Applied Science and Engineering Progress

Rigid Polyurethane Foam Reinforced with Microfibrillated Cellulose from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches as Efficient Thermal Insulation

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

There is increasing interest in enhancing the thermal insulation of rigid polyurethane foam (RPUF) through a sustainable approach. This work presents the utilization of micro-sized biobased fillers, microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) derived from oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) waste, to improve the properties of RPUF composite as a potential insulation material. The inclusion of MFC_EFB fillers at varied compositions (0.25–1 wt.%) in the RPUF composites demonstrated significant improvement of thermal insulation, as evidenced by their correlation with lower thermal conductivity, without compromising the mechanical properties compared to the control RPUF without MFC_EFB. The results showed a decrease in the thermal conductivity of RPUF composite by 7.92% with the addition of 0.5 wt.% MFC_EFB. The compressive strength also increased by 11.76% compared to the control RPUF. These enhancements were correlated to MFC_EFB acting as a nucleating agent in the RPUF foaming process, where morphological analysis confirmed that the addition of MFC_EFB resulted in smaller and more uniform cell sizes compared to the control RPUF. Fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) analysis revealed potential interactions between MFC_EFB and polyurethane that could improve foam structural integrity. Moreover, the incorporation of MFC_EFBat very low concentration had a negligible effect on the biodegradability compared to the RPUF control, demonstrating similar structural integrity to the control RPUF under natural environmental conditions, thereby ensuring the long-term durability of RPUF biocomposites.

Artificial Intelligence Meets Catalysis: A New Approach to Heavy Diesel Desulfurization Using Trimetallic Activated Carbon Catalyst in Central Oscillating Reactor

Jasim Ibrahim Humadi, Wadood Taher Mohammed — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

To meet the new strict environmental legislations about sulfur content in petroleum fuels and their harmful emissions for high quality fuels, deep desulfurization strategies, such as oxidation process, have become an interesting topic in the academic and industrial fields. Therefore, this work develops a new Trimetallic Activated Carbon (TAC) catalyst, which is synthesized by decorating activated carbon with magnetic-manganese active oxides and an alumina coating film, for continuous deep oxidative desulfurization (ODS). Furthermore, a novel central oscillating reactor (COR) is fabricated by developing central baskets, which are employed to pack catalyst particles for continuous oxidative desulfurization. This new design exhibits a practical solution for handling the solid catalytic materials in central basket baffles for continuous operation, compared to previous studies that utilized only a central baffle with dispersed catalyst particles in the reacting fluids through batch operation mode. Process efficiency is examined utilizing hydrogen peroxide oxidant under mild conditions: 1 atm, temperature (30–90) °C, liquid hour space velocity, LHSV (0.33–0.08) min^-1, oscillation parameters (amplitude, A: 3–12 mm, and frequency, f = 0.5–2 Hz). Also, Support Vector Machine (SVM) model is examined as a new machine learning tool to predict the desulfurization model. ODS technology shows high performance through low oxidation time (12 min) by reducing sulfur in heavy diesel fuel from 8281 ppm to 294 ppm to achieve 96.45 % oxidation efficiency under 90 °C, LHSV = 0.08 min^-1, A = 12 mm and f = 2 Hz. SVM model data performed excellent prediction at R² of 0.9962, mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.0791, and mean squared error (MSE) of 0.0078. The SVM strategy results in a high-accuracy artificial intelligence model under minimal deviations between actual and predicted data. The new integrated COR-TAC system provides an efficient, practical approach to deep, cost-effective and eco-friendly oxidative desulfurization; it can be directly scaled up into the refining industry at the same process performance.

Average Run Length of Double Modified Exponentially Weighted Moving Average Control Chart by Numerical Integral Equation

