Abstract Research subject: Using microwave and ultrasonic waves is a novel method in the petroleum industry that has been investigated for various purposes. Due to polar elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur, oil molecules are affected by the electric field of microwave waves and create dipole moments that generate hotspots, increasing the temperature of the oil and breaking down heavy compounds such as asphaltene. Ultrasonic waves eliminate intermolecular forces by creating tiny bubbles and bursting them. It also leads to the breakdown of heavy molecules such as asphaltene.
Research approach: In this study, crude oil was exposed to microwave and ultrasonic radiation, and changes in its properties were investigated. The effects of changing parameters such as power and time on crude oil properties were also examined. Changes in the specific gravity and API can indicate the extent of the breakdown of heavy molecules such as asphaltene and improvement in crude oil quality.
Main results: Using microwave and ultrasonic waves can reduce the viscosity of crude oil by 12.4% and 6% and increase the API by 2.8 and 1.2 degrees, respectively. Asphaltene reduction due to microwave and ultrasonic waves is 9.3% and 4.3%, respectively, indicating the breakdown of these compounds and the conversion to smaller compounds soluble in oil, resulting in improved crude oil quality. The EDS results show an increase in the weight percentage of carbon and the reduction of elements such as oxygen and sulfur, which confirms this issue. Examining crude oil structure under microwave and ultrasonic radiation showed that microwave waves, in addition to affecting straight-chain hydrocarbons, also reduced aromatic compounds. However, ultrasonic waves had a more significant effect on straight-chain hydrocarbon structure.

Abstract Research subjec: Polyethylene surfaces are often modified because of different reasons such as cleaning, etching, change in the performance of the surface, and surficial precipitation. One of the surfaces in the blow molded applications that must be treated in order to be ready for the adhesion of the labels is the surface of the bottle of the hygiene detergents, being the purpose of this research. In this paper, gliding arc plasma device is used at atmospheric pressure with air gas to modify the surface of polyethylene sheets in order to change their structure.
Methods: Various analyzes such as AFM, SEM and XPS tests have been used to investigate the changes in the chemistry and physics of polyethylene surface after plasma modification. Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) has also been used to identify plasma elements.
Findings: The contact angle between the water droplet and the polyethylene surface reached 46.96 ° after 40 s of treatment, while this contact angle was 66.53 °‌ before plasma treatment. The decrease in the contact angle size of the water droplet and the sample surface indicates the hydrophilicity of the polyethylene surface after plasma modification. The surface free energy of polyethylene was calculated before and after plasma modification using the Owens-Wendt-Rabel Kaelble method. The surface energy of polyethylene has increased from 42.20 mj.m^-2 in the control sample to 60.32 mj.m^-2 in the modified sample. The increase in surface roughness of the modified sample with gliding arc plasma was confirmed by AFM test. The surface roughness of polyethylene in the control sample was 47.18 nm, while the roughness in the modified sample increased to 59.86 nm. The XPS test confirmed the presence of oxygenated and nitrogenous functional groups on the surface of the modified sample. This test also showed the formation of C−C=O and C−O−C bonds on PE surface.

Abstract Research subject: The present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the degree of compatibility of research topics in the field of chemical engineering in Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz with Iran and the world. Also, prominent engineering issues in the field of chemistry have been identified.
Research approach: The research is considered a type of scientometric applied studies. The statistical population is made up of researches related to the field of chemical engineering in the Web of Science database. Taking into account the key words of sources that were extracted from the Web of Science database, the information was transferred to the PreMap program and by applying restrictions, the terms were unified for all three files of the world, Iran and Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz. In order to check the thematic alignment, the clustering method was done with VOSviewer software. The index of structural similarity of subjects has also been used to determine the level of research alignment.
Main results:The researchers have searched for the subject areas of the chemical engineering department in Shahid Chamran University, Iran and the world. With the percentage of structural similarity, it was found that over time, the subjects of chemical engineering in Shahid Chamran University have aligned with Iran and the world, as well as Iran with the world, but the percentage of alignment with the world is low. To increase the alignment of chemical engineering subjects, platforms for sharing information and learning can be created for students, professors, researchers and experts in the field of chemical engineering. Also, a comprehensive approach to monitoring and evaluating research processes, including their alignment with leading research institutions, can provide research policymakers with valuable insights to improve research policies and foster scientific and technological innovation.

