Blend Concentration Research Articles

THE EFFECT OF MARINATION WITH RED GINGER (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) ON CHEMICAL AND HEDONIC QUALITY OF DRIED BEEF

Red ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is a commonly utilized spice plant in blends and marinades. The research was conducted to determine the effect of different red ginger blend concentrations on fat levels, protein levels, antioxidant activity, and hedonic quality of dried beef. The research used a Randomized Block Design and descriptive analysis. Treatments were differentiated by adding different concentrations of red ginger blend (P0 = 0%, P1 = 5%, P2 = 10%, P3 = 15%, and P4 = 20%). The addition of a 15% red ginger blend is the best treatment for the chemical properties of dried beef, while the addition of a 5% red ginger blend is the best treatment for the hedonic properties of dried beef.

Insulator-donor electron wavefunction coupling in pseudo-bilayer organic solar cells achieving a certificated efficiency of 19.18%

Abstract The incorporation of polymeric insulators has led to notable achievements in the field of organic semiconductors. By altering the blending concentration, polymeric insulators exhibit extensive capabilities in regulating molecular configuration, film crystallinity, and mitigation of defect states. However, current research suggests that the improvement in such physical properties is primarily attributed to the enhancement of thin film morphology, an outcome that seems to be an inevitable consequence of incorporating insulators. Herein, we report a general and completely new effect of polymeric insulators in organic semiconductors: the insulator-donor electron wavefunction coupling effect. Such insulators can couple with donor polymers to reduce the energy barrier level and facilitate the intramolecular electron transport. Besides the morphological effects, we observed that this coupling effect is another mechanism that can significantly enhance the electron mobility (up to 100 times) through the incorporation of polymeric insulators in a series of donor systems. With this effect, we proposed a polymeric insulator blending approach to fabricate state-of-the-art pseudo-bilayer organic solar cells, and the PM6/L8-BO device exhibits a high efficiency of 19.50% (certificated 19.18%) with the improved interfacial electron transport property. This work not only offers a novel perspective on the quantum effect of polymeric insulators in organic semiconductors, but also presents a simple yet effective method for enhancing the performance of organic solar cells.

Formulation, Optimization, and Evaluation of Solid-lipid Formulation for Bioavailability Enhancement Utilizing Diltiazem Hydrochloride

Background: Cardiac arrhythmia is a health concern, requiring effective medication for proper treatment. Diltiazem hydrochloride (DTZ.HCL), a class IV anti-arrhythmic calcium channel blocker, was used as a model drug due to its ability to block Ca++ channels in the SA and AV nodes, reducing calcium entry into cardiac cells and subsequently decreasing the force of contraction and oxygen consumption by the heart. Despite its good oral absorption, DTZ.HCL bioavailability is reduced to approximately 40% due to extensive first-pass metabolism. A nano-enabled drug delivery system has the advantage of incorporating both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs with improved physical stability and enhanced bioavailability. Objective: The objective of this study was to develop a solid-lipid formulation utilizing diltiazem hydrochloride and evaluate it for its bioavailability enhancement. Method: In the experimental study, SLNs were prepared using the microemulsion technique. A blend ratio (1:1) of lipid (stearic acid: compritol 888 ATO), span 80, PEG 200, and water was selected based on the microemulsion region obtained from the Triplot (4.1) ternary phase diagram. The hydrophilic drug diltiazem hydrochloride was incorporated into the lipid blend, and a preheated Smix was maintained at 80°C to obtain a transparent microemulsion, which then crystallized to form SLNs upon subsequent dispersion in cold water (1:25). Critical process parameters, including magnetic stirring speed, homogenizer speed, and probe sonication cycle, were optimized using Design Expert 10 software to achieve the desired particle size diameter, PDI, and entrapment efficiency. Results: The results revealed that the particle size and PDI were significantly influenced by the span 80 and PEG 200. An increase in the concentration of the lipid blend resulted in large particle sizes. The optimized formulation showed a particle size of 415.4±0.2 nm, PDI of 0.184±0.01, and zeta potential of -24.19±0.12 mV. These results were corroborated by DSC thermograms, which indicated reduced enthalpy associated with the reduced particle size of SLNs. Given that diltiazem hydrochloride is a hydrophilic drug with high water solubility, the entrapment efficiency was relatively 30.6% ±0.45. In vitro release studies demonstrated an initial burst release, followed by a sustained release of 85% over 24 hours. The optimized SLNs followed the Higuchi matrix model, with a coefficient of correlation (R²) value of 0.9369. Conclusion: Results concluded successful development of SLNs with improved bioavailability when compared by way of in-vitro method with marketed preparations.

