gaultite phases at major peaks in diffractogram of CSA;and Quartz and Beryl phases at major peaks in the diffractogram of KP. The crystallite sizes of the quartz phases in CSA and KP at diffraction angle of 26.72°C and 20.91°C were determined as 638.28 Åand 789.38 Årespectively. From the SEM image of CSA, it was observed that particles of different sizes are present in the microstructure of CSA. The average size of the particles in the microstructure of CSA is 26.24 μm. A similar result was observed in the SEM image of KP and average size of the particles is 3.074 μm. Also, the energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectrums of CSA and KP revealed the presence of many elements with calcium as the major element in CSA and Aluminium as major element in KP. The presence of the crystalline phases in CSA (SiO2, Al2O3, andradite, gaultite and hematite) and KP (SiO2 and Al2O3) will make them good strengthening materials for the production of Aluminium based composites that can be used in applications where a good combination of strength and wear characteristics is a basic requirement like brake disc.
文摘The morphology and mechanical properties of coconut shell reinforced polyethylene composite have been evaluated to establish the possibility of using it as a new material for engineering applications. Coconut shell reinforced composite was prepared by compacting low density polyethylene matrix with 5% - 25% volume fraction coconut shell particles and the effect of the particles on the mechanical properties of the composite produced was investigated. The result shows that the hardness of the composite increases with increase in coconut shell content though the tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, impact energy and ductility of the composite decreases with increase in the particle content. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) of the composites (with 0% - 25% particles) surfaces indicates poor interfacial interaction between the coconut shell particle and the low density polyethylene matrix. This study therefore exploits the potential of agrobased waste fiber in Nigeria as an alternative particulate material for the development of a new composite.
文摘This study aims to evaluate the erosion behavior and the hardness of hybrid composites made of varying amounts of coconut shells,walnut shells,and carbonfibers dispersed in a polyester matrix.MINITAB(L16)Taguchi experiments were used to determine the optimal combination of parameters.In particular,an erosion device con-sisting of a motor with a constantflow rate of 45 L/min,a pump with a diameter of 40 mm,a nozzle with a dia-meter of 5 mm,and a tank made of“perspex glass”55 cm long,30 cm tall,and 25 cm wide was used.The tests were conducted by varying the sample-to-nozzle distance,the pattern angle,and the sand particle size.The results have revealed that the presence of 7.5%by weight of waste coconut shell,for conditions corresponding to 90°angle,sand size 425μm,stand distance 30 cm,gives the best wear resistance(3.04×10^(-5) g/g).Thefiller content and sand particle size affect the erosive rate,with the angle playing a secondary role.The distance between the sample and the nozzle has a weaker effect on erosive wear.The hardness results show that the models(UP-5%carbonfiber-2.5-3.5-4.5-5.5-6.5-7.5 wt.%waste coconut shell)give the best values for prayer compared to the samples(UP-5 wt.%carbonfiber-2.5-3.5-4.5-5.5-6.5-7.5 wt.%waste walnut shell).
文摘Water diffusion of two species of coconut shells (CS) nucifera from Cameroon, in the case of drying, was experimentally studied. The experiment was done with the aid of an oven, by the method of gravimetric batch control of the mass of the test samples with the temperatures varied from 70° to 180° Celsius. The shells of mature coconuts from two species were conserved in the laboratory at a temperature ranging between 20° and 23° Celsius for two months before being mechanically cleaned. This study allows not only the determination of the water content of the shells, but also the identification of the drying model. It is thus from the ten model tests, and the statistical analysis shows that the Midilli model best predicted this drying phenomenon. The coefficient of effective diffusion was determined at different temperatures which permitted the evaluation of the activation energy per the Arrhenius equation.
文摘Catalyst for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is at the heart of key renewable energy technologies such as water splitting and rechargeable batteries. But developing a low-cost oxygen electrode catalyst with high activity at low overpotential remains a great challenge. Coconut shells can be utilized as suitable raw material to produce activated carbon for enhanced adsorption capacity, bulk density, and hardness to be used as regenerative fuel cells running ORR and OER. The present work is designed to obtain an alternative to noble metal-based catalysts by synthesizing electroactive N-doped porous carbon from coconut shells;the use of biodegradable raw material through a single-step activation followed by nitrogen doping provides a more economical and environmentally friendly route to produce green catalysts for fuel cell applications. In valorization of biomass for the development of novel catalytic materials, our aim is also to reduce the use of hazardous chemicals. N-doped activated carbon shows promising bifunctional catalyst for ORR and OER as low-cost noble-metal-free and carbon-based oxygen catalysts.
