University of Sistan and Baluchestan,
Iranian Society Of Mechanical EngineersChallenges in Nano and Micro Scale Science and Technology2821-000X13220250901Synthesis of copper oxide nano particles: Effect of rosemary and olive leaf extracts as surface modifier5762973010.22111/cnmst.2026.54636.1280ENMahdiShafiee AfaraniDepartment of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Sistan and BaluchestanLaleSafaeiDepartment of Materials Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan, IranJournal Article20260202Copper oxide nano particles were synthesized by precipitation synthesis method. Extracts of rosemary and olive leaves were obtained and used as surface modifiers (SMs) during the synthesis process. Results generally showed that melaconite CuO phase was formed. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra illustrated corresponding bands of Cu-O bonds in all samples. In addition, scanning electron micrographs (SEM) showed that in all samples, highly agglomerated nano particles were synthesized. Moreover, extracts of rosemary and olive leaves caused to decrease of the particle size of copper oxide samples. Also, atomic force micrographs (AFM) and transmission electron micrographs (TEM) illustrated that the size of particles was in nano range dimension. Moreover, AFM and TEM micrographs showed that morphology of particles was mainly rod-like. Band gap value of samples were estimated based on UV-Vis spectra. Considerable band gap broadening of powders in comparison to the bulk one, was observed and confirmed the formation of synthesized nano particles was occurred.https://chal.usb.ac.ir/article_9730_40a19f419277d6b69feaf18e8df282f9.pdfUniversity of Sistan and Baluchestan,
Iranian Society Of Mechanical EngineersChallenges in Nano and Micro Scale Science and Technology2821-000X13220250901Enhancing Mechanical, Thermal, and Rheological Properties of Recycled Polyethylene via Nano-Calcium Carbonate Reinforcement6368976510.22111/cnmst.2026.54409.1276ENHassanFathinejadDepartment of Chemistry, Far.C., Islamic Azad University, Farahan, Iran.RoyasadatHeydariDepartment of Chemistry, Far.C., Islamic Azad University, Farahan, Iran.Journal Article20251231The increasing demand for polyethylene has also led to a large amount of waste generated from this polymer, posing numerous environmental and economic challenges. Due to its high chemical stability, polyethylene waste is difficult to decompose and can remain in the environment for decades, leading to soil and water pollution.This study investigates the effect of incorporating nano-CaCO₃ into recycled polyethylene (rPE) composites. Due to extensive industrial use, polyethylene constitutes a significant portion of plastic waste, and its recycling often leads to reduced mechanical and thermal performance. The aim of this work was to improve the quality and durability of rPE by nanoparticle reinforcement, enabling efficient reuse in multiple recycling cycles.rPE samples containing 0–10 wt% CaCO₃ nanoparticles were prepared via melt blending and twin-screw extrusion. Mechanical (tensile strength, Young’s modulus, hardness), thermal (oxidation induction time, thermal expansion, DSC, TGA), and rheological (melt flow rate) tests were performed, complemented by microscopic analysis. Statistical analyses were conducted using one-way ANOVA and Duncan’s test.Results showed that 5 wt% CaCO₃ yielded optimal performance, increasing tensile strength and hardness, improving thermal stability, reducing thermal expansion, and maintaining favorable melt flow properties. Post-recycling tests indicated that nanoparticle-filled samples retained ~90% of their original mechanical properties after three recycling cycles, whereas neat rPE retained only 75%. Microscopy confirmed uniform nanoparticle dispersion at optimal loading, while higher concentrations led to agglomeration and reduced performance.These findings demonstrate that nano-CaCO₃ reinforcement is a cost-effective and environmentally beneficial approach to enhance recycled polyethylene properties, supporting sustainable polymer recycling and circular economy initiatives.https://chal.usb.ac.ir/article_9765_2ecac166f7675372b91cd9268ee706a3.pdfUniversity of Sistan and Baluchestan,
Iranian Society Of Mechanical EngineersChallenges in Nano and Micro Scale Science and Technology2821-000X13220250901Synthesis and characterization of various electrodes for heterogeneous ion exchange membrane6974976410.22111/cnmst.2026.54628.1279ENAhmadJamali KeikhaDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Marine Engineering, Chabahar Maritime University, Chabahar, Iran.AminBehzadmehrDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan 98164
161, Iran.MassoudKaykhaiiComenius University Bratislava, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Analytical Chemistry, Mlynská dolina, 842
15, Bratislava, SlovakiaTaherehFanaei SheikholeslamiDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Sistan and Baluchestan, Zahedan 98164
161, Iran.Sayyed HosseinHashemiDepartment of Marine Chemistry, Faculty of Marine Science, Chabahar Maritime University, Chabahar, IranJournal Article20260202Ion exchange membranes (IEMs) are generally used as proper media for separation and extractors in diverse electrically driven techniques such as electro dialysis for desalting brackish waters, deconcentrating brine of seawater and production of table salt. They are also efficient tools in extraction efficiency of significant metals of effluents industries and food and pharmacy processing as well as manufacturing basic chemical products. Furthermore, ion exchange membranes play some important part in media protection, treating effluents and many further processes. In the research, various electrodes for heterogeneous ion exchange membrane were synthesized. Also, the effect of various parameter such as multi walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), single walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and H+ and Cl- resin on properties of electrodes was studied. Field emission scanning electron microscope, and cyclic voltammetry used for investigating of the coated electrodes and their properties. Results excessed that electrodes electrochemical properties were improved with utilizing single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) in electrode. In additional, the modified electrode such as functionalized single wall CNT by resin H+ (FSWCNT1+) showed further proper electrochemical characteristics and property in comparison to others.https://chal.usb.ac.ir/article_9764_3279f875c5f7c67fb12187fced9595da.pdfUniversity of Sistan and Baluchestan,
