South African Journal of Chemical Engineering最新文献

{"title":"Integrated PLA/LLDPE nanocomposites with compatibilizer and hydroxyapatite-zinc oxide: Mechanical, physical, thermal, and morphological properties","authors":"Ahmad Hafizullah Ritonga ,&nbsp;Vivi Sisca ,&nbsp;Barita Aritonang ,&nbsp;Debi Meilani ,&nbsp;Gusliani Eka Putri ,&nbsp;Enzo Wiranta Battra Siahaan","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.01.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.01.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The integration of Polylactic Acid (PLA)/Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) nanocomposites with Hydroxyapatite-Zinc Oxide hybrid nanoparticles (HAp-ZnO HNPs) as fillers and LLDPE-grafted-Oleic Acid (LLDPE-g-OA) as a compatibilizer was successfully conducted. This study examines the improvement of mechanical, physical, thermal, and morphological properties of PLA/LLDPE blends through the incorporation of HAp-ZnO HNPs and LLDPE-g-OA (LO) to enhance their strength, durability, and biodegradability. The HAp-ZnO HNPs were synthesized by mixing HAp and ZnO in an ethanol-water solution (20:80), adjusting the pH to 11 with ammonium hydroxide, and then applying sonication, filtration, washing, and drying. The nanocomposites were prepared by blending PLA, LLDPE, LO, and 5.0 wt. % HAp-ZnO HNPs in an internal mixer at 160 °C. The incorporation of HAp-ZnO HNPs improved tensile strength (9.171 MPa), elongation at break (52.863 %), and Young's modulus (487.327 MPa) while reducing water absorption to 0.72 %. HAp-ZnO HNPs also accelerated biodegradation, increasing weight loss from 0.73 % at 15 days to 15.81 % at 90 days. Thermal analysis showed enhanced thermal stability, a higher melting point, and faster degradation due to HAp-ZnO HNPs. FTIR spectra revealed complex interactions among the materials, and morphological analysis confirmed good compatibility with evenly nanoparticle dispersion. These findings indicate the potential of HAp-ZnO HNPs as effective fillers and co-compatibilizers for improving the overall properties of PLA/LLDPE blends.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 1-7"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143168520","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of cubic autocatalysis and infinite shear rate characteristics in MHD Carreau fluid over radiated bi-directional sheet; ANN-based computational scheme","authors":"Adil Darvesh ,&nbsp;Luis Jaime Collantes Santisteban ,&nbsp;Fethi Mohamed Maiz ,&nbsp;Manuel Sánchez-Chero ,&nbsp;Hamiden Abd El-Wahed Khalifa ,&nbsp;William Rolando Miranda Zamora ,&nbsp;Hakim AL Garalleh ,&nbsp;William Atalaya-Urrutia","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.01.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.01.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The implementation of advanced computational strategies play a significant role in thermal transport analysis of complex fluid flow processes, which is crucial in modern thermal management systems. Artificial neural network (ANN) computational procedures play a vital role in solving the stiff nonlinear mathematical models due to their strong capability to train and predict data efficiently. The present endeavor delves into the discussion of heat transfer mechanism in Carreau fluid over a bi-directional stretching sheet, featuring magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), infinite shear rate characteristics and exhibiting cubic autocatalysis effect. In addition, magnetic effects are added to analyze the heat transfer efficiency more effectively, while dual chemical reactions aid in convenient assessment of fluid concentration. Physical models generated partial differential equations (PDEs) are shifted into ordinary differential equations (ODEs) via introducing similarity variables. Computational analysis is made by employing a joint computational procedure i.e., bvp4c and Levenberg Marquardt neural network scheme (LM-NN). The results are displayed by different MATLAB illustrations and statistical data. The concentration field of Carreau fluid increased due to augmentation in diffusion parameter for both pseudoplasticity and dilatant region. Velocity profile intensified in both axial directions due to numeric growth in values of Weissenberg number and infinite shear rate parameter. Skin friction reduced in both axial directions with augmented values of Weissenberg number, whereas Nusselt number improves when corresponds to x-direction and shows opposite behavior for y-direction.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"52 ","pages":"Pages 20-39"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143169496","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biogas upgrading via CO2 absorption using monosodium glutamate-promoted potassium carbonate in packed absorption column: Design and performance assessment","authors":"Bambang Trisakti ,&nbsp;Rivaldi Sidabutar ,&nbsp;Irvan ,&nbsp;Hani Suhastifa Rambe ,&nbsp;Vikram Alexander ,&nbsp;Andrew Moses Noverindo Simanjuntak ,&nbsp;Joshua Syaloom Silalahi ,&nbsp;Rafael Aginta Sitepu ,&nbsp;Michael Michael ,&nbsp;Juan Akmal Nasution ,&nbsp;Yasmin Nabilah ,&nbsp;Hiroyuki Daimon","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2024.11.