Study of Rice Husks and Expanded Polystyrene Composites for Construction Applications

In the current context of environmental challenges, this study focuses on developing innovative and eco-friendly composites using rice husk and recycled expanded polystyrene. This dual-responsibility approach valorizes a by-product like rice husk, often considered waste, and reuses polystyrene, a plastic waste, thereby contributing to CO2 emission reduction and effective waste management. The manufacturing process involves dissolving recycled polystyrene into a solvent to create a binder, which is then mixed with rice husk and cold-compacted into composite materials. The study examines the impact of two particle sizes (fine and coarse) and different proportions of recycled polystyrene binder. The results show significant variations in the mechanical characteristics of the composites, with Modulus of Rupture (MOR) values varying from 2.41 to 3.47 MPa, Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) ranging from 223.41 to 1497.2 MPa, and Stiffness Coefficient (K) from 5.04 to 33.96 N/mm. These characteristics demonstrate that these composites are appropriate for various construction applications, including interior decoration, panel claddings, and potentially for furniture and door manufacturing when combined with appropriate coatings. This study not only highlights the recycling of agricultural and plastic waste but also provides a localized approach to addressing global climate change challenges through the adoption of sustainable building materials.

Exploring Nutritional Compositions,Volatile Compounds,Health Benefits,Emerging Processing Technologies,and Potential Food Products of Glutinous Rice:A Review

Glutinous rice(Oryza sativa var.glutinosa)stands out as one of the most popular rice varieties globally,amidst thousands of rice cultivars.Its increasing popularity is attributed to its rich nutritional compositions and health benefits.This review aims to summarize the nutritional compositions,volatile compounds,and health benefits of glutinous rice.Further,in-depth studies are necessary to explore the utilization of glutinous rice in enhancing processing technologies and developing new food products.Glutinous rice has been shown to possess numerous health benefits,including antioxidant activity,bioactive compounds,anti-cancer properties,anti-inflammatory effects,anti-diabetic potential,and cholesterol-lowering effects.Besides its nutritional compositions,the major volatile compounds identified in glutinous rice could serve as a functional food for human consumption.Emerging processing technologies related to glutinous rice are elaborated to improve the latest developments for incorporating them into various food products.

Rice Storage Proteins:Focus on Composition,Distribution,Genetic Improvement and Effects on Rice Quality

Rice storage proteins(RSPs)are plant proteins with high nutritional quality.As the second largest type of storage substance in rice,it is the main source of protein intake for people who consume rice as a staple food.The content and type of RSPs affect the appearance,processing quality and eating quality of rice.These effects involve the distribution of RSPs in rice grains as well as the interactions of RSPs with other components such as starch in rice grains.In the past two decades,some progress has been made in the genetic improvement of RSPs.However,the determination mechanism of protein content and composition in rice is still unclear,and the mechanism of the effect of RSPs on rice quality has not been elucidated.In this review,the composition,biosynthesis and distribution of RSPs,and quantitative trait loci mapping and cloning of RSP genes are summarized,the research progress of the influence of RSPs and their components on rice quality are reviewed,and the research directions in the future are proposed.

Fabrication of Rice Husk Ash/Natural Rubber Composites by the Latex Process

Rice husk ash/natural rubber composites were fabricated by modifying rice husk ash with the rare earth coupling agent DN-8102. The structure of the rice husk ash and the morphological dispersion of the rice husk ash in a rubber matrix were charactered by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, respectively.The mechanical properties of the composites were experimentally studied. The surface energy and the interaction between rice husk ash particles can be reduced by surface modification of rice husk ash with a rare earth coupling agent, which reduces the agglomeration of rice husk ash in both liquid and rubber matrices and enhances the interactions between rice husk ash and the rubber phase, and thus results in improved mechanical properties for the resulting rice husk ash/natural rubber composite. The modulus of the composites will increase as the loading level of modified rice husk ash increases. A maximum tensile strength of 25.96 MPa for the composites can be obtained when the modified rice husk ash loading level is 4%.

Preparation and characterization of rice husk/ferrite composites

A novel ferrite composite using rice husk as substrate has been prepared via high temperature treatment under nitrogen atmosphere.The rice husk substrate consists of porous activated carbon and silica,where spinel ferrite particles with average diameter of 59 nm are distributed.The surface area of the composite is greater than 170 m^2 g^(-1) and the bulk density is less than 0.6 g cm^(-3).Inert atmosphere is indispensable for the synthesis of pure ferrite composites,while different preparation temperatures ...

