South African Journal of Chemical Engineering最新文献

{"title":"Experimental design and optimization of process parameters for nanocellulose extraction from pineapple leaves using central composite design","authors":"Ebise Getacho Bacha ,&nbsp;Abeba Negawo Tadesse ,&nbsp;Martha Zemedu Assefa","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2026.01.007","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2026.01.007","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The yield of nanocellulose is affected by different parameters, including acid concentration, reaction time, temperature, and the acid-to-fiber ratio. This work aims to extract nanocellulose from pineapple leaves and optimize the process parameters using a central composite design. The chemical composition of pineapple leaf waste was determined using standard methods, and the obtained results were 66.36±0.31 %, 19.84±0.13 %, 7.8 ± 0.14 %, and 13.23±0.4 % for cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and extractives, respectively. The extraction was done by alkali treatment, delignification, and hydrochloric acid hydrolysis. The time, temperature, acid concentration, and the ratio of acid to feedstock were studied by response surface methodology. The optimum yield was 76.2 % at 42.5 min, 60.5 ℃, 4 M, and 1 to 20 g/ml for reaction time, temperature, acid concentration, and feedstock to acid solution ratio, respectively. The functional group, particle size distribution, crystallinity, and thermal stability were determined using Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Thermogravimetry Analysis (TGA), respectively. The average particle size was found to be 23.87 nm with a polydispersity index of 0.7. The FTIR results confirm the significant reduction or complete removal of lignin, hemicellulose, and other amorphous parts found in pineapple leaf. The Crystallinity Index (CI) of pineapple leaf is 40.6 %, cellulose is 60.7 %, and nanocellulose is 80.4 %, respectively. The thermogravimetry analysis shows that the thermal stability of the nanocellulose is better than that of the pineapple leaf.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100834"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146038954","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Zeolite pellet fabrication for biogas purification: Characterization and CO2 adsorption performance","authors":"Bambang Trisakti ,&nbsp;Rivaldi Sidabutar ,&nbsp;Irvan Irvan ,&nbsp;Farida Hanum ,&nbsp;Mhd. Rivaldi Syahputra ,&nbsp;Hani Suhastifa Rambe ,&nbsp;Noersukma Dwi Gusty ,&nbsp;Muhammad Syaifan ,&nbsp;Michael Michael ,&nbsp;Thiodorus Marvin Tjandra ,&nbsp;Sheylin Wimora Lumban Tobing ,&nbsp;Peer Mohamed Abdul","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2026.01.004","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2026.01.004","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The escalating urgency for renewable energy solutions and sustainable waste management strategies has intensified research into biogas purification technologies, particularly addressing the critical need for efficient CO₂ removal to enhance methane concentration. This study optimized zeolite pellet fabrication and evaluated their CO₂ adsorption performance for biogas purification. Zeolite samples were systematically processed through pelletization and calcination procedures, with experimental parameters encompassing particle sizes (50-140 mesh), calcination temperatures (200-400^○C), and durations (2-4 hours). The pelletization process achieved optimal yield performance of 75.97±0.70% under conditions of 50 mesh particle size, 200^○C calcination temperature, and 2-hour duration, corresponding to maximum pellet density of 1.94±0.03 g/cm³. Water adsorption capacity reached its peak at 3.35±0.11% utilizing 140 mesh zeolite calcined at 400^○C for 4 hours. Most significantly, CO₂ removal efficiency achieved 92.5±0.75% under optimal conditions of 140 mesh particle size, 400^○C calcination temperature, and 4-hour calcination duration. Comprehensive characterization revealed crystallite size reduction from 53.31 nm to 37.41 nm following activation, while scanning electron microscopy confirmed heterogeneous pore structure with grain-like surface morphology. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis indicated substantial oxygen content increase from 31.31% to 58.30% post-CO₂ adsorption, accompanied by carbon content decrease from 30.59% to 5.54%. N₂ adsorption quantified surface area, pore volume, and pore diameter as 283.01 m²/g, 0.292 cc/g, and 2.569 Å, respectively. These findings establish zeolite pellets as highly effective CO₂ adsorbents with substantial potential for industrial-scale biogas purification implementation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100831"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145981942","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Electrochemical detection of para-nitrophenol employing a glassy carbon electrode modified with graphene–zinc oxide nanocomposite for enhanced sensitivity","authors":"Riyaz Ahmad Dar ,&nbsp;Gowhar A. Naikoo ,&nbsp;Ashwini Kumar Srivastava ,&nbsp;Israr Ul Hassan ,&nbsp;Shashi P. Karna ,&nbsp;Lily Giri ,&nbsp;Ahamad M.H. Shaikh ,&nbsp;Mashallah Rezakazemi ,&nbsp;Waqar Ahmed","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2026.01.003","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2026.01.003","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The graphene-zinc oxide nanocomposite (GN(ZnO)-NC) was investigated as an electrochemical sensing platform for the highly sensitive detection of para-nitrophenol (p-NP). Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO<img>NPs) were prepared through a modified wet-chemical synthesis, employing zinc nitrate and potassium hydroxide as precursor materials. Starch was incorporated during the synthesis process to function as a capping and stabilizing agent, promoting uniform nanoparticle dispersion and preventing agglomeration. Graphene-oxide was reduced to graphene in the presence of ZnO<img>NPs using glucose as a reductant in a simple and environmentally friendly method to create GN-ZnO nanocomposite. A comprehensive characterization of the synthesized nanocomposite (NC) was conducted to evaluate its crystal structure, degree of crystallinity, surface morphology, elemental composition, and phase properties. This was achieved using various techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy. The electrochemical performance of the GN(ZnO)-NC layer placed on the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) surface was first investigated using the conventional 1 mM K₃[Fe(CN)₆] model complex. The performance of the GN(ZnO)-NC modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was evaluated in relation to varying concentrations of p-nitrophenol (p-NP). Employing square wave adsorptive stripping voltammetry, a significantly increased current response was recorded in a 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution at pH 6.8. Under optimized conditions, the method exhibited a linear response toward para-nitrophenol (p-NP) over the concentration range of 0.09 × 10⁻⁶ to 21.80 × 10⁻⁶ M, with a notably low detection limit of 8.8 × 10⁻⁹ M. These results were obtained using a deposition potential of –1.0 V and a deposition time of 300 s. With no interference from other potential interfering compounds like ortho-NP, meta-NP, or 2, 4-di-NP, this developed electrochemical sensor exhibited exceptional selectivity toward para-nitrophenol (p-NP). Owing to its high recovery rates, the method proved effective for the sensitive quantification of p-NP in real environmental samples, including ground and river water samples.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"56 ","pages":"Article 100830"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146189635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Polynomial regression analysis on electromagnetohydrodynamic hybrid nanofluid flow over a rotating disk: Applications in next-generation thermal systems","authors":"Gunisetty Ramasekhar ,&nbsp;P.D. Selvi ,&nbsp;Hijaz Ahmad ,&nbsp;Waleed Mohammed Abdelfattah","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.12.010","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.12.010","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Thermal systems need effective cooling and heating processes, therefore thermal transfer innovation is critical in modern times, playing an important role in the manufacturing, aerospace, and electronic equipment sectors, in addition to automobiles and other modes of transportation. This study investigates the heat transfer properties of an electromagnetohydrodynamic mixed nanofluid across a porous spinning disk. The primary goal is to develop and validate an efficient engine oil/Cu-CuO hybrid framework that integrates traditional numerical approaches with polynomial regression analysis to accurately predict the flow and thermal features of complex nanofluid systems. The conversion of PDEs into ODEs is achieved by utilizing similarity variables. Thereafter, for graphical purposes, the study employed the bvp4c numerical method. The resultant structure is solved with the bvp4c scheme, and polynomial regression analysis is created to train the solution data for accurate estimation across different parameter (Q, Ec, Rd) settings. The suggested polynomial regression analysis has regression coefficients are 0.98, 0.87, 0.97, indicating high predicted accuracy and effectiveness. The influence of different parameters participating in the mathematical modeling is shown in various graphs and tables. In the result section the investigation noticed the velocity outlines increased, and on the other hand, there was a decreasing tendency in the energy outline for enlarging electric field parameter values. The heat generation and eckert number parameter values are