Applied Chemical Engineering

Abstract Considering the high energy and material consumption, the environmental impact of additive manufacturing through FDM has faced significant criticism. For a more sustainable production process, industries require efficient optimization of the FDM process to lower environmental impact while retaining process efficiency. This study utilizes advanced multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) methodologies, specifically the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS), to evaluate and enhance the environmental performance of FDM. Focusing on standard thermoplastic materials (e.g., PLA and PETG) and applications such as functional prototyping, we optimize key parameters layer height, print speed, and infill density to achieve reductions in energy usage (20%) and material waste (15%) compared to baseline FDM practices. These findings not only highlight a pathway toward greener FDM processes but also lay the groundwork for future research in sustainable optimization frameworks, applicable to other additive manufacturing methods and materials.

Abstract Gastric cancer (GC) remains one of the most prevalent malignancies worldwide, particularly in East Asia. Despite advancements in treatment strategies, the prognosis for advanced GC patients remains unsatisfactory. Ginsenoside Rg3, a key bioactive component derived from Panax ginseng, has demonstrated significant antitumor effects in various cancers, including GC. This study systematically explores the potential mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of Ginsenoside Rg3, on GC, employing network pharmacology and molecular docking technologies. Key target genes and signaling pathways were identified, highlighting their critical roles in tumor cell proliferation, apoptosis, and metastasis. Molecular docking analyses revealed strong binding affinities between Ginsenoside Rg3, and crucial protein targets, supporting its direct interaction and functional modulation. The findings provide valuable insights into the molecular basis of Ginsenoside Rg3's anticancer activity and underscore its potential as a promising therapeutic candidate for GC. Future research and clinical studies are encouraged to validate these mechanisms and evaluate the clinical applicability of Ginsenoside Rg3.

Abstract Waste to energy (WtE) is a strategic tool to address the waste management and stupendous energy demand in a country like India. This paper provides a broad examination of the technological, and economical aspects of WtE projects internationally and specifically in India. Technologically it discusses various WtE processes such as but not limited to gasification, anaerobic digestion and incineration and their suitability as well as capability of handling different types of waste. The study draws attention to the technology that makes these processes more feasible and sustainable in urban and rural areas. From an environmental stand point, the study evaluates the enormous roles played by WtE including; elimination of landfill use, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and appropriate disposal of solid wastes. It considers the environmental swapping and outlines how WtE can meet India’s Sustainable Development Goals, more specifically Sustainable Development Goals 7, 11 and 13: Affordable and Clean Energy, Sustainable Cities and Communities, Climate Action. From the economical perspective, the study performs the cost benefit evaluation, determining economic viability of WtE based projects. The research also provides information about the various factors that contribute to the lack of economic feasibility such as high initial capital investment requirements, operations issues, and government constraints. This study shows WtE projects when implemented they have massive environmental and economic benefits, but the existing infrastructure, good policies and effective stakeholders’ engagement determines the success of the projects.

Abstract Current study aims to estimate the impact of physical pretreatment of wheat stalks and corn stalks on biogas production, where two types of pretreatment were used (ultrasonic pretreatment and hydrothermal pretreatment) and three types of animal manure were used as a source of bacteria (cow, sheep and ostrich manure). The results showed a high increment in the amount of biogas generated after pretreatment, as the increase when using ultrasonic pretreatment for wheat stalks inoculated with cow, sheep, and ostrich manure were 31.92%, 20.63%, 155.24%, respectively as compared with untreated samples of wheat stalks. As for the corn stalks, the increase in the biogas when ultrasonic pretreatment for corn stalks inoculated with cow, sheep, and ostrich manure was 57.12%, 43.38%, and 173.05%, respectively, as compared with untreated samples of corn stalks. In hydrothermal pretreatment, the increase in biogas generated by pretreatment for wheat stalks inoculated with cow and sheep manure was 30.57% and 6.10 %, respectively, compared with an untreated sample of wheat stalks. In the hydrothermal pretreatment for corn stalks, the increase was 29.69% and 3.67 %, respectively as compared with untreated sample of corn stalks with the same manure above. An increase was also observed in the amount of methane generated after each of the pre-treated, as the increase in the ultrasonic pretreatment for wheat stalks inoculated cow, sheep, and ostrich manure were 25.25%, 21.96% and 160.78 %, respectively. Whereas, when ultrasonic pretreatment for corn stalks the increase was 88.06%, 54.13%, and 210.91 %, respectively. In hydrothermal pretreatment, the increase in the amount of methane for wheat stalks inoculated with cow and sheep manure was 13.59% and 13.67 %, while, in the corn stalks inoculated with cow and sheep manure was 42.90% and 27.23 %, respectively. Finally, the highest biogas and methane production was obtained when ostrich dung was used as inoculum with wheat and corn stalks pre-treated using ultrasound compared to cow and sheep manure.  A substantial accord was seen between the values that were measured and the values that were expected by the modified Gompertz model, as indicated by correlation coefficients that were ≥ 0.96.

