Black Powder Research Articles

Development of Food-Luring Baited Traps for Solenopsis invicta (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) Monitoring in the Field in Southern China

Solenopsis invicta Buren (Hymenoptera: Formicidae), a red imported fire ant that originated from South America, is a worldwide invasive pest. This study investigated the efficacy of the newly designed baited trap to detect red imported fire ants, Solenopsis invicta Buren, under field conditions in China. Among the five food lures tested for red imported fire ants, the ants preferred ham sausage and fish powder, followed by mixed powder (50% fish powder + 50% black soldier fly powder) and black soldier fly powder. These lures were compared to sugar water (control) to determine their efficacy in trapping red imported fire ants. Field data revealed that the ham sausage powder trap was more efficient than the fish powder trap based on its ability to trap more red imported fire ants under field conditions and ease of use. Thus, it was concluded that the baited traps are efficient for longterm red imported fire ants monitoring.

Production of nickel and cobalt metal powders under autoclave conditions

This paper presents the results of studies on the reduction of dispersed cobalt and nickel metal powders from their salts in ammonia-alkaline aqueous solutions under hydrothermal autoclave conditions. A unified and environmentally friendly method for producing these powders has been developed. Hydrazine hydrate, with a 25–50 % excess of the stoichiometric ratio, was used as a reducing agent. This choice allows for obtaining metal phases that are chemically uncontaminated by decomposition products. The experiments determined the conditions for the quantitative reduction of cobalt (II) and nickel (II) ions from ammonia-alkaline aqueous solutions. The synthesis temperature for the dispersed phases ranged from 110 to 155 °C. It has been demonstrated that under the conditions used, the process is completed quantitatively within 60 min. Metal concentrations in the solutions were determined using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The results of the X-ray phase analysis confirm that cobalt forms in the HCP lattice, while nickel forms in the FCC lattice. No other phases, including X-ray amorphous phases, were observed. It was found that with an increase in the hydrothermal synthesis temperature from 110 to 155 °C, the specific surface area of cobalt increased by more than 1.5 times, and that of nickel black powders increased by approximately 2 times. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that cobalt is formed in the shape of lamellar particles with a lateral size of about 500 nm and a thickness of 50 nm, which aggregate into fractal structures. Nickel is represented by spherical particles arranged in chain-like structures. Using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, it was determined that the surface of the materials is covered with oxidized forms. The surface atomic concentration of cobalt (0) was approximately 2 %, while that of nickel (0) was about 25 %.

3D printed composites achieve broadband electromagnetic wave absorption by introducing carbon black/carbonyl iron powder porous hollow microspheres

In this paper, carbon black (CB) and carbonyl iron powder (CIP) were successfully combined by solvent evaporation method to prepare CB-CIP porous hollow microspheres and used as reinforcement to prepare electromagnetic wave absorbing composites by 3D printing method. The effects of CB addition on the structure of the composite microspheres and the wave absorption performance were investigated. It is shown that the surfaces of hollow microspheres have many heterogeneous interfaces and pore defects, which can significantly enhance the polarization loss capability. The CB and CIP particles on the surfaces of hollow microspheres are intertwined, which makes the magnetic loss and dielectric loss form a synergistic absorption effect and enhance the microwave absorption capacity of the composite. The maximum reflection loss of sample CB/PLA-3 reaches –47.34 dB at a thickness of 2.5 mm, and the EAB is 4.56 GHz. The EAB reaches a maximum of 5.20 GHz at a thickness of 2 mm. The RCS simulation results of CB/PLA-3 at 11 GHz show that most of the RCS values of the samples are below −20 dBm2 in the range of –90° < Theta < 90°, indicating that the CB/PLA-3 samples has the capability of wide-angle microwave absorption. This paper provides an effective method for the design and preparation of broadband efficient absorbing materials.

