Photocatalytic Degradation of Industrial Dye in Semi-Pilot Scale Prototype Solar Photoreactor: Optimization and Modeling Using ANN and RSM Based on Box–Wilson Approach

Topics in Catalysis - Photodegradation of an industrial Azo dye C.I Basic Red 46, was examined in a semi-pilot scale prototype solar photoreactor under solar radiation. In our study,...     

Removal of copper,cadmium, and chromium from wastewater by modified wheat bran using Box–Behnken design: Kinetics and isotherm

In this work, copper, cadmium, and chromium were removed using hydrochloric acid-treated wheat bran as an adsorbent. Experiments were carried out in batch adsorption mode. Box–Behnken design of response surface methodology was used to determine the effect of initial metal concentration, pH, temperature, and adsorbent dose on removal efficiency of copper, cadmium, and chromium. Analysis of variance results are shown for all the three heavy metal, and the effect of the parameters is discussed. The optimum initial metal concentration, pH, temperature, and adsorbent dose were found to be 90.58 mg/L, 6, 35.9°C, and 2.39 g, respectively. Pseudo-second-order kinetic model was found to be the best suitable model for adsorption rate. The isotherms of adsorption data were analysed using various adsorption isotherm models such as Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Radushkevich, and Temkin isotherms. It was found that Langmuir and Temkin isotherms represent the equilibrium data for these heavy metal removals.     

ZIF-67 nanocrystals for determining silver: optimizing conditions by Box–Behnken design

Journal of Applied Electrochemistry - The synthesis and use of a suitable metal–organic framework (ZIF-67) as a sensory material for voltammetric measuring of silver(I) is the subject of this...     

Fermentation process of traditional Asokarista using Wickerhamomyces anomalus and its optimization using three-factor,three-level Box–Behnken design

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of selected variables on fermentation of decoction of Saraca asoca bark to develop a suitable method for preparing its polyherbal formulation. S. asoca bark has been fermented using Wickerhamomyces anomalus (nonsaccharomyces yeast) and the method was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM). The independent variables, substrate volume (ml), temperature (°C), and time (hours), were optimized using three-factor, three-level Box–Behnken design to obtain the good content of secoisolariciresinol, lyoniresinol, and 5-methoxy isolariciresinol. Secoisolariciresinol and 5-methoxy isolariciresinol were first isolated from S. asoca bark. The method yielded a quadratic polynomial equation to predict the effect of independent variables on selected responses (<0.0001). All three variables significantly (p-value < 0.0001–0.0068) affected the selected responses. The experimental values agreed closely with the predicted values and the analysis of variance signified a good model fit. The optimum conditions were 67.03 ml substrate volume, 30.95°C, and 64.86 h resulting in 23.24, 21.20, 25.06 μg of secoisolariciresinol, lyoniresinol, and 5-methoxy isolariciresinol content. This is the first report of biotechnological production of Asokarista using W. anomalus in 48 h rather than 35 days as mentioned in traditional method. Also, secoisolariciresinol has been found in fermented S. asoca bark for the first time. It has been ascertained that W. anomalus causes deglycosylation in traditional ayurvedic formulations during fermentation. Present study proved the possibility of using pure strain, Wi. anomalus, for formulating traditional formulation.     

COSMO-CAMPED – Solvent Design for an Extraction Distillation Considering Molecular,Process, Equipment,and Economic Optimization

For an extraction process to be economically feasible, selecting a suitable solvent is imperative. This work extends the computer-aided molecular and process design (CAMPD) framework COSMO-CAMPD for solvent design in an extraction-distillation process by replacing a pinch-based process model with a hybrid, rate-based extraction-distillation process model. The resulting CAMPD framework is able to evaluate solvent candidates by investment costs in addition to operating costs in a fully predictive manner. In a case study for purifying acetone, we show that our framework's guided exploration of a vast design space yields solvents with superior performance compared to a benchmark solvent from the literature.     

Box–Behnken response surface method for the synthesis of high-temperature- and salt-resistant filter loss reducers

Wellbores are destabilized by the immersion of a formation in drilling fluid during deep well drilling. To address this issue, in the present study, trimethylolethane triallyl ether (TMETE), 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AMPS), acrylamide, and N-vinylpyrrolidone undergo free radical copolymerization to produce a PTAAN filter loss reducer. The Box–Behnken response surface method is used to optimize the synthesis of PTAAN; the optimal conditions are 1 wt% TMETE and 0.1111 wt% initiator at 60°C. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis are used to characterize the composition, micromorphology, and thermal stability of the PTAAN product, respectively. The synthesized product is resistant to high temperatures and salt under the optimal synthesis conditions. It has an API filtration loss of 8.2 mL for freshwater-based mud, an API filtration loss of 13.8 mL for 20% by weight brine mud after aging at 220°C, and an API filtration loss of 29.5 mL at 150°C under high temperatures and pressures. Incorporating PTAAN into the base slurry prevents clay particle agglomeration at elevated temperatures and high mineralization, resulting in a broader clay particle size distribution and ultimately leading to the formation of a thin and compact filter cake.     