Abstract Concrete mixture is commonly prepared from cement, sand, gravel, and water to obtain the available mix that is easy to work. However, it can be prepared with different materials for better sustainable properties that are appropriate for the severe environments. Meanwhile, the concrete for highway pavement must be prepared with high-performance properties due to dramatic high traffic load and the adverse environmental effects in recent years. The main aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of incorporating biomass waste on concrete performance. This study consisted of the production of concrete mixtures with different percentages of Papyrus Fibers (PF), Date Seeds (DS), and Olive Seeds (OS) after they were converted into powders and mixed with cement in proportions of (3, 5, 7) % by weight of cement. The samples were evaluated for compressive strength after (7, 14, and 28) of curing. The compressive strength was compared with the controlled mix. Results showed that the compressive strength of the mixture comprising PF exhibited (30, 34, 37) MPa at 28 days for percentages of (3, 5, 7) %, respectively, compared with the control mix (namely, 32 MPa). For other additives, DS exhibited (31, 28, 22) MPa, and OS (20, 18, 15) at the same curing ages and the same percentage of additives. Furthermore, the abrasion resistance test results of the 28 days cured samples with different cellulose additive types highlighted that decrement trend exists in the abrasion resistance for both wear depth and weight loss with the addition of OS (5 and 7) % or DS (3, 5 and 7) % and the decrement rate reach above (23%). Thus, adding biomass additives can improve the mechanical and durability properties if accurate optimizing percentages is comprised.

Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive thermodynamic analysis of trinary power plants, focusing on the efficiency of Organic Rankine Cycle (ORC) configurations and regenerative heating methods. Despite advancements in nuclear and renewable energy, fossil fuels still dominate electricity generation, necessitating improved efficiency in existing power plants. The study reveals that low-pressure mixing-type heaters provide higher efficiency compared to surface heaters, with net efficiencies of 0.099%, 0.227%, and 0.425% at deaerator pressures of 0.12, 0.3, and 0.7 MPa, respectively. The analysis highlights the impact of feedwater temperature on the thermal efficiency of steam turbine units (STUs), noting that while optimal feedwater temperatures enhance efficiency, they can reduce STU capacity. The study identifies configurations for regenerative heating that optimize exhaust gas temperatures, facilitating additional electricity production through a low-boiling working fluid in the ORC. The findings indicate that R245fa refrigerant is optimal for ORC without recuperative heater, achieving maximum net power at a feedwater temperature of 115°C. For ORC with a recuperative heater, R236ea is preferred for temperatures between 115°C and 154.5°C, while R245fa is optimal for higher temperatures. The results also demonstrate that trinary power plants with recuperators achieve greater efficiency and net capacity compared to double-circuit systems, with notable improvements in thermal efficiency attributed to effective regeneration schemes. This research underscores the potential for optimizing existing domestic power units to enhance their efficiency and performance without significant financial or technical burden, thereby contributing to more sustainable energy generation.

Abstract This study considers the effect of CuO (copper oxide) nanoparticles on the heat transfer performance of automotive radiators with imprint formulation while controlling the design of experiments and the factors affecting its performance. Other factors include the concentration of CuO nanoparticles, which is characterized by measuring actual thermal performance parameters such as thermal conductivity and pressure drop. The experimental design includes the configuration of the apparatus, the measuring devices and their arrangement, and the placement of thermometers and flow restrictors for efficient data collection. Externally controlled and monitored conditions include a non-restricted constant temperature space and minimal or no airflow to avoid inconsistencies in the gathered data. In this study it has been seen that with increased CuO concentrations where enhanced heat transfer was achieved, there was also a corresponding increase in flow resistance. This research justifies the need to design an appropriate experimental plan and control the measuring conditions to achieve the expected results with precision and reproducibility. This work contributes to this understanding and presents various possibilities for improving radiator performance using nanotechnology.

