ΠροτεινόμεναΘέματακαιΑνάθεσηΔιπλωματικώνΕργασιών
Microwave-Assisted Continuous-Flow Synthesis of Carbonated Soybean Oil under Pressurized Conditions
The global polyurethane (PU) industry faces significant sustainability and safety challenges due to its reliance on isocyanates, which are traditionally synthesized using highly toxic phosgene and petroleum-based feedstocks. In response to these concerns, Non-Isocyanate Polyurethanes (NIPUs) have emerged as a promising, eco-friendly alternative. Carbonated Soybean Oil (CSBO) represents a renewable precursor for the synthesis of NIPUs, produced via the cycloaddition of CO2 to Epoxidized Soybean Oil (ESBO). While this gas-liquid reaction has traditionally been limited to batch systems, this diploma thesis focuses on the design and operation of a microwave-assisted continuous-flow tubular reactor for CSBO production. The study experimentally investigates the homogeneous catalytic reaction between CO2 and ESBO, aiming to identify optimal operating parameters (pressure, temperature, and reactant flow rates) that maximize mass transfer efficiency and reaction kinetics. Product quality is assessed via epoxide conversion using a titration-based analytical method, FTIR and NMR spectroscopy. Furthermore, the process is simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics to model the temperature distribution and fluid dynamics along the reactor length, providing a comprehensive understanding of the transport phenomena governing the reactor's performance and scalability.

Επιβλέπων μέλος ΔΕΠ: Γεώργιος Στεφανίδης

Τομέας: Ανάλυσης, Σχεδιασμού και Ανάπτυξης Διεργασιών και Συστημάτων

Σχετικό Μάθημα : Μηχανική Χημικών Διεργασιών ΙΙ

Περίοδος Ανάθεσης: Φεβρουαρίου Ακ. Έτους 2025-2026