PAUL DIM | University of Nottingham (original) (raw)

Papers by PAUL DIM

Journal of Petroleum & Environmental Biotechnology, Nov 4, 2014

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Sep 7, 2019

This study indicates kaolinite clay as an effective adsorbent for the uptake of Cu (II) from wast... more This study indicates kaolinite clay as an effective adsorbent for the uptake of Cu (II) from wastewater. The adsorption process was studied with variation of time, temperature and adsorbent dosage at the effluent pH of 6. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer Emmett and Teller (BET) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the adsorbents. XRD spectra showed that modification with KH2PO4 did not significantly change the crystal spacing on the lattice structure of the clay mineral; however, there were shifts in the intensity of the peaks for the modified kaolinite clay. The FTIR spectra showed that certain functional groups are responsible for binding the metal ions from solution. SEM indicated an increase in the porosity of the modified adsorbent as compared with the unmodified kaolinite, which enhances metal ion adsorption on modified kaolinite clay. The BET indicate that acid modification increased the surface area and total pore volume of the kaolinite clay. The kinetic study revealed that the pseudo-first-order model fitted poorly to the equilibrium data, however, the pseudo-second-order model had a good fit for all reaction time at different initial concentrations. The mechanism of the sorption process was evaluated using thermodynamic properties such as enthalpy change (ΔH), Gibbs free energy change (ΔG), and entropy change (ΔS), which were evaluated using Van't Hoff equations. The negative values of free energy change (ΔG), suggests spontaneity and feasibility of the process. The positive values of enthalpy change (ΔH) indicate endothermic nature of the process.

Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review, 2022

Porosity and total pore volume are fundamental properties which are vital in gaining a comprehens... more Porosity and total pore volume are fundamental properties which are vital in gaining a comprehensive insight into the structure of porous rocks. Sherwood sandstone was characterized using Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP), Helium Intrusion Porosimetry (HIP) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The total intrusion pore volume and total porosity increased after treatment. While the bulk density decreased after treatment. The total accessible porosity was higher in the treated sample (26.95 % MIP and 30.67 % HIP) when compared with the raw (7.41 % MIP and 11.06 % HIP). The total pore volume was also larger in the treated sample (0.1538 mL/g MIP and 0.231 gcm-3 HIP) when compared with the raw (0.0775 mL/g MIP and 0.116 gcm-3 HIP). The helium intrusion had a higher result than the mercury intrusion. These results suggest helium due to its small size must have penetrated smaller and finer pores in the rock samples. The modal pore size moved from 14000 to 24000 nm. These results show that treated has more micro, meso, macro and coarse pores than the raw samples. The densities of the samples determined from HIP and MIP decreased after treatment. SEM shows the difference in surface morphology and textural properties. The raw sample was homogenous and displayed a fine grain size, while the treated has loose and less dense-packed pore space distribution. These techniques provided more insight into the assessment of porous solids.

Arabian Journal of Chemistry, 2021

Abstract The pollution of aquatic bodies by heavy metals effluent from many industrial activities... more Abstract The pollution of aquatic bodies by heavy metals effluent from many industrial activities is a significant environmental challenge affecting the ecosystem. Batch process was conducted to remove Cr (VI), and Fe (III) with hydrochloric acid modified clay (HMC) and acetic acid modified clay (AMC). The adsorbents morphology, chemical properties were measured by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), cation exchange capacity (CEC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The effects of time, adsorbent dose, temperature and pH of effluent on adsorption were studied. The acid activation increased the BET surface area from 84.223 m2/g raw clay (RC) to 389.37 m2/g (HMC) and 319.955 m2/g (AMC), total pore volume increased to 0.2168 and 0.2285 cm3/g, respectively. The CEC increased from 8.4 cmol/g to 22.30 cmol/g (HMC) and 20.73 cmol/g (AMC). The results of XRF, SEM and XRD studies show disintegration and a porous structure of the treated clay, and also changes in the intensity of the bands. The HMC had a maximum removal of Cr (VI), and Fe (III) of 79% and 90% at pH 7.0 and AMC recorded 60% and 57% at pH 6.0, respectively. The adsorption process equilibrium was attained at 50 and 90 min for HMC and AMC, respectively. Langmuir isotherms had the best fit. HMC and AMC adsorption capacity are, Cr (VI):18.15 mg/g and Fe (III):39.80 mg/g; Cr (VI): 10.42 mg/g and Fe (III):19.34 mg/g. The interaction of Cr (VI) and Fe (III) ions onto HMC/AMC was spontaneously endothermic. It agreed with the second-order equation. The maximum desorption efficiency recorded on HMC is 92.45 and 85.67% for Cr (VI) and Fe (III) and for AMC is 76.58 and 65.32% for Cr (VI) and Fe (III). The process is economically important because it provides an avenue for safe disposal or reuse of adsorbent. This attempt has shown the potential of modified clay as a suitable eco-friendly sorbent for removing heavy metals.

