Polymer Chemistry Commons^™

Exploring Red Palm Oil As A Sustainable Plasticizer For Carbon Black-Filled Ssbr/Br Tire Tread Compounds: A Comparative Evaluation Of Commercial Alternatives, Norma Arisanti Kinasih, Mohamad Irfan Fathurrohman, Santi Puspitasari, Dewi Kusuma Arti, Abdulhakim Masa

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

This study investigates the application of red palm oil (RPO) as an alternative vegetable oil resource to substitute petroleum-based plasticizers, which have environmental and health concerns, in carbon black (CB)-filled SSBR/BR tire tread compounds. The plasticizing effects of RPO were thoroughly evaluated by comparing them with a commercial bio-based plasticizer, Epoxidized Soybean Oil (ESBO), and two safer petroleum-based oils, Naphthenic Oil (NYNAS) and Treated Distillate Aromatic Extract (TDAE). The initial investigation shows that fatty acid composition is imposing regarding the plasticizing effect. The higher unsaturated fatty acid content in RPO than in ESBO improved tensile strength and degraded rolling resistance …

Metallurgical Investigation Of A Modified Eye Bolt Failure Caused By Improper Weld Extension, Specification Deviation, And Crevice Corrosion, Dimas Muhammad Fawwaz, Reza Miftahul Ulum, Johny Wahyuadi Soedarsono, Yudha Pratesa

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

A modified eye bolt from the David Arm Manhole Storage Tank underwent thorough metallurgical study due to the consequences of the bolt's malfunction during operation. Safety issues arose when the manhole door detached during operation. The mechanical testing and chemical composition analysis of the bolts indicated they were manufactured from an ASTM A193 Grade B7 material used for high-temperature bolting. This material did not conform to the engineering drawing, which mentioned SA 563A, which is about nuts, not bolts. This contradiction clearly shows that the eye bolt which was installed does not conform to the intended design. Welded connections of …

Rejection Of Fe (Iron) And Kmno4 (Organic Substance) Parameters In Peat Water Using Organic Membranes, Muhamad Rafli Sakti Mulia Gonera, Siti Umi Kalsum, Sarah Fiebrina Heraningsih

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

Peat water is a surface water source widely used by people in swampy and lowland areas, but it has poor quality characteristics such as high organic matter content, low pH, and dissolved metal levels such as iron that exceed the threshold. These conditions can cause health problems and reduce the quality of clean water so that effective treatment technology is needed. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of ultrafiltration membranes made from chitosan from shrimp shell waste in rejecting iron (Fe) and organic substances in peat water, and to determine the effect of pressure on separation performance. This study …

Tuning Ion Mobility And Molecular Confinement In High-Performance Polymer Electrolytes For Energy Storage, Ezzeldien Yousef Muhammed Yousef

Theses and Dissertations

This research addresses the critical energy density limitations of aqueous supercapacitors, which are traditionally constrained by the narrow electrochemical stability window (ESW) of water 1.23 V. By employing two distinct molecular engineering strategies, this study developed high-performance electrolyte systems that significantly extend voltage stability and thermal resilience.

The first system, CsBr@PAM/HA, utilizes a polyacrylamide and hyaluronic acid hydrogel matrix. This system exploits the chaotropic nature of Cs⁺ ions to disrupt the aqueous hydrogen-bonding network, enhancing ionic conductivity to 104 mS cm^-1. Through systematic salt screening, CsBr was identified as the optimal electrolyte, enabling a stable 2.0 V …

Thermally Induced Color Changes In Iron Oxide Pigments Used In Architectural Coatings, Han Diep

Master's Theses

The 2025 Palisades Fire was one of the most destructive wildfires in the history of Los Angeles, destroying thousands of structures and severely impacting the communities after. This widespread destruction demonstrated an urgent need for more effective wildfire prevention strategies. Architectural coatings do not only provide aesthetics and protection against environmental conditions but can also function as a thermal indicator when a fire breaks out. This study examines the thermally induced color transformation of iron oxide pigments, commonly used in earthtone paint, to provide information relevant to CAL FIRE for improved analysis of wildland-urban interface (WUI) fire behavior and mitigation …

Characterization Of The Thermally Driven Red Hue Effect In Coated And Uncoated Concrete Systems: Implications For Post-Fire Assessment In Wildland Urban Interface Communities, Juan C. Palominos Jr

