Thorium-Based Nuclear Power Plant

Thorium, another form of radioactive element has a potential of replacing

uranium and plutonium since it has a lower health and environmental risks.
Researches have been made regarding the possibility of putting up a thorium based
nuclear power plant.

The process involved is the Th-232 in a reactor to undergo nuclear fusion in

order to produce Th-233. The Th-233 decays to protactinium-233, which further
decays into U-233. The U-233 remains in the reactor and, similar to current nuclear
power plants; the fission of the uranium generates intense heat that can be converted
to electricity. The process is kept by neutron generating accelerator.

Reference: Warmflash, D. (2015). Thorium Power Is the Safer Future of Nuclear Energy. [online] The Crux. Available

at: http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/crux/2015/01/16/thorium-future-nuclear-energy/#.WnhRI7yWbDe

Sugarcane Bagasse Ash (SCBA) In Production of Ceramic Fired Bricks

Clay

Sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) from one Brazilian factory was

characterized and tested for its influence on the ceramic properties of clay/ash
ceramic probes.

The process involved the pressing of prismatic probes (18 MPa) using a
ceramic mass mixed with 0%, 5%, 8%, and 10% ash. The probes were fired at
temperatures between 800° and 1200°C. X-ray diffraction, X-ray fluorescence, thermal
analysis (differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis/differential
thermogravimetric analysis), and tests for texture (particle-size analysis), flexural
strength, and linear shrinkage were carried out to characterize the samples. The
process mentioned is based on a small scale production.

References: Teixeira, S., de Souza, A., de Almeida Santos, G., Vilche Peña, A. and Miguel, Á. (2008). Sugarcane
Bagasse Ash as a Potential Quartz Replacement in Red Ceramic. Journal of the American Ceramic Society, 91(6),
pp.1883-1887.

James, J. and Pandian, P. (2017). A Short Review on the Valorisation of Sugarcane Bagasse Ash in the Manufacture of
Stabilized/Sintered Earth Blocks and Tiles. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering, 2017, pp.1-15.

Large Scale Production of Phenol-formaldehyde Adhesives from Catalytic

Pyrolysis Oil

In pursuit to a greener and cleaner environment, numerous researches have been

conducted in order to meet the chemical demands with more organic and sustainable
sources. One of which is the alteration of phenol with the bio oil extracted from
biomass that is abundant in the locality—coconut shell. The DA’s Philippine Coconut
Authority (PCA) estimates that the country produces some 12 billion coconuts annually
which leave a large ton of coconut shell biomass (Philstar).
 The process involved the pyrolysis of biomass using red mud alumina catalyst.
The yield bio oil will then be utilized in the synthesis of resin. The pyrolysis oil will serve
as a phenol substitute during the resin synthesis process (Akude, 2017).

References:

Philstar (2011). PCA to intensify exports of coco fiber, peat or dust. [online] Available at:

http://www.philstar.com/agriculture/674345/pca-intensify-exports-coco-fiber-peat-or-dust [Accessed 5 Feb. 2018].

Akude, A. (2017). Production of Phenol-formaldehyde Adhesives from Catalytic Pyrolysis Oil. Masters in Sciences

(Biological Engineering). Utah State University.

Proponents: Arias, Jona Viv Aycardo, Mary Chris A.

Celis, Carol Mae L. Magnaye, Trixie Mhay C.

Gutierrez, Kieron Ivan M.