Role Of Process Parameters Research Articles

The role of process parameters on photooxidative degradation of 2,4-D herbicide using TiO2 nanoparticles: Kinetic and mechanistic study

This systematic study investigates the effect of a wide range of TiO2 nanoparticles on the kinetics and mechanism of photocatalytic degradation of the herbicide 2,4-D (2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid). Changes in degradation rate, mineralization, and transformation pathways of 2,4-D correlated with nanoparticle physicochemical properties such as phase composition, size, and total pore volume. Primary intermediates, including hydroxylated chlorophenoxyacetic acids and 2,4-dichlorochlorophenoxy derivatives, were identified and their formation yields linked to the acid-base behaviour of 2,4-D. A comparison with homogeneous UV/H2O2-assisted degradation showed similar distribution of hydroxylated aromatic degradation intermediates as with large anatase nanoparticles (70 nm), while smaller particles facilitated pathways leading to the direct 2,4-D mineralization. DFT calculations supported experimental findings, and a scheme of the oxidative degradation of 2,4-D was proposed. Our results demonstrate that monitoring not only pollutant degradation but also overall mineralization is essential for evaluating photocatalysis efficiency and potential for practical applications.

Role of processing parameters on relative density, microstructure and mechanical properties of selective laser melted titanium alloy

Role of processing parameters on relative density, microstructure and mechanical properties of selective laser melted titanium alloy

Oxidation of imidacloprid insecticide through PMS activation using CuFe2O4 nanoparticles: Role of process parameters and surface modifications

The contamination of water bodies by synthetic organic compounds coupled with climate change and the growing demand for water supply calls for new approaches to water management and treatment. To tackle the decontamination issue, the activation of peroxymonosulfate (PMS) using copper magnetic ferrite (CuMF) nanoparticles prepared under distinct synthesis conditions was assessed to oxidize imidacloprid (IMD) insecticide. After optimization of some operational variables, such as CuMF load (62.5–250 mg L−1), PMS concentration (250–1000 μM), and solution pH (3-10), IMD was completely oxidized in 2 h without interferences from leached metal ions. Such performance was also achieved when using tap water but was inhibited by a simulated municipal wastewater due to scavenging effects promoted by inorganic and organic species. Although there was evidence of the presence of sulfate radicals and singlet oxygen oxidizing species, only four intermediate compounds were detected by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry analysis, mainly due to hydroxyl addition reactions. Concerning the changes in surface properties of CuMF after use, no morphological or structural changes were observed except a small increase in the charge transfer resistance. Based on the changes of terminal surface groups, PMS activation occurred on Fe sites.

Biogas Production Optimization in the Anaerobic Codigestion Process: A Critical Review on Process Parameters Modeling and Simulation Tools

Many operational parameters, either discretely or collectively, can influence the biodegradation performance towards enhancing biogas yield and quality. Among the operating parameters, organic loading rate (OLR), inoculum-substrate ratio, and carbon-nitrogen ratio (C/N) are the most critical parameters in the optimization and enhancement of biogas yield. Optimization of the biogas production processes depends on the ability of anaerobic microorganisms to respond to variations in operational parameters such as pH, redox potential, and intermediate products to enhance the biogas yield. This review article focuses on the role of process parameters, kinetic models, artificial intelligence, Aspen Plus (AP), and anaerobic digestion model no. 1 (ADM1) in optimizing biogas yield via an anaerobic codigestion (AcoD) process. The review showed that biomaterials codigestion upgraded biogas yield to the extent of 400%, and organic removal efficiency reached up to 90% compared to a single substrate. In addition, the current work has verified that the kinetic model is the most effective tool for signifying that the hydrolysis phase is the rate-limiting step, whereas AP is the most effective tool in the design and optimization of the AcoD process parameters. The reviewed kinetic and AI models show strong correlation values ranging from 0.931 to 0.9991 and 0.8700 to 0.9998, respectively. The AcoD system involves complex chemical reactions, but AP might have limitations in representing such complex chemical processes with nonideal behavior and complicated reaction mechanisms. The design and optimization of AcoD with reliable input parameters are highly limited or nonexistent. The AcoD process design with AP opens fresh research opportunities, including improved efficiency, finding appropriate retention time, and saving time, as well as finding the optimum biogas yield. This review article gives an insightful understanding of AcoD process parameter optimization and valuable strategies for policy development enhancing sustainability in the biogas sector.

