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Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) is a powerful technique for chemical structural elucidation for pure compounds but demanding for heterogeneous samples. Configuration with a complete spectral library supports auto-elucidation simply by matching with the spectral database. The technique is highly accurate for a pure, totally unknown organic sample but no more than an approximation for a complex macromolecule or a mixture of compounds due to the poor selectivity or the inability to differentiate C-H variations. Spectral complexity increased with sample heterogeneity due to the responses from inter-atomic or molecular bond vibrations, making analysis demotivating enough to prompt analyst to duplicate interpretation. This study demonstrates a stepwise guide for interpreting the FTIR output. Comparative analysis of signals laid on a spectral overlay was demonstrated, followed by band assignment based on assimilated literature and underlying reactions. Scrutiny on the critical spectral regions required sound FTIR interpretation of heterogenous samples to arrive at an adequate scientific understanding of the underlying reactions. With a justified choice of band, samples' relative crystallinity determined via FTIR approximated those derived from the x-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy. Beyond crystallinity, the calculated indices may also be the markers of certain reactions and sufficient replication could be used to define the route of the extent of the reactions. Adopting the recommended steps allowed a comprehensive understanding of scientific work. The findings signal FTIR's suitability for robust analysis of heterogeneous samples with the level of accuracy dependent on the depth of data harvest and sound theory-backed interpretation.

Academic dishonesty manifested in the proliferating acts of plagiarism can be eradicated by returning to value teaching. In a study involving 37 first-year students in one academic year, a single-group quasi-experimental procedure with mixed qualitative and quantitative analyses of students’ assignments was performed. The procedure involved diagnosing plagiarism by strategic manual detection and classification of occurrences and recording the frequency of occurrence. The objective was to examine the effects of communicating about plagiarism by the designed plagiarism integrity narratives (PIN) intervention on students’ integrity based on their source-attribution practices. In the first semester, an assignment was administered without any word on plagiarism as the baseline data for students’ academic integrity at pre-test. In the second semester, the post-PIN-intervention assignment set with similar cognitive demand as the first was administered. The post-PIN intervention showed 76% of students taking steps to not succumb to plagiarism, far outweighing the 5% not taking heed. Of those who acknowledged information sources, 14% showed excellent referencing skills, capturing the potential first-year role model. In terms of outsourcing and attribution combined, the PIN intervention offered a 95% transformation of moral values, hinting at the possibility of resetting academic integrity via communication and clear directives. Lifting plagiarism rules as a “litmus test” (third assignment) revealed 28% integrity-ready students applying the fundamental attribution rules. Outstanding referencing skills and honesty were portrayed by a self-regulated student who had internalized academic integrity. The findings signal the possibility of curbing plagiarism in university classrooms and nurturing students to start weaving values into the social fabric.

A fidgety character and an extremely low self-confidence were glaring circumstances of two learners in a first-year classroom. Mapping activities were designed for interactivity, considering the low aptitude for the English language as the instructional medium. While the fidget transformed into a focused learner upon role-play as a dialogue star in the coordinated classroom talks, the most reserved, diffident learner turned into an expressive participant. The cognitive engagement of the classroom population was evident from the significantly expanded knowledge map constructed by the students. The exploratory nature of classroom oracy drove the outcome within the dialogic space designed to engender the transformation. Space for active participation was mainly enabled by simplifying the verbal expression by extensive use of keywords in mapping. While the approach ruled out the need for correct English usage for expression of ideas, the seed map drawn by the instructor prompted learners to leave their seats to write an idea on the whiteboard. The freewill had links to the oracy that allowed for rewording and change of stance which was the primary ingredient of dialogue embedded in the mapping activities. Grafting of students’ ideas into the existing scientific concept was an essential outcome of dialogue externalised on the constructed map, driven by the dialogic space encouraging listening and thinking along the path of higher logic. The dialogic space in mapping activities and the resultant vibrant classroom of cognitively engaged participants provide evidence for designable classroom activities to uplift the immediate learning impacts.

In this study, Box-Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to study the effects of alkaline peroxide treatment variables (cooking time, sodium hydroxide concentrations, and hydrogen peroxide concentrations) on the pulp and paper strength properties (screened pulp yield, kappa number, tensile index, tear index, burst index), which are considered dependent variables or response variable of the extracted cellulose from oil palm (Elaeisguineensis) fronds (OPF) vascular bundle fibers. The results indicated that at the optimum operating conditions of 2.35% NaOH, 5.00% H2O2 and a 53.41 min cooking time, resulting maximum strength properties (tensile index, burst index, tear index,) gave 9.92 Nm/g, 6.55 KPam2/g, 6.22 mNm2/g, respectively. The study revealed that alkaline peroxide pulped fibers of oil palm frond vascular bundles could be considered a suitable alternative for paper qualities with moderate strength requirements.

Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) empty fruit bunches (OPEFB) was treated with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) to make its surface suitable for methyl orange (MO) dye adsorption. CTAB-treated OPEFB samples were characterized for their surface functional groups using FTIR, pHzpc, proton-binding capacity, and Boehm titration techniques. The surface morphology and elemental composition of the sample were also studied, employing field emission scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). It was found that in totality, acidic surface functional group increased after CTAB treatment. The adsorption process was well explained with pseudo-second-order kinetic model. The obtained equilibrium sorption data were then analyzed using the Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich, and Tempkin isotherms. The results showed that sorption was surfactant dose dependent and adsorption increased with an increase in the percentage of surfactant applied on the OPEFB. The maximum adsorpt...

Mapping activities (coded as PIT2 and PIT3) as means of transferring learning autonomy to students were implemented and evaluated to understand the way learning of the fresher students in the second semester of their first year in the Bachelor of Technology in BPC (Bioresource, Paper and Coatings) programme was affected. The observed initial tendency of clicking only with classmates of the same ethinicity was severe and the group of learners is thus, hereby addressed as ‘stiff community’. To rectify the situation, the performed PIT3 mapping activities allocating an equal opportunity for students to participate by filling up numbered blank ovals, witnessed intensive interaction across the ethnic groups. Instructor’s deliberation suggests the effectiveness of PIT3 as an indirect instruction to rapport and improvement in the social support. The findings, which are in 100% agreement with students’ self report (SSR), moreover demonstrate the function of mapping activities in reinforcing students’ cognitive engagement through selection of keywords representing the principal idea that learners use in their own exploration of the learning materials. Besides acting as points triggering curiosity, keywords allow transfer of greater learning autonomy to students. The un-stiffening phenomenon from PIT3, which better prepared students for PIT2—verbal description of co-constructed map, in turn, supports learning via good relationship, teamwork and sustainability of performance throughout the academic year. Moving from the desirable scaffold social impact, the applied modes of mapping activity are potentially the seed initiative to inculcate the attributes for global citizenship in any other learning setting.

Triglycerides of palm (Elaeis guineensis) oil, soy (Glycine max) oil and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) oil were converted to monoglycerides by glycerolysis process. The monoglycerides derived from the different oils were reacted with phthalic anhydride at 2:1 monoglyceride-to-phthalic anhydride ratio to obtain novel polyols called alkyd diols. The polyols were reacted with 4,4′-methylenediphenyldiisocyanate (MDI) to produce five novel poly(alkyd-urethane)s (PAU), namely palm oil based poly(alkyd-urethane) (POPAU), soy oil based poly(alkyd-urethane) (SOPAU), sunflower oil based poly(alkyd-urethane) (SFPAU), palm-soy oils based poly(alkyd-urethane) (POSOPAU) and palm-sunflower oils based poly(alkyd-urethane) (POSFPAU). The successful synthesis of the monoglycerides, alkyd diols and poly(alkyd-urethane)s were confirmed by FTIR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR spectroscopy and their morphology were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Further analyses included viscosity, solubility, iodine number testing, gel content, drying time test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), crosshatch adhesion tests, impact strength, pencil hardness, chemical and water resistance. Palm oil poly(alkyd-urethane) showed good thermal stability with only 5% weight loss temperature in nitrogen at 270 °C. Improvements in coating performance after blending with sunflower oil or soy oil based alkyd-diols were also observed.

Treatment of the abundant oil palm empty fruit bunches with alkaline peroxide chemicals and subsequent fibrillation at varying mechanical energies resulted in favourable morphological changes of the generated fibers. The produced fibrous mass composed of intensely fibrillated elements ranging from micro to nanodiameter fibrils. nanofibrils and webs of nanofibrils were factors contributing to the functionality of the fibrous mass as fibre web augmentation elements. Profound improvement in fiber network is particularly attributable to the ability of the collected elements to fill up inter-fiber gaps and this was attributable to the micro elements in the form of micro fines, segmented micro-fibrils and webs of nanofibrils. The uniquely generated thin layers of nanofibril webs (TN-webs), were found to increase fiber web density by gluing multiple layers of fibers, together. Having landed on the surface of micro-fiber web, these TN-webs were identified as responsible for the masking effects of the underlying micro-fibres. Under such condition, fibers were observed to coalesce, suggesting also an augmented fiber network as evident from the 130% increase in tensile index and a 450% enhancement in burst index of the resultant fiber web relative to those formed with the basic alkaline peroxide chemical-mechanical refining (CMR) synergy. This reveals a great promise to EFB for application as super-strong fibre-web materials such as packaging and specialty paper-based products.