Fabrication and optimization of PES/PVP hollow fiber membranes using Box–Behnken model and CART algorithm

This study focuses on the optimization of polyethersulfone (PES) hollow fiber membranes fabricated with the phase inversion method. A Box–Behnken experimental design was employed with three different PES concentration ratios (11, 14, 17 wt.%), three polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) molecular weight ratios (K30/K90 ratios of 6:0, 3:3, 0:6 wt.%), three different bore fluid (BF) composition ratios (water/alcohol ratios of 20:80, 60:40, 100:0), and three different air gap values (24, 37, and 50 cm). The results were analyzed in terms of pure water permeability (PWP) and porosity as optimization parameters using response surface methodology and the classification and regression tree (CART) model. ANOVA results revealed significant effects of PES concentration, PVP molecular weight, and BF composition on the outcomes. After optimization, the maximum PWP and the maximum porosity were obtained as 360.15 L/m² h bar, 60.57%, respectively. The CART model achieved sufficient accuracy in classifying samples.     

Optimization of Cu(II)-ion imprinted nanoparticles for trace monitoring of copper in water and fish samples using a Box–Behnken design

We describe a nanoparticles ion-imprinted polymer (IIP) for the selective preconcentration of copper (II) ions. It was obtained by precipitation polymerization from 2-vinylpyridine (the functional monomer), ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (the cross-linker), 2,2′-azobisisobutyronitrile (the initiator), 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (the copper-binding ligand) and nickel nitrate (the template ion) in acetonitrile solution. The IIP particles were characterized by Fourier Transformed Infra Red Spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, and by scanning electron microscopy. The optimization process was carried out using the Box–Behnken design (BBD). Effects of several factors such as solution pH for adsorption, amount of polymer, type, concentration and volume of eluent for extraction, as well as adsorption and desorption times were investigated. Under the optimum conditions (type and concentration of eluent, HCl 1.6 mol L^?1; volume of eluent, 6 mL; adsorption solution pH, 6.0; amount of polymer, 30 mg; adsorption time, 25 min; desorption time, 25 min), preconcentration factor of the proposed method was approximately 100. Under the optimized conditions, the detection limit was found to be 0.1 μg L^?1, while the relative standard deviation (RSD) for six replicate measurements was calculated to be <4%.     

Statistical optimization and characterization of pH-independent extended-release drug delivery of cefpodoxime proxetil using Box–Behnken design

The aim of this study was to develop and optimize the pH-independent extended-release (ER) formulations of cefpodoxime proxetil (CP) using response surface methodology by employing a 3-factor, 3-level Box–Behnken statistical design. The independent variables studied were the amount of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC K4M), sodium alginate (SA) and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC). The drug release percent at 2, 4, 8, 14 and 24 h were the target responses and were restricted to 15–30, 35–55, 55–75, 75–90 and 90–110%, respectively. The response surface methodology and multiple response optimizations utilizing a polynomial equation were used to search for the optimal formulation with a specific release rate at different time intervals. The results showed that the effect of combination of HPMC K4M and SA was the most influencing factor on the drug release from ER matrix tablets. The mechanism of drug release from ER tablets was dependent on the added amount of SA. Validation of the optimization technique demonstrated the reliability of the model. The optimized formulation containing 25% HPMC, 15.14% SA, and 20.14% MCC was prepared according to the software determined levels. DSC and FTIR studies combined with the stability study of the optimized formulation proved the integrity of the developed formulation. The Box–Behnken experimental design facilitated the formulation and optimization of extended release hydrophilic matrix systems of CP in a short period of time and with the fewest number of experiments.     

A Covalently Interconnected Phosphazene–Silicate Network: Synthesis and Surface Functionalization

A sol-gel precursor was prepared by the reaction of poly[bis(2-(2-hydroxyethoxy)ethoxy)phosphazene] (1) with 3-isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane. It was then sol-gel polymerized to produce a covalently interconnected phosphazene-silicate network with urethane functionalities. Isocyanato groups were introduced on the surface of the network through coupling by allophanate formation between hexamethylene diisocyanate and urethane functionalities on the gel surface. Heparin was immobilized on the surface of the network by reacting hydroxyl or amino groups of heparin with the surface isocyanato groups. The activity of the immobilized heparin was 4.0% that of free heparin.     