In-situ monitoring and online prediction of keyhole depth in laser welding by coaxial imaging

A comprehensive understanding of welding penetration and the role of process parameters is crucial for ensuring high-quality joints in laser welding. In-situ process monitoring can aid in detection of defects, reducing material usage and time-consuming inspection operations. In this study, we propose a novel approach for online prediction of keyhole depth in laser welding operations. Using in-process images captured with a coaxial camera and active illumination, our software employs pre-trained CNNs from the EfficientNet and DenseNet families to extract features. These features serve as input for data-efficient regression models, trained to predict the keyhole depth. The results have shown that both methods yield percentage errors of approximately 3%. Ultimately, this methodology facilitates real-time analysis of welding operations.

Role of process parameters in defining the characteristics of copper surface composites fabricated via friction stir processing

This research deals with investigating the effects of amount of hybrid reinforcement, rotational speed and traverse speed on the mechanical and wear characteristics of copper surface composites fabricated via friction stir processing. Aluminum oxide and boron carbide at 1:1 ratio was dispersed onto copper substrate at various volume fractions (5, 10 and 15 vol. %) at different traverse speed (40, 60 and 80 mm min−1) and rotational speed (800, 950 and 1300 rpm). Microstructural characterization of developed copper surface composites dispersed with varying volume fraction of hybrid reinforcement proved reduction in grain size and homogenous distribution of ceramic particles. Results stated that the percentage of particles dispersed, traverse speed and rotational speed have high impact in defining the property of developed copper surface composites. A positive trend in mechanical strength was observed throughout the study. Increase in hybrid reinforcement dispersion and traverse speed increase the microhardness value of developed surface composites while increase in rotational speed leads to reduction in microhardness value.

Gradient Microstructure and Properties of Surface Mechanical Attrition–Treated AZ91D Alloy: An Effect of Colliding Balls Velocity

The surface properties of the AZ91D alloy are altered using surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT), a promising method of severe surface deformation, where the role of process parameters is crucial. In this study, specimens are SMATed using ≈3 and ≈10 m s−1 ball velocities (maintaining a constant percentage coverage). The SMATed specimens show higher twin density near the surface, which is reduced gradually, and twin thickness is increased with increasing depth. Further, high‐velocity balls cause more twin density and better grain refinement (≈32 nm grain size at the surface). The higher ball velocity helps form a considerably thicker gradient layer (≈3500 μm) with higher hardness (≈1.98 GPa) and compressive residual stress (≈281 MPa) within a shorter SMAT duration (≈10 min). Ball velocity also influences nanomechanical properties such as nanohardness, creep resistance, strain rate sensitivity (SRS), etc. The non‐SMATed alloy's SRS is about 0.037–0.040. The gradient microstructure affects SRS. The SRS value near the SMATed surface (where the reduced grain size plays a dominating role) is about 0.018–0.027; however, it drops suddenly to ≈0.01 (with a slight increase in depth), and subsequently, it rises with an increased distance in the SMATed layer (where twins play a dominating role).

Influence of tool wear on chip-like burr formation during micro-milling, and image processing based measurement of inwardly-deflected burrs

During micro-milling, the regular top-burrs usually bend in a direction laterally opposite to the milled feature. This top-burr morphology changes as the cutting edge condition progressively deteriorates with inherent tool wear. An edge-chipped tool tends to produce unusual top-burr that resembles an incompletely separated chip. Such chip-like burr also has a tendency to flow inside the micro-milled feature. This article, for the first time, explores the integral roles of worn-out tool geometry, micro-milling mechanics and process parameters on chip-like burr formation on Ti–6Al–4V during machining using 0.5 mm diameter TiAlN-coated WC-6Co tools under minimum quantity lubrication. Round-edges of the coated micro-mill progressively pass through break-in wear, steady abrasive wear, adhesive wear, coating delamination, and edge-chipping. A comprehensive analysis is presented here to explore the mechanism of chip-like burr formation considering the changes in tool geometry and corresponding variations in chip-tool-work tribological contact, cutting forces, stress distribution, burr root thickness, burr nano-hardness and surface roughness. Further, an algorithm for digital image processing is developed for efficient and reliable measurement of the burr size and corresponding inwardly-bent fraction. Subsequently, the roles of process parameters are assessed to explore the scopes of controlling the inward bending of the chip-like burrs.

