Article
Engineering, Chemical
Yi-Ting Tsai, Irish Valerie Maggay, Antoine Venault, Yi-Feng Lin
Summary: This study investigated the use of highly porous nanofibrous membranes prepared through electrospinning of PMMA/PDMS for gravity-driven separation of oil-rich emulsions. The composite membranes showed high separation efficiency for various oil-rich emulsions, making them a promising material for effective and fast gravity-driven filtration.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Selina Hube, Fiona Hauser, Michael Burkhardt, Sigurour Brynjolfsson, Bing Wu
Summary: This study investigated the feasibility of using ultrasonication as a ceramic microfiltration membrane fouling control strategy during gravity-driven membrane (GDM) filtration and constant flux filtration of primary municipal wastewater. The results showed that ultrasonication cleaning can effectively reduce membrane fouling and improve membrane performance. Cost analysis revealed that ultrasonication-facilitated GDM systems are economically feasible for treating wastewater at a household scale, while ultrasonication-facilitated constant flux filtration systems are favorable at a small community scale.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Selina Hube, Seonki Lee, Tzyy Haur Chong, Sigurdur Brynjolfsson, Bing Wu
Summary: In this study, the performance of two GDM reactors operated at different temperatures for treating primary wastewater effluent was investigated. Despite less efficient removal of biodegradable organics at 8°C, both systems showed comparable fouling resistance distribution patterns. Cleaning effectiveness followed the sequence of ultrasonication-enhanced physical cleaning, two-phase flow cleaning, chemical-enhanced physical cleaning, and physical cleaning, regardless of temperature. The presence of periodic cleaning led to differences in dominant microbial communities in the cake layers, but the temperature did not affect permeate quality, which met EU discharge standards.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xing Du, Wentao Zhao, Zhen Wang, Rong Ma, Yunlong Luo, Zhihong Wang, Qiong Sun, Heng Liang
Summary: This study proposed a novel rural water treatment system that effectively harnessed solar energy and gravitational hydropower. The system was able to effectively remove organic matter and turbidity, as well as achieve almost complete elimination of NH3-N and NO2--N. The findings suggest the possibility of sustainable operation during rural water treatment.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Qiao Wang, Mengyao Xiao, Peng Rao, Wentao Zhao, Zhihong Wang, Xing Du, Jiayu Tian
Summary: The novel EC-GDCMBR-NF dual membrane system was tested for long-term treatment of surface brackish water. The system showed high flux and effective removal of organic substances, particulate matters, NH3-N, and micropollutants. This study demonstrates the potential of the system for brackish water purification.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Peng Tang, Mengchao Shi, Xin Li, Yongli Zhang, Dong Lin, Tong Li, Weiming Zhang, Alberto Tiraferri, Baicang Liu
Summary: Low-cost gravity-driven membrane (GDM) filtration combined with low dosage pre-ozonation has been shown to improve the stable flux of treatment for highly decentralized shale gas wastewater (SGW), although slightly impacting the organic content of effluent water. Pre-ozonation also influenced the microbial community structure, enhancing the performance of GDM processes in treating refractory wastewater.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ihtisham Ul Haq Shami, Bing Wu
Summary: This study investigated the performance of three gravity-driven membrane reactors with various biocarriers for municipal wastewater treatment. The results showed that short-term chemical cleaning improved membrane performance and variable water head benefited in achieving higher permeate fluxes. Additionally, the wastewater treatment costs were relatively low.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yanpeng Wu, Xiaoyu Li, Qiaoyang Zhong, Faming Wang, Bin Yang
Summary: This study created a PVDF/SiO2/Ag composite nanofiber membrane with superhydrophobic and antibacterial properties using an electrospinning method. The membrane was deposited on PET fibers to create an air filter material. The results showed that the addition of nano-silver significantly improved the antibacterial performance while increasing the concentration of hydrophobic nano-SiO2 improved the hydrophobicity. The composite nanofiber membrane had a filtration efficiency of 99.94% for 0.3μm particulate matter and a drag pressure drop of 112.3 Pa, with a filtration efficiency for air microorganisms greater than 99.99%.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Aji Insan Kamil, Muhammad Miftahul Munir
Summary: This study investigates the parameters affecting electrospun nanofiber morphology and modifies the structure to produce an air filter. The relationship between fiber diameter, volume charge density, and viscosity is explored. Furthermore, the membrane structure is modified to improve filter performance.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Xing Du, Yao Liu, Peng Rao, Haiyang Yang, Yuanqing Chen, Yunlong Luo, Zhihong Wang, Heng Liang
Summary: By combining activated carbon and newly formed manganese oxide, the gravity driven ceramic membrane filtration system effectively removes manganese and facilitates biogenic manganese formation. The use of PAC and birnessite in this system provides a promising approach for water treatment, particularly for small footprint decentralized water supply sanitation.
