Journal of Applied Research of Chemical -Polymer Engineering

Abstract This review article focuses on recent advancements in enhancing the mechanical, thermal, electrical, and corrosion-resistant properties of epoxy resin through the incorporation of surface-modified zinc oxide nanoparticles. The main objective of this review is to highlight the role of nanoparticle surface modification and weight fraction on the performance of epoxy nanocomposites and to provide a comprehensive overview of the findings reported in previous studies. In this review, scientific articles and experimental studies on epoxy nanocomposites containing zinc oxide nanoparticles were systematically analyzed. Selected studies were evaluated based on criteria such as the type of nanoparticle surface modification, dispersion and mixing methods, nanoparticle weight fraction, and the effects of these parameters on the mechanical and thermal properties of the epoxy matrix. Additionally, the findings related to hybrid nanocomposite structures and their synergistic effects were summarized. The review indicates that uniform dispersion of nanoparticles in the epoxy matrix improves interfacial adhesion, prevents stress concentration and crack propagation, and consequently enhances the overall strength and durability of the material. Most studies suggest that low nanoparticle loadings (0.25–1 wt.%) promote better dispersion and improved mechanical properties, whereas higher loadings may cause particle agglomeration and reduced performance. Surface modification of nanoparticles with silane or amine groups enhances compatibility with the polymer matrix, improves stress transfer, and increases thermal stability. Furthermore, recent studies show that hybrid nanocomposite structures create synergistic effects, simultaneously enhancing multiple performance characteristics. Overall, the incorporation of surface-modified nanoparticles into epoxy resin demonstrates significant potential for developing advanced materials in electronics, photonics, marine, medical, and aerospace applications.

Abstract Research subject: Synthesis and characterization of a functionalized magnetic nanosorbent (cobalt ferrite–triaminopropyltriethoxysilane–chitosan), optimization and modeling of adsorption conditions, and investigation of the kinetics of monoethylene glycol removal from wastewater.
Research approach: In this research, a functionalized magnetic nanosorbent was used to remove the pollutant monoethylene glycol (MEG) from wastewater. This adsorbent was synthesized by attaching chitosan to the surface of magnetic cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoFe2O4) using triaminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) as a coupling agent. Chitosan has a high ability to absorb organic pollutants such as monoethylene glycol due to its amino and hydroxyl functional groups. Furthermore, the use of chitosan enhances the surface area and consequently improves the adsorption capacity. The magnetic properties of cobalt ferrite enable easy separation of the adsorbent from the wastewater sample using an external magnetic field. The properties of the synthesized adsorbent were investigated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optimal adsorption conditions, including pH, contact time, and adsorbent recovery over adsorption–desorption cycles, were also determined.
Main results: The optimal pH value for glycol adsorption from wastewater by the functionalized magnetic nanosorbent was determined to be 6, and the equilibrium contact time was 5 minutes, indicating the high availability of active adsorption sites. Furthermore, the change in adsorption capacity after 10 adsorption–desorption cycles was less than 21%, indicating the high recovery capability and economic feasibility of the adsorbent. Adsorption kinetic data were analyzed using three kinetic models: pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, and intraparticle diffusion. Given the higher correlation coefficient for the pseudo-second-order model (R2 = 0.9951), the adsorption of glycol on the synthesized adsorbent is best described by this model.

Abstract Research subject: Oil and gas transmission pipelines are considered critical energy transportation arteries and are exposed to various threats. Natural phenomena, such as earthquakes and floods, as well as human-related factors, including unsafe excavation activities and operational failures, are among the main causes of leakage and performance disruptions in transmission lines. The 16-inch Mansouri oil field pipeline, with a length of 33 km, transports 75,000 barrels of crude oil per day from the field’s gathering center to the Ahvaz booster pump station. In this study, the pressure drop along the pipeline and the volume of fluid released into the environment due to leaks of different sizes were calculated using transient flow simulation.
Research approach: Transient multiphase flow simulations were performed using the OLGA simulator. Operational and field data were used to construct the initial model. The initial hydraulics of the pipeline model were calibrated by adjusting parameters such as internal pipe roughness, fluid viscosity, and gas–oil ratio (GOR) to minimize deviation from actual operating conditions. The calibrated model was then used to predict pressure drops and leakage flow rates. The modeling results can support the design of leak detection and warning systems, particularly real-time transient model–based systems.
Main results: The results indicate that, for leak diameters of 1 cm, 10 cm, and a full-bore rupture, the pressure drop rate at the pipeline inlet is approximately 0.0001 bar/s, 0.06–0.28 bar/s, and 0.25–5 bar/s, respectively. These pressure drop rates are critical for determining the automatic shutdown time in real-time transient model (RTTM) systems.