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2024.11.010","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;div&gt;&lt;div&gt;Biogas, an alternative energy source derived from organic materials, particularly POME, is produced through anaerobic digestion. The utilization of an UASB-HCPB fermenter has successfully yielded biogas with elevated methane content. However, the produced biogas still contained a moderate amount of CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;, necessitating further purification to make the biogas suitable for engine fuel applications. The presence of CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; must be mitigated through an absorption method. The amount of CO₂ removed from biogas required an absorption system designed to utilize environmentally friendly solvents that can operate effectively at low pressures. The absorption design is important in designing absorber columns, particularly packed column types. It requires careful consideration of flow rates and absorbent concentrations to ensure optimal performance and suitability for industrial applications. This study aims to elaborate the design, fabrication, and performance of a packed absorption column for CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; removal utilizing K&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;CO&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; as a solvent with MSG as a promoter. K&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;CO&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; promoted with MSG represents an eco-friendly solvent with potential for biogas purification applications. The novelty of this study highlights a gap in integrating biogas production and purification design, wherein biogas generated from anaerobic digestion of POME undergoes purification via an absorption system. Experimental parameters included absorbent flow rates of 1, 1.5, and 2 L/min; a biogas flow rate of 20 L/min; promoter concentrations of 1, 3, and 5 %; temperatures of 35, 45, and 55 °C; and a contact time of 5 min. Results indicated that optimal CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; removal (47.38±1.58 %) was achieved with an absorbent flow rate of 2 L/min and MSG concentration of 5 %. Based on the calibration results, the distilled water, air, and CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; flowmeters have regression values (R²) of 0.9947, 1.0000, and 0.9253, respectively. The highest CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; removal was 94.44 % on CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; flow rate of 5 L/min, air flow rate of 20 L/min and absorbent flowrate of 1.8 L/min. Maximum CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; loading (0.0081 mol CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;/mol K&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;CO&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;) was obtained at an absorbent flow rate of 1 L/min and MSG concentration of 5 %. Temperature effects revealed optimal CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; removal (63.32±0.42 %) at 55 °C, while peak CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; loading (0.00987 mol CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;/mol K&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;CO&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt;) occurred at 45 °C. At 55 °C, the final biogas composition achieved was 94.18 % CH&lt;sub&gt;4&lt;/sub&gt;, 5.81 % CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;, and 0.01 % H&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;S. These results indicate an increase in the effectiveness of CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; removal and high-purity biogas products. However, future research of synergistic study is needed on the regeneration capability of monosodium glutamate-activated K&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt;CO&lt;sub&gt;3&lt;/sub&gt; for long-term CO&lt;sub&gt;2&lt;/sub&gt; absorption. Futhermore, development of the absorption column design ","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"51 ","pages":"Pages 213-224"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143101440","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Isolation and characterization of CNC from waste maize cob available in Bangladesh as a potential candidate for the fabrication of multifunctional bio-nanocomposites: A new approach","authors":"Shamim Dewan ,&nbsp;Md. Mahmudur Rahman ,&nbsp;Md. Ismail Hossain ,&nbsp;Bijoy Chandra Ghos ,&nbsp;M Mohinur Rahman Rabby ,&nbsp;Md. Abdul Gafur ,&nbsp;Md. Al-Amin ,&nbsp;Md. Ashraful Alam","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2024.12.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2024.12.