In this work we analyzed the thermogravimetric data on the fiber phase change composites loaded with eicosane or stearic acid. The consistency of the thermogravimetric data can be checked using the Kolmogorov–Johnson–Mehl–Avrami equation with a temperature-dependent rate constant. However, the first derivative analysis shows that the employed equation should be further modified in order to account for the asymmetry of the peaks on the first derivative of thermogravimetric curves.

The feasibility of use of natural nanomaterials, namely, natural aluminosilicate (halloysite) nanotubes and nanocellulose, as modifying additives to commercial polyurethane foam to vary fire resistance and mechanical properties was studied. Series of composite polyurethane foams containing various weight proportions of the modifying additives were obtained via in situ polymerization. The effect of the additives on the polyurethane foam structure, compressibility, and fire resistance was studied. It was observed that introduction of additives into polyurethane foam leads to change of the average pore size and reduction of foams compressibility. However, once the the maximum rigidity of the foam composites was reached, further increase of additive content causes regression of this characteristic. It was also confirmed that increasing additive content positively affects the fire resistance of the produced composites.

Effective and low-cost gram-scale Ru-containing catalysts for removal of aromatics from the gasoline fraction while retaining the octane number.

The MOR-type zeolite was synthesized by a template-free method using natural aluminosilicate halloysite nanotubes (HNT) as a hard template and a source of aluminum and silicon. Samples were studied using a complex of physicochemical methods of analysis: XRD, TEM, N2 physisorption, NH3-TPD and XRF. Specific BET surface area of MOR prepared using HNT is 306 m2/g, mesopores in the MOR:HNT accounted for 30 % of the total pore volume. Based on the synthesized materials (MOR, MOR:HNT and MOR + HNT), Pt-containing catalysts were prepared. The catalysts were investigated in the gas-phase isomerization of C-8 aromatic fraction in a temperature range of 360-420 degrees C, varying LHSV from 2 to 6 h-1, at H2 pressure of 1 MPa and hydrogen/ feedstock volume ratio of 900 nl/l. The prepared catalysts demonstrated strong activity in ethylbenzene trans-formation (more than 95 %), while providing a high yield of p-xylene (more than 95 % of thermodynamic value).

Micro-mesoporous zeolite with ZSM-5 morphology was successfully synthesized by soft template and template -free methods using natural halloysite aluminosilicate nanotubes as a hard template and a source of aluminum and silicon. Formation of ZSM-5 crystal structure was confirmed by XRD. Textural properties and structural characteristics of functional materials, supports, and Pt-containing catalysts were examined by N2 physisorption, NH3-TPD, Py-FTIR, TEM, SEM, XRF techniques. Specific BET surface area of ZSM-5 zeolite prepared using TPABr as an organic template (ZSM-5(t):HNT) is 583 m2/g, whereas for the template-free counterpart (ZSM-5(tf):HNT) it reaches 225 m2/g. According to the Py-FTIR data, concentrations of Bronsted acid sites for ZSM-5(t):HNT and ZSM-5(tf):HNT are 295 and 93 mu mol/g, whereas concentrations of Lewis acid sites are 79 and 41 mu mol/g, respectively. Activity and selectivity of Pt catalysts based on the micro-mesoporous ZSM-5 zeolite-derived sup-ports were evaluated in isomerization of C-8 aromatic fraction depending on the process conditions (tempera-ture, feed space velocity). Because of the hierarchical micro-mesoporous structure, both catalysts provide xylenes transformation through the two isomerization routes (intra-and intermolecular). However, for the catalyst based on support synthesized through the template-free methods, the monomolecular reaction route is more preferable, and therefore the number of side reactions (disproportionation, transalkylation, and dealkylation) decreases.

A new method of the synthesis of nanofibrillar cellulose/polystyrene composite based on ultrasonic treatment of styrene emulsion in cellulose-water solution was elaborated. A new approach does not require additional heating and proposes a significantly faster synthesis (15 min, 45 °C) of the target composite compared to the methods described previously. A comprehensive analysis did not reveal any significant differences between mechanical, physical and biodegradable properties of the composite obtained by ultrasonic method and that one obtained by conventional thermal method, which requires much higher temperature (above 75 °C) and reaction duration (from 3 h).

A number of catalyst supports for hydroisomerization of C 8 aromatics were synthesized using various binders such as alumina, silica (pyrogenic, colloidal, and ordered mesoporous MCM-41), and natural aluminosilicate halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). These supports were examined by relevant physicochemical analytical methods, including transmission electron microscopy, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption/desorption, ammonia temperature-programmed desorption, and energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The mechanical crushing strength of the samples was determined. The support synthesized with HNTs as a binder exhibited a significant percentage of mesopores, moderate acidity, and relatively high mechanical strength.

A methanol conversion catalyst based on natural aluminosilicate nanotubes and H–ZSM-5 zeolite was synthesized. Its textural, structural, and acid properties were studied by low-temperature nitrogen adsorption–desorption, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and temperature-programmed ammonia desorption. The influence exerted on the methanol conversion and product distribution by the reaction temperature (380–460°С), pressure (0.1–0.5 MPa), and feed space velocity (0.5–1 h–1) was studied. The catalyst based on halloysite aluminosilicate nanotubes showed high selectivity in formation of both lower olefins and aromatic hydrocarbons.

Bifunctional zeolite-containing catalysts based on transition metal sulfides were synthesized, their physicochemical characteristics were determined, and the catalytic properties toward n-hexadecane hydroconversion were examined. ZSM-5, Beta, and NH4NaY zeolites were tested as acidic components of the catalysts. The highest selectivity toward isomerization reaction was afforded by the NH4NaY zeolite-containing sulfide-based catalyst. With the view to controlling the selectivity toward cracking and isomerization reactions, the influence of the presence of nitrogen-containing bases in the feedstock was evaluated.

The review deals with catalysts for isomerization of the C-8 aromatic fraction with the aim of obtaining valuable petrochemical products: o- and p-xylenes required for the subsequent synthesis of phthalic anhydride, dimethyl terephthalate, and terephthalic acid. Mono- and bimolecular mechanisms of xylene isomerization and ethylbenzene transformation pathways (isomerization, dealkylation, disproportionation, transalkylation, and hydrogenation) on various catalysts are discussed. Catalysts containing zeolites of structural types MFI, MTW, MOR, TUN, NES, CON, and BEA and composite materials based on zeolites and ordered mesoporous aluminosilicates (МСМ-41, МСМ-48) are considered. The effect that the structural and acid properties of support and the kind of the metal component and promoters exert on the course of the main and side reactions occurring in the course of isomerization of xylenes is demonstrated. Data on key commercial processes and catalysts are systematized.