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We evaluated the thermochemical properties and suitability of a variety of lignocellulosic biomass residues in Pakistan for energy production. Proximate, ultimate and calorific value analyses were performed to know the energy perspective, whereas thermogravimetric analysis was used to study the decomposition behavior of biomass samples under pyrolysis conditions. The moisture content, volatile matter, fixed carbon and ash content in the biomass samples were found within the range of 4.38–5.69%, 63.25–80.53%, 7.97–23.13%, and 7.12–14.35%, respectively. The range of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen content was reported as 35.83–47.23%, 5.2–6.56%, and 45.6–58.55%, respectively. Lower values of sulfur and nitrogen content amongst the samples indicated that the biomass was environmentally friendly in terms of energy production. The heating value of the biomass was reported in the range of 15.20–18.44 MJ/kg. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed the existence of hydroxyl, aldehydes, ketones, aromatic compounds, carbonyl compounds, ether, and halogen groups. Orange leaf biomass indicated a greater potential in producing bio-oil, whereas the horticulture biomass and mango leaves may have greater potential for biochar.

Smart and resilient concrete structures will require building materials such as cements that sense flaws. One mechanism of crack detection in structures is monitoring their electrical conduction. Two mechanisms of charge in cement is ionic movement and moisture diffusion. Carbon rich electrically-conducting char is produced by pyrolyzing rice husks and can be used to enhance electrical conduction in cement. This paper studies the evolution of electrical properties in ordinary Portland cement added with up to 15 wt% rice husk-derived biochar. Resistance of cements decreased with increasing biochar addition while moisture loss and resistance both increase as curing time increases. Cement with 15 wt% biochar experiences the largest moisture loss and the most conducting. This suggest charge transport along percolation paths of biochar particles is dominant mechanism in these materials. Electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopic studies reveal formation of Ettringite phase and good wetting/bonding at the interface of biochar particles and cement.

Pennisetum purpureum is one of the most invasive perennial grasses of the Poaceae family, which are abundant in south-east Asia including Brunei Darussalam. The pyrolysis process at a slow heating rate proved to be highly promising for biochar production. The production and characterization of different Pennisetum purpureum biochars have been investigated at the pyrolysis temperatures of 400 °C, 500 °C and 600 °C with a heating and nitrogen flow rate of 5 °C/min and 0.5 L/min, respectively. The observed higher heating values were 22.18 MJ/kg, 23.02 MJ/kg, 23.75 MJ/kg, and the alkaline pH were 9.10, 9.86, 10.17 for the biochar at 400 °C, 500 °C, 600 °C temperatures, respectively. The water holding capacity was one hundred percent for all biochars and continued to increase for higher pyrolysis temperature. SEM images show that the porosity of the biochars has been enhanced with increased temperatures due to the rearrangement of crystallinity and aromaticity. On the other hand, the yields of biochar have been decreased from 35.13% to 23.02% for the increase of pyrolysis temperature from 400 °C to 600 °C. Energy dispersive X-ray analysis shows that the O/C atomic ratios were 0.15, 0.08 and 0.06 for the biochar of 400, 500 and 600 °C which validates the improvement in heating values. FT-IR analysis revealed that the available functional groups in the biochars were C–O, C=C, and C–H. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) under pyrolysis condition showed residue of 46.56%, 51.13% and 55.67% from the biochar at 400, 500, and 600 °C, respectively. The derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) graph indicates that the degradation rate is higher for 400 °C biochar than the 600 °C biochar.

Without pure water, it is impossible to survive for any living beings. The ratio of freshwater on our planet is very poor and the demand is increasing with time for the growing population. Furthermore, water is being contaminated by industrial and agricultural activities, pharmaceuticals, technocratic civilization, pesticides, garments, global changes etc. In addition to this, environmental pollution and global warming are swelling due to the greenhouse and harmful gases generated from the dumping and burning of fossil fuel. Addressing these problems, it is necessary to find out the cost-effective and environmental friendly processes to purify the contaminated water and air. Activated carbons (ACs) are one of the best solutions for removing the pollutants from aqueous and atmosphere as it is the carbonaceous materials with a high degree of porosity, well-developed surface area, and distinguished functional groups which are required for elimination of contaminants. The preparations of activated carbon are easy and safe processes, mainly from the pyrolysis or gasification of biomass with heat and/or chemicals. The recycling and regeneration of activated carbon after use are also essential for resource maintenance and environmental safety. Thus, AC can protect the ecosystem in a double direction by purifying the water and air from the pollutants.

This paper discussed the removal and the remediation of emerging contaminants (ECs) in water using adsorption and membrane filtration as a single and hybrid system. The classifications, sources, effects, detection techniques, and available technologies for ECs removal were discussed. Next, an overview of both adsorption and membrane filtration processes in terms of materials, separation mechanisms, factors affecting their performances, and their applications for ECs removals was provided. It was followed by a comprehensive review of the combination of the membrane and the adsorption processes with other physical, chemical, or biological treatments. Finally, progress in research on a hybrid system between membrane filtration and adsorption was discussed. The combination included adsorption as the pre-treatment, integrated adsorption/membrane filtration system, or adsorption as the post-treatment. Generally, the hybrid systems showed improved performance than a single system. Nonetheless, further studies are recommended for applications of those systems on a wide range of ECs removals and the scale-up issue.

