Engineering Commons^™

Measuring Selectivity Of Ion Exchange Resin For Use In Activated Wafer Electrodeionization, Hope M. Coffman

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Ion exchange resins are a type of ion exchange material used throughout industry. Their insolubility allows for the exchange of ions and an easy separation of the resin itself. They are used alone in industry, but they are also found in processes such as electrodialysis and electrodeionization. This research investigates the selectivity of chloride form ion exchange resin in the presence of solutions of lactate and formate ions. The work of this thesis is a part of a larger study investigating the conversion and separation of glucose into lactic acid via coupled electrocatalysis and electrodialysis. The results of this study …

Composition And Rich/Lean Loading-Dependent Density Measurements Of A Series Of Aqueous Ionic Amines For Co2 Capture, Claudia Nguyen

Honors Theses

As climate change worsens worldwide, there is a drive to develop more efficient and sustainable methods to mitigate its impact through carbon capture methods like carbon dioxide scrubbing. Carbon scrubbing directly captures carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industries or power plants before they are released into the environment. The CO2 captured can be utilized for various applications or can be stored underground. However, this method faces numerous challenges, such as the degradation of the solvent or corrosion of equipment. As a result, research has expanded to find a better medium to overcome these issues. In particular, aqueous ionic amines (AIA) …

Tuning The Morphology Of Triblock Copolymers Via Homopolymer Blending, John F. Searles

Honors Theses

Morphology plays an important role in the physical properties of block copolymer (BCP) materials. Depending on the type of morphology and chemical composition of the blocks, BCPs are used in applications ranging from soft biomaterials for biomedical devices to rigid materials for ballistics protection. Due to incompatibility between comonomers and required block weight ratios to achieve targeted morphologies, it is generally necessary to use complex, time-consuming, and expensive synthetic techniques to prepare BCPs. As a result, there is increased interest in the development of new processing methods to tailor block copolymer morphology without the need for additional synthesis. The morphological …

The Effect Of Catalyst Choice On Biodiesel Yield And Quality Using Waste Cooking Oil As A Feedstock, Neka Long

Honors Theses

Biodiesel is one current area of interest as a replacement for traditional diesel fuel. Benefits of biodiesel include that it can be derived from renewable resources, and it possesses properties similar to that of traditional diesel fuel. Biodiesel is often produced through a catalyzed transesterification process, which involves the use of a catalyst to aid in the conversion of triglycerides into alkyl esters. A method called the transesterification double step process (TDSP) was researched and used in this project due to the success seen using this method for the conversion of waste cooking oil to biodiesel. In this project, four …

Cooperative And Bifunctional Ga-Ca-Cr2o3@Cao Structured Monoliths As Versatile Platform For Reactive Capture Of Co2 And Its Subsequent Conversion To Ethylene, Khaled Baamran, Ali A. Rownaghi

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Cooperative and bifunctional materials (BFMs) that integrate adsorbents and catalysts offer a promising strategy for the reactive capture of CO₂ to produce valuable fuels and chemicals. In this study, we developed structured BFMs via 3D printing that combine CaO as an adsorbent with Ga–Ca–Cr₂O₃ metal oxides as the catalyst for the reactive capture of CO₂ and its subsequent conversion to C₂H₄ via the oxidative dehydrogenation of C₂H₆ (CO₂-ODHE). Three different Ga–Ca compositions were used to modify the catalyst surface characteristics and enhance C₂H₄ selectivity. …

Mechanistic Insights Into Polymer-Assisted Graphene Exfoliation: The Roles Of Velocity, Adhesion, Cohesion, Temperature, Peeling Mode, And Edge Defect Via Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics, Linjiale Dai

All Theses

Graphene exfoliation is a critical step in the fabrication of high-quality graphene

layers. However, the underlying fracture mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this

work, I employed coarse-grained (CG) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to

investigate how factors such as interfacial binding energy, substrate cohesion, temperature,

peeling mode, and edge defects influence the outcome of the exfoliation process. To model

polymer-assisted mechanical exfoliation, I used a finite-size system in which multilayer

graphene (MLG) is sandwiched between two thin polymer films. Leveraging the

spatiotemporal efficiency of the CG model, I performed fifty simulation iterations per

parameter set and analyzed the results from a …

Assessment Of H2s-Induced Cracking Susceptibility In Steam Line Pipes And Weld Zones During Geothermal Well Construction, Riene Kaelamanda Pragitta, Yudha Pratesa