Master's Theses

The increasing frequency and intensity of Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) wildfires, such as the destructive 2025 Pacific Palisades Fire that destroyed over 6,000 structures, have underscored the urgent need for rapid post-fire safety assessment methodologies. This study sought to quantitatively characterize the Thermally Driven Red Hue Effect (TRHE), a unique, irreversible color shift observed in architectural coatings and concrete substrates, to determine its reliability as a permanent visual record of thermal exposure. Concrete substrates were formulated with three distinct coarse aggregates: gold granite (14.7% Fe), red cinder (22.4% Fe), and green rock (33.6% Fe) and coated with a 20 PVC waterborne …

Adsorption Of Pfas On Bridged Functionalized Organosilica Materials, Elisha Lawerh Kabutey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

PFAS are hazardous contaminants that have a devastating impact on human health and the environment. Their hazardous nature has led to the development of various adsorption methods for removing these contaminants from water sources. In this study, functionalized organosilica materials were synthesized from bis[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl] amine using the sol-gel method. The surface amino groups of the organosilica were converted into amine hydrochloride groups. Their adsorption properties were evaluated using salts of perfluorooctanoic acid, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, and perfluorobutanesulfonic acid. Results showed excellent adsorption capacity of the materials. Adsorption of PFAS leads to particle agglomeration and flotation of the spent material. A column …

Engineering Silicone Magnetic Fluids For Localized Radiation Attenuation During Ocular Melanoma Brachytherapy, Zachary L. Caprow

All Dissertations

Ocular melanoma is commonly treated using plaque brachytherapy; however, radiation-induced damage to healthy ocular tissues frequently results in partial or complete vision loss. This work investigates the development of an injectable, magnetically responsive silicone magnetic fluid designed to localize adjacent to the tumor and attenuate low-energy gamma radiation during treatment.

The material system consists of iron oxide nanoparticles surface-functionalized with a siloxane polymer, in which the nanoparticles provide magnetic responsiveness and radiation attenuation, while the polymer coating ensures colloidal stability, injectability, and biocompatibility. A one-pot synthetic approach was developed wherein a functionalized siloxane polymer containing iron-affinitive groups was reacted with …

Techno-Enviro-Economic Analysis Of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate Production From Carbon Dioxide In Cement Industry Flue Gas And Calcium Hydroxide, Natalia Debora Panggabean, Widodo Wahyu Purwanto

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

CCUS is a technological solution to reduce emissions from the cement industry, which is the second largest CO2-intensive industry. This study aims to analyze technical, economic, and environmental performance of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate (PCC) synthesis in cement industry flue gas. The process simulation includes the CO2 capture system from cement plant, CO2 captured used as feedstock for PCC synthesis process through its reaction with calcium hydroxide. The simulation was carried out using ASPEN Plus software. Technical analysis was performed to determine the CO2 capture efficiency and PCC synthesis efficiency. Economic analysis was conducted to calculate CO2 capture cost and production …

Feasibility Analysis Of Thermal Oxidizer To Determine Remaining Life Using Fitness- For-Service Level 3 Method, Yudhi Yudistirawan, Donanta Dhaneswara, Wahyuaji Narottama Putra, Gama Widyaputra, Dewi Kurnia Suci, Agung Putra Mahardhika

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

An aged thermal oxidizer (TOX) in the oil and gas industry necessitates a comprehensive evaluation to ensure its continued safe operation. This study presents a Remaining Life Assessment (RLA) and a Fitness for Service (FFS) evaluation for the four main components of the TOX, in accordance with API 510, API 579/ASME FFS-1, and ASME BPVC Section VIII Div-1 standards. The investigation includes the determination of maximum stress and maximum temperature required to assess the operational viability of the reactor. The four components are radiant, convection, transition, and stack sections—were modeled using the finite element method (FEM). Following the geometric modeling, …

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 …

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, …

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, …

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 …

A Study Of Wear Measurement And Life Prediction Of Insert Chute Liner On Gold Ore Processing, Ferry Ardika Natanael, Nony Maulidya, Dedi Priadi

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

Chutes are critical materials handling assets to transport solid particles from one process step to another in mineral processing, coal mining and cement industries. The material transport, because of material characteristics, cause severe wear on internal lining of chutes or bins’ structure. The wear problem on internal lining of bins or chutes needs to be checked to keep production efficiency. Therefore, not checked wear rate causes liner replacement schedule becomes unpredictable. It leads to production loss and highly cost maintenance in industry. This study shows that condition-based maintenance through regular thickness measurement using Ultrasonic Transducer (UT) to predict life service …

