Box-Behnken Response Surface Methodology Research Articles

Optimization of operating conditions for lampante olive oil deacidification by short path molecular distillation: Waste valorization approach

Short path molecular distillation (SPMD) is an advanced distillation eco-friendly technique performed under high vacuum with vast applications in food processing, including vegetable oils physical refining. In this research, lampante olive oil, as a low-grade byproduct of olive oil producing companies, with high free fatty acids (FFA) content of 10.11 (wt % as oleic acid) was deacidified using SPMD. Optimization of SPMD was carried out using Box-Behnken response surface methodology (RSM-BB). Three important operating factors including evaporation temperature (150–200 °C), feed flow rate (0.50–3.00 mL/min), and feed temperature (50–100 °C) were selected to evaluate the SPMD process. At the best separation conditions of 195 °C, 0.5 mL/min, and 50 °C, the FFA content, deacidification efficiency (DE) and polar compounds (PC) were determined as 1.42 wt %, 85.95 % and 8.2 wt % respectively. Furthermore, SPMD efficiency was compared to some conventional methods including fractional distillation (FD), steam stripping distillation (SSD) and alkali neutralization (AN). In addition, the impact of FFA content on SPMD process was examined. It was concluded that SPMD could effectively and sustainably deacidify lampante olive oil to a reasonable extent and could facilitate the physical refining as a valorization process.

Comment on Altaf et al. Non-Thermal Plasma Reduction of Ag+ Ions into Silver Nanoparticles in Open Atmosphere under Statistically Optimized Conditions for Biological and Photocatalytic Applications. Materials 2022, 15, 3826.

Altaf et al. recently published in Materials, 2022; 15(11), 3826, about the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using the non-thermal plasma reduction of AgNO3 salt and performed statistical optimization for the reaction conditions, i.e., (A) the concentration of a stabilizing agent, mM (B) concentration of AgNO3 salt, mM and (C) the reaction time, mins. We would like to point out that their writing on the statistical analysis (Box-Behnken response surface methodology for predicting the size of the nanoparticles) is not complete and, therefore, cannot be independently checked by the readers. The problems found in their report are as follows: the hard-to-find actual value of the uncoded units; a dubious claim about the middle levels of variable B (salt concentration); inconsistency in using coded vs. uncoded units in the table vs. the regression equation; and three center points with identical conditions give a dissimilar prediction of results. These serious issues need to be clarified and revised, as well as several writing errors, in order to uphold the standard of scientific publications.

Optimization of the Process for Obtaining Antioxidant Protein Hydrolysates from Pumpkin Seed Oil Cake Using Response Surface Methodology

Pumpkin seed cake, a byproduct of cold-pressed oil production, represents a food waste material with a great potential for valorization. The objective of the present study is to optimize the papain enzymatic hydrolysis process of pumpkin seed cold-pressed oil cake (CPC) to obtain protein hydrolysates with the highest antioxidant activity. Box–Behnken Response Surface Methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the simultaneous effects of an enzyme concentration of papain, a temperature, and a reaction time on the process of enzymatic hydrolysis on pumpkin seed cold-pressed oil cake (CPC). For these three input factors, different values are used—1, 2, and 3% for papain concentration, 20, 30, and 40 °C for temperature, and 60, 120, and 180 min for hydrolysis time. Thus, the design generated a total of 21 experimental runs. The aim is to obtain protein hydrolysates with the highest antioxidant activity. The responses DPPH and ABTS were calculated and the determined regression models were statistically analyzed and validated. The results revealed that optimal conditions included a papain concentration of 1.0%, a temperature of 40 °C, and a hydrolysis time of 60 min to retrieve the highest level of bioactive compounds.