nanofibrillation of the oil palm empty fruit bunches, EFB, by synergizing the alkaline peroxide chemicals and a subsequent refining process was found to liberate useful fibrous mass. Of these, the nanofiber web materials were found to render smoothing effect by covering the trough between bound fibers and thus, hiding the true morphology of fibers on the paper surface. Apart from smoothing, which is one of the important paper properties requiring expensive furnishing, the thin nanofiber webs (tn-webs) also held the paper structure firmly by plunging of the nanofibers into the gaps between the micro-fibers. This is mainly due to their dimensional (10 nm < Diameter < 100 nm) compatibility. The smorgasbord shapes of the liberated tn-webs have a relatively lighter structures, found in the range of 2400-121500 μm2 areas, could be abundantly produced by adjustment of refiner blade type with a specific alkaline peroxide chemical level. The maximal level of paper smoothness was measured by the laser toner spread (fusion or otherwise). Analysis reveals more extensive toner fusion on Waldron-4 sample, suggesting surface uniformity anfd better leveling of fibers on paper surface. It turns out that, this corresponds to the fibers detected with more evidence of delamination and thus, more count of nanofiber web. Not only is this a proof of correlation of nanofiber web intensity with paper smoothness but also a possible promise for an alternative measure for paper printability enhancement.

Pulp from the oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) was extracted via Alkaline Peroxide Pulping (APP). The pulping process was conducted through three main steps; dewaxing of EFB, impregnation of alkaline peroxide (AP) into EFB and refining of biomass to finally produce the pulp. The varying peroxide levels and number of impregnation stages were found to affect the refining energy consumption and the properties of the resultant pulp and paper. Diagnosis by electron microscopic imaging revealed a strong correlation between paper properties development and paper surface morphologies. By multiplying the stages of the low alkaline peroxide level (2:2.5% AP) impregnation, refining energy could be reduced by 30% while improving brightness and paper mechanical properties. Higher alkaline peroxide level (4:5% AP) could reduce the refining energy by 50% while still improving brightness. Beyond these AP levels (8:10% AP), refining energy could be reduced by 67% by increasing the number of impregnation stages, with positive effects on brightness and paper mechanical properties. The findings suggest that increasing the AP impregnation stages had exposed more active sites to react with AP. The enhanced AP accessibility to EFB structures facilitated mechanical fibrillation of EFB vascular bundles through the refining process. The proper synergy between AP and the adopted mechanical refining was the factor that triggered the liberation of nanocells from EFB biomass and this had ultimately improved paper properties.

The increasing popularity of the oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) as a source of non-wood fibre has prompted a variety of research on processing and utilisation of the material. In an attempt to define the characters, reusability and end-of-life, oil palm EFB was processed by the alkaline peroxide variable treatment (APVT) systems. Low synergy between alkaline peroxide (AP) chemical and mechanical fibrillation through fibrillation (CMR synergy) revealed the yield of segments of EFB vascular bundles while heightening the mechanical forces further, generated more uniform but a mixture of fiber and segments of fibre bundles. An intermediate CMR synergy generated fibres forming a more well-defined but a rough resultant fibre network due to partial fibrillation of the vascular bundle. Applying maximal CMR synergy was found to generate higher yield of network strengthening fibrous cells. These were later identified as nanoscale fiber network or nanoscan, consisting of 10-80 nm diameter fibers arranging themselves in a systematic network. Analysis of the polarity of fibers harvested from the APVT systems manifests the systematic construction of nanofibrils winding in helical manner to form arrays of nanofibres that glue themselves together as micro-fibrils. Interconnections between fibers and other gluing elements led to the vascular bundle known as the EFB biomass that was once dross and that can now be marvelled as an alternative source of nanofibers for the nanoindustry sector.

