scholarly journals Sound Absorbing and Insulating Low-Cost Panels from End-of-Life Household Materials for the Development of Vulnerable Contexts in Circular Economy Perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 5372
Author(s):  
Manuela Neri ◽  
Elisa Levi ◽  
Eva Cuerva ◽  
Francesc Pardo-Bosch ◽  
Alfredo Guardo Zabaleta ◽  
...  

From a construction point of view, neighborhoods with residents living at or below the poverty threshold are characterized by low energy efficiency buildings, in which people live in acoustic discomfort with no viable options for home improvements, as they usually can not afford the materials and labor costs associated. An alternative to this is to use low-cost insulating elements made of non-conventional materials with acceptable acoustic properties. Given that household materials at their end-of-life (EoLHM) are free of costs and available also to the more disadvantaged population, they can be used to build acoustic panels for such contexts. This approach embraces several benefits since it reduces the amount of waste produced, the footprint deriving from the extraction of new raw materials and, by highlighting the potential of the EoLHM, discourages the abandonment of waste. In this paper, the acoustic properties of EoLHM, such as cardboard, egg-cartons, clothes, metal elements and combinations of them, are investigated by means of the impedance tube technique. The measured sound absorption coefficient and transmission loss have shown that EoLHM can be used for the realization of acoustic panels. However, since none of the analyzed materials shows absorbing and insulating properties at the same time, EoLHM must be wisely selected. This innovative approach supports the circular economy and the improvement for the living condition of low-income households.

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (23) ◽  
pp. 9861
Author(s):  
Jorge Martínez Leal ◽  
Stéphane Pompidou ◽  
Carole Charbuillet ◽  
Nicolas Perry

In the context of a circular economy, one can observe that (i) recycling chains are not adapted enough to the end-of-life products they have to process and that (ii) products are not sufficiently well designed either to integrate at best their target recycling chain. Therefore, a synergy between product designers and recycling-chains stakeholders is lacking, mainly due to their weak communication and the time-lag between the product design phase and its end-of-life treatment. Many Design for Recycling approaches coexist in the literature. However, to fully develop a circular economy, Design from Recycling also has to be taken into account. Thus Re-Cycling, a complete circular design approach, is proposed. First, a design for recycling methodology linking recyclability assessment to product design guidelines is proposed. Then, a design from recycling methodology is developed to assess the convenience of using secondary raw materials in the design phase. The recyclability of a smartphone and the convenience of using recycled materials in a new cycle are both analyzed to demonstrate our proposal. The Fairphone 2® and its treatment by the WEEE French takeback scheme are used as a case study.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Duygu Karabelli ◽  
Steffen Kiemel ◽  
Soumya Singh ◽  
Jan Koller ◽  
Simone Ehrenberger ◽  
...  

The growing number of Electric Vehicles poses a serious challenge at the end-of-life for battery manufacturers and recyclers. Manufacturers need access to strategic or critical materials for the production of a battery system. Recycling of end-of-life electric vehicle batteries may ensure a constant supply of critical materials, thereby closing the material cycle in the context of a circular economy. However, the resource-use per cell and thus its chemistry is constantly changing, due to supply disruption or sharply rising costs of certain raw materials along with higher performance expectations from electric vehicle-batteries. It is vital to further explore the nickel-rich cathodes, as they promise to overcome the resource and cost problems. With this study, we aim to analyze the expected development of dominant cell chemistries of Lithium-Ion Batteries until 2030, followed by an analysis of the raw materials availability. This is accomplished with the help of research studies and additional experts’ survey which defines the scenarios to estimate the battery chemistry evolution and the effect it has on a circular economy. In our results, we will discuss the annual demand for global e-mobility by 2030 and the impact of Nickel-Manganese-Cobalt based cathode chemistries on a sustainable economy. Estimations beyond 2030 are subject to high uncertainty due to the potential market penetration of innovative technologies that are currently under research (e.g. solid-state Lithium-Ion and/or sodium-based batteries).