Supanee Wuttirawat, Yupaporn Areepong, Saowanit Sukparungsee — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Through the use of Numerical Integral Equation (NIE) techniques—specifically, the Gaussian, Midpoint, Trapezoidal, and Simpson's rules—and the Double Modified Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (DMEWMA) control chart, this study aims to investigate the Average Run Length (ARL) approximation. Assuming that process data follow continuous probability distributions, specifically the exponential and Weibull distributions, the analytical framework is developed. Additionally, a thorough performance comparison is conducted between the DMEWMA control chart and two well-known substitutes: the Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (EWMA) control chart and the Modified Exponentially Weighted Moving Average (MEWMA) control chart. This comparative analysis is based on two critical performance indicators: the out-of-control Average Run Length (ARL₁) and computational efficiency, as quantified by CPU processing time. The empirical results demonstrate that all NIE-based methods produce ARL estimates that are statistically indistinguishable, affirming their mutual accuracy. Nonetheless, with respect to computational performance, the Midpoint and Trapezoidal rules exhibit superior efficiency, achieving reduced processing times. Furthermore, at all levels of shift magnitude, the DMEWMA control chart continuously outperforms the MEWMA and EWMA charts in terms of sensitivity to changes in the process mean. All things considered, the results of this study highlight the effectiveness and usefulness of using NIE techniques for ARL estimation in sophisticated statistical process control. The proposed methodology not only yields precise and computationally efficient results but also exhibits strong applicability to a wide array of real-world datasets, thereby reinforcing its potential as a robust and versatile tool for contemporary process monitoring.

Pectin-Aloe vera Gel Biopolymer Transdermal Patches for Prospective Limonene Delivery System: Characterization and in vitro Release Kinetics

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Pectin-based transdermal systems suffer from inadequate mechanical properties and rapid biodegradation, limiting pharmaceutical applications. This study addresses these critical limitations through novel transdermal patches fabricated with varied pectin concentrations (7–11g) and Aloe vera (AV) gel extract (0–10% w/w) as a bioactive matrix for Citrus aurantifolia-derived limonene delivery. Patches were fabricated via solvent casting using pectin and AV gel, followed by characterization of physicochemical properties (swelling, moisture content, and biodegradation), surface morphology (SEM), and molecular interactions (FTIR). Mechanical properties were assessed by tensile testing and in vitro release studies were performed using a Franz diffusion cell with benzoylated dialysis membrane to evaluate release kinetics. Optimal formulations demonstrated a remarkable 7.39-fold tensile strength enhancement (6.070 ± 0.008 MPa), superior in vitro release kinetics, with 57.85 ± 0.60% initial burst release, and 94.61 ± 0.30% sustained delivery over 120 h. Korsmeyer-Peppas kinetics (n = 0.472) confirmed non-Fickian diffusion mechanisms. Economic viability was established (production cost: 2.5 USD/L; net profit: 2.8 USD/L), presenting a commercially feasible and biodegradable solution for pharmaceutical applications. Future investigations will focus on in vivo evaluation to confirm the efficacy, safety, and clinical applicability of the developed patches.

Kinetic, Thermodynamic, Mass Transfer, and Determination of Controlling Steps in Pectin Extraction from Lemon Peel (Citrus limon L. Osbeck)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Lemon peel, a byproduct of citrus processing, contains high levels of pectin valued for its functional roles in food and pharmaceutical products. This study investigates pectin extraction using a mechanistic approach based on the Shrinking Core Model (SCM), which describes the progressive reaction of solid particles. The process follows first-order kinetics, with simultaneous extraction and degradation. Optimal conditions were 95 °C, pH 1.8, and 50 minutes, yielding 36% pectin. Key parameters included extraction rate constant k₁ = 0.0562 min⁻¹, degradation rate constant k₂ = 0.0039 min⁻¹, activation energies Eₐ₁ = 31.7 kJ mol⁻¹, Eₐ₂ = –22.9 kJ mol⁻¹, enthalpy change ΔH° = 76.05 kJ mol⁻¹, entropy change ΔS° = 0.23 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹, and Gibbs free energy ΔG° < 0. The diffusion coefficient ranged from 0.055 to 0.06 × 10⁻¹⁰ m² s⁻¹ for 0.34 mm particles. The extraction process was controlled by both internal diffusion and chemical reactions. This study presents a novel integration of kinetic, mass transfer, and thermodynamic models, offering a predictive framework for optimizing sustainable and energy-efficient pectin production from lemon waste.