Commercial activated carbon has been a preferred adsorbent for the removal of various pollutants, and its widespread use is restricted due to its relatively high costs, which led to the researches on the possible alternative nonconventional and low-cost adsorbents. The use of agricultural products and by-products for instance has been widely investigated as a replacement for the current costly methods of removing various pollutants. In this critical review, an extensive list of the production of activated carbon from oil palm biomass is presented. The effects of various process parameters on the pyrolysis stage, characteristics, and influences of physical and chemical activating conditions on the production of activated carbons from oil palm biomass are discussed. A comparison in characteristics and applications of activated carbons from oil palm biomass with commercial activated carbons is made. It is evident from a literature survey of about 200 recently published articles that activated carbons from oi...

The final-year students electing materials analysis as their course were coached in understanding the concepts of analysis for one semester. Analysis of students’ learning experience shows that systematic development of understanding of the topical contents enabled them to construct the topical maps. Despite students’ inept mapping skill and inability to see the whole course contents as a network of linking topical maps, students who progressively encoded the knowledge by full attendance of lecture sessions were able to rapidly grasp the course’s masterpiece map constructed by the instructor (i-MAC). Given the same time frame as other students, these regular participants also performed extremely well in the final analytical challenge assessing their ability to solve analytical problems, commensurate with the set course learning outcomes. The leap from B to A and even C to A of this group was the outcome of the systematic arrangement of important concept gathered through progressive intellectual development. Upon introducing the topical linkages in i-MAC, grasping of the concept among them was automatic, unlike the extra struggling required of the counterpart. This was assessed from the correctness of their verbal map interpretation (VMI), which is reflective of the final assessment scores. Deliberation on students’ learning identifies the importance of (1) systematic encoding of knowledge, (2) intensified neural activation especially achieved via digestion of i-MAC and the subsequent VMI and (3) instructor’s reflections, needs analysis and carefully designed intervention in the form of i-MAC and feedback to VMI, to engender high-order cognitive engagement. Proving correlation between extent of VMI correctness and performance in the final analytical challenge, verbal i-MAC interpretation, therefore, also serves as a reliable tool for assessing students’ degree of cognitive engagement and their preparedness to function in problem-solving situations.

The thermodynamics of clouding in an anionic surfactant, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and quaternary phosphonium bromides systems in the presence of glycerol are reported. The standard Gibbs energy change of solubilization (ΔsG°) for all of the additives was found to be negative. The standard enthalpy change (ΔsH°) and the standard entropy change (TΔsS°) values were found to be negative as well as positive depending upon the type and nature of the additive. The results were explained on the basis of their nature, effect on the water structure, and solubilization of these additives either in the micellar or aqueous phase.

The energetics of clouding in anionic surfactant (SDBS) and tetrabutylammonium bromide system in the presence of additives, such as ureas, amino acids and sugars is reported. The change of standard Gibbs energy of solubilization (ΔG o ) for all of the additives was found to be negative. The values of change of standard enthalpy (ΔH o ) and that of standard entropy (TΔS o ) values were found to depend on the type and chemistry of the additive. The results were explained on the basis including chemistry of additives, their effect on water structure, and solubilization of additives either in the micellar or in aqueous phases.

This article presents a review on the role of oil palm biomass (trunks, fronds, leaves, empty fruit bunches, shells, etc.) as adsorbents in the removal of water pollutants such as acid and basic dyes, heavy metals, phenolic compounds, various gaseous pollutants, and so on. Numerous studies on adsorption properties of various low-cost adsorbents, such as agricultural wastes and its based activated carbons, have been reported in recent years. Studies have shown that oil palm-based adsorbent, among the low-cost adsorbents mentioned, is the most promising adsorbent for removing water pollutants. Further, these bioadsorbents can be chemically modified for better efficiency and can undergo multiple reuses to enhance their applicability at an industrial scale. It is evident from a literature survey of more than 100 recent papers that low-cost adsorbents have demonstrated outstanding removal capabilities for various pollutants. The conclusion is been drawn from the reviewed literature, and suggestions for future research are proposed.

Phosphorylated cellulose is a biopolymer with potential use in biomaterials. The typical cellulosic raw materials used in its derivation are often wood-based. Nonetheless, cellulose can also be extracted and is readily available in large quantities from non-wood alternatives. One such viable source is empty fruit bunch fiber (OPEFB), a by-product of the oil palm industry. In this work, OPEFB cellulose phosphate (OPEFB-CP) gel was successfully synthesized from OPEFB microcrystalline cellulose using the H 3 PO 4 /P 2 O 5 /Et 3 PO 4 /hexanol procedure. The characterization of the OPEFB-CP was performed using EDX analysis, FTIR and CP/MAS 13 C- and 31 P-NMR spectroscopic analyses and provided clear evidence of successful phosphorylation. Through CP/MAS 13 C NMR, the distribution of the phosphate moiety among the three OH groups in the glucose residues was shown to be preferably located at the C6 position, resulting in a 53% reduction in crystallinity. Thermal stability of the OPEFB-MCC decreased upon phosphorylation.

