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Kapok was well-known for its oleophilic properties, but its mechanical properties and morphology impeded it from forming suitable absorbent materials. This study aims to demonstrate the process of creating an oil-absorbent web from a blend of treated kapok and polypropylene fibers.

Kapok fibers were separated from dried fruits, then the wax was removed with an HCl solution at different concentrations. The morphological and structural changes of these fibers were investigated using scanning electron microscopy images. The blending ratios of kapok and polypropylene fibers were 60/40, 70/30 and 80/20, respectively. The fiber blends were fed to a laboratory carding machine to form a web and then consolidated using the heat press technique. The absorption behavior of the formed web was evaluated regarding oil absorption capacity and oil retention capacity according to ASTM 726.

The results showed that the HCl concentration of 1.0% (wt%) gave the highest wax removal efficiency without damaging the kapok fibers. This study found that oil absorbency is influenced by the fiber blending ratio, web tensile strength and elongation, porosity, oil type and environmental conditions. The oil-absorbency of the web can be re-used for at least 20 cycles.

This study only looked at three types of oils: diesel, kerosene and vegetable oils.

When the problem of oil spills in rivers and seas is growing and causing serious environmental and economic consequences, using physical methods to recover oil spills is the most effective solution.

This research adds to the possibility of using kapok fiber in the form of a web of non-woven fabric for practical purposes.

Notes some methods of restoring the soundness and good appearance of brickwork. Discusses damage caused by frost, water penetration and soluble salts. Outlines techniques of repointing historic brickwork and special joint finishes, and examines the causes of cracks and instability. Mentions methods of cleaning brickwork, and suggests that the work be undertaken by skilled specialist contractors.

City planning and construction have embraced circular economy principles, converting them into various indicators. Particularly in the European context, the question “what architecture for circularity?” is answered with policies focusing on techniques, materials and disassembling construction. This paper analyzes a new approach to sustainable design and explores the concept of Km0 architecture. The objective is to demonstrate the design strategies of a contemporary architecture based on local resources and knowledge, an architecture that works with the shortest possible loop in circularity, i.e. with the cycle that consumes the least amount of energy.

The paper presents two ways of understanding sustainability in architecture: the first as a result of policies and the second associated with the design and innovative-based New European Bauhaus initiative. Within the scope of this last understanding, the authors analyze three cases on the Spanish Mediterranean coast that have recently received media attention and prominence. The selection responds to a specific climate adaption through a certain typological and functional diversity of the works.

The studied cases exhibit a more equitable and cost-effective circularity based on the time factor, have long life-cycle designs and serve as repositories of cultural identity. Km0 architecture reduces emissions using local resources and mitigates environmental conditions by combining traditional and modern design strategies.

This paper fulfills an identified need to study the local understandings of the built environment that would ensure a more fair and inclusive European green transformation.

Examines the seventeenth published year of the ITCRR. Runs the whole gamut of textile innovation, research and testing, some of which investigates hitherto untouched aspects. Subjects discussed include cotton fabric processing, asbestos substitutes, textile adjuncts to cardiovascular surgery, wet textile processes, hand evaluation, nanotechnology, thermoplastic composites, robotic ironing, protective clothing (agricultural and industrial), ecological aspects of fibre properties – to name but a few! There would appear to be no limit to the future potential for textile applications.

Recently, the usage of melt blown products in many areas has increased. In melt blown process, generally polymers have been used. There are a variety of polymers. Characteristics of melt blown nonwovens have changed significantly depending on the polymer type. Also, there are several parameters such as die temperature, die-to-collector distance (DCD), air pressure, etc. that modify the nonwovens in melt blown process. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of these parameters on the characteristics of nonwovens made up of polyethylene (PE).

In the melt blown process, two die temperatures, three different die air pressures and three different DCDs were used. In total, 18 samples were produced. On produced samples, thickness, tear and tensile strengths, fiber diameter, basis weight tests were done. Also SEM observations were obtained.

It was observed that parameters studied have a significant effect on characteristics of the produced nonwoven. Fiber diameter, basis weight and strength decrease by depending on factors. Also, it was observed that temperature has an effect, but slight. This work shows that higher temperatures should be studied. Finer and uniform fiber diameter is obtained with an increase in air pressure.

PE is becoming increasingly important in nonwovens due to its lower melting point for processing and softer feel in nonwoven products.

Although the use of PE in polymer-laid nonwovens, especially as bicomponent fibers, has been growing in recent years, there are limited data on their processability and performance. In this context, with the availability of relatively higher melt flow rate PE, understanding the processability and structure and properties of the melt blown PE is very helpful in designing and developing the right products. This research was conducted to evaluate the processability of the PE resin using a typical PP melt blowing pilot line and to determine the structure and properties of the formed webs.

PE has superior properties such as excellent chemical resistance, good fatigue, wear resistance and higher impact strength. Also, PE provides good resistance to organic solvents, degreasing agents and electrolytic attack. PE has lower working temperatures than polypropylene, is light in weight, resistant to staining and has low moisture absorption rates. Thus, this study provides important contributions to the area since there are no data reported about the effect of various processing parameters on the structure and properties of PE melt blown nonwovens.

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how safeguarding intangible cultural heritage contributes to environmental conservation and favours sustainable development of natural landscapes. To do so, the authors will focus on a study of dry stone constructions, which have been recognised by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as Intangible Cultural Heritage.

The research has been carried out through three methodologies: the search and review of archives (historical and administrative documents), ethnographic methodology (field work and interviews) and case studies.

The abandonment of dry stone constructions is placing rural zones at risk, as they assume a strategic role in environmental conservation efforts. This article seeks to highlight the importance of safeguarding this cultural heritage.

The art of dry stone walling has its origins in ancient times and can be found in numerous regions around the world. The main ideas of this paper may be applied to many of the places where this vernacular architecture can be found.

Some stakeholders may apply the results of this study to identify new uses for heritage resources that allow maintenance of ecosystems while at the same time safeguarding intangible cultural heritage.

This paper stresses the importance of raising public awareness of cultural heritage and vernacular architecture, its link with traditional activities such as farming and livestock raising, the rural landscape and reinforcement of cultural identity and historical memory.

This study illustrates the actions taken by UNESCO to safeguard intangible cultural heritage and the effects of those actions. It also considers dry stone constructions from the perspective of environmental sustainability, an area that has been subject to limited study.

Non‐woven glass epoxy laminates are compared with paper phenolic and woven glass epoxy, indicating the advantages and limitations of the newer materials. Certain electrical properties are compared together with thermal and dimensional stability performances. This paper was presented at the Institute of Metal Finishing Printed Circuit Group Symposium “Circuits 77” in London during March 1977.

The three manufacturers of the European A‐300 Airbus — Sud‐Aviation in France, Hawker Siddeley Aviation Ltd. in Great Britain and Deutsche Airbus GmbH. in Germany — have formed a limited company whose object is the A‐300 aircraft.

Accles & Pollock Ltd. of Oldbury, Worcestershire, a TI Steel Tube Division company, will be exhibiting a comprehensive range of precision steel tube and tubular products, including plain, annularly convoluted and thin wall tube, at Farnborough.

The history of SAAB's development of adhesive bonded aircraft structures is briefly commented upon. The lecture deals mainly with Redux bonding of aluminium alloys, and the many design problems associated with bonded structures are treated mainly with the structural designer's interests in mind. He has to deal with a great number of different types of bonded joints, loaded and stressed in more or less complex ways, and often with high service temperatures, for which more design information is needed.