Abstract Research subject: Permeability and high selectivity are two important factors of gas separation membranes. To achieve such parameters, gas separation membranes can be modified and improved in terms of material type, material ratio, structure, and etc. For this purpose, in this research, the performance of chitosan-gallic acid/polysulfone thin film composite membranes (TFC) has been improved in CO₂ gas separation.
Research approach: To prepare chitosan-gallic acid/polysulfone TFC membranes, a nanometer-scale thin layer of chitosan-gallic acid was formed on the polysulfone support layer (PSF). Following this, chitosan-gallic acid composite thin layer membranes were synthesized with different mass ratios (1:1, 2:1, and 1:2). Various analytical techniques, including Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometer (FTIR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and X-ray Photoelectric Spectroscopy )XPS(, were used to examine the structure of the TFC membranes, alongside CO₂/CH₄ and CO₂/N₂ separation tests.
Main results: Examining the chemical structure of the synthesized membranes showed the successful formation of chitosan-gallic acid chains on the PSF surface. The microscopic images of the synthesized membranes showed that a dense thin layer of chitosan-gallic acid was uniformly formed on the PSF support layer. The highest CO₂ separation was achieved with a chitosan-gallic acid mass ratio of 1:2. Increasing the gallic acid content in the selective layer of the thin film composite membrane resulted in improved CO₂ permeability, increasing from 294.4 GPU and 347.2 GPU for the 1:1 and 2:1 membrane, respectively, to 411.1 GPU for the 1:2 membrane. Additionally, the permeability of CH₄ and N₂ gases through the thin film composite (1:2) membrane was measured at 24.6 GPU and 19.2 GPU, respectively. The gas selectivity calculations revealed an increase in selectivity for CO₂/CH₄ and CO₂/N₂, rising from 13.84 and 17.165 in the 1:1 membrane and 9.684 and 12.969 in the 2:1 membrane to 16.711 and 21.411 in the 1:2 membranes. The results showed that the performance of the chitosan-gallic acid thin layer membrane, which was used for the first time in CO₂ separation, was acceptable.

Abstract Given the ever-increasing demand for energy and the limited nature of fossil fuel resources, improving energy efficiency and storage has become one of the most significant challenges facing humanity. Phase Change Materials (PCMs), substances capable of absorbing and releasing thermal energy at a constant temperature, have emerged as an innovative solution in the field of energy storage. With their high latent heat capacity, ability to maintain a stable temperature, and environmental friendliness, PCMs have great potential for applications in various industries. However, their low thermal conductivity, especially in organic PCMs, has hindered their widespread use. To address this challenge, researchers have been exploring various methods to enhance the thermal properties of PCMs. One of the most effective approaches involves incorporating high thermal conductivity nanoparticles into the PCM matrix. This research comprehensively reviews recent advancements in the preparation and applications of nanoparticle-enhanced phase change materials. It delves into various types of nanoparticles used, production methods for nanocomposites, the impact of nanoparticles on the thermal and mechanical properties of PCMs, the stabilization of nanocomposites with surfactants and surface modification, and also their potential applications in diverse industries. The results of this study indicate that the use of nanoparticles can significantly improve the thermal conductivity of PCMs, with carbon-based nanofillers showing the highest impact. Additionally, nanoparticles have led to a relative reduction in the phenomenon of supercooling in PCMs. Based on the results of numerous studies, nanoparticle-enhanced phase change materials hold great promise for improving the performance of energy storage systems, reducing energy consumption in various industries, and fostering the development of sustainable technologies. These nanocomposites can be employed in the construction, automotive, electronics, and textile industries to create more comfortable environments, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Continued research in this field is expected to lead to the development of even more efficient PCMs with a broader range of applications.

Abstract Research subject: Millions of dollars of non-renewable capital are burned in flares every year, in the oil and gas industries, which in addition to polluting the air has no income for the industry. In Iran and South Pars region, due to the presence of gas refineries, a considerable amount of gas is burned in the flares. In this research, as a comprehensive study, the technical and economic investigation of the recovery of flare gases has been discussed.
Research approach: For this purpose, Aspen Plus software was used to simulate the desired unit in the set of flares of South Pars refinery phases 22-24. The simulation consists of two recovery parts: the flare gases recovery by use of a liquid ring compressor and power generation by the heat from the combustion of the flare gases through the application of the reheat steam Rankine cycle. The profitability of the project includes naphtha cuts and liquefied gas recovered from gases sent to the flare on one hand and power generation in turbines on the other hand.
Main results: The effect of the amount of air entering the combustion chamber on the temperature of the exhaust gas was investigated. The amount of air entering the combustion chamber was determined to be 2685 tons per hour in order to obtain supercritical water vapor with a temperature of about 650 ºC and a pressure of 26 kPa in the Rankine cycle. Using the simulation results, the temperature diagram was drawn in terms of entropy, and in addition to the steam phase diagram during the cycle, the steam Rankine cycle diagram was also drawn. The results of this research showed that the designed process will produce 5365 kg/h of naphtha, 179.45 kg/h of LPG, 25903 kW, and 101124 kW power in two separate turbines, and an annual sales income of 24,782,194 $. In addition, it was shown that the investment return period of this process is equal to 2.5 months.