The thermodynamic parameters of an aqueous anionic surfactant, tetrabutylammonium dodecyl sulfate (TBADS), are calculated in the presence of various additives (viz., quaternary bromides, alcohols, and amines) at the cloud point (CP) of the TBADS−additive system. As the clouding components release their solvated water, they separate out from the solution. Therefore, the CP of an amphiphile can be considered the limit of its solubility. The standard Gibbs energy change of solubilization (ΔsG°) for all of the additives is found to be negative. The standard enthalpy change (ΔsH°) and the standard entropy change (TΔsS°) values are found to be negative as well as positive depending upon the type and nature of the additive. The results are explained on the basis of their nature, effect on the water structure, and solubilization of these additives either in the micellar or aqueous phase.

Cathodic electrodeposition in the presence of EDTA in aqueous solution was found to offer some noteworthy improvements in our attempt to synthesise an SnS thin film. EDTA has shown its capacity for improving the longevity of the deposition bath as well as the adhesion of the deposited film on a titanium substrate. Photoelectrochemical analysis reveals outstanding photoactivity of the electrodeposited thin film, while an optical study shows an energy gap of approximately 1.1 eV. The effects of chelating agent were extracted from the results of cyclic voltammetry, photoelectrochemical test, scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction spectroscopy. The latter which displays better defined signals reaffirms the appreciable improvement in the polycrystallinity of the thin film. Analysis of peak locations, coincidentally, confirms that SnS of Herzenbergite form has been obtained.

Considerable efforts have been made in recent years in the search for low-cost materials for solar energy conversion. Among the materials of great interest are polycrystalline metal chalcogenides. These can be synthesized by means of low-temperature chemical precipitation or vapour deposition techniques, as described in previous works [1, 2]. The materials may also be electrosynthesized, either cathodically [3‐5] or anodically [6‐8] from an aqueous or nonaqueous medium. Electrochemical methods, especially those performed in an aqueous medium, have recently received enormous attention due to their simplicity and cost effectiveness [9‐15]. In addition, they have the advantages of being low temperature processes, with low material wastage and with the possibility of using lower grade materials. This method has been extensively applied in the preparation of CdS and CdSe thin films. We report here the possibility of cathodic electrodeposition of another promising compound, tin sulphide (SnS), from aqueous solution. The electrodeposition was carried out on either titanium or an indium-doped tin oxide (ITO) glass substrate in a standard three-electrode cell. A saturated calomel electrode (SCE) or sometimes an Ag AgCl electrode was used as the reference electrode, while platelet or spiral Pt (99.9%) was used as the counter electrode. The deposition potential was controlled by an EG&G Princeton Applied Research (PAR) Versastat driven by model 270 Electrochemical Analysis System software. The substrate was polished and chemically and ultrasonically cleaned before being used. The electrodeposition bath was prepared from anhydrous SnCl2, sodium thiosulphate (Na2S2O3) and disodium ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid (EDTA) salts using N2purged purified water from a Milli-Q water purification system. The resultant solution was acidified to a pH of about 1.5. The solution was continuously deaerated with N2 during electrodeposition. Prior to electrodeposition, cyclic voltammetry was run in order to determine the viable potential and to elucidate the electrochemical processes at the

SnS thin films were prepared by cathodic electrodeposition on ITO/glass and Ti substrates from a solution containing SnCl2 and thiosulphate ions. Cyclic voltammetry experiments were performed to elucidate the electrodic processes occurred when potentials were applied and to determine the optimum potential for electrodeposition. The photoactivity of the deposited films and their conduction types were evaluated using the photoelectrochemical technique. The bandgap energy and type of optical transitions were determined from optical absorbance data. Structural and compositional analysis were accomplished using X-ray diffractometry, electron dispersive analysis of X-ray, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The morphology of the films were examined using scanning electron microscopy.

