Natural Materials

ABSTRAK Konsep Kaltim Green 2018 merupakan upaya penghematan energi oleh Pemerintah Provinsi Kalimantan Timur guna mewujudkan sumber daya alam yang berkelanjutan. Sebagai orientasi pembangunan, gedung Kantor Gubernur Kalimantan Timur perlu memperhatikan penerapan hemat energi. Fasad hemat energi merupakan salah satu upaya untuk mengurangi konsumsi energi pada suatu bangunan. Tingkat penghematan energi fasad bangunan dapat ditentukan melalui analisis pada nilai Overall Thermal Transfer Valure (OTTV). Fasad bangunan memiliki nilai OTTV sebesar 45,68 W/m2. Nilai OTTV tersebut melebihi batas nilai maksimum yang dikeluarkan oleh SNI 6389:2011 yang memiliki nilai sebesar 35 W/m2 sehingga fasad bangunan dianggap tidak memenuhi kriteria fasad yang hemat energi. Untuk meningkatkan tingkat penghematan energi dari fasad dilakukan modifikasi pada peneduh atau shading device (SCek), material transparan atau kaca (SCk) dan dimensi bukaan atau Window to Wall Ratio (WWR). Nilai OTTV setelah dilakuk...

Fenomena sick building syndrome yang merupakan salah satu dampak dari adanya pemanasan global mengakibatkan munculnya berbagai tanggapan masyarakat. Salah satunya adalah menghadirkan konsep green building yang merupakan upaya mendirikan suatu bangunan yang ramah lingkungan baik pada pra pelaksanaan bangunan, pelaksanaan dan pasca pelaksanaan bangunan itu sendiri. Konsep green building tidak terbatas pada bangunan-bangunan besar melainkan juga bangunan skala mikro seperti rumah tinggal. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi konsep green building pada perumahan tipe kelas menengah atas dan menggunakan sistem rating GBCI untuk mempermudah evaluasi. Hasil dari evaluasi menunjukkan bahwa ketiga sampel yang didapat dengan metode purposive sampling telah memenuhi aspek green building pada rating GBCI sebanyak 42 (SILVER) poin dari total 77 poin maksimal.

A iLara Marina Vidalmpressão 3D é uma tecnologia que pode tornar as estruturas mais sustentáveis e personalizadas, uma vez que reduz o desperdício de construção e possibilita a utilização de materiais diversificados na sua composição, bem como oportuniza a elaboração de projetos mais criativos. Para isso, este artigo teve como objetivo investigar a ampla adoção e sucesso da tecnologia de impressão 3D em escala global, em paralelo com a incorporação estratégica de materiais naturais nesse contexto. Através da realização de uma busca exploratória em artigos científicos de divulgação aberta e online, foram encontradas publicações que se concentraram em informações referentes à manufatura aditiva aplicada para a construção civil, à tecnologia que envolve a impressão 3D e à aplicação de materiais naturais no contexto de projetos. Como resultado, a pesquisa concluiu que há desafios e possibilidades para a impressão 3D na arquitetura, uma tecnologia que pode revolucionar o setor da construção. Entre os principais desafios estão a escala, a qualidade dos materiais, a regulamentação e a sustentabilidade. No entanto, evidencia-se que é preciso superar essas barreiras para que a impressão 3D se torne uma prática comum e amplamente adotada na indústria da construção.

A nation’s customs and traditions are unique, including the appearance of its buildings. Restoring older buildings retains cultural connections and enhances sensitivity to the past. Conservation process materials must be distinguishable from originals for easy removal or change while matching features, a challenging task. The goal is to adopt materials similar in texture, scale, color, and form to the original. The increasing need for a sustainable environment attracts the scientific community towards alternative natural materials instead of traditional ones, adopting ecological principles. Eco-friendly materials from agricultural waste are less polluting. Bio-based materials, like hemp and rice, offer good thermal properties and replace traditional materials. Some are commercialized, while others are in the early production stages. Application conditions and potential adoption in heritage building conservation still need to be studied. Gaps in existing knowledge are addressed by as...

Nowadays, the performance criteria for concrete construction are moving toward eco-efficiency, which is a method of producing highly durable and environmentally friendly concrete while minimizing both manufacturing costs and environmental load. Admixtures are commonly used in all concrete construction; however, some of them are harmful to human health and cause leaching, which is responsible for environmental pollution. On this principle, one of the eco-efficiency method's techniques is to use natural materials as additives in concrete. The paper continues to discuss the experi-mental data generated at the author's laboratory as part of exploratory work on the use of natural materials and their impact on the properties of cement, mortars, and concretes in terms of improving fresh, mechanical, and durability properties of concrete , The paper concludes that the observed impacts of using these natural material additions on the properties of mortar and concrete will motivate gr...

Graffiti vandalism represents an aesthetic and structural phenomenon of degradation both for buildings and cultural heritage: the most used sprays and markers can permeate the stone materials exposing them to degradation. Hence, great attention is being currently devoted to new non-invasive chemical approaches to face this urgent problem. This work is aimed at deeply examining the effects of some of the most sustainable chemical protective methods on the physical properties of natural building materials (e.g., tuff and limestone) by testing two commercial anti-graffiti products. It was found that the nanotechnological product Ector (E) was more effective than Nord Resine (NR) in anti-graffiti applications even if its permanent character hinders its application to the cultural heritage. Conversely, the less performant NR could be used in this field due to its sacrificial behavior, according to the guidelines of the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism. The...

Straw is a very old construction material, which was substituted by modern materials like tiles and concrete in the course of time. In recent years, this natural material, with its advantageous characteristics, has been rediscovered in Europe. One of the main reasons is the trend towards sustainable construction with natural materials, a contribution to environmental conservation and increasing emphasis on good house and room climate. But the road to a house made of straw bales (HD-bales) is full of problems. Numerous investigations have been started to alleviate these problems.

