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Article
Publication date: 2 March 2023

Bahareh Nikmehr, Bidur Kafle and Riyadh Al-Ameri

This study aimed to review various existing methods for improving the quality of recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) as a possible substitution for natural aggregates (NAs) in…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to review various existing methods for improving the quality of recycled concrete aggregates (RCAs) as a possible substitution for natural aggregates (NAs) in concrete. It is vital as the old paste attached to the RCA weakens its structure. It is due to the porous structure of the RCA with cracks, weakening the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) between the RCA and binding material, negatively impacting the concrete's properties. To this end, various methods for reinforcement of the RCA, cleaning the RCA's old paste and enhancing the quality of the RCA-based concrete without RCA modification are studied in terms of environmental effects, cost and technical matters. Furthermore, this research sought to identify gaps in knowledge and future research directions.

Design/methodology/approach

The review of the relevant journal papers revealed that various methods exist for improving the properties of RCAs and RCA-based concrete. A decision matrix was developed and implemented for ranking these techniques based on environmental, economic and technical criteria.

Findings

The identified methods for reinforcement of the RCA include accelerated carbonation, bio deposition, soaking in polymer emulsions, soaking in waterproofing admixture, soaking in sodium silicate, soaking in nanoparticles and coating with geopolymer slurry. Moreover, cleaning the RCA's old paste is possible using acid, water, heating, thermal and mechanical treatment, thermo-mechanical and electro-dynamic treatment. Added to these treatment techniques, using RCA in saturated surface dry (SSD) mixing approaches and adding fibres or pozzolana enhance the quality of the RCA-based concrete without RCA modification. The study ranked these techniques based on environmental, economic and technical criteria. Ultimately, adding fibres, pozzolana and coating RCA with geopolymer slurry were introduced as the best techniques based on the nominated criteria.

Practical implications

The study supported the need for better knowledge regarding the existing treatment techniques for RCA improvement. The outcomes of this research offer an understanding of each RCA enrichment technique's importance in environmental, economic and technical criteria.

Originality/value

The practicality of the RCA treatment techniques is based on economic, environmental and technical specifications for rating the existing treatment techniques.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 25 April 2024

Ilse Valenzuela Matus, Jorge Lino Alves, Joaquim Góis, Paulo Vaz-Pires and Augusto Barata da Rocha

The purpose of this paper is to review cases of artificial reefs built through additive manufacturing (AM) technologies and analyse their ecological goals, fabrication process…

148

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review cases of artificial reefs built through additive manufacturing (AM) technologies and analyse their ecological goals, fabrication process, materials, structural design features and implementation location to determine predominant parameters, environmental impacts, advantages, and limitations.

Design/methodology/approach

The review analysed 16 cases of artificial reefs from both temperate and tropical regions. These were categorised based on the AM process used, the mortar material used (crucial for biological applications), the structural design features and the location of implementation. These parameters are assessed to determine how effectively the designs meet the stipulated ecological goals, how AM technologies demonstrate their potential in comparison to conventional methods and the preference locations of these implementations.

Findings

The overview revealed that the dominant artificial reef implementation occurs in the Mediterranean and Atlantic Seas, both accounting for 24%. The remaining cases were in the Australian Sea (20%), the South Asia Sea (12%), the Persian Gulf and the Pacific Ocean, both with 8%, and the Indian Sea with 4% of all the cases studied. It was concluded that fused filament fabrication, binder jetting and material extrusion represent the main AM processes used to build artificial reefs. Cementitious materials, ceramics, polymers and geopolymer formulations were used, incorporating aggregates from mineral residues, biological wastes and pozzolan materials, to reduce environmental impacts, promote the circular economy and be more beneficial for marine ecosystems. The evaluation ranking assessed how well their design and materials align with their ecological goals, demonstrating that five cases were ranked with high effectiveness, ten projects with moderate effectiveness and one case with low effectiveness.

Originality/value

AM represents an innovative method for marine restoration and management. It offers a rapid prototyping technique for design validation and enables the creation of highly complex shapes for habitat diversification while incorporating a diverse range of materials to benefit environmental and marine species’ habitats.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 30 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 24 November 2022

Youssef L. Nashed, Fouad Zahran, Mohamed Adel Youssef, Manal G. Mohamed and Azza M. Mazrouaa

The purpose of this study is to examine how well reinforced concrete structures can be shielded against concrete carbonation using anti-carbonation coatings based on synthetic…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine how well reinforced concrete structures can be shielded against concrete carbonation using anti-carbonation coatings based on synthetic polymer.

Design/methodology/approach

Applying free radical polymerization, an acrylate terpolymer emulsion that a surfactant had stabilized was created. A thermogravimetric analysis, minimum film-forming temperature, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and particle size distribution are used to characterize the prepared eco-friendly water base acrylate terpolymer emulsion. Using three different percentages of the acrylate terpolymer emulsion produced, 35%, 45% and 55%, the anti-carbonation coating was formed. Tensile strength, tensile strain, elongation, crack-bridging ability, carbon dioxide permeability, chloride ion diffusion, average pull-off adhesion strength, water vapor transmission, gloss, wet scrub resistance, QUV/weathering and storage stability are the characteristics of the anti-carbonation coating.