Blending phosphogypsum to mitigate radionuclide leaching for sustainable road base applications

Production of phosphoric acid generates a calcium sulfate byproduct known as phosphogypsum (PG). PG is not considered a suitable standalone road base material because of concerns such as strength and presence of radionuclides. This paper investigates the latter, specifically the influence of blending PG with common alkaline road base aggregates – limerock (LR) and recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) – on radionuclide leaching. Radionuclide leaching from several PG sources was assessed for gross alpha, gross beta, uranium, and combined radium (226 + 228). Solution pH affected Ra226 mobility, with minimum concentrations exhibited at a pH in the range of 6 to 8. Mobile Ra226 concentrations in RCA blends decreased compared to original PG; Ra226 mobility initially increased at low LR replacements but decreased with increasing mass of LR (50 %–75 %). The data suggest an additional mechanism beyond pH alone impacted Ra226 mobility from the blends, possibly the binding or substitution of radium by elevated concentrations of Ba, Sr, or Ca. Blending with RCA resulted in radionuclide concentrations below respective drinking water thresholds, mitigating leaching concern from PG-RCA road base blends. PG-LR blends can meet regulatory limits when incorporating appropriate PG sources, providing an avenue for PG-amended road base materials. The blending approach reduced Ra226 mobility from PG-amended base, accommodating more PG use, serving as an alternative scenario to end-of-life stacking.

Optimization of water and 1-pentanol concentrations in biodiesel-diesel blends for enhanced engine performance and environmental sustainability

This study focuses on optimizing the concentrations of water and 1-pentanol in biodiesel-diesel blends derived from Gossypium hirsutum (cottonseed) oil to enhance engine performance and reduce environmental impact. Biodiesel from cottonseed oil (COB) was produced via transesterification, followed by an analysis of its elemental and chemical composition, and physicochemical properties. Using a Box-Behnken design matrix, the volume concentrations of COB (10–30 %), water (5–15 %), and 1-pentanol (5–20 %) in diesel fuel were varied to optimize engine performance and emission characteristics. ANOVA was employed to evaluate the influence of these parameters on key output responses. The results demonstrated that COB possesses favorable elemental and chemical properties, and the optimal concentrations of COB, water, and 1-pentanol were identified as 14.7 %, 9.9 %, and 11.2 %, respectively. ANOVA findings revealed that COB had the maximum influence on brake specific fuel consumption (93.4 %), nitrogen oxides (55.3 %), carbon monoxide (78.5 %), and carbon dioxide (97.1 %), while 1-pentanol significantly influenced brake thermal efficiency (38.9 %) and hydrocarbon emissions (70 %). Confirmation experiments validated these optimizations, showing substantial improvements in both performance and emissions. The study concludes that integrating water and 1-pentanol into COB blends can reduce fossil fuel consumption by approximately 35 %, while enhancing energy efficiency and minimizing environmental impact.

Quantitative risk assessments of hydrogen blending into transmission pipeline of natural gas

Recently, considerable attention has been paid to blending hydrogen with natural gas transmission pipelines. However, risk assessments using different hydrogen blend concentrations in natural gas pipelines have not been thoroughly investigated. Thus, the main objective of this study is to carry out a quantitative risk assessment of hydrogen blending into the transmission of natural gas. For this, six different concentrations of hydrogen blending, three pipes and four different release holes are used in this study. The effect distance decreased with increasing hydrogen concentration for the jet fire case. For case of vapor cloud explosions, the downwind distance of the maximum explosion overpressure increased with increasing hydrogen concentration. It was also found that as the hydrogen concentration increased, the individual risk was sensitive to adjacent to the pipelines, however, it was less for far-fields. This study is expected to contribute to the safety measures for business sites with hydrogen blending into natural gas pipelines.

