Utilization of ZSM-5/MCM-41 composite as FCC catalyst additive for enhancing propylene yield from VGO cracking

A micro-mesoporous ZSM-5/MCM-41 composite molecular sieve (ZM13) was synthesized and tested as an FCC catalyst additive to enhance the yield of propylene from catalytic cracking of vacuum gas oil (VGO). The catalytic performance of the additive was assessed using a commercial equilibrium USY FCC catalyst (E-Cat) in a fixed-bed micro-activity test unit (MAT) at 520?°C and various catalyst/oil ratios. MCM-41, ZSM-5 and two ZSM-5/MCM-41 composites were systematically characterized by complementary techniques such as XRD, BET, FTIR and SEM. The characterization results showed that the composites contained secondary building unit with different textural properties compared to pure ZSM-5 and MCM-41. MAT results showed that the VGO cracking activity of E-Cat did not decrease by using these additives. The highest propylene yield of 12.2 wt% was achieved over steamed ZSM-5/MCM-41 composite additive (ZM13) compared with 8.6 wt% over conventional ZSM-5 additive at similar gasoline yield penalty. The enhanced production of propylene over composite additive was attributed to its mesopores that suppressed secondary and hydrogen transfer reactions and offered easier transport and accessibility to active sites. Gasoline quality was improved by the use of all additives except MCM-41, as octane rating increased by 6?C12 numbers.     

Gamma radiation aging of EVA/EPDM blends: Effect of vinyl acetate (VA) content and radiation dose on the alteration in mechanical,thermal, and morphological behavior

A series of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA)/ethylene‐propylene diene elastomer (EPDM) blends (50/50 ratio) with four types of EVAs were prepared using brabender type batch mixer followed by compression molding. All compression‐molded samples were exposed to gamma radiation at 500, 1000, and 1500 kGy doses and were subjected to mechanical, compression set, thermal and morphological test. The % retention in tensile strength, elongation, and hardness were found higher for higher vinyl acetate (VA) containing radiation aged EVA/EPDM blends. The compression set value was decreased with increase of VA content. The thermal degradation kinetics of high VA containing irradiated blend (EVA40/EPDM) (EVA40 is 40%VA containing EVA) was found slower than those of lower VA containing blend (EVA18/EPDM). The surface morphology for EVA18/EPDM sample was transformed into more irregular one with more cracks and fragmented segments by aging at 1500 kGy dose while surface for EVA40/EPDM sample was found comparatively smooth, fine, and continuous with very few cracks and fragmented parts at similar dose. Thus, from the measured properties and morphology, it was revealed that the degree of degradation of blends kept on decreasing with increase in VA content. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46216.     

ENGAGE compatibilized HDPE/EPDM blends: Modification of some industrially pertinent properties and morphology upon incorporation of Mg(OH)2 filler and electron beam crosslinked network

To observe the effect of ENGAGE (a poly‐olefin elastomer) on compatibilization of industrially important incompatible blend, high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)/ethylene‐propylene diene elastomer (EPDM), 15 wt % ENGAGE is incorporated into the system and the latter is found satisfactorily efficient as compatibilizer for the above system. To improve some industrially pertinent properties another strategies are also followed in addition, incorporation of magnesium hydroxide [Mg(OH)₂] and electron beam (EB) crosslinking into the system. The gel content was found to increase with radiation dose, EPDM content and Mg(OH)₂ dispersion. ENGAGE interestingly increases the gel content that is, promotes crosslinking. It is unique that filler dispersion and crosslinked network formation maintain the compatibility of the ternary system, which is confirmed by X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, mechanical properties, and scanning electron microscope. The compatibilization, Mg(OH)₂ dispersion, and EB crosslinking improve the mechanical, thermo mechanical, flame retardant properties, and phase morphology considerably. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44922.     

Investigation of waste heat recovery system at supercritical conditions with vehicle drive cycles

Waste heat recovery (WHR) for internal combustion engines in vehicles using Organic Rankine cycle (ORC) has been a promising technology. The operation of the ORC WHR system in supercritical conditions has a potential to generate more power output and thermal efficiency compared with the conventional subcritical conditions. However, in supercritical conditions, the heat transfer process in the evaporator, the key component of the ORC WHR system, becomes unpredictable as the thermo-physical properties of the working fluid change with the temperature. Furthermore, the transient heat source from the vehicle’s exhaust makes the operation of the WHR system difficult. We investigated the performance of the ORC WHR system at supercritical conditions with engine’s exhaust data from real city and highway drive cycles. The effects of operating variables, such as refrigerant flow rates, evaporator and condenser pressure, and evaporator outlet temperature, on the performance indicators of the WHR system in supercritical conditions were examined. Simulation of operating parameters and the boundary of the WHR system are also included in this paper.