Development of high volume rice husk ash alumino silicate composites

The development of high volume rice husk ash （RHA） alumino silicate composites （ASC） was studied. RHA was used as the source of silica and aluminium in the ASC. The mass ratios of RHA：Al（OH）3 of 70：30 to 99：1 were tested. The results indicate that the obtained ASC mortars are not stable and disintegrate in water. Boric acid was introduced to the mixture to overcome this problem. Stable ASC mortars with high RHA：Al（OH）3 mass ratios of 90：10 to 97.5：2.5 were obtained with the use of boric acid and 115oC curing. The compressive strength of the mortar of 20 MPa was gained. The immersion test indicates that high volume RHA ASC mortars show good resistance in 3vol% H2SO4 solution, but is slightly less durable in 5wt% MgSO4 solution.

Genomic prediction using composite training sets is an effective method for exploiting germplasm conserved in rice gene banks

Germplasm conserved in gene banks is underutilized,owing mainly to the cost of characterization.Genomic prediction can be applied to predict the genetic merit of germplasm.Germplasm utilization could be greatly accelerated if prediction accuracy were sufficiently high with a training population of practical size.Large-scale resequencing projects in rice have generated high quality genome-wide variation information for many diverse accessions,making it possible to investigate the potential of genomic prediction in rice germplasm management and exploitation.We phenotyped six traits in nearly 2000 indica(XI)and japonica(GJ)accessions from the Rice 3K project and investigated different scenarios for forming training populations.A composite core training set was considered in two levels which targets used for prediction of subpopulations within subspecies or prediction across subspecies.Composite training sets incorporating 400 or 200 accessions from either subpopulation of XI or GJ showed satisfactory prediction accuracy.A composite training set of 600 XI and GJ accessions showed sufficiently high prediction accuracy for both XI and GJ subspecies.Comparable or even higher prediction accuracy was observed for the composite training set than for the corresponding homogeneous training sets comprising accessions only of specific subpopulations of XI or GJ(within-subspecies level)or pure XI or GJ accessions(across-subspecies level)that were included in the composite training set.Validation using an independent population of 281 rice cultivars supported the predictive ability of the composite training set.Reliability,which reflects the robustness of a training set,was markedly higher for the composite training set than for the corresponding homogeneous training sets.A core training set formed from diverse accessions could accurately predict the genetic merit of rice germplasm.

Rice Grains from Slightly Saline Field Exhibited Unchanged Starch Physicochemical Properties but Enhanced Nutritional Values

This study aims to investigate grain quality and nutritional values of rice(Pokkali,a salt-tolerant cultivar;RD73,a new cultivar improved from KDML105 introgressed with Saltol QTL from Pokkali,and KDML105,a moderately salt-susceptible cultivar)grown under non-saline(0.04–0.87 dS/m)and slightly saline(1.08–4.83 dS/m)field conditions.The results revealed that salinity caused significant reduction in grain size but significant increments in reducing sugar and total protein contents in the grains.Nevertheless,the amounts of starch in the grains of KDML105 and Pokkali rice genotypes were unaffected by the stress.The starch granule size distribution was also unaffected by salinity.Interestingly,only starch from Pokkali was significantly diminished in amylose content,from 19.18%to 16.99%.Accordingly,parameters relating to starch gelatinization,retrogradation,and pasting properties of KDML105 and RD73 were unaffected by salinity;only Pokkali showed a significant increase in percentage of retrogradation along with a significant reduction in gelatinization enthalpy.In the saline field,total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity in the grains of all rice cultivars tended to increase,particularly in Pokkali.On average,essential element contents in grains from the saline-treated plants showed a 33%,32%,32%,22%,20%,11%,and 10%increase in total P,N,K,Mg,Zn,Fe,and Ca content,respectively.Interestingly,total Fe content exhibited the greatest percentage of increments in KDML105(187%).Taken together,cultivation of rice in the slightly saline field did not alter its eating and cooking qualities,while enhanced some nutritional properties such as proteins,minerals,and secondary metabolites like phenolic compounds.

Studies on Physical Chemistry of Rubber-Rice Husk Ash Composites

Nowadays an alternate source of filler from renewable and plant derivatives are being thought of in rubber industries due to their reliability,environmental and economic benefits.Rice Husk Ash(RHA)a byproduct of the rice milling industry is obtained on partial and as well as full combustion of the rice husks.This ash is a good source of silica,silicates and needle shaped carbon and hence can be used as filler for cements.In the present study,a detailed investigation was carried out to understand the RHA as reinforcing material using mechanical properties and fractography using SEM.The rubbers studied were natural rubber(NR),poly chloroprene(CR)and ethylene propylene diene monomer(EPDM).Interestingly,the RHA added NR stock on open mill mixing generated considerable amount of static charges.The properties of NR were found to be as good as regular formulations.EPDM compounds behaved well during mixing.But the properties were found to be poor.CR-RHA compounds were found to result in higher viscosity and the properties were not as good.The SEM studies showed surprisingly cohesive failure as evidenced with the presence of flow lines and the fibrous filler(RHA)remains embedded in the matrix regardless of the chemistry of the repeating unit,NR,EPDM and the chlorine containing monomer inCR.