Вarothermic treatment of TixZr1-xC mixed carbides produced by MA-SHS consolidation

High density TixZr1-xC (x = 0.15; 0.24; 0.49; 0.88; 0.92) mixed alloys with a submicron structure have been successfully produced by MA-SHS under pressure followed by barothermic treatment (HIP) in a gas-static chamber. The effect of mechanical activation (MA) on the properties of reaction blends containing titanium, zirconium and carbon black powders, the formation of phase composition and microstructure, and the physical and mechanical properties of the alloys were investigated by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and backscattered electron mode (BSE). It was shown that the MA of the reaction blends in hexane for 40–60 min resulted in the amorphization of the metal particles and the formation of the carbide phase crystallites in them. TixZr1-xC mixed alloys produced by MA-SHS and aged at 1600 °C. The resulting TixZr1-xC mixed alloys are characterized by grain sizes of 0.1 μm, relative density of 99.2 %, microhardness (HV) of 20.9 GPa and a fracture toughness (K1c) of 12.53 MPa × m1/2. It has been shown that during ageing of the SHS alloy, the high temperature Ti0.49Zr0.51C phase completely decomposes into the daughter phases Ti0.15Zr0.85C and Ti0.92Zr0.08C. The characteristics of the alloys produced by the SPS and SHS methods are discussed.

The effect of the fluidized bed agglomeration process on the powder properties of black carrot juice powders

AbstractThis study aims to apply fluidized bed agglomeration process performed at 60°C and 1.6 m/s as air temperature and velocity, to improve the powder properties of the black carrot juice powders obtained by spray drying at the inlet and outlet air temperatures of 160 and 100°C, respectively. The binders maltodextrin, gum arabic, whey protein isolate and water were added to the powders at 1:0.1, and 1:0.2 powder/binder solution (BS) ratios. The agglomerates have higher moisture content (11.35%–12.88%, wet basis) and water activity (0.256–0.379) values than the powders (9.18 ± 0.03% and 0.25 ± 0.00, respectively). While the angle of repose value of black carrot juice agglomerates decreased compared to powders, the porosity values (54.17%–66.87%) and the hygroscopic properties were improved. The friability values for the agglomerates were 37.21%–77.04%. The agglomeration process improved the microstructure, glass transition temperature and particle size distribution as determined with scanning electron microscope, differential scanning calorimeter, and laser diffraction method analysis.Practical applicationsBlack carrot is a vegetable with high nutritional value and its consumption is limited to a certain season. For this reason, the production of the powders of vegetable juices and having the agglomerated form of them, an important improvement will be achieved in the production of healthy and easy to use foods for children and adults. Fluidized bed agglomeration which is a novel application is important in the creation of easy‐to‐use meals. Black carrot juice powders could be successfully agglomerated with some different binders in fluidized beds. Powder properties of agglomerates containing water were as good as the binder agents.

“Structural and magnetic properties of ferric oxide nano-particles”

Magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) were successfully synthesised via the co-precipitation method. The structural and magnetic properties of ferrite nanoparticles were studied using XRD, TEM, RAMAN, FTIR, and VSM. The Fe3O4 nanoparticle product is obtained as a black crystalline powder with an average particle size of 37.553 nm. The particle size was also confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The XPS spectra analysis was found to be very useful for the detection of both + 2 and + 3 ions of iron in Fe3O4. The saturation magnetization (Ms) and coercivity come out to be 72 emu/gm and 13 oe respectively. FTIR determines the presence of various bonds that are Fe-O, COO-Fe, –CH 3, and –OH.

Development of a Solid, Low-Smoke Rocket Propellant – Smoke Generation Intensity Tests Using a Laser and Photodiode Setup

The work completed and discussed in this paper was to determine the level of smoke generation intensity in a selection of solid rocket propellants developed to minimise the level of generated smoke. This is an important issue for the application of the developed low-smoke propellant in, for example, the sustainer motor of a rocket missile. Reduced smoke generation levels can help to significantly reduce the feasibility of enemy detecting rocket munition launch sites. The authors of this paper developed a test stand that quantified the smoke generation intensity in rocket propellants. The test stand setup, based on the scatter of a laser beam by smoke, measured the smoke generation intensity, including during the operation of a rocket motor. A rocket micromotor was used along with a test chamber to measure the intensity of the smoke generated. It was located directly behind the motor exhaust and provided three laser-photodiode measurement channels. Tests of the smoke generated during the combustion of black powder and a standard mixture of HTPB and AP at a ratio of 20:80 provided reference baselines for the smoke generation intensity tests on the developed rocket propellants. The authors determined the smoke generation intensity of the propellants based on ADN, HTPB, and GAP with various additives. The results produced made it possible to compare the tested materials and select the most preferable materials as measured by their low smoke generation intensity.

