In this research, composites based on treated tropical sawdust and polypropylene (PP) were prepared using hot press molding machine. Raw sawdust was chemically treated with monomer, 2 - ethylhexyl methacrylate in orde...In this research, composites based on treated tropical sawdust and polypropylene (PP) were prepared using hot press molding machine. Raw sawdust was chemically treated with monomer, 2 - ethylhexyl methacrylate in order to improve the mechanical properties of the composites. The influence of the chemically treated sawdust on the physical and mechanical properties of sawdust-PP composites were investigated at various loading level from 10 wt.% up to 30 wt.%. Results indicate that the mechanical properties of the chemically treated sawdust–PP composites were found to be higher than those of the raw ones respectively. The surface morphology obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that raw sawdust–PP composites possess surface roughness and weak interfacial adhesion between the matrix and the filler while the chemically treated one showed improved filler–matrix interaction. This indicates that better dispersion of the filler with the PP matrix has occurred upon chemical treatment of the filler. Water absorption tests showed that composites prepared from the chemically treated sawdust absorb lower amount of water compared to the ones prepared from raw sawdust, suggesting that hydrophilic nature of the cellulose in the sawdust has significantly decreased upon chemical treatment.展开更多
In South Saharan countries, 85% of the population uses biomass as a primary energy source. Cameroon presents one of the highest biomass energy and sawmills produce important sawdust resources which are not used and ar...In South Saharan countries, 85% of the population uses biomass as a primary energy source. Cameroon presents one of the highest biomass energy and sawmills produce important sawdust resources which are not used and are burnt in piles leading to significant air toxic emissions. Therefore, we have to valorize industrially these available sawdusts. This study focuses on the physicochemical and thermochemical analysis of Ayous, Sapelli and Tali sawdust. The proximate and ultimate analysis, particle size, structural composition, as well as heavy metal content and calorific value were determined. In addition, the thermogravimetric mass losses were also estimated. The results showed that high water contents (24% - 41%) were recorded in the raw sawdust, and the thermal treatment reduced these contents from 78% to values in the range of 4% - 9%. The values for ash and volatile matter content were respectively between 0.25% - 0.74% and 68% - 76%. The LHV is higher in Ayous (17.5 MJ/kg) and Sapelli (16.8 MJ/kg) than that of Tali (15.7 MJ/kg). The concentration of heavy metals is very low in each species. Extractives are more present in Tali (16.06%) than in the other sawdusts. Pyrolysis of sawdust shows the typical decomposition of hemicellulose (270˚C - 325˚C), cellulose (325˚C - 400˚C) and lignin (200˚C - 550˚C) with a maximum loss of 75% at 370˚C and the melting point is 320˚C. The results of the sawdust parameters determined in the paper can be valorized to reduce pollutants emissions by developing the efficiency and effectiveness of biomass energy processes and promoting the use of biomass as a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.展开更多
The present research aims to utilize the acrylic Core-Shell Rubber (CSR) particles to reduce the brittleness in Wood Plastic Composites (WPC) prepared from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and rubber wood sawdust (Hev...The present research aims to utilize the acrylic Core-Shell Rubber (CSR) particles to reduce the brittleness in Wood Plastic Composites (WPC) prepared from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and rubber wood sawdust (Hevea brasiliensis). Experimental works consisted of two major parts. The first part concentrated on toughening PLA by using CSR particles. Mechanical tests revealed that PLA had become tougher with a more than five times increment in the impact strength when the CSR was added at only 5 wt%. The modified PLA was less stiff with the significant reductions of both elastic and flexural moduli and strengths. The second part focused on producing WPC from the toughened PLA and rubber wood sawdust. The tensile moduli and the strengths of the PLA composites increased with rubber wood content. The composites turned out to be more brittle with reductions of both the impact strength and the tensile elongation at break at all the sawdust contents. Toughening PLA/wood flour with 5 wt% CSR improved both the impact strength and the tensile elongation at break. The toughness enhancement was also depicted by the plastic deformation observed on the surfaces of fractured PLA/CSR/wood sawdust composites.展开更多
This research investigates the efficacy of activated Gmelina Wood Sawdust (GWS) as an adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solutions, in comparison with raw GWS. The study employs laborato...This research investigates the efficacy of activated Gmelina Wood Sawdust (GWS) as an adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solutions, in comparison with raw GWS. The study employs laboratory experiments to assess the percentage of dye removal across various temperature and pH conditions. The adsorption process is scrutinized under different parameters, encompassing contact time, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, temperature, and pH. Results demonstrate that activated GWS surpasses its raw counterpart, showcasing superior MB dye removal percentages. Extended contact times increased initial dye concentrations, and higher adsorbent dosages contribute positively to removal efficiency, while temperature exhibits an inverse relationship with dye removal. Optimal adsorption occurs at a pH of 7.0, aligning with the adsorbent’s zero-point charge (pHzpc), underscoring the role of surface charge in the adsorption process. This study underscores the potential of activated GWS as an economical and promising adsorbent material for addressing pollutants. Furthermore, the utilization of activated carbon derived from abundant agricultural waste underscores an environmentally conscious approach to adsorption applications. The ability to tailor the size and properties of activated carbon particles opens avenues for optimizing adsorption capabilities, thereby presenting opportunities for enhanced water treatment solutions.展开更多
