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Ever wondered about the subtlety flow through a pipe in our fluid mechanics
of nature's creations, the precision that all course, but how different would the fluid
of us seek today in our different walks of flow inside a carbon nanotube be? If that
life ,which seems more of nature's trait didnt interest you, spare a thought on how
that's been imbibed in us, than what we a nanoporous catalyst will produce prod-
otherwise are made to believe. What else ucts with 100 % selectivity and yield if it
could explain the philosophy behind the enhances molecule specific adsorption!
closeness of the size of an atom and a liv-
For those who love polymers, did
ing cell! A layman may dismiss it as provi-
you know that polymer carbon nanotube
dence while we engineers must acknowl-
composites have phenomenally enhanced
edge it as our destiny.
mechanical strength. They can sustain
Nanotechnology is the science of much higher weight load when compared
the small world, where the vanguards are to the virgin polymer because of a load
the atoms and molecules. The cells and transfer at the very atomic level from the
! " !
viruses make us believe that there is so bulk polymer to the highly tensile carbon
" #
much more to science than what meets the nanotube!
$ "
eye. But you all might argue that all this is $%
Membrane technology is also hav-
science and where does the engineer
ing its own share of glory with nanoporous
press the button?
membranes facilitating enhanced and
Here is the answer. As a chemical highly selective transport through it, mak-
engineer we are interested in materials that ing its application in fuel cells ever interest-
have myriad applications in fields that in- ing. At the end though, all this fascinating
clude polymers, membranes, catalysis etc. stuff is just the tip of the iceberg! Engineers
Ever imagined how a nanometer dimen- have a plethora of opportunities in the
sion could revolutionize our entire idea of nano regime which includes the elabora-
thinking. It all boils down to control, that we tion of mathematical and stochastic models
so desperately want, control over proper- that would help us understand everyday
ties which would enable us to tailor our physical, chemical and biological phenom-
own materials for the future. ena better and optimize parameters that
are of industrial importance.
What is so special about the
"nano" feeling then? For one, it helps us Here it is my friends, the technol-
alter properties at the very atomic level ogy of the millennium, let's stand up and
thus synthesizing things "the way we need accept it with open arms!
them". For example, all of us study fluid
$ )*+ ) ,!- . ..
Now-a-days in our world fossil Conoco merged. In September 2002, Shell
fuels are used for a lot of developments acquired penzoil-quaker state. In June
and every days small to small work. En- 2005 Royal Dutch and Shell merged.
ergy is the currency of political and eco-
What is the solution? We can not
nomic power of each country throughout
grow more fossil fuel. We can not stop the
the world. In this era energy has become
use of fossil fuel. It is the devastating truth
the paramount imperative and energy de-
that fossil fuel is going to end one day.
mand has proliferated.
Hence we need alternatives for the produc-
Today fossil fuels are the primary tion of the necessary energy, fuels, and
source of energy. Most estimates put our chemicals. We have no choice but to de-
overall worldwide fossil fuel reserves as velop new sources and technologies in
lasting not more than 200 to 300 years order to eventually replace fossil fuels. The
considering further fuel reserves such as time to do this is now, when we still have
& low-grade coal, tar sands, and oil shale extensive sources of fossil fuels available
! again based on the current rate and distri- to make the inevitable changes gradually,
bution of consumption. In present scenario, without major disruptions.
crude oil is the brightest star in the energy
Renewable energy technology is one
family. The maximum number of oil re-
! of the solutions, which produces energy by
sources are in a very few number of coun-
transforming natural phenomena (or natu-
tries. 44 oil producing countries are now
ral resources) such as into useful energy
'(( fulfilling 99% of worlds oil demand. 24 of
forms. We can turn to fuel cells as a solu-
)(( " these countries have already passed their
tion. The fuel cells are electrochemical en-
peak. It is not only India and China, but
ergy conversion device. As long as fuel is
also the developed countries of Europe,
supplied, the fuel cells continue to gener-
U.S.A., Japan etc. that are dependent on
ate power. In the fuel cells the fuels are fed
importing oil. Hence energy poverty is go-
at the anode side and oxidant is fed at the
ing to be the new killer in developing and
cathode side. In the two electrodes, half-
developed countries.