The earliest loaded iron bomb excavated from the Baidicheng fort site, Chongqing, China

An iron bomb, still loaded, dating to the thirteenth century Southern Song dynasty was excavated from the Baidicheng Fort site, Chongqing, China. This loaded bomb is one of the oldest surviving such gunpowder weapons with the earliest remnants of black powder.

High-temperature interaction mechanisms of typical igniting pyrotechnics with cellulose as the packing material

In order to study the effect of cellulose shell on the thermal behavior including pyrolysis gaseous products, ignition and combustion characteristics of typical pyrotechnics, three composites of pyrotechnics/cellulose were prepared in this paper. Various characterization techniques were used to investigate the prepared composites and their combustion condensed products (CCPs), including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), simultaneous thermal analysis (DSC-TG-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), bomb calorimetry, and home-made combustion diagnostic system. The results showed that the overall heat release of the black powder and Mg/PTFE decreased from 3108 J·g−1 and 1157.4 J·g−1 to 1045.4 J·g−1 and 810.4 J·g−1 in the presence of 33.3% cellulose, respectively. Moreover, the FTIR spectra showed that the cellulose did not change the reaction pathways of black powder and Mg/PTFE, which mainly include H2O, CO2, NO2 for the black powder, and HF, H2O, CO2, CF2 for Mg/PTFE. However, the condensed products of cellulose would interact with B/KNO3 at a higher temperature, so that the heat release was largely increased by 339%. The cellulose has obviously impact on the energy release rate of Mg/PTFE in comparison to the other two composites. Moreover, the negative impact on ignition of Mg/PTFE composite is significant, when the content of cellulose reaches over 33.3%, resulting in difficult self-sustainable combustion at ambient pressure. The cellulose can largely reduce the maximum flame temperature of the black powder and Mg/PTFE, whereas it has little effect on B/KNO3. The CCPs of the involved igniting pyrotechnics and their cellulose-based composites have different phases due to their strong thermal interactions with cellulose.

Aedes albopictus microbiota: Differences between wild and mass-reared immatures do not suggest negative impacts from a diet based on black soldier fly larvae and fish food.

The "Sterile Insect Technique" (SIT), a promising method to control Aedes albopictus, the Asian tiger mosquito, is gaining increasing interest. Recently, the role of microbiota in mosquito fitness received attention, but the link between microbiota and larval diet in mass rearing programs for SIT remains largely unexplored. We characterized the microbiota of four larval instars, pupae and eggs of non-wild (NW) lab-reared Ae. albopictus fed with a diet based on Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae powder and fish food KOI pellets. We compared it with wild (W) field-collected individuals and the bacterial community occurring in rearing water-diet (DIET). A total of 18 bacterial classes with > 0.10% abundance were found overall in the samples, with seven classes being especially abundant. Overall, the microbiota profile significantly differed among NW, W and DIET. Verrucomicrobiae were significantly more abundant in W and DIET, Bacteroidia were more abundant in NW and DIET, and Gammaproteobacteria were only more abundant in W than in DIET. W-eggs microbiota differed from all the other groups. Large differences also appeared at the bacterial genus-level, with the abundance of 14 genera differing among groups. Three ASVs of Acinetobacter, known to have positive effects on tiger mosquitoes, were more abundant in NW than in W, while Serratia, known to have negative or neutral effects on another Aedes species, was less abundant in NW than in W. The bacterial community of W-eggs was the richest in species, while dominance and diversity did not differ among groups. Our data show that the diet based on Black soldier fly powder and fish food KOI influences the microbiota of NW tiger mosquito immature stages, but not in a way that may suggest a negative impact on their quality in SIT programs.

