The objective of this paper was to use a thermodynamic analysis to find operational conditions that favor the production of hydrogen from steam and oxidative reforming of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). We also analyzed the performance of a catalyst precursor, LaNiO3, in order to compare the performance of the obtained catalyst with the thermodynamic equilibrium predictions. The results showed that it is possible to produce high concentrations of hydrogen from LPG reforming. The gradual increase of temperature and the use of high water concentrations decrease the production of coke and increase the formation of H2. The reaction of oxidative reforming of LPG was more suitable for the production of hydrogen and lower coke formation. Furthermore the use of an excess of water (H2O/LPG =7.0) and intermediate temperatures (973 K) are the most suitable conditions for the process.

The thermomechanical and thermo-hydro-mechanical treatments in Luffa cylindrical fibers were evaluated. The treatments comprised the hot pressing of the fibers in the dry condition (thermomechanical) and in the saturated condition (thermo-hydro-mechanical) with the objectives of porosity reduction and increase of modulus of elasticity of the fibrous material. The thermomechanical treatments were performed at 25, 120, 160 and 200°C. Tensile strength, moisture absorption, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis were carried out to follow the effect of the proposed treatment. After treatment, the fibers presented a higher modulus of elasticity and lower moisture absorption. The best results were achieved for the saturated fibers pressed at 160ºC, as they presented a 95% increase in the modulus of elasticity and a 22% decrease in the moisture absorption in relation to the compressed fiber at room temperature. When exposed to heat and humidity, the densified sample showed a tendency to return to its original shape. The achieved results show that Luffa cylindrical fiber is suitable and possibly to be used in composites for engineering applications and indicate the high potential of thermomechanical and thermo-hydro-mechanical treatments to improve the properties of this natural fiber.