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nano-cellulose is a biodegradable polysaccharide which has multifunctional uses due to its fascinating properties (i.e., antibacterial, antifungal, anticarcinogenic activity) in wastewater treatment, drug design, food packaging, etc. CNC usually extracted from primary plant (such as jute, hemp, flax, cotton, etc.) which has other significant uses (for example preparation of yarn, rope, tissue paper, etc.). To reduce the pressure on primary plant the use of waste biomass of secondary plant could be an effective and economic route of CNC isolation. In this study a series of chemical treatment i.e. scouring (5% soap solution), alkali treatment (16% NaOH solution), bleaching (2% NaClO₂ and 2% Na₂S₂O₅ solution at pH = 4.0), acid hydrolysis (60% H₂SO₄) was conducted to isolate CNC from the waste maize cob. Characterization of the specimens were conducted by FTIR-ATR (Fourier Transform Infrared-Attenuated Total Reflection), FESEM (Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy), XRD (X-ray Diffraction), EDX (Energy Dispersive X-ray), DLS (Dynamic Light Scattering), Thermal analysis (TGA/DTG/DTA), and Zeta potential analysis. Different functional groups (&gt;C=O, C<span><math><mo>≡</mo></math></span>C, C-O-C, C-O, -OH, etc.) were identified by FTIR-ATR. Crystal structure, crystallite size, and crystallinity index of CNC (around 84.63<span><math><mo>±</mo></math></span>0.03%) were observed by XRD analysis. Produced CNC showed enhanced thermal stabilities in TGA/DTG/DTA curves (about 40% residual mass at 600 °C) with the appearance of a peculiar 2D honey comb like void surface microstructure in FESEM micrographs and the surface charge (around -7.09mV) was measured by zeta potential. The newly produced CNC was perfectly nano sized (around 100 nm according to DLS analysis and FESEM micrograph). Hence, this newly produced CNC would be beneficially used to fabricate bio-nanocomposites for potential applications in various sectors such as biomedical, engineering, and industrial wastewater treatment as an appropriate substitute of the unsafe fossil based synthetic ones to develop legitimate environment.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"51 ","pages":"Pages 287-301"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143101462","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Enhancing antimicrobial resistance strategies: Leveraging artificial intelligence for improved outcomes","authors":"Aeshah M. Mohammed ,&nbsp;Mohammed Mohammed ,&nbsp;Jawad K. Oleiwi ,&nbsp;Azlin F. Osman ,&nbsp;Tijjani Adam ,&nbsp;Bashir O. Betar ,&nbsp;Subash C.B. Gopinath ,&nbsp;Falah H. Ihmedee","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2024.12.005","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2024.12.005","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a formidable challenge to global health, threatening to undermine the efficacy of antibiotics and jeopardize medical advances. Despite concerted efforts to combat AMR, traditional strategies often fall short, necessitating innovative approaches to stewardship, diagnosis, and treatment. This review explores the burgeoning role of artificial intelligence (AI) in revolutionizing AMR strategies, offering a beacon of hope for turning the tide against resistant pathogens. By synthesizing current research and applications, the potential of AI-driven technologies—ranging from machine learning models that predict resistance patterns to algorithms enhancing antibiotic discovery—is illuminated to augment our arsenal against AMR. Furthermore, the successes and limitations of these technologies are critically examined, navigating through the complexities of AI integration into healthcare settings. Despite facing challenges such as data privacy concerns and the need for robust regulatory frameworks, AI holds promise for significantly improving AMR outcomes. Through a forward-looking lens, future prospects for AI in mitigating AMR are discussed, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation in healthcare strategies. This review not only highlights AI's potential to enhance AMR management but also calls for a concerted effort to harness its capabilities, thereby safeguarding the efficacy of antimicrobial agents and ensuring a sustainable healthcare future.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"51 ","pages":"Pages 272-286"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143101441","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Corrigendum to ‘Fluidization of fine coal particles in an ultrasound enhanced gas-solid fluidized bed’ South African Journal of Chemical Engineering, Volume 51, January 2025, Pages 78-85, 631","authors":"Sayuri Naicker,&nbsp;Neeraj Kuarsingh,&nbsp;Milan Carsky,&nbsp;David Lokhat","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2024.12.