CFD simulation of a spiral-channel dust separator for removal of black powder from natural gas pipelines

A spiral-channel dust separator was investigated experimentally and numerically for its efficiency to separate black powder from natural gas pipelines. Effects of gas flowrates and concentration of black powder on separation efficiency and pressure drop were studied. The size distribution (0.15–5 µm) of the black powder particles was measured. Efficiency for the finest particles (mean 0.327 µm) reached 86%, compared to < 1% for a high-efficiency Stairmand cyclone of equal throughput capacity. The separation efficiency reached spiral-channel dust separator 100% for particles > 1 µm. Results of CFD simulations are reported for velocity and pressure fields in the channels, particle separation contours, and local enrichment within the channels. Calculations showed that the radial contraction and diversion of the gas flow at the separator's outlet generated highly decontaminated air above the clean air inlet tube. The distance between the separator outlet and the cleaned gas inlet has been identified as a significant design parameter due to its impact on the separation efficiency. Modeling results showed further that reducing the swirling angle of the channels leads to a decrease in pressure drop with minimal effect on separation efficiency. An evaluation of the RNG k-ε code is provided as well.

Classification and quantification of multiple adulterants simultaneously in black tea using spectral data coupled with chemometric analysis

Black tea is a popularly consumed beverage across the world. However, the adulteration of tea powder with extraneous colors is causing serious health threats. In the present study four such color adulterants viz., tartrazine, sunset yellow, carmoisine and ponceau 4R were simultaneously detected using FT-IR spectral data coupled with chemometric tools. PLS-DA (partial least squares discriminant analysis) was used for the classification of adulterants, whereas, PLS2 (multi response PLS) and LS-SVM (least-squares support vector machines) were used for quantification purpose. RCGA (real coded genetic algorithm) was used as a feature selection algorithm to obtain fewer fingerprints from the FT-IR spectrum of the adulterated tea powders. PLS-DA was able to predict with 100% accuracy for the samples spiked with all four adulterants when only 30 fingerprints for each adulterant were used. Amongst the regression algorithms, LS-SVM was observed to be superior over PLS2 having lower root-mean-square error of prediction (RMSEP) for carmoisine and ponceau 4R when randomized statistical test was conducted. The prediction results had high regression coefficient (R2p >0.89) with REP values ranging between 10.90% and 18.40%, and RPD values in the range of 2.82–5.81, for simultaneous quantification four adulterants using 30 variables LS-SVM model. To study matrix effect, an additional experiment was carried to observe the effectiveness of above established methodologies. Towards this, six different indigenous commercial tea brands were selected and the robustness of these chemometric methods were demonstrated. This study provides a robust tool for infrared based simultaneous detection and quantification of four different color adulterants in black tea powders.

Direct selective leaching of lithium from industrial-grade black mass of waste lithium-ion batteries containing LiFePO4 cathodes

Demand for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) is projected to maintain unprecedented acceleration for decades, towards satisfying international climate and source objectives. LIB wastes pose a threat to the environment, but also may be considered a strategic, high-grade resource. Yet, recycling the black mass of waste LIBs, which contains plastic, C, Li, Fe, Ni, Co, Mn, Cu, and Al, is very complex. Herein, the direct selective leaching of Li from the industrial-grade black mass powder of waste LIBs is proposed for the first time. Results demonstrated that the leaching efficiency of Li is shown to exceed 97%, while other metals remain below 1%. The mechanism of selective leaching was also investigated in this study. Under the experimental conditions, Fe is not leached out and remains in the form of solid FePO4. As for other impurity metal elements, they are removed from the solution due to the alkaline environment of the post-leaching solution and the adsorption effect of the anodic carbon. Furthermore, the alkaline post-leaching solution can avoid the neutralizing stage before the precipitation of lithium salts. This highly efficient and Li-selective leaching strategy offers a broadly applicable approach to reclaiming critical energy minerals from the black mass of wasted LIBs.