Acacia mangium is a widely grown tree species across the forests in Brunei Darussalam, posing a threat to the existence of some native species in Brunei Darussalam. These species produce large quantities of lignocellulosic biomass from the tree parts comprising the phyllodes, trunk, bark, twigs, pods, and branches. This study examined the thermochemical characteristics and pyrolytic conversion behavior of these tree parts to assess the possibility of valorization to yield bioenergy. Proximate, ultimate, heating value, and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses were performed to assess the thermochemical characterization, while thermogravimetric analysis was conducted to examine the pyrolytic degradation behavior. Proximate analysis revealed a moisture content, volatile, fixed carbon, and ash contents of 7.88–11.65 wt.%, 69.82–74.85 wt.%, 14.47–18.31 wt.%, and 1.41–2.69 wt.%, respectively. The heating values of the samples were reported in a range of 19.51–21.58 MJ/kg on a dry moisture basis, with a carbon content in the range of 45.50–50.65 wt.%. The FTIR analysis confirmed the heterogeneous nature of the biomass samples with the presence of multiple functional groups. The pyrolytic thermal degradation of the samples occurred in three major stages from the removal of moisture and light extractives, hemicellulose and cellulose decomposition, and lignin decomposition. The bio-oil yield potential from the biomass samples was reported in the range of 40 to 58 wt.%, highlighting the potential of Acacia mangium biomass for the pyrolysis process.

The use of lignocellulosic biomass in the production of bioenergy is escalating with time due to the increase in energy demand and ecological pollution. The purpose of this study is to examine the opportunities of biofuel production from Pennisetum purpureum which is an invasive perennial grass in Brunei Darussalam. The proximate analysis of the study showed that the proportions of moisture content (MC), volatile matter (VM), fixed carbon (FC), and ash content (AC) were 5.93%, 69.44%, 16.81%, and 7.82%, respectively. Moreover, the ratios of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), sulfur (S), and oxygen (O) provided by the ultimate analysis were 43.23%, 5.80%, 1.17%, 0.11%, and 41.76%, respectively. The low moisture content and the higher heating value (18.55 MJ/kg) marked this grass as a potential source of biomass. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed the strong bonds between O–H, C–H, C–O, C=O, and C=C in the biomass. The thermogravimetric and their derivative results depicted that the highest weight losses occurred at a temperature of 334 °C with a degradation rate of 6.56 °C/min for pyrolysis condition and at a temperature of 312 °C with a degradation rate of 7.66 °C/min in combustion conditions.

Bahan bakar fosil sumber energi memiliki keterbatasan dan tidak terbarukan, penggunaan bahan bakar fosil secara terus menerus mengakibatkan krisis energy dan lingkungan. Rumput liar pada saat ini memiliki potensi untuk dikembangkan sebagai generasi kedua biomasa. Hal ini memiliki keuntungan seperti tumbuh dengan cepat, mudah tumbuh, perawatan yang minimal, dapat tumbuh pada lahan kritis dan tersedia dalam jumlah yang banyak. Dalam upaya mengembangkan generasi kedua biomasa, penelitian ini secara sistematis memberikan perspektif ekologi dan teknologi proses dalam mengembangkan bioenergi dari alang – alang di Provinsi Banten. Pada penelitian ini karakterisasi alang – alang dilakukan untuk menentukan sifat – sifat dan potensi bioenergy. Sedangkan fixed bed pirolisis dilakukan untuk mengidentifikasi potensi produksi bio-oil dari proses pirolisis. Sementara analisis karakterisasi bio-oil dilakukan untuk melihat potensi chemical building block sebagai sumber energi. Analisis sifat kimia dan fisika alang – alang dilakukan melalui thermogravimetric analysis, proximate analysis, elemental analysis, compositional analysis, calorific value. Sedangkan analisis potensi bio-oil di lakukan melalui Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Dari hasil karakterisasi mengindikasikan bahwa alang – alang memiliki nilai kalori 18,05 MJ/kg, dengan ash konten yang rendah, dan tinggi kandungan volatile. Analisis dengan GC/MS menunjukan komponen utama dalam bio-oil dikelompokan ke dalam furan, ketone, phenol dan anhydrosugar yang merupakan platform yang dapat dikonversi menjadi sumber energi. Fixed bed pyrolysis atau fixed bed pirolisis alang – alang menunjukan, bahwa yield bio-oil meningkat sebagaimana peningkatan temperatur dan puncaknya pada suhu 500 0C dengan persentase 37,91%. Kata Kunci: Alang - alang, Pirolisis, GC/MS, Thermogravimetric analysis, Bioenergi ABSTRACT Fossil fuel as a source of energy have limitation and are non-renewable. Continuous utilisation of fossil fuels as energy source can lead to energy crisis and environmental impact. Perennials grasses (alang – alang) are currently being developed as a suitable second-generation biofuel feedstock. It has advantages such as rapid growth rate, easy to grow, minimal maintenance and utilise marginal land without competing with food supply. Taking into account of the various challenges attributed to the transformation of second-generation biomass for energy production, this work systematically looks at the ecological perspective and the availability for bioenergy production from alang – alang in Banten Province. Biomass characterisation is carried out to determine the properties and bioenergy potential. Fixed bed pyrolysis study was conducted to predict the potential production of bio-oil from the pyrolysis process. GC/MS study is conducted to identify the potential building blocks of value-added chemicals from alang – alang. The physicochemical properties of feedstock was thoroughly evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis, proximate analysis, elemental analysis, compositional analysis, calorific value. The analysis of the potential of bio-oil was carried out through GC / MS. Characterisation results indicate that alang - alang has a calorific value of 18.39 MJ/kg, with low ash content and high percentage of volatile matter. Analysis from Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) showed that majority of the chemical groups in the bio-oil contained furan, ketone, phenol and anhydro-sugars. Phenolic and furanic were found as major compounds in bio oil. Phenolic, furanic, ketonic and anhydrosugars are promising renewable platform compounds derived from pyrolysis of alang – alang. The compounds can be further converted to chemicals or fuels. The fixed-bed pyrolysis of alang - alang showed that the yield of bio-oil increases as the temperature increases and peaks at 500°C with 38.79%. Keywords: Alang - alang, Pyrolysis, GC/MS, Thermogravimetric analysis, Bioenergy

