This study investigates the impact of spent coffee biochar (Biochar) compared to carbon black (CB) as a partial replacement for carbon black in epoxidized natural rubber (ENR). Particle size and elemental analysis were used to characterize the biochar and CB. Cure characteristics, tensile, thermal, and morphological properties on the effect of biochar and CB as filler were studied. It was found that incorporating 10 phr of spent coffee biochar could improve the composites' tensile properties and thermal performance compared to carbon black. However, the addition of biochar significantly affects the maximum torque compared to CB and delays the vulcanization time. SEM study shows that biochar has a strong effect on the morphology of composite films. The FTIR graph reveals no substantial difference between compounds with biochar and CB. According to the thermal calorimetric study, the thermal stability of ENR-Biochar is higher than that of ENR-CB. Additionally, these findings suggest that the utilization of spent coffee as a sustainable biochar could be further explored, but little has been done in epoxidized natural rubber (ENR).
Sustainability metrics have been established that cover the economic, social, and environmental aspects of human activities. Reduce, reuse, and recycle (3R) strategy targets solid waste management in the waste generation sectors. The purpose of this work is to study the possibility of using various plastic wastes containing high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and high-density polyethylene nanoclay (PMON) as polymer additives to modify lubricating oil. The structure of these additives was elucidated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra, and the particle size of PMON was determined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The thermal stability of HDPE and nanoclay HDPE (PMON) was studied, which showed higher thermal stability, and these additives completed degradation above 500 °C. The performance of HDPE and nanoclay HDPE (PMON) in lubricating oil was evaluated as pour point depressants by standard ASTM methods. The results showed that the efficiency of these additives increases with the decrease in the dose of these additives and lubricating oil treated with HDPE at 0.25% dosage lowers PPT to -30 °C, while lubricating oil treated with nanoclay HDPE (PMON7) at 0.25% dosage reduces PPT to -36 °C. Photomicrographic analysis was conducted to study accumulations and modifications in the wax crystal morphology in lube oil without and with HDPE and nanoclay HDPE (PMON7). Photomicrographs revealed that wax morphology changes due to effective pour point depressants on crystal growth.
COVID-19 has affected all aspects of human life so far. From the outset of the pandemic, preventing the spread of COVID-19 through the observance of health protocols, especially the use of sanitizers and disinfectants was given more attention. Despite the effectiveness of disinfection chemicals in controlling and preventing COVID-19, there are critical concerns about their adverse effects on human health. This study aims to assess the health effects of sanitizers and disinfectants on a global scale. A total of 91,056 participants from 154 countries participated in this cross-sectional study. Information on the use of sanitizers and disinfectants and health was collected using an electronic questionnaire, which was translated into 26 languages via web-based platforms. The findings of this study suggest that detergents, alcohol-based substances, and chlorinated compounds emerged as the most prevalent chemical agents compared to other sanitizers and disinfectants examined. Most frequently reported health issues include skin effects and respiratory effects. The Chi-square test showed a significant association between chlorinated compounds (sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine) with all possible health effects under investigation (p-value <0.001). Examination of risk factors based on multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that alcohols and alcohols-based materials were associated with skin effects (OR, 1.98; 95%CI, 1.87-2.09), per-chlorine was associated with eye effects (OR, 1.83; 95%CI, 1.74-1.93), and highly likely with itching and throat irritation (OR, 2.00; 95%CI, 1.90-2.11). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92-2.44). Furthermore, formaldehyde was associated with a higher prevalence of neurological effects (OR, 2.17; 95%CI, 1.92-2.44). The use of sodium hypochlorite and per-chlorine also had a high chance of having respiratory effects. The findings of the current study suggest that health authorities need to implement more awareness programs about the side effects of using sanitizers and disinfectants during viral epidemics especially when they are used or overused.