Depending on the method of cellulose production, the proportion of alpha fraction in it can vary significantly. Paper pulp, unlike dissolving cellulose, has an alpha proportion of less than 90%. The presence of cellulose satellites in the system does not impede the formation of concentrated solutions of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMMO). In the current study, spinning solutions based on cellulose with a low alpha fraction (up to 90%) (pulp cellulose) are investigated. The morphological features and rheological behavior of such solutions are examined. It is suggested to roll the obtained solutions in order to obtain cellulose membranes. X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, AFM and SEM were used to investigate the resulting structure and morphology of the obtained membranes. It is shown that the degree of crystallinity for the membranes varies based on the impurity content in the sample. The morphology of the films is characterized by a dense texture and the absence of vacuoles. The highest strength and elastic modulus were found for membranes made of bleached hardwood sulfate cellulose, 5.7 MPa and 6.4 GPa, respectively. The maximum values of the contact angle (48°) were found for films with a higher proportion of lignin. The presence of lignin in the membranes leads to an increase in rejection for the anionic dyes Orange II and Remazol Brilliant Blue R.
Cellulose and copolymers of acrylonitrile (PAN) are characterized by their chemical resistance to several conventional solvents. Therefore, these polymers are often used to obtain membranes for the recovery of such solvents. In this work, for the first time, composite membranes formed from highly concentrated mixed solutions based on cellulose and PAN are considered (the total content of polymers is 18 wt.%). For mixed solutions, the morphology and rheological behavior were evaluated. It is shown that the resulting solutions are two-phase, and their morphology depends on the components’ ratio and the system’s history. The non-monotonous change in the viscosity with the PAN content indicates a specific interaction of cellulose and PAN in N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide solutions. The rheological behavior of mixed solutions allows for their processing in conditions identical to those of cellulose solutions. The introduction of PAN into the cellulose matrix promotes a decrease in the structural order in the system, affecting the membranes’ transport properties. For composite membranes, it was found that with an increase in the content of the PAN phase, the retention of Remazol and Orange decreases, while the observed values are several times higher than those for cellulose membranes. The permeability of ethanol increases with increasing terpolymer content.
In the context of the need to increase the durability of road surfaces and ensure compliance with the requirements of modern standards, special attention is paid to the modification of bitumens in order to improve their performance. In this work, economically unprofitable for processing high-resin oil of the Karazhanbas field is used for the development of oil bitumen, as an additive to the tar of the mixture of oils Martyshi + Mangystau. A technogenic modifier is used as a modifying and plasticising agent - elemental sulphur (waste of the Tengiz oil and gas processing complex). The practical significance is determined by the possibility of rational utilisation of oil refining by-products and obtaining a high-quality road binder, which contributes to the development of environmentally and economically sound technologies in road construction.
This article explores effective technological approaches for processing natural bitumens found in the Zhylyoi district, based on their physicochemical properties and organic composition. Natural bitumens, as organic components of oil-bituminous rocks, represent a promising source of hydrocarbon raw materials. The study investigates the group chemical composition and distribution of functional groups in bitumens from the Jusalyssay, Kölzhan, and Tüpkaragan deposits. Results indicate significant concentrations of paraffin-naphthenic hydrocarbons, mono- and polycyclic aromatic compounds, resins, and asphaltenes. The relative proportions of these components play a decisive role in selecting appropriate processing methods. Three main technological pathways are proposed: physical (vacuum distillation, deasphalting, demetallization), thermal (coking, cracking), and catalytic (hydrotreatment). The article also substantiates the economic feasibility of locating processing plants near natural bitumen deposits. Processing schemes based on oil-bitumen and fuel-coke directions are presented, demonstrating their potential to expand product range and improve quality. The findings offer scientifically grounded strategies for the integrated processing of natural bitumens and their efficient industrial utilization.
The physical and chemical characteristics of oils from Western Kazakhstan have been studied in relation to their potential as raw materials for producing specialized binders for the road construction within the country. This study includes a detailed description of the features of the principal oil deposits in this region. It has been shown that these existing deposits are capable of meeting the demand for bitumen production. In addition, an assessment comparing the real and recoverable reserves of these oils in terms of the bitumen production has been conducted.