Ultrasound-Assisted Liquid Antisolvent Method Enables Rapid Synthesis of Bioactive Nanocurcumin

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Curcumin, a bioactive compound derived from turmeric, has significant pharmacological potential but suffers from poor aqueous solubility (<10 μg/mL) and low bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, this study introduces a one-step ultrasound-assisted liquid antisolvent (UALA) precipitation method, integrating simultaneous sonication during solvent–antisolvent mixing to promote rapid nucleation and suppress particle aggregation. The method reduced particle size from >1000 nm to 255 nm (76% reduction), accompanied by a decrease in crystallinity from 58.7% to 21% and a reduction in enthalpy of fusion from 442.61 to 28.57 kJ/mol (93% decrease), indicating partial amorphization. Dissolution was markedly enhanced, achieving 94.36% release within 60 min, compared with only 7.75% for raw curcumin. Antioxidant activity improved significantly, with IC₅₀ values decreasing from 15 mg/mL (without sonication) to <1 mg/mL after optimized sonication, representing more than a 15-fold increase in potency. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that the UALA method provides a sustainable, carrier-free, and efficient route to produce nanocurcumin with superior physicochemical and bioactive properties, suitable for advanced pharmaceutical applications.

Shear Behavior of Ultra-High-Performance Concrete Shear Pockets with Large-sized Studs in Full-Depth Precast Concrete Bridge Deck under Push-off Tests

Krissachai Sriboonma, Nantawat Khomwan , Krit Chaimoon, Kittipoom Rodsin — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Full-Depth Precast Concrete (FDPC) bridge deck panel system has been widely used for highway construction due to its rapid construction and replacement process as well as cost effective. This system was used with a cluster of large size headed-stud shear connectors (31.8 mm diameter) for transferring composite actions between concrete decks and steel girders. For more effectiveness in composite actions and cracks controlling around a cluster of large-size studs, Ultra High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) with compressive strength of 120 MPa was utilized for shear pocket connection between the normal strength concrete (NSC) 50 MPa bridge deck panels and steel girders. Eight specimens were push-off evaluated with variable geometries and layouts of shear pockets (9-, 12- and 15-inches width), and variable numbers of clustered large-size studs (4, 6 and 8 studs). The results showed three stages of crack pattern from the flexure, shear, and failure behaviors. Concrete crushing at the FDPC interface propagated across the slab section was observed in all specimens, while the shear plane cut at the UHPC section was found in the specimen with 4 studs. The shear strength at failure was compared to the nominal shear resistance of the design equations, AASHTO LRFD and Eurocode 4, in terms of the failure load ratio. The compatible results were found in the specimens with 4 studs in a square shape pocket, while the others found fewer results from 3.6% to 9.4%. The specimens with more than 4 studs required a reduction factor of 0.8 for each stud pair increment to evaluate a suitable shear resistance capacity for this system.

Characterization of Banana Fiber-Reinforced Bioplastics for Environmentally Friendly Packaging Applications

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

This study explores the biocomposites composed of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) reinforced with alkali-treated banana sheath and banana leaf fibers. The fibers were treated with 5% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and incorporated into the PBS matrix at varying mesh sizes (40 and 60) and fiber contents (1, 2, and 5 parts per hundred resin (phr)). The composites were evaluated for melt flow rate (MFR), melt volume rate (MVR), tensile properties, impact strength, hardness, and microstructural characteristics using X-ray tomographic microscopy (XTM). The addition of both banana sheath and banana leaf fibers resulted in decreased MFR and MVR, while significantly improving the Young’s modulus, which reached up to 280 MPa in the composite containing 5 phr of fine banana leaf fibers. Impact strength was found to depend on both fiber size and loading, with the highest value of 10.8 kJ/m² observed in the composite reinforced with 2 phr of coarser banana sheath fibers. Microstructural analysis revealed that fiber dispersion, agglomeration, and void formation were key factors influencing mechanical performance. Furthermore, a prototype plant pot was successfully fabricated using the composite with the highest fine fiber and content, demonstrating the composite’s potential for sustainable product applications.

Mitigation of Enteric Methane Emission from Ruminant by Bioactive Compounds of Rhodomyrtus tomentosa: In Silico and In Vitro Studies