reactions take place and electricity is pro-
Since 1960, the amount of new oil duced. An electrolyte is placed in between
reservoirs being discovered is declining. two electrodes through which the mobile
Even the number of new refineries is also ions (produced from an electrode half-
decreasing and the reason is too simple. reaction) pass to the other electrode side
All oil companies want to be profitable and and take part in half-reaction of that elec-
they know that in the future they will get trode. Electrons pass from anode to cath-
lesser and lesser oil for refining. This oil ode by means of an external circuit giving
crisis is leading to merging of oil compa- power to an external load.
nies. In December 1998, BP and AMOCO
The principle of the fuel cell was
merged and just after four months in April
discovered by German scientist Christian
1999 BP-AMOCO and ARCO merged. In
Friedrich Schnbein in 1838 and published
December 1999 Exxon and Mobile
in the January 1839 edition of the Philoso-
merged. In November 2001 Philips and
phical Magazine". Based on this primary work, Welsh sci- /% % / " / 01
entist Sir William Robert Grove developed the first hydro-
gen fuel cell, in 1843. Hydrogen fuel cell is the basic fuel
Pyrolysis of plastics has been considered one of
cell. In this fuel cell hydrogen is fed at anode and oxygen at
the most important techniques for its disposal treatment
cathode. At anode hydrogen splits to protons and electrons
in presence of catalysts. after its usage. Main problem of plastics disposal lies in
its non-biodegradable nature due to the presence of
2H2 4H++ 4e-
complex chemical bonds in its polymer matrix. Due to
At cathode oxygen reacts with those electrons and the rigorous usage of plastics as commodity material in
protons generating water and heat.
our daily life as well as in Industry its disposal is of seri-
O2 + 4H+ + 4e- 2H2O ous concern from the environmental pollution point of
view. Plastics in our daily life are mainly PET
The overall reaction is as follows :
(Polyethylene terephthalate) used in manufacturing plas-
2H2 + O2 2H2O tic beverage bottles; PP (Polypropylene) used in the
No other energy generating technology offers the manufacture of ropes, toys etc; LDPE (Low density poly-
combination of benefits that fuel cells offer. A fuel cell run- ethylene) used in packaging material; HDPE (High den-
ning on pure hydrogen is a zero-emission power source. sity polyethylene) used for making electrical utensils and
The other benefits include high efficiency and reliability,
PS (Polystyrene) used for making tough and transparent
multi-fuel capability, durability, fuel flexibility, and ease of
materials.
maintenance. Fuel cells are also scalable and can be
stacked until the desired power output is reached. Since
There have been many alternative techniques
fuel cells operate silently, they reduce noise pollution as
well as air pollution and the waste heat from a fuel cell can suggested for plastics or solid waste treatment such as
be used to provide hot water or space heating for a home land-filling, incineration, materials recycling etc. All these
or office. Some applications require an extremely reliable techniques have certain demerits due to which these
power supply and a fuel cells ability to produce continuous approaches for plastics disposal cannot be recom-
power is one reason that makes them ideal for these and
mended. Pyrolysis is the process where this solid poly-
many other situations.
mer matter can be decomposed in an inert atmosphere
Whilst fuel cells provide an exciting prospect for with the help of heat treatment. Pyrolysis can yield value
future energy supplies there are still areas that need to be
added products such as monomers (activated charcoal),
developed further in order for them to become a main-
liquid fractions in the gasoline range, petrochemical feed
stream technology. Fuel cells are still a few years away
from commercialization on a large scale. Now-a-days a lot -stock with a very negligible amount of harmful residue.
of companies such as Ballard Power (Canada), Energy
Venture Inc.(Canada), Fuel Cell Energy (USA), Nissan & The concept of pyrolysis technique can be a
Suzuki (Japan), Siemens Westinghouse (Germany) etc. are feasible process only when the real kinetic mechanism
taking interest in research and development of fuel cells. If of polymer decomposition is known. The aspects to be
the obstacles could be handled in future then fuel cells considered in the pyrolysis process are proper selection
could be a very reliable and capable source for energy to
of pyrolysis reactor, optimization of the reactor and oper-
fulfill the worlds demand in future.
ating conditions and product distributions.