2021 ◽  
Vol 1 ◽  
pp. 3309-3318
Author(s):  
Nikolaos Rogkas ◽  
Eustratios Tsolakis ◽  
Christos Kalligeros ◽  
Georgios Vasileiou ◽  
Christos Vakouftsis ◽  
...  

AbstractCircular Economy (CE) and the potential of reusing and recycling the products after the end of their life, becomes imperative for environmental, economic and social reasons. Especially during the 4th Industrial Revolution that is taking place nowadays, an increasing number of out-of-date equipment has to be replaced, which constitutes a chance and necessity to be reused, through recycling, redesigning and remanufacturing. The paper presents proof-of-concept studies regarding upcycling of obsolete and outdated equipment into novel test rigs mainly addressing research activities. Three such case studies are presented, namely the upcycling of an injection moulding machine into a modular test bench for power hydraulic components, the upcycling of scrap components into a hybrid hydraulic/ ICE powertrain rig and the functional augmentation of a gear roll tester to accommodate single and double flank tests. Significant savings in cost, raw materials and time are demonstrated in all cases and adherence to the CE objectives are observed.


Author(s):  
О.И. Антонов ◽  
Ю.В. Джикович

Низкая эффективность отечественного лесного хозяйства делает его отсталой отраслью экономики страны. Для исправления этой ситуации необходимо совершенствование лесного законодательства, разработка новой научно обоснованной нормативно-правовой документации, изменение психологии временщиков у хозяйствующих структур, в том числе у арендаторов лесного фонда, и внедрение современных технологий, повышающих качественную продуктивность выращиваемых насаждений. К числу таких технологий относится комплексный уход за лесом, который включает интенсивные рубки ухода, неоднократное внесение минеральных удобрений, а также многоприемную обрезку ветвей у целевых деревьев. Применение данной технологии позволит получать к возрасту рубки крупномерное пиловочное и фанерное сырье, а также различные спецсортименты, в том числе резонансные, с однородной бессучковой древесиной, высокими физико-механическими и акустическими свойствами. Обладая высокой стоимостью, такая древесина будет приносить значительную прибыль при лесовыращивании. Определение трудозатрат при удалении ветвей до высоты 2, 4, 6 м выполнено методом хронометража с выявлением устойчивости хроноряда. Психо- физическое состояние исполнителей не учитывалось. Разработанная технология выращивания высококачественной древесины ели заключается в следующем: производится отбор еловых насаждений искусственного или естественного происхождения Iа–II классов бонитета, первого или второго класса возраста; в них отбираются целевые деревья, удовлетворяющие определенным требованиям, в количестве 600–800 шт./га, которые войдут в состав спелого древостоя. На отобранных деревьях при помощи штангового высотореза производится обрезка ветвей и сучьев до высоты 2, 4 и 6 м с интервалом в 5 лет. Таким образом, к 25–30- летнему возрасту необходимо сформировать шестиметровую бессучковую зону комлевой части ствола. Другим вариантом данного способа является одноприемная обрезка ветвей до высоты 6 м в возрасте 25–30 лет, но итоговый объем высококачественной древесины будет ниже. Проведенными исследованиями установлены общие дополнительные трудозатраты на выполнение работ по обрезке ветвей до 6 м у 600–800 целевых деревьев на 1 га; сделано сравнение стоимости стандартных (1–3 сортов) обрезных и бессучковых, а также резонансных пиломатериалов, которое находится в пределах 146–923%. Установлено, что увеличение затрат рабочего времени на 1 чел./ч приводит к увеличению средней стоимости 1 м3 древесины на 1,6–13,2%. Тем самым подтверждается вывод о том, что своевременная обрезка ветвей значительно повышает капитализацию выращиваемых целевых насаждений. The low efficiency of domestic forestry makes it a backward sector of the country's economy. To remedy this situation, it is necessary to improve forest legislation, develop new evidence-based legal documentation, change the psychology of temporary workers in economic structures, incl. tenants of the forest fund and the introduction of modern technologies that increase the quality of the cultivated plantations. Among these technologies is complex care for the forest, which includes intensive thinning, repeated application of mineral fertilizers, as well as multi-tree pruning of target trees. The use of this technology will make it possible to obtain by the age of felling large-sized sawlog and plywood raw materials, as well as various specialty grades, for example, resonant, with homogeneous branchless wood, which has high physical and mechanical and acoustic properties. Possessing high cost, such wood will bring considerable profit at forest growing. The determination of labor costs for pruning to a height of 2 m, 4 m, 6 m is performed by the timekeeping method with determination of chronological stability. The psycho-physical state of the performers was not taken into account. The developed technology for growing high-quality spruce wood is as follows: selection of spruce stands of artificial or natural origin of Ia–II bonitet classes, first or second class of age; they select target trees that meet certain requirements, in the amount of 600–800 pieces/ha, which will be included in the composition of ripe stand. On selected trees, using a sucker-rod high-cut, the branches are pruned at intervals of 5 years to heights of 2 m, 4 m and 6 m. Thus, by the age of 25–30, it is necessary to form a 6-m branchless zone of the butt end of the trunk. Another variant of this method is single-pruning up to a height of 6 m at the age of 25–30 years, but the total volume of high-quality wood will be lower. The conducted studies established the total additional labor costs for pruning up to 6 m in 600–800 target trees per 1 ha; a comparison is made between the cost of standard edging and knotless, as well as resonant sawn timber, which ranges from 146% to 923%. It has been established that an increase in working time per 1 person/hour leads to an increase in the average cost of 1 m3 of wood by 1,6%–13,2%. Thus, the conclusion is confirmed that the timely pruning significantly increases the capitalization of the cultivated target plantations.


