Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Development Of A Waterjet System For Direct Delivery Of Granular Iron And Activated Carbon To Remediate Contaminated Aqueous Sediments, Gavin H.R. Risley, Andrew Curtis Elmore, Joel Gerard Burken, Grzegorz (Greg) Galecki

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

While the Techniques and Technologies Associated with Contaminated Sediment Remediation Are Relatively Mature, There Are Several Issues Associated with These Practices that Make Them Unattractive. the Inability of Currently Used Mechanical Mixing Implements to Place Amendments in Aqueous Environments and their Intrusive Behavior toward Benthic Communities Are Just Two Examples of a Necessity for an Improved Delivery Method. Waterjets May Be a Viable Option for Placement of Particulate Remediation Amendments, Such as Activated Carbon and Granular Iron, at Depth. a Custom Waterjet Nozzle and Injection System Has Been Fabricated by the Authors to Examine This Delivery Concept. the Developed Injection …

Advancements In Solid Acid Catalysts For Ecofriendly And Economically Viable Synthesis Of Biodiesel, Yogesh C. Sharma, Bhaskar Singh, John Korstad

College of Science and Engineering Faculty Research and Scholarship

Solid acid (heterogeneous) catalysts have a unique advantage in esterification and transesterification reactions which enhances the use of high acid value oil to be used as feedstock for synthesis of biodiesel. Various solid acid catalysts such as resins, tungstated and sulfated zirconia, polyaniline sulfate, heteropolyacid, metal complexes, sulfated tin oxide, zeolite, acidic ionic liquid, and others have been explored as potential heterogeneous catalysts. The activity of the catalyst differs slightly resulting in moderate to high conversion and yield. The reuse of the solid catalyst is governed by their deactivation, poisoning, and the extent of leaching in the reaction medium. The …

A Critical Review On Recent Methods Used For Economically Viable And Eco-Friendly Development Of Microalgae As A Potential Feedstock For Synthesis Of Biodiesel, Yogesh C. Sharma, Bhaskar Singh, John Korstad

College of Science and Engineering Faculty Research and Scholarship

Microalgae are being considered as a viable feedstock for large-scale production of biodiesel. However, though it may look simpler to obtain lipids from microalgae, the overall process of choosing an algal strain, cultivation, harvesting, dewatering, and extraction of oil is quite complicated and not economically prudent at this time. A thorough understanding of algae and the overall biodiesel production process discussed in this paper is vital so that focused research might lower the costs involved. Various diverse species of microalgae are currently being used as feedstocks for biofuel. Heterotrophic culture may be preferred over photoautotrophic cultivation. For cultivation, specially fabricated …

Modeling Diverse Physics Of Nanoparticle Self-Assembly In Pulsed Laser-Irradiated Metallic Films, Mikhail Khenner

Mathematics Faculty Publications

Presents physics behind dewetting of thin liquid films and mathematical/computational modeling tools (Educational/Research presentation for senior physics majors).

Stability Of A Strongly Anisotropic Thin Epitaxial Film In A Wetting Interaction With Elastic Substrate, Mikhail Khenner, Wondimu T. Tekalign, Margo S. Levine

Mathematics Faculty Publications

The linear dispersion relation for longwave surface perturbations, as derived by Levine et al. Phys. Rev. B 75, 205312 (2007) is extended to include a smooth surface energy anisotropy function with a variable anisotropy strength (from weak to strong, such that sharp corners and slightly curved facets occur on the corresponding Wulff shape). Through detailed parametric studies it is shown that a combination of a wetting interaction and strong anisotropy, and even a wetting interaction alone results in complicated linear stability characteristics of strained and unstrained films.

Stability Of A Strongly Anisotropic Thin Epitaxial Film In A Wetting Interaction With Elastic Substrate, Mikhail Khenner, Wondimu Tekalign, Margo Levine

Mathematics Faculty Publications

The linear dispersion relation for longwave surface perturbations, as derived by Levine et al. Phys. Rev. B 75, 205312 (2007) is extended to include a smooth surface energy anisotropy function with a variable anisotropy strength (from weak to strong, such that sharp corners and slightly curved facets occur on the corresponding Wulff shape). Through detailed parametric studies it is shown that a combination of a wetting interaction and strong anisotropy, and even a wetting interaction alone results in complicated linear stability characteristics of strained and unstrained films.