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The livestock sector significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, primarily methane (CH₄) from enteric fermentation in ruminants. Methanogenesis in ruminants is facilitated by hydrogenotrophic methanogens and the key enzyme, namely Methyl Coenzyme Reductase (MCR). This study explores the potential of bioactive compounds derived from Rhodomyrtus tomentosa as MCR enzyme inhibitors to mitigate methane emissions. Twelve bioactive compounds were selected for in silico molecular docking against the MCR enzyme. Docking results indicated Rhodomyrtone, Tomentodione E, and Myricetin had the highest binding affinities with binding affinities of -9.5, -8.7, and -8.3 kcal/mol, respectively, outperforming the natural substrate Coenzyme B. ADMET predictions confirmed the drug-likeness and safety profiles of these compounds. Rhodomyrtone was further subjected to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, demonstrating stable interactions with MCR, indicated by consistent RMSD, RMSF, and Rg values. An in vitro gas production technique evaluated Rhodomyrtone's efficacy in reducing methane emissions, using doses of 0.125 and 0.25 µg/ml. Results showed a non-significant reduction of 10% in methane production, suggesting the need for optimized dosing. This study highlights rhodomyrtone as a promising anti-methanogen agent, with potential implications for reducing methane emissions from ruminants. Future research should focus on dose optimization and the exploration of synergistic effects with other anti-methanogenic compounds to maximize methane reduction.

Evaluating Urban Foliage for Bioindicator Potential through Pollution Tolerance Traits and Particulate Matter Accumulation

Mohan Marumudi, Keerthi Katam, Debdip Das, Pararth mishra — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

In this study, ten different plant leaves were collected from different urban microenvironments in the Hyderabad metropolitan area to assess their potential as bioindicators of air pollution. The collected leaf samples were analysed for surface PM accumulation, total chlorophyll concentration, carotenoid content, ascorbic acid, leaf extract pH, relative water content, and air pollution tolerance index (APTI). Out of ten plants, Ficus religiosa, which is located near the roadside, showed the highest PM accumulation with 54 µg/cm². Tecoma stans showed the highest APTI value of 7.45 and ascorbic acid content of 10 mg/g, exhibiting greater tolerance to pollution, as well as potential for urban greening and air quality enhancement. Senegalia caesia with low APTI showed excellent carotenoid concentration of 19.42 mg/g, indicating that the plant is pollutant-sensitive, but activates antioxidant defence in response to oxidative stress. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed a decent grouping of plant species based on biochemical profiles, validating stress tolerance patterns and PM deposition. The study highlights how pollutant deposition is linked to plant health and suggests that plants with adaptive leaf traits are more capable of tolerating polluted conditions. The findings of the study suggest that sensitive plants like Senegalia caesia, Lantana camara L., can serve as effective bioindicators and passive monitors of pollution levels and urban greening initiatives, and tolerant plants like Wodyetia bifurcata and Tecoma stans may contribute to a sustainable solution for mitigating urban air quality and supporting long-term environmental planning in polluted urban ecosystems.

Evaluating the Physical and Mechanical Properties of PET and Crumb Rubber Compounds for Tire Tread Applications

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

In the present study, two types of polymer materials are utilized: PET and crumb rubber. The PET material is used in the production of water bottles and crumb rubber (produced from recycled tires) for manufacturing the Tread part for passenger cars. The study utilizes a master batch compound prepared by the Babylon Tires Factory in Iraq to prepare laboratory final compounds using various experimental techniques. Extensive tests were conducted on rubber samples, including vulcanization process time (T90 and Ts2), specific gravity, hardness test, viscosity test, tensile strength test, torque test, abrasion test, and fatigue test. According to the test results, two compounds that confirmed to the company's standards were selected. Twelve samples of compounds are prepared and divided into two groups (A and B), each containing six compounds. In group (A), the amount of PET is stabilized with the rest of the additives added and the amount of crumb rubber. The group (B) amount of crumb rubber is stabilized with the rest of the other additions and the amount of PET. The test results of the compounds are compared with the standard specifications of Dunlop technology used in the rubber and tire industry. The results show that sample no. (2) From group (B) is the best sample for the abrasion value while maintaining the result of properties within the limits specified. The PET and crumb rubber amount should not exceed (1.3/2.5) pphr, in which the maximum tensile strength and hardness can be obtained with minimum cure characterization time. By tailoring PET-rubber ratios, the research enhances mechanical strength, thermal stability, and durability while promoting the recycling of plastic and rubber waste.

Preharvest Shellac Fruit Coating at Mature Green Stage Delays Ripening Process and Alleviates Translucent Flesh Disorder of Harvested Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana L.)

