Band 32, Heft 2

Differential evolution (DE), belonging to the evolutionary algorithm class, is a simple and powerful optimizer with great potential for solving different types of synthetic and real-life problems. Optimization is an important aspect in the chemical engineering area, especially when striving to obtain the best results with a minimum of consumed resources and a minimum of additional by-products. From the optimization point of view, DE seems to be an attractive approach for many researchers who are trying to improve existing systems or to design new ones. In this context, here, a review of the most important approaches applying different versions of DE (simple, modified, or hybridized) for solving specific chemical engineering problems is realized. Based on the idea that optimization can be performed at different levels, two distinct cases were considered – process and model optimization. In both cases, there are a multitude of problems solved, from different points of view and with various parameters, this large area of successful applications indicating the flexibility and performance of DE.

The development of mixed matrix membrane (MMM) in gas separation process has drawn great attention due to its promising properties. MMM consists of a polymer as the matrix phase, whereas the inorganic filler serves as the dispersed phase. However, poor contact between these two phases often results in unselective gas flow and becomes one of the major issues in the MMM development. Currently, various modification techniques of the inorganic filler to improve the compatibility between the polymers and the particles have been reported. Because of this modification, the CO 2 separation from natural gas is expected to enhance. This review provides a better understanding about the modification of inorganic filler. Mechanisms and factors affecting the modification of filler such as the effect of solvent polarity, the effect of water content in solvent, and the effect of drying condition are discussed. The details of the current progress in the MMM involving the silane-modified fillers are also summarized.

Catalyst-free thermal polyesterification has recently emerged as a potential strategy for designing biodegradable thermoset polymers, particularly polyol-based polyesters for biomedical applications. These thermoset polyesters are synthesized through polycondensation of polyol and polyacid without the presence of catalyst or solvents. The mechanical properties, degradation rates, crystallinity, hydrophilicity, and biocompatibility can be controlled by adjusting the monomer feed ratios and curing conditions. These polyesters often degrade via surface erosion that allows the polymers to maintain structural integrity throughout hydrolysis. Additionally, polyol-based polyesters demonstrated good biocompatibility as non-toxic catalysts and/or solvents involved in the reaction, and the monomers used are endogenous to human metabolism which can be resorbed and metabolized in various physiological pathways. This review summarizes the polyol-based biodegradable polyesters that were synthesized by catalyst-free polyesterification.

Recent sustainable advancement in carbon nanotechnology has further broadened the scope of application of carbon based materials, especially graphene based polymer nanocomposites, in emerging applications. This paper mainly focuses on recently emerging trends in synthesis and properties of graphene based polymer nanocomposites, in addition to brief discussion of some selected carbon based nanocomposites for application in electromagnetic interference shielding efficiency, terahertz shielding efficiency, electrostatic dissipation, thermal interface materials, sensors, and energy storage. Finally, an overview of recently emerging trends in sustainability, economies of scale, and emerging commercial market share of these materials is also presented.

Starch is a widely used component in the food industry. Native starch does not have the desired properties, so it is modified according to the required properties. Out of different methods, crosslinking is one of the widely used ones. There are different crosslinking agents available. The method and mechanism of widely used crosslinking agents like phosphorous oxychloride, adipate and epichlorohydrin are discussed and compared. When starch is crosslinked, its properties vary. The extent of crosslinking can be predicted with the help of properties like viscosity and swelling. They are also compared for crosslinking by different agents.