Computational Models Of Chemical Systems Inspired By Braess’ Paradox, Dante Lepore, Carl Barratt, Pauline Schwartz

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications

Systems chemistry is a new discipline which investigates the interactions within a network of chemical reactions. We have studied several computational models of chemical systems inspired by mathematical paradoxes and have found that even simple systems may behave in a counterintuitive, non-linear manner depending upon various conditions. In the present study, we modeled a set of reactions inspired by one such paradox, Braess’ paradox, an interesting phenomenon whereby the introduction of additional capacity (e.g. pathways) in some simple network systems can lead to an unexpected reduction in the overall flow rate of “traffic” through the system. We devised several chemical …

Reinforced Chitosan-Based Heart Valve Scaffold And Utility Of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells For Cardiovascular Tissue Engineering, Mohammad Z. Albanna

Wayne State University Dissertations

Recent research has demonstrated a strong correlation between the differentiation profile of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and scaffold stiffness. Chitosan is being widely studied for tissue engineering applications due to its biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, its use in load-bearing applications is limited due to moderate to low mechanical properties. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of a fiber reinforcement method for enhancing the mechanical properties of chitosan scaffolds. Chitosan fibers were fabricated using a solution extrusion and neutralization method and incorporated into porous chitosan scaffolds. The effects of different fiber/scaffold mass ratios, fiber mechanical properties and fiber lengths on …

Methodological Study On Technology Integration For Sustainable Manufacturing In The Surface Finishing Industry, Tamer Girgis

Wayne State University Dissertations

Today, industries explore advanced techniques to enhance their development efforts to meet the goals of sustainability due to various challenges which is caused by industrial globalization, high energy and raw material costs, increased environmental regulations and social pressures, and new technological innovations. In order for an industrial process to become sustainable, it is essential to improve the process inputs efficiency from raw materials and energy while maintaining highest productivity and quality; in addition to, minimizing waste generation and the impact on the environment. Engaging in industrial sustainability requires major efforts from decision makers to implement advanced technologies to satisfy each …

Impact Of Porogens On The Pore Characteristics Of Zirconia Particles Made By Polymer-Induced Colloid Aggregation, Abhinandan Pattanayak, Anuradha Subramanian

Anuradha Subramanian Publications

Zirconia particles were prepared from a 20% colloidal sol (ZrO₂) by the polymer-induced colloid aggregation (PICA) process, both in the presence and absence of porogens. Specifically, porous zirconia particles having varying porosity were prepared by a two-step protocol wherein a porogen was first embedded during the particle synthesis, followed by its removal in a subsequent step. In this research study, the ability of four different types of porogens, viz. fumed silica, micronized high molecular weight polyethylene emulsion ME09730, and microcrystalline waxes ME48040M2 and ME98040M1, to impact the pore size, porosity, and pore area were investigated. Particle morphology and …

New Media Icc Profiles Construction And Concerns, Reem El Asaleh

Dissertations

With the advent of the modern digital technology, users can now capture an image and reproduce it between different media, such as display it on LCD monitor or tablet computer, print it on desktop printer or send it to a printing press. The challenge has been then to maintain the accuracy of image colors during this reproduction, which has led to the development of Color Management Systems. Using these systems, the color reproduction across-media will be accomplished using device ICC profiles that describe each device’s color characterization data in a standardized format based on International Color Consortium (ICC) specifications.

ICC …

A Study On The Use Of Inverse Opals Composed Of Zinc Oxide Aggregate Popcorn Particles To Improve The Efficiency Of Dye- Sensitized Solar Cells, Roger Chang

Dissertations and Theses

"In this work, modifications applicable to the working electrode of a dye--‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) are explored in order to enhance efficiency. Certain compositional and structural changes to the architecture of the electrode are examined. First, the ZnO nanoparticles that are commonly utilized in DSSCs are replaced with ZnO nanoparticle aggregates, also known as ZnO popcorn particles. Subsequently, electrophoretic deposition (EPD) is used to assemble the popcorn particles into an inverse opal structure. This is a unique application of EPD, which has previously been used to infiltrate nanoparticles (d ≤20nm range) Into opal templates, demonstrating the applicability of the technique …

Hydration Repulsion Effects Of The Formation Of Supported Lipid Bylayers, Selver Ahmed, Rajesh Raman Madathingal, Stephanie L. Wunder, Yanjing Chen, Geoffrey D. Bothun

Chemical, Biomolecular, and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

When zwitterionic lipids fuse onto substrates such as silica (SiO₂), the water of hydration between the two approaching surfaces must be removed, giving rise to an effective hydration repulsion. Removal of water around the polar headgroups of the lipid and the silanols (SiOH) of SiO₂ allows supported lipid bilayer (SLB) formation, although an interstitial water layer remains between the lipid and surface. The importance of hydration repulsion in SLB formation is demonstrated by monitoring fusion of zwitterionic lipids onto silica (SiO2) nanoparticles heat treated to control the silanol group (SiOH) density and thus the amount of bound …