Civil engineers generally use natural materials in order to manufacture and build structural elements, which generates a negative environmental impact. Many countries in the world are replacing natural materials by materials obtained of recycling materials products of industrial processes, construction and mining. These materials (called alternatives in this report) have been used to modify the properties of others. In Colombia, some progresses in this area have been achieved but yet further investigation is needed. In this paper a summary of some studies developed in the area of modified asphalt is presented. The aim of these studies was to evaluate the change in mechanical properties undergoing modified asphalt mixtures with additives of industrial waste products. Most of the materials used to modify the properties of asphalts and asphalt mixtures showed an increase of the mechanical strength of mixtures and the tendency of the modified asphalt is is generally to exhibit lesser th...

Predicción de resistencia bajo carga monotónica de una mezcla asfáltica sometida a condiciones ambientales de Bogotá," Épsilon: Iss. 16 , Article 7. This Artículos de investigación is brought to you for free and open access by the Revistas descontinuadas at Ciencia Unisalle. It has been accepted for inclusion in Épsilon by an authorized editor of Ciencia Unisalle. For more information, please contact

Biomaterials are components that have been contrived to intermingle with biological systems for medical interventions, which could be either curative (repair, augment, treat, or replace a tissue function of the body) or diagnostic. Majority of biomaterials stimulate the formation of cells, perform anti-microbial functions, or prevent the harmful transformation of some cells. This chapter will discuss recent advances in biomaterial research, focusing on material design and fabrication. Some of the potential applications of biomaterials will be discussed including tissue engi-neering (TE), orthopedic application, central nervous system applications, regener-ative medicine, and gene delivery. Moreover, this chapter will explore the advances at multi-scale levels (macro-, micro-, and nano-scale). Finally, challenges and future views will be presented to provide development of novel biomaterials that will have a role in immune modulation, viral control, 3D printing of organs, as well as, reducing the side effects of drug delivery to human cells and increasing the efficiency and performance of drugs inside the body.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) maxillofacial prostheses are widely used in facial bone reconstruction, providing functional restoration, aesthetic rehabilitation, and improved quality of life. However, due to its bioinert nature, PMMA exhibits limited tissue integration. This study aimed to coat PMMA maxillofacial prostheses with hydroxyapatite (HA) to enhance the material’s bioactivity and interaction with biological tissues. Two porous configurations fabricated by additive manufacturing were tested: Prototype A, with ellipsoidal pores, and Prototype B, with a regular hexagonal architecture. Mechanical evaluation demonstrated average values of 33.01 MPa for tensile strength, 3.18 MPa for impact toughness, and 62.65 MPa for flexural strength, confirming structural stability under functional demands. Structural analysis revealed the formation of calcium phosphate phases with low crystallinity, predominantly hydroxyapatite and octacalcium phosphate, while surface examination showed a continuous granular coating with pseudo-spherical agglomerates. Bioactivity assays indicated that the HA-coated prostheses were capable of inducing apatite precipitation, in contrast to uncoated PMMA, which remained bioinert. Prototype A favored permeability and surface area for potential cell adhesion, whereas Prototype B ensured uniform porosity and predictable load distribution. The integration of controlled porous architecture with HA deposition resulted in composite prostheses that combined mechanical robustness with surface bioactivity, representing a promising approach for improved maxillofacial reconstruction.

Techniques for improving the ground base have been used since ancient times. The need of the geotechnical engineer to use zones with weak (cracked or high porosity) soil poses new, increasingly complicated problems. The solutions must consider requirements for the materials used and restrictions over the invasion. The use of natural (inorganic) materials is an approach resulting from the low speed of the change of the properties. The insignificant effect of the environment on the properties of the materials to be grouted is unquestionable. Here we should consider a number of factors connected with the anthropogenic conditions. An important aspect in the choice of materials is the expected positive changes in the structure and properties of the natural materials-improvement of soil skeleton structure, preservation of the migration of water, filling saturation, decreasing the consolidation deformability and others. The use of techniques for grouting with relatively small influence ove...

Masonry construction has a very long tradition and is the most commonly used type of construction. Because of its simple and economical production it will continue to be of major importance also in the future. In particular, its properties in terms of building physics ensure that it remains economically relevant. Nevertheless, low tensile, flexible, and shear load bearing capacity can be a great disadvantage of masonry. In countries with high earthquake risk and social and economic problems, construction materials of poor quality are being used quite often. Especially in rural areas, use is made of bricks and mortar of low tensile strength classes that are hardly used any longer in Europe. The masonry panels used as braces in one and two storey constructions are hardly able to withstand earthquake loads and display a low shear capacity. Since other types of construction are impossible to apply for economic and ecological reasons, these constructions should be strengthened retrospectively after 126 Emami, Fehling and Schlimmer they have been erected. One method used in recent years is the retrospective strengthening using fiber composites applied adhesively to the masonry surface. The most commonly used fibers are carbon fibers (CFRP) and glass fiber-reinforced synthetic materials (GFRP). These materials in combination with synthetic resin systems are already common for example in Switzerland and the USA, but because of their high cost and low availability are hardly used in earthquake regions with economic problems, such as in the Near and Middle East or Latin America. In addition, modern reinforcement materials such as CFRP and GFRP are too rigid for "weak" masonry and can lead to compatibility problems. For this reason, clearly less expensive materials that are adapted to properties of the masonry described are necessary. Natural fibers in combination with filler compound of an epoxy resin base or epoxy resin enriched fine filler on a cement base can, for both cost and compatibility reasons, provide a very attractive alternative. Test results on masonry strengthened with such natural fiber textiles and theoretical investigations as well as a pilot application to the World Cultural Heritage site Arg é Bam (Iran) will be presented. The research whose results are reported in this contribution was conducted at the Institute for Materials Engineering (Professor M. Schlimmer) of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in cooperation with the Institute of Structural Engineering (Professor E. Fehling) of the Faculty of Civil Engineering at the University of Kassel. The pilot project at the world heritage site was implemented by the first author in a period of self employment with the support of UNESCO and Sika Schweiz AG.

