Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Computer-Aided Molecular Design To Identify More Environmentally Friendly Pfas, Melvin M. Keita

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The goal of this project is to inversely design alternatives to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) using Computer-Aided Molecular Design (CAMD). PFAS, also described as “forever chemicals”, have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. PFAS can be found in drinking water, food, food packaging, waste sites, and other sources. Exposure to different PFAS can lead to increased risks of some cancers, immune effects, and reproductive effects. Pulling from existing data, this project will use quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPRs) to design PFAS alternatives that possess optimal properties to prevent adsorption into drinking water and other potential sources …

Bio-Papcz: Corn Starch-Based Composite Bioplastic Reinforced With Pineapple Leaf Fiber (Palf), Zinc Oxide (Zno), And Polyvinyl Alcohol (Pva), Marvin C. Caya, Shervin Austin C. Huang, Jovar Khalel J. Maghari, Ruel M. Levida

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

Plastic pollution poses a serious global threat, as petroleum-based plastics persist for centuries, and their surging production of over 450 million tons overwhelms ecosystems (Ritchie et al., 2023). Using a quantitative experimental research design, the study examined the effects of varying concentrations of cornstarch-based bioplastic reinforced with pineapple leaf fiber (PALF), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and zinc oxide (ZnO) on the bioplastic’s tensile strength and soil degradability. Sample C2 (ZnO 3.0 %w/w; PVA 9.0 %w/w) demonstrated the optimal tensile properties with a tensile strength of 0.76 MPa and an elongation at break of 6.40%, which was attributed to the addition of …

Two Members Of The Editorial Board Of Journal Electrochemistry, Kai Wu Elected As An Academician Of The Chinese Academy Of Engineering And Yi Cui A Foreign Academician Of The Chinese Academy Of Sciences, Editorial Office Of J.Electrochem.

Journal of Electrochemistry

No abstract provided.

Electrochemical Characterization And Modulation Of Biological Processes, Yue-Qi Li, Wei-Hua Huang, De-Chen Jiang, Bao-Hong Liu, Bin Su, Yang Tian, Jing-Juan Xu, Ping Yu, Feng Zhao, Huang-Xian Ju, Jing-Hong Li

Journal of Electrochemistry

Electrochemical processes lie at the core of biological function, governing energy transduction, metabolic flux, and molecular signaling. Recent advances in electrochemical science now allow these processes to be probed and controlled with unprecedented spatial, temporal, and chemical resolution. In this review, we present an integrated framework that progresses from fundamental mechanisms to analytical technologies and functional modulation. We begin by outlining electron transfer pathways in mitochondrial respiration, microbial extracellular electron transfer, and DNA- and protein-based charge conduction, followed by the principles of photon-electron conversion in photosynthesis and the central role of redox equilibrium in coordinating cellular responses. We then highlight …

A Novel Electrolyte Pyridine Additive For Enhancing Cycle Life Of Lithium-Ion Batteries, Peng-Cheng Wang, Ding-Chang Li, Jun-Tao Li, Guang-Bo Lu, Shi-Wen Wang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery using a graphite (Gr.) anode and a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄, LFP) cathode (Gr.||LFP) has been widespread in energy storage. To match the warranty period of energy storage systems, the lifespan of this kind of Li-ion battery, not only under room temperature but also under relatively high temperature, is critical. Exploration of functional electrolyte additive provides an efficient approach to address this issue. This study reports the usage of pyridine (Py) as a new electrolyte functional additive for Gr.||LFP. In the first cycle, it was found that Py can be reduced before ethylene carbonate and …

Journal Of Electrochemistry Officially Indexed By Leading Oa Databases Oarl And Coaj, Editorial Office Of J.Electrochem.

Journal of Electrochemistry

No abstract provided.

Feature Column Of Journal Of Electrochemistry Nominated For 2025 Top 10 Famous Columns Of Fujian Provincial Newspapers And Periodicals, Editorial Office Of J.Electrochem.

Journal of Electrochemistry

No abstract provided.

