Iranian Research Organization for Science and TechnologyJournal of Particle Science and Technology2423-408710220241101Technologies for processing of barite: A Conceptual review for use in Nigeria5972142310.22104/jpst.2024.6739.1252ENUtibe BenedictEdemDepartment of Chemical Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, NigeriaOjiAkumaDepartment of Chemical Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, NigeriaAyoadeKuyeDepartment of Chemical Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, NigeriaJoel OgbonnaFridayDepartment of Chemical Engineering, University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, NigeriaJournal Article20240206Barite (BaSO<sub>4</sub>), an exceptional industrial mineral, has various applications based primarily on its physical properties. Over 80% of the world’s barite is applied as a weighting agent in drilling fluids. Nigeria has an estimated reserve of over 20 million metric tons of barite ore scattered in different parts of the country, yet its oil and gas companies (IOC) lose over ₦5 billion annually in foreign exchange by importing barite. Presently, Nigrria’s total national demand for barites is estimated at 10,000,000 tons per annum. The IOCs import barite because the locally produced barite has lower quality than the imported barite. Their argument is largely based on the fact that Nigeria’s barite is often left unprocessed or processed using unconventional and ineffective techniques. Thus, the barite fails to meet globally acceptable specifications and standards required for drilling operations and other industrial applications. The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) has recently approved the implementation of a set of measures geared towards enforcing a ban on the use of imported barite and drilling fluids in the Nigerian oil and gas industry. Such measures are designed to bring Nigeria’s barite to the required specifications and standards, increasing Nigerian IOC patronage of Nigeria’s barite. The authors reviewed the present state of barite processing in Nigeria vis-à-vis globally acceptable processing techniques, with a view to applying them to Nigeria’s barite.https://jpst.irost.ir/article_1423_856fc81623da2150ba2210ba1b51d241.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and TechnologyJournal of Particle Science and Technology2423-408710220241201Enhanced sulfate removal from aqueous solution using ion-exchanged clinoptilolite: A study on adsorption efficiency and process optimization7386147110.22104/jpst.2024.7130.1264ENSaeidehHematianFaculty of Chemical, Gas and Petroleum Engineering, Semnan University, Semnan, IranKianaPeyvandiFaculty of Chemical, Gas and Petroleum Engineering, Semnan University, Semnan, IranJournal Article20240927Zeolites such as clinoptilolite, a class of microporous crystalline materials, have gained significant attention thanks to their exceptional adsorption capabilities. This study explored the modification of clinoptilolite through an ion exchange process to boost its sulfate removal efficiency, a simple and cost-effective method. To optimize the adsorption process, the study evaluated the impact of temperature, time, and solution concentration on sulfate removal performance using the Response surface methodology (RSM). The results indicated that the maximum adsorption efficiency (81.79 %) was achieved at a temperature of 60 °C, a contact time of 3 h, and a solution concentration of 0.6 M. Characterization techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) were employed to analyze the structural changes and performance of the modified clinoptilolite. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of modified clinoptilolite as an effective and sustainable adsorbent for sulfate removal, offering promising prospects for industrial water treatment applications.https://jpst.irost.ir/article_1471_8b0d268963dd0cfb808aac48a549829f.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and TechnologyJournal of Particle Science and Technology2423-408710220241201Ultrasonic assisted cold compaction of CP titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloy8796147210.22104/jpst.2024.7089.1262ENVahidFartashvandDepartment of Industrial Design, Faculty of Art, Alzahra University, Tehran. Iran0000-0001-5582-5948RezvanAbediniDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, University of Science and Technology, Tehran, Iran0000-0003-2985-0853RahelehKhanmohammadiDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, IranAmirAbdullahDepartment of Mechanical Engineering, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, IranNaderParvinMaterials and Metallurgical Engineering Department, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, IranJournal Article20240908Superimposed ultrasonic vibration during compaction of commercially pure (CP) titanium and Ti-6Al-4V alloy improves the relative density and quality of the compact. The underlying mechanisms of this process are not well understood. In this study, the influence of ultrasonic vibrations on the densification behavior of square packing of Ti-6Al-4V and CP-Ti powders during cold compaction was investigated using the Multi-Particle Finite Element Method (MPFEM). Acoustic softening and friction reduction were introduced in this model. The density-pressure curves show that ultrasonic vibration improves the densification of these powders, owing to the acoustic softening that leads to a decline in the required pressure. It has been found that the ultrasonic effect on reducing the compaction pressure and stress in the case of pure titanium is greater than that of titanium alloy. In addition, an increase in the intensity and amplitude of ultrasonic vibration reduces stress. The rotation and rearrangement of the particles caused by the reduction of friction lead to an enhancement in the compression capability.https://jpst.irost.ir/article_1472_daa96d9681a21445772454cbddf0cac1.