Ever-increasing energy requirements coupled with the desire to cope with global warming have motivated researchers to look for alternative energy resources. Lignocellulosic biomass is an abundant renewable energy resource which can be exploited to reduce the dependency on fossil fuel resources. Acacia cincinnata and Acacia holosericea are fast-growing tree species which produce large quantities of biomass within short span of time and does not require major agricultural inputs to grow. This study is aimed at the intermediate pyrolysis process of Acacia cincinnata and Acacia holosericea species to produce biofuels such as bio-oil, biochar and gaseous product. Mass balance was done to calculate the yields of different products along with the characterisation of bio-oil and biochar produced. Experiments were carried out in a fixed-bed reactor at the pyrolysis temperature of 500 °C, heating rate of 25 °C/min and nitrogen gas flowrate of 100 cm3/min for the biomass feedstock having particle size between 0.5 and 1 mm. Comprehensive thermochemical characterisation of biomass samples was carried out prior to pyrolysis experiments. The chemical composition of bio-oil samples produced was determined using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC–MS) technique. Ultimate analysis, calorific values, pH values and the ash contents in the bio-oil samples were also determined. Bio-oil produced were reported to be complex mixtures of heterocyclic and phenolic compounds resulting from the thermal degradation of basic components of biomass with the calorific values obtained in the range of 23.46–30.65 MJ/kg. Biochar samples produced in the study were characterised with the help of ultimate analysis, FTIR analysis, calorific values, pH values and SEM and EDX analysis. Properties of biochars indicated suitability for energy as well as other applications such as soil remediation and adsorption purposes. Study revealed a decent potential of Acacia cincinnata and Acacia holosericea species as biofuels resources.

The depletion of fossil fuels has been a greater concern to the world due to the demand for energy that tremendously increasing with urbanization and population growth. For sustainable development, power industries are trying to find suitable substitute of petroleum fuel which is environment friendly and economically feasible. The biomass such as the production of bio-oil from chicken litter could be a possible alternative source of energy. The conversion of the feedstock was conducted through a catalytic pyrolysis process in an ex-situ fixed bed reactor heated at 500 °C with a heating rate of 50 °C/min. Proximate, ultimate, and calorific analysis of the feedstock was studied using TGA/DTG analysis, CHNS, and bomb calorimeter, respectively. GCMS and py-GCMS experiments on the bio-oil showed that the HHV of the feedstock was 16.01 MJ/kg. The addition of catalyst improved the quality of the bio-oil yield. The presence of dolomite and ZMS-5 catalyst enhances the phenols and aromatic content, respectively. Biomass to catalyst (B/C) ratio increased the oil production from 43.6g to 51.9g for dolomite and 43.6g–47.1g for ZMS-5 with the B/C ration of 20g:3g. Elevating the B/C ratio increases the pyrolytic liquid yield with greater influence on the furanic compound.

Catalytic fast co-pyrolysis of sewage sludge and sawdust was performed using Py/GC-MS for pyrolytic product upgrades. Metal oxides (NiO and MoO3) and ZSM-5 catalysts had been introduced into single catalytic pyrolysis. The combination of NiO + MoO3 in mixed metal oxides (MMOs) was modified with ZSM-5 under a dual-catalyst with different catalytic layouts. In the pyrolysis process, the metal oxides specifically promoted the formation of phenols, ketones, and furans. ZSM-5 was proven to be more effective in producing aromatic hydrocarbons and phenols and in reducing the oxygenated compounds. The combination of MMOs with ZSM-5 effectively improved product distribution by increasing the production of aromatics and phenols. MMOs promoted the aromatics selectivity of undesirable PAHs (70.5%), however, the addition of ZSM-5 to MMOs appeared to reduce and inhibit the formation of PAHs by 0.85%. The highest yield of aromatics was obtained by the layout of the ZSM-5/MMO dual catalysts layout which was 21.6%. Dual catalysts of MMOs and ZSM-5 in separated layout created promising effects in further increasing the production of aromatic hydrocarbons and phenols compared to the mixture of MMOs modified ZSM-5.

