Journal of Applied Research of Chemical -Polymer Engineering

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 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: Water source pollution on a global scale exhibits a concerning growth trend. Among these, effluents containing oil pollutants present a major environmental challenge. To address this issue, various purification methods have been developed, with membrane separation technology being one of the most effective. Furthermore, a significant portion of research in membrane separation has thus far concentrated on simple oil-water two-phase mixtures, and the impact of salinity parameters on membrane performance has not been comprehensively investigated. The presence of salts can fundamentally alter the fouling mechanisms and permeability of membranes. Despite considerable advancements in the design and fabrication of oil-water separation membranes, achieving high water flux, satisfactory oil removal, and anti-fouling performance remains a formidable challenge.
Research approach: In this research, layered nanocomposite membranes were designed and fabricated utilizing phosphorous-functionalized graphene oxide nanosheets (P-GO) through a pressure-assisted layer-by-layer self-assembly method. The functionalization process of GO using phosphoric acid resulted in the formation of the P-GO structure with a significant increase in the content of oxygen-containing functional groups. Subsequently, these engineered nanosheets were deposited onto a polyethersulfone (PES) substrate, which had been pre-treated with polydopamine (PDA) to enhance adhesion and compatibility, at three different concentrations (25, 50, and 100 mg/mL) in order to evaluate the effect of nanosheet concentration on the final membrane performance.
Main results: Based on the experimental results, the mP-GO50 membrane exhibited optimal water absorption (87.61%), desirable water permeability (output flux of 81.66 L/m²·h), and 99.6% vegetable oil removal, while also demonstrating improved anti-fouling properties due to the higher negative charge of P-GO, maintaining 95.5% oil removal after ten cycles. Additionally, the effect of adding different NaCl concentrations (0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/mL) to the feed solution was investigated. With increasing NaCl concentration, the oil removal capability of the mP-GO50 membrane decreased by 1.49%, but it still showed favourable performance with 98.12% oil removal at the highest salt concentration (100 mg/mL).

Abstract Research subject: This study focuses on the design and evaluation of a novel integrated system for simultaneous multi-generation production. The objective is to develop an efficient process capable of co-producing four outputs: electricity, heat, cooling, and pure carbon dioxide. The main innovation lies in the combined use of biogas produced from corn cob fermentation and a carbon capture unit with net-negative emission capability. Distinctive features of this design include thermal integration, such as utilizing recovered heat from gas turbine exhaust to supply energy to the carbon capture unit, and leveraging the cooling potential from the liquefied natural gas (LNG) process.
Research approach: The designed system comprises key components, including a gas turbine, a chemical carbon dioxide absorption unit, an Organic Rankine Cycle for waste heat recovery and additional power generation and a hot water boiler for heating supply. The system was simulated using Aspen HYSYS software. For a comprehensive performance evaluation, four parallel analyses were conducted on the system: energy analysis, exergy analysis, economic analysis, and finally, a sensitivity parametric analysis. The aforementioned parametric analysis was performed to examine the impact of key operational parameters on performance indicators and to propose improvement strategies.
Main results: Based on the simulation results, the overall energy efficiency of the process was calculated as 52.19%, the exergy efficiency as 40.59%, and the specific electrical efficiency as 41.96%. A major advantage of the system is approximately 34.1% fuel savings compared to separately producing the same products. From an economic perspective, the total system cost rate was estimated at $ 496 per hour, and the cost per unit product at $ 25.74/GJ. Exergy analysis also revealed that the total exergy destruction within the system equals 8694 kW. Key results from the parametric analysis indicated that increasing the combustion air temperature, due to reduced exergy destruction in the burner and heat exchanger E-100, leads to a significant improvement in all performance indicators. Consequently, with this increase, the energy efficiency, exergy efficiency, electrical efficiency, and fuel saving rate were enhanced to 0.6269, 0.4587, 0. 4720, and 0.4288, respectively.