There has been an increasing interest in constructing in a more sustainable way and this is why the biobased building composites are getting a lot of use but they have complicated mechanical behavior which bring problems in terms of modeling when subjected to varied conditions. In this paper the multi-scale mechanical performance of five bio-composite materials-Hemp-Lime, Bamboo-Cement, Bagasse Ash Concrete, Flax Epoxy and Cornstarch-Biofoam are studied using an holistic approach based on a combination of finite element models, environmental model and artificial intelligence (AI)-based predictive modeling. The data on the simulation of micro, meso, and macro levels were inserted into the supervised machine learning models to predict the tensile strength and elasticity using the factors of material composition, fiber architecture, and climatic activities. These models reported excellent predictive capability (R 2 = 0.93), and fiber volume fraction and type of matrix were found to be critical variables of mechanical properties using SHAP analysis. A decision support system (DSS) in the form of a web application has been created to convert model results to actionable guidance to develop sustainable design, or to make in-the-field material selections in response to environmental conditions. Moisture-sensitive composites such as hemp-lime and cornstarch were demonstrated to be highly susceptible to environmental variability and especially humidity which act as strong deterrents to their strength. The combination of AI and multi-scale modelling in the study lends itself to scalability, interpretability, and computation efficiency in evaluating, and optimising bio-composites in smart city infrastructure. The findings present meaningful implications to the engineers and material scientists and policymakers who seek resilient and low-carbon approaches to buildings.

In order to study the dynamic response of historical masonry structures, a scaled down brick masonry model constructed in civil engineering department at Baghdad University to simulate a part of a real case study, which is Alkifil historic minaret. Most of the previous researches about masonry structures try to understand the behavior of the masonry under seismic loading by experimental and numerical methods. In this paper, the masonry units (bricks) simulated in scale (S= 1/6) with the exact shape of the prototype bricks. Cementitious tile adhesive was selected to be the mortar for the modeling. The height of the model designed to be 1.5 m with a 0.5 m diameter. Detailed construction steps were presented in this paper. Experts built the model with high accuracy. A shaking table and other dynamic testing facilities were used at the University of Baghdad. The model was tested using the time-compressed El Centro 1940 NS earthquake at different amplitudes. The first ground motion of (PGA= 0.05g) which considered as weak ground motion was used to check the adequacy of the conventional behavior of the masonry model and the limit of the elastic behavior of the model during weak earthquakes. Moderate ground motion (PGA=0.15g) was performed to investigate the response of the model with minor to moderate damages. The severe ground motions were not appropriate to use in such circumstances because of the possibility to overturn the model. The experimental results showed very adequacy of the model to withstand the weak and moderate earth motion with no observed cracks.

The clay minerals have characteristics and properties that allow their applicability in the cosmetic area, being incorporated into formulations as an active principle. Therefore, the aim of this work is characterizing and evaluating the influence of a clay from Miracema do Norte, Tocantins, Brazil, named Clay V, on the physicochemical characteristics of a hydrophilic gel of Aristoflex  , a copolymer of the neutralized acryloyldimethyltaurate and vinylpyrrolidone sulphonic acid. Clay V was decontaminated and characterized through microbiological evaluation, crystalline phases present by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), chemical composition by X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and granulometric distribution by sieving. Gels were prepared using Clay V with particles in the range ≤ 180 μm in three different concentrations: 1%, 3% and 5% (w/w) and a standard gel without clay. The formulations were evaluated according to organoleptic characteristics, pH, viscosity, spreadability and the centrifugation test. The microbiological evaluation showed that the clay sample is in compliance with the parameters established by the legislation. The following mineral phases were identified by XRD: kaolinite, illite, vermiculite and quartz, mainly composed of silica and alumina according to XRF. Thermal analysis showed that the clay has two thermal decomposition reactions, the largest being 547.6°C. The granulometric analysis identified that the largest fraction (63.22%) was of particles with sizes greater than 710 μm. The organoleptic characteristics presented by the formulations were suitable, with characteristic gel odor, homogeneous appearance, soft and refreshing texture and staining based on the concentration of Clay V used. The obtained pH values were within the range between 5.5 and 6.5, and it was verified that the gel has high spreadability, distributing evenly on the skin. The values obtained for viscosity showed that the formulations are non-Newtonian fluids with pseudoplastic behavior. The centrifugation test showed that the formulations are stable, with no phase separation. The results obtained with the tests showed that the natural clay V material is beneficial in cosmetic products and can be used for incorporation in cosmetic gel formulations of Aristoflex  type.

With the increasing focus on renewable materials and sustainability issues, the development of non-conventional materials from natural resources and possessing complexing properties is currently an area of extensive research due to their potential applications in biosorption processes for pollutant removal. Among them, the hemp plant, an annual high yielding industrial crop grown for its fibres and seeds, is one of the most promising material for biosorption of metal ions from diluted waste streams. In this chapter, an extensive list of hemp-based biosorbent literature has been compiled and discussed. After a brief description of hemp and its properties and applications, the chapter gives a general overview of liquid-solid biosorption processes for metal removal from aqueous solutions onto hemp-based materials. AC activated carbons CAC commercial activated carbons DSC differential scanning calorimetry EDX energy-disperse X-ray spectroscopy FT-IR Fourier transform infra-red spectrophotometry MFA microfibrils angle NMR nuclear magnetic spectroscopy SEM scanning electron microscopy SPE solid-phase extraction TGA thermogravimetric analysis THC delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol XPS X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy ΔG Gibbs free energy change ΔH enthalpy change ΔS entropy change

Consumption of chicken and poultry is a major factor in the world's diet. But the growing popularity of eating chicken has significant negative implications for the environment, especially when it comes to waste management. And one of the most important chicken wastes is its feathers. The purpose of this study is to determine the composition of chicken feathers, density, sound absorption, heat resistance, water absorption, ambient durability, and assessment as fiber panels and classification before using them as a substitute for alternative panel materials in the community. As a result, the best composition for alternative panel materials made from chicken feathers: PVAc glue and white cement is a ratio of 70:20:10 in the manufacture of wall application panels and a ratio of 70:30 in the manufacture of finely chopped chicken feathers, and PVAc glue, and water in the manufacture of acoustic application panels. Density 0.38-0.4, the material is categorized as soft fiber board (RF) with low density and stiffness that can withstand loads up to 38.2 kg/cm 2 , and absorption value ᾱ 0.49-0.52, can withstand heat up to 10°C. This study also confirms the potential of chicken feathers with adequate adhesive composition as an alternative and advanced material in the field of architecture that has met the criteria as a green panel material, sustainable, and environmentally friendly.