To analyze the factors predicting survival outcomes in treatment naive oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma (OTSCC). A comprehensive review of 531 oral tongue carcinoma patients treated with upfront surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy was conducted from 2004–2018. The mean age of presentation was 53 years (11–86) with a male to female ratio of 1.3:1. The associated risk factors were smoking (21%), betel nut (16%), naswar (9%) and alcohol (1%). Most of the cases were either well (45.1%) or moderately (46.2%) differentiated. Surgery was performed in 164 patients alone while 368 were treated with surgery in combination with adjuvant modalities. Overall (OS) and disease free survival (DFS) were 66 and 71%, respectively, with a median follow up of 2.5 years. Cox regression analysis showed nodal positivity, increased depth of invasion (DOI) and higher lymph node ratio (LNR) as significant prognosticators impacting OS and DSS. Nodal volume, DOI and LNR are the most consistent predictors of poor outcome in OTSCC. Nodal positivity, depth of invasion > 5 mm and lymph node ratio > 0.04 adversely affect OS and DSS.

Stretchable and flexible graphite films can be effectively applied as functional layers in the progressively increasing field of stretchable and flexible electronics. In this paper, we focus on the feasibility of making stretchable and flexible films based on expanded graphite particles on a polymeric substrate material, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The expanded graphite particles used in this work are prepared by utilizing bath sonication processes at the ultrasonic frequency of either the commercially available graphite flakes or graphite particles obtained through electrolysis under the interstitial substitution of silver and sulfate, respectively. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirm that, due to the action of the bath sonication intercalation of graphite taking place, the resistances of the as-fabricated thin films is ultimately lowered. Mechanical characterizations, such as stretchability, flexibility and reliability tests were performed using home-made tools. The films were found to remain stretchable up to 40% tensile strain and 20% bending strain. These films were also found to remain functional when repeatedly flexed up to 1000 times.

Solid waste residues from the extraction of essential oils are projected to increase and need to be treated appropriately. Valorization of waste via pyrolysis can generate value-added products, such as chemicals and energy. The characterization of lemon myrtle residues (LMR) highlights their suitability for pyrolysis, with high volatile matter and low ash content. Thermogravimetric analysis/derivative thermogravimetric revealed the maximum pyrolytic degradation of LMR at 335 °C. The pyrolysis of LMR for bio-oil production was conducted in a fixed-bed reactor within a temperature range of 350–550 °C. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry showed that the bio-oil contained abundant amounts of acetic acid, phenol, 3-methyl-1,2-cyclopentanedione, 1,2-benzenediol, guaiacol, 2-furanmethanol, and methyl dodecanoate. An increase in pyrolysis temperature led to a decrease in organic acid and ketones from 18.09% to 8.95% and 11.99% to 8.75%, respectively. In contrast, guaiacols and anhydrosugars increased from 24.23% to 30.05% and from 3.57% to 7.98%, respectively.

The new coronavirus (COVID-19) has started spreading all over the world Every infected is fighting to recover a little and every health worker is fighting to save a single life in this pandemic There is no place for patients to stay in the hospital, health workers are given all possible services to save their lives In this situation, uninterrupted power system is needed, which can be supplied by solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) Therefore, solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are becoming attractive day by day with competing environmentally friendly energy sources due to high energy efficiency, low emission rate and comparatively low operating cost The purpose of this work is to investigate how copper-doped perovskite electrode materials impact the performance of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) to overcome such crucial times successfully Different synthesis process of Cu-based electrodes and analyzing electrochemical properties were investigated in this work The evaluation was performed in terms of synthesis process, sintering temperature, lattice type and parameters, electrical conductivity, thermal expansion coefficients (TEC), polarization resistance, activation energy, and power density In order to provide additional energy during this pandemic COVID-19, low-cost, highly performed, and durable materials are needed to make SOFC

Biochar production from invasive species biomass discarded as waste was studied in a fixed bed reactor pyrolysis system under different temperature conditions for value-added applications. Prior to pyrolysis, the biomass feedstock was characterized by proximate, ultimate, and heating value analyses, while the biomass decomposition behavior was examined by thermogravimetric analysis. The heating values of the feedstock biomass ranged from 18.65 to 20.65 MJ/kg, whereas the volatile matter, fixed carbon, and ash content were 61.54–72.04 wt %, 19.27–26.61 wt % and 1.51–1.86 wt %, respectively. The elemental composition of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the samples was reported to be in the range of 47.41–48.47 wt %, 5.50–5.88 wt % and 46.10–45.18 wt %, respectively, while the nitrogen and sulphur content in the biomass samples were at very low concentrations, making it more useful for valorization from environmental aspects. The biochar yields were reported in the range of 45.36–58.35 wt %, 28.63–44.38 wt % and 22.68–29.42 wt % at a pyrolysis temperature of 400 °C, 500 °C, and 600 °C, respectively. The biochars were characterized from ultimate analysis, heating value, energy densification ratio, energy yield, pH, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (SEM and EDX), to evaluate their potential for value-added applications. The carbon content, heating value, energy densification ratio, and the porosity of the biochars improved with the increase in pyrolysis temperature, while the energy yield, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen content of the biochars decreased. This study revealed the potential of the valorization of underutilized discarded biomass of invasive species via a pyrolysis process to produce biochar for value-added applications.