We produced Wood-Polymer Composites (WPCs) with phenolic resin (PR) filled with saw dust (SD) and rice husks (RH) in a PR:fillerratio of 60:40 wt.%. RH and SD were grinded and sieved into particles μm. The aim of thi...We produced Wood-Polymer Composites (WPCs) with phenolic resin (PR) filled with saw dust (SD) and rice husks (RH) in a PR:fillerratio of 60:40 wt.%. RH and SD were grinded and sieved into particles μm. The aim of this research work was to evaluate sawdust and rice husks as fillers for sustainable phenolic resin based WPCs. Therefore, we investigated the thermal stability of PR/RH and PR/SD WPCs then we studied and compared the tensile, flexural properties of PR/SD and PR/RH WPCs samples, as well as their dimensional stability after water absorption test. Furthermore, through ultraviolet light exposure, we evaluated the effects of photo-oxidation on the water stability and mechanical properties of PR/RH and PR/SD WPCs samples compared to unexposed ones. PR filled with SD presented better mechanical properties compared to PR/RH WPCs samples. However, PR/RH WPCs showed good mechanical properties, and better thermal resistance and better water repulsion capabilities compared to PR/SD WPCs samples. Although, long time UV exposure ended up lowering considerably the mechanical properties and water resistance of PR/SD and PR/RH WPCs, both RH and SD offer great added value as fillers for PR based WPCs;SD having better interactions with PR matrix compared to RH.展开更多
The chemical composition of unpleasant smell, emitted from the production process of wood-plastic composites using Manchurian ash sawdust (Fraxinus mandschurica Rupr.) and polypropylene powder as the raw material, w...The chemical composition of unpleasant smell, emitted from the production process of wood-plastic composites using Manchurian ash sawdust (Fraxinus mandschurica Rupr.) and polypropylene powder as the raw material, was investigated. Wood sawdust and polypropylene powder were subjected to heat treatment to 290℃ during 8 min (the conditions were similar to those employed on an industrial scale). The emitted compounds were collected and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The analytical results showed that the unpleasant smell was emitted from the pyrogenation of wood sawdust rather than from the polypropylene powder. Nine types of compounds (hydrocarbons, ethers, phenols, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, acids and their derivatives, furan and its derivatives, and nitrogen-containing compounds) were collected in the gas phase during heating. Among those 126 components detected by GC-MS, 112 compounds were identified.展开更多
文摘In this research, composites based on treated tropical sawdust and polypropylene (PP) were prepared using hot press molding machine. Raw sawdust was chemically treated with monomer, 2 - ethylhexyl methacrylate in order to improve the mechanical properties of the composites. The influence of the chemically treated sawdust on the physical and mechanical properties of sawdust-PP composites were investigated at various loading level from 10 wt.% up to 30 wt.%. Results indicate that the mechanical properties of the chemically treated sawdust–PP composites were found to be higher than those of the raw ones respectively. The surface morphology obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that raw sawdust–PP composites possess surface roughness and weak interfacial adhesion between the matrix and the filler while the chemically treated one showed improved filler–matrix interaction. This indicates that better dispersion of the filler with the PP matrix has occurred upon chemical treatment of the filler. Water absorption tests showed that composites prepared from the chemically treated sawdust absorb lower amount of water compared to the ones prepared from raw sawdust, suggesting that hydrophilic nature of the cellulose in the sawdust has significantly decreased upon chemical treatment.
文摘In South Saharan countries, 85% of the population uses biomass as a primary energy source. Cameroon presents one of the highest biomass energy and sawmills produce important sawdust resources which are not used and are burnt in piles leading to significant air toxic emissions. Therefore, we have to valorize industrially these available sawdusts. This study focuses on the physicochemical and thermochemical analysis of Ayous, Sapelli and Tali sawdust. The proximate and ultimate analysis, particle size, structural composition, as well as heavy metal content and calorific value were determined. In addition, the thermogravimetric mass losses were also estimated. The results showed that high water contents (24% - 41%) were recorded in the raw sawdust, and the thermal treatment reduced these contents from 78% to values in the range of 4% - 9%. The values for ash and volatile matter content were respectively between 0.25% - 0.74% and 68% - 76%. The LHV is higher in Ayous (17.5 MJ/kg) and Sapelli (16.8 MJ/kg) than that of Tali (15.7 MJ/kg). The concentration of heavy metals is very low in each species. Extractives are more present in Tali (16.06%) than in the other sawdusts. Pyrolysis of sawdust shows the typical decomposition of hemicellulose (270˚C - 325˚C), cellulose (325˚C - 400˚C) and lignin (200˚C - 550˚C) with a maximum loss of 75% at 370˚C and the melting point is 320˚C. The results of the sawdust parameters determined in the paper can be valorized to reduce pollutants emissions by developing the efficiency and effectiveness of biomass energy processes and promoting the use of biomass as a sustainable alternative to traditional fossil fuels.