Valorisation of Napier grass through fibre extraction and coloration by natural dye from Rubia tinctorum

AbstractAgricultural biomass is a well‐known renewable resource with a strong possibility of recycling. The current work focuses on extracting, preparing and colouring Napier grass fibre (NGF) with a colourant extracted from Rubia tinctorum (RT) (which is generally known as madder). NGF that had been water‐retted was alkaline scoured and bleached using hydrogen peroxide to increase the material's whiteness index and water absorption capacity without degrading its breaking strength. After being mordanted with tannic acid, the bleached NGF was coloured with an aqueous extract of the colourant extracted from RT. The Box–Behnken response surface methodology design model was employed to optimise the dyeing concentration, temperature and time. The dyed fibre showed good colour strength (K/S) and adequate wash, rub and light fastness. Adopting the findings from the current study would increase the efficient utilisation of biomass for use in textiles, which is unnecessarily wasted.

Optimization of the green extraction process of antioxidants derived from grape pomace

The wine industry generates a large amount of waste, such as grape pomace, which contains compounds of interest. In this study, the ecological technologies of ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE) and microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) were investigated to recover compounds of interest from the grape by-product. A fractional factorial design was used to explore the best extraction conditions and Box-Behnken response surface (MSR) methodology was performed for optimization using water as solvent. The best extraction conditions (time: 15 min, temperature: 65 °C, and amplitude: 70 %) resulted in the highest concentrations of phenolic compounds, anthocyanins, and antioxidant activity by the ABTS and DPPH assay. These two green technologies, ultrasound and microwaves and water as the solvent, applying a statistical optimization model allowed to improve extraction yield sustainably to find the best extraction conditions. The compounds extracted have the potential to be used in the food industry.

Optimizing Ultrasonic Extraction and Purification of Nuciferine With Response Surface Method

Background Lotus leaves are obtained from plants belonging to the genus Nelumbo in the Nymphaeaceae family. They serve both as agricultural produce and traditional Chinese medicinal herbs. Nuciferine, an amorphine alkaloid found in lotus leaves, holds significance due to its anti-inflammatory, lipid-lowering, and hypoglycemic properties. Objective The factors influencing nuciferine extraction from lotus leaves using the dipping-acid-assisted ultrasonic extraction method (DAUEM) have received limited attention. This study aims to optimize DAUEM conditions (ethanol concentration, solvent-to-material ratio, and ultrasonic extraction time) through a Box-Behnken response surface design. Methods Nuciferine purification from lotus leaves is achieved using D101 macroporous adsorptive resin. A single-factor test, with ethanol concentration ( V/V), solvent-to-material ratio ( V/M), and ultrasonic extraction time as variables, serves as a basis for optimizing the nuciferine extraction process via the response surface methodology. Results The highest nuciferine yield (0.1035 ± 0.005)% was obtained using 74% ethanol ( V/V), a 26:1 solvent-to-material ratio, and an 82min extraction time. Nuciferine purity reached 67.14% using 70% ethanol as the eluent and high-performance liquid chromatography for determination. DAUEM effectively extracts nuciferine from lotus leaves, with optimization achieved using Box-Behnken response surface methodology. D101 macroporous adsorption resin efficiently separates and purifies nuciferine in lotus leaves. Conclusion This experiment demonstrates good precision and accuracy, making it suitable for the extraction, separation, and purification of nuciferine in lotus leaves. The method lays the foundation for the development and utilization of nuciferine.

