Papers by Keyword: Sustainable

Abstract: The global challenges of energy security and climate change highlight the urgent need for renewable energy technologies. Biomass gasification offers a promising thermochemical route for converting organic feedstocks into synthesis gas (syngas), which can serve as a clean fuel or chemical precursor. Despite its potential, large-scale application is constrained by low carbon conversion efficiency, excessive tar formation, unstable syngas composition, and catalyst deactivation. This study applies a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) guided by PRISMA 2020 to examine advances in sustainable catalytic and sorbent materials for improving syngas quality. Literature was retrieved from Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar (2015–2025), focusing on experimental and simulation-based studies. Results indicate that eco-friendly catalysts such as Ni–Ce/CaO composites, multifunctional Ni/CaO–Ca₁₂Al₁₄O₃₃, lanthanum-promoted Ni–Al₂O₃, red mud, biochar, zeolites, and CaO-based sorbents enhance hydrogen yield, reduce CO₂, and mitigate tar formation. Multifunctional materials combining catalytic and adsorptive properties, particularly in sorption-enhanced gasification, show strong potential but still face challenges of sintering, deactivation, and reactor-dependent variability. Beyond efficiency gains, sustainable catalysts contribute to circular economy principles by valorizing wastes and biomass residues. Future priorities include nanostructured catalyst design, reactor–catalyst integration, techno-economic feasibility, and life cycle assessment to enable industrial-scale deployment.

Abstract: The construction industry is increasingly adopting sustainable solutions, with bamboo emerging as a resilient and eco-friendly material. However, challenges persist in bamboo construction, particularly in developing effective techniques for joining bamboo poles. This study aims to evaluate the structural performance and stress distribution of 3D-printed connectors for bamboo structures. By leveraging 3D printing technology, this research seeks to improve bamboo construction methods addressing its non-uniformity, streamlining design and production, and the potential use of bio-based material. Performance evaluations were conducted through software simulations and digital image correlation (DIC) to assess the mechanical behavior of the connectors and showed 1.561mm and 1.80mm displacement, respectively. The analysis identified areas requiring refinement to enhance load-bearing capacity and optimize stress distribution. The findings suggest that the connectors are explored using different materials, geometry, and even more advanced and efficient design of structures. Furthermore, this study provides practical insights into the viability and sustainability of the integration of 3D printing technology into bamboo construction practices.

Abstract: Among the abundant molecules in nature, one has remained relatively underexplored in the domain of bio-based thermosets. In line with the pursuit of sustainability, we present the successful synthesis of a novel bio-based thermoset monomer (designated as Q-Ph) based on a naturally occurring flavonoid molecule, quercetin (Q). This synthesis involved a nitro displacement reaction with 4-nitrophthalonitrile. Structural confirmation of Q-Ph was achieved using hydrogen and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and elemental analysis. Curing characteristics were assessed using differential scanning calorimetry, which indicated lower curing and polymerization temperatures compared to petroleum-based counterparts. Polymerization was further examined via temperature-dependent FTIR. Notably, the synthesized resin displayed superior performance, suggesting an autocatalytic curing mechanism. These findings highlight the potential of the developed phthalonitrile (PN) thermosets as a sustainable alternative to petrochemicals, particularly in high-performance applications.

Abstract: The growing demand for sustainable construction materials has spurred an exploration into alternative reinforcements for concrete. In recent years, human hair fibers have emerged as a promising eco-friendly option due to their abundance, cost-effectiveness, and impressive mechanical properties. Due to this study, various sources are tapped to acquire human hair fibers, which are then subjected to a series of tests to determine their physical and mechanical attributes, including tensile strength, elasticity, and aspect ratio. Following this, concrete samples are carefully prepared, with traditional coarse aggregate being partially replaced by varying volumes of human hair fibers. A comprehensive set of experiments is carried out to assess both the initial and solidified properties of the resulting hair fiber-reinforced concrete (HFRC). The mechanical features of HFRC, such as compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile strength, are scrutinized and compared to those of standard concrete. An extensive investigation into how the volume of hair fibers influences these properties is conducted, pinpointing the optimal fiber dosage. Additionally, a microstructural analysis of HFRC is conducted using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to shed light on the connection between the hair fibers and the cementitious matrix. The research findings confirm that including human hair fibers enhances the mechanical performance of concrete. The results emphasize improved tensile strength, ductility, and resistance to cracking in HFRC when compared to traditional concrete. Furthermore, the study delves into the economic and environmental benefits of using human hair fibers as a reinforcing material. The significance of this study lies in its substantial contribution to the field of sustainable construction materials by harnessing a renewable and readily available resource. The implications of these findings for the construction industry are profound, offering an innovative way to improve the mechanical properties of concrete while simultaneously reducing its environmental impact.

Abstract: Environmentally targeted regulation of material and energy flows in the regional area, which is part of the philosophy of industrial ecology, should be considered taking into account both the welfare of the population and economic interests. Thinking of logistics as the science of managing complex flows in networks provides a scientific basis for logistics and industrial ecology, as well as enabling the movement of resources in socio-economic systems in an economically highly efficient manner. It aimed to achieve the sustainable development goals of industrial systems at different hierarchical levels. These two areas complement each other and create a new integrated development vector for the sustainable development paradigm. In this case, it is very important to understand the concept of management well. Although in both industrial ecology and logistics material flow is studied from physical, environmental and socio-economic perspectives, in logistics it is from physical and socio-economic perspectives. Combining these two components and the foundations of the disciplines will create a new and sustainable basis for policies and mechanisms for the development of regions. In the article, the example of industrial ecology is mentioned as the goals of sustainable development.

