Oligomeric Composition of Polyols From Fatty Acid Methyl Ester: The Effect of Ring‐Opening Reactants of Epoxide Groups

Commercial availability of fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) from palm oil targeted for biodiesel offers a good feedstock for the production of structurally well‐defined polyols for polyurethane applications. The effect of molecular weight (MW), odd and even carbon numbers, and the linear and branched structure reactants used in the ring‐opening reaction of epoxidized fatty acid methyl ester (E‐FAME) on the properties of polyols was investigated. Conversions of E‐FAME to PolyFAME polyols were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared analysis, oxirane oxygen content, and hydroxyl number. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) calibrated against polyether polyols as a standard and vapor pressure osmometry were used for MW determination. GPC chromatograms of PolyFAME polyols clearly demonstrated the formation of oligomers during ring‐opening reactions. MW, and odd and even carbon numbers in a structure of linear diols and branched diol used in the syntheses of PolyFAME polyols did not have an effect on crystallinity, glass transition, or melt temperatures measured using Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). PolyFAME polyols ring‐opened with water, methanol, and 1,2‐propanediol contained secondary hydroxyl groups, whereas PolyFAME polyols ring‐opened with linear diols contained a mixture of primary and secondary hydroxyl groups. It was found that the concentration of primary hydroxyl groups increased significantly by increasing the number of carbons from C2 to C3 in the linear diols. The viscosity of PolyFAME polyols also increased with the MW of linear diols used in the E‐FAME ring‐opening reaction. These findings would be beneficial for formulators in choosing the most cost effective polyols for polyurethane formulations.     

Characterization,mechanical, and thermal properties of gamma irradiated starch films reinforced with mineral clay

Composite fabricated from starch and different concentrations of clay was prepared by solution casting method. The casted film was irradiated to different gamma irradiation doses 10, 20, 30, and 40 kGy. The dispersion of clay into starch was investigated by using X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The structural morphology of the composite was measured by scanning electron microscope and infrared spectroscopy. Film properties, such as water vapor transmission, mechanical, and thermal properties were also measured. The gel content and swelling behavior of the starch/clay composite were investigated. It was found that the gel content increases with increasing clay content and irradiation dose. The results obtained indicate that the starch/clay composite showed an increase in the tensile strength, thermal stability. Moreover, there is a decrease in water vapor transmission (WVRT) which improves its barrier properties. Both XRD and infrared spectroscopy showed that starch can be intercalated into the clay galleries. Also antibiotic drug Chlortetracycline HCl was loaded into the starch/clay composite by direct adsorption method. Chlortetracycline HCl adsorption capacity of composite was found to increase from 1.13 to 4.20 mg Chlortetracycline HCl per gram dry film with increasing amount of drug concentration. In vitro drug release studies in different buffer solutions showed that the basic parameters affecting the drug release behavior of the film are pH of the solution, drug concentration, and time. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Global optimization method for controlling a plant

A control system that contains a generic plant has been built. Its controller parameters have been designed by using a global search algorithm for a given plant, and its performance has been evaluated for the heat control of a thermal system, and the speed control of a DC motor. This paper explains this control system with a DC motor as its plant, the speed of which is controlled by the controller.     

Characteristics and 3D formation of PVA and PEO electrospun nanofibers with embedded urea

The behavior of electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyethylene oxide (PEO) nanofibers embedded with urea is studied as a function of various process parameters. Our results show that three‐dimensional nanofiber networks can be obtained when high concentrations of urea in the solution are used during electrospinning. The nanofibers are characterized using both scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The stability of the nanofiber as a function of electric field has also been studied. The successful formation of three‐dimensional nanofiber networks can open new trends toward applications in fertilizers containing nanofibers in the nanoagricultural field. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 39840.     

Studying Fluid Characteristics Atop Surface Patterned Membranes via Particle Image Velocimetry

Surface patterning is a recent promising approach to promote performance of pressure-driven membranes in water treatment and desalination. Nevertheless, knowledge about foulant deposition mechanisms, especially at early stage of filtration, is still lacking. The applicability of particle imaging velocimetry to study fluid characteristics atop surface patterned thin-film composite membranes was investigated at different operating conditions. This work is an important first step toward reliable understanding of the impacts of topographical membrane surface modification on hydrodynamic conditions and foulant deposition mechanisms.     