Findings

The formulated acrylate terpolymer emulsion enhances anti-carbonation coating performance in CO2 permeability, Cl-diffusion, crack bridging, pull-off adhesion strength and water vapor transmission. The formed coating based on the formulated acrylate terpolymer emulsion performed better than its commercial counterpart.

Practical implications

To protect the steel embedded in concrete from corrosion and increase the life span of concrete, the surface of cement is treated with an anti-carbonation coating based on synthetic acrylate terpolymer emulsion.

Social implications

In addition to saving lives from building collapse, it maintains the infrastructure for the long run.

Originality/value

The anti-carbonation coating, which is based on the synthetic acrylate terpolymer emulsion, is environmentally benign and stops the entry of carbon dioxide and chlorides, which are the main causes of steel corrosion in concrete.

Details

Pigment & Resin Technology, vol. 53 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0369-9420

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 21 April 2023

Rana I. Mahmood, Harraa S. Mohammed-Salih, Ata’a Ghazi, Hikmat J. Abdulbaqi and Jameel R. Al-Obaidi

In the developing field of nano-materials synthesis, copper oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are deemed to be one of the most significant transition metal oxides because of their…

Abstract

Purpose

In the developing field of nano-materials synthesis, copper oxide nanoparticles (NPs) are deemed to be one of the most significant transition metal oxides because of their intriguing characteristics. Its synthesis employing green chemistry principles has become a key source for next-generation antibiotics attributed to its features such as environmental friendliness, ease of use and affordability. Because they are more environmentally benign, plants have been employed to create metallic NPs. These plant extracts serve as capping, stabilising or hydrolytic agents and enable a regulated synthesis as well.

Design/methodology/approach

Organic chemical solvents are harmful and entail intense conditions during nanoparticle synthesis. The copper oxide NPs (CuO-NPs) synthesised by employing the green chemistry principle showed potential antitumor properties. Green synthesised CuO-NPs are regarded to be a strong contender for applications in the pharmacological, biomedical and environmental fields.

Findings

The aim of this study is to evaluate the anticancer potential of CuO-NPs plant extracts to isolate and characterise the active anticancer principles as well as to yield more effective, affordable, and safer cancer therapies.

Originality/value

This review article highlights the copper oxide nanoparticle's biomedical applications such as anticancer, antimicrobial, dental and drug delivery properties, future research perspectives and direction are also discussed.

Details

Arab Gulf Journal of Scientific Research, vol. 42 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1985-9899

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 May 2023

Md Noor Uddin Milon and Habib Zafarullah

Money laundering (ML) is a major criminal offence stemming from unethical practices by personnel on the ground at Chattogram Port, an important import and export facility in…

Abstract

Purpose

Money laundering (ML) is a major criminal offence stemming from unethical practices by personnel on the ground at Chattogram Port, an important import and export facility in Bangladesh. Because money can be more easily laundered through imports, it is necessary to investigate the dubious process in this sector. This study aims to identify the items most regularly used for easy ML and the factors contributing to their vulnerability.

Design/methodology/approach

This research uses a qualitative approach and analyses information from primary sources. Data is obtained from customs officials, port authority personnel, importers and customs brokers through semi-structured questionnaires. Although there are many techniques for ML, this study only found three most overwhelming: under-invoicing, over-invoicing and misdeclaration. A few case studies have been used based on newspaper reports and the internet to triangulate the qualitative data.

Findings

Four import items – food products, garments, capital machinery and chemicals – have a higher risk of ML. This study also revealed that money launderers prefer under-invoicing food and garment items. Misdeclaration is more commonly associated with capital machinery and chemical items. Over-invoicing, on the other hand, is only prevalent in government purchases. The port authorities need to pay particular attention to these issues.

Research limitations/implications

As ML is an ongoing activity that changes over time, the findings of this research are circumscribed by the data collected at a single point in time. Additionally, this research did not consider alternative laundering methods.

Practical implications

The research results can provide a basis for creating effective anti-money laundering (AML) strategies to assist with sustainable economic growth.

Social implications

Developing effective AML measures can help combat corruption and establish good governance in the country and support human well-being.

Originality/value

This paper presents original research findings based on technical analysis. The Chattogram Port Authority and the National Board of Revenue have accepted and used the main findings in a collaborative action plan to tackle ML. The Bangladesh Bank, the country’s central bank, has also incorporated the necessary guidelines and regulations into the Money Laundering Prevention Act, 2012.

Details

Journal of Money Laundering Control, vol. 27 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1368-5201

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 29 February 2024

Surbhi Kapoor, Amarjeet Kaur, Vikas Kumar and Monika Choudhary

This paper aims to assess the impact of incorporating foxnut powder (FP) into bakery products to evaluate their effect on product quality and nutritional characteristics.

