GAMER LAB Mechanical Engineering students successfully defended their undergraduate thesis, April 25, 2026, at the Roque Ruaño Building.

A research team, composed of Moses Galen D. Dizon, Don Andrei S. Cabanda, Rainiel Jasper N. Dela Rosa, Cyrus D. Bullecer, and Dan Airon E. Sobreviga, worked under the guidance of Engr. Edward Henrick H. Aguda and Engr. Edgar Clyde R. Lopez, Ph.D.

Titled “Rice Husk Hydrochar/Paraffin Composite as a Phase Change Material for a Solar-Driven Water Desalination System,” the team presented a promising approach to addressing water scarcity through sustainable materials and thermal energy storage.

The study explored the development of a composite material derived from rice husk hydrochar and paraffin, designed to function as a phase change material (PCM). This composite enables thermal energy storage by absorbing and releasing latent heat, thereby stabilizing temperature fluctuations within a solar-driven desalination system. Such thermal regulation enhances evaporation and condensation processes, leading to improved freshwater yield from saline sources.

Rice husk, an abundant agricultural byproduct, was converted into hydrochar through thermochemical processing, providing a porous matrix that enhances paraffin encapsulation and reduces leakage during phase transitions. The integration of this bio-based material not only improves the structural stability of the PCM but also promotes sustainability by valorizing waste biomass.

Another group, composed of Kyle Vincent T. Esteban, Lian Michael N. David, Ralph Jarreth A. Santiago, John Carlo N. Santos, and John Andrei S.B. Sumulong, worked under the guidance of Engr. Matt Miguel-Luiz B. Montemayor and Engr. Edgar Clyde R. Lopez, Ph.D.

Titled “Oil Recovery Performance of Disc-Type Skimmers Using Polyurethane/Dimethyldichlorosilane-Functionalized Nanosilica (PU/DMDCS–SiO₂) Composite Coatings,” their team presented a materials-based solution aimed at improving the efficiency of oil spill remediation systems.

The study centered on enhancing the performance of disc-type oil skimmers through the application of a polyurethane-based coating functionalized with dimethyldichlorosilane-treated nanosilica. This composite coating was designed to impart strong hydrophobic and oleophilic properties, enabling selective oil adsorption while repelling water. The nanosilica component contributed to increased surface roughness at the micro- and nanoscale, further amplifying oil affinity and improving recovery rates.

Experimental evaluations demonstrated that the coated skimmers exhibited significantly higher oil recovery efficiency compared to unmodified systems. The PU/DMDCS–SiO₂ coating improved oil adhesion, reduced water uptake, and enhanced the durability of the skimmer surface under repeated operational cycles. These characteristics are critical for real-world deployment, where consistent performance and material stability are required under harsh environmental conditions.

The successful defense marks a significant academic milestone for the team, with their findings offering a scalable and cost-effective strategy for improving oil spill cleanup operations. Their work reinforces the role of advanced composite coatings in enhancing separation technologies and supporting environmental sustainability efforts.

Another research team, composed of Charles Dwayne G. Tandoc, Henri Luwyz F. Glodo, Gian Gerard O. Mayuyo, Justine Paul B. Ongue, and Zandara Faith S. Cabiso, defended their thesis entitled "CFD investigation of cell density and channel diameter effects on diesel particulate filter back pressure and filtration performance." 

The study highlights the critical balance required in DPF design. Higher cell densities can enhance filtration efficiency by increasing the available surface area for soot capture, yet this often leads to elevated back pressure, which can adversely affect engine performance. Conversely, larger channel diameters tend to reduce back pressure but may compromise filtration effectiveness. Through systematic simulation and analysis, the team identified optimal design ranges that offer improved filtration performance while maintaining manageable pressure drops.

Their findings contribute to ongoing efforts in emission reduction and cleaner combustion technologies, particularly in the context of tightening environmental regulations on diesel engines. The research also demonstrates the value of CFD as a powerful tool for predictive modeling and design optimization in environmental and energy-related applications.