Article
Agricultural Engineering
Tingyao Lei, Renfeng Zhang, Yuxin Liu, Xinliang Zhu, Kai Li, Geng Li, Han Zheng
Summary: This study improved the gas permeability and hydrophobicity of hemicellulose-based films in high humidity environments by adding montmorillonite and alkyl ketene dimer as functional agents. The synergistic effect of cellulose nanofibers and montmorillonite also enhanced the mechanical strength and water vapor barrier performance of the films. Moreover, the composite films showed excellent preservation effects on fresh green asparagus in high humidity conditions.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Athip Boonsiriwit, Myungho Lee, Minhwi Kim, Pontree Itkor, Youn Suk Lee
Summary: Melatonin treatment delays post-harvest senescence, maintains high chlorophyll and vitamin C levels, reduces lignin content, and delays firmness increase in asparagus. Additionally, it enhances catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, leading to reduced hydrogen peroxide content and can be used to maintain post-harvest quality and prolong shelf life.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Yanan Li, Rina Wu, Jiahui Shi, Liyan Ma, Shuai Liu, Gaosheng Wang, Peng Lu
Summary: A self-emulsifying AKD emulsion was obtained by modifying alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) with hemicellulose collected from waste water. The emulsion showed good stability without the need for additional surfactants. This emulsion can potentially be used as a coating for paper materials to enhance their barrier properties.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Petronela Nechita, Mirela Roman, Alina Cantaragiu Ceoromila, Andreea Veronica(Dediu) Botezatu
Summary: By chemically modifying xylan hemicellulose with alkyl ketene dimer (AKD), the hydrophobicity of xylan hemicellulose can be improved. Coating the paper surface with xylan hemicellulose and AKD resulted in improved barrier properties and mechanical strength. The results of this study contribute to expanding the applications of hemicelluloses in food packaging papers with appropriate barrier properties using biopolymer coating materials.
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Seyedehsan Hosseini, Robin Nilsson, Anna Strom, Anette Larsson, Gunnar Westman
Summary: Alkyl ketene dimers (AKDs) modify thermomechanical pulp (TMP) fibers, improving their compatibility and flow properties with polypropylene (PP) in composite materials.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Stefania Toscano, Valeria Rizzo, Fabio Licciardello, Daniela Romano, Giuseppe Muratore
Summary: The study compared the effects of two packaging materials on the quality preservation of green asparagus, with micro-perforated coextruded polypropylene performing better in maintaining quality and extending postharvest life.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Yujin Oh, Shin Young Park, Simyub Yook, Heenae Shin, Hak Lae Lee, Hye Jung Youn
Summary: This study prepared a waterproof cellulose nanofibril (CNF) sheet by depositing AKD on its controlled porous structure. The porosity of the CNF sheet was controlled by different drying conditions, and its effect on the hydrophobization and water-related barrier performance was investigated. The SD sheet exhibited super-hydrophobicity and a lower water vapor transmission rate compared to the HD sheet when immersed in an AKD wax solution. AKD filled in the pores of the SD sheet, giving rise to excellent waterproofing properties. The hydrophobized SD sheet performed similarly to a linear low-density polyethylene film as a water barrier material, confirming its potential for use in hydrogel packaging.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Wei Li, Zerong Li, Wei Wang, Zhenghao Li, Qian Li, Chengrong Qin, Feishu Cao
Summary: Hydrophobic bagasse aerogels were successfully prepared with a novel and green technique, featuring lower density, higher porosity, and better strength compared to pristine bagasse aerogels. The optimal aerogel with excellent oil absorption capacity and thermal insulation properties was obtained at specific AKD content and slurry consistency. The method provides a new idea for the fabrication of other biobased hydrophobic aerogels.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Composites
Sena Caylak, Murat Ertas, Ayfer Donmez Cavdar, Naile Angin
Summary: The study demonstrated that the addition of AKD significantly improved the mechanical strength of hybrid PLA composites, but decreased the tensile and flexural moduli. Moreover, AKD also increased the contact angle of the composites. However, in the presence of glass fiber, AKD had no notable effect on the overall properties of the hybrid PLA composites.