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

The susceptibility of steam line pipes, especially in the HAZ (heat-affected zone) and weldment areas, to hydrogen sulfide in the geothermal industry is crucial to understand from the early stages, particularly during construction. The combination of tensile stress from residual stresses after welding and metallurgical phase transformation makes the joint areas vulnerable to sulfide stress cracking. This condition becomes even more extreme when the equipment operates during the well stimulation phase. This research assesses the severity of H₂S-induced cracking using NACE MR0175 and ISO 15156-1 standards, focusing on the effects of pH and partial pressure of H₂S (p_{H₂S …}

Effects Of Different Blue Light Conditions On Saos-2 Cell Viability, Differentiation, And Mineralization, Jamielyn Alcantara Jarvis

Theses and Dissertations

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is a low-intensity light therapy that uses non-ionizing forms of energy to induce a directed cellular response. Prior work has investigated the effects of blue light exposure at energy densities ranging from 1 J/cm2 to 10 J/cm2 on osteogenic differentiation of human gingival mesenchymal stem cells (hGMSCs), human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs), and stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs) and shown promising outcomes at 4 J/cm2 and then having a detrimental impact at higher energy densities. One key caveat in prior studies is that the blue light energy density was modulated by changing the light exposure …

Modelling Virus Filtration And Virus Reduction By An Advanced Multilayer Model: Retention Distribution And The Effect Of Product Aggregates, Hironobu Shirataki, Remo Leisi, Junji Hdaka, S. Rancil Wickramasinghe

Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Robust virus reduction and high permeability are characteristic properties of virus filters, which are modeled as having an asymmetric multilayer membrane structure with a pore size distribution. In this study, an advanced heterogeneous multilayer model for the multicomponent solution containing viruses, protein monomers and aggregates, has been developed to reproduce the filtration behavior, virus reduction, and virus/protein retention distribution in the virus filter with asymmetric membrane structure. Calculations based on the multilayer membrane structure with consideration of the effect of aggregate size and concentration numerically reproduce the experimental results that virus LRV (log reduction value) decreases when a large number …

Incorporating Recycled And Repurposed Plastic Into 100% Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement, Basant Bhatt

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

The increasing awareness of sustainability in the asphalt industry has driven the use of recycled materials like reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) and waste plastic. This study examines the incorporation of recycled polypropylene (rPP), recycled high-density polyethylene (rHDPE), and recycled low-density polyethylene (rLDPE) at 0.3%, 0.6%, and 0.8% dosages into 100% RAP, along with the warm mix asphalt additive Evotherm® P25. Laboratory tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical and durability performance of the modified asphalt mixtures while rutting and fatigue life were evaluated using mechanistic-empirical (ME) analysis in PerRoad software. Both plastic type and dosage had a statistically significant impact …

Development Of Translational Microscale Systems To Interrogate How Biophysical And Biochemical Cues Alter The Phenotype Of Hormone Positive Breast Cancer, Braulio Ortega Quesada

All Dissertations

Cancer is a complicated disease and one in every three diagnoses are women with breast cancer. Recent research shows that the progression of cancer depends strongly on interactions with other non-cancerous cells and non-cellular components. Metastasis, the spread of cancer to other parts of the body, is a key step in cancer progression and makes treatment harder, leading to poor response to treatments culminating in death in ~90% of patients. This dissertation focused on creating a series of microdevices as novel pre-clinical models of breast cancer. Two different devices were fabricated to (1) study how exposing cancer cells to the …

Design And Characterization Of Lignin-Based, Thermoresponsive Soft Composites With Improved Mechanical And Transport Properties, Missoury D. Wolff

All Dissertations

In an attempt to reduce reliance on petroleum-based polymers, lignin – an abundant biopolymer – has gained popularity as a sustainable alternative. However, research on lignin-containing soft composites – i.e., hydrogel (bio)composites – has largely been heuristic, providing limited insight into the fundamental structure-processing-property relationships that govern performance improvements in this emerging class of ‘green’ soft composites. As such, this dissertation presents a systematic investigation of how lignin molecular weight (MW), composite composition, and the concentrations of crosslinker and accelerator impact the mechanical and transport characteristics of soft composites composed of lignin, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm), and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA).