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

In this study, waste shrimp shells from industry were used as a heterogeneous bio-based catalyst ... more In this study, waste shrimp shells from industry were used as a heterogeneous bio-based catalyst for trans-esterification reaction of fresh palm oil. CaO was prepared from shrimp shells calcination. Surface area, phase composition, and basicity of the calcined shrimp shell catalysts were studied using N2 adsorption (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and CO2 temperature-programmed-desorption (CO2-TPD), respectively. The influence of shrimp shells calcination temperature and operation condition, methanol to palm oil ratio on trans-esterification reaction, were investigated. Five hours trans-esterification was carried out at 65℃ using different shrimp shell at four different calcination temperature: 700, 750, 800 and 850℃ with 9:1 methanol to palm oil ratio to determine the suitable calcined catalyst with the highest FAME yield. Methanol to palm oil ratios were varied from 6:1, 9:1, 12:1 and 15:1 with the selected catalyst. According to the results, the highest basic strength of mixed CaO...

Pandanus candelabrum stem, a new precursor, was used to synthesise activate carbon. The effect of... more Pandanus candelabrum stem, a new precursor, was used to synthesise activate carbon. The effect of sodium hydroxide, NaOH, zinc (II) chloride, ZnCl2 and phosphoric acid, H3PO4, different agents on prepared adsorbents was investigated. The adsorbents were prepared with chemical agents and carbonized at 400 C for 1 hour. Surface morphology, elemental composition and functional groups were analysed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The image analysis showed the presence of both micropores and mesopores in the adsorbents. The H3PO4 activated carbon had the maximum surface area (2648 m/g), pore volume (1.683 cm/g) and highest adsorption for iodine and methylene blue were 541 and 105 mg/g. Pandanus candelabrum stem is an alternative material that can be used to synthesis high porous adsorbent because is abundant, easy to access, inexpensive and readily available.

An experimental study has been conducted on the comparative adsorption of dyes using Neem tree ba... more An experimental study has been conducted on the comparative adsorption of dyes using Neem tree bark powder (NBP), Mango tree bark powder (MBP)

This study was aimed at the application of keratin-modified-urea-formaldehyde (KMUF) resin adhesi... more This study was aimed at the application of keratin-modified-urea-formaldehyde (KMUF) resin adhesive for bonding particleboard. The keratin extract was used in developing the ureaformaldehyde resin. The physicochemical properties of the resins which included viscosity, gel time, specific gravity, pH and total solid content of the modified resins were determined. The application of the resin adhesives was done by formulating and forming particle board whose compositions were 80 % wood chips, 11 % resins and moisture content of approximately 9%.The boards were evaluated for their mechanochemical and water resistance properties. These properties of KMUF boards were compared with that of neat urea-formaldehyde (NUF) board. The results of the characteristics properties of the particleboards showed that KMUF gave improved strengths and better water resistance properties than the NUF board.