Abstract Additive manufacturing, particularly through fused deposition modeling (FDM), has significantly advanced rapid prototyping and customized production. However, traditional FDM practices raise environmental concerns due to energy use and waste generation. This research explores integrating bio-energy sources and advanced waste reduction techniques within FDM to enhance sustainable production practices. By implementing renewable energy sources and optimizing material usage, this approach aims to lower the carbon footprint associated with FDM. Our study reviews state-of-the-art methods such as biodegradable polymers, energy-efficient hardware, and waste-reducing design algorithms. Experimental results demonstrate that the use of recycled materials can maintain mechanical performance while enhancing sustainability. For instance, recycled PLA achieved a tensile strength of 52.4 MPa and an elongation at break of 6.1%, while recycled PHA showed a tensile strength of 59.4 MPa and an elongation at break of 5.5%. Both materials achieved high material recovery rates, with recycled PLA at 92.7% and recycled PHA at 90.2%, indicating effective closed-loop recovery. These findings indicate substantial reductions in material waste and energy consumption, promoting sustainable practices in both industrial and consumer-level FDM applications. This study contributes to the field of sustainable additive manufacturing by aligning with circular economy principles and addressing the global need for reduced environmental impact.

Abstract This research brings in the advancement of sustainable, high-performance engineering solutions where catalytic surface coatings are pursued to integrate with fused deposition modeling printed sustainable materials. The work is centered on optimization of catalytic coatings for higher efficiency and durability, which is innovatively linked with the advance chemical engineering. In probing the influence of different catalytic materials and deposition methods on FDM-printed substrates, we applied advanced surface functionalization, nano-engineering, and computational modeling techniques. Among other elements, this research approach utilized ANN with PSO algorithms in optimizing the parametric setting that best yielded high catalytic performance. The results obtained show considerable improvements in catalytic activity and the coating's lifetime, promising such applications in energy, environmental, and chemical industries. This study not only draws attention to the potential of FDM-printed sustainable materials but also demonstrates the potential of chemical engineering innovations for optimizing catalytic surface coatings toward the development of high-performance, sustainable technologies.

Abstract The demand for the development of sustainable manufacturing processes is enhanced by the necessity to optimize polymer composites, particularly in the context of fused deposition modeling (FDM). This research aims to enhance sustainable polymer composites to improve the surface metamorphosis during FDM processes. Various eco-friendly polymer matrices were integrated with novel composite reinforcements to evaluate their impact on surface quality, structural integrity, and the performance of FDM-printed components. Key surface features, including roughness (Ra), texture, and function, were quantified through both experimental and computational methods. The optimized composites led to a significant reduction in surface roughness, with Ra values improving by up to 45% compared to standard filaments. In addition, tensile strength was increased by 30% and flexural strength by 20% relative to unmodified polymer composites. Optimization strategies, guided by green chemistry principles and materials science, successfully enhanced surface finishes and functional properties, aligning with sustainability goals. The results demonstrate that optimized sustainable polymer composites can significantly improve the quality and performance of FDM prints, supporting more efficient and environmentally friendly manufacturing practices. This study contributes to advancing materials and processes in line with sustainability principles and surface engineering.

Abstract Objective:     Various personal care products previously used triclosan, a chlorinated antimicrobial agent. However, safety and environmental concerns have grown, forbidding its application. Given this fact, the present work aims to repurpose this out-of-use chemical by including it as a precursor for synthesizing nineteen triclosan-based coumarins (TBCs). Methods:  The spectrophotometric methods applied to confirm the chemical structures of TBCs were FTIR, 1 H-NMR, 13 C-NMR, and HRMS. The antimicrobial investigations were run through using broth microdilution methodology and many pathogenic microbes. These include six aerobic and four anaerobic ATCC-approved bacterial strains, as well as two fungal strains. We validated the results by comparing them with three standards: ciprofloxacin, metronidazole, and nystatin, which were based on the tested microbe. On the other hand, the biocompatibility investigations determined the ability of TBCs to inhibit the normal growth of three microbiome strains. Results:  The results revealed several conclusive points, including the bactericidal impact of the synthesized TBCs on both pathogenic and microbiome strains tested, with low and high MIC values, respectively. The impact of the synthesized TBCs on pathogenic bacteria was dependent on the number and type of substitutes on the D ring, but this was not the case for microbiome bacteria, where these two factors were of low importance. These factors also influence the activity of the synthesized TBCs against pathogenic fungi. The latter microbes exhibit a high level of sensitivity to the synthetic intermediate, which contains a carboxylic acid moiety within its structure. We concluded from these findings that the number of chlorides that deactivated the D ring directly promoted the anti-aerobic bacterial activity. The same holds true for the anti-anaerobic bacteria, albeit with the addition of nitro groups. Conclusion:  the results could provide insights into how the structure of the synthesized TBCs influences their antimicrobial activity. This renders them highly promising as potential future medicines that are robust, safe, and effective against a broad spectrum of microbes.