     

Development of thin‐film composite membranes for carbon dioxide and methane separation using sulfonated poly(phenylene oxide)

Novel membranes based on sulfonated poly (phenylene oxide) (SPPO) was developed. SPPO membranes in the hydrogen form were converted to metal ion forms. The effect of exchange with metal ions including monovalent (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺), divalent (Mg²⁺, Ba²⁺, Ca²⁺) and trivalent (Al³⁺) ions was investigated in terms of permeation rate and permeation rate ratios for CO₂ and CH₄ gases. Both dense homogeneous membranes and thin‐film composite (TFC) membranes were studied for their gas separation characteristics. The effect of membrane preparation conditions and operating parameters on the membrane performance were also investigated. The selectivity of the TFC membrane increased as the cationic charge density increased as a result of electrostatic cross‐linking. TFC membrane of very high selectivity was achieved by coating a thin layer of SPPO‐Mg on a PES substrate. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 76: 735–742, 2000     

Synthesis of substituted fatty oxathiolanes and thioethers from an allylic oxo fatty acid ester

Substituted oxathiolane and thioether derivatives have been synthesized from an allylic oxo fatty acid ester. The reaction of methyl 4-oxo-trans-2-octadecenoate with 3-mercaptopropan-1,2-diol (1-thioglycerol) affords methyl 4-(3′-hydroxymethyl-1′,4′-oxathiolane)-2(3)-(O-mercaptopropan-1″,2″-diol)-octadecanoate (II), methyl 4-oxo-2(3)-(O-mercaptopropan-1′,2′-diol)-octadecanoate (III), methyl 4-(3′-hydroxy-l′,5′-oxathiane)-2 (3)-(S-mercaptopropan-1″,2″-diol)-octadecanoate (IV), methyl 4-oxo-2(3)-(S-mercaptopropan-1′, 2′diol)-octadecanoate (V) and methyl 4-(3′-hydroxymethyl-1′, 4′-oxathiolane)-2(3)-(S-mercaptopropan-1″, 2″-diol)-octadecanoate (VI). Structures of the individual reaction products have been established on the basis of spectral data and microanalyses.     

Synthesis of cross-linked graft copolymer from [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride and poly(vinyl alcohol) for removing chromium(VI) from aqueous solution

A novel graft copolymer of [2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride onto poly(vinyl alcohol) has been synthesized and it is cross-linked by glutaraldehyde for the investigation of its efficiency in removing Cr(VI) from aqueous solution. The chemical nature of the ion-exchange resin has been elucidated with the help of chemical test, Fourier transform infrared, thermo gravimetric analysis and DTA. Particle size, surface area, ion-exchange capacity, optimum pH, reaction time and temperature for Cr(VI) extraction were determined. Chromium(VI) adsorption kinetics, isotherm and thermodynamics have been studied. A plausible mechanism for chromium ion-exchange has been suggested.     

Removal of N‐butanol from aqueous solutions by ion–exchange membranes containing organic counterions

The pervaporation of aqueous butanol solutions was investigated using thin‐film composite membranes composed of a poly(vinylidene fluoride) substrate coated with a sulfonated poly(2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenelene oxide) polymer. The polymer was ion‐exchanged with quaternary ammonium cations having aliphatic substituents of various chain lengths. The pervaporation of aqueous n‐butanol solutions using these membranes gave a permeate more concentrated in n‐butanol; therefore, they were alcohol‐selective. The separation factor increased and the permeate flux decreased as the chain lengths of the aliphatic substituents were increased. Hence, the mass‐transport properties of such membranes can be controlled or altered to yield some desired permselectivity by the introduction of a proper counterion. It was observed that the n‐butanol flux was small relative to the total flux and, therefore, the water flux dominated the total permeate flux. The degree of swelling of the membranes and its effect on membrane performance was investigated as well. As the n‐butanol content was increased, the swelling of the membranes increased greatly. High membrane swelling caused a reduction in the separation factor. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 47–58, 1999     

Hydrolytic Depolymerization of PET in a Microwave Reactor

Recycling of PET was examined using hydrolytic depolymerization in an alkaline solution under microwave irradiation. The reaction was carried out in a sealed microwave reactor in which the pressure and temperature were controlled and recorded. The main products were the monomers TPA and EG. The effect of reaction temperature, time, amount of PET and alkaline concentration on the degree of PET depolymerization and TPA recovery was investigated. Microwave irradiation was found to reduce the time needed to achieve a specific degradation of PET significantly, with almost complete depolymerization occurring in 30 min at 180 °C and only 46 W of microwave power. Using a phase transfer catalyst (TOMAB) resulted in the same amount of unreacted PET but at significantly lower depolymerization temperatures.