Performance Evaluation of Novel Eco-Materials Composed of Millet Husks, Rice Husks, and Polystyrene

Managing agricultural waste and expanded polystyrene (EPS) poses significant environmental and economic challenges. This study aims to create composites from millet husks, rice husks, and recycled EPS, using a manufacturing method that involves dissolving the polystyrene in a solvent followed by cold pressing. Various particle sizes and two binder dosages were investigated to assess their influence on the physico-mechanical properties of the composites. The mechanical properties obtained range from 2.54 to 4.47 MPa for the Modulus of Rupture (MOR) and from 686 to 1400 MPa for the Modulus of Elasticity in Bending (MOE). The results indicate that these composites have potential for applications in the construction sector, particularly for wood structures and interior decoration. Moreover, surface treatments could enhance their durability and mechanical properties. This research contributes to the valorization of agricultural and plastic waste as eco-friendly and economical construction materials.

Evaluation of Sawdust and Rice Husks as Fillers for Phenolic Resin Based Wood-Polymer Composites

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.

Synthesis and Mechanical Properties of C/PLA 3D Printing Composites Based on Waste Rice Noodles

Spherical carbon particles were prepared by using waste Guilin rice noodles as raw materials.By blending the rice noodles based carbon(RC)powders with polylactic acid(PLA),A series of black RC/PLA 3D printing composites were synthesized and characterized.The mechanical testing result shows that the RC/PLA 3D printing composites display better mechanical properties than that of pure PLA.Moreover,the composite with carbon treated with high temperature carbonization has better impact strength.

Study on Main Chemical Compositions of Rice Straw in Three Different Areas of Jiangsu Province

[Objective] The research was aimed to study the main chemical composi- tions of rice straw in the three different areas of Jiangsu Province. [Method] The cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and crude ash of rice straw collected in Huaian, Changzhou and Zhenjiang of Jiangsu Province during 2011-2013 were determined. [Result] The change trends of cellulose and hemicellulose in three arrears in differ- ent years were consistent. The cellulose content increased after falling, and hemi- cellulose content presented declining tendency. The lignin content of rice straw fist rose then declined in Huaian and Changzhou in different years, while it presented the declining tendency in Zhenjiang. The ash content of rice straw changed little and was all less than 65% in the three areas in different years. And the chemical composition of rice straw changed significantly in different years. [Conclusion] The research could provide basis for high added-value use of crop straw.

Separation, Purification and Identification of Antioxidant Compositions in Black Rice

To separate, purify and identify the antioxidative compositions of black rice, using total antioxidation capacity （TAC） as an activity-monitoring parameter, different fractions of black rice antioxidative extracts were obtained using solvents of different polarities such as petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and normal butyl alcohol. The main anfioxidative components were separated from the strongest antioxidative fractions by using Sephadex LH-20 resin and the structures were analyzed by ultraviolet-vis, infra-red, ESI-MS, ^1H-NMR and ^13C-NMR spectrums. Results showed that the water fraction and normal butyl alcohol antioxidafive extract fraction of black rice had the strongest antioxidation capacities and their TACs reached 383 and 392 ku g^-1, respectively. Four main antioxidative components were separated from the water fraction and their TACs reached 976, 878, 1 134 and 1087 ku g^-, respectively. The spectroscopy analysis indicated that the four active components of the antioxidative extract of black rice were four anthocyanin compounds of malvidin, pelargonidin- 3, 5-diglucoside, cyaniding-3-glucoside and cyaniding-3, 5-diglucoside. It is concluded that the anthocyanin compounds are the most important substantial foundations for antioxidation.

Prediction of Fiber Composition and Silicificationfor Rice Straw with Near Infrared ReflectanceSpectroscopy (NIRS) Technique

The silicification of rice straw is a factor that affects the grain production and straw nutritive quality. The procedure of chemical analysis for silicon in straw is, however, time and labor consuming, and slightly poor in accuracy. The study has attempted to apply near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) technique as an advanced alternative to predict the fiber composition and silicification in rice straw. Ninety-two samples from different seasons and varieties were collected over the Fujian Province. Their chemical analyses were carried on the aspects of hemicellulose, cellulose, lignin, extractable and non-extractable silicon, and the results were used as a database for NIRS analyses. The prediction model was developed through modified partial least square regression (MPLS) for a calibration program. The factors that may affect the calibration, cross-validation and the prediction for the application of NIRS on rice straw were also discussed.