The necessity of energy is continuously increasing, whereas fossil fuel sources are gradually depleting. To mitigate this problem, fish processing waste of the bluespotted stingray (Neotrygon kuhlii), available in the Borneo region, was investigated for an alternative feedstock of bioenergy production. The fish wastes are hazardous for the environment, whereas the biodiesel from fish waste is pollution-free and produces less contaminant gas and carbon dioxide than fossil fuel. From the proximate analysis, the moisture content, volatile matter, fixed carbon, and ash content of the fish waste were achieved as 4.88%, 63.80%, 15.03%, and 16.29%, respectively. The proportion of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen was found as 42.06%, 5.99%, 10.77%, 0.91%, and 40.27%, respectively, from the ultimate analysis. The calorific value was 21.53 MJ/kg, which would be highly effective in biofuel production. The morphology analysis results of the biomass are favorable for renewable energy sources. The major bondage between carbon and hydrogen and oxygen was found using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The thermogravimetric analysis and derivative thermogravimetry revealed that the highest weight loss occurred at 352 °C temperature with a decomposition rate of 4.57 wt.%/min in pyrolysis circumstances, and at 606 °C temperature with a decomposition rate of 3.77 wt.%/min in combustion conditions. In the pyrolysis process for 25 °C/min heating rate, the yield of biochar, bio-oil, and bio-syngas was found as 33.96, 29.34, 23.46% at 400 °C, 47.72, 49.32, 33.87% at 500 °C, and 18.32, 21.34, 42.37% at 600 °C, respectively. The characteristics and pyrolysis yields of fish waste are suitable for being an effective renewable energy source.

Continuously increasing energy requirements coupled with environmental pollution have established pressure to utilise lignocellulosic biomass for energy production. Acacia auriculiformis is a fast-...

As the demand for energy increases and fossil fuel resources are depleted, the search for clean sources of energy has intensified worldwide. This is coupled with a strong global desire to reduce CO2 emissions to curb global warming. Brunei Darussalam is committed to reduce its CO2 emissions but currently utilizes fossil fuels to meet almost all of its energy requirements. This situation provides good incentives to search for renewable and sustainable resources to produce energy in the country. Acacia species are exotic species that have invaded and spread to natural habitats in Brunei Darussalam. Acacia species are a sustainable source of high quality biomass feedstock to produce bioenergy in the country. Hot tropical weather of the country is highly suitable for the rapid growth of Acacias without requiring any major agricultural input. This study reviews the thermochemical conversion of Acacia species especially; Acacia mangium and Acacia auriculiformis to produce biofuels and bio-products. The prospective of using Acacia biomass as feedstock in pyrolysis, gasification, liquefaction and combustion is also discussed. Acacia biomass is a sustainable and renewable energy resource for Brunei Darussalam to be exploited for energy requirements and can be beneficial for the economy of the country by providing new investment and employment opportunities.

This study examined the non-isothermal kinetics of the slow pyrolysis of Imperata Cylindrica (IC). Pyrolysis conditions were developed under the pure N2 flow and non-isothermal conditions at the heating rates of 2.5, 5, 10, and 17.5 K/min and over the temperature range of 303–1173 K. The IC pyrolysis profiles could be identified into three parallel reactions, each of which corresponded to pseudo-hemicelluloses (P-Hem), pseudo-cellulose (P-Cell), and pseudo-lignin (P-Lig) decomposition. A systematic kinetic study of the pyrolysis of IC via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) deconvolution using Asymmetric Double Sigmoidal (Asym2sig), Friedman differential iso-conversional and combined kinetics of biomass pseudo-components was carried out. The kinetics parameters of pseudo components fitted well with the pyrolysis experimental data for all the heating rates. Differential master-plots showed that the reaction mechanisms for pseudo hemicellulose (P-Hem) and pseudo cellulose (P-Cell) were diffusional and order based, and high order based (3rd order) for the pseudo lignin (P-Lig). Mechanism of P-Hem, P-Cell and P-Lig could be further reconstructed to Sestak and Berggren model of f α = α - 0.9875 1 - α 1.325 - l n ⁡ ( 1 - α ) 0.0209 , f α = α 0.3313 1 - α 1.4731 - l n ⁡ ( 1 - α ) 0 . 0215 and f α = α - 2.9551 1 - α 2.7642 - l n ⁡ ( 1 - α ) 0.0074 , respectively. The combined kinetic reported the activation energies of pseudo-components were as 194.709 kJ/mol, 179.968 kJ/mol and 219.226 kJ/mol for P-Hem, P-Cell and P-Lig, respectively.