Iranian Society Of Mechanical EngineersChallenges in Nano and Micro Scale Science and Technology2821-000X13220250901Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Polymer Nanocomposites: A Review7587984610.22111/cnmst.2026.54805.1283ENMohsenMotamediDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Shahreza Campus, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, IranMohamad HoseinHaghighatnejadDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Shahreza Campus, University of Isfahan, Isfahan, IranJournal Article20260215Polymer nanocomposites have attracted significant attention from researchers and industries in recent years. This interest stems from their unique combination of properties, including high mechanical strength, remarkable thermal stability, and notable electrical characteristics. Among the available computational tools, molecular dynamics simulation has emerged as one of the most accurate and efficient methods, enabling the investigation of material behavior at the molecular scale. This approach allows researchers to predict and analyze the internal structure and properties of materials without the need for costly and time-consuming experiments. This review compiles and presents the most important scientific achievements in the application of molecular dynamics simulations to the study of polymer nanocomposites. In particular, the role of these simulations in elucidating fundamental mechanical parameters such as elastic modulus, shear modulus, Young's modulus, and fracture behavior is examined. The review also highlights their capability to analyze impact resistance, friction coefficient, and wear rate, alongside investigations into thermal conductivity and the effects of defects on overall material performance. Furthermore, insights into stress-strain behavior, vibration characteristics and natural frequency, as well as the analysis of conductivity performance, are presented. Collectively, these simulation-based approaches provide a deeper understanding of interfacial interactions between the polymer and nanoparticles, identify key reinforcement mechanisms, and uncover the intricate structure-property relationships that govern material behavior.https://chal.usb.ac.ir/article_9846_28c8b0e7aee7503ac7779b8d05356c14.pdfUniversity of Sistan and Baluchestan,
Iranian Society Of Mechanical EngineersChallenges in Nano and Micro Scale Science and Technology2821-000X13220250901Enhanced Activity and Stability of Lipase via Immobilization in Pectin-Based Hydrogels8996984510.22111/cnmst.2026.54762.1284ENAliMalekiDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, IranArastooBadoei-DalfradDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, IranZahraKaramiDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, IranJournal Article20260215Pectin-based hydrogels are hydrophilic polymeric networks created from the cross-linking of the plant-based polysaccharide pectin. In this study, the hydrogels were synthesized using chemical modification with glycidyl methacrylate and used for the immobilization of Aspergillus Niger lipase (ANL). The immobilization efficiency and relative activity recovery achieved about 82% and 88.3%, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy revealed the porous three-dimensional structure of the pristine hydrogels, and the surface became rougher and the pore structure changed during the immobilization of the lipase enzymes, indicating the successful immobilization of the enzymes within the hydrogels. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the enzyme within the hydrogels, with the presence of the carbonyl and amide groups at 1650 and 1540 cm⁻¹, respectively. While, the functional groups of the pectin-based hydrogels remaining intact during the immobilization process. At 60°C, the immobilized lipase showed 15% of its original temperature stability compared to 5% for the free lipase. At pH 5, the immobilized enzyme was found to have 70% of its maximum pH activity, while the free enzyme was found to have 52% of its maximum pH activity. These results indicate pectin hydrogels are effective supports for lipase immobilization, improving enzyme stability for biocatalytic applications.https://chal.usb.ac.ir/article_9845_1d881a8dcd4143bbbac504f48d417787.pdfUniversity of Sistan and Baluchestan,
Iranian Society Of Mechanical EngineersChallenges in Nano and Micro Scale Science and Technology2821-000X13220250901Impact of Plasma-Coated SnO₂ Nanostructures on TiO₂ Surface for Enhanced Stability and Performance of Perovskite Solar Cells97101984410.22111/cnmst.2026.54667.1281ENZeynabKiamehrDepartment of Physics, Tafresh University, Tafresh, IranJournal Article20260205In this study, SnO2 nanostructures synthesized via the hydrothermal route and deposited by plasma process were employed as an interface modification layer in a perovskite solar cell with FTO/TiO2/SnO2/CH3NH3PbI3/Au architecture. The results showed that precise interface engineering through the introduction of SnO2 significantly improves charge transport and extraction. Structural and spectroscopic analyses confirm the formation of a stable and high-purity SnO2 phase. In contrast, the plasma coating technique allows the formation of a thin, uniform, and well-adhered layer at low temperature conditions compatible with perovskite materials. The improved electrical and optical responses of the modified devices indicate a reduced trap density and optimized interface charge transport paths, leading to enhanced photovoltaic performance even in a simple configuration without a hole transport layer, fabricated under ambient conditions. These findings highlight the effectiveness of plasma-assisted SnO₂ interface engineering as a practical and scalable strategy to improve the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells.https://chal.usb.ac.ir/article_9844_3417e73e5b5a7c1d27da78d1595a44a6.pdf