SOUTHERN JOURNAL OF SCIENCES

Introduction: Thermal insulating coatings are increasingly being introduced into construction practice for internal and external finishing enclosing structures and pipelines. Thermal insulation coatings are usually made based on polymer binder and mineral fillers. The durability and stability of the properties of heat-insulating materials depend on the type of binder. As a rule, polymers are used as a binder: epoxy resin; silicone rubber; urea-formaldehyde resins; aqueous dispersed polymers - styrene-butadiene, polyvinyl acetate, and acrylate (acrylic and styrene-acrylic). The quality indicator of binders can be assessed by the influence of the seasonality of climatic impact, and as a result, the best elastic strength characteristics of binders can be established after one month to a year of field tests. Aim: To determine the influence of climatic factors on the change in the elastic-strength indicators of epoxy polymers binders used in liquid thermal insulation coatings. Methods: A tensile testing machine of the AGS-X series with the TRAPEZIUM X software was used for mechanical tests. The tests were carried out in accordance with GOST 11262-2017 (ISO 527-2: 2012) "Plastics. Tensile test method". Results and Discussion: The paper discusses the results of experimental studies of the compositions of polymer binders and their resistance to various climatic factors, which will later be used as a polymer binder for thermal insulation coatings based on fine mineral granular systems. Conclusions: When analyzing the changes in the characteristics of polymer samples after exposure to climatic factors, it was found that compositions based on Etal-247 epoxy resin, cured with amine hardeners Etal-1440N, Etal-1460, Etal-1472, and Etal-45M, demonstrate the best elastic strength characteristics after one year of full-scale tests. The high stability of the indicators under consideration allows us to conclude that the use of Etal-247 resin as a base leads to creating of the most climate-resistant epoxy coatings.

Background: MQ-series gas sensors belong to the metal oxide semiconductor (MOS) family of sensors that can sense the presence of many gases. These sensors find their application in gas alarm systems as key components. While necessary sensor circuit output voltage value for alarm point in a stand-alone gas alarm system is desirable, but what exact combination of the sensor circuit parameters is required? Hitherto, the determination of these circuit parameters has not been given much attention in the research community. Aim: the purpose of this work is to explore a structured graphical approach of determination of MQ series gas sensor circuit parameters for a stand-alone gas alarm system that yields desired sensor circuit output voltage value for the alarm point; the main objective of the study was to develop mathematical model equations that relate the: (i) sensor resistance (RS) with the gas concentration (x) and the sensor resistance at standard calibration concentration of the sensor base gas in the clean air (Ro) and (ii) sensor circuit output voltage (VRL), load resistance (RL) and sensor resistance (RS). It is expected from the model equations developed that graphical correlations of the sensor circuits parameters will be generated. Using these graphs for a particular case of an MQ-4 gas sensor under the influence of LPG, the parameters that yield desired sensor circuit output voltage of 2V for 1000 ppm of LPG alarm point will be determined. Methods: Model equations were developed for the sensor dynamics, and based on these model equations, graphs for the determination of required sensor parameters were plotted for a case of MQ-4 gas sensor response to LPG. Results and Discussion: The results yielded optimal values for R_O,R_S and R_L of 20 kΩ, 30 kΩ and 20 kΩ respectively, for alarm settings of 1000 ppm and a desired sensor circuit output voltage of 2 V. Based on determined parameters, the calibration equation for determination of best concentration value for a given value of emulated LPG concentration was developed. Using the method proposed in this study makes the process of determining the MQ-series gas sensor circuit parameters less cumbersome as their value can easily be obtained from the resulting graphs. Conclusions: a structured graphical approach for determination of MQ-series gas sensor circuit parameters for alarm points in a stand-alone gas alarm system showed that using MQ-4 gas sensor and LPG as the target gas, and for a sensor circuit output voltage of 2 V for alarm point at 1000 ppm of LPG, the corresponding value of R_O, R_S and R_L obtained were 20 kΩ, 30 kΩ, and 20 kΩ respectively. Hence, a structured graphical approach is suitable for determining MQ series gas sensor circuit parameters for a stand-alone gas alarm system under the influence of its associated gases.

Background: The interview with Professor Dr. Fernando Luiz Pellegrini Pessoa covers his extensive career and contributions to chemical engineering, focusing on innovations and sustainability. Objectives: To explore Professor Pellegrini's experiences in various areas of chemical engineering, including teaching methods, research in supercritical extraction, biodiesel production, and process intensification. Methods: Semi-structured interview addressing topics such as academic and industrial career, teaching methods, ongoing research, and future perspectives for the chemical industry. Results: Professor Pellegrini highlighted the importance of practical application of theoretical knowledge, the development of the Water Source Diagram method, advances in supercritical extraction and biodiesel production, and the need for process intensification in the industry. Discussion: The interview revealed the importance of integration between academia and industry, the need for teaching methods that facilitate learning, and the challenges in implementing sustainable and efficient technologies in the chemical industry. Conclusion: Professor Pellegrini emphasizes the importance of process intensification and sustainability in the evolution of the chemical industry. He highlights the need for greater collaboration between academia and industry to address future challenges and implement innovative solutions.