Extrusion-Based Additively Manufactured PAEK and PAEK/CF Polymer Composites Performance: Role of Process Parameters on Strength, Toughness and Deflection at Failure

Poly aryl-ether-ketone (PAEK) belongs to a family of high-performance semicrystalline polymers exhibiting outstanding material properties at high temperatures, making them suitable candidates for metallic part replacement in different industries such as aviation, oil and gas, chemical, and biomedical. Fused filament fabrication is an additive manufacturing (AM) method that can be used to produce intricate PAEK and PAEK composite parts and to tailor their mechanical properties such as stiffness, strength and deflection at failure. In this work, we present a methodology to identify the layer design and process parameters that will have the highest potential to affect the mechanical properties of additively manufactured parts, using our previously developed multiscale modeling framework. Five samples for each of the ten identified process conditions were fabricated using a Roboze-Argo 500 version 2 with heated chamber and dual extruder nozzle. The manufactured PAEK and PAEK/carbon fiber samples were tested until failure in an Instron, using a video extensometer system. Each sample was prepared with a speckle pattern for post analysis using digital image correlation (DIC) to measure the strain and displacement over its entire surface. The raster angle and the presence of fibers had the largest influence on the mechanical properties of the AM manufactured parts, and the resulting properties were comparable to the mechanical properties of injection molded parts.

Roles of Process Parameters on the Ricinoleic Acid Production from Castor Oil by Aspergillus flavus BU22S

Ricinoleic acid is a biobased green chemical industrially produced from castor oil. Microbial conversion is a cleaner and greener approach to ricinoleic acid production from castor oil. These processes should be further optimized for a better yield of the product. Aspergillus flavus BU22S was used to convert castor oil into ricinoleic acid. The strain was isolated and identified by molecular biological techniques. It was found to be effective in the biotransformation of castor oil. The ricinoleic acid production and dry cell weight of the fungus were studied as functions of time. In this study, to increase the yield of ricinoleic acid and decrease the oil loss, which microorganisms utilizes in biomass production, response surface methodology (RSM) has been used for process optimization. The central composite design was used to optimize the predictor variables such as oil concentration (% w/v), glucose concentration (% w/v), and calcium chloride concentration (% w/v) to increase the overall yield of ricinoleic acid. A quadratic model was found to be the best fit to predict the responses of the experimental results. The model suggested that the concentrations of oil, glucose, and calcium chloride should be lower in order to increase the ricinoleic acid yield and minimize the oil loss. The bench scale studies of optimized conditions from RSM were also conducted. The yield of ricinoleic acid in batch and fed-batch culture studies was also compared. The yield of the ricinoleic acid in batch culture was 21.67 g/kg of total oil. The yield of ricinoleic acid in fed-batch culture in the absence of an external air supply was 46.77 g/kg of total oil. In this case, the oil loss was also reduced to only 12%.

Conversion of biomass to biofuels through sugar platform: A review of enzymatic hydrolysis highlighting the trade-off between product and substrate inhibitions

Specific combinations of enzymes depolymerize lignocellulosic biomass into respective monomers following various complex kinetic pathways. Conversion of biomass to biofuel through sugar platform is substantiated with specific kinetics controlling enzymatic hydrolysis in presence of unavoidable inhibitors. Some amount of lignin, still present in the delignified biomass broth acts as a substrate inhibitor for the specific group of cellulolytic enzymes during hydrolysis. Considering state-of-the-art research works, biomass to enzyme ratio is highlighted as one of the key factors in biomass hydrolysis, followed by time and agitation speed. Correlations between various kinetic parameters and different process variables are analysed in-depth using experimental outcomes as well as model predictions. Role of process parameters on hydrolysis outcomes, highlighting specific inhibition kinetics, deactivation of enzymes, and effect of mechanical agitation, is discussed thoroughly. Fractal kinetics and optimum product inhibition are also reviewed on a comparative basis. In order to understand the role of specific oligosaccharides on inhibition, the effects of mobility of sugar molecules, enzymatic trans-glycosylation, modes of hydrolysis (batch or fed-batch) on sugar yield are elaborated with respect to monomeric sugar supplements. Most research works have strong evidences to support that addition of other monosaccharides (excluding the end products) like glucose, galactose, mannose, fructose, of similar concentration, lowers the glucose yield to different degrees. Supplements of monomeric sugars, except xylose, increase the Michaelis-Menten [MM] constant, showing a reduced affinity of enzymes towards the substrate, through the competitive mode of inhibition. Xylose, however, exhibits a non-competitive type inhibition, through a strong affinity for the enzyme, enzyme-substrate, and enzyme-cellobiose complex. Most of the researchers focus on the removal of glucose as a primary end product in order to abate inhibition, except some periodically removed cellobiose. Cellobiohydrolase alone can generate cellobiose much more than endoglucanase alone. The synergistic action of different cellulolytic enzymes is found beneficial in terms of sugar generation. Product inhibition remains a crucial factor that needs to be overcome in order to attain a higher concentration of specific mono sugars.