SEPARATION AND PURIFICATION TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qian Wang, Xiaobin Tang, Heng Liang, Wenjun Cheng, Guibai Li, Qingjun Zhang, Jie Chen, Kang Chen, Jinlong Wang
Summary: This study systematically investigated the effect of filtration mode on the long-term performance of gravity-driven membrane (GDM) filtration technology. The results showed that the cross-flow filtration mode can improve the stable flux level and removal performance, and the stable flux level does not significantly improve with the increase of driven pressure.
Article
Polymer Science
Sedigheh Khanmohammadi Khoshui, Seyed Abdolkarim Hosseini Ravandi, Mohammad Karimi, Zahra Talebi
Summary: In this study, a micro-nano structure PES/PEI membrane was fabricated by electrospinning and insolubilized through a crosslinking reaction using glutaraldehyde. Results showed that a crosslinking time of 90 minutes and a glutaraldehyde concentration of 0.71% in water/acetone medium successfully insolubilized the membrane and changed its surface morphology. Kinetic and isotherm studies indicated that nitrate adsorption by the PES/PEI composite followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir model, respectively, with a high adsorption capacity of 53.47 mg/g.
JOURNAL OF APPLIED POLYMER SCIENCE
(2023)
Review
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Tao Lu, Jiaxin Cui, Qingli Qu, Yulin Wang, Jian Zhang, Ranhua Xiong, Wenjing Ma, Chaobo Huang
Summary: This paper reviews the preparation methods of high-performance electrospun air filtration membranes (EAFMs) and the typical surface structures and filtration principles of electrospun fibers for air filtration. It also summarizes the research progress of EAFMs with multistructures and their applications, as well as discussing challenges, limitations, and future trends for development.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Irish Valerie Maggay, Chien-Jung Wu, Hong-Ru Guo, Xian-Lun Liao, Chung-Jung Chou, Yung Chang, Yi-Feng Lin, Antoine Venault
Summary: This study explores the application of porous superhydrophobic SiO2/PVDF composite membranes in separating drug emulsions. By blending superhydrophobic SiO2 aerogel powder into the casting solution, the membranes achieved fast separation and high purity recovery of the organic phase. The results suggest that membrane technology can provide a more efficient approach in pharmaceutical industries.
JOURNAL OF MEMBRANE SCIENCE
(2021)
Review
Polymer Science
Tok Sheng Hung, Muhammad Roil Bilad, Norazanita Shamsuddin, Hazwani Suhaimi, Noor Maizura Ismail, Juhana Jaafar, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail
Summary: Ultra-low-pressure membrane (ULPM) filtration is a promising method for decentralized water and wastewater treatment. It can achieve long-term filtration without physical or chemical cleaning, despite operating at lower flux. This paper reviews recent studies on membrane compaction, wetting, and fouling, and evaluates the performance of gravity-driven membrane (GDM) systems for water and wastewater treatment.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Sayed Mukit Hossain, Hanwei Yu, Youngwoo Choo, Gayathri Naidu, Dong Suk Han, Ho Kyong Shon
Summary: This study improves the selectivity of lithium ions by modifying the electrode surfaces using the metal-organic framework ZiF-8. The in-situ growth of ZiF-8 on the surface of activated carbon electrodes increases the selectivity of lithium ions compared to bare electrodes.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Anwar Ul Haq Khan, Ravi Naidu, Raja Dharmarajan, Cheng Fang, Hokyong Shon, Zhaomin Dong, Yanju Liu
Summary: This review focuses on the occurrence and interactions of engineered nanoparticles (ENPs) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in water systems, as well as the formation of complex compounds in the environment. It summarizes the release of ENPs and BFRs, their key interaction mechanisms, and their influence on the behavior and toxic effects of PBDEs. The study highlights the distinct behavior of mixed compounds (ENPs-BFRs) and emphasizes the importance of understanding the interactions in comprehensive risk assessments.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Morteza Afsari, Myoung Jun Park, Noel Jacob Kaleekkal, Mxolisi M. Motsa, Ho Kyong Shon, Leonard Tijing
Summary: In this study, inkjet printing technology was used to print a hydrophilic solution on a commercial hydrophobic membrane for membrane distillation. The printed membrane showed a uniform hydrophilic layer with small intrusions in the pores. A triple-layer coated modified membrane exhibited excellent anti-oil fouling performance, even for a feed solution with high salt and mineral oil concentration. This research demonstrates the high potential of inkjet printing as a facile surface modification method to enhance membrane performance.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Morteza Afsari, Qiyuan Li, Elika Karbassiyazdi, Ho Kyong Shon, Amir Razmjou, Leonard D. Tijing