La10Si6-2xBi2xO27-x (x = 0.22, 0.46 and 0.72) ceramics have been synthesized by the solid-state reaction method. The calcination temperature of La10Si6-2xBi2xO27-x was 900°C for 4 hours and the sintering temperature was 1500°C for 5 hours with the heating and cooling rates of 10°C per minute. Crystal structures of La10Si6-2xBi2xO27-x have been characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Room temperature XRD patterns of La10Si6-2xBi2xO27-x ceramics doped with Bi3+ show hexagonal apatite structure with space group P63/m as the primary compound with minor appearance of La2SiO5 impurity as the secondary compound. As the bismuth oxide content increased the La2SiO5 impurity also increased. La10Si5.56Bi0.44O26.78 has the highest bulk density of 5.2 gcm-3 and good microstructure compared to La10Si5.08Bi0.92O26.54 and La10Si4.56Bi1.44O26.28.

© 2019 by the authors. In recent years, there has been considerable interest in the use of natural fibers as potential reinforcing fillers in polymer composites despite their hydrophilicity, which limits their widespread commercial application. The present study explored the fabrication of nanocomposites by melt mixing, using an internal mixer followed by a compression molding technique, and incorporating rice husk (RH) as a renewable natural filler, montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay as water-resistant reinforcing nanoparticles, and polypropylene-grafted maleic anhydride (PP-g-MAH) as a compatibilizing agent. To correlate the effect ofMMTdelamination andMMT/RHdispersion in the composites, the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites were studied. XRD analysis revealed delamination of MMT platelets due to an increase in their interlayer spacing, and SEM micrographs indicated improved dispersion of the filler(s) from the use of compatibilizers. The mechanical properties were improved by the incorporation of MMT into the PP/RH system and the reinforcing effect was remarkable as a result of the use of compatibilizing agent. Prolonged water exposure of the prepared samples decreased their tensile and flexural properties. Interestingly, the maximum decrease was observed for PP/RH composites and the minimum was for MMT-reinforced and PP-g-MAH-compatibilized PP/RH composites. DSC results revealed an increase in crystallinity with the addition of filler(s), while the melting and crystallization temperatures remained unaltered. TGA revealed that MMT addition and its delamination in the composite systems improved the thermal stability of the developed nanocomposites. Overall, we conclude that MMT nanoclay is an effective water-resistant reinforcing nanoparticle that enhances the durability, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of composites.

To evaluate the possibilities for biofuel and bioenergy production Acacia Holosericea, which is an invasive plant available in Brunei Darussalam, was investigated. Proximate analysis of Acacia Holosericea shows that the moisture content, volatile matters, fixed carbon, and ash contents were 9.56%, 65.12%, 21.21%, and 3.91%, respectively. Ultimate analysis shows carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen as 44.03%, 5.67%, and 0.25%, respectively. The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results have shown that maximum weight loss occurred for this biomass at 357 &deg, C for pyrolysis and 287 &deg, C for combustion conditions. Low moisture content (&lt, 10%), high hydrogen content, and higher heating value (about 18.13 MJ/kg) makes this species a potential biomass. The production of bio-char, bio-oil, and biogas from Acacia Holosericea was found 34.45%, 32.56%, 33.09% for 500 &deg, C with a heating rate 5 &deg, C/min and 25.81%, 37.61%, 36.58% with a heating rate 10 &deg, C/min, respectively, in this research. From Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy it was shown that a strong C&ndash, H, C&ndash, O, and C=C bond exists in the bio-char of the sample.

Pakistan’s current energy portfolio is problematic due to a lack of proper management and implementation of appropriate energy policies. This densely populated country has a high energy demand that rises yearly and is expected to increase three-fold by 2050. However, fossil fuel resources are continuously depleting by global overuse while negatively impacting the environment through increasing greenhouse gas emissions. This study reviewed the potential for agricultural residues to be used as renewable energy sources for bioenergy production in Pakistan to address the energy-related challenges that would also help in addressing the economic and environmental concerns. First, a comparison was made between the current energy situation, potential renewable energy scenarios, and global trends. Second, greenhouse gas (i.e., CO2) emissions in Pakistan were summarised and compared with other regions. Third, the thermochemical properties of different agricultural residues were reviewed along with varying the options of processing to produce renewable energy such as thermochemical conversion approaches (combustion, pyrolysis, gasification, and liquefaction) and biochemical conversion options (anaerobic digestion, and fermentation). Pakistan being an agricultural-based economy, produces vast quantities of agricultural residue biomass, which is mostly underutilized as animal feed, conventional fuel substitutes, left to rot in fields or burnt to get rid, resulting in the vast emissions of greenhouse gases causing severe environmental pollution and smog formation. A considerable share of Pakistan’s national energy demand can be fulfilled if these feedstocks are adequately managed and exploited through the energy sector and converted into large-scale bioenergy.