An experimental study has been conducted on the comparative adsorption of dyes using Neem tree ba... more An experimental study has been conducted on the comparative adsorption of dyes using Neem tree bark powder (NBP), Mango tree bark powder (MBP) and Locust bean tree bark powder (LBP). The effects of initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, temperature and pH of the medium were investigated. Moisture content, bulk density and ash contents are some of the proximate analysis carried out on the bark of trees powder produced. The adsorption capabilities of the adsorbents were tested by adsorbing a known concentration of methyl orange and methyl red at the same operating conditions. Adsorption of the dyes were found to increase as the adsorbent dosage increases but decreases as initial concentration of the adsorbate (dyes) increases, this due to the fact that the active site of the adsorbent can adsorb a certain concentration of the dye. It was also found that the pH of the solution determines the concentration of the adsorbate that would be adsorbed on to a given adsorbent. Neem tree ...

The extraction and characterization of sesame oil was carried out by solvent extraction using n-h... more The extraction and characterization of sesame oil was carried out by solvent extraction using n-hexane as the solvent. Output yield evaluated as a function of temperature, contact time and different particle sizes gave an average of 44.80 % oil yield. The extracted oil had a pH value of 4.33 and refractive index of 1.472. The oil has a boiling point of 227 o C and specific gravity of 0.920. Peroxide value which is an indication of the ability of oil to get rancid was 2.0. Iodine value was 113; acid value was 5.64%, while the free fatty acid value was 2.82%. Saponification and unsaponifiable values obtained were 190.74 and 1.5% respectively. The analysis shows that

This study was aimed at the application of keratin-modified-urea-formaldehyde (KMUF) resin adhesi... more This study was aimed at the application of keratin-modified-urea-formaldehyde (KMUF) resin adhesive for bonding particleboard. The keratin extract was used in developing the urea- formaldehyde resin. The physicochemical properties of the resins which included viscosity, gel time, specific gravity, pH and total solid content of the modified resins were determined. The application of the resin adhesives was done by formulating and forming particle board whose compositions were 80% wood chips, 11% resins and moisture content of approximately 9%.The boards were evaluated for their mechanochemical and water resistance properties. These properties of KMUF boards were compared with that of neat urea-formaldehyde (NUF) board. The results of the characteristics properties of the particleboards showed that KMUF gave improved strengths and better water resistance properties than the NUF board. Key word: Keratin,application, bonding resin,adhesive, particleboard.

Applied Science and Engineering Progress

The decontamination of heavy metals present in aquatic bodies is a significant challenge that req... more The decontamination of heavy metals present in aquatic bodies is a significant challenge that requires urgent attention. Analytical methods such as BET, XRF, SEM-EDX, and XRD was employed to characterize the raw clay (NT) and acid treated clay (AT). The adsorption of Cr (VI) and Fe (III) onto AT was performed using the batch method. The effects of time, adsorbent dose, temperature, and pH show that the optimal conditions are 50 min, 0.3 g, 35°C, and pH 6. The surface area of AT was 389.37 m2/g, and the adsorption equilibrium time of AT was 50 min. Langmuir isotherms had the best fit. Adsorption capacity is 18.15 and 39.80 mg/g for Cr (VI) and Fe (III) ions, respectively. An increase in area considerably improved the adsorption capacity of AT in the surface specific area. The interaction of Cr (VI) and Fe (III) ions onto AT indicated spontaneous and endothermic reaction. The chromium (VI) kinetic constant (k2 = 1.679) was faster compared to Fe (III) rate constant (k2 = 0.0526). It ag...

Borneo Journal of Resource Science and Technology

Pandanus candelabrum stem, a new precursor, was used to synthesise activate carbon. The effect of... more Pandanus candelabrum stem, a new precursor, was used to synthesise activate carbon. The effect of sodium hydroxide, NaOH, zinc (II) chloride, ZnCl2 and phosphoric acid, H3PO4, different agents on prepared adsorbents was investigated. The adsorbents were prepared with chemical agents and carbonized at 400 oC for 1 hour. Surface morphology, elemental composition and functional groups were analysed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The image analysis showed the presence of both micropores and mesopores in the adsorbents. The H3PO4 activated carbon had the maximum surface area (2648 m2/g), pore volume (1.683 cm3/g) and highest adsorption for iodine and methylene blue were 541 and 105 mg/g. Pandanus candelabrum stem is an alternative material that can be used to synthesis high porous adsorbent because is abundant, easy to access, inexpensive and readily availabl...