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to assess the impact of incorporating foxnut powder (FP) into bakery products to evaluate their effect on product quality and nutritional characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

Samples of refined flour (control) and refined wheat flour with varying levels of FP were prepared for each bakery item. Sensory evaluations using a nine-point hedonic scale were conducted. Different concentrations of FP (20% for cakes, 12.5% for bread and 12.5% for doughnuts) were tested to achieve sensory acceptability.

Findings

The addition of FP at specified concentrations achieved sensory acceptability in the tested bakery items, significantly impacting overall acceptability. Incorporating FP led to textural attribute alterations, including increased hardness, gumminess and chewiness, alongside reduced cohesiveness and elasticity. Color properties were influenced, affecting lightness, redness and yellowness of the bakery items. Proximate composition analysis highlighted shifts in moisture, protein, fiber, fat and ash content between control and accepted samples. Mineral content analysis revealed notable differences in calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium and sodium between control and accepted samples.

Originality/value

These findings demonstrate the potential of FP to enhance bakery products, offering promising industrial applications in producing nutritionally enriched and visually appealing baked products.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 54 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 26 February 2024

Varsha Vihan, V.P. Singh, Pramila Umaraw, Akhilesh Kumar Verma, Shardanand Verma and Chirag Singh

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of integrating “Licorice powder” into curd balls on their storage stability under refrigeration conditions. Through this…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of integrating “Licorice powder” into curd balls on their storage stability under refrigeration conditions. Through this examination, this study aims to evaluate the potential effects of licorice powder on extending the shelf life, maintaining quality attributes and preserving the overall stability of curd balls when stored at refrigeration temperatures.

Design/methodology/approach

Licorice powder, in varying quantities (1%, 2% and 3%), was incorporated into curd balls alongside a control group lacking licorice (0%). These batches were subsequently stored for 25 days under refrigeration at a temperature of 4 ± 1ºC, using aerobic packaging conditions. During this storage period, the samples were regularly monitored and analyzed for various parameters to assess changes in their properties and qualities.

Findings

The findings indicated that in the treatment groups, pH and titratable acidity were notably lower than those in the control group (p = 0.05). Curd balls enriched with licorice powder exhibited significantly higher levels of 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, 2-2-azinobis-3ethylbenthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid and total phenolic contents compared to the control (p = 0.05). Furthermore, curd balls containing licorice powder displayed notably lower levels of peroxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and free fatty acids in comparison to the control (p = 0.05). Among all samples, T3 (3%) demonstrated significantly less microbial growth (p = 0.05) than the other groups. Conversely, the sensory panel rated T2 significantly higher than T3 (p = 0.05).

Originality/value

The investigation highlights that curd balls enriched with 2.0% licorice powder demonstrated significant efficacy in preventing the deterioration of physicochemical attributes, enhancing antioxidant capacity, restraining lipid oxidation, curbing microbial growth and ultimately exhibiting the most favorable organoleptic properties among the tested variations. This finding underscores the potential of incorporating 2.0% licorice powder as an effective agent for bolstering the storage stability and overall quality of curd balls during refrigerated storage.

Details

Nutrition & Food Science , vol. 54 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0034-6659

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 December 2022

Vimal Kumar Deshmukh, Mridul Singh Rajput and H.K. Narang

The purpose of this paper is to present current state of understanding on jet electrodeposition manufacturing; to compare various experimental parameters and their implication on…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present current state of understanding on jet electrodeposition manufacturing; to compare various experimental parameters and their implication on as deposited features; and to understand the characteristics of jet electrodeposition deposition defects and its preventive procedures through available research articles.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review has been done based on available research articles focused on jet electrodeposition and its characteristics. The review begins with a brief introduction to micro-electrodeposition and high-speed selective jet electrodeposition (HSSJED). The research and developments on how jet electrochemical manufacturing are clustered with conventional micro-electrodeposition and their developments. Furthermore, this study converges on comparative analysis on HSSJED and recent research trends in high-speed jet electrodeposition of metals, their alloys and composites and presents potential perspectives for the future research direction in the final section.

Findings

Edge defect, optimum nozzle height and controlled deposition remain major challenges in electrochemical manufacturing. On-situ deposition can be used as initial structural material for micro and nanoelectronic devices. Integration of ultrasonic, laser and acoustic source to jet electrochemical manufacturing are current trends that are promising enhanced homogeneity, controlled density and porosity with high precision manufacturing.

Originality/value

This paper discusses the key issue associated to high-speed jet electrodeposition process. Emphasis has been given to various electrochemical parameters and their effect on deposition. Pros and cons of variations in electrochemical parameters have been studied by comparing the available reports on experimental investigations. Defects and their preventive measures have also been discussed. This review presented a summary of past achievements and recent advancements in the field of jet electrochemical manufacturing.

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