Chemical Engineering - 1994 - UFRJ/Brazil
M. Sc. Chemical Engineering - 1996 - UFRJ/Brazil
D. Sc. Chemical Engineering - 1999 - UFRJ/Brazil
RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS
Chemical Engineering
51
Scopus Publications
Scopus Publications
Hop Essential Oils: Multivariate Hydrodistillation Optimization and GC-MS Characterization Rafaella Silva Aredes, Camila Ferrari Quadros Barbosa, Fernando Cunha Peixoto, Leandro Alcoforado Sphaier, Vinicius Nunes Henrique Silva, Lucas Mattos Duarte, Flávia Ferreira de Carvalho Marques ACS Food Science and Technology, 2026 High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide Hop essential oil (EO) play a key role in beer aroma and quality control. In this study, a simplified hydrodistillation method for hop EO extraction using a Box-Behnken design was optimized, varying hop mass, water volume and distillation time. Terpenes─myrcene, β-caryophyllene and β-farnesene─were quantified by GC-MS. Initial results demonstrated that EO yield increased with lower hop mass and longer distillation time, while myrcene extraction was favored by shorter times. Optimal conditions (0.9 g hops, 75 mL water, 60 min) were applied to extract and qualitatively analyze EOs from Polaris, Perle, Ariana, and Hallertauer Magnum hops. Perle and Magnum exhibited typical terpene profiles but elevated β-farnesene levels and distinctive minor compounds. Ariana exhibited weak terpene signals but revealed uncommon esters. Overall, the method proved effective and resource-efficient, providing a practical tool for terpene profiling in underexplored hop varieties and supporting aroma characterization in the brewing industry.
Comparing the Nitration of Nanostructured CNF and Other Cellulose Forms for Energetic Applications Ana Carolina Marotti Dias, Cesar Liberato Petzhold, Leena Pitkänen, Maurício Ferrapontoff Lemos, Fernando Cunha Peixoto ACS Omega, 2026 This work focuses on the nitration of nanocellulose to obtain products with potential advantages over traditional ones obtained from linter cellulose (LC). The material used was a sample of cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) commercially available as an aqueous suspension with a 3% solid content. The main objective of the research was to develop the reaction conditions for nitration, including the preparatory methods for the cellulose raw material, so that the properties on the nanometric scale were maintained. The dehydration of the CNF to concentrate the fibrils in suspension was investigated using different methods: gravity and vacuum filtration, centrifugation, oven, and freeze-drying. The nitration experiments were carried out with dehydrated CNF following a protocol based on methodologies reported in the literature. For comparative purposes, commercial samples of cotton LC and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) were also evaluated. A complete characterization of the structural and thermal properties of the cellulose materials and their nitration products was carried out using the following techniques: size-exclusion chromatography, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, simultaneous thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental analysis. The results of the analysis revealed that the chemical structure of the cellulose chains is neither altered by the removal of water nor by the temperature and pressure conditions. However, the agglomeration of the fibrils is favored due to the interconversion of hydrogen bonds between cellulose-water and cellulose-cellulose, as in the heating and freezing treatments, making the redispersion of the nanofibers impossible. Only dehydration by vacuum filtration was suitable for preparing CNF for the reaction to obtain nitrocellulose. Although the resulting degree of substitution was not yet suitable for energetic applications, it was possible to obtain nitrated products from the commercial cellulosic materials under study. Comparing the structural and thermal properties of the nitrated CNF with those of LC and MCC nitration products obtained under identical conditions, the results corroborated the work in the literature and the theories developed so far. Therefore, the study demonstrated the potential viability of the synthesis methodology developed for the nitration of cellulose of different origins, dimensions, and morphological types.
A mixed-integer optimization model for determining plant location in an integrated petrochemical industry Karla M. Boaventura, Fernando C. Peixoto, Heloisa L. S. Fernandes, Fernando L. P. Pessoa Brazilian Journal of Chemical Engineering, 2026 Potential investment in the Brazilian petrochemical industry over the next few years, due to a recently approved tax incentive program, raises the problem of industry planning. This work presents a multiperiod, mixed-integer optimization model for plant location in the Brazilian petrochemical industry. The objective function to be minimized is the total cost of the industry. The set of decision variables includes the location of new process units and the process capacities over 20 years. The model considers 136 products, 112 processes, and 24 locations. The solution indicates that some process units, such as polyether polyol and polyurethane units, are installed in locations with low investment and operational costs to meet market demand in other regions. Conversely, capacity expansions at polyethylene terephthalate and polyvinyl chloride plants occur in locations with considerable demand. A sensitivity analysis shows that the former strategy may be adopted when transportation costs are low relative to other costs. Additionally, processes for producing dimethyl terephthalate, epoxy resin, Nylon 6, polyacrylate, polyisobutylenes, polyether polyol, polyurethane, and acrylic fibers are consistently selected for investment, despite large variations in transportation costs. These results may support government and companies’ policies on the long-term planning of the Brazilian petrochemical industry.
Predicting Optical Properties of Pyrotechnic Illuminant Compositions Using Multiple Linear Regression Model Luciana Amorim da Silva, Erick Braga Ferrão Galante, Fernando Cunha Peixoto, Aline Cardoso Anastácio Combustion Science and Technology, 2026 Understanding how ingredients in a illuminant pyrotechnic composition affect the flame color is fundamental for developing new formulations. This work investigated 111 pyrotechnic formulations with available optical data, focusing on dominant wavelength (DW) and spectral purity (SP). We calculated the chromaticity coordinates (x, y) based on DW and SP, and used the NASA CEA program to determine adiabatic flame temperatures and combustion product compositions. From this analysis, the emitting species and incandescent particles were identified and quantified, enabling us to propose a Multiple Linear Regression model for predicting chromaticity coordinates x and y, obtaining coefficients of determination of 0.929 and 0.948, respectively.