Abstract Research subject: One of the common problems in natural gas transmission lines is congestion and pressure drop in gas transmission pipes due to the formation of gas hydrates. Gas hydrates are stable crystalline compounds that are formed from the contact of water molecules with some gas molecules of the right size and under the right thermodynamic conditions (low temperature and high pressure). These compounds are studied from both thermodynamic and kinetic perspectives. Despite many studies in the thermodynamic part of hydrates, the kinetics of hydrates require further study.
Research approach: To this end, in order to determine the equilibrium conditions of natural gas hydrate, 5 different experiments were conducted with a natural gas sample from Gas and Liquefied Gas Refinery 1300 in the temperature range of 285.5, 281.5, 276.21, 275.59, 273.92 Kelvin and pressure of 41.1, 28.2, 18.84, 13.4, 11.5 bar in a reactor using the constant volume method.
Main results: Based on the experimental data, the mass transfer coefficient was 0.243, 0.159, 0.153, 0.094, 0.131 meters per second, respectively, and the molecular diffusion coefficient was 4.516(×10-09), 4.785(×10-09), 1.175(×10-09), 2.847(×10-09), 1.147(×10-09) m2/s. These results show that with increasing reactor temperature (at constant pressure), the mass transfer coefficient decreases and the molecular diffusion coefficient increases. Also, with increasing pressure (at constant temperature), the mass transfer coefficient increases and the molecular diffusion coefficient decreases, which is consistent with empirical equations. Statistical analysis of the results revealed that the reactor pressure parameter has a greater effect on the mass transfer coefficient than temperature. Furthermore, statistical examination showed that temperature is a more influential parameter on the molecular diffusion coefficient (DAB) of natural gas in water.

Abstract The protective coatings and flexible packaging industries play a pivotal role in modern society. They contribute to human health, safety, comfort, and economic progress. Initially, these materials were produced from naturally occurring components; however, they have since evolved into intricate compositions designed to fulfill various performance criteria.  Currently, the majority of these materials are discarded in landfills, and their carbon content cannot be recovered or reused efficiently. In recent years, database statistics show a steady increase in research related to functional coatings, reflecting the growing interest in innovative and sustainable solutions. The global focus on reducing reliance on fossil fuel products and mitigating environmental impacts is accelerating efforts to integrate renewable resources into coating technologies. These technologies utilize bio-based raw materials, including biopolymers and natural oils, as well as biodegradable materials derived from microorganisms, plants, and animals. To address environmental concerns, leading coatings and packaging manufacturers have launched scientific and technical research to improve the sustainability of their products. Ongoing research focuses on the development of bio-derived materials, the adoption of energy-efficient manufacturing processes, the design of long-lasting products, and the use of sustainable and renewable resources. In addition, companies seek financial and competitive advantages through proactive internal initiatives. This highlights the urgent need for a circular economy model that overcomes current limitations in recycling and decomposition technologies. The authors stress the significance of comprehending society's tendency to prioritize and value sustainability, along with the financial and competitive advantages that may result from adopting proactive in-house efforts.

Abstract Research subject: Enhanced oil recovery (EOR) is one of the key methods to increase oil recovery from reservoirs, utilizing chemical, physical, or thermal techniques. Among chemical methods, ionic liquids (ILs) have attracted attention as potential alternatives to traditional materials such as surfactants and polymers due to their unique properties, including stability under harsh environmental conditions such as high temperature and salinity, and tunability for specific reservoir conditions.
Research approach: Ionic liquids can serve as surfactant substitutes in enhanced oil recovery processes, but they require proper synthesis and development. Higher environmental sustainability and reduced water consumption are advantages of these materials compared to traditional methods. However, research shows that their impact on EOR performance is relatively limited and requires further optimization, laboratory tests, and simulations. In this article, recent research on the application of ionic liquids in enhanced oil recovery operations is comprehensively reviewed, focusing on their characteristics, mechanisms, experimental results, challenges, and future prospects.
Main results: A review of recent studies shows that ionic liquids can significantly reduce the water/oil interfacial tension and alter the wettability of reservoir rock, both of which are key factors in improving oil transport. For example, the ionic liquid 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium triflate has shown the ability to reduce interfacial tension significantly. Tests suggest that these materials can recover up to 30% more of the original oil in place.Many ionic liquids also show a strong affinity for asphaltenes and act as solvents and dispersants. This property helps prevent asphaltenes from settling and depositing in the wellbore and around its production zone, which can significantly improve oil flow and production. Ionic liquids can reduce the viscosity of crude oil, making it easier to flow through the reservoir and reducing pressure gradients. However, most studies have been conducted on sandstone reservoirs, and research in carbonate reservoirs is limited, highlighting the need for further investigations.

Abstract Research subject: The growing global water crisis has intensified the need to advance desalination technologies. In this regard, thermal desalination methods such as Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) and Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) are considered suitable options in regions where saline water sources are located near petrochemical and refinery plants. Their suitability stems from their capability to utilize low-grade thermal energy sources, such as flue gases from industrial processes.
Research approach: This study investigates and compares the performance of MSF and MED technologies within a flue gas heat recovery scenario. A detailed mathematical modeling framework is developed for both systems, incorporating mass and energy balance equations, heat transfer mechanisms, and economic evaluation metrics. The models are validated through comparison with experimental data obtained from various industrial units to ensure reliability and accuracy.
Main results: Simulation outcomes show that MSF, operating at a 50% recovery rate using flue gas as a heat source, has a water production cost of approximately $0.80 per cubic meter, while MED, under similar conditions, achieves a lower cost of $0.40 per cubic meter. Furthermore, the specific energy consumption is calculated to be about 15.9 kWh/m³ for MSF and 11.3 kWh/m³ for MED. Greenhouse gas emissions in the MED system are estimated to be 41% lower than in MSF at the same recovery level. From an environmental standpoint, the pollutant intensity of the concentrated brine generated by the two technologies is essentially the same. Overall, MED demonstrates superior performance over MSF in the context of flue gas heat recovery integration, due to its lower energy consumption, reduced operational cost, decreased greenhouse gas emissions, and minimized environmental impact. This study provides a comprehensive and validated numerical framework that can support simulation-based optimization of thermal desalination systems for sustainable water production.