2013 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
pp. 118-121
Author(s):  
Bhim Prasad Pulami ◽  
Surendra Katawal

Due to wide spread poverty, low income and non-availability of nutritious foods there are rampant of nutritional disorders such as protein energy malnutrition (PEM), anemia, vitamin-A deficiency, iodine deficiency disorder among preschool children in developing countries. Main purpose of the study is to formulate low cost supplementary weaning food from locally available raw materials. Based on the sensory evaluation, formula-I was preferred as a best sample (p<0.05). Chemical analysis of formula-I had been performed and found to be 2.02% moisture, 11.72% crude protein, 20.58% crude fat, 3.11% total ash, 2.69% crude fiber, 59.88% carbohydrate (by difference), 471 Kcal/100 g energy (calculated), 870.15 mg/100g vitamin A (âcarotene; calculated), 11.86mg/100g iron, 275mg/100g calcium, 23.55mg/100g ascorbic acid, 35.6μg/100g iodine and 55% water absorbing capacity. The costing revealed the retail product price per kg as NRs. 71.20. J. Food Sci. Technol. Nepal, Vol. 6 (118-121), 2010 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/jfstn.v6i0.8273


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-18
Author(s):  
Wanda Sikorska ◽  
Marta Musioł ◽  
Barbara Zawidlak-Węgrzyńska ◽  
Joanna Rydz

End-of-life options for plastics include recycling and energy recovery (incineration). Taking into account the polymeric waste, recycling is the intentional action that is aimed at reducing the amount of waste deposited in landfills by industrial use of this waste to obtain raw materials and energy. The incineration of waste leads to recovery of the energy only. Recycling methods divide on mechanical (reuse of waste as a full-valuable raw material for further processing), chemical (feedstock recycling), and organic (composting and anaerobic digestion). The type of recycling is selected in terms of the polymeric material, origin of the waste, possible toxicity of the waste, and its flammability. The (bio)degradable polymers show the suitability for every recycling methods. But recycling method should be used in such a form that it is economically justified in a given case. Organic recycling in a circular economy is considered to be the most appropriate technology for the disposal of compostable waste. It is addressed for plastics capable for industrial composting such as cellulose films, starch blends, and polyesters. The biological treatment of organic waste leads also to a decrease of landfills and thereby reducing methane emissions from them. If we add to their biodegradability the absence of toxicity, we have a biotechnological product of great industrial interest. The paper presents the overview on end-of-life options useful for the (bio)degradable polymers. The principles of the circular economy and its today development were also discussed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (4) ◽  
pp. 598-617 ◽  
Author(s):  
S.V. Ratner