Chemical Engineering Science, 2015

This study was aimed at the application of keratin-modified-urea-formaldehyde (KMUF) resin adhesi... more This study was aimed at the application of keratin-modified-urea-formaldehyde (KMUF) resin adhesive for bonding particleboard. The keratin extract was used in developing the urea-formaldehyde resin. The physicochemical properties of the resins which included viscosity, gel time, specific gravity, pH and total solid content of the modified resins were determined. The application of the resin adhesives was done by formulating and forming particle board whose compositions were 80% wood chips, 11% resins and moisture content of approximately 9%.The boards were evaluated for their mechanochemical and water resistance properties. These properties of KMUF boards were compared with that of neat urea-formaldehyde (NUF) board. The results of the characteristics properties of the particleboards showed that KMUF gave improved strengths and better water resistance properties than the NUF board.

Academic Research International

An experimental study has been conducted on the comparative adsorption of dyes using Neem tree ba... more An experimental study has been conducted on the comparative adsorption of dyes using Neem tree bark powder (NBP), Mango tree bark powder (MBP) and Locust bean tree bark powder (LBP). The effects of initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, temperature and pH of the medium were investigated. Moisture content, bulk density and ash contents are some of the proximate analysis carried out on the bark of trees powder produced. The adsorption capabilities of the adsorbents were tested by adsorbing a known concentration of methyl orange and methyl red at the same operating conditions. Adsorption of the dyes were found to increase as the adsorbent dosage increases but decreases as initial concentration of the adsorbate (dyes) increases, this due to the fact that the active site of the adsorbent can adsorb a certain concentration of the dye. It was also found that the pH of the solution determines the concentration of the adsorbate that would be adsorbed on to a given adsorbent. Neem tree ...

Geofluids, 2015

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the process-structure-property relationships betw... more ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the process-structure-property relationships between the pre- and post-CO2 injection pore network geometry and the intrinsic permeability tensor for samples of core from low permeability Lower Triassic Sherwood sSandstone, UK. Samples were characterised using SEM-EDS, XRD, MIP, XRCT, and a triaxial permeability cell both before and after a three month continuous-flow experiment using acidic CO2-rich saline fluid. The change in flow properties were compared to those predicted by pore-scale numerical modelling using an implicit finite volume solution to the Navier-Stokes equations. Mass loss and increased secondary porosity appeared to occur primarily due to dissolution of intergranular cements and K-feldspar grains, with some associated loss of clay, carbonate and mudstone clasts. This resulted in a bulk porosity increase from 18 to 25% and caused a reduction in mean diameter of mineral grains with an increase in apparent pore wall roughness, where the fractal dimension, Df increased from 1.68 to 1.84. All significant dissolution mass loss occurred in pores above c. 100 μm mean diameter. Relative dilation of post-treatment pore area appeared to increase in relation to initial pore area, suggesting that the rate of dissolution mass loss had a positive relationship with fluid flow velocity, i.e. critical flow pathways are preferentially widened. Variation in packing density within sedimentary planes (occurring at cm-scale along the z-plane) caused the intrinsic permeability tensor to vary by more than a factor of ten. The bulk permeability tensor is anisotropic having almost equal value in -z and -y planes but with a 68% higher value in the -x plane (parallel to sedimentary bedding planes) for the pre-treated sample, reducing to only 30% higher for the post-treated sample. The intrinsic permeability of the post-treatment sample increased by one order of magnitude and showed very close agreement between the modelled and experimental results.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Chemical Engineering Science, 2015

Where a licence is displayed above, please note the terms and conditions of the licence govern yo... more Where a licence is displayed above, please note the terms and conditions of the licence govern your use of this document. When citing, please reference the published version. Take down policy While the University of Birmingham exercises care and attention in making items available there are rare occasions when an item has been uploaded in error or has been deemed to be commercially or otherwise sensitive.