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and TechnologyJournal of Particle Science and Technology2423-408710220241230Sonochemical synthesis of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles for cancer hyperthermia97107152010.22104/jpst.2025.7293.1267ENMahtabFarzanehAdvanced Materials Research Center, Department of Materials Engineering, Na. C, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, IranS.A.Hassanzadeh TabriziAdvanced Materials Research Center, Department of Materials Engineering, Na. C, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, IranNaderMokhtarianDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Shahreza Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shahreza, IranJournal Article20241220This study addresses the limitations of conventional cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, by focusing on the synthesis and characterization of superparamagnetic γ-Fe<sub>2</sub>O3 nanoparticles (GMNP) using the sonochemical method for hyperthermia-based cancer therapy. While previous studies have explored the use of magnetic nanoparticles in cancer treatment, their efficiency and quality have remained suboptimal. In this study, we propose a sonochemical approach to enhance the quality and performance of GMNPs. The sonochemical method improved nanoparticle quality and efficiency. The GMNPs demonstrated a significant hyperthermic effect, with a temperature increase exceeding 43 °C under an alternative magnetic field (ACMF) (400 kHz), which can help induce apoptosis and necrosis in cancer cells. The nanoparticles were spherical in shape, with sizes ranging from 20 to 51 nm. Cytotoxicity assays (MTT assay) showed that the nanoparticles maintained high biocompatibility, with cell viability above 75 % at all concentrations. These findings suggest that GMNPs synthesized via the sonochemical method offer improved efficacy compared to traditional methods, making them a promising candidate for hyperthermia-based cancer therapy.https://jpst.irost.ir/article_1520_db1915052d15f7815c8b88e879465a1e.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and TechnologyJournal of Particle Science and Technology2423-408710220241230Synthesis and investigation of photocatalytic properties of CaSnO3/Ag composite109115154410.22104/jpst.2025.7413.1272ENSayed AliHassanzadeh-TabriziInstitute of Manufacturing Engineering and Industrial Technologies, Na.C, Islamic Azad University, Najafabad, IranJournal Article20250211Environmental crises, including polluted waters and the emission of greenhouse gases, have been major problems for societies in recent years. As a result, the need for innovative purification systems has recently become one of the main research fields. Photocatalysts are recognized as one of the prominent methods for the removal and degradation of pollutants. These techniques are particularly effective in reducing organic pollutants in wastewater. In the present study, a CaSnO<sub>3</sub>/Ag photocatalytic system was synthesized using the hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques were employed to identify the produced photocatalytic system. The Williamson-Hall method was used to measure the crystallite size and lattice strain. The photocatalytic activity of the synthesized material was investigated using the degradation of the organic dye methyl orange. The results of XRD analysis indicated the formation of two phases: calcium stannate with a perovskite structure and silver with a cubic crystal structure. The particle size distribution of the produced particles was uniform, with most particles ranging between 100 and 250 nm. The particles precipitated in the hydrothermal container had a spherical shape. The photocatalytic degradation of calcium stannate samples increased after combining with silver. The kinetic rate constant obtained for the degradation of methyl orange for pure calcium stannate and the composite sample was 0.004 and 0.007, respectively.https://jpst.irost.ir/article_1544_f337d999d9ad116a7b4f3d409fcc6480.pdfIranian Research Organization for Science and TechnologyJournal of Particle Science and Technology2423-408710220241230Application of modified bentonite for efficient water purification: A case of Cr(VI) adsorption117128154510.22104/jpst.2025.7462.1273ENZahraJelodariFaculty of Chemical Petroleum and Gas Engineering, Semnan University, Semnan, IranMaryamKhajenooriFaculty of Chemical Petroleum and Gas Engineering, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran0000-0001-8993-4341PouyaMottahedinDepartment of Chemical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Garmsar, Garmsar, IranJournal Article20250316This study explores the use of acid-activated bentonite as an efficient adsorbent for removing hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) from water. Acid activation enhances the surface area and adsorption capacity of bentonite, improving its water treatment efficiency. Various techniques, including BET, FT-IR, XRD, XRF, and SEM, were used to analyze structural and compositional changes after activation. Adsorption experiments showed that under optimal conditions - room temperature, 0.1 ppm Cr(VI), and 1 g of acid-activated bentonite - 100 % removal was achieved. The adsorption followed the Langmuir isotherm with a maximum capacity of 0.122 mg.g<sup>-1</sup>. Kinetic studies confirmed a pseudo-second-order reaction model (<em>R²</em> = 0.99), indicating a chemisorption mechanism. Thermodynamic analysis showed the process is spontaneous and exothermic, requiring no external energy input. Groundwater tests from the Forumad region (Semnan Province) compared raw and acid-modified bentonite, revealing a 92 % Cr(VI) removal efficiency with the modified form, reducing contamination to safe levels. These results highlight acid-activated bentonite as a cost-effective, eco-friendly adsorbent for water purification, demonstrating its real-world potential for ensuring safer drinking water.https://jpst.irost.ir/article_1545_89ae0fe22c47d374bc9350ef99e01685.pdf