The study of kinetics of plastics and LDPE (Low density poly ethylene) both
decomposition can be possible with the individually and in mixture forms. These
help of the TGA (Thermo Gravimetric catalysts showed catalytic effect mainly in
Analysis) technique. TGA is a process terms of decrease in the temperature of
where mass degradation takes place due to degradation, activation energies and in the
the application of heat with the flow of an pyrolysis product spectra during pyrolysis
inert gas (Nitrogen, Argon etc) while purg- experiments. While performing decomposi-
ing and in the protective gas inlet to get rid tion experiments in the absence of catalysts
of oxidation which may give rise to unde- the maximum degradation temperature
sired reactions. The results from the TGA generally used to be high unlike in the cata-
are generally interpreted as the weight loss lytic case where the maximum degradation
with temperature or with time. From the temperature is low due to the usage of
TGA results the kinetics information of the catalysts. More over the product distribution
polymer decomposition mechanism can be of the pyrolysis process output can be
known. For that purpose TGA is generally greatly modified.
coupled with model approaches such as;
In the case of plastics mixtures of
! Model-fitting techniques or Model-free tech-
PP and LDPE in their various ratios, both
niques. Model-fitting techniques are used in
TGA and GC (Gas Chromatography) for
! the case of lack of knowledge of real kinetic
product analysis got important findings re-
mechanism of the polymer decomposition.
garding optimum ratios of polymers in their
Otherwise model-free techniques are cou-
mixtures both in the concern of high conver-
pled with TGA. In many cases they are ad-
sion and the high yield of comparatively
vantageous over model-fitting techniques.
more valuable products. The separation of
Model-free technique is used both the solid products and liquid products is of
in the presence and absence of catalyst utmost importance for better analysis of the
during the degradation of catalysts. Cata- products obtained after these pyrolysis ex-
lysts such as laboratory synthesized meso- periments.
porous (sol-gel) Al-MCM-41, laboratory
The future scope for research in the
synthesized microporous (hydrothermal)
said area needs more attention so as to
nano-crystalline n-HZSM-5, commercial
understand the real mechanism of the deg-
ZSM-5 and composite catalysts such as
radation of these polymers both thermally
FCC (Fluid Catalytic Cracking) catalyst
and catalytically in their real mixture forms,
have been used. All these catalysts are
keeping an eye to analyze more valuable
very specific in their catalytic behaviors
products after degradation.
while showing their effect in the degrada-
!"
tion of the polymers PP (Polypropylene)
Introduction hances coal conversion.
Polymer nanocomposites offer tremendous im- step assistant in GMC Safari and Chevrolet Astro vans.
provement in a wide range of physical and engineering From that day it has found use in various commercial ap-
properties for polymers with low filler loading. The major plications to fulfill the increased demand of the human so-
development in this field has been carried out over the last ciety. These days a lot of research work is being done on
one and half decades. In this article an attempt is made to nanocomposites to apply in various fields like drug deliv-
give a basic understanding of polymer nanocomposites ery systems, anti-corrosion barrier coatings, UV protection
along with its current applications. gels, lubricants and scratch free paints, new fire retardant
materials, new scratch or abrasion resistant materials, su-
Composites are the materials formed when at least
perior strength fibers and films. There are mainly three
two distinctly dissimilar materials are mixed. Conventional
types of composites for layered silicate materials (shown
composites undergo mixing at macroscopic level. However
in Figure 1). When the polymer is unable to intercalate (or
when one of the constituent phases has one dimension
penetrate) between the silicate sheets, a phase-separated
less than 100 nm they are called as nanocomposites. In
composite is obtained, and the properties stay in the same
case of polymer nanocomposites, one of the phases is
range as those for conventional nanocomposites. In an
polymer. The other phase is nano filler which can be clay or
intercalated structure, where a single extended polymer
nanotube or any nanoparticles. These nanocomposites
chain can penetrate between the silicate layers, a well-
have flexibility and improvements in their physical proper-
ordered multilayer morphology results with alternating
ties. Since the constituents of the nanocomposites have
polymeric and inorganic layers. When the silicate layers
different structures and compositions, hence the nanocom-
are completely and uniformly dispersed in a continuous
posites can be multifunctional. The main idea behind the
polymer matrix, an exfoliated or delaminated structure is
nanocomposites is to enhance the properties and improve
obtained. In each case, the physical properties of the re-
the characteristics of the materials. Nano-structured and
sultant composite are significantly different. Without proper
nano-composite materials are expected to be the major
dispersion, the nano material will not offer improved me-
areas of growth in the economy of countries like U.K. in the
chanical properties over that of conventional composites;
next 20 years. Currently the world nano-materials market is
in fact, a poorly dispersed nano material may degrade the
growing at the rate of 7-15% per annum in various sectors.