Color, COD, and turbidity removal from surface water by using linseed and alum coagulants: optimization through response surface methodology

This study examined the treatment of surface water using a mixed natural (linseed) and chemical (alum)-based coagulant in terms of color, turbidity, and chemical oxygen demand (COD) (%) removal in a laboratory jar test. Experimental results showed that using a combined coagulant has shown higher removal of color (99.72%) and turbidity (97.76%) at pH values of 3.5 using a 1.5 g/L dosage and a stirring time of 38.58 min. Similarly, at the same pH value and 2.5 g/L dosage, the COD removal was 96%. To determine the optimum value with the highest percent removal efficiency of the coagulation–flocculation process, several experimental parameters including blended dosage, pH, COD concentration, and initial turbidity have been studied in terms of the percent of color, chemical oxygen demand, and turbidity removal. The optimum value was found for the highest removal of color-97.75%, turbidity-96.86%, and COD-90.33% with the pH values of 7.0, at a dosage of 2.5 g/L and a stirring time of 40 min, respectively. Statistical techniques of response surface methodology were used in experimental design and optimization, in order to calculate the confidence intervals to assess population parameter precision. An ANOVA-95% confidence interval ensures that the high reliability optimizes the result. The findings proved the excellent adsorption potential and high performance of the blended coagulant in the removal of contaminants from surface water.

Modulation of Poultry Cecal Microbiota by a Phytogenic Blend and High Concentrations of Casein in a Validated In Vitro Cecal Chicken Alimentary Tract Model.

Phytogenic blends (PBs) consist of various bioactive plant-derived compounds that are used as growth promoters for farm animals. Feed additives based on PBs have beneficial effects on farm animals' production performance, health, and overall well-being, as well as positive modulating effects on gut microbiota. In this study, we used a validated in vitro cecal chicken alimentary tract model (CALIMERO-2) to evaluate the effects of a PB (a mix of components found in rosemary, cinnamon, curcuma, oregano oil, and red pepper), alone or in combination with casein (control), on poultry cecal microbiota. Supplementation with the PB significantly increased the abundance of bacteria associated with energy metabolism (Monoglobus) and growth performance in poultry (Lachnospiraceae UCG-010). The PB also decreased the abundance of opportunistic pathogens (Escherichia-Shigella) and, most importantly, did not promote other opportunistic pathogens, which indicates the safety of this blend for poultry. In conclusion, the results of this study show promising perspectives on using PBs as feed additives for poultry, although further in vivo studies need to prove these data.

Leather waste as a filler of synthetic fibers: a novel approach to waste recycling

Leather finished scrap (LFS) is a footwear industrial waste that is often dumped in landfills. Due to environmental problems, there has recently been an increase in interest in using wastes as inclusion for blending materials. The micro leather fibers (MLF) were extracted from the LFS with the help of using fiber isolation machine. This study examines the possibility of using LFS waste as a blending in a polypropylene fiber (PPF). 500 wt % of MLF and different concentrations of PPF (100, 200, and 300 wt %) were used to develop the web fibrous matrix (WFM) by the method of web formation, and injection molded techniques, for their consumer application. The impact of PPF blending concentration on the mechanical characteristics of WFM was assessed. WFM containing up to 300 wt % PPF increased tensile strength (85.95+1.81 MPa), elongation at break (81.18+0.23 %), tearing strength (22.69+0.23 N/mm), flexing index (10.55+0.73 %), etc., characteristics attaining mechanical properties comparable to non-woven polypropylene composite. A biodegradation study was carried out using an enzymatic method, and the results demonstrated the biodegradable properties. The WFM demonstrated desirable applications such as house interiors, shoe lining materials, carpets, puppets, etc., as well as low-cost materials and prevention of pollution.