Assessment Of The Melt Quality Of A 30% Scrap Adc12 Aluminium Alloy Using The Inclusion And Fluidity Measurement Instrument (Ifmi) With Mullite Ceramic Filters, Gusti Ruri Ruri Lestari, Sandya Ananda Riswan, Muhammad Anis, Ahmad Ashari, Paramita Vidya Ayuningtyas, Bambang Suharno Prof, Donanta Dhaneswara

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

The increasing demand for sustainable practices in the metal casting industry has driven the use of recycled aluminum alloys such as ADC12. However, the addition of aluminum scrap tends to increase oxide inclusions, which reduce melt fluidity and compromise casting quality. This study utilizes the Inclusion and Fluidity Measurement Instrument (IFMI), equipped with mullite ceramic filters, to assess the melt quality of ADC12 aluminum alloy containing 30% scrap. Fluidity and inclusion characteristics were evaluated at five pouring temperatures (660°C, 680°C, 700°C, 720°C, and 740°C). The results show that fluidity increased with temperature, reaching a peak of 84.6 g·s⁻¹ at 740°C, …

Equipment Criticality Analysis To Determine Asset Integrity Management System Scheme In Supporting Production Optimization Scenarios In The Aeging Field, Donny Andryanto, Donanta Dhaneswara

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

This research investigates the production decline and cost increase in the X&Y oil and gas fields from 2022 to 2023. Production fell by 34%, while production costs per barrel rose by 79%. To address these issues, a series of optimization processes are proposed. These aim to restructure and enhance the production facilities to reduce current production costs. The optimizations include reducing pressure at the PPP Platform in 2024. Additional steps include shutting down CPP-ORF 14” pipelines and most processes at CPP 2 Platform by 2027 to convert it into an accommodation platform. Further, the plan involves optimizing the release of …

An Overview Of Biomass-Derived Graphene Oxide And Its Characteristics For Future Sustainable Applications, Afif Wardana, Ahmad Nabil Shahab, Donanta Dhaneswara, Nofrijon Sofyan

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

The production of graphene oxide (GO) from biomass presents considerable promise as a sustainable alternative substitute for traditional semiconductors. Biomass waste, abundant and often underutilized worldwide, is distinguished by its high carbon content and regenerative characteristics, rendering it an optimal resource for sustainable material production. By heating its biopolymers, lignocellulosic biomass can be used as a new material to make graphene, which forms three-dimensional turbostratic crystallites. These crystallites, composed of partially defective aromatic carbon sheets with graphite-like characteristics, make it easier to create GO with specialized functions for cutting-edge applications. Its capability underscores the revolutionary potential of biomass waste in …

Morphological Test Of Areca Nut Fiber Ceramic Membrane Using Scanning Electron Microscopy Energy Dispersive X-Ray Mapping Spectroscopy, Amelia Marzain, Siti Umi Kalsum, Marhadi Marhadi, Ahmad Nabil Shahab

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

This study investigates the potential of ceramic membranes derived from areca nut fiber as a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable material for the removal of iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) from groundwater. Two types of membranes were fabricated: one without activation and one chemically activated using 10% sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The morphological and elemental characteristics of both membranes were analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping. The concentrations of Fe and Mn before and after treatment were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS). The NaOH-activated membrane exhibited a more porous surface structure and higher oxygen content, …

Analysis Of Leakage In Nearshore Pipelines Using Fitness For Service Method To Ensure Mechanical Integrity Based On Api-579 Level 3, Elriandri Elriandri, Dedi Priadi

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

The Fitness for Service (FFS) analysis is performed as a quantitative assessment to evaluate the integrity condition of a pipeline. Essentially, FFS assessment helps determine whether equipment components can operate safely despite existing deficiencies. This evaluation is carried out using the Finite Element Method (FEM). In the case of an underwater pipeline that experiences leak due to anchor pull at the flange connection, it undergoes plastic deformation and is lifted approximately 1 meter. As a mitigation step, inspection and repairs have been carried out by the company. Subsequently, modeling is performed to reconstruct the deformation process of the pipeline. Then, …

Advancing Sustainable Co2 Mitigation: Experimental And Computational Analysis Of Thermal Carbon Chitosan Sorbent For Automotive Exhaust Capture, Dalia A. Ali Dr., Amir Ahmed Elgamal Eng., Rania Rushdy Moussa Dr.