Techno-Enviro-Economic Approach For Electrification Of Rural And Shrimp Farming Regional Development Of An Isolated Island In Indonesia By Utilizing Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems, Fiqih Akbar Wijaya, Mohammad Akita Indianto

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

One of the challenges in developing and archipelagic countries such as Indonesia is maintaining energy demand in rural and isolated areas due to difficulties in electrical distribution. For instance, in areas like Bawean Island, no additional electricity capacity has been introduced in the past year, leading to an unmet potential customer demand. One of the possible options is by utilizing Hybrid Renewable Energy Systems (HRES) that are integrated with existing fossil fuel-based energy systems to support the growing energy demand in the remote island. A case study in Bawean Island is conducted with the projected energy demand covers the energy …

Remaining Life Assessment And Fitness For Service Evaluation Of Aging Chemical Reactors In Polyethylene Terephthalate Resin Industry, Aditya Pahlawan Munthe, Donanta Dhaneswara, Wahyuaji Narottama Putra, Gama Widyaputra

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

Aging chemical reactors in the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin industry require comprehensive evaluation to ensure safe continued operation. This study conducts a remaining life assessment (RLA) and fitness-for-service (FFS) evaluation on five 30-year-old reactors, based on API 510, API 579/ASME FFS-1, and ASME BPVC Section VIII Div. 1 standards. The analysis involves corrosion rate measurement, future corrosion allowance (FCA) projection, and minimum thickness verification. Among the reactors, R-120 was found to have the shortest remaining life less than 15 years. FFS assessments using three criteria Average Measured Thickness, MAWP from Point Thickness Readings, and Minimum Measured Thickness confirm that R-120 …

Analysis Of Leak Testing Planning For Carbon Dioxide Piping Systems In The Development Of Carbon Capture, Utilization, And Storage Facilities In The Bintuni Basin, Devi Sentiani, Akhmad Herman Yuwono Professor

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) technologies have become a key strategic response to global efforts to reduce CO₂ emissions. This study presents a leak testing strategy designed for a carbon dioxide (CO₂) piping system as part of a Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) project in the Bintuni Basin, West Papua, Indonesia. This study aims to ensure the system is properly prepared before commissioning by designing a leak test plan that is both practical and technical, based on ASME B31.3, ASME PCC-2, and API STD 520 Part 1. We conducted the process, which involves identifying the system boundaries, …

Understanding Structure-Property Relationships Within Polyolefin-Derived Vitrimer Systems, Mikaela Sadri

Dissertations

Polyolefins are extremely ubiquitous materials due to their satisfactory material properties, ease of synthesis, and low cost. Unfortunately, their extensive use has led to a global plastic waste mismanagement problem. As such, notable efforts have recently focused on converting these commodity polymers into vitrimers, or dynamic networks, to extend their use-life and tailor their properties. However, the fundamental polymer physics of these emerging materials, remain largely underexplored, hindering their widespread implementation. To address this challenge and enable a more sustainable future, the overarching goal of my dissertation research is to understand the fundamental structure-property relationships within complex polyolefin-derived vitrimer systems. …

Poly(Pyridinium Salt)S Containing 9,9-Bis(4- Aminophenyl)Fluorene Moieties With Various Organic Counterions Exhibiting Both Lyotropic Liquid-Crystalline And Light-Emitting Properties, Pradip K. Bhowmik, David King, Haesook Han, Andras F. Wacha, Matti Knaapila

Chemistry and Biochemistry Faculty Research

Main-chain conjugated and non-conjugated polyelectrolytes are an important class of materials that have many technological applications ranging from fire-retardant materials to carbon-nanotube composites, nonlinear optical materials, electrochromic materials for smart windows, and optical sensors for biomolecules. Here, we describe a series of poly(pyridinium salt)s-fluorene containing 9,9-bis(4-aminophenyl)fluorene moieties with various organic counterions that were synthesized using ring-transmutation polymerization and metathesis reactions, which are non-conjugated polyelectrolytes. Their chemical structures were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), proton (1H) and fluorine 19 (19F) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers, and elemental analysis. They exhibited polyelectrolytic behavior in dimethyl sulfoxide. Their lyotropic liquid-crystalline phases were …