Agarose uniquely forms moldable biodegradable films, making it a promising renewable material with exceptional biocompatibility, thermo-reversibility, and flexibility. However, agarose films lose most of their flexibility at low moisture content. One way to assuage this issue is to incorporate plasticizing agents. In this study, four plasticizers (i.e., sucrose, urea, glucose, and glycerol) were chosen and combined in various concentrations and combinations to produce an agarose-based composite. The study examined how four different plasticizers affect agarose's intermolecular interactions, impacting its mechanical, morphological, thermal, and physicochemical properties. Techniques like Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray Scattering, electric actuation, and tensile testing were used to analyze the effects of plasticizers on agarosebased films. The findings reveal that the mechanical and thermal properties of agarose films are influenced to varying degrees by the four plasticizers studied. Plasticizers with high hydroxyl content and smaller molecular size demonstrated the most significant improvements in film flexibility and stretchability. These variations in performance can be attributed to differences in intermolecular interactions, driven by changes in hydrogen bonding groups, as observed through FTIR and X-ray Scattering analyses. A deeper understanding of how hydrogen bonds affect the agarose-plasticizer matrix could pave the way for precisely tailoring the properties of agarose films.

Knowing the effects of natural aging on wood properties is important both for the conservation of historical wooden material and for reuse of aged wood. The aim of this study was to investigate the wood properties of old wooden elements not impregnated with any protective chemicals and taken from different parts of Zeytinlik houses in Giresun, Turkey. Test samples were prepared from old wooden elements and freshly cut chestnut timber. The anatomical, chemical, physical and mechanical properties were determined according to standard procedure, and the results were compared with those of recent wood specimen. As a result of the anatomical identification, it was determined that the wooden elements used in traditional Zeytinlik houses belong to species of Anatolian chestnut (Castanea sativa), and after an average service life of 88, 113 and 120 years, there was no change in the anatomical structure of the old wooden elements. Fourier transform infrared band characterization of old wood specimens revealed that hemicelluloses degraded and lignin structure changed on the surface of almost all specimens. Especially, the wood density values of the facade elements were smaller than that of recent wood specimen. Except for the modulus of rupture of window sill and rafter, all mechanical properties were significantly greater compared with those of recent wood specimen. The results of this research showed that old wood not damaged by fungi and insects could be evaluated for reuse.

The role of material perception is vital in designing new materials and products which are widely accepted by consumers. This is of even greater significance in the case of sustainable materials like biobased composites, which are not familiar to the average consumer. Understanding the effect of visual and tactile characteristics of the biobased composites on the formation of material perception could help material engineers and designers to create sustainable and high-value materials. In this study of biobased composites, the semantic differential method is used to assess material attributes (in digital and physical settings), along with the qualitative assessment of material characteristics. The attribute ratings, as well as the qualitative descriptors, are used to assess sensory qualities and generalise their influences on material perception. It is observed that respondents refer to past material experiences to define materials, especially the ones with uncertain attributes. Whi...

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanowires were synthesized from a precursor solution (TIP) by the sol-gel method under acidic conditions using HClO4 as a catalyst at 75°C. Synthesis of TiO2 samples from colloidal solutions was tested with different peptization times, generating nanoparticles in the form of nanorods with a diameter of approximately 5-6 nm and a length of approximately 80-90 nm, and nanowires with a diameter of approximately 35 nm and a length of approximately 1000 nm. Spectrophotometric analysis (UV-Vis) of the different colloids showed an absorbance maximum around 300 nm, and the band gap of these nanoparticles ranged from 3.30 to 3.42 eV. Morphological and crystallographic analyses obtained by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and X-ray Diffraction (XRD) showed the anatase phase, as well as a mixture of anatase and rutile that depended on the synthesis conditions. FTIR transmittances in the range between 500 and 4000 cm-1 show shifts in the O-Ti-O bond bands toward lower frequencies. TiO2 nanoparticles suspended in an aqueous solution of methyl orange (C14H14N3SO3Na) were irradiated with artificial light using an Ultra Vitalux 300 W, degrading the (MeO) in different proportions.TiO2 nanoparticles were also synthesized using gamma rays at a dose of 20 kGy and a pH of 0.60, obtaining nanoparticles with a semi-amorphous anatase phase before irradiation and an anatase phase after irradiation, with a better-defined crystallinity that is a function of time, indicating that gamma rays induce the formation of this phase.

Keywords: Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) Nanowires, sol-gel method, colloidal solutions, peptization times, band-gap, TiO2 Nanoparticles, gamma rays, methyl orange (MeO).

Rapid advancement in the field of Natural and biomaterial composites have directed in the enlargement of various innovative materials and products which are eco-friendly as well as biodegradable. Importance is being given by many researchers to the natural plant fibers like bamboo, coir, jute, sisal, cotton, wheat straw and wood etc. Here the review based information is pileup to get the wide-ranging information about the Mechanical properties, Physical properties, Thermal properties etc. of Chicken Feather Fiber (CFF) based Composites. Also the application and making of different CFF based composites for industrial application and the use of CFF as a matrix, as a reinforced material and as a particulate. The efforts are made to focus on advanced technology and uplift the use of CFF as a Natural Biomaterial which is at present serve as a waste of poultry industry and to enhance the use of livestock waste in a sustainable growth of the earth and healthy environment. KeywordsComposite...