Abstract This paper presents innovative solutions to enhance the aerodynamic performance of the radial turbine and the efficiency of the Capstone C30 micro-gas turbine unit (micro-GTU) through the integration of a cycle air cooling system and advanced flow control mechanisms. The study investigates various flow control methods within the blade channels of the radial turbine, including splitters, triangular root fins, and inter-tier partitions. The results show that using splitters with a relative length of 0.7 increases internal relative efficiency from 80.9% to 81.75%, implementing triangular root fins enhances efficiency from 80.9% to 81.44%, and adding an inter-tier partition improves internal relative efficiency from 80.9% to 81.7%. A finned turbine configuration with splitters of relative length 0.7 achieves the highest internal relative efficiency of 82.2%. These advancements contribute to improved turbine performance and efficiency, addressing the need for enhanced domestic energy solutions in the context of distributed energy generation in Russia.

Abstract In this research it is found that number of inlets had a significant impact on combustion characteristics specifically emission of CO and unburned hydrocarbons. After the selection of number of inlets MILD investigation had been done on the effect of concentration (γ) of CO2/O2 on the combustion characteristics. It is found that by increasing the number of inlets decrease the emission level and unburned hydro carbon in outlets. For concentration of oxidizer, we find a value between 0.80-0.85 will be efficient for combustion due to minimum emission levels and unburned hydrocarbons. The research has been carried out in Ansys CFD fluent-> Energico 18.2-> Chemkin->. The model for reaction solves in energico and chemkin to generate results for unburned hydrocarbons and emission of CO.

Abstract This article presents the results of developing a mathematical model of the Capstone C30 micro-GTU in SimInTech, on the basis of which a digital twin was developed. It allows obtaining the values of the supplied electric power, turbine rotor speed, fuel pressure after the booster compressor, gas temperature after the turbine and exhaust gas temperature from sensors installed on the micro-GTU. These values are compared with the parameters calculated in the mathematical model and displayed to the operator for further analysis. The paper presents the structure of the digital twin of the Capstone C30 micro-GTU.

Abstract The first observation of an inverse nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) echo in the laboratory coordinate system was recorded in cobalt nanofilms utilizing a nanosecond-scale magnetic video-pulse. This study extends that work by investigating a similar phenomenon, this time within the rotating coordinate frame in cobalt micropowders and nanowires. The nuclear spin system’s response within the domain walls of these cobalt structures was analyzed under the combined influence of radio-frequency (RF) fields and a microsecond magnetic video-pulse. As a result, an echo signal analogous to an inversion echo in a rotating coordinate system was produced. The amplitude of the magnetic video-pulse required to generate this echo signal serves as an estimate of the domain wall pinning strength in the micropowders and nanowires. Additionally, this paper discusses the unique electroless synthesis method for cobalt nanowires within an external magnetic field utilized in this research. The experimental findings on domain wall pinning forces in these systems are presented, with potential applications including advances in logic and memory devices, sensors, rare earth magnets, medical hyperthermia, and beyond.

Abstract The trend toward a new era of sustainable production motivates the demand for compatible high-performance polymers designed for fused deposition modeling (FDM) applications. In our synthesis and characterization work toward green polymers designed in conformance with the highest stringent mechanical requirements for specific application areas of FDM technologies, we focus on polymer composite materials that are potentially both biodegradable as well as bio-based polymers. Mechanical characterization is done on the tensile strength, flexural strength, and impact resistance of the synthesized polymers. The results show that these polymers possess enough mechanical toughness for FDM. In addition, the adhesion among the layers increases with the help of these sustainable polymers, which gives the printable form. If sustainability is retained to meet the required mechanical conditions by FDM, then the outcome presents a route toward increasing their application in the manufacturing industries and adds less to the degradation of the environment while not retarding its performance. This work contributes to the field of sustainable additive manufacturing by providing viable alternatives to traditional materials, thus opening avenues for environmentally friendly and high-performance polymers to be used in FDM.

Abstract Boiler is a closed vessel that is utilized for the purpose of heating liquid, typically water, or for the generation of vapour, steam, or any combination of these substances under pressure for the purpose of external usage through the combustion of fossil fuels. In this article, a development of the mathematical expression for the mean average mixture density of water in the riser of a subcritical natural circulation boiler is presented. Though this expression is presented in several books and literature but the detailed explanation of how the expression comes from is missing. Therefore, this article is an attempt to bridge that gap.