Journal of Petroleum & Environmental Biotechnology, Nov 4, 2014

Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Sep 7, 2019

This study indicates kaolinite clay as an effective adsorbent for the uptake of Cu (II) from wast... more This study indicates kaolinite clay as an effective adsorbent for the uptake of Cu (II) from wastewater. The adsorption process was studied with variation of time, temperature and adsorbent dosage at the effluent pH of 6. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Brunauer Emmett and Teller (BET) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the adsorbents. XRD spectra showed that modification with KH2PO4 did not significantly change the crystal spacing on the lattice structure of the clay mineral; however, there were shifts in the intensity of the peaks for the modified kaolinite clay. The FTIR spectra showed that certain functional groups are responsible for binding the metal ions from solution. SEM indicated an increase in the porosity of the modified adsorbent as compared with the unmodified kaolinite, which enhances metal ion adsorption on modified kaolinite clay. The BET indicate that acid modification increased the surface area and total pore volume of the kaolinite clay. The kinetic study revealed that the pseudo-first-order model fitted poorly to the equilibrium data, however, the pseudo-second-order model had a good fit for all reaction time at different initial concentrations. The mechanism of the sorption process was evaluated using thermodynamic properties such as enthalpy change (ΔH), Gibbs free energy change (ΔG), and entropy change (ΔS), which were evaluated using Van't Hoff equations. The negative values of free energy change (ΔG), suggests spontaneity and feasibility of the process. The positive values of enthalpy change (ΔH) indicate endothermic nature of the process.

Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Review, 2022

Porosity and total pore volume are fundamental properties which are vital in gaining a comprehens... more Porosity and total pore volume are fundamental properties which are vital in gaining a comprehensive insight into the structure of porous rocks. Sherwood sandstone was characterized using Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry (MIP), Helium Intrusion Porosimetry (HIP) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The total intrusion pore volume and total porosity increased after treatment. While the bulk density decreased after treatment. The total accessible porosity was higher in the treated sample (26.95 % MIP and 30.67 % HIP) when compared with the raw (7.41 % MIP and 11.06 % HIP). The total pore volume was also larger in the treated sample (0.1538 mL/g MIP and 0.231 gcm-3 HIP) when compared with the raw (0.0775 mL/g MIP and 0.116 gcm-3 HIP). The helium intrusion had a higher result than the mercury intrusion. These results suggest helium due to its small size must have penetrated smaller and finer pores in the rock samples. The modal pore size moved from 14000 to 24000 nm. These results show that treated has more micro, meso, macro and coarse pores than the raw samples. The densities of the samples determined from HIP and MIP decreased after treatment. SEM shows the difference in surface morphology and textural properties. The raw sample was homogenous and displayed a fine grain size, while the treated has loose and less dense-packed pore space distribution. These techniques provided more insight into the assessment of porous solids.

Arabian Journal of Chemistry, 2021

Abstract The pollution of aquatic bodies by heavy metals effluent from many industrial activities... more Abstract The pollution of aquatic bodies by heavy metals effluent from many industrial activities is a significant environmental challenge affecting the ecosystem. Batch process was conducted to remove Cr (VI), and Fe (III) with hydrochloric acid modified clay (HMC) and acetic acid modified clay (AMC). The adsorbents morphology, chemical properties were measured by scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), cation exchange capacity (CEC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET). The effects of time, adsorbent dose, temperature and pH of effluent on adsorption were studied. The acid activation increased the BET surface area from 84.223 m2/g raw clay (RC) to 389.37 m2/g (HMC) and 319.955 m2/g (AMC), total pore volume increased to 0.2168 and 0.2285 cm3/g, respectively. The CEC increased from 8.4 cmol/g to 22.30 cmol/g (HMC) and 20.73 cmol/g (AMC). The results of XRF, SEM and XRD studies show disintegration and a porous structure of the treated clay, and also changes in the intensity of the bands. The HMC had a maximum removal of Cr (VI), and Fe (III) of 79% and 90% at pH 7.0 and AMC recorded 60% and 57% at pH 6.0, respectively. The adsorption process equilibrium was attained at 50 and 90 min for HMC and AMC, respectively. Langmuir isotherms had the best fit. HMC and AMC adsorption capacity are, Cr (VI):18.15 mg/g and Fe (III):39.80 mg/g; Cr (VI): 10.42 mg/g and Fe (III):19.34 mg/g. The interaction of Cr (VI) and Fe (III) ions onto HMC/AMC was spontaneously endothermic. It agreed with the second-order equation. The maximum desorption efficiency recorded on HMC is 92.45 and 85.67% for Cr (VI) and Fe (III) and for AMC is 76.58 and 65.32% for Cr (VI) and Fe (III). The process is economically important because it provides an avenue for safe disposal or reuse of adsorbent. This attempt has shown the potential of modified clay as a suitable eco-friendly sorbent for removing heavy metals.