文摘The present research aims to utilize the acrylic Core-Shell Rubber (CSR) particles to reduce the brittleness in Wood Plastic Composites (WPC) prepared from poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and rubber wood sawdust (Hevea brasiliensis). Experimental works consisted of two major parts. The first part concentrated on toughening PLA by using CSR particles. Mechanical tests revealed that PLA had become tougher with a more than five times increment in the impact strength when the CSR was added at only 5 wt%. The modified PLA was less stiff with the significant reductions of both elastic and flexural moduli and strengths. The second part focused on producing WPC from the toughened PLA and rubber wood sawdust. The tensile moduli and the strengths of the PLA composites increased with rubber wood content. The composites turned out to be more brittle with reductions of both the impact strength and the tensile elongation at break at all the sawdust contents. Toughening PLA/wood flour with 5 wt% CSR improved both the impact strength and the tensile elongation at break. The toughness enhancement was also depicted by the plastic deformation observed on the surfaces of fractured PLA/CSR/wood sawdust composites.
文摘This research investigates the efficacy of activated Gmelina Wood Sawdust (GWS) as an adsorbent for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solutions, in comparison with raw GWS. The study employs laboratory experiments to assess the percentage of dye removal across various temperature and pH conditions. The adsorption process is scrutinized under different parameters, encompassing contact time, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, temperature, and pH. Results demonstrate that activated GWS surpasses its raw counterpart, showcasing superior MB dye removal percentages. Extended contact times increased initial dye concentrations, and higher adsorbent dosages contribute positively to removal efficiency, while temperature exhibits an inverse relationship with dye removal. Optimal adsorption occurs at a pH of 7.0, aligning with the adsorbent’s zero-point charge (pHzpc), underscoring the role of surface charge in the adsorption process. This study underscores the potential of activated GWS as an economical and promising adsorbent material for addressing pollutants. Furthermore, the utilization of activated carbon derived from abundant agricultural waste underscores an environmentally conscious approach to adsorption applications. The ability to tailor the size and properties of activated carbon particles opens avenues for optimizing adsorption capabilities, thereby presenting opportunities for enhanced water treatment solutions.
文摘We produced Wood-Polymer Composites (WPCs) with phenolic resin (PR) filled with saw dust (SD) and rice husks (RH) in a PR:fillerratio of 60:40 wt.%. RH and SD were grinded and sieved into particles μm. The aim of this research work was to evaluate sawdust and rice husks as fillers for sustainable phenolic resin based WPCs. Therefore, we investigated the thermal stability of PR/RH and PR/SD WPCs then we studied and compared the tensile, flexural properties of PR/SD and PR/RH WPCs samples, as well as their dimensional stability after water absorption test. Furthermore, through ultraviolet light exposure, we evaluated the effects of photo-oxidation on the water stability and mechanical properties of PR/RH and PR/SD WPCs samples compared to unexposed ones. PR filled with SD presented better mechanical properties compared to PR/RH WPCs samples. However, PR/RH WPCs showed good mechanical properties, and better thermal resistance and better water repulsion capabilities compared to PR/SD WPCs samples. Although, long time UV exposure ended up lowering considerably the mechanical properties and water resistance of PR/SD and PR/RH WPCs, both RH and SD offer great added value as fillers for PR based WPCs;SD having better interactions with PR matrix compared to RH.
文摘The chemical composition of unpleasant smell, emitted from the production process of wood-plastic composites using Manchurian ash sawdust (Fraxinus mandschurica Rupr.) and polypropylene powder as the raw material, was investigated. Wood sawdust and polypropylene powder were subjected to heat treatment to 290℃ during 8 min (the conditions were similar to those employed on an industrial scale). The emitted compounds were collected and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The analytical results showed that the unpleasant smell was emitted from the pyrogenation of wood sawdust rather than from the polypropylene powder. Nine types of compounds (hydrocarbons, ethers, phenols, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, acids and their derivatives, furan and its derivatives, and nitrogen-containing compounds) were collected in the gas phase during heating. Among those 126 components detected by GC-MS, 112 compounds were identified.