Summary: In this study, a composite electrospun nanofiber membrane was fabricated and used to treat geothermal brine with lithium enrichment. Silica nanoparticles were incorporated onto the surface of nanofibers using an in-situ growth technique. The fabricated membranes showed excellent separation performance with high salt rejection and adequate flux.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mohammad Mahbub Kabir, Mst. Mahmoda Akter, Zhenguo Huang, Leonard Tijing, Ho Kyong Shon
Summary: This study comprehensively evaluates the role of water industries in hydrogen production from a circular economy perspective, providing significant insights for future hydrogen energy development.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hyeon Tae Kim, Morteza Afsari, Noel Peter B. Tan, Ho Kyong Shon, Leonard D. Tijing
Summary: Thermally localized solar-driven water evaporation (SWE) has been increasingly developed in recent years for cost-efficient freshwater production. Multistage SWE systems, with their simple structure and high solar-to-thermal conversion rates, have attracted much attention. In this study, currently designed multistage SWE devices were reviewed and examined based on their characteristics and performances. The key factors to consider include heat and mass transport, conversion efficiency, water production rate, and kWh/number of stages. These reviewed designs have the potential to be adopted for small-scale solar desalination, providing sufficient freshwater in regions with limited access.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Sharaniya Roobavannan, Youngwoo Choo, Dai Quyet Truong, Dong Suk Han, Ho Kyong Shon, Gayathri Naidu
Summary: Lithium (Li) is increasing in value due to its use in energy storage devices for electric vehicles. Seawater mining of Li is a sustainable alternative to conventional land mining. In this study, a hybrid nanomaterial, HMO@ZIF, was developed to selectively adsorb Li from seawater. The encapsulation of zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIF) onto hydrogen manganese oxide (HMO) particles led to improved Li uptake through increased surface area, additional functional groups, and zinc ion intercalation.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Jiaxi Jiang, Pema Dorji, Umakant Badeti, Weonjung Sohn, Stefano Freguia, Sherub Phuntsho, Ibrahim El Saliby, Ho Kyong Shon
Summary: Human urine is a valuable source of fertilisers, and this study investigated the use of a hybrid MBR and MCDI system for nutrient removal and recovery. The results showed that MCDI effectively removed nitrate, phosphate, and ammonium from the treated urine, and achieved high recovery rates in the concentrated brine. The study further demonstrated the feasibility of using MCDI for nutrient recovery without the need for chemical additives.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mona Gulied, Sifani Zavahir, Tasneem Elmakki, Hyunwoong Park, Guillermo Hijos Gago, Ho Kyong Shon, Dong Suk Han
Summary: This study introduces a novel hybrid system that combines direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) and electrically switched ion exchange (ESIX) to facilitate seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) brine enrichment and selective lithium recovery.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Junghyun Kim, Leonard Tijing, Ho Kyong Shon, Seungkwan Hong
Summary: Membrane distillation (MD) has potential for high salinity treatment and zero liquid discharge (ZLD), but faces challenges in fouling and scaling under high recovery conditions. This study proposes alternating current (AC) operation for electrically conductive membrane distillation (ECMD) to control both cations and anions, increasing water recovery by 27%.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Mohammad Mahbub Kabir, Golam Md. Sabur, Mst. Mahmoda Akter, Sang Yong Nam, Kwang Seop Im, Leonard Tijing, Ho Kyong Shon
Summary: This paper explores the integration of electrodialysis (ED) technology in the water industries (WIN) for sustainable desalination, resource, and energy recovery. The authors provide a comprehensive analysis of recent advancements and conduct a techno-economic and environmental sustainability analysis. They also discuss the use of ED for energy recovery and assess scaling-up issues based on recent scientific findings. The study offers novel insights for the development of a sustainable closed-loop economy in the water industries.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Weonjung Sohn, Jiaxi Jiang, Sherub Phuntsho, Ho Kyong Shon
Summary: This study demonstrates that incorporating biofilm carriers and powdered activated carbon in a membrane bioreactor enhances nitrification rates and reduces hydraulic retention time, resulting in higher energy efficiency and decreased footprint.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
M. S. Sajna, Tasneem Elmakki, Kira Schipper, Seungwon Ihm, Youngwook Yoo, Byungsung Park, Hyunwoong Park, Ho Kyong Shon, Dong Suk Han
Summary: This review paper explores the potential of seawater desalination plants to address the increasing demand for water, energy, mineral resources, and foods, particularly in resource-scarce regions. By utilizing seawater and integrating renewable energy sources, these plants can contribute significantly to sustainable development and promote a circular economy.