Use of Boron Doped Diamond Corrosion Free Supports to Evaluate Fuel Cell Electrocatalyst Stability Under Accelerated Stress Testing

Proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) electrocatalysts are typically Pt or Pt alloy nanoparticles (NPs) supported on high surface area carbon black powders, the latter which contain a significant sp2 carbon component. One of the barriers to PEMFC commercialisation is the lifetime of the catalyst-support system, which should be at least 5,000 hours for automotive applications.[1] During the start-up and shut-down of the PEMFC, the cathode is subjected to significant oxidative potentials (greater than 1 V vs RHE) which can lead to corrosion of the predominantly sp2 bonded carbon support, a key factor which can limit the lifetime of PEMFCs. [2] High quality boron doped diamond (BDD) is an sp3 bonded network with above 1:1000 B:C ratio, which is required for metal-like electronic conductivity. BDD has many favourable properties for electrochemical experiments, most notably: higher electrochemical corrosion resistance with respect to sp2 carbons, low background currents, and a wide aqueous solvent window.[3] In this work we first explore the electrochemical corrosion stability of BDD when undergoing electrochemical cycling in acid solutions. To achieve this BDD substrates (BDD TEM grid) suitable for both electrochemical experiments and high magnification (single atom resolution) transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experiments were produced using precision ion polishing (Gatan PIPS-II). The surface was characterised using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy to ensure the polishing process did not significantly alter the diamond substrate. Under aggressive electrochemical potential cycling in perchloric acid and sulfuric acid solutions, both TEM morphological analysis and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (EELS) thickness measurements showed no evidence of BDD corrosion. [4] The BDD-TEM substrate was then used as a platform for investigating the degradation of a PEMFC electrocatalyst (Pt NPs) under accelerated stress testing (AST) [1] conditions on an atomic level, using the corrosion free carbon support. This enables the influence of other degradation pathways [2] (such as aggregation, Ostwald Ripening & direct dissolution) to be explored in more detail, free from issues associated with corrosion of the support. Pt NPs, in the size range 1 – 4 nm, were sputter coated onto the BDD TEM grid. Identical location ex-situ TEM (IL-TEM)[5] in combination with image analysis was used to probe NP changes e.g. size, shape, position, on an individual basis before, and after, AST (Fig. 1, which contains c.a. 200 NPs for analysis). Such measurements were complemented by Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectroscopy analysis for any dissolved Pt, and electrochemical cyclic voltammetry measurements of the Pt to highlight changes in electrocatalytic behaviour (hydrogen evolution reaction and oxygen reduction reaction) due to AST cycling.Figure 1 – High magnification annular dark field (ADF) identical location images of Pt NPs, a) Pt/BDD before AST, b) Pt NPs after AST, c) Cyclic voltammogram of the 1000 cycle AST from 0.8 to 1.4 V vs Ag|AgCl (1.6 to 1.6 V vs RHE).

Green synthesis of cobalt ferrite and Mn doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles: Anticancer, antidiabetic and antibacterial studies

CoFe2O4 are important magnetic NPs with high coercivity and moderate magnetization.These properties of CoFe2O4 NPs show variation when doped with various metals. Recent studies explained that Cobalt ferrites doped with metal ion like Mn+2, have attracted increasing attention in many applications, particularly in biomedical applications. A relatively simple way is employing plants and their extracts as precursors instead of toxic chemicals to produce NPs with desirable characteristic. In current study we report green synthesis and characterization of magnetic (CoFe2O4, MnCoFe2O4, CoFe2O4@S.C, MnCoFe2O4@S.C) nanoparticles using ethanolic extract of Swertia Chirata. To enhance application as biocompatible magnetic nano drug delivery vector and cell targeting efficacy of drugs, Glimepiride (GLM), Dexamethasone (DXM), Fexofenadine (FEX) and Levofloxacin (LVX) 1were loaded on synthesized NPs.Synthesized CFNPs has been broadly characterized and applied for in vitro anticancer, antidiabetic and antibacterial potential. For synthesis of CoFe2O4 (CF), CoMnFe2O4 (CFM), CoFe2O4@S.C (SCF) & CoMnFe2O4 @S.C (SCFM), stochiometric amounts 5mmol of CoCl2·6H2O (0.284g) and 10mmol FeCl3·6H2O (0.378g) were dissolved in 13mL of deionized water. To this sodium acetate (3.05g) and urea (0.6g) were added until complete dissolution. Afterward n-heptane was added, and contents were then transferred to Teflon lining autoclave at 180°C for 4h. Black powder CoFe2O4 NPs after washing, were dried and calcined at 450oC for 2h. XRD diffractogram of CF have proved the single-phase cubic spinel structure formation for all samples. Swertia Chirata formulations were shown to have effective in vitro antidiabetic activity. CF, CFM & SCFM showed good inhibition of α-glucosidase with very low concentration 6µg/mL, 5µg/mL and 4µg/mL as compare to 12.41µg/mL of acarbose. SCF showed that the value slightly higher than 16µg/mL compared to standard. Drug loaded CFNPs (L-CFNPs, F-CFNPs, D-CFNPs & G-CFNPs) also effectively inhibited α-glucosidase. IC50 value for CFNPs inhibition of α-glucosidase was 12.4µg/mL.All synthesized CF NPs showed cytotoxic potential against breast cancer cells MCF-7. About 50-60% cell viability and cytotoxicity 40% were observed for bare CFNPs as compare to Doxorubicin with related toxicity 80% and 20% cell viability.Among synthesized samples almost all samples without conjugation of any drug showed activities against at least one bacterial strain. CFM, SCF, SCFM were active against S. aureus at concentration 100µg/mL, 100µg/mL, and 50µg/mL respectively. The synthesized CF NPs showed significant cytotoxic potential against MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. Further, drug loaded samples displayed lesser cell viability and slightly increased cytotoxicity in range of 40-50% in comparison with bare CFNPs. However, higher toxicity was observed for CFMGS towards MCF-7 cells with results nearly equal to Doxorubicin with significant decrease in viability.CF, CFM & SCFM showed good inhibition of α-glucosidase with very low concentration 6µg/mL, 5µg/mL and 4µg/mL as compare to 12.41µg/mL of acarbose.Among synthesized samples almost all samples without conjugation of any drug showed activities against at least one bacterial strain.