Production and characterization of rich husk ash particulate reinforced AA6061 aluminum alloy composites by compocasting

Rice husk ash(RHA) is a potential particulate reinforcement to produce aluminum matrix composites(AMCs)economically.Compocasting method was applied to produce aluminum alloy AA6061 reinforced with various amounts(0,2%,4%,6%and 8%,mass fraction) of RHA particles.The prepared composites were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy.X-ray diffraction patterns of AA6061/RHA AMCs revealed the presence of RHA particles without the formation of any other intermetallic compounds.The scanning electron micrographs showed a homogeneous distribution of RHA particles all over the aluminum matrix.Intragranular distribution of RHA particles was observed.Further,RHA particles were bonded well with the aluminum matrix and a clear interface existed.The reinforcement of RHA particles enhanced the microhardness and ultimate tensile strength(UTS) of the AMCs.The tensile behavior is correlated to the microstructure of the AMCs.

Difference of Phytic Acid Content and its Relation to Four Protein Composition Contents in Grains of Twenty-nine japonica Rice Varieties from Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces,China

Twenty-nine japonica rice varieties collected from Jiangsu and Zhejiang Provinces, China were planted in Hangzhou, China, to investigate the phytic acid content in brown rice and its frequency distribution as well as the correlation among the contents of phytic acid, total protein and four protein compositions in brown rice. The phytic acid content in brown rice ranged from 0.699% to 1.034%, with a mean of 0.868% for the 29 tested rice varieties. Xiushui series rice varieties generally exhibited lower phytic acid level than Wuyujing and Huai series rice varieties. A rough normal distribution, with a mean of 8.722%, was observed for the total protein contents in the tested varieties. Of the four protein compositions, the glutelin, globulin and albumin contents had larger coefficient of variation than the prolamin content, although the difference in prolamin content was genotype-dependent. No significant correlation was found between the phytic acid and four protein composition contents, whereas the total protein content was significantly and positively related to the glutelin content in brown rice.

Chemical Composition of Special Glutinous Rice and Its Effect on the Quality of Brewed Wine

The chemical composition of 8 different special glutinous rice varieties was analyzed,and its effects on the physical and chemical properties of the wines brewed were investigated. The correlations between major chemical constituents and quality of glutinous rice were analyzed. The results show that the contents of the major chemical constituents in the special glutinous rice varieties were not much different,and they all ranked as starch’s > protein’s > fat’s. After 4-8 weeks of fermentation,the total acidity decreased with time( excepting Heixiangnuo),the total residual sugar reduced significantly,and the alcohol content increased significantly. The correlations between starch content of glutinous rice and physical and chemical indices and sensory quality of its brewed wine were not significant. There are positive correlations between protein content and various indices,and the correlation with total acidity reached the significant level. Fat content was negatively correlated with alcohol content,and positively correlated with sensory quality.

Emission Flux and Carbon Isotopic Composition of Methane from Rice Paddies in Guizhou Province

Methane emission flux from rice paddies in Guizhou Province shows obvious three-stage diurnal variations: it is relatively low from the morning to the noon, then successively in-creases in the afternoon and at night, and finally folows a gradual decrease. Theδ13C values oftrace methane emitted from rice paddies in Guizhou Province range from-64. 5‰. to - 54.1‰ with an average of - 60. 7‰, very close to the reported values from America or Kenya.

Comparisons of Protein Composition of Grains at Different Positions in Panicles between Erect and Curved Panicle Type Japonica Rice

Under field conditions, three erect panicle type japonica dee cultivars and three curved panicle type japonica rice cultivars were applied as experimental materials to investigate the differences of protein composition of grains at different positions in panicles between two different panicle types of japonica rice. Accord- ing to the results, the panicle type of japonica rice had no direct correlation with albumin content, globulin content, prolamin content and glutelin content in rice, variations of protein composition of grains at different positions in panicles. There were certain correlations between soluble protein contents at different grain posi- tions in the same panicle and the flowering order of glumous flowers in the panicle. Albumin content, prolamin content and glutelin content in grains on secondary rachis branches of two panicle types （erect and curved） of japonica rice cuhivars were higher than that on primary rachis branches, while globulin content exhibited an opposite trend. Globulin content, prolamin content and glutelin content in grains at different positions demonstrated a descending order of bottom 〉 middle 〉 top, while albumin content exhibited an opposite trend. The interactions between primary and secondary rachis branches and among top, middle and bottom rachis branches significantly affected soluble protein contents.