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

In this study, waste shrimp shells from industry were used as a heterogeneous bio-based catalyst ... more In this study, waste shrimp shells from industry were used as a heterogeneous bio-based catalyst for trans-esterification reaction of fresh palm oil. CaO was prepared from shrimp shells calcination. Surface area, phase composition, and basicity of the calcined shrimp shell catalysts were studied using N2 adsorption (BET), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and CO2 temperature-programmed-desorption (CO2-TPD), respectively. The influence of shrimp shells calcination temperature and operation condition, methanol to palm oil ratio on trans-esterification reaction, were investigated. Five hours trans-esterification was carried out at 65℃ using different shrimp shell at four different calcination temperature: 700, 750, 800 and 850℃ with 9:1 methanol to palm oil ratio to determine the suitable calcined catalyst with the highest FAME yield. Methanol to palm oil ratios were varied from 6:1, 9:1, 12:1 and 15:1 with the selected catalyst. According to the results, the highest basic strength of mixed CaO...

Pandanus candelabrum stem, a new precursor, was used to synthesise activate carbon. The effect of... more Pandanus candelabrum stem, a new precursor, was used to synthesise activate carbon. The effect of sodium hydroxide, NaOH, zinc (II) chloride, ZnCl2 and phosphoric acid, H3PO4, different agents on prepared adsorbents was investigated. The adsorbents were prepared with chemical agents and carbonized at 400 C for 1 hour. Surface morphology, elemental composition and functional groups were analysed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The image analysis showed the presence of both micropores and mesopores in the adsorbents. The H3PO4 activated carbon had the maximum surface area (2648 m/g), pore volume (1.683 cm/g) and highest adsorption for iodine and methylene blue were 541 and 105 mg/g. Pandanus candelabrum stem is an alternative material that can be used to synthesis high porous adsorbent because is abundant, easy to access, inexpensive and readily available.

An experimental study has been conducted on the comparative adsorption of dyes using Neem tree ba... more An experimental study has been conducted on the comparative adsorption of dyes using Neem tree bark powder (NBP), Mango tree bark powder (MBP)

This study was aimed at the application of keratin-modified-urea-formaldehyde (KMUF) resin adhesi... more This study was aimed at the application of keratin-modified-urea-formaldehyde (KMUF) resin adhesive for bonding particleboard. The keratin extract was used in developing the ureaformaldehyde resin. The physicochemical properties of the resins which included viscosity, gel time, specific gravity, pH and total solid content of the modified resins were determined. The application of the resin adhesives was done by formulating and forming particle board whose compositions were 80 % wood chips, 11 % resins and moisture content of approximately 9%.The boards were evaluated for their mechanochemical and water resistance properties. These properties of KMUF boards were compared with that of neat urea-formaldehyde (NUF) board. The results of the characteristics properties of the particleboards showed that KMUF gave improved strengths and better water resistance properties than the NUF board.