文摘In this paper, the authors aim to propose the use of waste plastics as a binder in a coconut shell reinforcement for the development of an 8/6 size composite rafter to replace the natural 8/6 size backbone in construction. Following a study into the choice of the best proportions, a total of 30 size 8/6 composite rafters with different proportions of 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40% and 50% plastic content were developed. All the 8/6 composite rafters were subjected to mechanical (3-point bending strength and Monnin hardness) and physical (bulk density and water absorption) characterization analyses. The results show that flexural strength increases from 27.56 MPa to 33.30 MPa for proportions ranging from 20% to 35% plastic content. Above 35% plastic, the strength drops to 19.60 MPa for a 50% plastic content. Similarly, the Monnin hardness drops from 9 mm to 5 mm when the plastic content varies from 20 to 50%. As for the results of the physical characterisation, the values obtained for apparent density vary from 0.89 to 1 for proportions varying from 20% to 35% plastic content and drop to 0.94 for 50% plastic content. As for water absorption, values drop from 6.82% to 2.45% when the plastic content increases from 20% to 50%. These mechanical strengths stabilise at 35% plastic content. The development of an 8/6 chevron composite material based on plastic and coconut shell could therefore be a way of recovering waste and solving the problem of deforestation.
文摘In this work, low cost coconut biochar based activated carbon (CBAC) was used for adsorption of Butylparaben (BPB) from aqueous medium. The prepared CBAC was characterized using BET, Boehm analysis and the adsorption equilibrium, kinetics and thermodynamics studies of BPB adsorption were carried out. During batch adsorption runs, the effects of factors, such as contact time (0 - 300 min), CBAC dose (200 - 800 mg), pH (3 - 11) and solution temperatures (303 - 348 K) were investigated on BPB removal. Experimental results reveal that the BPB removal efficiency on CBAC is higher than 97% under acidic and neutral conditions. Equilibrium data were fitted by Langmuir, Freundlich and Temkin isotherm models with correlation coefficient more than 0.9. The pseudo-second order kinetic model was observed to fit well the adsorption data. Thermodynamic analysis shows positive values of standard Gibb’s free energy, suggesting the non-spontaneity of the process. The changes in enthalpy (0.2 J.mol-1) and entropy (19 J.mol-1) were found to be endothermic with an increase of randomness. The high adsorption efficiency of the synthesized coconut biochar materials with low cost indicates that it may be a promising adsorbent for removing organic compounds.
文摘Chitosan/coconut (CTS/coconut) composite membranes were successfully prepared by the cross-linking reaction with glutaraldehyde and they were applied in eliminating heavy metals from aqueous solutions. The cross-linked membranes were obtained at the ratios of 1/1, 1/1.5 and 1/2 and the coconut fiber was chemically treated by NaOCl/NaOH. The best ratio of CTS/coconut fiber is found to be 1/1.5 which has a relatively high stability with the degree of swelling (DS) and solvent content (SC) of membrane to be 13.33% and 69.88%, respectively. The results also indicate that the CTS membranes showed preferential separation of heavy metals for blend CTS/coconut membranes.
文摘为解决MnO_(2)材料在水系锌离子电池(ZIBs)中存在的导电性差、材料利用率低等问题,以农业废弃物椰壳为原料,将低成本、来源丰富、绿色可再生的生物质资源引入到电极材料中,通过高温碳化得到导电性优异的椰壳碳,用水热法在椰壳碳表面生长MnO_(2)纳米粒子,获得椰壳碳@MnO_(2)复合纳米材料。借助扫描电子显微镜(SEM)、X射线衍射仪(XRD)、电化学技术等表征测试手段,分析该复合材料的形貌结构以及电化学性能。结果表明椰壳碳@MnO_(2)在100 mA g^(-1)的电流密度下,经过300次循环,比容量仍高达到344.6 mA h g^(-1),性能远高于商用MnO_(2)材料(64.3 mA h g^(-1));椰壳碳@MnO_(2)优异的导电性,纳米化的结构设计提高了材料利用率,减少了离子扩散路径,带来更快的离子扩散速率,提高了材料的倍率性能,具有良好的应用前景。