In the …

Computationally Guided Liquid Crystal-Based Competitive Binding Sensing Platform For Optical Detection Of Spike Protein, Homa Ghaiedi, Shubham Pandey, Sophia Ezendu, Tibor Szilvasi, Karthik Nayani

Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

A liquid crystal (LC)-based sensing platform for the rapid optical detection of SARS-CoV-2 ' s spike protein's receptor binding domain (RBD) domain is introduced. This platform utilizes a thermotropic LC, hosted on metal-cation decorated substrates, onto which the spike protein can competitively bind. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations guide the experiments that reveal a homeotropic-to-planar transition in the LCs upon exposure to SARS-CoV-2 spike-decorated yeast, providing a basis for sensitive virus detection. The sensor's reversibility/specificity is confirmed through antibody-induced orientation recovery of the LCs initial orientation. Strikingly, the sensor can detect approximate to 2000 copies of the spike protein per …

Utilization Of Imidazolium Ionic Liquids For Enhanced Oil Recovery In Harsh Emirati Tight Carbonate Oil Reservoirs, Noran Hussein Mousa

Dissertations

In response to the increasing global demand for energy and the limitations of traditional chemical oil recovery methods, this study explores the potential of imidazolium-based ionic liquids (ILs) as enhanced oil recovery (EOR) agents for Emirati tight oil reservoirs. Four ILs—C10mimCl, C12mimCl, C12mimBF4, and C16mimBr—were evaluated for their effects on the interfacial tension (IFT), wettability, emulsification, and rheological properties under reservoir conditions. Experiments conducted at varying salinities, temperatures (up to 110°C), and IL concentrations (500–3000 ppm) demonstrated that longer alkyl chain ILs, particularly C16mimBr, effectively reduced IFT by >99% and improved wettability by lowering contact angles down to 15.37°. Statistical …

Kinetic Growth Rate Analysis Of Coelastrella Sp. In Aquaculture Wastewater., Rob Skarvan

Master of Engineering Theses

The demand for sustainable food and energy production continues to rapidly rise. Utilizing aquaculture wastewater as microalgae growth medium is a potential opportunity for nutrient recycling and industrial symbiosis, but more research is required to understand how best to design and scale-up a dual-purpose facility. This study investigates the growth of Coelastrella sp. in aquaculture wastewater compared to industry-standard growth medium BG-11 and modified tap water as controls. Though cell size and pigment density varied throughout media, aquaculture wastewater performed very comparably to BG-11 as a microalgae culture broth.

The Monod equation can model Coelastrella sp. growth based …

Algorithms For Feature Extraction And Optimisation Of Object Recognition Operator, Hudayberdiev Xakkulmirzayevich Mirzaakbar, Bobomurod Mamitjonovich Tojiboev, Feruza Komiljonovna Samadova

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This paper deals with the development and analysis of feature extraction and optimisation algorithms for object recognition operators. Different algorithms are used to improve the efficiency of recognition operators in the automatic analysis of remote sensing images. The information model of objects and methods for selecting, extracting and optimising their features have been studied. The issue of extracting important features of objects using spectral, textural and statistical features and constructing optimal operators based on them has also been studied. Effective approaches based on the theory of convex hulls and multidimensional analysis methods have been proposed, taking into account the mutual …

Determination Of Optimal Parameters For Quality Drying Of Garlic Using The Vibro-Convective Method, Jasur Safarov, Shakhnoza Sultanova, Abdurakhmon Mirkomilov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This article examines the process of drying garlic using a low-temperature vibratory-convective drying system. At the "Service Technology" department of Tashkent State Technical University, a vibratory dryer was developed to ensure high-quality drying of garlic while maximizing the preservation of its biologically active compounds. Through experimental studies, optimal drying parameters were determined, including the degree of moisture removal, process duration, airflow velocity, and vibration acceleration. The results obtained contribute to enhancing the efficiency and quality of garlic drying, which holds practical significance for agricultural producers and consumers interested in healthy nutrition.

Artificial Intelligence Applications For Grid-Connected Solar Inverters, Utkirjon Ubaydullaev, Sarvinoz Mirzaeva, Hasan Mustafoev

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

The increasing global demand for renewable energy has highlighted the importance of grid-connected solar inverters in ensuring efficient and stable power conversion. However, challenges such as fluctuations in solar energy generation, grid disturbances, and power quality issues necessitate advanced control strategies. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into solar inverters presents a transformative solution, enhancing performance, adaptability, and reliability in real-world applications.