Cleaning Process of Diosgenin from Dioscorea nipponica

This investigation employed HPLC and LC-MS techniques to elucidate the enzymolysis and acid hydrolysis mechanisms of diosgenin obtained through a cleaning process. The findings revealed that the enzymolysis led to the cleavage and subsequent recombination of the glycosidic bond at the C-26 position of protodioscin, resulting in the formation of dioscin present in the enzymatic hydrolysis filter residue. Leveraging this observation, a streamlined and eco-friendly method for diosgenin extraction was devised. Incorporating the Box-Behnken response surface methodology alongside wastewater assessment, the optimal parameters for the cleaning process were established: a sulfuric acid concentration of 3 mol · L−1, a solid–liquid ratio of 1:10, an acid hydrolysis temperature of 100 °C, and an acid hydrolysis duration of 3 h. Under these parameters, the yield and purity of diosgenin were 31.07±0.56% and 72.30±0.24% respectively. When benchmarked against the direct acid hydrolysis approach, there was an increase of 133.08% in diosgenin yield, 44.08% enhancement in diosgenin purity, 50% reduction in wastewater generation and acid utilization, and an 83.57% decrease in wastewater’s chemical oxygen demand (COD). This optimized cleaning process is viable for large-scale production and offers a sustainable method for diosgenin production.

Synergistic enhancement of coal slurry water sedimentation and dehydration process using PDMDAAC/PAM

Currently, most coal processing plants use a single pharmaceutical system with large dosage and poor sedimentation effect, resulting in poor subsequent dehydration effect. In this study, poly dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride (PDMDAAC) as coagulant, and polyacrylamide (PAM) as flocculant, were used for synergistic enhancement of the coal slurry water sedimentation and dehydration process. The best pharmaceutical system was determined by integrating the evaluation indexes in the sedimentation and dehydration process. The mechanism of synergistic enhancement of coal slurry water sedimentation and dehydration process using PDMDAAC/PAM was revealed by analyzing zeta potential, SEM, XPS and FTIR spectroscopy results. Moreover, the Box–Behnken response surface methodology was used to determine the order of significance of coagulant dosage (Cc), flocculant dosage (Cm), and coal slurry water concentration (Cs) on the combined sedimentation and dehydration indexes, and Cm > Cs > Cc. Further, the correlation models between the combined sedimentation and dehydration indexes and each factor were established, the pharmaceutical system was further optimized, and model accuracy was verified. The optimal dosage of PDMDAAC10040 was 2.96 mg/L, and that of PAM2610 was 2.31 mg/L. Then, the industrial trials were conducted at the Tara Trench coal processing plant. Interestingly, after replacing the chemical regime, the efficiency of the thickener and filter press has been significantly improved, resulting in a 33.33% reduction in cost. This research can provide significant theoretical guidance and technical support for industrial applications.

Exploring tensile properties of bio composites reinforced date palm fibers using experimental and Modelling Approaches

The objective of this study was to assess the tensile strength of epoxy bio-composites reinforced with palm fibers, both untreated and treated with sodium carbonate NaHCO3 at a concentration of 10 % (w/v) for 24 and 96 h, with varying weight percentages of fibers (15 %, 20 %, 25 %, and 30 %). To predict the mechanical performance of the composites, two methods were employed: artificial neural network (ANN) and response surface methodology (RSM). A Box-Behnken RSM design was used to conduct experiments and establish a mathematical model of the bio-composite behavior as a function of the fiber percentage in the samples, specimen cross-section, and treatment time. The ANN forecasts showed consistent expected values for the bio-composite sample behavior, with a correlation coefficient (R2) greater than 0.98 for Young's modulus and 0.97 for stress. Similarly, the correlation coefficients obtained by RSM for the mechanical properties were also highly satisfactory, with an R2 of 0.89 for Young's modulus and 0.87 for stress. Finally, the errors generated by each method (Box-Behnken and ANN) were compared to the experimental results.

Combustion Characterization of Cooking Stove Based on Box–Behnken Response Surface Methodology

Combustion Characterization of Cooking Stove Based on Box–Behnken Response Surface Methodology

NiFe2O4/GO Nanocomposite as an Effective Adsorbent for Modelling Removal of Rifaximin from Pharmaceutical Wastewater Using Box–Behnken Response Surface Methodology

NiFe2O4/GO Nanocomposite as an Effective Adsorbent for Modelling Removal of Rifaximin from Pharmaceutical Wastewater Using Box–Behnken Response Surface Methodology