This study investigates the seismic behavior and collapse mechanisms of the historical Sheik Ali Mosque in Antakya, Türkiye, which was heavily damaged during the 2023 Kahramanmaras ¸ Earthquakes. A detailed three-dimensional finite element (FE) model of the mosque was developed, incorporating nonlinear material properties, to perform both pushover and nonlinear dynamic time-history analyses. The pushover analysis revealed lateral load capacities of approximately 12,000 kN in the longitudinal (X) direction and 10,500 kN in the transverse (Z) direction, with collapse displacements around ± 20 mm. Modal analysis showed a first mode frequency of 1.81 Hz for the minaret and 5.64 Hz for the main dome, consistent with field-based estimations. The analysis results revealed that the minaret exhibited significant displacement prior to the main structural elements and likely initiated the collapse sequence-consistent with field observations showing the minaret falling onto the main dome. While the finite element model could not simulate the impact interaction explicitly, it demonstrated that the dome itself was already undergoing critical deformations and would have eventually collapsed. Strain-based damage visualization indicated progressive cracking in the arches, the dome shell, and the loadbearing walls, aligning well with the observed post-earthquake damage patterns. Lateral force capacity estimates obtained from pushover analysis and empirical code-based formulas were in strong agreement, further validated by dynamic analysis results. Despite modeling limitations, the findings highlight the reliability of combining numerical simulations with field surveys to evaluate seismic vulnerability in heritage structures. The study also emphasizes the necessity of region-specific assessment strategies and practical empirical tools for rapid risk evaluation and prioritization in seismic heritage conservation. ☆ This article is part of a special issue entitled: 'Failure of masonry' published in Engineering Failure Analysis.

Polymeric materials have had a boom in the global industry over the past two decades, because of its adaptability, durability, and price so much so that now we cannot imagine a product that does not contain it. However, many synthetic polymers that have been developed are mainly derived from petroleum and coal as raw material, which make them incompatible with the environment, since they cannot be included in what is a natural recycling system. Aware of the environmental impacts that produce synthetic polymers, a solution could be the mixtures with different types and sources of biological materials, called biopolymers, such as starch, cellulose, chitosan, zein, gelatin among others and that gradually replace synthetic polymers to address and resolve these problems. The development of new applications, such as composite materials by incorporation of alternative materials, found in nature that has similar properties to oilbased polymers, but its main feature is its biodegradability and offering competitive to current material costs. In this sense, various investigations are aimed at decreasing the amounts of plastic waste and to manufacture products with less aggressive environment since the synthetic plastics are difficult to recycle and can remain in nature for over a century.

Green building atau bangunan hijau adalah pendekatan dalam merancang, membangun, dan mengoperasikan bangunan yang mempertimbangkan dampaknya terhadap lingkungan dan kesehatan manusia. Berdasarkan itu, perlu diadakannya kajian tentang green building di bangunan Gedung Klinik Universitas Pahlawan, agar diketahui rating atau tingkat penerapan green building di Gedung Universitas Pahlawan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis penerapan green building dan manfaat yang dihasilkan. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah tinjauan literatur dan studi kasus. Dalam tinjauan literatur, berbagai sumber yang relevan seperti jurnal ilmiah, artikel, dan laporan penelitian digunakan untuk memperoleh informasi tentang konsep dan praktik green building. Studi kasus dilakukan di bangunan Gedung Klinik Universitas Pahlawan dengan menganalisis beberapa bangunan Gedung yang telah dibangun dan beroperasi. Menggunakan standar Greenship Existing Building versi 1.1 dari GBCI. Greenship EB 1.1 mempunyai 6 (enam) standar yaitu tepat guna lahan, efisiensi dan pengelolaan energi, pengelolaan air, siklus dan sumber daya material, kualitas udara dalam ruangan dan manajemen lingkungan bangunan. Hasil analisis menunjukkan bahwa penerapan green building masih banyak tidak terpenuhi disebabkan kurangnya tolok ukur yang tersedia. Rekomendasi yang dapat diberikan meliputi penggunaan bahan konstruksi yang lebih ramah lingkungan, penerapan sistem penghematan energi yang lebih efektif, penggunaan teknologi pengelolaan air yang lebih canggih, dan peningkatan dalam pengelolaan limbah.

Groundwater hardness, primarily caused by calcium and magnesium ions, poses significant challenges to domestic, industrial and agricultural uses, as well as health risks associated with cardiovascular disease, kidney stones and other ailments. This study aimed to investigate the removal of total hardness from groundwater using a novel iron oxide-fused metakaolin composite. Initially, calcium adsorption isotherm studies were conducted to assess the composite's adsorption capacity and mechanism. The favourable adsorption of calcium ions justified further investigation, leading to batch and column experiments that evaluated the composite's performance in reducing total hardness from real groundwater samples.The calcium adsorption isotherm studies revealed that the adsorption of calcium ions is best described by the Langmuir isotherm with a maximum adsorption capacity of 24.33 mg/g and a separation factor (R L value)of 0.398 which shows that adsorption process was favourable (R L <1).A removal efficiency of 89.78% was achieved for groundwater total hardness using batch studies. Column studies using the adsorbent together with sand and activated carbon as support materials achieved a removal efficiency of 97.37%. The study demonstrates the effectiveness of the synthesised adsorbent in removing total hardness from groundwater, highlighting its potential as a viable treatment option for mitigating health risks and improving water quality.

This paper is written to discuss the usage of waste materials in recreating a functional interior space. Upcycling was introduced to the modern world, as one of the methods to maintain the environment without doing any harm and to recreate useful products out of waste and unused materials. The over usage of natural sources and overloading of human made materials have lead to many environmental issues such as landslides, green house effects, flood and pollution. A distinctive yet functional interior space can be created through the process of converting waste materials or useful products into new goods which also contribute to a higher environmental value. A few case examples are chosen to identify and analyze all the challenges and factors to be considered in designing using up cycled materials. The impacts and effects of upcycling to create new products are discussed based on the chosen case studies. The environmental issues in design are observed as part of understanding the signi...