Rice husk is biomass that can be utilized as fuel for biomass gasification as a renewable energy source. In this paper, thermochemical methods were used to determine the higher heating values, moisture content, bulk density, pellet density, microstructure, and elemental composition of Thai Rice Husk (Oryza Sativa Linn). The heating energy was analyzed using a bomb calorimeter, which showed a higher heating value of 15.46 MJ/kg. Determination of pellet density through rice husk powder pelletization exhibited a value of 1.028 g/cm3, while moisture content was 5.017 wt%. The heating value and moisture content revealed good agreement with the literature values, indicating the potentiality of rice hush for energy generation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the raw rice husk and its ash have similar porosity types but different bulk structure. Elemental analysis using energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) indicated that rice husk contains O, Si, C while O and C percentages were drastically decreased during combustion. The obtained heating value and moisture content proved that rice husk could be used as a bio-energy source in biomass gasification for power generation.

This study investigated the potential of sawdust from the processing of Acacia wood for the furniture making industry to produce bio-oil and biochar in an auger pyrolysis reactor system. The necessary characterization to assess the suitability of feedstock and strategies the pyrolysis parameters was also carried out. The volatile matter, ash content, carbon content and the higher heating value of the sawdust feedstock were reported as 68.46 wt%, 1.13 wt%, 47.40 wt% and 19.33 MJ/kg, respectively, with very low nitrogen and sulfur content. The thermogravimetric (TGA and DTG) analysis of sawdust showed that the weight loss from biomass occurred in three main stages as a result of the removal of moisture and extractives, decomposition of hemicellulose, cellulose, and the lignin components. Based on the decomposition temperature window and peak conversion temperature the pyrolysis experiments were carried out in the range of 400–600 ℃ by maintaining the nitrogen flow rate, biomass feeding rate, rotation speed of the conveyer the residence time of materials and biomass particle size as 300 cm3/min, 180 g/h, 4.5 RPM, 5 min, and 0.5–1.0 mm, respectively. The yields of the non-condensable gases, biochar and bio-oil were reported in the ranges 16.70–38.47 wt%, 29.72–51.85 wt% and 29.40–45.10 wt%, respectively. The pyrolysis products were pragmatically analyzed to evaluate the influence on yield and their properties. The higher heating values of bio-oil produced were reported in the range 28.781–29.871 MJ/kg while the pH of bio-oil indicated the strongly acidic nature with values in the range of 2.9–3.4. Chemical compounds in bio-oils were categorized as phenols, nitrogen containing compounds, guaiacols, organic acids, ketones, anhydrous sugars, esters, and aldehydes. Biochar characterization showed an energy potential comparable to those of the low ranked coals with the higher heating values reported in the range of 25.01–25.99 MJ/kg. The surface morphological characteristics and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis of the biochars indicated potential for other valued applications in the adsorption, environmental, catalyst, and agricultural context.

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) is in focus to integrate with biomass gasification technologies to have a single and highly efficient system; combining the benefits of renewable energy sources and hydrogen energy systems. Combined heat and power (CHP) for houses is highly efficient (>90%). Micro CHP for space heating in Europe and Japan is already been popular using natural gas as fuel. Biomass derived syngas μ-CHP is more interesting. A brief overview of the systems, the present status and the future prospect of the technology has been discussed in this review to offer the guideline of its way for implementation. Since SOFC exposes to syngas derived from biomass gasification, SOFC material needs to be developed, particularly anode part, for the better sulfur tolerance and inhibit carbon deposition. The different anode materials have been discussed to have a guideline for future development. By the development of SOFC material, the entire energy integration system seems to offer greater energy efficiency for sustainable and renewable energy route.

Bio-oil production from renewable sources has been seen as suitable alternative to supply future energy demand. Perennials grasses are currently being developed as a suitable second-generation biofuel feedstock. It has advantages such as rapid growth rate, easy to grow, minimal maintenance and utilise marginal land without competing with food supply. Taking into account of the various challenges attributed to the transformation of second-generation biomass for energy production, this work systematically looks at the ecological perspective and the availability for bioenergy production from Imperata Cylindrica in Brunei Darussalam. Biomass characterisation was carried out to determine the properties and energy content, meanwhile py-GC/MS study was conducted to identify building blocks of value-added chemical from I. cylindrica. The physicochemical properties of feedstock was thoroughly evaluated using thermogravimetric analysis, proximate analysis, elemental analysis, compositional analysis, calorific value, and analytical pyrolysis interfaced with gas chromatograph (Py-GC/MS). Characterisation results indicate that Imperata Cylindrica has a calorific value of 18.39 MJ/kg, with low ash content and high percentage of volatile matter. Py-GC/MS analysis revealed the presence of furfural, 2,3-dihydrobenzofuran, 4-vinylguaiacol, propenylguaiacol, guaiacol and 4-ethylphenol. The fixed-bed pyrolysis experiment of imperata cylindrica showed that the yield of bio-oil increases with the increase of temperature and it reached a peak of 37.16% at 500 °C. These results show that Imperata Cylindrica is suitable as feedstock for bio-oil production via pyrolysis process.