Synthesis and characterization of the porous activated carbon from end-of-life tire pyrolysis for CO2 sequestration

This research aims to synthesize and characterize the CO2 adsor+bent from waste tire (WT) as a precursor to produce porous carbon adsorbent material using a combination of thermal (pyrolysis, 600–700 °C) and chemical (H3PO4 and KOH) methods. The derived fine black powder was impregnated by 10–50 wt% polyethyleneimine (PEI) to produce porous carbon material (PEI-PCM) for evaluation of the performance of CO2 adsorption under TGA (micro-scale system). To observe the PEI loading and relevant CO2 capture selectivity characteristics, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) method, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry (FT-IR) were carried out. The XRD pattern showed the main phase of amorphous carbon, graphite, and some impurities (ZnS). Type II adsorption isotherm is related with reducing of the specific surface area and pore volume from 78 m2·g−1 to 25.26 m2·g−1, 0.45 cm3·g−1 to 0.23 cm3·g−1, respectively. The FT-IR spectra indicated the bending of primary and secondary amine which belonged to PEI molecule. It can be concluded that PEI-PCM properties such as, pore-size distribution, pore volume and surface functional groups supported CO2 adsorption capability following surface structure modification. The 50 wt% PEI-PCM-P showed good adsorption capacity of 53.81 mg·g−1 at temperatures of 75 °C. As a result, the PEI-PCM was successfully developed for CO2 absorption application. This work can help mitigating the challenge of disposal of WT and realization of the bio-circular-green economy (BCG model).

Comparative Study on UV Degradation of Black Chinese Lacquers with Different Additives.

This study investigates the UV degradation of black Chinese lacquer by incorporating carbon black and ferrous hydroxide as additives. The purpose of this research is to understand the effects of these additives on the degradation behavior of the lacquer film. Different concentrations of carbon black powder (1%, 3%, and 5%) and Fe(OH)2 (10%, 20%, and 30%) were added to the lacquer following traditional techniques. The main methods employed for analysis were gloss loss measurement, color change assessment, SEM imaging, FTIR spectroscopy, and XPS analysis. The results demonstrate a significant decrease in gloss levels and an increase in lightness values with increasing ultraviolet exposure time. SEM images reveal the formation of cracks in the lacquer film. FTIR analysis indicates oxidation of the urushiol side chain and an increase in oxidation products. The infrared difference spectrum highlights the differences between the additives, with Fe(OH)2 showing a lower impact on the spectra compared to carbon black. XPS analysis confirms the oxidation of the C-H functional group and the presence of C-O-C and C-OH groups. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the influence of carbon black and ferrous hydroxide additives on the UV degradation of black Chinese lacquer and suggests the protective effect of Fe(OH)2 against UV aging. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the degradation mechanisms and provide insights for improving the UV resistance of Chinese lacquer coatings. Further research can explore alternative additives and optimization strategies to mitigate UV-induced degradation.