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Translucent flesh disorder (TFD) is a major physiological problem in mangosteen fruit, often triggered by heavy rainfall during fruit maturation. This study demonstrated that preharvest applications of shellac coating effectively mitigated TFD. Mature–green fruits on the tree were coated with shellac (0, 5, and 10%) and exposed to simulated rainfall prior to harvest. Uncoated fruits subjected to water treatment exhibited a three–fold higher incidence of TFD upon ripening. In contrast, shellac–coated fruits, regardless of water treatment, showed a marked reduction in the disorder, with higher shellac concentrations offering greater protection. The shellac coating functioned as a physical barrier, preventing water infiltration and maintaining normal pericarp moisture at approximately 70%, whereas the pericarp of TFD–affected fruit reached 74%. Sequential pectin extraction from affected arils revealed elevated levels of Na₂CO₃–soluble pectin, suggesting that cell wall modifications contribute to increased aril firmness and the characteristic translucency of the tissue. In addition to preventing TFD, the shellac coating delayed ripening and extended postharvest shelf life by approximately one week. These results indicate that preharvest shellac coating during the rainy season is a promising strategy to reduce the incidence of TFD and extend the postharvest shelf life of mangosteen fruits.

Climacteric Respiration and Fatty and Amino Acids Drive Volatile Ester Biosynthesis in Monthong Durian Aril during Fruit Maturation

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The distinctive flavor of durian fruit is increasingly characterized, yet the metabolic pathways during ripening are not fully understood. This study investigated the volatile dynamics in ripening Monthong durian, revealing clear correlations between ripening stages and aroma compound production. Fruit ethylene production peaked one day after the first climacteric peak, initiating the second climacteric peak, pulp softening, and ester and sulfur-containing volatile emission. Ethanethiol, ethyl-2-methyl butanoate, ethyl-2-methyl propanoate, ethyl butanoate, and ethyl hexanoate dominate the odor, along with somewhat fermented ethanol and acetaldehyde. Ethanethiol and ethyl-2-methylbutanoate intensely elevated during late ripening, although D-limonene prevailed early. Short-chain fatty acid esters were performed early on, whereas branched-chain amino acid esters increased significantly in overripe fruit. Valine, leucine, isoleucine, and methionine increased 1.07–1.29-fold from unripe to overripe, while cysteine and glutamic acid decreased 1.11–1.25-fold. Propionic acid (C₃) was found throughout, whereas acetic acid (C₂) increased significantly 22-fold from ripe to overripe stages. The main free fatty acids throughout maturation were palmitic (C_16:0) and Z-9-oleic (C_18:1). Linoleic acid (C_18:2) fell by 25% from unripe to ripe pulp, but linolenic acid (C_18:3) increased 44%. Lipoxygenase activity increased throughout maturation, notably in overripe pulp, promoting fatty acid breakdown and volatile generation. From unripe to overripe, aldehyde dehydrogenase and alcohol acetyltransferase activity increased 1.6- and 1.8-fold, respectively. These findings demonstrate that the coordinated metabolism of fatty acids and amino acids, mediated by key enzymes, drives ester biosynthesis during durian fruit ripening.

Influence of Muscle Contraction on Pedestrian Injury in Pickup-Truck Collision

Putu Alit Putra, Bernd Markert, Julaluk Carmai — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Pedestrian safety remains a major public health concern. Although numerical human body models are widely used in the automotive industry, most lack active muscle representation, a factor that can influence body kinematics during low-speed collisions. This study investigates how skeletal muscle activation impacts pedestrian kinematics and injury. A skeletal muscle model combining 3D tetrahedral and 1D line elements was developed. Passive behavior was modeled using the Ogden model, while active behavior was based on the Hill-type muscle model. The model was validated against published data and integrated into a finite element pedestrian model. Four levels of muscle activation were applied to examine their effects on kinematics and injury metrics. Active muscle significantly influences pedestrian response during collisions. Models with active muscle demonstrated higher contact forces, head injury criteria, lower extremity bending moments, and knee shear distance but lower knee bending angles. For instance, at 20 km/h, comparing passive to fully active models revealed a significant 179% increase in Head Injury Criterion (HIC), a 10% decrease in knee bending angle, and a 7.7% increase in shear distance. Varying activation levels had a minimal effect on lower extremity forces and moments but influenced HIC and knee metrics. The same trends were observed at higher impact speeds. These results underscore that including active muscle behavior is essential for accurate pedestrian injury prediction in low-speed