Optimization of the Green Fibre Paper Film Preparation Process Based on Box–Behnken Response Surface Methodology

To improve the utilization rate of flax straw and the clean treatment of livestock manure, an experimental study was conducted on the process and performance of making fibre paper films by mixing cow dung and flax straw fibre. Cow dung and flax straw were used as the main raw materials, and functional additives were not added. The whole technological process of the pretreatment, the beating process, the determination of the beating degree, the basis weight of the paper, papermaking, drying, sample cutting, and the determination and analysis of the related mechanical properties of the film-making materials were studied. In this study, the Box–Behnken experimental design principle in the response surface methodology was adopted, and the effect of each factor on the tensile strength and tear strength of fibre paper film made of mixed fibres was determined using the combined experimental design comprising four factors and three levels centres. The results showed that the optimum technological parameters were as follows: the beating degree of the cow dung fibre was 37 °SR, the beating degree of the flax straw fibre was 85 °SR, the paper basis weight was 80 g/m2, and the addition of flax straw fibre was 65%. At a drying temperature of 80 °C and a drying time of 8 min, under the conditions of the hybrid fibre paper film placed in the laboratory environment (humidity of 30%~40%, temperature of 18 °C) for 24 h, the measured tensile strength was about 8.26 MPa, and the tear strength was about 19.91 N/mm. This study provides a reference that can be used for the further study of fibre paper film.

Experimental investigation of design parameters on geometrical accuracy of selective laser sintered parts

Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) is becoming a popular choice for the fabrication of polymer parts of medium batch sizes. Understanding the effect of various factors influencing the geometrical accuracy of parts fabricated with selective laser sintering is key to ensuring consistent quality. This study attempts to evaluate the effects of different design parameters on a part-to-part variation in the geometrical accuracy of fabricated parts within the same build. A three-level Box-Behnken response surface methodology was adopted with the part orientation, part thickness, build position, and feature size as factors to investigate the impact on geometrical accuracy. A specimen comprising various through holes of different thicknesses was fabricated using SLS. The part-to-part variation in dimensional accuracy and circularity was inspected with a video measuring system to evaluate the effect of factors. The part orientation, part thickness, and build position impart a stronger influence on dimensional accuracy while the circularity was highly affected by the part orientation of the specimen. Further, the geometrical accuracy of the fabricated features was optimized separately with different sets of factors and validated experimentally.

Magnetic biochar derived from Juglans regia for the adsorption of Cu2+ and Ni2+: Characterization, modelling, optimization, and cost analysis

Objectives: Indian agricultural wastes such as Juglans regia shells get attention frequently because they can be used as adsorbents. This study aimed to prepare magnetically modified iron oxide immobilized biochar adsorbent using Juglans regia shells and investigate its adsorption capacity for Cu2+ and Ni2+ removal from synthetic wastewater contaminated with metals. Methods: As part of the investigation of the properties of the prepared material and its role in the adsorption process, it was characterized with FTIR, FESEM, EDX, XRD, BET, and VSM techniques. A batch adsorption method was examined by varying pH (2–12), adsorbate concentration (10–100 mg/L), contact time (5–240 min), and temperature (288–308 K). Results: A pH of 6 and an initial concentration of 50 mg/L, as well as equilibrium times of 120 and 150 min, resulted in 98.30 % copper removal and 98.10 % nickel removal, respectively. It was found that both Cu2+ and Ni2+ adsorption was governed by Langmuir's isotherm and obeyed the pseudo-second-order kinetic model. In terms of thermodynamic parameters, it appears that the adsorption of Cu2+ and Ni2+ took place in an endothermic and physical manner. The thermodynamic study determined that the activation energy (KJ/Mol) for Cu was 117.27 and for nickel was 100.24. Using Box-Behnken response surface methodology, the experiments were statistically optimized. Based on the cost estimation study, the prepared adsorbent can be used in metal-contaminated water at a cost-effective rate. Conclusion: Therefore, the prepared magnetic biochar will be useful for the adsorptive removal of Cu2+ and Ni2+ from electroplating wastewater.