increased, resulting in an improved energy profile. The results of this simulation have the potential to contribute significantly to more advanced study and research in the fields of bioengineering and bio-nanofluid dynamics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"55 ","pages":"Pages 605-617"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Manipulating calcination temperature on crystal structure and optical properties tuning of CuO nanostructures","authors":"Arrak Klinbumrung ,&nbsp;Reungruthai Sirirak ,&nbsp;Samor Boonphan ,&nbsp;Atit Wannawek ,&nbsp;Yanee Keereeta","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2026.01.002","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2026.01.002","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The research investigated the influence of calcination temperature on the properties of CuO nanostructures synthesized through a chemical precipitation method. Calcination at different temperatures (200, 400, and 600°C) significantly affected the crystal structure, morphology, and optical characteristics of the CuO nanostructures. Various characterization techniques were employed, including thermogravimetric analysis (TG), X–ray diffractometers (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometers (FT–IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TG analysis revealed thermal behavior and phase transitions, while XRD results confirmed a monoclinic structure of CuO at 200°C with the calculation of the texture coefficient, crystallite size, lattice constants, strain, and other physical properties. SEM images showed a transition from nanorods to plate structures with increasing calcination temperature. TEM images demonstrated the highly crystalline characteristics of CuO samples. The BET analysis depicted surface area reduction, and CuO nanostructures exhibited energy band gaps ranging from 2.23 to 2.78 eV. Calculating optical terms as a function of photon energy also examined optical behaviors. Photoluminescence spectra revealed oxygen and copper vacancy defects, which sublevels affected energy bandgap change. The 400CuO sample exhibited the strongest PL emission signal, indicating the highest crystallinity and the lowest degree of defects. The findings underscored the significant impact of calcination temperature on the morphology and optical properties of CuO nanostructures, providing insights into their structural characteristics and emerging defects. The study supports opto-electronic applications and contributes to the global goal of pollution control and clean water.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"55 ","pages":"Pages 560-574"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924091","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development and analysis of PVC glass slides for urine microstructure studies","authors":"Mohammed Alwan Farhan,&nbsp;Luma Salman Abd,&nbsp;Zaid H. Mahmoud","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.12.018","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.12.018","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The long-term maintenance of urine precipitation microstructures stays a main restriction in medical laboratory education and routine urinalysis, as traditional glass sides typically permit sample stability for only 1–3 h. In this work, a novel polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-coated glass slide system was advanced to capable long-term stabilization and microscopic conception of urine precipitation components. PVC films were functionalized with p-chlorobenzamidine (L) as photostabilizer to inhibit photodegradation induced via elongate exposure to UV light and microscope. The films photostability were systematically investigated employing FTIR, viscosity measurements, UV–Vis and FESEM analysis. At 365 nm, after 125 h of UV irradiation, the carbonyl index (Ico) for PVC+<em>L</em> films were increased to 0.13, compared with 0.18 of PVC, suggesting an essential reduction in oxidative degradation. The constant rate of photodegradation (kd) was reduced from 0.0021 s^-1 for pristine PVC to 0.0014 s^-1 for PVC+<em>L</em> sample, while the quantum yield of main-chain scission (Φcs) was decreased from 373×10¹³ to 884×10¹². Moreover, the PVC+<em>L</em> films preserved a higher viscosity-average molecular weight (Mv 260,000) contracted with the pristine PVC film after protracted irradiation, suggesting efficient inhibition of PVC chain scission. Functionally, at 295 nm, the PVC+<em>L</em> films appeared high (90 % transmittance) and cement clear microscopic conception of urine precipitation components. Cystine crystals, uric acid, calcium oxalate and triple phosphate, as well as amorphous materials, epithelial cells, kept optically distinguishable and morphologically intact for up to one year. These finds illustrate, for the first time, that photostabilized films can use as transparent, durable and chemically stable substrates