Browsing by Author "Boublia, Abir"

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    Biodegradability assessment of HDPE-based biocomposites: Influence of starch and fiber composition
    (Elsevier Ltd, 2024) Zighed, Mohammed; Benotmane, Bénamar; Ferkous, Hana; Ramdane, Nora; Boublia, Abir; Ahmed, Mukhtar; Bourbia, Amel; Lemboub, Samia; Yadav, Krishna Kumar; Benguerba, Yacine
    This research aims to analyze the biodegradation dynamics of a tertiary composite blend, including High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE), starch and linen fiber, and their combined effect on decay processes in authentic environmental settings. It investigates the relationship between fiber content and decomposition rates, details the biodegradation mechanisms, and evaluates the reactive profiles of the involved constituents. Decay kinetics and the biodegradation mechanism of three formulations: HDPE60S40, HDPE60S20F20, and HDPE60S30F10, representing composites with 60 % HDPE, complemented by 40 %, 20 % starch and 20 %, 10 % linen fiber, respectively, are examined. HDPE60S30F10 is noted for its superior biodegradation rates, showing a 1.2 % weight loss in soil and 9.89 % in marine conditions and an increased resistance to shearing forces, whereas HDPE60S40 recorded a weight loss of 0,63 % in soil and 2.59 % in seawater against 1,7 % and 6.64 % in soil and seawtaer, respectively recorded with HDPE60S20F20. Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations complement these findings, presenting HDPE60S40 as the most rigid, HDPE60S20F20 as the most ductile with a bulk modulus of 13.34 GPa, and HDPE60S30F10 exhibiting the best shear resistance with a shear modulus of 12.48 GPa. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses confirm microbial involvement and significant surface erosion, particularly indicating particularly starch degradation. The results suggest that integrating linen fiber into the composites enhances biodegradation.
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    Efficient biodiesel production from recycled cooking oil using a NaOH/CoFe2O4 magnetic nano-catalyst: synthesis, characterization, and process enhancement for sustainability
    (Elsevier, 2024) Bousba, Dalila; Sobhi, Chafia; Zouaoui, Emna; Rouibah, Karima; Boublia, Abir; Ferkous, Hana; Haddad, Ahmed; Gouasmia, Abir; Avramova, Ivalina; Mohammed, Zighed; Pârvulescu, Vasile I.; Yadav, Krishna Kumar
    This research introduces an environmentally sustainable approach to biodiesel production, utilizing waste cooking oil (WCO) as a renewable feedstock. The focal point of this study is the synthesis and characterization of NaOH/CoFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles, employed as an efficient catalyst for the transesterification reaction between WCO and methanol. Comprehensive analysis, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electronic microscopy, magnetometry, temperature-programmed carbon dioxide and ammonia desorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals nanoparticles with remarkable catalytic properties. The transesterification process catalyzed by NaOH/CoFe2O4 yields biodiesel at an impressive rate of 98.71%, complying with ASTM standards. Kinetic and thermodynamic evaluations elucidate reaction mechanisms, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide insights into the catalytic process. The magnetic catalyst's reusability enhances sustainability, making it a promising solution for large-scale biodiesel production, and lays the foundation for future catalyst optimization.