Microscopic insights into the ammonia-methanol blended combustion at high temperatures

Ammonia and methanol have a broad application prospect in the future as green renewable liquid fuels. Methanol has high reactivity and good solubility with ammonia, which is conducive to solving the dilemma of ammonia combustion. However, there are few studies on ammonia-methanol blended combustion, and the effect of blended combustion on the reaction pathways needs to be further investigated. Therefore, this study used the reaction molecular dynamics simulations to reveal the role of methanol on the ammonia combustion and emission process at the microscopic level, focusing on the effects of different fuel blending ratios and oxygen concentration in the air under stoichiometric conditions. The variation of oxidation pathways from ammonia to NO and methanol to CO under different conditions was analyzed in detail. It was found that the methanol accelerated ammonia combustion mainly through enhancing OH production, but methanol and its intermediates inhibited the initial oxidation of ammonia. When the fuel blending ratio was 0.75, the system had lower fuel-type NO production alongside a higher ammonia consumption rate under stoichiometric conditions. The crucial role of NH in the HNO formation at high-temperature ammonia oxidation conditions was revealed. The pathway of HNO + OH → NO + H2O dominated the conversion of HNO to NO in this study. Increasing the methanol content promoted the conversion of NH to HNO and the pyrolysis of HNO while inhibiting the reaction between HNO and O2. In addition, the finding indicated that the high O2 level in air can enhance the reactions between ammonia and OH radicals but inhibit the pyrolysis of CH2OH/CH3O significantly.

Prediction, optimization, and validation of the combustion effects of diisopropyl ether-gasoline blends: A combined application of artificial neural network and response surface methodology

This research study mainly focuses on identifying the significant factors to be considered to discover the accuracy and reliability of the predictive models. The experimental results were employed to develop three different models: an artificial neural network (ANN), a response surface methodology (RSM), and a hybrid model. Brake thermal efficiency, specific fuel consumption, and regulated emissions were predicted using ANN, and inputs such as fuel blend concentration, CR, and engine speed were optimized using the RSM and hybrid models. The accuracy and reliability of the model results were validated with the least mean square error, mean absolute percentage error, and a higher signal-to-noise ratio. The higher R2 between 0.99426 and 0.9998 was observed by ANN whereas R2 by RSM and the hybrid model were relatively less. Similarly, the mean square error of ANN was relatively less compared to RSM and hybrid. However, the mean absolute percentage error observed in the validation test results for the optimized input parameters discovered by RSM, was less than 5 % for all the responses and higher in the hybrid model. Thus, the authors concluded that the ANN's predictive ability was much higher and RSM is the best suited for optimizing the engine parameters compared to the hybrid model.

In-situ self-reinforcement of amorphous polylactide (PLA) through induced crystallites network and its highly ductile and toughened PLA/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) blends

Crystallites of a semicrystalline polylactide (cPLA) were induced in an amorphous PLA (aPLA) and its blends with poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) to achieve in-situ self-reinforced PLA based structures. The approach involved the melt blending of cPLA as a minor phase with aPLA and its blends with PBAT at processing temperatures below the crystal melting peak of cPLA. An injection molding (IM) process was first adopted to obtain self-reinforced PLA (SR-PLA) structures at aPLA/cPLA weight ratios of 100/0, 95/5, 90/10, 85/15, and 80/20. IM barrel and mold temperatures revealed crucial impacts on preserving the cPLA crystallites and thereby enhancing the final mechanical performance of SR-PLA (i.e., aPLA/cPLA) samples. SR-PLA samples at various aPLA/cPLA weight ratios of 100/0, 90/10, 80/20, and 70/30 were then melt blended with PBAT to produce SR-PLA/PBAT at a given ratio of 85/15. These blends were first prepared in an internal melt mixer (MM) to evaluate the rheological properties. The rheological analysis confirmed the significance of cPLA reinforcing efficiency within SR-PLA and its corresponding blends with PBAT. Similar SR-PLA/PBAT blends were also prepared using the IM process to explore their thermal and mechanical characteristics. The effect of cPLA concentrations in blends was distinctive, leading to significant enhancements in stain at break and toughness values. This was due to the increased crystallite network within the matrix, further refining PBAT droplets. Morphological analysis of the melt-processed blends through MM and IM also revealed that the PBAT droplets were further refined when the IM process was applied. The induced shear during the molding could have further elongated the cPLA crystallites towards a fiberlike structure, which could additionally cause the matrix viscosity to increase and refine the PBAT droplets.