POLYMER COMPOSITES
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Naile Angin, Sena Caylak, Murat Ertas, Ayfer Donmez Cavdar
Summary: This study investigated the influence of alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) on the chemical and thermal properties of natural fiber and glass fiber reinforced poly(lactic acid) composites. The results showed that the addition of AKD improved the crystallinity degree of the composites, but decreased the heat deflection temperature and thermal conductivity of some composites.
SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Qingfei Duan, Xianyang Bao, Long Yu, Feihe Cui, Nisha Zahid, Fengsong Liu, Jian Zhu, Hongsheng Liu
Summary: This study developed a highly hydrophobic and mechanically reinforced starch-based film by mixing it with alkyl ketene dimer (AKD). The modified film showed improved water contact angle, reduced water vapor permeability, and enhanced mechanical properties. Considering the environmentally friendly and biodegradable nature of the components, these hydrophobic films have potential applications in food packaging.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Son Van Nguyen, Bong-Kee Lee
Summary: Alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) was used to enhance the water resistance and water vapor barrier properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films. The addition of 10% AKD significantly reduced water absorption and solubility of the PVA/AKD film, while also decreasing the water vapor transmission rate.
Article
Forestry
Teresa Lovaglio, Maurizio D'Auria, Wolfgang Gindl-Altmutter, Valentina Lo Giudice, Fausto Langerame, Anna Maria Salvi, Luigi Todaro
Summary: This research evaluated the multiple effects of thermal modification and AKD on deodar cedar wood surface, showing that AKD can enhance hydrophobicity of wood but may lead to degradation of amorphous cellulose component during irradiation test.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Son Van Nguyen, Bong-Kee Lee
Summary: This study used cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and alkyl ketene dimer (AKD) to improve the water resistance and mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), enhancing its potential for food packaging applications.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Antti Korpela, Aayush Kumar Jaiswal, Atsushi Tanaka, Jaakko Asikainen
Summary: Recent laboratory-scale studies have shown that internal AKD sizing can enhance the wet strength of PAE wet-strengthened paper and this enhancement effect is long-lasting. This study further verifies the applicability of this enhancement effect in practice.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Cameron Bracken, Nathalie Voisin, Casey D. Burleyson, Allison M. Campbell, Z. Jason Hou, Daniel Broman
Summary: This study presents a methodology and dataset for examining compound wind and solar energy droughts, as well as the first standardized benchmark of energy droughts across the Continental United States (CONUS) for a 2020 infrastructure. The results show that compound wind and solar droughts have distinct spatial and temporal patterns across the CONUS, and the characteristics of energy droughts are regional. The study also finds that compound high load events occur more often during compound wind and solar droughts than expected.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Ning Zhang, Yanghao Yu, Jiawei Wu, Ershun Du, Shuming Zhang, Jinyu Xiao
Summary: This paper provides insights into the optimal configuration of CSP plants with different penetrations of wind power by proposing an unconstrained optimization model. The results suggest that large solar multiples and TES are preferred in order to maximize profit, especially when combined with high penetrations of wind and photovoltaic plants. Additionally, the study demonstrates the economy and feasibility of installing electric heaters (EH) in CSP plants, which show a linear correlation with the penetration of variable energy resources.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
M. Szubel, K. Papis-Fraczek, S. Podlasek
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
J. Silva, J. C. Goncalves, C. Rocha, J. Vilaca, L. M. Madeira
Summary: This study investigated the methanation of CO2 in biogas and compared two different methanation reactors. The results showed that the cooled reactor without CO2 separation achieved a CO2 conversion rate of 91.8%, while the adiabatic reactors achieved conversion rates of 59.6% and 67.2%, resulting in an overall conversion rate of 93.0%. Economic analysis revealed negative net present worth values, indicating the need for government monetary incentives.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yang Liu, Yonglan Xi, Xiaomei Ye, Yingpeng Zhang, Chengcheng Wang, Zhaoyan Jia, Chunhui Cao, Ting Han, Jing Du, Xiangping Kong, Zhongbing Chen
Summary: This study investigated the effect of using nanofiber membrane composites containing Prussian blue-like compound nanoparticles (PNPs) to relieve ammonia nitrogen inhibition of rural organic household waste during high-solid anaerobic digestion and increase methane production. The results showed that adding NMCs with 15% PNPs can lower the concentrations of volatile fatty acids and ammonia nitrogen, and increase methane yield.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhong Ge, Xiaodong Wang, Jian Li, Jian Xu, Jianbin Xie, Zhiyong Xie, Ruiqu Ma