Influence of process parameters in blue laser welding of copper and aluminum thin sheets

The present study deals with using a blue laser to weld dissimilar thin sheets for applications in the e-mobility field. A 1.5 kW laser source, emitting at 450 nm, was exploited in the lap welding of 0.3 mm thick copper sheets over 0.4 mm thick aluminum 1050 ones. The relatively small spot (485 μm) exploited allowed smooth and narrow beads at a welding speed up to 120 mm/s, guaranteeing a good contact area suitable for achieving electrical and mechanical performance. Design of experiment approach was exploited to properly plan the number of trials constituting the experimental campaign. The welding results were characterized using metallographic analysis that pointed out the geometric features of the fused zone and the eventual presence of cracks and pores. The role of process parameters was also investigated in terms of influence on mechanical and electrical performances. The specimens were tested, in fact, through shear tensile and electrical resistance tests. Hence, assessing the general applicability of that kind of welding on a real potential application was possible.

Role of process parameters on microstructure, mechanical properties and erosion performance of HVAF sprayed Cr3C2-NiCr coatings

In this study, Cr3C2-NiCr coatings of two different particle sizes (fine: 10–30 and coarse: 15–45 μm) were deposited by variable nozzle lengths (long, medium and short) and profiles (convergent-divergent, over-expanding and straight barrel) using high-velocity air-fuel (HVAF) and oxygen augmented air-fuel (HVAF(O)) spray mode. A comparative analysis of the generated coating specimen was performed through the microstructural features, phases present, properties and erosion performance. Additionally, the deposition efficiency (DE) was evaluated to assess the techno-economic feasibility of HVAF/HVAF(O) sprayed Cr3C2-NiCr coatings. All the deposited coatings were dense, uniform and displayed a homogenous distribution of carbides. The convergent-divergent-based long and medium nozzle sprayed coatings displayed better mechanical properties, whereas coatings deposited by short-length nozzles showed relatively inferior properties. In terms of particle size, fine Cr3C2-NiCr sprayed using HVAF and coarse Cr3C2-NiCr sprayed using HVAF(O) displayed improved coating characteristics and properties. Erosive studies implied coatings with improved intersplat adhesion exhibited ductile eroding behavior like “ploughing” and “micro-cutting” rather than “splat flaking/chipping.” Overall, employing a medium-length, convergent-divergent nozzle deposited Cr3C2-NiCr coatings with an ideal combination of DE, mechanical properties and erosion performance. Besides, short-length nozzles were inappropriate for spraying Cr3C2-NiCr since they displayed compromised coating characteristics and performance.

Precipitation hardening stainless steel samples processed by additive manufacturing: Process parameters and thermo mechanical treatments effects on microstructure and corrosion resistance

The effects of different process parameters and thermo mechanical treatments on 17–4 PH samples processed by Selective Laser Melting have been investigated in this study. Overlap, scanning radius and laser beam defocusing were varied while all the other process parameters were kept constant. So, the role of process parameters was analysed in terms of microstructure, defectiveness and response to heat treatment. Specifically, the as built samples were subjected to stress relaxation heat treatment (650 °C-2 h) and H 900 heat treatment (solution treatment at 1100 °C 1 h + 480 °C-1 h). On the as built, stress relieved and H 900 heat treated samples the corrosion resistance, microstructural evolution and hardness were studied. Moreover, Ultrasonic Peening treatment (UPT) was applied and its effect corrosion resistance was evaluated. The study was carried out by optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopes, Vickers hardness, DRX and Image analysis software. It was found that the amount of austenitic phase increases with the decreasing of the scanning radius from 5000 µm to 1250 µm; with positive defocusing of laser beam (+1mm) respect to in focus processed sample and with increasing of the overlap from 25 µm to 50 µm.Each samples exhibit pores lower than 0,3% in terms of area percentage and mostly circular in morphology. In the process variability window, no significant difference in defects occurrence were observed. In the as built state, different values of hardness were found according to the different microstructure and average grain size. After the stress relaxation heat treatments at 650 °C-2 h all the samples exhibit similar hardness values while the most austenitic and finer grained as built samples exhibit higher increasing in hardness after H900 heat treatment. Corrosion resistance changes as function of the different process parameter and heat treatment and is improved by Ultrasonic Peening mechanical treatment.