Utilization of Biomass Waste as Absorbents for Groundwater Purification

Shafwan Amrullah, Malinee Sriariyanun, Wawat Rodiahwati — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) in groundwater is a major concern, as it can cause scaling in pipes and potentially pose health risks, particularly in rural areas. Developing innovative groundwater filtration systems capable of reducing CaCO₃ content is therefore essential for improving water quality. This study investigated the use of biomass waste from candlenut shells and corn cobs as sources of activated carbon adsorbents for portable groundwater filtration in the Sumbawa Region, Indonesia. A portable filter system was designed using varying amounts of adsorbent (150, 250, and 500 g), and its performance was evaluated based on several water quality parameters, including temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS), pH, taste, odor, turbidity, and CaCO₃ concentration. The results showed that the groundwater temperature remained stable (31–33 °C) with no significant changes observed. Both candlenut shell and corn cob adsorbents effectively reduced TDS, pH, taste, odor, turbidity, and CaCO₃ content. Corn cob adsorbents generally performed better, likely due to their more developed microporous structure, while candlenut shells reduced carbon release more slowly. Corn cob adsorbents achieved the highest reductions in TDS, CaCO₃, and pH, while candlenut shells showed better performance in sensory quality by reducing taste scores and odor intensity. Turbidity decreased by up to 91% using candlenut shells (to 0.24 NTU) and 90% using corn cobs (to 0.28 NTU). These findings highlight the potential of converting agricultural biomass waste into low-cost activated carbon absorbents for sustainable groundwater purification in rural communities.

Enhancement of Flexural Strength Capacity of RC-Beams using LC-GFRP Plates with Effective Debonding Techniques

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Strengthening of reinforced concrete (RC) beams by externally bonded Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) is found to be a very effective method to increase their flexural strength capacity. However, the strengthening cost of the CFRP technique is very high and clients tend to avoid such expensive retrofitting methods. An alternative strengthening material, such as Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP), is a much less expensive material compared to CFRP. The GFRP strengthening method can achieve comparable strength gain and is an effective solution for strengthening RC beams. However, due to the lower strength and stiffness, a larger thickness of GFRP is required to obtain the target tensile strength. This increase in fiber thickness results in the commonly observed debonding failure of the GFRP-plated RC beams. Therefore, this study investigates the end anchoring technique by testing five beams under three-point bending. The first beam served as a controlled beam, while the second and the third beams were strengthened with one and three layers of GFRP to investigate the effect of the number of GFRP layers on debonding behavior. Anchored bolts were used to prevent debonding in the fourth specimen. The innovative W-shape inclined jacket technique was used for the last specimen. The test results revealed that the GFRP could effectively increase the beam's flexural strength. Nevertheless, when a larger number of GFRP layers was used, the debonding of GFRP occurred at an early loading stage. With the anchored bolted technique, the flexural strength of the RC beam was found to increase twice compared to the controlled specimen before failure due to the pulling off of the anchored bolts. Widespread shear cracks were observed near the failure stage. For the W-shape inclined jacket strengthening technique, the flexural strength was increased to a similar order as the anchored bolted technique, but the failure mode was due to slippage of the GFRP against the W-shape inclined jacket. Due to the use of a W-shape inclined jacket, the shear strength of the beam increased significantly. Therefore, the crack patterns near the final stage were controlled by flexure. The test results revealed that both techniques are effective methods to enhance the flexural strength of the GFRP-strengthened beam by achieving a similar magnitude of strength gain but failing in different failure mechanisms.

Bittern-Derived Mg/Al Layered Double Hydroxide Adsorbent for Potential Ciprofloxacin Removal in Water Treatment Application

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

The presence of ciprofloxacin (CIP), an antibiotic, in pharmaceutical wastewater has emerged as a significant environmental concern. This study presents the synthesis of magnesium/aluminum layered double hydroxide (MAL) through a co-precipitation method, utilizing seawater bittern as the magnesium source, with the objective of addressing CIP removal effectively. MAL was prepared at three different pH levels (5, 9, and 12), resulting in three distinct samples: MAL5, MAL9, and MAL12. Among these, MAL9 was identified as the most effective variant, exhibiting well-formed crystal structures alongside the highest adsorption capacity for CIP, achieving a removal rate of 63%. Moreover, we evaluated several factors that influence the adsorption process, including the dosage of the adsorbent, the solution’s pH, and the presence of co-ions. The findings indicated that optimal adsorption occurs at a concentration of 1 mg/mL within a pH range of 6 to 9, demonstrating significant resistance to both monovalent and divalent co-ions. The adsorption mechanism was further investigated through isothermal modeling (the Freundlich isothermal model), resulting in data that aligned with the Freundlich isothermal model, which indicated a maximum adsorption capacity of 95.15 mg/g at the concentration of CIP of 100 mg/L. Kinetic analysis showed that the sorption process follows a pseudo-second-order model, reaching equilibrium in about 100 minutes. The MAL demonstrated an impressive reusability, maintaining 90% to 50% performance over three adsorption-desorption cycles. Thus, bittern-derived MAL is an effective adsorbent for CIP removal and promotes the sustainable use of bittern waste as a magnesium precursor in functional nanomaterials synthesis.