As we all know that natural resources are being depleted and are in a very limited amount, recycle of Construction & Demolition materials play a vital role in preventing these natural resources. There are various methods of recycling construction wastes which are being used throughout the world in the past decade. Waste concrete is the primary component which will replace the conventional concrete (Natural Aggregates). There are however some limitations in the use of RAC. This review paper focuses on the known benefits of both conventional and recycled aggregates. This technique will definitely reduce the construction cost and at the same time it protects the environment. The different properties of RAC affects the mix design and also the hardened properties of the resulting concrete, when the RAC which replaces the natural aggregates exceeds the limit (33%). This paper represents the evaluation of the different research paper on the topic of RAC. The study found that if we replace ...

Rapid advancement in the field of Natural and biomaterial composites have directed in the enlargement of various innovative materials and products which are eco-friendly as well as biodegradable. Importance is being given by many researchers to the natural plant fibers like bamboo, coir, jute, sisal, cotton, wheat straw and wood etc. Here the review based information is pileup to get the wide-ranging information about the Mechanical properties, Physical properties, Thermal properties etc. of Chicken Feather Fiber (CFF) based Composites. Also the application and making of different CFF based composites for industrial application and the use of CFF as a matrix, as a reinforced material and as a particulate. The efforts are made to focus on advanced technology and uplift the use of CFF as a Natural Biomaterial which is at present serve as a waste of poultry industry and to enhance the use of livestock waste in a sustainable growth of the earth and healthy environment. KeywordsComposite...

Buildings are accountable for over 40% of energy use in OECD countries. Most energy is used for indoor environment control and artificial lighting; the rest is used for the production of materials used in buildings construction and demolition. The correct utilization of natural materials could lead to energy saving during the use of the buildings and during the demolition phase because less material would be subjected to transformations energy expenses. Moreover, the study of material properties, in order to choose the most suitable products, allows energy saving during the building lifespan. Moreover, the utilization of local materials in rural buildings minimizes the energy cost for transport as well as its environmental impacts, because, when the building is demolished, the material can be reintroduced into the environmental system. In this work the principal physical and mechanical properties of the giant reed (Arundo donax L.) are studied and analysed. It is a natural material available everywhere around the world and is an abundant natural resource particularly in temperate climates and subtropical areas. The giant reed has been a conventional construction material since ancient times. It has been used to make baskets, building walls, fences, roofs, floors, music instruments, paper, bio-fuel. Owing to its lower thermal conductivity coefficient, in some places, it is also used in rural traditional constructions. This paper proposes new technical solutions to use the giant reed in sustainable rural constructions and in the industry of eco-buildings.

This paper investigates the influence of natural organic materials on the properties of traditional mortars. Mortar specimens produced with two binders (natural hydraulic lime and aged lime putty) with the same sand and three different organic additives (linseed oil, brown sugar and cow's milk, with different percentages) were created. The colour variations (colorimetry), waterproofing behaviour (water capillarity test), permeability (water vapour permeability test), mechanical properties (maximum resistance to compression test), mineralogical composition (X ray diffraction) and optical properties of mortars (transmitted light microscopy, UV fluorescence microscopy) and carbonation using a phenolphthalein indicator, were evaluated after 28 days, 3, 6, and 12 months. In this paper we highlighted a series of transformations induced by the additives: a strong modification of colorimetric parameters, a general hydrophobic effect of milk and oil not linked to a total occlusion of porosity, a decrease of mechanical parameters in the specimens prepared with hydraulic lime with respect to the specimen without additives, a different distribution and shape of macropores, a different level of carbonation. The paper also describes the role of the preparation methods in the influence of natural organic materials on the properties of traditional mortars.

The study is the second part of a previous study which explored the effects of color pairs on warmth perception in interiors. The main aim of this study is to investigate the effects of material pairs and their single materials on warmth perception in interiors with the same methodology, since paired materials have not been investigated yet. Each material pair and their two single materials were assessed by 32 different participants, thus 96 different participants assessed three groups of material models (Fabric and Timber material pair, Fabric and Plasterboard material pair, Timber and Plasterboard material pair, and their single materials) under controlled conditions. Results indicated that as single materials Timber and Fabric have the same level of warmth and are warmer than Plasterboard whereas there is no difference between their pairs. Findings revealed that these two natural materials are perceived to be warmer than the artificial one and pairing them on interior walls provi...

The study is the second part of the previous study which explored effects of color pairs on warmth perception in interiors. The main aim of this study is to investigate effects of material pairs and their single materials on warmth perception in interiors with the same methodology, since paired materials have not been investigated yet. Each material pair and their two single materials were assessed by 32 different participants, thus 96 different participants assessed three group of material models (Fabric and Timber material pair, Fabric and Plasterboard material pair, Timber and Plasterboard material pair, and their single materials) under controlled conditions. Results indicated that as single materials Timber and Fabric have the same level of warmth and are warmer than Plasterboard whereas there is not any difference between their pairs. Findings revealed that these two natural materials are perceived warmer than the artificial one and pairing them on interior walls provides similar level of warmth.

Students were given an exercise to design a 1bhk residence with their choice of material and sustainable construction technique. The objective was to extend the experience of delivering low-cost housing using eco-friendly material that satisfies all functional needs, Customizing interior furniture’s is also included. The choice of the following construction technique was offered to the students.