An experimental study has been conducted on the comparative adsorption of dyes using Neem tree ba... more An experimental study has been conducted on the comparative adsorption of dyes using Neem tree bark powder (NBP), Mango tree bark powder (MBP) and Locust bean tree bark powder (LBP). The effects of initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, temperature and pH of the medium were investigated. Moisture content, bulk density and ash contents are some of the proximate analysis carried out on the bark of trees powder produced. The adsorption capabilities of the adsorbents were tested by adsorbing a known concentration of methyl orange and methyl red at the same operating conditions. Adsorption of the dyes were found to increase as the adsorbent dosage increases but decreases as initial concentration of the adsorbate (dyes) increases, this due to the fact that the active site of the adsorbent can adsorb a certain concentration of the dye. It was also found that the pH of the solution determines the concentration of the adsorbate that would be adsorbed on to a given adsorbent. Neem tree ...

The extraction and characterization of sesame oil was carried out by solvent extraction using n-h... more The extraction and characterization of sesame oil was carried out by solvent extraction using n-hexane as the solvent. Output yield evaluated as a function of temperature, contact time and different particle sizes gave an average of 44.80 % oil yield. The extracted oil had a pH value of 4.33 and refractive index of 1.472. The oil has a boiling point of 227 o C and specific gravity of 0.920. Peroxide value which is an indication of the ability of oil to get rancid was 2.0. Iodine value was 113; acid value was 5.64%, while the free fatty acid value was 2.82%. Saponification and unsaponifiable values obtained were 190.74 and 1.5% respectively. The analysis shows that

This study was aimed at the application of keratin-modified-urea-formaldehyde (KMUF) resin adhesi... more This study was aimed at the application of keratin-modified-urea-formaldehyde (KMUF) resin adhesive for bonding particleboard. The keratin extract was used in developing the urea- formaldehyde resin. The physicochemical properties of the resins which included viscosity, gel time, specific gravity, pH and total solid content of the modified resins were determined. The application of the resin adhesives was done by formulating and forming particle board whose compositions were 80% wood chips, 11% resins and moisture content of approximately 9%.The boards were evaluated for their mechanochemical and water resistance properties. These properties of KMUF boards were compared with that of neat urea-formaldehyde (NUF) board. The results of the characteristics properties of the particleboards showed that KMUF gave improved strengths and better water resistance properties than the NUF board. Key word: Keratin,application, bonding resin,adhesive, particleboard.

Applied Science and Engineering Progress

The decontamination of heavy metals present in aquatic bodies is a significant challenge that req... more The decontamination of heavy metals present in aquatic bodies is a significant challenge that requires urgent attention. Analytical methods such as BET, XRF, SEM-EDX, and XRD was employed to characterize the raw clay (NT) and acid treated clay (AT). The adsorption of Cr (VI) and Fe (III) onto AT was performed using the batch method. The effects of time, adsorbent dose, temperature, and pH show that the optimal conditions are 50 min, 0.3 g, 35°C, and pH 6. The surface area of AT was 389.37 m2/g, and the adsorption equilibrium time of AT was 50 min. Langmuir isotherms had the best fit. Adsorption capacity is 18.15 and 39.80 mg/g for Cr (VI) and Fe (III) ions, respectively. An increase in area considerably improved the adsorption capacity of AT in the surface specific area. The interaction of Cr (VI) and Fe (III) ions onto AT indicated spontaneous and endothermic reaction. The chromium (VI) kinetic constant (k2 = 1.679) was faster compared to Fe (III) rate constant (k2 = 0.0526). It ag...

Borneo Journal of Resource Science and Technology

Pandanus candelabrum stem, a new precursor, was used to synthesise activate carbon. The effect of... more Pandanus candelabrum stem, a new precursor, was used to synthesise activate carbon. The effect of sodium hydroxide, NaOH, zinc (II) chloride, ZnCl2 and phosphoric acid, H3PO4, different agents on prepared adsorbents was investigated. The adsorbents were prepared with chemical agents and carbonized at 400 oC for 1 hour. Surface morphology, elemental composition and functional groups were analysed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), respectively. The image analysis showed the presence of both micropores and mesopores in the adsorbents. The H3PO4 activated carbon had the maximum surface area (2648 m2/g), pore volume (1.683 cm3/g) and highest adsorption for iodine and methylene blue were 541 and 105 mg/g. Pandanus candelabrum stem is an alternative material that can be used to synthesis high porous adsorbent because is abundant, easy to access, inexpensive and readily availabl...