for urine precipitation preservation, giving a low-cost and practical platform for routine microscopy, medical laboratory training and educational characteristics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"55 ","pages":"Pages 575-585"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924178","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fabrication and characterization of biocomposites from acetylated and bleached Agave atroverance L. fibers by grafting of styrene to enhance their thermomechanical, physicochemical, and morphological properties: A new approach","authors":"Md. Mahmudur Rahman ,&nbsp;Md. Shamim Reza ,&nbsp;Mohd. Maniruzzaman","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2026.01.001","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2026.01.001","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Modification of natural fiber is very crucial to reduce their hydrophilic nature, in addition to enhancing their overall thermomechanical, physicochemical, and morphological properties. Thus, the modified natural fibers could be beneficially used to fabricate a new class of multifunctional biocomposites that should have a suitable agreement with the sustainable environmental development. Here, in this current work, acetylation and bleaching techniques were used to modify the extracted <em>Agave atroverance</em> L. fibers (AALF), and finally, a conspicuous method of modification, namely grafting of styrene monomer to fabricate multifunctional biopolymeric composites. While the grafting process was carried out onto the preliminary modified (both bleached and acetylated) fiber by using potassium persulphate (K₂S₂O₈) and ammonium persulphate (NH₄)₂S₂O₈ as initiator beneath the catalytic sway of ferrous sulphate (FeSO₄.7H₂O) in aqueous media to develop their overall strength, properties, and performances. Notably, the observed values of grafting yield were about 89.57 % and 94.86 % for bleached grafted and acetylated grafted AALF fiber, respectively. However, the raw, modified, and grafted biopolymeric specimens were characterized by conducting some state-of-the-art instruments like FTIR spectroscopy, SEM analysis, TGA, DTA, and DTG techniques. Additionally, the mechanical properties were investigated by conducting universal testing machine (UTM), which deals with tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and elongation/ductility. The obtained results suggested that the newly fabricated composites possess outstanding physicochemical, thermomechanical, and morphological properties due to the successful graft copolymerization. The maximum tensile strengths were observed around 179.39 and 173.10 MPa for the acetylated grafted and bleached grafted fibers. Thus, they could be beneficially used in various engineering/industrial sectors for sustainable environmental performance as a replacement for hazardous petroleum-based synthetic/conventional ones.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"55 ","pages":"Pages 586-604"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924179","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Assessment of microplastics in water and sediment from Megech river, major tributary to Lake Tana","authors":"Mequanent Esubalew Nigatu ,&nbsp;Tewodros Nigatu Bitaw ,&nbsp;Sisay Wondmagegn Molla ,&nbsp;Abrham Bayeh Wassie","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.12.014","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.12.014","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Ethiopia is the second largest importer of raw plastic materials in Central and Eastern Africa with fastest-growing plastic industry in the continent. Plastic pollution is a serious problem in the country and the government has started an awareness campaign for its reduction. This work is an initial attempt to evaluate the occurrence, abundance and characterization of microplastics (MPs) in shape, color and size from surface water and sediment of Megech River and its tributaries into Lake Tana, Ethiopia. As a result, the average abundance of MPs in surface water and sediment from 11 sampling sites were 0.55±0.31 items/L and 19.39 ± 11.91 items/Kg respectively. From the obtained total of 137 MP particles, the dominant shape, color and size were fragment (32.9%, 40.63%), transparent (30.17%, 29.69%), and &lt;0.5 mm (47%, 47%) for surface water and sediment respectively. A significant difference in MP abundance was observed in the transition from upper rural to urban areas and lower rural, with higher concentrations distributed from urban tributaries to the main Megech River. This pattern is attributed to anthropogenic activities from Gondar city, which the River passes through. These results can be used to augment the current database of MPs pollution and provide useful references for further research.