Fundamental aspects of processing multi-metallic components using additive manufacturing technologies

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has triggered development of advanced materials and supply chain strategies. Almost all newly launched metallurgical processing routes had initial technical limitations arising from the fact that their process-property-performance relationship is not well-explored. In the same context, understanding the ramifications of the transition from “conventional” to “additive” manufacturing, requires knowledge of the physical mechanisms associated with technical challenges. The latter becomes bolder when processing of multi-metallic components is addressed. The first half of the article is devoted to the status and recent progress in AM processing practices. We emphasize on the role of processing parameters and instrumentation-material interaction in various AM methods with focus on multi-metallic materials. The second half addresses material development and performance perspectives with emphasis on multi-metallic configurations. Crucial factors for structural integrity are introduced and specific technical challenges are demonstrated, considering engineering materials for multi-metallic components. It is also demonstrated how various cooling rates measurement techniques can be utilised for assessing the cooling rates in AM. Post processing challenges associated with the corrosion performance of bimetallic components and the effect of heat treatment on AM components are also included. Finally, the role, origin and detection of residual stresses in AM components are addressed.

Effect of process parameters on surface composite fabrication of newly commercialized Mg-ZE41 alloy by friction stir processing (FSP): microstructural development and microhardness

PurposeAltering the microstructure and developing the surface metal matrix composites (MMCs) in a solid-state by friction stir processing (FSP) has been on trend for the past decade. The microstructural modification increases the material properties, which are structure sensitive. The microstructural evolution is highly influenced by the selection of process parameters in FSP. In this study, the effect of process parameters on the microstructure evolution and microhardness of the fabrication of surface MMCs of newly commercialized Mg-ZE41 alloy by the incorporation of different reinforcement particles such as ZrO2, CeO2 and Al2O3 is investigated.Design/methodology/approachBy making use of Taguchi’s design of experimentation, which recognizes the crucial factors and ascertain their effect on the properties of the material, the optimization of process parameters for this study was done using MATLAB-14 software. The parameters were adopted along with the levels throughout the FSP for the fabrication of different surface MMCs. For each reinforcement particle, two factors at three levels each had L9 factorial design were used to analyse the effect of these factors on the processing result (microstructure, grain refinement and hardness). The two different factors used in this study are tool rotational speed (TRS) and tool traverse speed (TTS) as a part of the full factorial design matrix for different surface MMCs.FindingsAmong all combinations, TRS of 1500 rpm and TTS of 20 mm/min. for ZE41-ZrO2 MMCs and ZE41-CeO2 MMCs were observed as optimum to produce defect-free processed zone along with the high level of grain refinement and hardness, whereas for ZE41-Al2O3 the same was obtained at 1500 rpm TRS and 10 mm/min TTS.Originality/valueIn this paper, the role of process parameters in the development of surface MMCs on newly commercialized Mg-ZE41 alloy by FSP is investigated. The effect of TRS and TTS on microstructure evolution, grain refinement and microhardness is analysed. Hence, in this study, the optimum parameters for the fabrication of surface MMCs of Mg-ZE41 alloy have thus been established.