Effects of axial circulation and dispersion geometry on the scale‐up of ultrasonic extraction of polysaccharides

The ultrasonic‐assisted extraction of polysaccharides (PS) from Ganoderma lucidum, was subjected to a scale‐up study. 0.25 L extractor was used to optimize the extraction conditions toward maximum yield of PS. The extracted PS was observed to be reduced by increasing the scale from 1 to 6 L. To intensify the extraction, axial circulation at different stirring rates was induced and optimized in a 3 L U‐tube extractor. Although circulation at 300 rpm improved the yield of PS for 3 L, introducing dispersion geometry (conical funnel) and adjusting the radiation distance in a 6 L U‐tube extractor further intensified the extraction efficiency. A radiation distance of 4 cm and circulation induced using 600 rpm enhanced the PS as compared to the conventional 6 L extractor. Overall, the scale‐up from 0.25 to 6 L was successful and introducing circulation and dispersion geometry intensified the extraction efficiency under similar dissipation of ultrasonic power. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 1483–1491, 2015     

Production of Synthesis Gas via Dry Reforming of Methane over Co‐Based Catalysts: Effect on H2/CO Ratio and Carbon Deposition

The effect of support type on synthesis gas production using Co‐based catalysts supported over TiO₂‐P25, Al₂O₃, SiO₂, and CeO₂ was investigated. The catalysts were prepared by the incipient wet impregnation method and characterized by various techniques for comparison. Experiments were performed in a micro tubular reactor. The results revealed that all Co‐supported catalysts produced synthesis gas ratios of 1 and below and, thus, proved to be well‐suited for methanol and Fischer‐Tropsch syntheses. Co catalysts supported over TiO₂‐P25 and Al₂O₃ provided better synthesis gas ratios and stability performances. The promotion of a Co/TiO₂‐P25 catalyst with Ce had a substantial influence on its catalytic activity and the amount of carbon deposit. A Ce‐promoted catalyst diminished markedly the extent of carbon deposition and thus boosted the performance towards better activity and stability.     

Study of morphology and gas separation properties of polysulfone/titanium dioxide mixed matrix membranes

Polysulfone (PSf)‐based mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with the incorporation of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles were prepared. Distribution and agglomeration of TiO₂ in polymer matrix and also surface of membranes were observed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray. Variation in surface roughness of MMMs with different TiO₂ loadings was analyzed by atomic force microscopy. Physical properties of membranes before and after cross‐linking were identified through thermal gravimetric analysis. At low TiO₂ loadings (≤3 wt%), both CO₂ and CH₄ permeabilities decreased and consequently gas selectivity improved and reached to 36.5 at 3 bar pressure. Interestingly, PSf/TiO₂ 3 wt% membrane did not allow to CH₄ molecules to pass through the membrane and this sample just had CO₂ permeability at 1 bar pressure. Gas permeability increased considerably at high filler contents (≥5 wt%) and CO₂ permeance reached to 37.7 GPU for PSf/TiO₂ 7 wt% at 7 bar pressure. It was detected that, critical nanoparticle aggregation has occurred at higher filler loadings (≥5 wt%), which contributed to formation of macrovoids and defects in MMMs. Accordingly, MMMs with higher gas permeance and lower gas selectivity were prepared in higher TiO₂ contents (≥5 wt%). POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:367–374, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Thermal Evaluation of Diesel/Hydrogen Peroxide Fuel Blend

Thermal properties of fossil fuel are the key fundamental characteristics, which can distinguish any compound as a potential fuel. The performance of diesel fuel blend along with stability and solubility parameter designs are evaluated. The results from the experimental study indicate that the increase in hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) amount enhances the cetane number of diesel fuel blend significantly. However, the calorific value decreases as compared to pure diesel fuel. All values performed well according to the ASTM D‐975 diesel testing method. The thermodynamics of the prepared fuel blends also revealed that substantial solubility and diesel/H₂O₂ blend stability are provided even at lower temperatures. Such blends can be used as a feasible replacement of pure diesel fuel.     

Comparative study on the effect of various pretreatment methods on the enrichment of hydrogen producing bacteria in anaerobic granulated sludge from brewery wastewater

Five pretreatment methods, namely chemical, acid, heat-shock, freezing and thawing, and base, were evaluated for the enrichment of hydrogen-producing bacteria in anaerobic granulated sludge, which will be subsequently used as seed in biological hydrogen production. All the pretreatments showed positive effects towards improving hydrogen (H₂) generation by the microbial population with higher hydrogen production yield and COD removal efficiency as compared to control. The granulated sludge pretreated by heat-shock showed maximum accumulated H₂ (19.48mLg^?1-COD), COD removal efficiency (62%), and biomass concentration (22.5 gL^?1).