Key Engineering Materials Vol. 1010

Abstract: In accordance with the guidelines set forth by ASTM C876, the utilisation of the standard half-cell potential unit for measuring corrosion potential on reinforced concrete is deemed a fundamental requirement. Therefore, researchers established particular emphasis on the development of techniques within this framework to advance the outcomes of corrosion assessments in reinforced concrete. The current study utilises embedded reference electrodes to obtain instantaneous potential measurements on the concrete reinforcement. The computational boundary element method is employed for the purpose of simulating the potential distribution that arises on the concrete reinforcement by using embedded reference electrode. Simulation results in real-time potential data improved reinforced concrete corrosion investigation. Reliable disposable embedded reference electrodes were employed for real-time reinforced concrete corrosion modeling and BEM can analyse quantitative corrosion profiles. Thus, it can be deduced that the technique that was proposed shows the potential to enhance the effectiveness of inquiries associated to the identification of corrosion in reinforced concrete.

Abstract: The role of plastic packaging in protecting food is considerable, but issues such as non-biodegradable properties, recycling problems, and leaching of harmful chemicals on food and soil create serious concerns for human health and the environment. Global packaging protocols and awareness about plastic packaging also make it necessary to develop new packaging materials that focus on the environment, food quality and safety. Therefore, urgent attention is needed for alternative biodegradable food packaging materials, so this study aims to fabricate biofoam from rice husk waste using starch adhesive. The main material used was rice husk with size variations of 40, 60 and 80 mesh. The weight ratio between husk and adhesive is 1:2. All biofoam products were analyzed for physical properties (water absorption), heat resistance and biodegradability. Based on the research that has been done, biofoam of rice husk waste with starch adhesive has the potential to be used as a substitute for synthetic polymers with the sticking method with a compressive strength of 100 kg at a temperature of 102°C. The best biofoam is in the variation of 80 mesh particles with added weight after testing water absorption of 15%, heat resistance with added weight of 1%.

Abstract: The escalating levels of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and the consequential threat of global warming necessitate urgent measures for CO₂ reduction. This study explores the development of CO₂ adsorbents from biomass, specifically charcoal derived from empty palm bunches, focusing on the impact of different activating agents and activation temperatures on their properties. The research methodology involves the hydrothermal carbonization of empty palm fruit bunches followed by activation using three different materials: potassium hydroxide (KOH), urea, and a combination of KOH and urea, at three distinct activation temperatures (180°C, 200°C, and 220°C). The investigation encompasses a comprehensive analysis of the functional groups and surface morphology through Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. The findings demonstrate that the choice of activating agent and activation temperature significantly influences the characteristics of the resultant charcoal. Notably, higher activation temperatures lead to reduced lignin content and increased pore distribution. Among the various combinations, the KOH + Urea activating agent at 220°C exhibits the most favorable attributes, including the weakest lignin peak intensity and the highest pore distribution. In conclusion, this research underscores the potential of empty palm bunch charcoal as a promising CO₂ adsorbent, offering insights into optimized conditions for its production. This contributes to the ongoing global efforts to combat climate change by mitigating CO₂ emissions.