More than 70 organizations around the world are working in
this field and opportunities are still considered to be abun- $ #
dant.
"
The real era of polymer composites started in 1990
when Toyota first developed Nylon-Montmorillonite clay
nanocomposite that was used in Toyota car to produce tim-
ing belt cover. After that it was used by Mitsubishi in the
% " # !" #
preparation of GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engine cover.
General Motors used clay/polyolefin nanocomposites in
mechanical properties. No swelling during contact with water and therefore high
resistance to whitening.
Polymer-clay nanocomposites can be prepared
mainly by three different methods. They are the melt-
Enhanced heat distortion temperature.
processing, solvent method and in situ polymeriza-
tion. The first two methods directly insert polymer into the Enhanced physical properties.
clay galleries, while the third inserts monomer followed by
polymerization in the galleries. Low processing cost and single-step processing.
stability and ability to promote flame retardancy at very have resulted in major interest in nanocomposite materi-
low filling levels. The formation of a thermal insulating als in numerous automotive and general/industrial appli-
and low permeability char from the polymer degradation cations. These include potential for utilization as mirror
caused by a fire is responsible for these improved proper- housings on various vehicle types, door handles, engine
ties. The enhanced properties of polymer nanocompo- covers and intake manifolds and timing belt covers. More
sites at low clay loadings compared to conventional clay/ general applications currently being considered include
polymer mixtures are: usage as impellers and blades for vacuum cleaners,
power tool housings, mower hoods and covers for port-
Lower density and better reinforcement. able electronic equipment such as mobile phones, pagers
etc. It can also be applied in the field of heat-resistant
Increased dimensional stability. materials, light weight and high strength structural materi-
als, electrical package, conductive polymers, barriers,
Decreased permeability to gases, water and hydrocar-
corrosion resistant materials, electro-magnetic field
bons. So Improved barrier properties for gases and liq-
shielding, selective photo sensitivity, coatings, etc.
uids.
The major research is going on in the field of
Flame retardant approach.
electronics where polymer nanocomposites are used in
preparation of light weight and low cost chips. Using
Increased melt strength and chemical resistance.
these materials, GE hopes to build more powerful tur-
High elasticity despite high silica ratio. bines that operate at higher temperatures. So, it is no
longer a new field in the area of research; and the day is
not far when polymer nanocomposites will become an
integral part of our life.
' " $
! ! ( / "
3'343*
As a part of the first issue of IIChE the student into a complete and responsible
(Students chapter) newsletter, Editor, Mr citizen. Also a linking up with the alumni
Deepak Nanwani interviewed the Head of and other chemical engineers is a part of it.
the Department of Chemical Engineering
DN: So, do we plan to set up an alumni
Dr. Aloke K. Ghoshal. Here is the full text of
database also?
the interview.
AKG: Yes, in fact we are working on it. This
DN: Sir, you have been in this department
is very important for the benefit of the de-
since it began in 2002 and you have seen it
partment and the students of this depart-
grow to what it is now. What are the major
ment. Because once the students pass out
changes in the department that you see
it is very difficult to maintain this contact.
today?
And this is the reason such a database is
AKG: The department has grown from stu- very important.
dents point of view as well as facultys
DN: Is the department also involved in any
point of view. The department as of now is
sort of consultancy projects?
complete. We have all the required facilities
0
as well as infrastructure. As the no. of stu- AKG: Yes, the department is involved in a
dents grow, more and more facilities will be lot of consultancy projects. We recently
&0
required and we will have to make the nec- bagged a project from OIL Duliajan and we
essary changes with time. are already doing two projects with them.
! "
We recently completed a project for IOCL.
" DN: Sir, how has the setting up of IIChE
We have also taken up another consultancy
students chapter in our department benefit-
project with BLPL. We along with some fac-
ted the students of the department?
ulty member of Civil Engineering Depart-
AKG: The students chapter is mainly set ment are doing a project for a Kolkata
up to benefit the students and once the stu- based company. Like this there are various
dents are benefitted the department is also other consultancy projects that have been
benefitted in general. The purpose behind taken up.
setting up of this chapter was to get every-
DN: In what various fields are these con-
one especially the students involved in
sultancy projects?
some activities not only related to chemical
engineering but also extracurricular activi- AKG: See, one is in the field of catalyst
ties so that all round development of the synthesis for a specific use. Then conden-
student takes place. These kinds of activi- sate recovery is also one area. There are
ties assume special importance to make other fields too like heat exchanger network
analysis for setting up a new project. Also feasibility
a lot of factors and will be taken in due course of time
study on the use of micro turbines for generating elec-
depending on the requirement.
tricity from oil and gas.