Retracted: Optimization of Flash Extraction of Akebia trifoliata Seed Oil by the Box-Behnken Response Surface Methodology and Comparison of Oil Yields from Different Origins

Retracted: Optimization of Flash Extraction of Akebia trifoliata Seed Oil by the Box-Behnken Response Surface Methodology and Comparison of Oil Yields from Different Origins

Correlation between composition and adhesion properties of a zinc oxide-filled, acrylate pressure sensitive adhesive: An experimental design approach

A Box-Behnken response surface methodology (RSM) was adopted to provide a systematic insight on the adhesion properties of an acrylate-based, pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) filled with nano-zinc oxide (ZnO) particles as a function of its composition. In addition to the nano-filler morphologies (needle- or plate-like) and their content (0–10 per hundred resin, phr), concentrations of triethyl citrate (TEC, 30–50 phr) plasticizer and oxalic acid (OX, 0.5–1.5 phr) crosslinking agent were also changed with respect to the base polymer. Tack and peel strength properties were measured as adhesive performance characteristics. According to the results, ZnO content and its morphology played no significant role (P < 0.05) in adhesion performance of the compositions made. In contrast, the more plasticizer was used, the more peel strength and tack properties were achieved. OX showed an inverse effect on the tack and peel strength properties at a less statistically significant level. A removable PSA was achieved adopting the RSM methodology to develop formulations, which resulted in a removable and repositionable PSA. To understand these effects, molecular structures of the adhesive ingredients and their interactions were thoroughly discussed.

Nanoporous carbons based on coordinate organic polymers as an efficient and eco-friendly nano-sorbent for adsorption of phenol from wastewater

The major part of water pollutants includes of organic such as phenolic pollutant, thus there are every hazardous to environment. Present work is a comparative onto surface chemistry and adsorptive characteristics of coordinate organic polymer (Cop-150) and nanoporous carbon (NPC) prepared using solvothermal method. New NPC was successfully synthesized to remove of phenol. FT-IR, XRD, XPS, SEM, TGA, and BET techniques have been used to characterization and confirm physicochemical variation during preparing Cop-150 and NPC. Box–Behnken response surface methodology (BBRSM) was used to optimize four important factors of the pH (2–10), contact time (1–40 min), temperature (25–60 °C), and initial concentration of phenol (5–50 mg L−1). To analyze the data obtained from the adsorption of phenol by synthesized adsorbents, four linear, 2FI, quadratic and cubic models were examined, which the quadratic model was recognized as the best model. To the NPC the equal adsorption capacity 500 mg g−1 is achieved at the initial concentration of phenol = 49.252 mg L−1, contact time = 15.738 min, temperature = 28.3 °C, and pH 7.042. On the other hand, the adsorption capacity for Cop-150 in pH 4.638, the contact time = 19.695 min, the temperature = 56.8 °C, and the initial concentration of phenol = 6.902 mg L−1 was equal to 50 mg g−1. The experimental data at different conditions were investigated by some famous kinetic and isotherm models, which among them, were corresponded to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm. Moreover, based to result of thermodynamics to the both Cop-150 and NPC, the adsorption process is exothermic and spontaneous. According to results the Cop-150 and NPC could be used for up to four and five cycles without significantly reducing their performance, respectively.