Synergistic modification of phycocyanin composite gel by xanthan gum and flaxseed gum and the fate during in vitro digestion

Phycocyanin (PC) belongs to the “blue food” protein, and its application exploration is of great significance in the food industry. In this study, the effects of different proportions of xanthan gum (XG) and flaxseed gum (FG) on the applicability of 3D printing, rheological properties, and the structural properties of PC were studied, and the interaction and in vitro digestion properties were also discussed. In the composite gel, PC concentration [0.1% (w/v)] and blend concentration (5 wt%) were fixed, but the ratio of XG to FG was different (5:0–0:5). With the increase of FG content, the 3D printing performance of the gel was improved, and the rheological properties and texture properties were also changed. The molecular interaction between PC and XG/FG was hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. In addition, PC-XG/FG gels after in vitro digestion had better ability to remove hydroxyl free radicals. In summary, the study offered theoretical direction for the use of two polysaccharides to synergistic modification of the functional factors to improve stability. Furthermore, it provided guidance on how to improve the nutritional value of 3D-printed samples.

Tritrophic Interactions Mediated by Zoophytophagous Predator-Induced Host Plant Volatiles

The zoophytophagous mirid predator Nesidiocoris tenuis and the ectoparasitoid Stenomesius japonicus are important biological control agents for several agricultural pests including the invasive leafminer, Phthorimaea absoluta, a destructive pest of Solanaceous crops especially tomato in sub-Saharan Africa. However, little is known about how feeding by N. tenuis can influence the tritrophic interactions in the tomato plant. Here, we tested the hypothesis that N. tenuis phytophagy would influence the tritrophic olfactory interactions between the host plant tomato and pest, predator, and parasitoid. In olfactometer assays, P. absoluta females and N. tenuis adults were both attracted to constitutive volatiles released by the tomato plant. Whereas females of P. absoluta avoided volatiles released by N. tenuis-infested plants, S. japonicus females and N. tenuis adults were attracted to the induced volatiles. In coupled gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection (GC-EAD) recordings of intact and N. tenuis-infested plant volatiles, antennae of P. absoluta and S. japonicus females both detected eight components, whereas N. tenuis adults detected seven components which were identified by GC-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) as terpenes and green leaf volatiles (GLVs). Dose-response olfactometer bioassays revealed that the responses of P. absoluta, N. tenuis, and S. japonicus varied with the composition and concentration of blends and individual compounds tested from N tenuis-induced volatiles. Females of P. absoluta showed no preference for an eight-component blend formulated from the individual repellents including hexanal, (Z)-3-hexenyl butanoate, and δ-elemene identified in the volatiles. On the other hand, S. japonicus females were attracted to an eight-component blend including the attractants (E)-2-hexenal, (Z)-3-hexenol, methyl salicylate, β-phellandrene, and (E)-caryophyllene. Likewise, N. tenuis adults were attracted to a seven-component blend including the attractants β-phellandrene, δ-elemene, and (E)-caryophyllene identified in the volatiles. Our findings suggest that there is potential for the use of terpenes and GLVs to manage the insects in the tritrophic interaction.

SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE: ENHANCING CI ENGINES WITH GREEN-SYNTHESIZED NANOPARTICLES AND BIODIESEL

This study investigates the potential of green-synthesized nanoparticles (NPs) doped with a 20% biodiesel blend to enhance the performance and emissions characteristics of a compression ignition (CI) engine. The green synthesis of NPs offers an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods, while the addition of biodiesel provides a renewable fuel source. Experimental trials were conducted using various concentrations of NP-doped biodiesel blends in a CI engine. Performance parameters such as brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), and exhaust gas temperature (EGT) were measured. Additionally, emissions profiles, including smoke intensity, carbon monoxide (CO), oxides of nitrogen (NOx), and unburned hydrocarbons (HC), were analyzed. The results demonstrated that the incorporation of NP-doped biodiesel blends led to significant improvements in engine performance. A reduction in BSFC and an increase in BTE were observed, indicating enhanced fuel efficiency. Furthermore, the NP-doped blends contributed to a substantial decrease in smoke, NOx and other harmful emissions, suggesting a positive environmental impact. This research highlights the promising potential of green-synthesized NPs and biodiesel blends as a sustainable and efficient fuel alternative for CI engines.

Nano polysaccharides derived from aloe vera and guar gum as a potential fat replacer for a promising approach to healthier cake production

In recent years, there increment demand for healthier food options that can replace high-fat ingredients in bakery products without compromising their taste and texture. This research was focused on a formulation study of the blend of nano polysaccharides derived from aloe vera and guar gum at various concentrations. This study selected the blend concentration of 1 % aloe vera mucilage (AM) and 1 % guar gum (GG) due to its optimal gelling properties. Different magnetic stirring time durations were employed to formulate AGB (aloe vera guar gum blend). The particle size of AGB revealed the lowest nanoparticle size (761.03 ± 62 nm) with a stirring time of 4 h. The FTIR analysis found the presence of monomer sugars in AGB nano polysaccharide powder such as mannose, arabinose, and glucose. The thermogram results displayed an endothermic peak for all samples with a glass transition temperature (Tg) between 16 and 50 °C. The SEM image of the AGB indicated uniform spherical particles. The AGB powder exhibited good functional properties. The antimicrobial activity of AGB powder against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans was 22.32 ± 0.02, 21.56 ± 0.02, and 19.33 ± 0.33 mm, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of different levels of vegetable fat replacement with AGB powder on cake sensory properties, thermal stability, and texture characteristics were also examined. Notably, the cake containing a 50 % substitution of vegetable fat with AGB (C50) supplied desirable physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties. These results can provide advantages for the development of fat replacers in bakery products.

Impact of Bioethanol Concentration in Gasoline on SI Engine Sustainability

This study presents an experimental investigation into the impact of blending bioethanol (E100) with conventional gasoline (E0), incrementally increasing biofuel levels up to E10, E50, and E70. The test was carried out in two stages: Stage I assessed the engine’s performance under fixed speeds (n = 2000 rpm and n = 2500 rpm) and fixed throttle positions (15%, 20%, and 25%) to measure changes in engine torque, efficiency, and environmental metrics by varying the concentration of bioethanol in the fuel. Stage II aimed to enrich the initial findings by conducting an additional test, running the engine at a fixed speed (n = 2000 rpm) and braking torque (MB = 80 Nm) and varying the ignition timing. Results indicated slight improvements in engine brake torque and thermal efficiency (up to 1.7%) with bioethanol content increased to 70%, and a notable reduction in incomplete combustion byproducts—carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons emissions (up 15% and 43%). Nitrogen oxide emissions were reduced by up to 23%, but carbon dioxide emissions decreased by a mere 1.1%. In order to increase thermal efficiency by adding higher bioethanol blend concentrations, adjusting the ignition timing to counter the longer ignition delay is necessary; however, higher emissions of nitrogen oxides and hydrocarbons are a major drawback of such a strategy. The results of the research are important in determining the optimal concentration of bioethanol in the mixture with gasoline for the energy and environmental sustainability of a spark ignition engine.

