Department of Chemical and Process Engineering
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Item Antimicrobial hand wipes from banana fibres.(Busitema University, 2023) Kanene, Levi BrianAt the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, one of the measures for combating the spread was the use of personal decontamination. Whereas sanitizing wipes are among the strategies for combatting COVID-19, there are growing concerns regarding their disposal, due to majority of them being made of non-biodegradable fibres. Additionally, some of the sanitizing solutions used have been found irritant, while some are carcinogenic. In this study, banana fibre wipes, impregnated with an organic antimicrobial formulation were developed as a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibre wipes and synthetic antimicrobial formulations. Banana fibres were extracted from banana pseudostem sheaths and alkali-treated at varying sodium hydroxide concentrations of 5 g/l – 20 g/l, varying temperatures of 85 0C to 105 0C under different immersion times of 60 min to 180 min. Other factors that were varied include the fibre length (20 mm – 40 mm) and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (5 % v/v – 20 % v/v). Functional group analysis of the alkalitreated samples was done using the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. It was observed that during alkali treatment, the banana fibres undergo a loss of lignin and hemicellulose. Hydro-distillation was used to extract essential oils from the sap of Pinus caribaea var. hondurensis as a specie cited to possess antimicrobial activity. Phytochemical screening indicated that P. caribaea sap contains flavonoids and alkaloids. Extracts from lemon essential oil and cedar oil were equally studied and compared with oil from P. caribaea sap for antimicrobial efficacy. Assessment of the agar plates revealed that the P. caribaea extract did not show inhibitory activity to Escherichia coli (wild), E. coli (ATCC 25922), Staphylococcus aureus (wild), S. aureus (ATCC 25923), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (wild) and P. aeruginosa (ATCC 27853). However, essential oils from cedar and lemon showed inhibitory activity. From the Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, oil obtained from P. caribaea sap was found to contain 23 bioactive compounds, with sabinene having the highest concentration of 34.24 % followed by βPinene (24.82%). A spunlaced non-woven fabric made from 100% banana fibres was impregnated with a commercial formulation containing essential oils from lemon, eucalyptus, cedar and orange. The antimicrobial efficacy test done on the impregnated wipe showed inhibitory activity against all the bacterial strains. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the fabric showed that the tensile strength in the wet state increased by 4.29% and 20.414% in both the machine and cross directions respectively. Given that synthetic fibres are used in wipes to achieve a high wet tensile strength since most cellulosic fibres become weaker and disintegrate when wet, it can be concluded that banana fibres can be effectively used in wipes functionality given that they are biodegradable and are stronger when wet. From this study, there is need to carry out more studies on the dispersibility behaviour of the wet banana wipes and their rate of degradation during storage. Keywords: Sanitizing wipes, banana pseudostem, COVID-19, antimicrobial formulation, biodegradability, bio-based, nonwoven, plant extractItem CVD growth of ZrC layers at different temperatures.(SciEP, 2016) Alawad, BAB; Biira, S; Bissett, H; Nel, J; Hlatshwayo, TT; Crouse, PL; Malherbe, JBZirconium carbide (ZrC) layers were grown on a graphite substrate by chemical vapour deposition(CVD) at 1250°C, 1300°C and 1350°C. Zirconium tetrachloride (ZrCl4), methane (CH4), hydrogen (H2) and argon(Ar) were used as precursors. The deposited ZrC layers were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). XDR showed ZrC characteristic peaks with free carbon. Free carbon incorporated in the ZrC layer increased with deposition temperature. The average of grain size also increased with deposition temperature. The latter findings were confirmed by SEM results. Keywords: chemical vapour deposition (CVD), ZrC, XRD, SEMItem Experts warn of Mass soil Pollution(2018-05-24) Tajuba, PaulUganda soils are getting polluted with chemicals which are depleting the soil fertility loosening bee population and killing other important micro-organisms the national environment management authority (NEMA) has warned.Item Kaberamoido hydrofoam machine left to rust(New Vision, 2018-04-10) Alomu, EmmanuelThe Hydrofoam machine donated to Kaberamaido district by the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) has been lying idle for close to four years. Hydrofoam Machines were intended to help construct low-cost housing for vulnerable people and classrooms.Item How will Uganda's gas resource be used?