Numerical Simulation and Field Test of a PDC Bit with Mixed Cutter Arrangement to Break Non-Homogeneous Granite

As the depth of petroleum drilling increases, the strata environment becomes more complex. The efficiency and lifespan of Polycrystalline Diamond Compact (PDC) drill bits fail to meet current drilling demands. However, the structure and arrangement of PDC cutters are valuable determinants of drilling efficiency, although related research still has gaps and deficiencies. This study focuses on PDC cutters in axe, triangular prism, and circular forms. It establishes an inhomogeneous granite model based on the actual measurements of granite and verifies the accuracy of this model through uniaxial compression simulation. Finite element models of three types of cutters in various combination schemes are constructed to examine rock-breaking effects, with the best scheme optimized using Box-Behnken response surface methodology. The rock-breaking process of the optimal PDC drill bit layout has been compared to that of a single cutter bit. Field drilling has demonstrated the effectiveness of a mixed cutter arrangement. The results show that the inhomogeneous granite model can be trusted. The optimal arrangement involves axe cutters in the front row and an alternate arrangement of triangular prism cutters and axe cutters in the back row. The optimal lateral and longitudinal distances for the triangular cutters from the front row of axe cutters are 10 mm and 7 mm, respectively, while those for the back row of axe cutters from the front row are 10.06 mm and 7 mm, respectively. The ROP standard deviation in the drilling process of mixed cutter bits decreases by 53.06% and 43.08% compared to axe and triangular prism cutter bits, respectively. The drilling efficiency increases by 16.8% and 16.6%, respectively, demonstrating higher efficiency and stability. Field drilling results indicate that a mixed cutter bit increases efficiency by 23.5% compared to a bit with only triangular prism cutters. This study posits that research on the combination schemes and parameters of PDC cutters can significantly enhance drilling efficiency, thereby reducing the drilling cycle and costs.

Optimization of carotenoid production by Umbelopsis ramanniana.

Umbelopsis ramanniana was investigated to increase carotenoid production. Nine different carbon sources and six different nitrogen sources were evaluated for the maximum carotenoid production. The most effective nitrogen and carbon sources were KNO3 and lactose, respectively. Then, the optimization of medium components for enhancement of carotenoid production by Umbelopsis ramanniana was achieved using Plackett-Burman design. Box-Behnken response surface methodology was applied to further optimize carotenoid and biomass production. Carbon to nitrogen ratio, lactose concentration, and shaking speed were studied as variables in Box-Behnken design. The optimum conditions for carotenoid and biomass production were determined as 32.42 g/L of lactose concentration, 20:1 of carbon to nitrogen ratio, and shaking speed of 130 rpm. The maximum carotenoid and biomass production under optimized conditions were 1141 μg/L (β-carotene-Eq) and 13.14 g/L, respectively. When compared to the control fermentation, carotenoid, and biomass production were increased by about 2 and 1.3 folds, respectively.

Shape memory performance assessment of FDM 3D printed PLA-TPU composites by Box-Behnken response surface methodology

In this paper, for the first time, the role of manufacturing parameters of fused deposition modeling (FDM) on the shape memory effect (SME) is investigated by design of experiments. PLA-TPU blend with a weight composition of 30:70% is processed by melt mixing and then extruded into 1.75 mm filaments for 3D printing via FDM. SEM images reveal that TPU droplets are distributed in the PLA matrix, and the immiscible matrix-droplet morphology is evident. Box-Behnken design (BBD), as an experimental design of the response surface method (RSM), is implemented to fit the model between variables and responses. The shell, infill density, and nozzle temperature are selected as variables, and their effects on loading stress, recovery stress, shape fixity, and shape recovery ratio are studied in detail. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) is applied to estimate the importance of each printing parameter on the output response and assess the fitness of the presented model. The ANOVA results reveal the high accuracy of the model and the importance of the parameters. Infill density and nozzle temperature had the greatest and least roles on shape memory properties, respectively. Also, the values of shape fixity and shape recovery were obtained in the ranges of 58–100% and 53–91%, respectively. Despite many researches on 4D printing of PLA, low ductility at room temperature and high stress relaxation rate are its weakness, which are covered by adding TPU in this research. Due to the lack of similar outcomes in the specialized literature, this paper is likely to fill the gap in the state-of-the-art problem and supply pertinent data that are instrumental for FDM 3D printing of functional shape memory polymers with less material consumption.