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Keyu Zhu, Xitao Zheng, Jing Peng, Jiaming Sun, Ruilin Huang, Leilei Yan
Summary: This paper discusses the influence of multiple impacts on the compression strength of honeycomb sandwich structures with composite face sheets. It is found that the size of the impactor affects the turning point of the compression strength. Additionally, high impact energy leads to damage in the bottom face sheet and reduces the overall compression strength.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Danqian Wang, Yanfei Yue, Jueshi Qian
Summary: Magnesium Potassium Phosphate Cement (MKPC) as a binder for steel rebars shows improved corrosion resistance when subjected to carbonation, due to the increase in pH and the formation of a more protective oxide film.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Zhibin Li, Wenyu Wang, Pengcheng Xue, Xingyu Wei, Jian Xiong
Summary: This work proposes a design approach and manufacturing method for carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) corrugated sandwich truncated cones (CSTC) to improve their anti-debonding ability and ensure reliability. The study establishes theoretical models for CSTCs' stiffness and failure modes, which are verified through experiments and finite element analysis (FEA). The research reveals the effect of geometric parameters on failure modes and performs an optimal design for CSTC structures. The findings have significant implications for the design and application of lightweight CSTCs in constructions, such as launch vehicle adapters.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Mingyu Zhang, Lei Chu, Jiahua Chen, Fuxun Qi, Xiaoyan Li, Xinliang Chen, Deng-Guang Yu
Summary: This review summarizes the different structures and construction methods of fibrous membranes with asymmetric wettability. It also reviews the biological applications of these membranes and suggests future challenges.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
E. Mofakhami, L. Gervat, B. Fayolle, G. Miquelard-Garnier, C. Ovalle, L. Laiarinandrasana
Summary: This study investigates the effects of fibre concentration on the mechanical response of welded glass-fibre-reinforced polypropylene (GF-PP). Experimental observations reveal a significant reduction in weld ratio, up to 60%, indicating a decreased strength compared to the bulk material. Increasing fibre content in the welded material results in a decrease in stress at break and strain at the maximum stress. The use of DIC technique and X-ray microtomography further confirms the localized strain amplification in the welded zone due to the significant increase in fibre density.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Emad Pourahmadi, Farjad Shadmehri, Rajamohan Ganesan
Summary: This research compares the mechanical properties of laminates manufactured using automated fiber placement and conventional autoclave curing methods. The results show that laminates manufactured using automated fiber placement have a lower interlaminar shear strength compared to laminates reconsolidated using autoclave curing. A finite element simulation method is proposed to quantitatively analyze these differences.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Johnny Jakobsen, Benny Endelt, Fahimeh Shakibapour
Summary: This study proposes a new bolted/pinned joining method for composite applications, which improves load transfer by introducing a patch-type reinforcement. Experimental results demonstrate significant improvements in both static and fatigue load conditions compared to existing methods. Finite element simulations highlight the advantage of this method, as it creates a more efficient load-transferring mechanism through different stress distributions.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Gisele G. Cintra, Janine D. Vieira, Daniel C. T. Cardoso, Thomas Keller
Summary: This paper proposes a novel approach to assess multi-crack behavior in layered fiber-polymer composites. The generated Compliance and R-curves provide useful insights into understanding the multiple delamination process and allow for separate evaluation of strain energy release rate (SERR) for each crack. The developed cohesive zone model successfully simulates the failure process zone of three parallel cracks, showing good agreement between the numerical model and experimental results.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Renil Thomas Kidangan, Sreedhar Unnikrishnakurup, C. Krishnamurthy, Krishnan Balasubramaniam