Black Soldier Fly (BSF) Used as Poultry Feed and It’s Nutritive Value Analysis: A Review of Article

Poultry creates direct and indirect employment opportunity to people. We know that every farm owner wants that “lesser investment, greater profit “. More than 50% of total cost of poultry rearing has to pay in feedstuff. Among all feed ingredients protein sources are higher in price, and not only is that protein the vital element for growth and production. But this high price can’t bear by this small scale farmer. For this reason, Nowadays scientists are try to replace the protein source via the use of black soldier fly in their ration. In this review paper we discussed about the beneficial effect of using Black soldier fly larvae, oil or powder that are shown in the research paper of scientists . From our analysis we can show in this era a large number of peoples are involved in poultry they replaced their ration formulation with Black soldier fly as a source of protein and meet up the demand of protein requirement. Black soldier fly larva, powder, oil directly affect poultry performance growth, and production. In case of broiler chicken these replacements increase their FCR rate and in case of laying chicken quality and quantity of eggs also increases. Apart of all scientists are shown that for cultivation of black soldier fly, people can use poultry manure, sheep- goat faces thus wastage management are also occurred . Rearing method and investment on Black soldier fly than other protein ingredients is quite less. We may hope to have a world in which people are believed and practice that substation of protein source.

Optimization of Selective Laser Sintering Three-Dimensional Printing of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer: A Statistical Approach

This research addresses the challenge of determining the optimal parameters for the selective laser sintering (SLS) process using thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU) flexa black powder to achieve high-quality SLS parts. This study focuses on two key printing process parameters, namely layer thickness and the laser power ratio, and evaluates their impact on four output responses: density, hardness, modulus of elasticity, and time required to produce the parts. The primary impacts and correlations of the input factors on the output responses are evaluated using response surface methodology (RSM). A particular response optimizer is used to find the optimal settings of input variables. Additionally, the rationality of the model is verified through an analysis of variance (ANOVA). The research identifies the optimal combination of process parameters as follows: a 0.11 mm layer thickness and a 1.00 laser power ratio. The corresponding predicted values of the four responses are 152.63 min, 96.96 Shore-A, 2.09 MPa, and 1.12 g/cm3 for printing time, hardness, modulus of elasticity, and density, respectively. These responses demonstrate a compatibility of 66.70% with the objective function. An experimental validation of the predicted values was conducted and the actual values obtained for printing time, hardness, modulus of elasticity, and density at the predicted input process parameters are 159.837 min, 100 Shore-A, 2.17 MPa, and 1.153 g/cm3, respectively. The errors between the predicted and experimental values for each response (time, hardness, modulus of elasticity, and density) were found to be 4.51%, 3.04%, 3.69%, and 2.69%, respectively. These errors are all below 5%, indicating the adequacy of the model. This study also comprehensively describes the influence of process parameters on the responses, which can be helpful for researchers and industry practitioners in setting process parameters of similar SLS operations.

Effect of combined convective hot air and far-infrared radiation on physic-chemical aspects of black raspberry powder produced by foam mat method

In recent years the use of hybrid drying methods has been noticed because of the improvement of the dried products quality. The effect of infrared (IR) power (0, 400, 600, and 800 W) in combination with convective hot air (60 °C, 3 m/s) on the quality properties of black raspberry pulp during foam mat drying was investigated in this study. According to the findings, increasing the IR power, (IR-CHA) had no effect on the moisture content, moisture ratio, or drying rate of the product; however, the effective moisture diffusion coefficient (Deff) was significantly increased. The effect of IR power on the physicochemical properties of black raspberry powder revealed that combining infrared with convective hot air (IR-CHA) improved the powder's flowability and total polyphenol content while decreasing its moisture content (p < 0.05). Furthermore, FESEM images revealed that the increase in IR power resulted in particles with smooth surfaces.