Thermoelectric Properties Of ZnXInYOX+1.5y Films, Otto J. Gregory, Matin Amani

Chemical, Biomolecular, and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Ceramic thin film thermocouples are being developed to replace noble metal thermocouples operating within the harsh environments of advanced turbine engines used for power generation and propulsion. Seebeck coefficients as large as 158 V/°C were determined for indium oxide (In₂O₃) at 950°C and 256 V/°C for zinc oxide ZnO at 1250°C relative to platinum reference electrodes. Because these Seebeck coefficients are appreciably larger than those for metallic thermocouples, alloys in the system indium zinc oxide Zn_xIn_yO_x+1.5y were investigated by cosputtering from high purity ZnO and In₂O₃ targets. Thermocouple …

Multicomponent Folate-Targeted Magnetoliposomes: Design, Characterization, And Cellular Uptake, Geoffrey D. Bothun, Alline Lelis, Yanjing Chen, Kyle Scully, Linnea E. Anderson, Matthew A. Stoner

Chemical, Biomolecular, and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Folate-targeted cationic magnetoliposomes (FTMLs) have been prepared with coencapsulated doxorubicin (DOX) and anionic superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles (NPs) with 5 nm γ-Fe₂O₃ cores and 16 nm hydrodynamic diameters. NP encapsulation (89%) was confirmed by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and the presence of the oppositely charged NPs did not cause liposome aggregation. The FTMLs had an average diameter of 174 ± 53 nm and existed as unilamellar and cup-shaped liposomes, which was attributed to dissimilar lipid packing parameters and the presence of PEG-lipids. A 3-fold increase in DOX release was achieved over 2 hours when the …

A Novel Biodiesel And Glycerol Carbonate Production Plant, Nghi T. Nguyen, Yaşar Demirel

Yaşar Demirel Publications

Crude glycerol is the byproduct of biodiesel production plant and the economic value of glycerol may affect the profitability of the biodiesel production plant. As the production rate of bioglycerol increases, its market values drop considerably. Therefore, conversion of bioglycerol into value-added products can reduce the overall cost, hence, leading to a more economical biodiesel production plant. In a direct carboxylation reaction, CO₂ reacts with glycerol to produce glycerol carbonate and water. This study presents a direct comparison of the economic analysis of the conventional biodiesel production plant and the possible next generation biodiesel-glycerol carbonate production plant. At the …

Using Thermally Coupled Reactive Distillation Columns In Biodiesel Production, Nghi Nguyen, Yaşar Demirel

Yaşar Demirel Publications

Production of ethyl dodecanoate (biodiesel) using lauric acid and methanol with a solid acid catalyst of sulfated zirconia is studied by using two distillation sequences. In the first sequence, the methanol recovery column follows the reactive distillation column. In the second sequence, the reactive distillation and methanol recovery columns are thermally coupled. Thermally coupled distillation sequences may consume less energy by allowing interconnecting vapor and liquid streams between the two columns to elminate reboiler or condenser or both. Here we study the thermally coupled side-stripper reactive distillation and eliminate the condenser of the reactive distillation column. Both the sequences are …

Investigation Of Microbubble/Droplet Formation In Cross-Flow And Co-Flow Micro Devices, Tom J. John

Doctoral Dissertations

The primary goal of the work presented in this dissertation is to generate microbubbles of a diameter of less than 15μm inside micro channels. In order to achieve this detailed understanding, the facts and limitations behind the generation of microbubbles inside a micro channel are determined from existing literature. The major limitations of the current bubble/droplet generators are found to be the bubble confinement effect, the merging of bubbles, the difficulty in determining bubble diameter and the need for smaller channels to generate smaller bubbles. A device eliminating these drawbacks is conceptualized, and its feasibility is studied using COMSOL® and …

The Impact Of Driving Conditions On Phev Battery Performance, Nathan Christensen, John Patten, Steven Srivastava, Gary P. Nola

Green Manufacturing Research Journal

The battery performance of a modified Prius with a 5 kWh plug-in battery was documented for a year to determine the impact of environmental conditions and user attributes on vehicle performance.  Both fuel economy and pure electrical efficiency were compared to ambient temperature.  The fuel economy has a positive relationship with ambient temperature until approximately 70˚F where the efficiency begins to drop.  Electrical performance has a positive linear relationship with ambient temperature.  With the emergence of electric vehicles (EVs) and PHEVs from a variety of automotive manufacturers, information on EV and PHEV performance for consumers will become more important.

Catalytic Process For The Conversion Of Synthesis Gas To Ethanol For Use As An Alternative Fuel, Nitin Kumar

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Higher alcohols are increasing as a proportion of the transportation fuel market, and can be used as neat fuels, or as blends with conventional fuels. For a number of reasons, these C2+-alcohols will be of interest in the foreseeable future. Large-scale production of higher alcohols will likely be carried out via syngas, which can be produced from a number of feedstocks, including coal, natural gas and biomass. Rhodium-based catalysts have been found to be the most active/selective for higher alcohols. However, the literature shows that the yields of C2+-alcohols that can be achieved with current catalysts, even the most active/selective, …