Optimization of microwave-assisted esterification of succinic acid using Box-Behnken design approach.

Esters of butanedioic acid (succinic acid) are appealing renewable esters as fuel additives and solvents. In the present study, we have investigated reaction routes for the esterification of succinic acid (SA) with alcohols like methanol (MeOH), ethanol (EtOH), and 2-propanol (2-PrOH) using heterogeneous catalyst D-Hβ (moderate Bronsted acidity) in a microwave (MW)-irradiated reactor to increase yield and minimize waste generation. Using the Box-Behnken design (BBD) approach, operating parameters such as reaction time, microwave power, and catalyst dosing were optimized for SA esterification with MeOH.

Investigation on likely effects of Ag, TiO2, and ZnO nanoparticles on sewage treatment.

Because of the increasing number of applications of nanoparticles (NPs), particularly in food, personal care products, etc., these materials pose a potential threat to the environment. The performance of municipal wastewater treatment plants could be adversely affected if NPs ultimately reach these plants.

Study on thermal co-pyrolysis of jatropha deoiled cake and polyolefins.

Three plastics, high density polyethylene (HDPE), polypropylene (PP) and polystyrene (PS), were individually co-pyrolysed with deoiled cake of jatropha (JC) at 400 and 450°C in a batch reactor in the presence of nitrogen under atmospheric pressure to produce modified liquid fractions. At higher temperature (450°C), the yield of liquid fractions by the pyrolysis of plastics (HDPE, PP and PS) alone was found to increase by 11, 12.5 and 11% for HDPE, PP and PS, respectively.