uzoma ibeanu

In this study, the chemical composition of each agrowaste sample was analysed for cellulose, lignin, ash, and moisture content. Three agrowaste samples—corn husk, pineapple crown, and plantain stalk—were sun-dried and chipped for easier digestion. The effect of the catalyst, H₂SO₄, was assessed by pulping 10g of each sample with 0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5% H₂SO₄. At the end of the experiment, three types of paper were produced from the different agrowaste samples; each of them demonstrates good brightness. The mechanical properties of the pulp were measured, yielding the following results for corn husks (grammage: 356.25 g/m², thickness: 0.35 mm, tensile strength: 25.675 kN/m², tear index: 2.88 Nm²/g, modulus of elasticity: 151.03 kN/m², and elongation at break: 3.4mm), for pineapple crown (grammage: 231.25 g/m², thickness: 0.13 mm, tensile strength: 21.05 kN/m², tear index: 3.64 Nm²/g, modulus of elasticity: 155.93 kN/m², elongation at break: 2.2 mm), and for plantain stalk (grammage: 325.25 g/m², thickness: 0.07 mm, tensile strength: 23.625 kN/m², tear index: 2.91 Nm²/g, modulus of elasticity: 393.75 kN/m², and elongation at break: 1.20 mm). In summary, agrowastes present a feasible alternative to wood for papermaking. The Acetosolv pulping method yields a higher amount of pulp while minimizing environmental impact.

The global appeal of biofuels is increasing due to rising energy demands and the depletion of fossil fuel resources. Biodiesel stands out as a promising alternative to petroleum diesel, offering a cleaner energy solution. This study addresses key challenges associated with biodiesel, such as reduced calorific value, high nitrous oxide emissions, and production costs, as well as the environmental impact of petroleum diesel, including global warming.This research focuses on the development of a novel biobased catalyst derived from palm kernel shell and eggshell. The carbon-based biomass, primarily waste palm kernel shell, was pyrolyzed to produce the catalyst. Characterization of the catalyst was performed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The catalyst was synthesized via the incipient wetness impregnation (IWI) technique, resulting in a bifunctional catalyst suitable for the transesterification process.The catalyst demonstrated high efficiency in the transesterification process for biodiesel production. Optimal conditions yielded an 88.14% biodiesel conversion at an oil-to-methanol molar ratio of 1:14, catalyst loading of 5 wt.%, reaction temperature of 70°C, and reaction time of 99.244 minutes. The synthesized biodiesel met the ASTM D6751 standards as specified by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).