Summary: The induction heating process can accurately identify fiber orientation and stacking order, making it a valuable tool for large-area inspection and quality control in manufacturing fiber-reinforced composites.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Sungjun Hwang, Yousoo Han, Douglas J. Gardner
Summary: Bleached Kraft pulp, unbleached Kraft pulp, and old corrugated cardboard pulp are suitable for producing cellulose nanofibril suspensions. Spray drying is a fast, simple, cost-effective, and scalable drying method. Spray-dried cellulose nanofibrils can be used as reinforcing materials in polypropylene matrices. The particle size of cellulose nanofibrils affects the material properties.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Mehdi Mahdavi, Abbas Zolfaghari
Summary: This study aims to improve the recovery forces of shape memory polymers (SMPs) through material extrusion additive manufacturing. By using glass fiber (GF) as reinforcement and manufacturing multi-layer composite specimens, it was found that PLA with 6.62% GF exhibited the best recovery force, which was further optimized through annealing heat treatment.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Review
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Xiang Ao, Antonio Vazquez-Lopez, Davide Mocerino, Carlos Gonzalez, De-Yi Wang
Summary: The vulnerability of natural fibers to heat and fire poses a significant challenge for their substitution of traditional fiber reinforcements in composite materials. Natural fiber/polymer composites (NFCs) are regarded as potential candidates for engineering applications due to their environmental friendliness and low-impact sourcing. Thus, appropriate approaches need to be implemented to enhance the fire safety of NFCs. This review summarizes and discusses the latest understanding of flammability and thermal properties of natural fibers, with a special focus on their interaction with polymer matrix in fire behavior. Additionally, the latest developments in flame-retardant approaches for NFCs are reviewed, covering both flame retardancy and fire structural integrity. Finally, future prospects and perspectives on fire safety of NFCs are proposed, providing insights into further advancements of NFCs.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Cheng Wang, Siqi Huo, Guofeng Ye, Bingtao Wang, Zhenghong Guo, Qi Zhang, Pingan Song, Hao Wang, Zhitian Liu
Summary: The demand for multifunctional, transparent epoxy resin with superior dielectric, mechanical, and fire-safety performances is increasing in modern industries. Researchers have developed an epoxidized, phosphaphenanthrene-containing poly(styrene butadiene styrene) (ESD) for advanced fire-safe epoxy resin, which maintains high transparency and improves UV-blocking property. The addition of 10 wt% ESD results in improved mechanical properties, decreased dielectric constant and loss, and outperformance compared to other fire-safe epoxy resins. This research provides an effective method for developing multifunctional flame-retardant epoxy resin.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Bo Pang, Heping Zheng, Zuquan Jin, Dongshuai Hou, Yunsheng Zhang, Xiaoyun Song, Yanan Sun, Zhiyong Liu, Wei She, Lin Yang, Mengyuan Li
Summary: This study develops an internal superhydrophobic material (ISM) using waste denitrification fly ash, which maintains stable hydrophobicity under harsh conditions of use and does not rely on expensive fluor-based surface modifications. The synthesized ISM has excellent matrix strength, strong waterproof properties, and retains superhydrophobicity even at damaged or friction interfaces.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Multidisciplinary
Meirbek Mussatayev, Qiuji Yi, Mark Fitzgerald, Vincent K. Maes, Paul Wilcox, Robert Hughes
Summary: Real-time monitoring of carbon fibre composites during Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) manufacturing remains a challenge for non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques. This study designed a directional eddy-current (EC) probe to evaluate the detectability of out-of-plane wrinkles. Experimental evaluations and finite element modeling were conducted to better understand the relationship between eddy-current density and defect detection. The findings suggest that the probe configuration with an asymmetric driver coil and differential pickup coils shows the best capability for wrinkle detection.
COMPOSITES PART B-ENGINEERING
(2024)