scholarly journals A Review of Wet Compounding of Cellulose Nanocomposites

Polymers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 911
Author(s):  
Craig Clemons ◽  
Ronald Sabo
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Water Removal ◽  
Transport Medium ◽  
Aqueous Suspensions ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Composite Production ◽  
Cellulose Nanomaterials ◽  
Cellulose Nanocomposites ◽  
Wet Extrusion

Cellulose nanomaterials (CNs) are an emerging class of materials with numerous potential applications, including as additives or reinforcements for thermoplastics. Unfortunately, the preparation of CNs typically results in dilute, aqueous suspensions, and the lack of efficient water removal methods has hindered commercialization. However, water may also present opportunities for improving overall efficiencies if its potential is better understood and if it is better managed through the various stages of CN and composite production. Wet compounding represents one such possible opportunity by leveraging water’s ability to aid in CN dispersion, act as a transport medium for metering and feeding of CNs, plasticize some polymers, or potentially facilitate the preparation of CNs during compounding. However, there are also considerable challenges and much investigation remains. Here, we review various wet compounding approaches used in the preparation of cellulose nanocomposites as well as the related concepts of wet feeding and wet extrusion fibrillation of cellulose. We also discuss potential opportunities, remaining challenges, and research and development needs with the ultimate goal of developing a more integrated approach to cellulose nanocomposite preparation and a more sophisticated understanding of water’s role in the compounding process.

scholarly journals Selection and Micropropagation of an Elite Melatonin Rich Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.) Germplasm Line

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 207
Author(s):  
Mukund R. Shukla ◽  
Annaliese Kibler ◽  
Christina E. Turi ◽  
Lauren A. E. Erland ◽  
J. Alan Sullivan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
In Vitro Selection ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Antioxidant Potential ◽  
Ocimum Sanctum ◽  
Natural Health Products ◽  
Seed Population ◽  
Health Products ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Medicinal Properties

Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum L.) is a sacred plant of medicinal and spiritual significance in many cultures. Medicinal properties of Tulsi are ascribed to its phytochemicals with antioxidant capabilities. The current study was undertaken to screen a large seed population of Tulsi to select germplasm lines with high antioxidant potential and to standardize protocols for micropropagation and biomass production to produce a phytochemically consistent crop. A total of 80 germplasm lines were established under in vitro conditions and screened for their antioxidant potential determined with the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) bioassay. The micropropagation of a selected line, named Vrinda, was established using nodal cultures grown on Murashige and Skoog medium containing benzylaminopurine (1.1 µM), gibberellic acid (0.3 µM), and activated charcoal (0.6%). The antioxidant phytohormones melatonin and serotonin were quantified in the field and greenhouse grown tissues of Vrinda and melatonin levels were found to be consistent in both conditions with higher serotonin levels under field conditions. This integrated approach combining the in vitro selection and propagation offers potential applications in the development of safe, effective, and novel natural health products of Tulsi, and many other medicinal plant species.

scholarly journals Prospects of Integrated Photovoltaic-Fuel Cell Systems in a Hydrogen Economy: A Comprehensive Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chukwuma Ogbonnaya ◽  
Chamil Abeykoon ◽  
Adel Nasser ◽  
Ali Turan ◽  
Cyril Sunday Ume
Keyword(s):  
Fuel Cell ◽  
Research And Development ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Clean Energy ◽  
Hydrogen Economy ◽  
Solar Hydrogen ◽  
Energy Technologies ◽  
Agricultural Applications ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Grid Applications

Integrated photovoltaic-fuel cell (IPVFC) systems, amongst other integrated energy generation methodologies are renewable and clean energy technologies that have received diverse research and development attentions over the last few decades due to their potential applications in a hydrogen economy. This article systematically updates the state-of-the-art of IPVFC systems and provides critical insights into the research and development gaps needed to be filled/addressed to advance these systems towards full commercialisation. The design methodologies, renewable energy-based microgrid and off-grid applications, energy management strategies, optimisations and the prospects as self-sustaining power source were covered. IPVFC systems could play an important role in the upcoming hydrogen economy since they depend on solar hydrogen which has almost zero emissions during operation. Highlighted herein are the progresses as well as the technical challenges requiring research efforts to solve to realise numerous potential applications of IPVFC systems such as in unmanned aerial vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, agricultural applications, telecommunications, desalination, synthesis of ammonia, boats, buildings, and distributed microgrid applications.

The Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

2021 ◽  
pp. 810-826
Author(s):  
Aleksandar Erceg ◽  
Zafer Kilic
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Economic Impact ◽  
Industrial Sectors ◽  
Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Production Cycles ◽  
New Jobs ◽  
The Way

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are present in our lives, and although they are mostly connected to military purposes, they are becoming more present in the commercial and civilian sector. Possible applications of UAVs in the commercial and civilian sector will open new possibilities for further research and development of UAVs. This movement can bring new investment and new jobs, but at the same time, it will influence the way some activities are being done now. The use of UAVs brings savings in the production cycles and improve current operations in various industrial sectors. The chapter gives a definition and explains different types and potential applications of unmanned aerial vehicles in the word as well as the potential economic impact of their development and use. In the second part, the chapter analyzes the application of drones in Turkey and Croatia. Although different in terms of their size and the number of inhabitants, both countries are at the same level in relation to UAV application. Applications in both countries are compared, and after that, a conclusion is drawn.

scholarly journals Getting Environmentally Friendly and High Added-Value Products from Lignocellulosic Waste

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Quintana Rodríguez ◽  
Domancar Orona Tamayo ◽  
José Nicacio González Cervantes ◽  
Flora Itzel Beltrán Ramirez ◽  
María Alejandra Rivera Trasgallo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Value Added ◽  
Environmentally Friendly ◽  
Barrier Properties ◽  
Nanofibrillated Cellulose ◽  
Global Market ◽  
Added Value ◽  
Lignocellulosic Waste ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Cellulose Nanomaterials ◽  
Micro Nanofibrillated Cellulose

In recent years, alternatives have been sought for the reuse of lignocellulosic waste generated by agricultural and other industries because it is biodegradable and renewable. Lignocellulosic waste can be used for a wide variety of applications, depending on their composition and physical properties. In this chapter, we focus on the different treatments that are used for the extraction of natural cellulose fibers (chemical, physical, biological methods) for more sophisticated applications such as reinforcement in biocomposites. Due to the different morphologies that the cellulose can present, depending from sources, it is possible to obtain cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), micro- nanofibrillated cellulose (MFC/NFC), and bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) with different applications in the industry. Among the different cellulose nanomaterials highlighted characteristics, we can find improved barrier properties for sound and moisture, the fact that they are environmentally friendly, increased tensile strength and decreased weight. These materials have the ability to replace metallic components, petroleum products, and nonrenewable materials. Potential applications of cellulose nanomaterials are present in the automotive, construction, aerospace industries, etc. Also, this chapter exhibits global market predictions of these new materials or products. In summary, lignocellulosic residues are a rich source of cellulose that can be extracted to obtain products with high value-added and eco-friendly characteristics.

scholarly journals Experts by Experience as Contributors to Research and Development in a Corporate Context

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Susanne Jacobson
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Design Research ◽  
User Study ◽  
Development Project ◽  
Digital Content ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Physical Prototype ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Health Related ◽  
A Company

This paper presents the findings of a user study conducted at a company, a global leader in its industry, in order to engage experts by experience in the research and development of the company’s future products. People who have life-changing experiences such as being ill or having a disability, and who are trained to consider their environment in terms of those experiences, can be called experts by experience. They can be inventive in creating solutions to the challenges of an inaccessible environment. Currently, their expertise is primarily used by the public sector, mainly in welfare and health-related initiatives. The corporate sector seems to have not yet actively engaged them. This study adopted a design research approach and applied a case study method to a research and development project conducted at a company. The user study comprised experts by experience testing a physical prototype that had digital content, by thinking aloud, interacting and participating in a design game. The aim was to understand the strengths, opportunities and development needs of the prototype, as well as to gain the experts’ insights into future requirements and how to meet them with similar products. The study resulted in usability-, appearance- and feel-related product qualities, as well as ideas regarding the product’s potential applications and digital content. The findings suggest that trained experts by experience can provide a company with information that could act as design drivers that benefit strategic development. Due to the inclusion and empowerment of users, as well as fostering their equality, engaging experts by experience in research and development could also be considered to be an example of corporate social sustainability and responsibility.

scholarly journals Balance method of integrated control of mine water removal by the volumes and mineralization rate within the Ingulets river basin

2021 ◽  
pp. 23-32
Author(s):  
P. I. Kovalchuk ◽  
V. V. Stetsenko ◽  
Н. A. Balykhina ◽  
V. P. Kovalchuk ◽  
O. S. Demchuk
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Mine Water ◽  
Integrated Control ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Balance Method ◽  
Water Removal ◽  
Mineralization Rate ◽  
Environmental Criteria ◽  
Storage Pond ◽  
Water Volumes

The balance method of determining the share of Kryvyi Rig Basin enterprises by the accumulated volume of mine water in the storage pond was considered. The balance method of participation of mining enterprises by the shares of mineral substances was formalized. An integrated approach of the control of water removal into the storage pond when using linear convolution of two balance equations by both the share of water volumes and the mineralization rate in the water discharges of enterprises was developed. It takes into account the choice of equity participation in mine water removal by economic and environmental criteria. The algorithm of equity participation of mining enterprises of Kryvyi Rih Basin on the principles of equality of two criteria was substantiated. The calculations of the share of discharge water accumulation in the storage pond of the Svistunov gully were carried out. The estimated price for water removal of one cubic meter of water into the storage pond by two criteria was considered. The estimation criteria are the volumes of pumped water and mineralization rate. Graphical dependences of the estimated price on the ratio of discharges concentration of different enterprises to the mixture concentration were built. Different estimation coefficients were used: paid water removal by water volumes; assessment of water removal only by mineralization rate; equal approach by the volumes (50%) and mineralization rate (50%). The calculations showed the efficiency of the algorithm, the applicability of its use by enterprises for integrated control of mine water removal by the criteria of volume and mineralization rate. The proposed balance method can be easily generalized when using other indicators of water quality (chlorides, sulfates, etc.), which are considered to be the most relevant for determining the equity participation of enterprises. In the future it is necessary to develop a theory of paid water use and water removal in conditions of unsatisfactory water quality, taking into account the integrated approach by different indicators that means multi-criteria assessment of water removal and accumulation of mine water.