Flotation-assisted homogeneous liquid–liquid microextraction for determination of thorium in water samples by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry and Box–Behnken design

A fast, simple, and efficient method for extraction, preconcentration, and determination of thorium in water samples with acceptable recoveries based on flotation-assisted homogenous liquid–liquid microextraction combined with inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is presented. Various parameters affecting the extraction efficiency were optimized by Box–Behnken design. Under the optimum conditions (concentration of dimethyl vinyl phosphonate = 2.4 × 10^–4 mol/L, pH = 6.5, n-heptane = 150 μL, and acetonitrile = 0.5 mL), the calibration graph was linear in the range of 10.0–400.0 ng/L for thorium. The limit of detection of this method was 2.62 ng/L, and the enrichment factor was estimated to be 136 for thorium.     

Magnetic Zinc Ferrite–Alginic Biopolymer Composite: As an Alternative Adsorbent for the Removal of Dyes in Single and Ternary Dye System

Recently, magnetic bio-composites as adsorbent are widely being explored in waste water treatment because of their exceptional properties like high adsorption capacity, selectivity and cost-effective nature. In the present study, a novel recyclable magnetic composite containing magnetic zinc ferrite and alginate in alginic form (ZnFN–Alg) was developed. Various techniques like Fourier Transform-Infra Red, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope with energy dispersive spectra, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller, thermo gravimetric-differential thermal analysis and Point Zero Charge (pH_zpc) were used to characterize the surface morphology of magnetic composite. The magnetic composite was used as adsorbent to remove congo red, crystal violet and brilliant green dyes in single and ternary systems. The kinetic studies data was best fitted to Lagergren pseudo second order whereas mechanism of adsorption was described by intra particle diffusion model in single as well as ternary systems. The adsorption equilibrium data was best fitted to Langmuir isotherm among various adsorption isotherm models. Thermodynamic studies confirmed that the adsorption process was spontaneous in nature. The regeneration ability of ZnFN–Alg composite was studied individually in single and ternary dye systems for seven cycles and showed significant results. It was concluded that magnetic ZnFN–Alg can serve as suitable alternative for the removal of dyes in single and ternary systems.     

Organic–Inorganic Incompletely Condensed Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane-Based Nanohybrid: Synthesis,Characterization and Dye Removal Properties

A nanocomposite was developed from organic–inorganic hybrid of incompletely condensed polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanoparticles and poly (acrylamide-co-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) with properties of hydrophobicity of incompletely condensed polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane and dye adsorption capacity of the copolymer. The as-prepared nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The synthesized hybrid nanocomposite acquires extraordinary water remediation property after the removal of toxic dye from aqueous solution. Conditions for the adsorption of dye by the hybrid nanocomposite have been also optimized. In addition, the adsorption mechanism was studied.     

Design,Synthesis, and Fabrication of Chitosan/Hydroxyapatite Composite Scaffold for Use as Bone Replacement Tissue by Sol–Gel Method

Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials - Injuries or bone defects are phenomena that are harmful to human health. In the field of bone scaffold tissue engineering,...     

Modeling and optimization of operating parameters for abrasive waterjet turning alumina ceramics using response surface methodology combined with Box–Behnken design

Abrasive waterjet turning is a newly emerging non-traditional technology for machining ceramics. In the present study, an attempt has been made to investigate the effect of operating parameters on depth of penetration and surface roughness (Ra) in turning of alumina ceramics using abrasive waterjet. The quadratic regression models were developed to predict the depth of penetration and Ra by experiments using Response Surface Methodology. The influence of each operating factors has been studied through analysis of variance technique. Key parameters and their interactive effects on depth of penetration and surface roughness have also been presented in graphical contours which are useful for choosing operating parameter preciously. The operating parameters for depth of penetration and surface roughness were simultaneously optimized by RSM with desirability function. The absolute average error between the experimental and predicted values at the optimal combination of parameter settings for depth of penetration and surface roughness were calculated as within 5%. Thus the developed model can be effectively used to predict the depth of penetration and surface roughness in the machining of alumina ceramics.     