Chemical Engineering Science, 2015

This study was aimed at the application of keratin-modified-urea-formaldehyde (KMUF) resin adhesi... more This study was aimed at the application of keratin-modified-urea-formaldehyde (KMUF) resin adhesive for bonding particleboard. The keratin extract was used in developing the urea-formaldehyde resin. The physicochemical properties of the resins which included viscosity, gel time, specific gravity, pH and total solid content of the modified resins were determined. The application of the resin adhesives was done by formulating and forming particle board whose compositions were 80% wood chips, 11% resins and moisture content of approximately 9%.The boards were evaluated for their mechanochemical and water resistance properties. These properties of KMUF boards were compared with that of neat urea-formaldehyde (NUF) board. The results of the characteristics properties of the particleboards showed that KMUF gave improved strengths and better water resistance properties than the NUF board.

Academic Research International

An experimental study has been conducted on the comparative adsorption of dyes using Neem tree ba... more An experimental study has been conducted on the comparative adsorption of dyes using Neem tree bark powder (NBP), Mango tree bark powder (MBP) and Locust bean tree bark powder (LBP). The effects of initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, temperature and pH of the medium were investigated. Moisture content, bulk density and ash contents are some of the proximate analysis carried out on the bark of trees powder produced. The adsorption capabilities of the adsorbents were tested by adsorbing a known concentration of methyl orange and methyl red at the same operating conditions. Adsorption of the dyes were found to increase as the adsorbent dosage increases but decreases as initial concentration of the adsorbate (dyes) increases, this due to the fact that the active site of the adsorbent can adsorb a certain concentration of the dye. It was also found that the pH of the solution determines the concentration of the adsorbate that would be adsorbed on to a given adsorbent. Neem tree ...

Geofluids, 2015

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the process-structure-property relationships betw... more ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to determine the process-structure-property relationships between the pre- and post-CO2 injection pore network geometry and the intrinsic permeability tensor for samples of core from low permeability Lower Triassic Sherwood sSandstone, UK. Samples were characterised using SEM-EDS, XRD, MIP, XRCT, and a triaxial permeability cell both before and after a three month continuous-flow experiment using acidic CO2-rich saline fluid. The change in flow properties were compared to those predicted by pore-scale numerical modelling using an implicit finite volume solution to the Navier-Stokes equations. Mass loss and increased secondary porosity appeared to occur primarily due to dissolution of intergranular cements and K-feldspar grains, with some associated loss of clay, carbonate and mudstone clasts. This resulted in a bulk porosity increase from 18 to 25% and caused a reduction in mean diameter of mineral grains with an increase in apparent pore wall roughness, where the fractal dimension, Df increased from 1.68 to 1.84. All significant dissolution mass loss occurred in pores above c. 100 μm mean diameter. Relative dilation of post-treatment pore area appeared to increase in relation to initial pore area, suggesting that the rate of dissolution mass loss had a positive relationship with fluid flow velocity, i.e. critical flow pathways are preferentially widened. Variation in packing density within sedimentary planes (occurring at cm-scale along the z-plane) caused the intrinsic permeability tensor to vary by more than a factor of ten. The bulk permeability tensor is anisotropic having almost equal value in -z and -y planes but with a 68% higher value in the -x plane (parallel to sedimentary bedding planes) for the pre-treated sample, reducing to only 30% higher for the post-treated sample. The intrinsic permeability of the post-treatment sample increased by one order of magnitude and showed very close agreement between the modelled and experimental results.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Chemical Engineering Science, 2015

Where a licence is displayed above, please note the terms and conditions of the licence govern yo... more Where a licence is displayed above, please note the terms and conditions of the licence govern your use of this document. When citing, please reference the published version. Take down policy While the University of Birmingham exercises care and attention in making items available there are rare occasions when an item has been uploaded in error or has been deemed to be commercially or otherwise sensitive.