Journal of Chemical Engineering and Energy Materials

Abstract Synchronous generators are the backbone of modern power systems, providing stable and reliable electricity generation. However, under fault conditions such as short circuits, overloads, or insulation breakdown, these machines are exposed to extreme thermal and electrical stresses that can significantly compromise their performance, lifespan, and safety. Conventional cooling and insulation systems often struggle to withstand such severe conditions, necessitating advanced solutions that combine material innovation with optimized thermal management strategies. This paper systematically reviews advanced material-based cooling and insulation approaches designed to enhance the protection of synchronous generators under fault conditions. The review highlights the role of high thermal conductivity nanofluids, phase-change materials (PCMs), and advanced composite laminates in improving cooling efficiency, heat dissipation, and fault tolerance. Similarly, the integration of nanostructured dielectrics, hybrid polymer composites, and ceramic-based coatings in insulation systems demonstrates superior dielectric strength, thermal stability, and resistance to partial discharge. Furthermore, the combined implementation of these materials in insulation and cooling pathways creates a synergistic effect, significantly reducing hotspot formation, minimizing thermal runaway, and enhancing overall machine resilience. Case studies and experimental findings confirm that advanced materials can extend synchronous generator life by 20–35% and reduce fault-related downtime by up to 30%. However, challenges such as cost, scalability, and long-term reliability under dynamic operating conditions remain critical areas for future research. The paper concludes that adopting advanced material-based cooling and insulation strategies offers a transformative pathway toward sustainable, efficient, and fault-resilient power generation systems.

Abstract The present study reviews articles on polymerization techniques for preparing hydrogels. Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks of polymer chains that are cross-linked through a simple reaction of one or more types of monomers and have a high ability to absorb and retain water. The ability of hydrogels to absorb water comes from hydrophilic functional groups such as COONa, OH, NH2, COOH, SO3H that are attached to the base chain. While their insolubility in water is due to cross-links between the main chains. Hydrogels are three-dimensional, hydrophilic polymer networks capable of absorbing large amounts of water or biological fluids. Due to their unique physicochemical properties, biocompatibility, and tunable characteristics, hydrogels have found widespread applications in biomedical engineering, drug delivery, wound healing, and environmental science. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various polymerization techniques used to synthesize hydrogels, including physical and chemical crosslinking methods. Key polymerization strategies such as free radical polymerization, photopolymerization, click chemistry, radiation polymerization, and enzyme-mediated polymerization are discussed in detail, along with their advantages, limitations, and typical applications.

Abstract China is striving to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2030 and reach net zero by 2060, and technological progress plays a special role in this regard. Since China announced its goal of minimizing carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and ending carbon production before 2060, it has tried to achieve this goal by taking various measures. Among all these measures, progress in science and technology is crucial to provide a strong impetus and long-term momentum for the country. China has taken nationwide measures to phase out and upgrade old fuel facilities to reduce air pollution and carbon dioxide emissions, and in practice, CO2 emissions from combustion have been significantly reduced by using more efficient catalysts and better industrial processes. According to a study reported by Gauging Daily, from 2013 to 2020, China's measures to create clean air, use green energy and reduce CO2 emissions have reduced carbon dioxide production by 2.43 billion tons. These measures have saved a total of 1.06 billion tons of standard coal. In 2020 alone, clean air measures saved 247 million tons of standard coal and reduced 570 million tons of carbon dioxide, accounting for 5.5 percent of China's total CO2 emissions that year. Supported by advanced technologies, chemical plants have reduced their carbon emissions. In Shanghai, east China, there is already a refinery that produces carbon-free products. Gaoqiao Petrochemical, a subsidiary of Sinopec in Shanghai, delivered the first batch of carbon-free refinery products made from 30,000 tons of crude oil, including gasoline, diesel, kerosene and liquefied petroleum gas, all of which are carbon-neutral and have Environment Shronang certification. The refinery completed 53 pollution control projects between 2018 and 2020, which significantly reduced the total emission of major pollutants. The average carbon emission concentration in the sector has been reduced to 23% of the standard level.

Abstract The present study examines the feasibility of biodegradation of gaseous pollutants with respect to industrial processes. There are several methods such as physical methods, chemical methods and biological methods for removing gaseous pollutants. Combustion of fossil fuels leads to the emission of various pollutants such as SO2, CO2, NOx, CO, VOC, etc. These pollutants are harmful to the environment and human health. NOx and SO2 lead to acid rain and VOC compounds cause photochemical smog and ozone layer depletion and some VOCs are carcinogenic and cause gene mutations. Common methods for reducing gaseous pollutants are wet scrubbing using lime to remove SO2, catalytic reduction for NOx and surface adsorption to remove VOCs. All these methods are complex chemical processes and produce wastes such as wastewater, catalysts and used surface adsorbents. The results of the present study showed that using microorganisms adapted to pollutant gas, these compounds are reduced or purified in the exhaust air from the chimneys of polluting industries. The pollutant is absorbed into the liquid phase, which contains active microorganisms. This group of adapted and specialized microorganisms decompose the pollutant and use the energy from the breakdown of these compounds for their own reproduction and metabolic interactions. The product of the microbial reaction is mainly CO2, water and biomass, in this method the pollutant can be organic or inorganic.

Abstract The advancement of additive manufacturing technologies has positioned 3D-printed polymers as a transformative force in modern manufacturing, enabling customized, lightweight, and complex structures across multiple industries. This article provides an in-depth exploration of polymer materials used in 3D printing, focusing on material selection criteria, processing techniques, emerging applications, and future potential. Material categories, including thermoplastics, thermosets, composites, and biodegradable polymers, are examined, emphasizing their mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties influencing printing performance and end-use functionality. Processing methods such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), Stereolithography (SLA), Selective Laser Sintering (SLS), and Digital Light Processing (DLP) are critically compared in terms of resolution, mechanical strength, build speed, and cost efficiency. Emerging applications in sectors such as biomedical engineering, aerospace, automotive manufacturing, electronics, and sustainable construction are analyzed using recent case studies and market data from 2020 to 2025. The review also highlights the integration of advanced technologies, including multi-material printing, and the development of recyclable and bio-based polymers to address environmental concerns. A forward-looking discussion considers challenges related to scalability, standardization, and material performance under real-world operating conditions. By combining technical insights with market analysis, this paper aims to guide researchers, engineers, and decision-makers in understanding the current landscape and identifying opportunities for innovation in 3D-printed polymer technologies.

Abstract Corrosion in Vacuum Distillation Units (VDUs) represents a significant challenge for refinery operations due to the complex nature of the feedstocks and extreme operating conditions. The VDU is responsible for processing heavy atmospheric residue under vacuum conditions to recover valuable products such as light and heavy vacuum gas oils. However, the presence of sulfur compounds, naphthenic acids, chlorides, and high temperatures promotes multiple corrosion mechanisms that can severely impact the reliability and lifespan of the unit. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the most common corrosion types in VDUs, including high-temperature sulfidation, naphthenic acid corrosion, chloride-induced corrosion, and erosion-corrosion. It identifies critical areas prone to degradation such as the furnace tubes, flash zone, vacuum tower internals, and overhead lines. Monitoring techniques such as corrosion probes, ultrasonic thickness measurements, and infrared thermography are discussed for early detection and control. Furthermore, the paper outlines key mitigation strategies including material upgrades, chemical injection programs, enhanced crude desalting, and operational improvements. A case study from a Middle Eastern refinery is presented to demonstrate the practical application of these strategies and the measurable reduction in corrosion rates. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating proactive corrosion management into the overall maintenance and reliability programs of refineries to enhance safety, reduce downtime, and improve economic performance.