DN: Sir, what about the computer lab?
DN: What is the difference between a consultancy pro-
ject and a funded/sponsored project? AKG: We have got new computers in the department lab
recently. As and when the need arises we will increase
AKG: In case of a consultancy project when a particular
the no. as well as improve the configuration of these vari-
company or some firm has a problem, you have to con-
ous computers. We also plan to use the room where the
vince them that you can solve that problem and the
departmental library is right now. This room has been
company will pay you for that. It is sort of similar to your
made for the purpose of the lab and we will use it as and
placement process. There are funding agencies like
when the need arises.
DST, CSIR, MNES, etc. which have been allocated
funds by the government and which further allocate DN: Sir, is the course curriculum changed regularly to
funds to various projects in educational and other insti- match the requirements of the industry? And are we also
tutes which need them. Many such funded projects are working on changing the various topics that are taught in
also going on in the department. the courses?
DN: Can students also be a part of these consultancy AKG: Curriculum is alright however recently we have
projects? done a curriculum restructuring. As far as the syllabus is
concerned we are constantly revising it and we have
AKG: Yes students are also a part of these consultancy
done a few major changes once since 2002. And another
projects. They might not get monetary benefits but they
major change is in the new pipeline. We will be changing
get hands on industrial experience. They are allotted
the syllabus as well as introducing the new courses. New
small problems which are a part of the project and they
electives are in the pipeline for students since now we
work on them under the guidance of the faculty member.
have more faculty members.
And such interactions between students and faculty
members are mutually beneficial. We can only supervise DN: Most of our placements are in petroleum refining
them but it is the students who work on the implementa- sector. Why is it that we are not able to move to other
tion. areas like pharmaceuticals, fertilizers etc.?
DN: Are our labs equipped to handle this increase in AKG: See it is all a case of demand and supply. A few
years ago there was a great boom in the software sector.
the intake of the students?
The salaries were quite high and everybody wanted to go
AKG: As I said the department is now complete. The over to that side. However, when the software sector de-
intake of students has increased in the past few years. clined people again started running here and there. Now
We will be from next year on dividing the students into in the oil sector there are a lot of MNCs which are offering
two groups and we also plan to introduce some new very high pay packages and hence people prefer the core
experiments in our labs. But these decisions depend on sector.
/ ) " 53 6
As the statistics reveal the place- that a company would give advantage to
ment of the B.Tech. batch of final year stu- the person having an internship in a com-
dents has been very satisfactory. Cent per- pany amongst two equally capable people.
cent placement with an average package of Moreover, an internship in a company might
6.10 LPA supports the above statement. result in a Pre Placement Offer. However
For a batch of 21 students we have 25 re- the final choice depends on the persons
cruitment offers. personal choice and career aspirations.
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We would like to thank all the people who helped us in bringing out the first ever issue of this newsletter. First
of all we would like to thank Prof. A.K. Ghoshal and Dr. Kaustubha Mohanty for their continuous support and guid-
ance. Also we would like to thank Aashish Goel, Ashish Kumar and Vaibhav Agarwal for their help during the col-
lection of articles. We would also like to thank all the students who have contributed to the newsletter in whatever
way they have.
! "
# # $ % ! !$
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During this calendar year 2008, IIChE-SC has already organized two activities viz. a trip to IOCL Guwahati
Refinery on 15th March 2008 and one Workshop on Aspen Plus conducted by Dr. P. K. Saha on 29th March 2008.
Nearly 45 students accompanied by some faculty members have visited IOCL Refinery. The Aspen Plus Work-
shop was also well attended by more than 80 students comprising of UG, PG and PhD scholars. Those were the
two major activities. Barring these some minor activities like placement talk and internship talk by final year UG
students of Chemical Engineering were also held under the auspices of IIChE-SC. More such activities are
planned for near future.
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IOCL Guwahati Refinery Visit on 15th March 2008