Efficient PPA-SiO2-catalyzed synthesis of β-enaminones under solvent-free conditions

An efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of β-enaminones under solvent-free reaction conditions using PPA-SiO2 as catalyst. The reaction yields were good to excellent (up to 90%). This methodology affords high selectivity and good tolerance of a variety of different functional groups present on both aromatic and aliphatic amines. In addition, the methodology is environmentally benign and cost-effective due to absence of solvent and easy work-up

CONSIDERING ENVIRONMENTAL FLOW FOR WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT IN SOUTH ASIA: CURRENT STATUS AND CHALLENGES

Environmental flow (EF) indicates, in general, the minimum required flow to maintain the valued features of a river system. The concept of EF is central to achieving sustainable water resources management. Adopting the EF at a river basin scale however, poses a great challenge and is observed still at its infancy. An attempt is, therefore, made to reflect the implication and need of the EF in sustainable water resources management including the challenges most likely the water professionals face in adopting the EF. This paper further reviews the current status of the adoption and use of the EF approach in water resources management, in particular for the South Asian countries where freshwater is becoming scarce, leading to an environmental water scarcity. The review finds modest progress in assessment and adoption of EF into water resources management in Sri Lanka, Pakistan and India; however, Bangladesh and Nepal show an early stage progressing. Towards the end a few recommendations have been put forward on the measures required in recognizing the EF as an effective tool in integrated water resource management

Circular Economy Enabler: Enhancing High-Performance Bricks through Geopolymerization of Plastic Waste

This article investigates the merging of geopolymerization and plastic waste usage, imagining high-performance brick production that couples innovation with sustainability, in an effort to transform the environmental effect of the building sector. This idea is supported by the circular economy, which diverts resources from waste streams into a closed-loop paradigm. By creating inorganic polymers from aluminosilicate-rich sources, the chemical process of geopolymerization provides a paradigm change in the production of materials. This procedure is improved even more by the addition of plastic trash, which combats plastic pollution and improves brick qualities. In order to create a more resilient and environmentally conscientious construction industry in the future, this paper outlines the process’s complexities, advantages, and difficulties while arguing for a harmonic fusion of circular economy concepts, technical innovation, and environmental stewardship

Sustainable Infrastructure Solutions: Advancing Geopolymer Bricks via Eco-Polymerization of Plastic Waste

This article investigates the possible synergy between geopolymers and plastics as a method for sustainable composite materials, addressing the growing worldwide need for environmentally responsible solutions. Geopolymers, which provide low-carbon alternatives to traditional building materials, are being studied alongside plastics, which are recognised for their flexibility and lightweight properties. The research emphasises the ability of this composite to attain increased mechanical, thermal, and chemical qualities by investigating molecular-level interaction processes, enhanced material properties, and applications in diverse sectors. Furthermore, the research assesses environmental consequences, such as decreased carbon emissions and energy usage, while also analysing manufacturing and scaling problems. This work lays the way for a unique route in material science, poised to greatly contribute to a more sustainable and resilient built environment, by giving insights into both present accomplishments and future research possibilities

Eco-Friendly Building Material Innovation: Geopolymer Bricks from Repurposed Plastic Waste

This study compares the ecological footprints of geopolymer and red clay brick prisms, two common building materials for long-lasting masonry structures. The study’s goal is to shed light on the environmental performance of different brick kinds by a thorough review of sustainability indices such as embodied energy, CO2 emissions, water use, and trash creation. The results suggest that geopolymer bricks have better environmental features than red clay bricks, such as lower embodied energy, decreased CO2 emissions, lower water consumption, and less waste creation. These findings underline the promise of geopolymer bricks as an eco-friendlier masonry alternative that may improve green building performance. The report, however, stresses the need to think about more than only environmental damage. The sustainability and feasibility of utilising geopolymer and red clay bricks depend heavily on factors including durability, thermal performance, and cost-effectiveness. In order to make educated selections about brick selection, it is important to evaluate these variables. The results of this study provide the groundwork for more research on sustainable masonry materials and contribute to the development of environmentally aware building practises. Architectural and engineering professionals may encourage environmentally responsible building practises and help create a more sustainable and resilient built environment by taking this study’s findings into account

Geopolymerization of Plastic Waste for Sustainable Construction: Unveiling Novel Opportunities in Building Materials

This study provides an in-depth bibliometric analysis of the research land-scape of Geopolymer concrete using data from two of the leading scientific databases, Scopus and Web of Science. The analysis covers a time span of 2010 to 2022 and provides a comprehensive evaluation of the growth, age, impact, and collaboration of research in the field. The results show that the annual growth rate of research in Geopolymer concrete is substantial, with a 43.92% increase in the number of documents in Scopus and 15.76% in Web of Science. Furthermore, the document average age is relatively low, with 1.59 years in Scopus and 3.11 years in Web of Science, suggesting that the research in this field is recent and dynamic. The study also found that the research in Geopolymer concrete is highly cited, with an average of 11.69 ci-tations per document in Scopus and 18.69 in Web of Science.The authorship and document type analysis provides valuable insights into the research col-laboration and output in the field. The results show a high level of collabora-tion, with an average of 4.29 co-authors per document in Scopus and 3.47 in Web of Science. Additionally, the majority of the documents in the field are articles, with a smaller number of conference papers, book chapters, and re-views. In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the research landscape of Geopolymer concrete and highlights the areas of strength and potential for future research. The results of the analysis can be useful for researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders in the field of Geopol-ymer concrete to understand the current state of the research, identify poten-tial gaps and opportunities, and plan future research activities.Page layou

From Homogeneity to Heterogeneity: Designing Functionally Graded Materials for Advanced Engineering Applications

The research investigates Functionally Graded Materials (FGMs) and their transformational potential in modern engineering. FGMs, which exhibit progressive property fluctuations, call into question traditional material consistency. This study analyses the growth of FGMs and their importance in solving complex engineering difficulties through historical analysis and real-world case studies. The research dives into the design concepts, material selection, manufacturing procedures, and sophisticated characterisation methodologies that underpin FGM development from a methodological standpoint. Mechanical, thermal, and electrical characteristics, in combination with microstructural progression, offer a thorough knowledge of FGM behaviour. The implications for future engineering advances are highlighted, with a focus on the ability to rethink material design and multifunctional performance. Among the many attractive possibilities, issues in scalability, characterisation, and multidisciplinary cooperation need additional investigation. FGMs represent a paradigm shift from homogeneity to targeted heterogeneity, echoing wider shifts in engineering philosophy and influencing technological development

Revolutionising Heat Treatment: Novel Strategies for Augmented Performance and Sustainability

This research investigates a paradigm shift in heat treatment practises that is characterised by transformational changes. Despite their widespread use, traditional technologies are often linked to issues such as energy inefficiency, pollution, and material waste. In order to tackle these aforementioned issues, this study explores novel methodologies like high-pressure gas quenching, laser-assisted heat treatment, additive manufacturing for customised microstructures, and ultra-fast induction heating. These methodologies provide not only enhanced material functionality but also environmentally friendly outcomes by means of energy conservation and waste minimization. This study highlights the crucial significance of these breakthroughs in defining a future where improved material qualities align with environmentally responsible practises. It does this by examining their advantages, environmental consequences, and problems in implementation. The use of heat treatment techniques has been shown to significantly boost the performance of materials. This academic study aims to explore the sustainability aspects of heat treatment methods, particularly in comparison to conventional approaches. The focus will be on evaluating the energy efficiency and reduction of material waste associated with a specific heat treatment technique known as high-pressure gas quenching