scholarly journals A Review on Plant Cellulose Nanofibre-Based Aerogels for Biomedical Applications

Polymers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 1759 ◽  
Author(s):  
H.P.S. Abdul Khalil ◽  
A.S. Adnan ◽  
Esam Bashir Yahya ◽  
N.G. Olaiya ◽  
Safrida Safrida ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Wound Healing ◽  
Biomedical Applications ◽  
Biomedical Application ◽  
Functional Materials ◽  
Plant Fibre ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Antimicrobial Film ◽  
Cellulose Nanomaterials ◽  
Dressing Materials ◽  
Antibiotic Delivery

Cellulose nanomaterials from plant fibre provide various potential applications (i.e., biomedical, automotive, packaging, etc.). The biomedical application of nanocellulose isolated from plant fibre, which is a carbohydrate-based source, is very viable in the 21st century. The essential characteristics of plant fibre-based nanocellulose, which include its molecular, tensile and mechanical properties, as well as its biodegradability potential, have been widely explored for functional materials in the preparation of aerogel. Plant cellulose nano fibre (CNF)-based aerogels are novel functional materials that have attracted remarkable interest. In recent years, CNF aerogel has been extensively used in the biomedical field due to its biocompatibility, renewability and biodegradability. The effective surface area of CNFs influences broad applications in biological and medical studies such as sustainable antibiotic delivery for wound healing, the preparation of scaffolds for tissue cultures, the development of drug delivery systems, biosensing and an antimicrobial film for wound healing. Many researchers have a growing interest in using CNF-based aerogels in the mentioned applications. The application of cellulose-based materials is widely reported in the literature. However, only a few studies discuss the potential of cellulose nanofibre aerogel in detail. The potential applications of CNF aerogel include composites, organic–inorganic hybrids, gels, foams, aerogels/xerogels, coatings and nano-paper, bioactive and wound dressing materials and bioconversion. The potential applications of CNF have rarely been a subject of extensive review. Thus, extensive studies to develop materials with cheaper and better properties, high prospects and effectiveness for many applications are the focus of the present work. The present review focuses on the evolution of aerogels via characterisation studies on the isolation of CNF-based aerogels. The study concludes with a description of the potential and challenges of developing sustainable materials for biomedical applications.

The Use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

2019 ◽  
pp. 64-85
Author(s):  
Aleksandar Erceg ◽  
Zafer Kilic
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Economic Impact ◽  
Industrial Sectors ◽  
Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Potential Applications ◽  
Production Cycles ◽  
New Jobs ◽  
The Way

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are present in our lives, and although they are mostly connected to military purposes, they are becoming more present in the commercial and civilian sector. Possible applications of UAVs in the commercial and civilian sector will open new possibilities for further research and development of UAVs. This movement can bring new investment and new jobs, but at the same time, it will influence the way some activities are being done now. The use of UAVs brings savings in the production cycles and improve current operations in various industrial sectors. The chapter gives a definition and explains different types and potential applications of unmanned aerial vehicles in the word as well as the potential economic impact of their development and use. In the second part, the chapter analyzes the application of drones in Turkey and Croatia. Although different in terms of their size and the number of inhabitants, both countries are at the same level in relation to UAV application. Applications in both countries are compared, and after that, a conclusion is drawn.

scholarly journals The Thematic Network SAFER EURORO: An Integrated Approach to Safe European RoRo Ferry Design

2008 ◽  
Vol 45 (01) ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Dracos Vassalos ◽  
Dimitris Konovessis
Keyword(s):  
Research And Development ◽  
Design Process ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Ship Design ◽  
Current State ◽  
Research Initiative ◽  
Design For Safety ◽  
To Come ◽  
State Of Affairs

For a period of more than 10 years, a safety culture approach has been promoted through the theme "Design for Safety," which aims at integrating safety cost effectively in the ship design process. There is a considerable wealth of information amassed over these years of research and development on safety-critical areas. One of the main elements of the research and development (R&D) work is the assurance of safety within the ship design process, in the continuous search for improving the current state of affairs. Through bold steps in the direction advocated by "Design for Safety," it is slowly but steadily being recognized that this approach can greatly contribute to the overall cost-effective improvement of safety in shipping while nurturing the evolution of proper practice in the field. On this background, the paper attempts a thorough overview of related R&D developments over the last decade. Particular emphasis is placed on the developments that have taken place as part of the activities of the Thematic Network SAFER EURORO and associated research projects, which have led to the development of a recent major research initiative, the Integrated Project SAFEDOR, which is expected to lead research development in the area for the years to come.

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