Browsing by Author "Chinaza Enwere"

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    Current Developments on the Application of Hydrogen in Industry: A Review
    (NJEAS, 2024-04-18) Petrus Nzerem; Jacklyn Oche; Mohammed Sherrif; Khaleel Jakada; Ikechukwu Okafor; Joseph Chior; Chinaza Enwere; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke
    The worldwide transition in energy utilization to a society that is “carbon-neutral” demands a major revamp of power generating and distribution networks. Notwithstanding, in the great drive for the growth of renewable energy that is clean and environmentally safe, hydrogen's incorporation into energy networks is currently understudied. The state of the current art and prospects for the future, including prospective applications of hydrogen technologies in energy are examined in this overview. The findings demonstrate the fact, which portrays continual efforts to increase performance, technological perspective, and increases in scale. Finally, governmental support is of great importance and necessity if allowance is to be made for a cost-competitive hydrogen economy.
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    Production of bioplastic films from wild cocoyam (Caladium bicolor) starch
    (Elsevier, 2024-10-15) Chinaza Enwere; Ikechukwu Okafor; Adekunle Akanni Adeleke; Petrus Nzerem; Khaleel Jakada; Adebayo Isaac Olosho; Peter Pelumi Ikubanni; Prabhu Paramasivam; Ayuba Salihu
    This study tackles the pressing environmental challenges resulting from the rapid and ongoing use of conventional plastics by investigating biodegradable alternatives derived from wild cocoyam starch. The bioplastics developed from various formulations, incorporating gelatin, glycerine, vegetable oil, and vinegar, were systematically evaluated for their mechanical, chemical, microstructural and biodegradability properties. The addition of glycerine and gelatin enhanced the moisture content and flexibility of the films while vegetable oil improved water resistance, reducing water absorption. Th sample that contains 3 g of gelatin and 3 ml of glycerine exhibited the best overall performance with a tensile strength of 6.5 MPa and an elongation at break of 77 %. This sample also achieved an impressive biodegradation rate of 70 % within 7 days. Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed a uniform and smooth morphology, while Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy confirmed the presence of key functional groups responsible for the material's performance. These results establish wild cocoyam starch as a promising resource for producing biodegradable bioplastics with considerable potential in various industries, particularly in packaging and agricultural applications. The excellent mechanical properties and biodegradability of the materials along with its natural abundance, offer an eco-friendly solution to the plastic waste problem. The study also opens new avenues for optimizing bioplastic formulations to enhance specific properties like thermal stability and moisture resistance, further broadening their practical applications. This research contributes to the sustainable materials landscape and represents a step toward reducing reliance on fossil-based plastics, advancing the global effort to mitigate environmental pollution.