This is our latest selection of worldwide publications and patents in english on Ecological Design, between many scientific online journals, classified and focused on ecological design, ecodesign, sustainable design, passive design, regenerative design, upcycling and recycling.
Water Reuse—Retrospective Study on Sustainable Future Prospects
Published on 2025-03-10 by Morteza Abbaszadegan, Absar Alum, Masaaki Kitajima, Takahiro Fujioka, Yasuhiro Matsui, Daisuke Sano, Hiroyuki Katayama @MDPI
Abstract: In recent decades, societies and economies across the globe have started to show signs of stress associated with water shortages. Meeting the sustainability benchmarks in arid and semi-arid regions has caused water reuse to be considered a viable alternate source to augment the existing water supply resources. Water reuse, resource recovery, and recycling are extensions of the concept of a circular economy that has been practiced in other fields. Globally, the U.S. has played a leadership role i[...]
Our summary: Retrospective study on global water reuse regulations and technological advancements, focusing on challenges of viral pathogens and perfluorinated compounds, and the role of public-private partnerships in ensuring water sustainability.
water reuse, resource recovery, recycling, circular economy
Publication
Strategies for Strontium Recovery/Elimination from Various Sources
Published on 2025-03-10 by Jose Ignacio Robla, Lorena Alcaraz, Francisco Jose Alguacil @MDPI
Abstract: Not having the same grade of popularity as other metals like rare earth elements, gold, copper, etc., strontium is a chemical element with wide uses in daily life, which is why it appears in the EU 2023 list of Critical Raw Materials. Among the sources (with celestine serving as the raw material) used to recover the element, the recycling of some Sr-bearing secondary wastes is under consideration, and it is also worth mentioning the interest in the removal of strontium from radioactive effluents[...]
Our summary: Strategies for recovering and eliminating strontium from various sources include utilizing diverse technologies such as adsorption, leaching, and liquid-liquid extraction for treating different solid or liquid wastes containing Sr(II) and common radionuclides. Adsorption and membrane technologies are effective for Sr-diluted solutions, while liquid-liquid extraction is more suitable for Sr-concentrated solutions.
strontium, recovery, elimination, adsorption
Publication
Mechanical Recycling of Crosslinked High-Density Polyethylene (xHDPE)
Published on 2025-03-10 by Hibal Ahmad, Denis Rodrigue @MDPI
Abstract: This study introduces a mechanical recycling technique for crosslinked high-density polyethylene (xHDPE) using cryogenic pulverization and compression molding. This method is shown to effectively transform xHDPE into valuable fillers for recycled HDPE (rHDPE(B)) sourced from recycled bottles using different concentrations (15–60%) and particle sizes (0–250 µm, 250–500 µm, and 500–1000 µm). In partic[...]
Our summary: Study introduces mechanical recycling technique for crosslinked high-density polyethylene (xHDPE) using cryogenic pulverization and compression molding. Method effectively transforms xHDPE into valuable fillers for recycled HDPE (rHDPE(B)) with different concentrations and particle sizes. Recycling method reduces gel content, improves interfacial adhesion, and enhances thermal stability of r-xHDPE samples.
mechanical recycling, crosslinked high-density polyethylene, cryogenic pulverization, compression molding
Publication
Rheological Properties of Functionalized Smart Resins for Transport Applications
Published on 2025-03-07 by Giorgia De Piano, Raffaele Longo, Liberata Guadagno, Roberto Pantani @MDPI
Abstract: Hydrogen is a promising alternative to fossil fuels, but its efficient storage presents significant challenges. Polymer composite vessels, especially those made from carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), are gaining attention, due to their high strength-to-weight ratio for storing compressed or cryogenic hydrogen. The latest Type V tanks, which lack internal liners, rely solely on fiber composites for both structural integrity and gas containment, enhancing the storage volume-to-weight ratio a[...]