Chemical Engineering

This study investigated the efficiency of thermal carbon chitosan (TCCS) sorbent for CO2 capture from vehicle exhaust emissions within a designed adsorption system. TCCS was synthesized and meticulously characterized using a series of analytical techniques, including Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Ther- mogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX), and Differential Scanning Calo- rimetry (DSC). The TCCS adsorbent showed high thermal stability and a heating value (HHV) of 23.5 MJ/kg. Adsorption isotherm study demonstrated that the maximum capacity of CO2 adsorption is 0.084 kg.CO2/kg. TCCS, as well …

Engineered Multifunctional Drug-Loaded Dendrimer Nanoparticles For Glaucoma: Triple Mechanism Via Antioxidant Activity, Iron Chelation, And Enhanced Ocular Transport, Burhan Ates, Ashish Trital, Vimalin Jeyalatha Mani, Lei Xu, Jonathan Kenlee, Nuran Ercal, Hu Yang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this study, we developed multifunctional nanoparticles based on polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimers functionalized with caffeic acid (CA) and poly (ethylene glycol) maleimide (PEGM) for the topical delivery of hydrophobic antiglaucoma drugs brimonidine (BM) and betaxolol (BX). The PAMAM-CA and PAMAM-CA-PEGM conjugates exhibited antioxidant and iron-chelating activities in a dose-dependent manner. BM- and BX-loaded dendrimer nanoparticles produced using a multi-inlet vortex mixer showed uniform spherical morphology (∼80 nm by TEM) and hydrated sizes of ∼135-144 nm by DLS. Both nano formulations demonstrated high cytocompatibility with human corneal epithelial cells and were nonirritant in the HET-CAM assay, with PEGM further improving cytocompatibility. …

Upcycling Commodity Polymers To Advanced Materials For Energy And Environmental Sustainability, Anthony Griffin-Espinoza

Dissertations

Synthetic polymers play an essential role in nearly every aspect of our lives. Extending beyond single-use packaging, polymeric material design has progressed to attain tailorable architectures granting exceptional performance across advanced applications, including carbon-fiber reinforced polymer composites for aerospace, conductive materials for soft electronics, and drug carriers for biomedicine. While highly promising, intricately designed polymers needed to achieve excellent performance often have limited processability, complex synthetic methods, and expensive precursors. Furthermore, due to a lack of recyclability, commodity polymer waste streams result in both environmental impacts and a substantial loss of economic value. This dissertation focuses on developing robust strategies …

Development Of A Digestion Procedure Using Fe2+ Ions For Electrochemical Detection Of Mno2 Particles In Drinking Water, Kayla Elliott, Sarah Jane Payne, Zhe She

Journal of Electrochemistry

Developing methods for detection contaminants in drinking water is essential to ensuring that safe and acceptable quality drinking water is delivered to consumers. While manganese (Mn) was previously known only as a mere aesthetic issue, recent epidemiological data has shown to have negative neurological effects on humans, especially on children, prompting new health-based guidelines by Health Canada and the World Health Organization. In drinking water, Mn exists predominantly as Mn(II) and Mn(IV), and is regulated based on total Mn levels. Interestingly, measurement of Mn particulate using electroanalytical methods has not yet been reported in the literature. Herein, a digestion procedure …

Biocompatible And Antibacterial Pcl-Tio2@Ag/Γ-Cd Mof Nanocomposite Coating For Corrosion Resistance Of Magnesium Alloy In Simulated Body Fluid, Sara Dehghan-Chenar, Hamid R. Zare, Zahra Mohammadpour, Maryam Sadat Mirbagheri-Firoozabad

Journal of Electrochemistry

Magnesium alloys are promising candidates for bio-implant applications due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. However, their rapid corrosion remains a critical limitation. This study presents the development of a multifunctional nanocomposite coating designed to enhance the corrosion resistance and antibacterial properties of magnesium alloy implants. The coating comprised γ-cyclodextrin metal-organic frameworks (γ-CD MOFs) decorated with TiO₂@Ag core-shell nanoparticles, embedded in a polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix. Immersion tests in a simulated body fluid (SBF) revealed an initially higher corrosion rate for the PCL-TiO₂@Ag/γ-CD MOF coating compared to the coating without TiO₂@Ag nanoparticles; however, it demonstrated significant …