1.    Earthbag construction
2.    Timber construction
3.    Wattle and Daub technique-mud house
4.    CSEB  block construction

Following the significant development of transportation infrastructure in recent years, Croatia has the need for adequate noise protection of the surrounding urban area. Construction of noise barriers is possible out of various materials such as wood, steel or concrete, but due to strict market conditions and demands for durability and static stability concrete noise barriers are most frequently used across Europe. Following this footsteps, Croatia has also increased the use of concrete noise barriers in recent years. Up to 50% of all noise protection barriers in Croatia are concrete based. Having reinforced concrete as a support structure, concrete noise barriers differ in the structure of the absorbing layer usually made out of expanded clay or wood fibres. RUCONBAR represents a new, eco-innovative concrete noise barrier solution. Innovative structure and method of obtaining the absorbing layer made out of recycled waste tyres has been developed and patented at the Faculty of Civi...

Water purification is crucial for ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water. As a sustainable and effective solution, green adsorbents have gained significant attention in recent times. These adsorbents are composed of natural or waste-based materials that are biodegradable, renewable, and abundant, making them an eco-friendly substitute for traditional adsorbents. This chapter offers a comprehensive outline of the present and prospects of green adsorbents in water purification. It encompasses a comprehensive overview of the many forms of green adsorption agents comprising natural, agriculture waste-based, & industrial waste-based adsorbents, as well as their synthesis and modification methods. Furthermore, it also explores the potential applications of green adsorbents in removing heavy metals, organic pollutants, and inorganic contaminants from water. The challenges and future directions of green adsorbent research are also discussed, including the limitations of these adsorbents and the opportunities for enhancing their performance. Overall, this chapter offers valuable insights into the potential of green adsorbents as a sustainable and eco-friendly solution for water purification.

Bamboo is the building material of the past and future. It offers numerous properties that make it versatile for various applications, including construction. Its impressive strength-to-weight ratio enables it to bear substantial loads and stresses, while its good elasticity allows efficient energy absorption. However, its mechanical properties can vary based on factors such as species, age, locations, methods, and treatment. Treating bamboo is essential to enhance its properties and durability. The literature provides various natural and chemical treatments which enhanced some of the properties but also reported a drawbacks on higher temperature, content and duration. This paper reviewed 57 articles from Scopus database, specifically focusing on article-document type publications from the years 2003 to 2023. Additional references were also incorporated to address concerns in properties, treatment and standards to provide systematic understanding. MATLAB was utilized for data text a...

The investigations focus on analyzing acoustic enclosures intended for noisy Chemical Engineering equipment made out of natural waste materials namely corn cobs, corn stovers and banana stalks using Actran Software with the parameters of study being the comparison between different dimensions of enclosure and material properties of different substances used. Upto 50 Hz frequency, there was no evident distinction in the Pressure-map between two dimensions of enclosures, while beyond 50 Hz, there was a difference with the larger enclosure encountering greater pressure intensities as well as greater ranges of pressure intensities. In the frequency range of 40 Hz - 75 Hz for the smaller enclosure and 30 Hz - 65 Hz for the larger, there was a significant effect of the changing material properties on the sound absorbing ability of the enclosure. When the two plots of enclosures for changing material properties were compared, some amount of instability in the graphs of the three materials ...

e n c e T e c h n o l o g y o r g a n i z e d b y F a c u l t y o f S o c i a l S c i e n c e a n d L a w U n i v e r s i t a s N e g e r i Ma n a d o a n d Co n s o r t i u m o f I n t e r n a t i o n a l Co n f e r e n c e o n S c i e n c e a n d T e c h n o l o g y v o l . 1 7 / 2 0 2 3

Ecoprint Training is a non-formal educational program that aims to introduce natural printing techniques using organic materials from the environment. The training is designed to enable participants to develop their artistic skills while appreciating the biodiversity and abundance of natural resources that surround us. Training materials include an in-depth understanding of the types of plants, leaves, and other natural materials that can be used in the ecoprint process. Participants will learn about material preparation techniques, such as natural pigment extraction and fabric preparation. In addition, they will be given practical guidance in applying designs and creating unique motifs through natural printing techniques. During the training, there will be hands-on practice sessions where participants will practice the techniques they learned under the guidance of expert instructors. Participants will also be given the opportunity to experiment with combinations of natural material...

Over the last few years, titanium dioxide based products have been used in the field of construction materials as self-cleaning, non-polluting and antibacterial functions. These products are currently applied to construction material for external use and interior furnishing material such as cement mortars, exterior tiles, paving blocks, glass and PVC fabrics. These products have also been proposed in the field of Cultural Heritage but up to now their experimental use has been quite limited. For this reason, a systematic research was carried out on some TiO2 based products applied to various types of natural stones exposed in a urban polluted environment. The treatment was evaluated in terms of its efficiency, durability and harmfulness to the treated stones. Three types of natural stones (white marble, travertine and limestone) were treated and exposed for eight months in a polluted environment in the centre of Rome. Three TiO2 based products, in form of nanoparticles or mixed with ...

The porosity of materials is important in many applications, products and processes, such as electrochemical devices (electrodes, separator, active components in batteries), porous thin film, ceramics, soils, construction materials, ..etc. This can be characterized in many different methods, and the most important methods for industrial purposes are the N2 gas adsorption and mercury porosimetry. In the present paper, both of these techniques have been used to characterize some of Iraqi natural raw materials deposits. These are Glass Sand, Standard Sand, Flint Clay and Bentonite. Data from both analyses on the different types of natural raw materials deposits are critically examined and discussed. The results of specific surface areas showed considerable difference between the two sets of data on the same material. This indicates that the material have an external surface which can not be measure by mercury porosimeter. Also pore size distribution data obtained from N2 adsorption mea...