Advances in Leaf and Canopy Temperature Sensors for Precision Irrigation: A Review

Val Alcantara, John Paulo Sacdalan, Wendy Mateo, Sylvester Badua — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Precision technologies are crucial for sustainable water management, as water scarcity and ineffective irrigation techniques continue to pose significant challenges in agriculture. One of the bases of plant-based irrigation scheduling is plant canopy temperature, which has become a reliable indicator of crop water status. The primary sensor technologies used to measure the temperature of leaves and canopies are discussed in this review, including integrated circuit sensors, thermistors, thermocouples, infrared thermometers, and infrared thermal imaging systems. Thermistors and thermocouples provide precise and affordable point-based measurements, but their scalability and installation are limited. For real-time canopy monitoring, infrared thermometers and thermal imaging provide non-contact options. Despite their higher price, thermal cameras enable the analysis of spatial variability. Low-cost irrigation system automation is made feasible by integrated circuit (IC) sensors, like the LM35, which combine accuracy and affordability. Research confirms that under deficit irrigation strategies, canopy temperature-based indices, notably the Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI), improve water use efficiency and enhance yield responses. However, sensor calibration, environmental variability, and the balance between accuracy and cost continue to be ongoing challenges.

Advances and Emerging Alternatives in Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals for Elastomer Reinforcement: A Review

Muhammad Thoriq Al Fath, Khairatun Najwa Mohd Amin — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) are increasingly recognised as sustainable nanofillers for elastomer composites due to their biodegradability and excellent mechanical properties. However, their inherent hydrophilicity limits compatibility with hydrophobic elastomer matrices, creating significant challenges for effective reinforcement. To overcome this, significant progress has been made through surface modification strategies. Physical approaches such as adsorption and plasma treatment improve compatibility via non-covalent interactions. While chemical routes including etherification/esterification, grafting, silylation, and nucleophilic modification introduce covalent bonds that adapt CNCs surface chemistry to polymer matrices. Such modifications have been shown to reliably improve dispersion, strengthen interfacial adhesion, and enhance both the thermal stability and mechanical performance of elastomer composites when compared with those reinforced by unmodified CNCs. Lignin-containing CNCs (LCNCs) offer distinct advantages by combining inherent hydrophobicity, thermal shielding, and simpler processing, making them a promising bio-based alternative to extensively modified CNCs (M-CNCs). Nonetheless, industrial implementation remains constrained by process complexity, high costs, and performance trade-offs at different filler loadings.

Exploring the Potential of Cationic Modified Microfibrillated/Nanocellulose as Slow/Controlled Release Fertilizers: A Review

Fri, 26 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0700

Conventional controlled-release fertilizers often rely on synthetic polymer coatings that are costly, non-biodegradable, and environmentally harmful. Biodegradable alternatives such as microfibrillated cellulose and nanocellulose have attracted significant attention for use as sustainable fertilizer coatings. Their high surface area and mechanical strength enable improved nutrient retention, moisture resistance, and reduced leaching. Cationic modification further enhances coating adhesion and nutrient binding, offering superior control of nutrient release compared with unmodified cellulose. This review evaluates recent progress in the development of cationic cellulose-based coatings, including cost considerations, biodegradation behavior under soil conditions, physicochemical interactions that regulate nutrient release, and potential industrial applications. Challenges and future directions are also discussed, highlighting the role of cationic cellulose in advancing environmentally friendly fertilizer technologies.

The Missing Link: Bridging Laboratory Biorefineries to Industrial Implementation

Nida Arshad, Diana Jose, Pau Loke Show — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0700