Desired pulp-based product properties can be achieved by addition of filler in the pulp network. In exploring this, fines co-generated upon refining the alkaline peroxide treated oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) were collected based on their passage and retention capacities when subjected to varying mesh-sizes stainless-steel square mesh wires. Pulp network incorporating fines produced from the synergy of low alkaline peroxide (AP) and low energy refining effects shows that blending 12% of the 400-mesh fines (P300/R400) with the normal 200-mesh pulp fraction enhanced paper tensile strength by 100% due to their favourable dimensions. This defines the usefulness of fibrillar particles whose cell wall collapsibility increases the web density by increasing bonding ability and thus, strength of pulp-based products. Fines produced from more extreme synergy between alkaline peroxide and degree of refining, exhibit unique submicron fibrils and 'nano-CGF' also responsible for further augmentation of EFB alkaline peroxide pulp network. Whether from the simple (low-AP and low energy refining) or the extreme synergy of AP and refining, the co-generated fines are apparently suitable materials for use as natural filler for augmentation of pulp network. Particularly for the simple AP and refining synergy, the introduced recovery and utilization of the co- generated filler (CGF) was found to reduce 74% turbidity and this improvement will help reduce the complexity of whitewater generation in the pulping system.

Papers produced from oil palm empty fruit bunches (EFB) via Alkaline Peroxide Pulping (APP) was preceded by three main steps; dewaxing of EFB, alkaline peroxide (AP) impregnation into EFB and refining of biomass to generate pulp. The experiment was carried by varying chemical level and number of impregnation stages. For 2:2.5% AP level, two-stage impregnation improved hand sheets tear index by 45%, 164% boost in tensile index, 26% enhancement in zero span index and more than 5% in burst index. By applying 8:10% AP level, significant improvements were gained at the third and fourth stages of AP impregnation. Although there was no significant change in hand sheet strength with multiple impregnation for 4:5% AP level, improvement in brightness of hand sheets was apparent, analogous to the effect of increasing AP level. The found paper properties development show that alkaline peroxide pulping of EFB could be adapted to various targeted properties by adjustment of AP level and impregnation stages.

Development of the desired pulp-based products eco-properties are governed by factors like choice and suitability of raw material, the design and operation of pulping process and choice of additives. Fines recovered during refining discharge of an alkaline peroxide pulping system were collected based on their retention on varying mesh-sizes screens. Analysis shows that 12% of the 400-mesh fines added to the web enhances paper tensile strength by 100%. This defines the usefulness of fibrillar particles whose cell wall collapsibility increases the web density by increasing bonding ability and thus, strength of pulp-based products such as paper. The study acknowledges fines functioning as natural filler in pulp network and collection of fines from the refining discharge was found to reduce 70% turbidity and this improvement will help reduce the costs pertinent to generation of whitewater from the pulping system.

EFB (empty fruit bunch) was subjected to alkaline peroxide pulping for generation of fibrous mass as raw material for the making of pulp-based products. During refining, co-produced fines were collected by fractionation on square-mesh screens of 200-, 250-, 300- and 400- mesh sizes, placed at the refining discharge by order of increasing mesh. Each set of the produced paper was incorporated with 12% fines for microscopic analysis. It appears that sheared vessel elements and fibrils were predominant and they make up the mass rendering collapsibility of cell wall for good product formation. The study acknowledged the form of fines functioning as natural filler in pulp network and worthy of utilization for reduction of total suspended solid.

The pulp extracted from the alkaline peroxide pulping (APP) of EFB was beaten from 500 revolutions to 10000 revolutions using PFI mill to investigate the morphological changes undergone by the pulp and the resultant effect on paper sheet properties. As a result of beating, pulp elements were observed as intensely fibrillated, reducing the amounts of fibre bundles and thus, reducing interruption in the inter-fiber bonding. To a defined extent, beating was also seen as unwinding the structure of vessel element to a single strand of loose spiral body. These fibrillated vessel elements of APP pulp from EFB, plus the fines element germinating from further segmentation of the vessels, were the factors contributing to the overall strength improvement of the produced EFB pulp network. The applied increment in beating revolution had apparently widened the known broad spectrum quality of APP pulp from EFB. This demonstrates EFB potential for application in specialty paper production.

In this review article, the use of various low-cost adsorbents for the removal of pesticides from water and wastewater has been reviewed. Pesticides may appear as pollutants in water sources, having undesirable impacts to human health because of their toxicity, carcinogenicity, and mutagenicity or causing aesthetic problems such as taste and odors. These pesticides pollute the water stream and it can be removed very effectively using different low-cost adsorbents. It is evident from a literature survey of about 191 recently published papers that low-cost adsorbents have demonstrated outstanding removal capabilities for pesticides.