This review explores the role of AI techniques, including machine learning (ML), deep learning (DL), fuzzy logic, and reinforcement learning (RL), in optimizing key inverter functionalities such as maximum power point tracking (MPPT), fault detection, power quality enhancement, …

Detection Of Http Flood Attacks Based On Machine Learning Algorithms, Norbek Karimov, Furkat Rakhmatov, Oybek Xolmuminov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This paper analyzes the effectiveness of Random Forest and SVM models for detecting HTTP Flood attacks. Experimental results demonstrate that both models achieve high accuracy. Evaluation was conducted using Precision, Recall, and F1 Score metrics. Additionally, key features of network traffic were extracted through correlation analysis to enable real-time application of the models in attack detection. The findings provide important insights into detecting DDoS attacks using machine learning and improving model performance.

Security In Biometric Access Control Systems Based On Fingerprints, Elmurad Jamuradovich Qilichev, Baxodir Saydullaevich Achilov, Ismoil Ergash OʻGʻLi Isroilov, Mirshod Mirkomil O'G'Li Ahmadov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This article analyzes biometric access control systems using fingerprints. The article considers the advantages of using biometric technologies, including solutions aimed at ensuring security, protecting users' personal data, and increasing the efficiency of systems. A detailed explanation of the principles of operation of fingerprint biometric systems, their underlying algorithms, and technological advances is provided. Problems that arise when assessing the level of security, ease of use, and technological and social aspects of biometric access systems and methods for combating them are also covered. At the end of the article, opinions are expressed about the future of fingerprint-based biometric systems and …

Studying The Technology For Obtaining Zinc Chloride From Spent Supporter Waste In Ammonia Production, A.T. Dadaxo‘Jaev, Sodikjon Kadirov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This article presents the results of research on the recycling of spent zinc adsorbents formed during the ammonia production process, aimed at obtaining zinc chloride (ZnCl₂), which can be utilized in various industrial sectors, including electroplating. The research covers the optimization of technological parameters such as hydrochloric acid concentration, temperature, and reaction time to efficiently extract zinc chloride. The experiments revealed that the best results are achieved by using a 20% hydrochloric acid solution, at a temperature of 60°C, with a reaction time of 60 minutes. The resulting 40% zinc chloride solution was tested in electroplating production, where it met …

Development Of Fuzzy Ontology For Explainable Artificial Intelligence For Decision-Making In Fuzzy Environment, Pavel Kosov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

In modern artificial intelligence systems, there is an acute need to understand the decision-making logic of "black box" algorithms. Our research proposes an innovative method for increasing the transparency of such systems through the formalization of fuzzy explanatory mechanisms. We have developed an extension of existing ontological approaches by introducing the concept of fuzziness into the structure of explanatory properties, which allows overcoming the fundamental limitations of traditional XAI methods. The proposed formalization is based on the theory of collective mental models and principles of fuzzy logic, providing a more accurate reflection of uncertainty and subjectivity in expert knowledge. Our …

Research Of The Dynamic Characteristics Of A Time-Pulse Ultrasonic Sensor, Aliev Ravshan, A.U. Djalilov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This article investigates the dynamic characteristics of a time-pulsed ultrasonic sensor used to measure water flow in open channels. The operating principle of the sensor, its response time in various hydrodynamic conditions, speed, and factors affecting measurement accuracy are analyzed. In the process of research, the improved ultrasonic sensor was tested and its effectiveness in measuring water flow in real time was evaluated. The results obtained showed that the sensor adapts to the velocity, temperature and turbulence level of the water flow. Based on the results of the research, the possibilities of working of time-impulse ultrasound sensors in open channels …

Application Of Quantum Algorithms In Optimization Of Cognitive Decision-Making Systems, Noilakhon Yakubova

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

The article analyzes the potential of quantum algorithms for optimizing cognitive decision-making systems in production processes in the energy sector. Compared with traditional algorithms, quantum algorithms allow high-speed processing of large amounts of variable data in real time and solving multiparameter problems based on an integrated approach. The study considers uncertainties and issues of increasing efficiency in the processes of production and distribution of electricity using a cognitive model. The integration of quantum algorithms into this model allows developing optimal strategies for using resources in production. A heating boiler was taken as a control object, and taking into account its …

Algorithms For Fast Fire Risk Prediction And Real-Time Data Processing, Mirzoyan Mirzaaxmedovich Kamilov, Tolaniddin Ramziddinovich Nurmukhamedov, Oybek Zokirovich Koraboshev, Bakhodir Saydullayevich Achilov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

