Characterization of banana, sugarcane bagasse and sponge gourd fibers of Brazil

In recent times, increasing attention has been paid to the use of renewable resources particularly of plant origin keeping in view the ecological concerns, renewability and many governments passing laws for the use of such materials. On the other hand, despite abundant availability of lignocellulosic materials in Brazil, very few attempts have been made about their utilization, probably due to lack of sufficient structure/property data. Systematic studies to know their properties and morphology may bridge this gap while leading to value addition to these natural materials. Chemical composition, X-ray powder diffraction, and morphological studies and thermal behavior aspects in respect of banana, sugarcane bagasse sponge gourd fibers of Brazilian origin are presented. Chemical compositions of the three fibers are found to be different than those reported earlier. X-ray diffraction patterns of these three fibers exhibit mainly cellulose type I structure with the crystallinity indices of 39%, 48% and 50% respectively for these fibers. Morphological studies of the fibers revealed different sizes and arrangement of cells. Thermal stability of all the fibers is found to be around 200 °C. Decomposition of both cellulose and hemicelluloses in the fibers takes place at 300 °C and above, while the degradation of fibers takes place above 400 °C. These data may help finding new uses for these fibers.     

不同添加剂对饲用苎麻与麦麸混合青贮品质的影响

为了解决饲用苎麻（Boehmeria nivea L.）木质纤维素过多的问题,本试验设计了4个处理,在混合青贮（80%苎麻+18%麦麸+2%蔗糖）中分别添加不同的添加剂,各处理发酵30 d后开包取样分析各项指标。结果显示,4个处理组都显著提高了青贮中可溶性碳水化合物、干物质、粗蛋白和乳酸含量（P<0.05）;都显著降低了乙酸含量、中性洗涤纤维含量、pH和氨态氮/总氮比值（P<0.05）。添加黑曲霉菌液处理组和添加黑曲霉菌液+纤维素酶处理组酸性洗涤纤维及酸性洗涤木质素降解效果明显优于另外两个处理组（P<0.05）。添加黑曲霉菌液可有效进行木质纤维素降解,提高青贮品质,并且节约成本,为最佳处理。     

Biochar derived from agricultural wastes and wood residues for sustainable agricultural and environmental applications

Lignocellulosic biomass can be circulated to produce many materials and products, including biochar. This study analyzed five different types of biochar produced from agricultural wastes and wood residues. The raw materials included three agricultural by-products: corncob, cassava rhizome, rice husk, and two types of wood residues: rain tree (Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr.) and krachid (Streblus ilicifolius (Vidal) Corner.). The biochar were made in patented retorts with locally-appropriated technology at a temperature range of 450–500°C. This research focuses on the primary physicochemical properties and biochar components, allowing biochar to become a vital material to support sustainable agriculture and the environment. Biochar properties used for agriculture consist of specific surface area, total pore volume, average pore diameter, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), and cation exchange capacity (CEC). The properties that benefit the environmental purposes are the element: carbon (C), hydrogen (H), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), and the molar ratio of H/C, O/C, and C/N. The study found that all five types of biochar contained suitable properties for soil amendment and carbon sequestration. However, significant differences were shown in specific surface area, average pore diameter, pH, CEC, and EC of various biochar. Based on O/C and H/C ratios, all five types of biochar persisted in soil from 100 to over 1,000 years.