Our summary: Polymer composite vessels made from CFRP offer high strength-to-weight ratio for hydrogen storage. Epoxy resins with nanofillers enhance gas barrier properties and mechanical capabilities. Study focuses on optimizing physical properties of epoxy-based composites for Type V tanks.
rheological properties, functionalized smart resins, hydrogen storage, epoxy-based composites
Publication
The Role of Regenerative Design in Optimizing Indoor Environmental Quality
Published on 2025-03-07 by Sanjay Kumar, Kimihiro Sakagami, Heow Pueh Lee @MDPI
Abstract: The pursuit of sustainable design has made strides in improving building practices, yet traditional approaches often fall short in addressing the holistic needs of both the environment and human well-being. This research delves into the emerging field of regenerative design, which extends beyond sustainability by seeking to restore and enhance ecological and human systems. By integrating regenerative principles into indoor environments, this study evaluates their impact on indoor environmental q[...]
Our summary: Emerging field of regenerative design seeks to enhance ecological and human systems, Study evaluates impact of regenerative principles on IEQ, Regenerative design can enhance air quality, thermal comfort, lighting, and acoustics.
Regenerative design, Indoor environmental quality, Sustainability, Literature review
Publication
Determination of Optimum Passive Design Parameters for Industrial Buildings in Different Climate Zones Using an Energy Performance Optimization Model Based on an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)
Published on 2025-03-07 by Gonca �zer Yaman @MDPI
Abstract: With a focus on reducing building energy consumption, approaches that simultaneously optimize multiple passive design parameters in industrial buildings have received limited attention. Most existing studies tend to examine building geometry or individual design parameters under limited scenarios, underscoring the potential benefits of adopting a comprehensive, multiparameter approach that integrates climate-responsive and sustainable design strategies. This study bridges that gap by systematica[...]
Our summary: Determination of Optimum Passive Design Parameters for Industrial Buildings in Different Climate Zones using an Energy Performance Optimization Model based on an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO). Focus on reducing building energy consumption. Optimization of key passive design parameters to minimize energy loads and enhance sustainability across five distinct climate zones.
Passive Design Parameters, Energy Performance Optimization Model, Artificial Neural Network, Particle Swarm Optimization
Publication
Methods and systems for processing and recycling of carbonaceous materials
Patent published on the 2025-03-06 in WO under Ref WO2025049276 by NANOTECH ENERGY INC [US] (El-kady Maher F [us], Peng Zhiwei [us])
Abstract: Provided herein are methods of processing carbonaceous compositions, recycling battery materials, and producing lithium and/or graphene from carbonaceous compositions or spend battery materials. Also disclosed herein are compositions formed from carbonaceous materials and recycled battery materials. The methods may include disposing carbonaceous electrodes in a fluid to form a composition, carbonaceous electrodes comprising graphite, separating a fluid from the composition; combining the fluid w[...]
Our summary: Methods for processing and recycling carbonaceous materials, including recycling battery materials and producing lithium and/or graphene. Compositions formed from carbonaceous materials and recycled battery materials are also disclosed, with methods involving disposing carbonaceous electrodes in a fluid, separating the fluid, combining with alkaline and acidic compositions, filtering, adding a surfactant, and shearing to form a graphene dispersion.
recycling, carbonaceous materials, processing, graphene
Patent
Washing water recycling and water saving device having purification unit and vortex unit, displaying saved water amount and number of times water has
Patent published on the 2025-03-06 in WO under Ref WO2025048008 by KIM EUETACK [KR] (Kim Euetack [kr])
Abstract: The washing water recycling and water saving device according to the present invention may comprise: a storage unit which is located in the lower part of one or more washbasins and into which a drain pipe through which washing water used in the one or more washbasins is discharged is inserted; an inlet unit connected to the drain pipe inserted into the storage unit such that washing water used in one or more washbasins is introduced thereinto; a purification unit connected to the inlet unit such[...]
Our summary: Washing water recycling and water saving device with purification and vortex units, displaying saved water amount and number of times water has been used.
water recycling, purification unit, vortex unit, water saving
Patent
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