Composite–composite adhesion in dentistry: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Controversy exists in the literature regarding the most optimal repair procedure for improving the adhesion between the repair resin and the existing resin composite materials. This systematic review analyzed the adhesion potential of resin-based composites to similar and dissimilar composites. Original scientific papers on adhesion to composites published in MEDLINE (PubMed) database between 1 January 1955 and 1 June 2010 were included in this systematic review. Bond-strength data were evaluated for different factor levels, namely surface conditioning methods (control, physical, chemical, physicochemical), substrate–adherent type (being of the same kind or dissimilar), substrate aging (thermocycling or water storage), and test methods (macroshear, microshear, macrotensile, microtensile). The selection process resulted in the final sample of 41 studies. In total, 160 different surface conditioning methods, being mainly combinations of the use of etching agents, application of grinding or air-abrasion protocols, and adhesive promoters (silanes, adhesive resins), have been investigated. When substrate is aged with thermocycling, bond-strength results for composite–composite combinations of the same material were significantly influenced by the surface conditioning method (p = 0.010) and with the test method (p = 0.014), but for dissimilar composite–composite combinations, only test method (p = 0.000) showed a significant effect on the results. When substrate is aged with water storage, bond-strength results for composite–composite combinations of the same material were significantly influenced by the surface conditioning method (p = 0.000), but for dissimilar material combinations only test method showed a significant effect (p = 0.000) on the results. For the composite combinations of the same kind, the impact of surface conditioning type and the test method in thermocycled group was higher on the results.     

Antibacterial properties,in vitro bioactivity and cell proliferation of titania–wollastonite composites

Titania–wollastonite materials that show high in vitro bioactivity, appropriate cell proliferation and antibacterial behavior have been developed. Titania–wollastonite compounds were synthesized by two different routes: (i) solid state reaction and (ii) sol–gel. The in vitro bioactivity assessment was performed by immersing samples in a simulated body fluid (SBF). The materials characterization, before and after immersion in SBF, was performed by SEM and EDS. Cytotoxicity was assessed by estimating cell proliferation and the antibacterial properties were evaluated by performing a kinetic study of a bacterium growth (Burkhoderia cepacia). In order to evaluate the band gap value UV–vis spectroscopy was performed. A faster apatite layer formation was observed on the samples processed by sol–gel. However, these agglomerates were smaller than those formed on the solid state reaction substrates. The highest inhibition of the bacteria growth and the highest cell proliferation were observed on the samples synthesized by solid state reaction.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Antibacterial Activity of Polyindole/Ag–Cuo Nanocomposites by Reflux Condensation Method

Polyindole-based silver and copper oxide (polyindole/Ag–CuO) nanocomposites were synthesized using reflux condensation method by varying the concentrations of polyindole and silver nitrate with copper oxide in N₂ atmosphere. They were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. The SEM images revealed fascinating shapes of CuO nanoparticles. The FTIR and XRD confirmed the functional group transformation and crystalline natures of silver and CuO existed in the nanocomposites. The polyindole/Ag–CuO nanocomposites were examined for antibacterial activity and found to exhibit the antibacterial activity against pathogenic bacteria.     

Design of new polypropylene–woodflour composites: Processing and physical characterization

Woodflour/polypropylene composites were prepared with 10 and 20% in weight of woodflour (WF). The influence of the WF, the compatibilizer, and processing aid (WP) in the crystalline structure of the polypropylene was studied by thermal analysis. The results showed that the WF acts as a nucleating agent, increasing the crystallization rate of the PP at the cooling rates studied. The morphological study by SEM proved that the WP increased the dispersion of the filler into the PP matrix, and the ionomer, used like compatibilized improved the adhesion between the PP and the filler obtaining a more uniform morphology. The mechanical properties indicated that the incorporation of the ionomer and the WP enhanced the ductility of the composites at the same time that the materials reached a more uniform morphology. The amount of additives (compatibilizer and WP) included in the woodflour-plastic composite (WPC) formulations was small, for this, the formulations are suitable to use in a possible industrial application. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Process Optimization,Physical Properties,and Environmental Stability of an α-Tocopherol Nanocapsule Preparation Using Complex Coacervation Method and Full Factorial Design

α-Tocopherol (α-Toc) has valuable biological activity, but its activity is limited when exposed to environmental factors. Nanocapsules can be used to overcome this problem. Using nanocapsules in the range of 100–200 nm is more beneficial. A 2⁴ full factorial design was carried out to optimize the size of nanocapsules using the complex coacervation method. The four factors were the amount of the wall material, the ratio of core material to wall material, the pH of the solution, and the speed of the homogenizer. The smallest nanocapsules (176 nm) were obtained at a wall content (gelatine and pectin) of 0.8 mg, a percentage of core material (α-Toc) to wall material of 20%, a pH = 4.5, and a homogenizer speed of 12,000 rpm. The encapsulation efficiency was 90.6 ± 1.1%, and the encapsulation yield was 83.4 ± 1.6%. Assessment of the stability of α-Toc after 1 month showed that encapsulation could improve its stability in the presence of three influential factors: humidity, light, and temperature.