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"55 ","pages":"Pages 501-508"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145883544","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Predicting nanofiltration performance: A Runge-Kutta numerical framework for ion-specific rejection and flux-driven selectivity inversion in single and mixed salts","authors":"Rasha Amer Hajarat","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.11.018","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.11.018","url":null,"abstract":"<div><h3>Objectives</h3><div>This study systematically investigates the synergistic effects of operational parameters, membrane properties, and ionic characteristics on ion rejection in nanofiltration (NF). The primary objectives are to (1) model ion transport mechanisms via the extended Nernst-Planck equation, (2) quantify rejection for key ions (K⁺, Br⁻, Cl⁻, SO₄²⁻, PO₄³⁻) across variable fluxes (10⁻⁷–10⁻⁵ m³/m²/s) and pore radii (0.4–5 nm), and (3) elucidate competitive ion interactions in multicomponent systems.</div></div><div><h3>Methods</h3><div>A novel numerical model integrating the extended Nernst-Planck equation with a fourth-order Runge-Kutta analysis was developed. The model was applied to both single (KBr, KCl, K₂SO₄, K₃PO₄) and mixed salt solutions to calculate ion concentrations and rejection rates under defined boundary conditions.</div></div><div><h3>Results</h3><div>The analysis yielded three critical advances: (i) Cation rejection (K⁺, up to 99 %) consistently exceeded anion rejection in single salts due to charge interactions. (ii) In mixtures, Br⁻ achieved anomalously high rejection (80 %) attributable to its optimal ionic radius and dynamic membrane charge effects. (iii) Competitive ion displacement induced negative rejection for Cl⁻ and PO₄³⁻, highlighting previously unreported flux-driven selectivity inversions.</div></div><div><h3>Conclusion</h3><div>This work establishes a predictive link between membrane design (pore size), operational flux, and ion-specific properties (charge, radius) across different environments. The findings demonstrate that tailored membrane optimization must account for competitive ion transport, advancing the rational design of high-efficiency NF systems for selective ion removal.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"55 ","pages":"Pages 509-517"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924177","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Sustainable corrosion inhibition of A36 steel in 1 M HCl using a citrus peel–surfactant bio-hybrid: Linking green chemistry with industrial-grade thermal performance","authors":"Abdul M. Sulaiman ,&nbsp;Putu H Setyarini ,&nbsp;Khairul Anam ,&nbsp;Siti Norasmah Surip ,&nbsp;Chin Wei Lai","doi":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.12.020","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.sajce.2025.12.020","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In response to the growing demand for environmentally sustainable corrosion mitigation strategies in acidic industrial environments, a novel bio-hybrid corrosion inhibitor (CI30@CSE) is proposed, in which lauryl betaine (LB) in a commercial CI30 formulation is replaced by Citrus sinensis peel extract (CSE), a renewable agricultural waste-derived component. This work represents one of the first attempts to directly integrate a plant-based extract into an industrial-grade surfactant inhibitor system while preserving high inhibition performance. The hybrid system was systematically evaluated using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, complemented by surface characterization (SEM, AFM) and spectroscopic analyses (FTIR, UV–Vis), together with density functional theory (DFT) and Monte Carlo simulations to elucidate adsorption behavior. CI30@CSE demonstrated a maximum inhibition efficiency of 97.88% at an optimal concentration of 400 ppm, outperforming the conventional CI30 inhibitor (93.76%), thereby confirming that substitution with a biomass-derived component can enhance protection without sacrificing industrial-level performance in 1 M HCl. Surface analysis via SEM and AFM confirmed the formation of denser, smoother, and more coherent protective films on A36 steel, while spectroscopic evidence and molecular simulations revealed strengthened adsorption stability and synergistic molecular interactions between the surfactant matrix and bioactive constituents of CSE. By valorizing citrus peel waste and partially replacing synthetic surfactants with a renewable bio-based alternative, this study contributes to circular chemical design and greener corrosion control strategies, offering a promising pathway toward high-performance, lower-toxicity corrosion inhibitors suitable for sustainable industrial applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":21926,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Chemical Engineering","volume":"55 ","pages":"Pages 531-550"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145924090","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}