Summary: This study evaluates the thermodynamic, exergy, and economic performance of a double-stage organic flash cycle (DOFC) using ten eco-friendly hydrofluoroolefins. The influences of key parameters on performance are analyzed, and the advantages of DOFC over single-stage type are quantified.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Nicolas Kirchner-Bossi, Fernando Porte-Agel
Summary: This study investigates the optimization of power density in wind farms and its sensitivity to the available area size. A novel genetic algorithm (PDGA) is introduced to optimize power density and turbine layout. The results show that the PDGA-driven solutions significantly reduce the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) compared to the default layout, and exhibit a convex relationship between area and LCOE or power density.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Chunxiao Zhang, Dongdong Li, Lin Wang, Qingpo Yang, Yutao Guo, Wei Zhang, Chao Shen, Jihong Pu
Summary: In this study, a novel reversible liquid-filled energy-saving window that effectively regulates indoor solar radiation heat gain is proposed. Experimental results show that this window can effectively reduce indoor temperature during both summer and winter seasons, while having minimal impact on indoor illuminance.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Alessandro L. Aguiar, Martinho Marta-Almeida, Mauro Cirano, Janini Pereira, Leticia Cotrim da Cunha
Summary: This study analyzed the Brazilian Equatorial Shelf using a high-resolution ocean model and found significant tidal variations in the area. Several hypothetical barrages were proposed with higher annual power generation than existing barrages. The study also evaluated the installation effort of these barrages.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Francesco Superchi, Nathan Giovannini, Antonis Moustakis, George Pechlivanoglou, Alessandro Bianchini
Summary: This study focuses on the optimization of a hybrid power station on the Tilos island in Greece, aiming to increase energy export and revenue by optimizing energy fluxes. Different scenarios are proposed to examine the impact of different agreements with the grid operator on the optimal solution.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Peimaneh Shirazi, Amirmohammad Behzadi, Pouria Ahmadi, Sasan Sadrizadeh
Summary: This research presents two novel energy production/storage/usage systems to reduce energy consumption and environmental effects in buildings. A biomass-fired model and a solar-driven system integrated with photovoltaic thermal (PVT) panels and a heat pump were designed and assessed. The results indicate that the solar-based system has an acceptable energy cost and the PVT-based system with a heat pump is environmentally superior. The biomass-fired system shows excellent efficiency.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zihao Qi, Yingling Cai, Yunxiang Cui
Summary: This study aims to investigate the operational characteristics of the solar-ground source heat pump system (SGSHPS) in Shanghai under different operation modes. It concludes that tandem operation mode 1 is the optimal mode for winter operation in terms of energy efficiency.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
L. Bartolucci, S. Cordiner, A. Di Carlo, A. Gallifuoco, P. Mele, V. Mulone
Summary: Spent coffee grounds are a valuable biogenic waste that can be used as a source of biofuels and valuable chemicals through pyrolysis and solvent extraction processes. The study found that heavy organic bio-oil derived from coffee grounds can be used as a carbon-rich biofuel, while solvent extraction can extract xantines and p-benzoquinone, which are important chemicals for various industries. The results highlight the promising potential of solvent extraction in improving the economic viability of coffee grounds pyrolysis-based biorefineries.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Luiza de Queiroz Correa, Diego Bagnis, Pedro Rabelo Melo Franco, Esly Ferreira da Costa Junior, Andrea Oliveira Souza da Costa
Summary: Building-integrated photovoltaics, especially organic solar technology, are important for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the building sector. This study analyzed the performance of organic panels laminated in glass in a vertical installation in Latin America. Results showed that glass lamination and vertical orientation preserved the panels' performance and led to higher energy generation in winter.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Zhipei Hu, Shuo Jiang, Zhigao Sun, Jun Li
Summary: This study proposes innovative fin arrangements to enhance the thermal performance of latent heat storage units. Through optimization of fin distribution and prediction of transient melting behaviors, it is found that fin structures significantly influence heat transfer characteristics and melting behaviors.