Development of a Low-Cost Method for the Determination of Stabilizers in Smokeless Propellants Using Thin-Layer Chromatography and Image Densitometry José Daniel Langendorf da Silva, Namir Halilović, Valdir Florêncio da Veiga Junior, Rodrigo Leonard Barbosa Rodrigues, Fernando Cunha Peixoto Propellants Explosives Pyrotechnics, 2025 This work developed and evaluated a rapid, cost‐effective, and mobile analytical method for the quantification of stabilizers in nitrocellulose‐based propellants, using thin‐layer chromatography and image densitometry. The method demonstrated effectiveness in the separation and quantification of diphenylamine and N‐nitrosodiphenylamine, showing linearity, accuracy, and precision for concentrations above 0.3 wt%. To address limitations at low concentrations, a screening test approach with a cutoff value of 0.3 wt% was proposed. Innovations included a custom‐built dark chamber to improve photographic records, and a custom script for automated image analysis, using open‐source software. The developed analytical procedure, along with the supporting tools created, offers a promising solution for rapid and efficient field monitoring of nitrocellulose‐based propellant stability, with the potential to complement existing laboratory methods in ammunition surveillance.
Selecting Double-Base Propellants for a 120 mm Mortar Rocket Assisted Projectile through DoE Leandro Augusto Iorio Pires, Victor Vinicius Valentim da Silva, Fernando Cunha Peixoto, Emmanuel Péres de Araújo Advances in Military Technology, 2025 Range extension of a 120 mm mortar projectile can be attained by a rocket motor within the grenade body. This study deals with the design of experiments-based methodology to identify double-base propellant compositions conceptually feasible for such a motor, from a thermochemical viewpoint. Formulations were defined under low vulnerability and green principles, using Minitab® Statistical Software, following mixture design techniques to account for intrinsic constraints. The thermochemical behavior of these formulations was simulated with a specialized software, taking theoretical characteristic velocity c* as a performance indicator. An empirical model was then fitted, permitting the identification of a set of favorable compositions leading to c* enhancement, regarding a reference double-base propellant, thus unveiling the design possibility of rocket motor downsizing.
Analysis of Sugar Distributions in Barley Wort Saccharification via Capillary Electrophoresis Rafaella Silva Aredes, Fernando Cunha Peixoto, Leandro Alcoforado Sphaier, Vinicius Nunes Henrique Silva, Lucas Mattos Duarte, Flávia Ferreira de Carvalho Marques ACS Food Science and Technology, 2025 High Resolution Image Download MS PowerPoint Slide A capillary electrophoresis method was used to analyze the fermentable sugar distributions during barley mashing. Eight worts, prepared with pilsner malt, were mashed at controlled isothermal temperatures (61–75 °C) using an Arduino-monitored heating mantle. Samples were collected every 10 min over 90 min. Phthalic acid enabled indirect electrophoretic carbohydrate detection. Maltose production was favored at 61–67 °C, while 71–75 °C promoted maltotriose and glucose formation, aligning with α- and β-amylase activity. Maltose concentration dropped by 18.2% above 75 °C compared to 61 °C. Principal component analysis grouped samples by mashing time, indicating enzyme activity patterns. Enzyme-specific activities were inferred: limit dextrinase (61 °C), β-amylase (61–67 °C), and α-amylase (65–75 °C). The method outperformed a reference technique, offering greener, more efficient sample preparation while accurately quantifying five fermentable carbohydrates. Findings aid brewing optimization by enhancing recipe development, yeast selection, and temperature control for improved beer production.
Enhanced Photodetector Field of View for IoT-Driven VLC Systems Using Fluorescent Optical Antennas Antonio A. C. Batista, Tiago D. Amorim, Ricardo M. Ribeiro, Andrés P. L. Barbero, Roberto B. Di Renna, Fernando C. Peixoto, Vinicius N. H. Silva IEEE Access, 2025 The rapid advancements in 5G and IoT have significantly increased global mobile network traffic. Consequently, there is growing interest in alternative communication technologies such as Visible Light Communication (VLC). This technology presents several advantages over conventional Radio Frequency (RF) communications, including lower latency, reduced implementation costs, and immunity to electromagnetic interference. However, VLC faces challenges like limited photodetector Field of View (FOV) and line-of-sight requirements. To address these challenges, this paper explores the utilization of a short segment of Fluorescent Plastic Optical Fiber (FPOF) as an optical antenna designed to extend the photodetector’s FOV in VLC systems. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated through experimental measurements and simulation analyses, comparing its performance against conventional VLC configurations. Experimental results showed that a 6 cm red FPOF antenna increased the FOV by over 10° at the mark of 3dB, achieving up to 25° at misaligned angles (above 70°), with around 10 dB gain at orthogonal conditions (90°), underscoring the potential of fluorescent optical antennas in overcoming traditional limitations of VLC systems, allowing new designs for detectors models, thereby enhancing their applicability for IoT-driven communication networks.
Conversion of glycerine into 1,2-propanediol for industrial applications Gustavo N. Oliveira, Natane C. Barbosa, Felipe C. Araújo, Pedro H. G. Souza, André V. H. Soares, Fernando C. Peixoto, José W. M. Carneiro, Fabio B. Passos Jatropha Challenges for A New Energy Crop Volume 3 A Sustainable Multipurpose Crop, 2019
Kinetics of nitrate hydrogenation in water on alumina and niobia supported palladium-copper catalysts International Journal of Chemical Reactor Engineering, 2012
