The Egyptian Journal of Chemistry: A Gateway to Scientific Discovery in the Middle East

A prestigious platform for chemical sciences bridging disciplines and connecting researchers worldwide.

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Introduction: A Prestigious Platform for Chemical Sciences

In the dynamic world of scientific research, where new discoveries unfold daily, specialized journals serve as critical hubs for sharing knowledge and accelerating progress.

Among these, the Egyptian Journal of Chemistry (EJC) has established itself as a significant voice from the Middle East and North Africa region, providing a dedicated platform for chemists to disseminate their findings. This international, peer-reviewed publication channels diverse chemical research from across the globe to the scientific community, contributing to our collective understanding of everything from environmental solutions to advanced materials 1 . By bridging disciplines and connecting researchers, the journal plays a vital role in transforming isolated experiments into shared scientific progress that can address real-world challenges.

More Than Just Chemistry: The Journal's Multidisciplinary Scope

While its name suggests a singular focus, the Egyptian Journal of Chemistry casts a wide net across multiple scientific domains.

A Comprehensive Scientific Umbrella

Officially described as a "multidisciplinary chemistry journal," it encompasses far more than traditional chemical specialties 1 .

Core Chemistry Disciplines
Analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry
Applied Chemistry Fields
Pharmaceutical, textile, environmental, polymer, petroleum, and agricultural chemistry
Cross-Disciplinary Areas
Biochemistry, materials science, and chemical engineering 1 3

This interdisciplinary approach reflects the evolving nature of modern scientific inquiry, where solutions to complex problems often emerge at the intersection of multiple fields.

Growth Trajectory

The journal has shown significant growth in recent years, demonstrating its expanding reach and influence.

28
Documents in 2014
1,113
Documents in 2022

Published documents increased from just 28 in 2014 to over 1,100 in 2022 1 , representing remarkable growth in the journal's output and influence.

Measuring Scientific Impact

The journal's influence in the scientific community is reflected through various metrics tracked by indexing services.

1.1-1.2
Impact Factor

Measure of yearly citation frequency 3 7

0.269-0.284
SJR Score

Prestige-based citation indicator 1 7

29-36
H-Index

Productivity and citation impact 1 7

Q3
Quartile Ranking

Category placement in Scopus database 1 3

These metrics place the Egyptian Journal of Chemistry as a mid-tier contributor in the global chemical literature landscape, particularly strong in its regional context.

Inside a Groundbreaking Study: Optimizing Metakaolin for Industrial Applications

To understand how research published in the Egyptian Journal of Chemistry translates to practical applications, let's examine a representative 2025 study focused on Egyptian kaolins and their transformation into metakaolin for industrial use 5 .

The Scientific Context

Kaolin, a naturally occurring clay mineral, transforms into metakaolin when heated—a process called calcination. Metakaolin serves as a valuable pozzolanic material that can enhance the properties of concrete when used as a supplementary cementitious material.

The research aimed to determine the optimal calcination conditions to produce high-quality metakaolin from local Egyptian kaolin sources, which could have significant implications for construction and industrial applications throughout the region 5 .

Experimental Methodology

The researchers followed a systematic approach to optimize metakaolin production:

Sample Characterization

The team first analyzed kaolin samples from Sinai, examining their chemical composition and physical properties.

Controlled Calcination

Subjects were heated at varying temperatures (with 550°C identified as optimal) and different time intervals (30 minutes proving most effective).

Pozzolanic Activity Assessment

The researchers measured the chemical reactivity of the resulting metakaolin with calcium hydroxide.

Surface Area and Porosity Analysis

Using specialized equipment, the team analyzed the physical structure of the metakaolin particles.

Key Findings and Implications

The study yielded clear, actionable results with direct industrial relevance:

Parameter Optimal Condition Effect on Product Quality
Temperature 550°C Maximizes pozzolanic activity
Duration 30 minutes Balances energy cost with effectiveness
Critical Factor Kaolinite/quartz ratio Determines overall product performance

The research demonstrated that most fired samples developed high pozzolanic activity, with the best results specifically achieved at 550°C for 30 minutes 5 . The effectiveness was directly related to the original kaolinite/quartz ratio and the presence of flux materials in the raw kaolin.

The significance of these findings extends beyond academic interest—they provide Egyptian industries with scientifically-validated parameters for producing high-quality metakaolin locally, potentially reducing import dependencies and supporting domestic construction sectors with improved, more sustainable building materials.

The Scientist's Toolkit: Essential Research Reagents and Materials

Chemical research relies on specialized materials and analytical techniques to obtain reliable results.

Reagent/Material Primary Function Research Application Examples
Kaolin clay Raw material source Natural clay mineral transformed into metakaolin through calcination 5
Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) Molecular structure analysis Identifying functional groups and chemical bonds in synthesized materials 7
Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Surface morphology imaging Visualizing particle structure and distribution at micro-scale 7
Heavy metal solutions Contaminant simulation Preparing standardized solutions for adsorption studies (e.g., Cu(II), Fe(II)) 5
Polymer composites Adsorbent/substrate material Creating specialized surfaces for removing contaminants from water 5

These foundational materials and techniques enable the diverse research published in the journal, from environmental remediation studies to the development of novel nanomaterials.

From Submission to Publication: The Scientific Communication Process

Adhering to Scientific Writing Conventions

Research published in the Egyptian Journal of Chemistry follows standardized scientific writing conventions that facilitate clear communication and critical evaluation.

Concise, Informative Titles

Accurately describe research content without overstatement 6

Structured Abstracts

Summarize the study's purpose, methods, major findings, and interpretations 8

IMRAD Format

Organized sections for Introduction, Methods, Results, and Discussion 8

Clear Subheadings

Enable nonlinear reading and efficient information retrieval 6

This standardized structure allows expert readers to quickly assess the research relevance and rigor, adapting the time-honored tradition of scientific paper formatting for modern digital consumption 6 .

The Peer Review Filter

Before publication, submissions to the Egyptian Journal of Chemistry undergo peer review—a quality control process where independent experts in the field evaluate the research methodology, significance, and validity of findings 1 .

Submission

Authors submit their manuscript through the journal's online system

Initial Screening

Editorial staff check for completeness and basic requirements

Peer Review

Experts in the field evaluate the research quality and validity

Decision

Editor makes publication decision based on reviewer feedback

This critical screening process helps maintain the journal's scientific standards and ensures published research meets established criteria for novelty and technical soundness.

Conclusion: Beyond the Printed Page

The Egyptian Journal of Chemistry represents more than just a collection of scientific papers—it embodies the vibrant research ecosystem of Egypt and the broader region.

By providing a platform for sharing discoveries across subdisciplines, the journal amplifies the impact of chemical research that addresses both global challenges and local needs. From optimizing industrial materials like metakaolin to developing new water purification technologies, the research disseminated through its pages demonstrates how fundamental chemical principles can transform into practical solutions.

For students and aspiring scientists, journals like EJC offer a window into the dynamic process of scientific discovery, revealing not just final results but the methodological rigor and creative problem-solving that drive chemistry forward. As the journal continues to grow in both output and influence, it strengthens the global scientific dialogue while highlighting the particular contributions of researchers from the Middle East and North Africa region.

Recent Growth Trajectory
Year Documents Published Year-over-Year Change
2014 28 Baseline
2019 230 721% increase
2022 1,113 384% increase from 2019
2024 700 (projected) Stabilization after growth period 1

References