Experimental investigation of angular error during taper cutting of titanium (ASTM Grade 2) using WEDM process

Today, mechanical industries are looking for processes that can produce high-precision products with fewer tools to get maximum accuracy. To achieve this, WEDM is so far more widely used, which had shown remarkable technological growth in the last decade. After the success of straight cutting, the wire EDM tapering process have taken it to the next level of taper generating surfaces by being able to machine complicated parts with inclined profiles. After the rigorous research in this field, it is found that wire breakage & wire deformation plays a very significant role while working with taper cutting in contrast to straight cutting which results in creating undesirable effects on the required taper angle. One of the ways to deal with such problems is to control the process parameters. After performing an in-depth literature review, it is found that for pure titanium the consequences of different process parameters on a variety of key performance measures are not sufficiently analyzed in wire EDM taper cutting. This research work makes every possible effort to investigate experimentally the machining performance by conducting the taper cutting of pure titanium while using the WEDM technology. The role of process parameters like taper angle, wire tension, wire feed on response parameters like angular error was studied. Experiments have been carried out on pure titanium by implementing Taguchi’s L9 orthogonal array which involves three variables with three levels. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) has been performed to analyze the effect of process parameters and the contribution of each parameter affecting the responses have been calculated. It can be concluded that taper angle is the major primary crucial control parameter that influences the angular error followed by wire tension. For minimizing the angular error, recommended parametric combination is taper angle at 4 degrees, wire feed at 7 m/min (117 mm/s), and wire tension at 7 units equals 1020 g (10 N) for taper cutting of Titanium (ASTM grade 2) using wire electrical discharge machining process.

The effects of pH, neutralizing reagent and co-ions on Mo(VI) removal and speciation in Fe(III)–Mo(VI) coprecipitation process

Coprecipitation of molybdate (Mo(VI)) with ferric iron (Fe(III)) is usually employed for the treatment of Mo-bearing acid mine drainage (AMD) and mineral-processing effluents. However, the speciation of Mo(VI) in the Fe(III)–Mo(VI) coprecipitates and the roles of process parameters in Mo(VI) removal remain unclear. In this work, the effects of pH, neutralization reagents (CaO vs NaOH) and co-ions (Zn2+, Cu2+ and Ni2+) on the removal and speciation of Mo(VI) were investigated. It was found that Mo(VI) removal was significantly enhanced at circum-neutral pH by using CaO as base instead of NaOH or in the presence of Ni2+ ions. X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared, Raman and linear combination fitting of Mo K-edge X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectra results indicated that amorphous ferric molybdate was the major Mo(VI) phase in the coprecipitates formed at acidic pH regardless of the base used. While at circum-neutral pH, Mo(VI) mainly existed as surface adsorbed form on ferrihydrite in NaOH neutralized coprecipitates, and as calcium molybdate in CaO neutralized coprecipitates. The pre-edge features of Mo K-edge and L3-edge XANES features indicated the formation of polymeric molybdate in the acidic coprecipitates. This work may have implications to Mo(VI) immobilization via coprecipitation with Fe(III) and the fate of Mo(VI) in tailings.

Solid state surface deposition by friction surfacing: A review

Developing surface coatings and depositions for imparting specific properties at the surface of materials is an important strategy in surface engineering. Several processing routes are widely used in surface engineering which involve melting the coating materials and deposition on the substrate. On the other hand, surface coatings by solid state routes eliminate complex issues associated with liquid based processes. Friction surfacing is one of such potential solid state processes in which a consumable rod made of coating material is used to deposit a layer on the substrate. Several material systems have been used to produce surface coatings by friction surfacing. In this present review, the state of the art in developing several non-ferrous based coatings by friction surfacing is discussed. The role of process parameters and material properties influenced by the coatings are summarized and presented.

Role of process parameters in the degradation of sulfamethoxazole by heat-activated peroxymonosulfate oxidation: Radical identification and elucidation of the degradation mechanism

The use of heat-activated peroxymonosulfate oxidation for the degradation of the antibiotic compound sulfamethoxazole (SMX) was studied in this paper. It was found that the degradation process follows a pseudo-first order kinetic model. Increasing the oxidant concentration and/or the activation temperature led to a higher sulfamethoxazole degradation efficiency. Increasing the pH from 3 to 9.5 resulted in a higher degradation efficiency as well, although the SMX degradation was significantly inhibited at a pH of 11. Through radical scavenging experiments, it was found that both •OH and •SO4− played a role in the SMX degradation mechanism. Seven transformation products were identified in the SMX degradation process. Both the radicals present and the initial pH value of the degradation process were found to influence the formation of several degradation products. Finally, the heat-activated peroxymonosulfate oxidation process was compared with the heat-activated persulfate process and the main intermediates formed in both processes were identified and compared with each other.