Tanned, crust or finished leather may be damaged by different types of molds, which irreversibly degrade natural leather (during processing or storage). This paper presents the resistance to Aspergillus niger strain of leather samples treated with the developed cinnamon essential oil-based product. Testing of antifungal product based on cinnamon oil was carried out monitoring the manner in which mold growth is influenced by the treatment applied to the sample through the resistance to mold in simulated contamination conditions. This product improves leather and leather product resistance to fungi, while ensuring a higher quality of natural leathers. KEY WORDS: cinnamon essential oil, natural leather, Aspergillus niger REZUMAT. Atât pieile tăbăcite, cât şi cele crust sau finisate pot fi deteriorate de diferite tipuri de mucegaiuri, care degradează în mod ireversibil pielea naturală (în timpul prelucrării sau depozitării). Această lucrare prezintă rezistenţa la tulpina de Aspergillus niger a probelor de piele tratate cu produsul dezvoltat pe bază de ulei esenţial de scorţişoară. Testarea produsului antifungic pe bază de ulei esenţial de scorţişoară s-a realizat prin monitorizarea modului în care creşterea mucegaiului este influenţată de tratamentul aplicat pe probă prin rezistenţa la mucegai în condiţii de contaminare simulată. Acest produs îmbunătăţeşte rezistenţa pielii şi a produselor din piele la fungi, asigurând o calitate mai înaltă a pieilor naturale. CUVINTE CHEIE: ulei esenţial de scorţişoară, piei naturale, Aspergillus niger NATUREL RÉSUMÉ. Les cuirs tannés, en croûte ou finis peuvent être endommagés par différents types de moisissures, qui dégradent de manière irréversible le cuir naturel (pendant le traitement ou le stockage). Cet article présente la résistance à la souche d'Aspergillus niger d'échantillons de cuir traités avec le produit développé à partir d'huile essentielle de cannelle. Le test du produit antifongique à base d'huile essentielle de cannelle a été réalisé en contrôlant l'influence de la croissance de moisissures sur le traitement appliqué à l'échantillon par la résistance à la moisissure dans des conditions de contamination simulées. Ce produit améliore la résistance du cuir et des produits en cuir aux moisissures, assurant une meilleure qualité du cuir naturel.

Jurnal ini membahas tentang Keterbatasan pasokan air bersih untuk memenuhi kebutuhan masyarakat menjadi kendala utama yang dialami warga di Desa Sukajadi. Dengan keterbatasan pengetahuan, sarana, prasarana dan ekonomi, warga terus menggunakan air yang tidak sehat untuk kebutuhan rumah tangga. Oleh karena itu, masyarakatsangat perlu diberi pengetahuan dan keterampilan pengolahan air bersih. Permasalahan air bersih yang dialami oleh sebagaian besar masyarakat di Indonesia, jugadialami oleh masyarakat dusun II Desa Sukajadi, Kec. Perbaungan, Kab. Serdang Bedagai, dimana air sumur yang digunakan masyarakat sebagai sumber air umumnya tidak memenuhi syarat untuk digunakan baik untuk keperluan rumah tangga dan air minum. Berdasarkan hasil pengamatan langsung dilapangan, secara umum masyarakat di desa Sukajadi menggunakan air sumur sebagai sumber air untuk keperluan rumah tangga dan sumber air minum. Dari hasil observasi tim pengusul ke lokasi terdapat beberapa dusun yang mengalami permasalahan dengan ketersediaan air bersih. Desa Sukajadi sendiri terdiri dari 3 dusun. Kondisi paling buruk terdapat didusun II dengan kualitas air sumur secara fisik berwarna kuning keruh pekat, berminyakdan berbau, sebagaimana ditunjukkan, dimana kondisi airberwarna keruh dan berbau. Hal ini dapat disebabkan karena adanya bahan organik dan bahan anorganik, dan atau karena adanya keberadaan plankton, humus dan ion-ion logam yang tinggi sepertibesi dan mangan. Namun karena keterbatasan sarana dan prasarana air bersih serta keterbatasan ekonomi masyarakat terpaksa menggunakan air yang ada yang tidak memenuhi syarat baik secara fisik maupun kimiawi. Dari hasil diskusi dan wawancara dengan kelompok masyarakat dan kepala dusun II Desa Sukajadi, masyarakat juga belum memiliki pengetahuan tentang kualitas air bersih dan ketrampilan teknik pengolahan air bersih. Tim pelaksana telah melakukan sosialisasi kegiatan PKMdi Desa Sukajadidi Balai Desa Sukajadi.Kegiatan ini dihadiri oleh Staf LPPM Unimed, Kepala Desa Sukajadi dan kelompok mitra masyarakat Desa Sukajadi yang diwakili oleh 15 orang anggota kader. Dalam kegiatan ini Tim pelaksana telah mensosialisasikan tentang program PKM, tujuan kegiatan PKM, target dan luaran yang akan dicapai dalam kegiatan PKM, dan untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan masyarakat mitra telah pula dijelaskan tentang pentingnya air bersih, standart kualitas air bersih yang layak digunakan sesuai dengan Permenkes no. 492 tahun 2010 (ditunjukkan pada Tabel 1).Beberapa parameter fisika yang dapat dijadikan indikator awal dalam

N ATURAL dyes have been used for dyeing, painting, printing, and decoration since the dawn of time. However, with the manufacturing of synthetic dyes in the nineteenth century, it was revolutionised due to its extremely lasting properties and economic effectiveness. However, a new research highlights the negative implications of synthetic dyes, prompting people all over the world to reduce their use of synthetic dyes and focus on natural source colours, which have numerous advantages over synthetic dyes. These colours might be derived from animals, plants, minerals, or microorganisms. In this brief study, we will talk about natural colorants from an animal source and how to extract them using ancient and new methods that allow their counterparts to achieve equivalent properties.

This review focuses on the meniscus and the biomaterials involved in meniscal repair and regeneration. Clinical issues associated with the meniscus are introduced and treatment strategies are discussed in terms of biomaterial choice: extracellular matrix materials (ECM), natural materials (ECM-like), synthetic or hybrids of these. These material choices lead to a myriad of options ranging from permanent implants to biodegradable scaffolds (with and without cells, binding ligands and growth factors). The latest chemistries behind emerging candidate materials are discussed in terms of functional modifications, crosslinking agents and techniques. Finally, we review the latest and promising advances associated with bioprinted meniscal implants and the drive toward more functional bioinks with the overall goal of achieving a patient-specific meniscal implant.