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2024.12.002","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"51 ","pages":"Page 253"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143101459","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The low-cost biosorbents of Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana Linn) doped magnesium oxide and titanium dioxide beads for eliminating methylene blue dye","authors":"Pornsawai Praipipat ,&nbsp;Pimploy Ngamsurach ,&nbsp;Junjira Noisri ,&nbsp;Thanit Aeamsa-ard","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2024.11.008","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2024.11.008","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Two methylene blue (MB) dye adsorbents were synthesized from mangosteen peels modified by magnesium oxide and titanium dioxide called mangosteen peel doped magnesium oxide beads (MMB) and mangosteen peel doped titanium dioxide beads (MTB) to examine which material could greater adsorb MB dye. In addition, several techniques of BET, XRD, FESEM-FIB, EDX, and FT-IR were used for their characterizations. Their MB dye removal efficiencies were investigated by batch experiments, desorption experiments, adsorption isotherms, kinetics, and thermodynamic studies. MTB had a higher specific surface area (15.24 m²/g) and smaller pore size (1.69 nm) than MMB. The results of XRD, FESEM-FIB, EDX, and FT-IR demonstrated the successful additions of magnesium oxide and titanium dioxide into MMB and MTB because they found the specific peaks, characteristic structures, elements, and functional groups of magnesium oxide and titanium dioxide in MMB and MTB. Batch experiments showed they had high MB dye removal efficiencies of more than 97 %, and they could reuse more than three cycles. Freundlich and pseudo-second-order kinetic models were good explanations for their adsorption patterns correlated to chemisorption and their mechanisms to be a chemisorption process. In addition, they were an endothermic process since their MB dye adsorptions increased with increasing temperature.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"51 ","pages":"Pages 202-212"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143101442","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Kinetics, modelling and optimization of Shea butter transesterification via clay doped ionic liquid catalyst","authors":"Nwosu-Obieogu Kenechi ,&nbsp;Ude Callistus Nonso ,&nbsp;Onukwuli Dominic Okechukwu ,&nbsp;Ezeugo Joseph","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2024.12.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2024.12.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Developing a cost effective and sustainable fuel from inedible oils and enhancing transesterification process via heterogeneous catalyst with high selectivity prompted this research. The study focuses on evaluating the kinetics, modelling, and optimization of shea butter biodiesel using a clay-doped ionic liquid catalyst. The catalyst employed in this study offers higher selectivity during transesterification process and high biodiesel yield. The parameters considered were temperature, time, agitation speed, catalyst concentration and methanol/oil ratio, while biodiesel yield was considered the response. A novel heterogeneous clay doped ionic liquid heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel synthesis from shea butter was generated by doping the clay with ionic liquid at a ratio of 2:1 after four hours of calcination at 600 °C. Scanning Electron Micrograph (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Braut Emmet Teller (BET), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) were used to evaluate the catalyst's processability. Tranesterification of the shea butter with methanol was carried out to produce biodiesel and glycerol via a clay doped ionic liquid catalyst. Increase in the process parameters significantly affected the yield, with the highest yield of 89.45 % obtained at an agitation of 300rpm while other parameters were kept constant. After optimisation using response surface methodology (RSM), the second-order polynomial model was shown in the ANOVA with R² values of 0.9952, Adj R² (0.9862), and Pred R² (0.8719), demonstrating model acceptability. The maximum biodiesel yield (97.89 %) was obtained with 2wt. % catalyst, 6 mol/mol methanol/oil ratio, 2.5 h, 61.4 °C, and 400rpm agitation. ANFIS predicted biodiesel yield more accurately than ANN (R² = 0.999, MSE = 0.11167), with the lowest MSE (R² = 0.99, MSE = 0.00031). Under optimal conditions, this study employed a kinetic model based on two elementary chemical processes: Eley-Rideal (ER) and Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson (LHHW). The LHHW model accurately described clay doped ionic liquid catalyst experimental data at 60 °C, with favourable parameters, an R² value of 0.9992, and a variance of 3.07E-10. The surface reaction linking adsorbed triglyceride and alcohol dictated the rate-determining step (RDS). Temperature increased the rate, indicating an endothermic process. The reaction's activation energy and frequency factor were 75.10 kJ/mol and 2.825E-11 h⁻¹, respectively. Shea butter biodiesel met the D6751 criterion. Nevertheless, the information