Predicting Simulation Times For Multiphase Thermal-Hydraulic Models, Andrew Yule, Andrew Taylor

SMU Data Science Review

Addressing the challenge of computationally intensive OLGA

simulations in the oil and gas industry, a machine learning framework is

developed for accurate runtime prediction. A specialized feature extraction

pipeline identifies key parameters—such as simulation time, time step,

number of branches, and section count—from OLGA input files that serve as

high-impact predictors. Multiple predictive models, including regression,

tree-based ensembles, and neural networks, are implemented to validate

accuracy and robustness. Results reveal that prioritizing simulations based on

predicted runtimes optimizes licensing resources and reduces operational

costs, making real-time scheduling more efficient. This research demonstrates

the effectiveness of data-driven runtime prediction in enhancing …

Synergistic Doping And Coating Strategy For Boosting Na0.7mno2 Cathode Performance In Sodium-Ion Batteries, Ahmad Helaley, Han Yu, Manashi Nath, Xinhua Liang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Advancing sodium-ion battery (SIB) technology requires novel approaches to optimize cathode materials for improved electrochemical performance. In this study, we employ atomic layer deposition (ALD) to precisely modify the surface of P2-type Na_0.7MnO₂ cathodes with different coating materials including ZnO, NiO, and Al₂O₃, followed by post-annealing at 750°C for 10 hours. The strategic combination of ALD and thermal treatment can achieve thin film coating on particle surface and promote element doping into the near-surface lattice, as confirmed by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) analysis. The incorporation of Zn, Al, and Ni results in …

Elucidating The Effects Of Water Activity On The Hydration Kinetics And Thermodynamics Of Ye’Elimite–Calcium Sulfate Hydrate Systems, Godwin I. Ogbuehi, Rupack R. Halder, Aditya Kumar, Gaurav Sant, Monday U. Okoronkwo

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Relative humidity and water activity (aH) reductions have been known to suppress the hydration of anhydrous cement clinker phases. However, the relationship between ye'elimite (C4A3$) hydration kinetics and water activity remain unclear. This study employs experimental and thermodynamic modeling approaches to investigate the influence of water activity on ye'elimite hydration in the "C4A3$ + water", and "C4A3$ + gypsum + water" systems. Experimental findings indicate that as water activity decreases, C4A3$ hydration diminishes until the reaction is brought to a halt at a threshold aH. The critical aHand corresponding solubility constant of C4A3$ (KC4A3S¯) estimated from thermodynamic analysis are 0.46 …

The Science And Economics Of 3d-Printed Filament Recycling, Michael Domingo, Dane Freund, John Mcswiggin, Adam Meadows

Sustainability Conference

In recent years, 3D printing has grown rapidly, both in homes and commercially. This has led to increased demand for plastic filaments, many of which contribute to plastic waste. This project explores the potential of recycling household plastics into 3D printing filament, promoting sustainability and creating a circular economy. Materials like PLA, PETG, ABS, and polypropylene can be recycled or even composted. Existing research has shown that recycled filaments can maintain comparable tensile strength to their virgin counterparts, depending on the recycling process. Furthermore, implementing circular economy practices for plastics could save billions annually by mitigating pollution and reducing landfill …

Development Trends And Priority Research Fields Of Electrochemical Discipline In The 15th Five Year Plan Period, Lin Zhuang, Wen-Bin Cai, Heng-Xing Ji, Qing Li, Gong-Wei Wang, Sen Xin, Qing Zhao, Fang-Yi Cheng, Yu-Guo Guo, Lan-Qun Mao, Yang Tian, Fei Wu, Li-Min Zhang, Yan Xiang, Jin-Song Hu, Rui Cao, Li Xiao, Hua-Bing Tao, Wei Xing, Dong-Ping Zhan, Hong-Gang Liao, Mei-Ling Xiao, Bin Ren, Zhang-Quan Peng, Rui Wen, Xiang Wang, Yue-Feng Song, Hou-Fu Lv, Bao-Yu Xia, Guo-Xiong Wang, Jun Cheng, Zhi-Pan Liu, Min Zhou, Bing Huang, Cun-Pu Li, Yu-Qin Zou, Shuang-Yin Wang, Hai-Bo Lin, Zi-Dong Wei