This paper describes a novel model of education program and curricula in higher engineering to be employed in ASEANs and its related countries. Our investigation and research program consists of 10 universities including University of Brunei Darussalam, Institute of Technology at Cambodia, Institute of Technology at Bandung, National University of Laos, University of Technology in Malaysia, Yangon Technological University, De La Salle University at Philippines, Nanyang Technological University, Vietnam National university, and Advanced Institute of Industrial Technology in Japan. Our team made an MOU to conduct investigation to create a standard model of higher education program for engineering professions between 2015 to 2017. In this paper, we propose and introduce our invented education program and curricula, example of course in information technology and mechanical engineering, evaluation through questionnaires in external organizations. The proposed program consists 9 years program through high school to graduate school, but students can join in each school based on their needs. The contribution of this paper includes these three points; the proposed model is related with a human capitals development model to complement the existing engineering professional education; schools provide professional education program to execute effective learning; and the proposed model enables to be employed in current various schools easily.

Advanced Institute of Industrial Technology has performed the global Project Based Learning (PBL) for environmental IoT with Universiti Brunei Darussalam (Brunei) and Unitec Institute of Technology (New Zealand) in 2015-2016, in order to address environmental monitoring in Brunei. We evaluate the effectiveness of this global PBL from various metrics including questionnaire and GitHub. Finally, we learn some lessons from this global PBL and suggest the direction of future global PBL.

Thermochemical characterisation of agricultural biomass wastes from West African region has been carried out and their potential use as feedstock in thermochemical conversion processes determined. Proximate, ultimate, structural compositions, calorific values, thermogravimetry (TGA) and derivative thermogravimetry (DTG) analyses were carried out on corn straw and cobs, rice straw and husks, cocoa pod, jatropha curcas and moringa olifiera seed cakes, parinari polyandra fruit shell and sugarcane bagasse. Moringa olifiera seed cakes and cocoa pods were found to contain the highest moisture contents. Rice straw was found to contain a high ash content of 45.76. wt.%. The level of nitrogen and sulphur in all the samples were very low. Rice husk was found to have the highest lignin contents while corn cob low lignin contents indicate a potential feedstock source for quality bio-oil production using thermochemical process. © 2013.

Background: The gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), defined as my degree of glucose intolerance with onset of first recognition during pregnancy, is poorly understood due to low socioeconomic dynamics among the pregnant mothers of Rahim Yar Khan. It results in many maternal and fetal complications. This study was carried out to determine the frequency and socio- demographic profile of pregnant mothers with gestational diabetes mellitus admitted in Gynecological Obstetrics wards of Sheikh Zayed Medical College Hospital Rahim Yar Khan.Methods: The data for this cross-sectional study was collected during the period from 30-01-2017 to 30-06-2017. The data was collected from labor room and wards of gynecology Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. This study was conducted among the 160 pregnant mothers in Labor room and gynecological wards of Sheikh Zayed Hospital Rahim Yar Khan, admitted during the study period. A predesigned questionnaire was filled by interviewing these mother shaving variables of age, education, residence, working status, BMI, family monthly income, total numbers of children, knowledge of Gestational diabetes mellitus and family history of GDM.Results: The frequency of GDM in this study was significantly associated with reproductive age group 25-34 years (64%), Illiteracy in mothers (53.8 %) from rural area (>50%) housewives (83%), BMI (Mean = 22), Family Monthly income (> 10,000 Rs.), Average no. of Children (2-3), Diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (15.6%), Family history of D.M (>50%).Conclusions: It is concluded that the frequency of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus was high. Early detection, constant sup0ervision, delivery with intensive intra-partum monitoring, facilities of expert neonatologists, proper health care education to pregnant mothers can result in good maternal and fetal outcomes without much morbidity.

In this paper we present a comprehensive review of the state of the art of smoke and fire detection techniques using image processing. Smoke is a good indicator of a pre-fire condition and many fires are indicators of subsequent dangerous situations due to the spread of fire. In this paper we first start our comparison of smoke detection methods and different types of approaches for the classification of smoke. Furthermore we analyse different types of technologies and various models involve in detection techniques such as RGB and HSI models for detecting smoke and fire. Generally, the false alarm rate can be reduced by image processing through effective types of detection techniques such as vision-based or sensor-based methods. Mainly in this paper, we focus on optimised technologies in order to detect smoke and fire at the earliest possible stage of the event, and smoke and fire detection by satellite vision methods.

Catalytic pyrolysis experiments have been carried out on Brunei rice husk (BRH) to obtain bio-oil using a fixed-bed pyrolysis rig. ZSM-5, Al-MCM-41, Al-MSU-F and Brunei rice husk ash (BRHA) were used as the catalysts for the catalytic pyrolysis experiments and comparison was done to analyse the changes in the bio-oil properties and yield. Properties of the liquid catalytic and non-catalytic bio-oil were analysed in terms of water content, pH, acid number, viscosity, density and calorific value. The bio-oil chemical composition shows that ZSM-5 increases the production of aromatic hydrocarbons and light phenols, whilst Al-MCM-41 reduces the acetic acid production. The catalytic runs increased the calorific value and water content in the bio-oil, whilst viscosity, density and acid number is decreased.