Abstract: Water treatment sludge (WTS) is a by-product produced in the process of water treatment plants (WTP). It is estimated that an ordinary WTP produces over 10,000 tonnes of WTS per day, which has become a major concern in the management of WTS. Numerous previous studies have been accomplished to determine a safe disposal method and the potential reuse of WTS. In most investigations, material characterisation was the adopted method. It is known that each WTP produces different chemical composition of WTS according to raw water intake and the treatment process. The aim of this paper is to examine the chemical composition of WTS in the WTP at Melaka. The WTS sample is collected from WTP after the pressing process, where large amounts of water have been removed. The sample is tested using the Scanning Electron Microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD). The SEM-EDX results revealed that by weight percentage (%), WTS contains zirconium (Zr) (28 to 46%), oxygen (28 to 40%) and carbon (7 to 26%). Aluminium and silicon have weight percentages ranging from 7 to 8%. The outcomes are then confirmed by XRD, which showed the high intensity of Zr and α-Zr at approximately 35.3 and 36.1. of 2θ. Based on these findings, the suitable and potential reuse of WTS would be the extraction of Zr. However, further research is required to verify the consistency of Zr in WTS.

Abstract: Recently, there is a significant increase in the number of people pursuing healthy living and expecting firms to adopt green manufacturing practices leading to improvement in the standard of living. The rapid deterioration of the environment has harmfully affected the socio-economic growth and development across the nations of the world. The severity of this effect is more pronounced among developing nations. The concern for a sustainable environment is thriving as one of the priorities for strategic firms, organization management, manufacturers, and product designers. The study present a critical review of the existing works of literature on green manufacturing,its evolution,definition and concept. The economic, environmental, social impacts from a global perspectives were discussed. The various challenges militating against its implementation and its possible drivers were examined. However, there are numerous opportunities and future research in the area of green manufacturing that are yet to be explored. Keywords: Green Manufacturing; Sustainable; Impact; Opportunities; Performance: Implementation

Abstract: Extensive research has been conducted on fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites, which have demonstrated superior mechanical properties compared to their individual components. In order to add on to current research trends, the use of ground coffee waste (GCW) and Luffa fibers reinforced polyethylene (PE) composites were fabricated to produce a hybrid natural FRP composite. Tensile testing of the composite indicates that the optimum fiber volume to be between 15% and 35%, as the tensile strength exhibited 9.32 MPa and 8.75 MPa, respectively. Similarly, the tensile modulus of the fabricated composite peaked at 25% with 238 MPa, then declined to 173 MPa at 35%. This indicates that the fibers effectively reinforce the polymer matrix, but once the composite reaches its optimal fiber volume, a decrease in both tensile strength and tensile modulus is observed. The reduction in tensile properties can be attributed to an uneven distribution of load-bearing capacity throughout the composite, as the fibers are no longer able to fully support the matrix once the optimal fiber volume is reached. The specific tensile strength and specific tensile modulus also shows that with the inclusion of Luffa fiber and GCW microfiber contributed to a lighter weight composite. In a nutshell, the hybrid composite fabricated using 25% fiber volume exhibited a tensile strength almost similar to its neat matrix counterpart, though has a noteworthy value in terms of its tensile modulus. The hybrid composite can be as strong in terms of tensile strength, but far more significant in its rigidity, in comparison to the neat polyethylene laminate. Therefore, it showed that the hybrid natural Luffa/GCW FRP has the potential in the engineering industry, such as lightweight furniture, household appliances, automotive parts, and other composite engineering applications.

Abstract: Architecture is rapidly developing with new technologies, materials, and a desire to create more efficient and sustainable cities. It is becoming increasingly important in improving people's lives and cities by providing sustainable, more comfortable, and more aesthetically pleasing living and working environments. Architecture and construction materials have been developing rapidly in recent years, dramatically improving the quality of life and the look of cities. From energy-efficient building materials to smart management systems. ETFE is a fluorine-based plastic polymer that has become increasingly popular in the construction of modern buildings because of its lightweight and durable properties. This paper examines the characteristics of ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) material in architecture and its application benefits in construction projects taking the Al-Abdali shopping center an example, which is located in the capital city of Amman, Jordan, where sustainable materials have remarkably grown in the past few 20 years. The study employed a direct observation method to assess the importance of ETFE sustainable material in the shopping center in Amman. Data from previous research and studies that are mainly related to construction materials were also included to build the base of this study. The study's results provide both an overview of ETFE material characteristics in architecture and an insight into its application in the chosen case in Amman. This paper contributes to understanding ETFE material characteristics, its application in architecture, and its potential for future use in similar projects.

Abstract: Nature always has the ability to offer various solutions in day-to-day life of humans in various fields of engineering and science. The term biomimicry refers to the process of adopting solutions from nature to solve complicated problems that refers to analysing the environment for sustainable solutions. This concept is used in various fields of engineering and science. This concept is emerging now in the field of construction also. Biomimics concept is used in analysing the behaviour of structural elements which forms a symbiosis between the environment and construction. In the field of construction, thin shell structures are lightweight structures that are preferred as roof elements for covering high spans and also gives an aesthetic appearance. In this study, three different shapes like spherical with different rise to span ratios, circular and elliptical are considered. The concept of reflecting the human skull shape into thin shell structures was considered, because the reflection from the environment helps in solving the complicated problems of both engineering and sciences. This study focused on the mesh convergence study for numerical analysis using Ansys 18.1 software. The parameters of the thin shells such as thickness, span and rise were taken from the geometrical characteristics of scanned human skull models in comparison with the standard skull models. From the results, mesh sizes were optimized for the three different shapes considered and also predicted the most efficient model. These results were obtained based on the equivalent stress in comparison with the theoretical stresses of the respective models. This study inspires the naturally available forms in the environment to incorporate it in the field of construction and technology for a sustainable solution.