Journal of Electrochemistry

In fulfillment of the national science-and-technology development agenda, the Department of Chemical Sciences of the National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) convened the Strategic Symposium on the Fifteenth Five-Year (2026–2030) Development Plan for Electrochemistry held in Xiamen on 29 August, 2025—the culminating year of the Fourteenth Five-Year (2021–2025) Development Plan. More than forty leading experts in the field of electrochemistry participated with spanning nine thematic fronts: Interfacial Electrocatalysis, Interfacial Electrochemistry for Energy Storage, Bioelectrochemistry, Electrochemistry of Hydrogen Energy, Electrochemical Micro-/Nano-Manufacturing, Operando Electrochemical Characterization, Electro-Thermal Coupling Catalysis, Theoretical and Computational Electrochemistry, and Electrochemical Synthesis. The forum assembled China’s foremost electrochemical …

Laboratory Investigation Of High-Temperature Preformed Particle Gels For Fluid Control In Granite Cores For Geothermal Applications, K. Caleb Darko, Yanbo Liu, Thomas P. Schuman, Mingzhen Wei, Baojun Bai

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

To understand the applicability of high-temperature preformed particle gel (HT-PPG) for control of short-circuiting in enhanced geothermal systems (EGSs), core flooding experiments were conducted on fractured granite cores under varying fracture widths, gel particle sizes and swelling ratios. Key parameters such as injection pressure, water breakthrough pressure, and residual resistance factor were measured to evaluate HT-PPG performance. The gel exhibited strong injectability, entering granite fractures at pressure gradients as low as 0.656 MPa/m; HT-PPG yields a superior sealing performance by significantly reducing the permeability; and dehydration occurs during HT-PPG propagation, with a dehydration ratio ranging from 4.71% to 11.36%. This …

Meshless Discrete Velocity Boltzmann Model For Porous Media Flow, Amandine Maidenberg

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

This dissertation explores the combination of two sophisticated techniques for addressing computational fluid dynamics: the discrete velocity Boltzmann equation (DVBE) and the localized collocation meshless model with upwinding (U-LCMM). The DVBE is a high-level model that describes the foundations of transport phenomena by addressing the microscale motions of particles themselves and the effect of their aggregate behaviors on continuum principles. This equation integrates multiple scales of phenomena; while it can be used for fluid flow at Navier-Stokes scales, it can also resolve fine features that can only be described at the molecular level. This type of model is necessary for …

Bridging Materials And Energy Storage Mechanisms In Zn-I2 Batteries, Rong-Qi Liu, Wen-Shuo Shang, Jin-Tao Zhang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Zinc-iodine (Zn-I₂) batteries have emerged as a compelling candidate for large-scale energy storage, driven by the growing demand for safe, cost-effective, and sustainable alternatives to conventional systems. Benefiting from the inherent advantages of aqueous electrolytes and zinc metal anodes, including high ionic conductivity, low flammability, natural abundance, and high volumetric capacity, Zn-I₂ batteries offer significant potential for grid-level deployment. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent progress in three critical domains: positive-electrode engineering, zinc anode stabilization, and in situ characterization methods. On the cathode side, anchoring iodine to conductive matrices effectively mitigates polyiodide shuttling and enhances …

Significantly Enhanced Oxygen Reduction Reaction Activity In Co-N-C Catalysts Through Synergistic Boron Doping, Chang Lan, Jing-Sen Bai, Xin Guan, Shuo Wang, Nan-Shu Zhang, Yu-Qing Cheng, Jin-Jing Tao, Yu-Yi Chu, Mei-Ling Xiao, Chang-Peng Liu, Wei Xing

Journal of Electrochemistry

The weak adsorption energy of oxygen-containing intermediates on Co center leads to a considerable performance disparity between Co-N-C and costly Pt benchmark in catalyzing oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this work, we strategically engineer the active site structure of Co-N-C via B substitution, which is accomplished by the pyrolysis of ammonium borate. During this process, the in-situ generated NH₃ gas plays a critical role in creating surface defects and boron atoms substituting nitrogen atoms in the carbon structure. The well-designed CoB₁N₃ active site endows Co with higher charge density and stronger adsorption energy toward oxygen species, …