Study on the Influence of Hydrogen Blended Transportation on the Safety of Existing X70 Steel in Gas Distribution Pipeline Network

Coal to gas is one of the natural gas sources utilized in Beijing, with a hydrogen blend concentration range from 1% to 3% and reaching up to 5% in specific cases. In order to evaluate the safety of transporting hydrogen blended natural gas with X70 pipeline steel in distribution pipelines, this study first conducted the slow strain rate tensile tests under a total pressure of 4 MPa in hydrogen environment. The results show that X70 steel exhibits highly sensitive to a hydrogen blending ratio of 5%. Subsequently, four types of hydrogen compatibility tests were conducted in the above sensitive hydrogen partial pressure include the impact toughness test, fracture toughness test, fatigue crack growth test, and fastening disk pressure test. The findings demonstrated that hydrogen blended natural gas has virtual no effect on the impact and fracture toughness, with only 10% reduction in fatigue crack growth threshold. Finally, based on fatigue life analysis by fracture mechanics evaluation, it can be concluded that the existing natural gas pipe of X70 steel is capable to operate safely over 40 years under a total pressure of 4 MPa with a hydrogen blend concentration of 5%.

Extraction of Alpha-cypermethrin Pesticides from Aqueous Solution by Emulsion Liquid Membrane

This research examines the emulsion liquid membrane (ELM) extraction efficiency and stability to abstraction of alpha-cypermethrin pesticides from aqueous solution when blended surfactants are used in the liquid membrane composition. The stability of the membrane was examined in the aspect of the emulsion breakdown time and distribution of droplet size. The ingredients employed in ELM were Span80 (sorbitan monooleate) and Tween80 (polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate) as surfactants and a mixture of kerosene, sunflower oil (3:7) as diluents and stripping agent was used sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Some parameters were assessed, including the value of Hydrophilic Lipophilic Balance (HLB), blended surfactant concentration, homogenizer speed, emulsification time, and NaOH concentration as a stripping agent. According to the results, a stable emulsion was created at HLB (5.37), blended surfactant 3 % (w/v), 12,700 rpm of homogenizer speed, 9 min of emulsification time, and 0.05 N of NaOH. Under these circumstances, 89.2 % of the alpha-cypermethrin was extracted with 1.8 % emulsion breakage. As a result, the combinations of (Span80 with Tween80) have enormous potential as surfactants and they can improve the stability of the emulsion. Additionally, completed was mass transfer investigation and extraction kinetics

Impact of length of branched alkyl side chains on thiazolothiazole-based small molecular acceptors in non-fullerene polymer solar cells.

It has been reported that the length of branched alkyl side chains on fused-ring electron acceptors confers different impacts on properties versus solubility of BJH blends. However, because this impact on a non-fused acceptor backbone has rarely been studied, we examined the impact of molecular optimization from alkyl chain tuning based on non-fused thiazolothiazole small-molecule acceptors. The length of the side chain on the thiophene bridge was modified from 2-butyloctyl to 2-ethylhexyl, which corresponds to small molecules TTz3(C4C6) and TTz3(C2C4), respectively. Compared with the reported TTz3(C6C8) with long alkyl side chains, TTz3(C4C6) and TTz3(C2C4) exhibited stronger molecular aggregation, higher absorption coefficients, and greater redshifted UV absorption. Unexpectedly, after the alkyl chain was slightly shortened in this type of acceptor system, devices were successfully fabricated, but it was necessary to reduce the blending concentration at low rotation speeds due to the sharp decrease in the solubility of corresponding acceptor materials. Thus, the obtained unfavorable thickness and morphology of the active layer caused a decrease in Jsc and FF. As a consequence, TTz3(C4C6)- and TTz3(C2C4)-based devices showed an unsatisfactory power conversion efficiency of 6.02% and 2.71%, respectively, when donors were paired with the wide bandgap donor J71, which is inferior to that of TTz3(C6C8)-based devices (8.76%). These results indicate that it is challenging to determine the limit of the adjustable range of side chains to modify non-fused thiazolothiazole small-molecule acceptors for high-performance non-fullerene solar cells.