Ensuring fire safety in facilities with high fire risk is one of the pressing problems of modern society. Nowadays, there is a great need for accurate and effective prediction systems for fire prevention and rapid response. Since traditional methods do not provide the ability to quickly analyze and predict in real time, the development of algorithms and modern approaches using modern technologies is of great importance. This article analyzes fire risk prediction algorithms, their principles of operation and effectiveness, and considers methods for assessing and predicting fire risk using Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Big Data technologies. The …

Influence Of Substrate Temperature On The Properties Of Reactive Dc Magnetron Co-Sputtered Ag-Doped Tio2 Thin Films, Hezekiah B. Sawa

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This study reports on the influence of substrate temperature on the properties of Ag-doped TiO2 thin films. The films were deposited by reactive DC co-sputtering of Ti and Ag targets at different substrate temperatures and Ag target sputtering powers. Grazing incident X-ray diffractometer confirmed that all films were polycrystalline with dominant peak oriented along (101) planes representing the anatase TiO2 phase. The average grain size of the samples improved with increase in deposition temperature. At a substrate temperature of 450 ℃, the samples had a dominant peak representing the rutile phase, suggesting partial transformation from anatase to rutile phase. The …

Cellulose Recovery From Waste Denim Fabrics Through Indigo Vat Dye Reduction And Spandex Dissolution, Tito N. Venance

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This study addresses environmental conservation by tackling end-of-life management for post-consumer denim garments through the recycling of cotton fibres from waste denim. The purification process involved dithionite reduction of vat dyes in the presence of an alkali followed by selective dissolution of spandex using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). Optimal conditions for dye removal were determined at 90°C for 120 minutes with sodium hydroxide at 25 g/L, sodium dithionite at 6 g/L and PVP at 4.5 g/L, while spandex extraction was achieved using a 5% DMF solution at 70°C for 4 hours. Ultraviolet (UV)-vis spectrophotometric analysis indicated a significant increase in whiteness (DL*). …

Assessment Of Factors Contributing On Early Rotting Of Chromated Copper Arsenate Treated Utility Power Distribution Wood Poles In Tanzania, Innocent J. Macha

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The study aimed to assess the factors contributing to the premature decay of Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) treated utility power distribution wooden poles in Tanzania. Deteriorated poles samples from various regions in Tanzania were analyzed using handheld X-ray spectrometry to quantify the retention of CCA preservative chemicals. The ages of these poles were estimated based on annual growth rings. The findings indicated that premature failure of CCA treated wooden poles is attributed to an imbalance in the chemical composition of the preservative solution. The study found that CuO retention in most samples ranged between 10-18 kg/m3, significant lower that the …

Effect Of The Cao Catalyst Concentration Based On Barnacle Shells (Tetraclita Squamosa) On Biodiesel Production From Coconut Oil, Rinjani Rakasiwi, Sri Rezeki, Nurul Hafiza, Wivina Diah Ivontianti

Makara Journal of Technology

Barnacle shells are a source of the calcium oxide (CaO) catalyst, which is nontoxic, highly alkaline, and biodegradable. This study aims to determine the characteristics and the effect of the CaO catalyst concentration obtained from the calcination of barnacle shell particles at a temperature of 900 ℃ for 2 and 4 h on the transesterification reaction of biodiesel from coconut oil. Transesterification was conducted at 65℃ for 2 h with a methanol/coconut oil molar ratio of 6:1. The concentration of the CaO catalyst was varied (i.e., 1wt%, 3wt%, 5wt%, 7wt%, and 9wt%) for coconut oil. The results of the characterization …

Production Of Potassium-Rich Biofertilizer From Composted Banana Peels And Watermelon Rinds, Neema O. Msuya

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This study investigated the production of biofertilizer from composted banana peels and watermelon rinds, focusing on the mineral content and its impact on plant growth. The process involved characterizing raw materials, producing biofertilizer, analyzing mineral concentrations (potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus), and evaluating its quality through Spiny Amaranth seed growth. A compost bin with three compartments was designed, testing three composting ratios of banana peels to watermelon rinds (2:1, 1:2 and 1:1). Composting was monitored on moisture content, pH, organic matter, and temperature for 37 days. The 1:1 ratio had the lowest temperature (33.45°C) and highest pH (7.08), while the 2:1 …