Subject. The article considers the concept of circular economy, which has originated relatively recently in the academic literature, and is now increasingly recognized in many countries at the national level. In the European Union, the transition to circular economy is viewed as an opportunity to improve competitiveness of the European Union, protect businesses from resource shortages and fluctuating prices for raw materials and supplies, and a way to increase employment and innovation. Objectives. The aim of the study is to analyze the incentives developed by the European Commission for moving to circular economy, and to assess their effectiveness on the basis of statistical analysis. Methods. I employ general scientific methods of research. Results. The analysis of the EU Action Plan for the Circular Economy enabled to conclude that the results of the recent research in circular economy barriers, eco-innovation, technology and infrastructure were successfully integrated into the framework of this document. Understanding the root causes holding back the circular economy development and the balanced combination of economic and administrative incentives strengthened the Action Plan, and it contributed to the circular economy development in the EU. Conclusions. The measures to stimulate the development of the circular economy proposed in the European Action Plan can be viewed as a prototype for designing similar strategies in other countries, including Russia. Meanwhile, a more detailed analysis of barriers to the circular economy at the level of individual countries and regions is needed.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 41-48
Author(s):  
Teodoro Astorga Amatosa ◽  
Michael E. Loretero

Bamboo is a lightweight and high-strength raw materials that encouraged researchers to investigate and explore, especially in the field of biocomposite and declared as one of the green-technology on the environment as fully accountable as eco-products. This research was to assess the technical feasibility of making single-layer experimental Medium-Density Particleboard panels from the bamboo waste of a three-year-old (Dendrocalamus asper). Waste materials were performed to produce composite materials using epoxy resin (C21H25C105) from a natural treatment by soaking with an average of pH 7.6 level of sea-water. Three different types of MDP produced, i.e., bamboo waste strip MDP (SMDP), bamboo waste chips MDP (CMDP) and bamboo waste mixed strip-chips MDP (MMDP) by following the same process. The experimental panels tested for their physical-mechanical properties according to the procedures defined by ASTM D1037-12. Conclusively, even the present study shows properties of MDP with higher and comparable to other composite materials; further research must be given better attention as potential substitute to be used as hardwood materials, especially in the production, design, and construction usage.


Author(s):  
SAFITRI NURHIDAYATI ◽  
RIZKI AMELYA SYAM

This study aims to analyze whether the difference that occurs in the cost of raw materials, direct labor, and factory overhead costs between the standard costs and the actual costs in PLTU LATI is a difference that is favorable or unfavorable. Data collection techniques with field research and library research. The analytical tool used is the analysis of the difference in raw material costs, the difference in direct labor costs and the difference in factory overhead costs. The hypothesis in this study is that the difference allegedly occurs in the cost of raw materials, direct labor costs, and factory overhead costs at PT Indo Pusaka Berau Tanjung Redeb is a favorable difference. The results showed that the difference in the cost of producing MWh electricity at PT Indo Pusaka Berau Tanjung Redeb in 2018, namely the difference in the price of raw material costs Rp. 548,029.80, - is favorable, the difference in quantity of raw materials is Rp. 957,216,602, - is (favorable) , the difference in direct labor costs Rp 2,602,642,084, - is (unfavorable), and the difference in factory overhead costs Rp 8,807,051,422, - is (favorable) This shows that the difference in the overall production cost budget is favorable or profitable. This beneficial difference shows that the company is really able to reduce production costs optimally in 2018.  


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yu Wang ◽  
Nachuan Yang ◽  
Yi Shuai ◽  
Yunpeng Zhang ◽  
Kanghua Chen

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