Series Reports From Professor Wei’S Group Of Chongqing University: Advancements In Electrochemical Energy Conversions (2/4): Report 2: High-Performance Water Splitting Electrocatalysts, Ling Zhang, Wang-Yang Wu, Qiu-Yue Hu, Shi-Dan Yang, Li Li, Rui-Jin Liao, Zi-Dong Wei

Journal of Electrochemistry

The unavailability of high-performance and cost-effective electrocatalysts has impeded the large-scale deployment of alkaline water electrolyzers. Professor Zidong Wei’s group has focused on resolving critical challenges in industrial alkaline electrolysis, particularly elucidating hydrogen and oxygen evolution reaction (HER/OER) mechanisms while addressing the persistent activity-stability trade-off. This review summarizes their decade-long progress in developing advanced electrodes, analyzing the origins of sluggish alkaline HER kinetics and OER stability limitations. Professor Wei proposes a unifying “12345 Principle” as an optimization framework. For HER electrocatalysts, they have identified that metal/metal oxide interfaces create synergistic “chimney effect” and “local electric field enhancement effect”, enhancing selective …

Local Electric Fields Coupled With Cl− Fixation Strategy For Improving Seawater Oxygen Reduction Reaction Performance, Yu-Rong Liu, Miao Zhang, Yan-Hui Yu, Ya-Lin Liu, Jing Li, Xiao-Dong Shi, Zhen-Ye Kang, Dao-Xiong Wu, Peng Rao, Ying Liang, Xin-Long Tian

Journal of Electrochemistry

Development of robust electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in a seawater electrolyte is the key to realize seawater electrolyte-based zinc-air batteries (SZABs). Herein, constructing a local electric field coupled with chloride ions (Cl⁻) fixation strategy in dual single-atom catalysts (DSACs) was proposed, and the resultant catalyst delivered considerable ORR performance in a seawater electrolyte, with a high half-wave potential (E_1/2) of 0.868 V and a good maximum power density (Pmax) of 182 mW·cm⁻² in the assembled SZABs, much higher than those of the Pt/C catalyst (E_1/2: 0.846 V; Pmax: 150 mW·cm^{−2 …}

The Effect Of Ozone Treatment On The Quality Of Biodiesel From Waste Cooking Oil, Sri Redjeki Setyawati, Singgih Wibowo

Makara Journal of Science

This research demonstrates the successful production of biodiesel from waste cooking oil (WCO) using the transesterification method. A methoxide solution, formed by employing a base catalyst and alcohol, facilitated the conversion of triglycerides into methyl esters and glycerol as the byproduct. The conversion process yielded 74% biodiesel and 13.5% glycerol content, with the remaining proportion consisting of water and contaminants. The application of ozone (O₃) aeration proved effective in reducing contaminants—such as alcohol, unreacted catalysts, food residues and water—by approximately 60%. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) testing affirmed that the biodiesel product—treated with O₃ aeration—maintained its original …

Effect Of Varying Chitosan Molecular Weights On The Morphology And Physical Characteristics Of Pva/Chitosan Composite Hydrogels, Yuan Alfinsyah Sihombing, Halida Rahmi Luthfianti, William Xaveriano Waresindo, Marathur Rodhiyah, Nur’Aini Nafisah, Dian Ahmad Hapidin, Dhewa Edikresnha, Khairurrijal Khairurrijal

Makara Journal of Science

We employed the innovative freeze–thaw method to investigate the effect of chitosan (CS) molecular weights incorporated into polyvinyl alcohol on the morphology and physical characteristics of the hydrogel. This study aimed to unravel the intricate relationships between CS molecular weight variations, CS concentration, and the number of freeze–thaw cycles (4 or 6 cycles) on hydrogel swelling degree and weight loss. Incorporating CS improved the hydrogel structure and enhanced its porosity, resulting in remarkable increases in swelling degree ranging from 2 to 6 times the initial weight. Higher molecular weight CS (310,000–375,000 Da) exhibited a lower swelling degree than medium molecular …