obtained showed that clay doped ionic liquid catalysts performed effectively in the shea butter biodiesel transesterification process, hence the need to search for more renewable underutilized biomass for catalyst synthesis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"51 ","pages":"Pages 232-252"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143101439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Eco-friendly alginate/PCL-TiO2 hybrid biocomposites: Preparation, properties, and methylene blue photodegradation","authors":"Bunga Fisikanta Bukit ,&nbsp;Agus Wedi Pratama ,&nbsp;Erna Frida ,&nbsp;Bakti Berlyanto Sedayu ,&nbsp;Dina Fransiska ,&nbsp;Deni Purnomo ,&nbsp;Emma Rochima ,&nbsp;Istiqomah Rahmawati ,&nbsp;Sona Suhartana ,&nbsp;Firda Aulya Syamani","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2024.12.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2024.12.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The study focuses on developing an environmentally friendly method for synthesizing hybrid biocomposites using sodium alginate, polycaprolactone (PCL), and TiO₂ fillers. The eco-friendly alginate/PCL-TiO₂ hybrid biocomposites were prepared using a Rheomixer Polylab OS. Various characterization techniques, including XRD, FT-IR, UTM, DSC, TGA, biodegradation testing, and methylene blue photodegradation, were employed to evaluate the properties of the composites. XRD analysis of the composites PA, PA-Ti1, PA-Ti3, and PA-Ti5 revealed an orthorhombic to tetragonal semicrystalline structure after added TiO₂. FT-IR spectroscopy show sharp peak at 1721 cm⁻¹ represents C = O vibration, while characteristic C<img>H stretching vibrations of PCL are evident at 2800–2900 cm^-1. Furthermore, Ti-O-Ti bond appears at wave number 668.48 cm⁻¹ and Ti-O-C appears at 1054.69 cm⁻¹. The addition of TiO₂ slightly reduced mechanical properties. TiO₂ influence the compound mechanical performance, with a decrease in elastic modulus and corresponding increase in elongation at break with increasing TiO₂ content. DSC analysis revealed that the composites with TiO₂ displayed a single melting peak slightly above 50 °C, with a significant increase in ∆Hm with TiO₂ content. TGA results showed that all samples exhibited two stages of decomposition. The first stage, occurring around 200 °C and the second stage, observed above 300 °C. The PA composite showed a mass reduction from 0.058 g to 0.052 g, similar to PA-Ti1 and PA-Ti3. However, PA-Ti5 composite showed a smaller mass reduction. Methylene blue solutions containing PA-Ti1, PA-Ti3, and PA-Ti5 composites exhibited a color change from blue to transparent after 24 h of irradiation, indicating MB degradation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"51 ","pages":"Pages 254-264"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143092592","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The role of CdS nanofiller on improved vibrational, structural and mechanical properties of CdS/PVA nanocomposite films fabricated through precipitation-casting approach","authors":"Chan Kok Sheng,&nbsp;Yousef Mohammad Alrababah","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2024.12.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2024.12.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this work, CdS/PVA nanocomposite films were synthesized via the precipitation-casting method by embedding different quantities of CdS nanofillers (by weight%) into the PVA polymeric matrix. The samples were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDS, and a universal testing machine (UTM). XRD analysis dictates that the crystallinity enhances by increasing the CdS content in the composite, with a sharper and dominant peak observed at 2θ = 21°, implying a stronger interaction occurred between CdS nanoparticles and PVA molecular chains. The EDS spectra show two major peaks representing Cd and S elements due to a homogeneous distribution of CdS nanoparticles over the composite surface. The formation of CdS nanoparticles is further confirmed by FTIR analysis, which shows a distinctive peak located at 708 cm⁻¹ that represents the Cd-S stretching vibrational bonds. Meanwhile, the IR spectra also reveal that an effective interaction with a well-organized coordination has occurred between CdS and PVA. SEM images reveal that the CdS nanoparticles, with an average size of around 80–100 nm, are homogeneously dispersed over the PVA matrix surface. However, the CdS nanofillers tend to agglomerate into larger-size particles as the CdS content increases. The mechanical tensile properties of Young's modulus, stress and strain at break enhance as the CdS dosage increases in the composite, which could be attributed to an increase in uniformity of particle distribution that in turn improves the interaction between CdS and PVA, as evidenced by SEM and FTIR analysis.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"51 ","pages":"Pages 265-271"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143101463","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}