Optimization of processing parameters and its effect on the mechanical properties of recycled low density polyethylene composite reinforced with Tetracarpidium conophorum shell particulates

This work explored the effect of African Walnut Shell Particle (AWSP) ( Tetracarpidium conophorum) on the properties of recycled low density polyethylene (rLDPE) composite. rLDPE/ AWSP composite were prepared via compressive moulding techniques using AWSP of sizes 300 and 600 μ m respectively. Composite design of experiment and analysis of variant (ANOVA) were employed for optimization. Mechanical and morphological analysis of the composite were studied. rLDPE reinforced with AWSP of particle size 300 μ m exhibited better tensile strength, modulus of rupture (MOR) and modulus of elasticity (MOE) than those of 600 μ m. Morphological analysis showed that uniform distribution of the Walnut shell particulates in the microstructure of the composite is the major factor responsible for the improvement in the mechanical properties. Optimality occurred at a press temperature of 206.465 °C, press time of 10 min, press pressure of 7 MPa yielding a tensile strength of 14.082 MPa, MOR of 17.019 MPa and MOE of 755.028 MPa for 300 μ m particle sized composite whereas for 600 μ m size, it was achieved at press temperature of 199.993 °C, press time of 6 min, press pressure of 7 MPa giving a tensile strength of 11.252 MPa, MOR of 15.401 MPa and MOE of 459.531 MPa respectively. The result from the optimization met the standard for interior and exterior mirror casing of automobiles

Packed bed column adsorption of oil and grease from refinery desalter effluent, using rice husks derived carbon as the adsorbent: Influence of process parameters and Bohart–Adams kinetics study

Oil and grease (O&G) adsorption in a packed bed column, using adsorbent prepared from rice husks wastes, was investigated. The effects of adsorbent particle size (150, 300, and 600 µm), initial adsorbate concentration (200, 300, and 400 mg/L), and bed height (100, 200, and 300 mm) on the performance of column adsorption for O&G removal and breakthrough time were investigated in the packed column experiments at a constant flow rate of 10.5 mL/min. The kinetic behavior of the column adsorption process was analyzed using the Bohart–Adams model. The kinetic data fitted the model very well. The rate constant (mass transfer coefficient) for Bohart–Adams model (KAB) increased with the decrease in adsorbent particle size and initial ion concentration but was higher at the bed height of 200 mm. The maximum adsorption capacity (No) increased with a decrease in particle size and initial ion concentration but increased with an increase in the bed height. The rate constant for Bohart–Adams model decreased with an increase in adsorbent size and initial concentration, and was higher at the bed height of 200 mm. The time required for 90% breakthrough decreased with increase in the flow rate, bed height, and initial ion concentration. The model results of the O&G breakthrough curve concentration have shown a fairly good agreement with experimental results. This analysis, considering the adsorbent’s particle size, feed concentration, and bed heights indicated that the packed bed unit could be used for the treatment of O&G effluent to reduce the difficulties of oil refineries in Nigeria and other countries