Morco's team defended their undergraduate thesis
Morco's team defended their undergraduate thesis
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Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering students from the GAMER Lab successfully defended their undergraduate thesis titled “Aluminum-Impregnated Philippine Natural Zeolite as an Intake Filtration Medium for Diesel Engines” for the academic year 2025 to 2026 at the Roque Ruaño Building, May 7, 2026. The study was conducted by Lanvin Philippe P. Morco, Arwin EJ A. Luna, Carlos Konrad T. Ordoñez, Laurence Eldon M. Avenilla, and Miguel Benedict O. Tadeo.
The research explored the development of an aluminum-impregnated Philippine natural zeolite filtration material intended for diesel engine air intake systems. The study addressed growing concerns regarding diesel engine emissions and air pollutant generation, particularly particulate matter and harmful gaseous compounds associated with combustion processes. Natural zeolites are recognized for their porous structure, adsorption capability, and ion-exchange properties, making them promising materials for filtration and environmental applications.
The researchers focused on enhancing the adsorption and filtration performance of Philippine natural zeolite through aluminum impregnation treatment. The modification aimed to improve surface activity, pore characteristics, and pollutant-capturing behavior of the zeolite material when exposed to intake air streams entering diesel engines. By modifying the natural zeolite structure, the group sought to improve contaminant trapping efficiency while maintaining suitable airflow conditions necessary for engine operation.
The study included the preparation and characterization of the aluminum-impregnated zeolite material using physicochemical analyses to evaluate surface morphology, porosity, and adsorption-related properties. Filtration performance assessments were also conducted to determine the material’s capability to reduce contaminants associated with diesel engine intake systems. The researchers investigated how the modified zeolite medium could contribute to cleaner combustion conditions and reduced pollutant emissions.
Findings from the study demonstrated the potential of aluminum-modified Philippine natural zeolite as a low-cost and locally sourced filtration medium for environmental remediation and emission-control applications. The work highlighted the value of indigenous mineral resources for sustainable engineering technologies while promoting the development of practical approaches for cleaner transportation systems. Philippine natural zeolites have previously demonstrated strong adsorption and filtration potential in environmental and emission-related applications.
The successful thesis defense reflects the GAMER Lab’s continuing commitment to sustainable materials research and environmental engineering solutions. The project also demonstrates the growing capability of undergraduate mechanical engineering researchers to develop materials-based technologies addressing real-world environmental and energy-related challenges.
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