(New Vision, 2018-04-10) Rwothungeyo, Billy32 sq km Kingfisher Oil field The associated gas that will be produced will bee used for powering a CPF and heating pipelines feeding the CPF with oil from well pads. The excess gas will be treated for LPG by recycling propane and the butanes.Item A crusader for sustainable energy(New Vision, 2018-04-04) Rwothungeyo, Billy"Hydrogen obtained from water will be the dominant fuel for most of our energy needs", Dr.Masa.Item Development of electronic waste management framework at college of engineering, design, art, and technology(Journal of Applied Material Science & Engineering Research, 2023) Nakeya, Zahara; Olupot, Peter; Wafula, Simon Peter; Kamulegeya, Obed; Nakimuli, Naqiyyah KimuliThe worldwide use of information and communications technology (ICT) equipment and other electronic equipment is growing. There is growing amount of equipment that becomes waste after its time in use. This growth is expected to accelerate since equipment lifetime decreases with time and growing consumption. As a result, e-waste is one of the fastest-growing waste streams globally. The United Nations University (UNU) calculates in its second Global E-waste Monitor 44.7 million metric tonnes (Mt) of e-waste were generated globally in 2016. The objective of the study was to develop a framework for improving e-waste management at the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT). This was achieved by breaking it down into specific objectives, and these included the establishment of the policy and procedures being used in e-waste management at CEDAT, the determination of the effectiveness of the e-waste management practices at CEDAT, the establishment of the critical challenges constraining e-waste management at the College, development of a framework for e-waste management. The study population was 80 respondents, from which a sample of 69 respondents was selected using simple and purposive sampling techniques. This research was carried out to investigate the problem of e-waste and come up with a framework to improve e-waste management. The study reviewed the e-waste regulatory framework used at the college and then collected data, which was used to come up with a framework. The study also established that weak policy and regulatory framework, lack of proper infrastructure, improper disposal of e-waste and a general lack of awareness of the e-waste and the magnitude of the problem are the critical challenges of e-waste management. In order to appropriately address the issue, the policy and regulatory framework should be updated, localized, and strengthened. It will be helpful to launch awareness campaigns, issues. The study suggests a framework for e-waste improvement Keywords E-Waste, Treatment, Disposal, Computers, Model, Management Policy and Guidelines.Item Design review of an innovated single piston diesel engine in Uganda(Journal of Applied Material Science & Engineering Research, 2023) Wafula, Simon Peter; Kirabira, John Baptist; Mukasa, Norbert; Kamulegeya, Obed; Nakimuli, Naqiyyah KimuliEngineering designs are important in engine production. This research aimed at incorporating engineering principles and practices into the developed single piston diesel engine at Kevoton. Tests on the already innovated engine were carried out to evaluate the performance of the existing engines in terms of power, torque, rpm and exhaust temperature. Designs of the major components were generated together with material selection, which helped in determining whether the used material was appropriate for engine production. Results showed that the engine runs at a speed of 1800 rpm, a torque of 5 Nm, and a power of 10 HP with 2.4 liters per hour of fuel. The major components of the engine include the engine piston, the crankshaft, connecting rod, cylinder head and the camshaft. The power obtained after carrying out the new design was 13 HP, with a 5 Nm torque as well as 1 liter of fuel consumed per hour. It was realized that some components were not meeting the design specifications and the design was below the minimum required power of 13 HP. Power produced was less than 13 HP that was required to handle the purpose of engine manufacture, the engine was designed to be a prime mover to do most of the local. It was identified that the need of the engine should be considered as a primary requirement when coming up with the designs, the choice of injectors affect the amount of exhaust and engine testing requires consideration while designing an engine.