Myceli-Yum: Elucidating Structure-Property Relationships For Polymer Degradation By Mycelial Digestion, Jordan Scott Ford

Master's Theses

Since the industrial entrance of polymer plastic materials, plastic has become ubiquitous in both everyday use and waste. Due to inefficiencies and knowledge gaps, current recycling methods are not able to account for the high scale of plastic waste, resulting in the bulk of this waste being landfilled, mishandled, and deposited in the environment. Mycelium, the microorganism responsible for fruiting mushroom bodies and mold growth, holds potential to reduce plastic waste and can potentially be utilized as a method of industrial recycling. Following a drug-design approach, the active site of mycelial enzymes responsible for natural biopolymer degradation have been assessed …

Tailoring The Morphology Of Block Copolymers Via Solvent-Vapor Annealing, Bayleigh Madelin Loving

Honors Theses

Triblock polystyrene-polyisobutylene-polystyrene (PS-PIB-PS) copolymers have widespread applications from thermoplastic elastomers to protective coatings for ballistic applications. The incompatibility between the soft PIB and hard PS phases leads to phase separation and subsequent formation of morphological domains like lamellae and cylinders. The structures are stabilized by physical crosslinks, which can greatly improve the toughness of the triblock systems by preventing chain pullout during tensile deformation. We tailored the morphologies (achieving different morphologies with the same block copolymer) by changing the annealing conditions of the block copolymers. Solvent vapor annealing was used to selectively activate the mobility of a particular block, causing …

Development Of Porous Separators For Lithium-Ion Batteries Via 3d Printing And Thermally Induced Phase Separation, Abraham Enchinton

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Additive manufacturing processes allow the development of custom-shape rechargeable batteries, but research in custom filaments for fused deposition modeling (FDM) of battery separators has remained limited until now. This study discusses the development and optimization of a composite thermoplastic filament feedstock to 3D print separator membranes. A number of post-processing steps - leveraging the thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) of the composite filament - are introduced in tandem with FDM to promote microporosity formation through the removal of the sacrificial diluent phase within 3D printed samples. Three distinct compositions of varying polymer/diluent ratios were developed and thoroughly investigated through thermogravimetric …

Mechanistic Investigation Of Ring-Opening Polymerization Of Polycaprolactone Using Tin(Ii) Catalysts: Ligand Effects And Biomedical Applications, Eva-Larue M. Barber

Honors Scholar Theses

This research explores the mechanistic aspects of ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (CL) to produce polycaprolactone (PCL), a biodegradable polymer widely used in biomedical applications. The study investigates how light exposure and catalyst concentration influence polymerization efficiency, using tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate [Sn(Oct)₂] as the catalyst in a non-polar toluene solvent at 90 °C. Reactions were conducted under either ambient light or black light bulb (BLB) illumination, with monomer-to-catalyst ratios of 1:1 and 200:1.

Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹H NMR) spectroscopy was used to analyze conversion efficiency by tracking the disappearance of monomer signals and appearance of characteristic PCL peaks. Results revealed …

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 High Temperature Compaction On 3d Printed Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites, John D. Barber

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The aim of this dissertation was to study the effects of hot temperature compaction (HTC) upon the polymorphism and the mechanical behavior of an additively manufactured (AM), carbon fiber reinforced polyamide (PA6). Different pressure and temperature levels during HTC were tested to determine the overall effect upon the mechanical behavior and the material crystalline composition. Treated, carbon fiber reinforced PA6 samples were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry, x-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, double cantilever beam testing and three-point bending testing. When considered with respect to as-printed samples, an HTC temperature of 190°C combined with 80 psi pressure resulted …

Solid-State Crystallization Of Zeolites And Their Use In Plastic Upcycling Applications, Yixin Liao

Doctoral Dissertations

Plastics have been an irreplaceable component of modern technology as well as everyday life. They have brought much convenience to us with their characteristics of great malleability, durability, and stability. The versatile and low-cost nature of plastics also enables their wide engagement in many modern industries including automobile, medical, communication as well as aerospace. Polyethylene (“PE”), made from polymerization of ethylene, is one of the most widely used plastics in the world. Being cheap, flexible, and long-lasting, they are extensively used in the packaging industry, especially for plastic bags and other sorts of containers. However, the durability of plastics, on …