Oil Blends Research Articles

Triple Independently Tunable Sensing with Multiple Resonances Based on Metal-insulator-metal Waveguide

In this study, a novel plasmonic refractive index sensor is proposed, featuring a metal–insulator–metal (MIM) waveguide coupled with a composite cavity structure consisting of a double-arc rectangle cavity, a bridge cavity and a three-half-ring configuration cavity. Finite element simulations are used to analyze the transmission characteristics and magnetic field distributions. The results show that six resonance peaks can be produced by three independent resonators. Moreover, there is a good linear relationship between these resonance wavelengths and the structural parameters of the resonators. Then, the refractive index sensing performances of the structure are analyzed by changing the refractive index of the medium within the resonator. The highest sensitivities of the peaks in their resonators are 1732, 2800 and 4568 nm/RIU, respectively. In addition, the proposed structure is tested for the simultaneous detection of the peanut oil concentration of three different blended oils: soybean-peanut, peanut-rapeseed and peanut-sunflower. The ability of the sensor to accurately and simultaneously measure these different oil mixtures highlights its potential for biochemical sensing.

The friction, wear, and failure behaviour of functionalized hexagonal boron nitride with Karanja oil blends

This study explores lubricants derived from Karanja seed oil (Pongamia pinnata) through chemical modification and combined with hexagonal boron nitrides (h-BN) to demonstrate improved load-bearing performance. The tribological properties of pure, chemically modified Karanja oil, and oil mixed with fatty acid functionalized h-BN (fh-BN) were assessed. Initial tests evaluated essential lubricating properties. A 50% chemically modified oil blend performed best at sliding speeds from 0.05 to 0.3 m/s. Key measurements included frictional loss, failure load, wear volume, and coefficient of friction for modified blends and fh-BN nano lubricants. The 100% modified blend (100% MKO) withstood 114% higher load before failure, while fh-BN enhanced load capacity by 107% compared to pure Karanja oil. Post run-in phase, frictional work loss was similar between 100% MKO and pure oil when tested with starvation of lubricants; however, 50% MKO and 0.025 wt% h-BN and fh-BN blends showed reduced frictional work loss. The fatty acid layer on functionalized fh-BN surfaces promotes the formation of a thin tribolayer, enhancing their overall lubrication performance.

The combustion of lemon peel oil/gasoline blends in spark ignition engine with high-insulation piston crown coating

This study explored the recovery of oil from lemon peel biomass and then tested it in a spark ignition as a substitute for gasoline. The study adopted the micro-arc oxidation coating technique, intending to improve the engine performance of the lemon peel oil-gasoline blends. The oil was recovered from discarded lemon peel biomass using steam distillation and then tested in the engine as a fuel by blending it with gasoline at volume ratios of 10, 20, and 30%. An endoscopic visualization approach was employed in this research work to assess the combustion initiation and flame characteristics of gasoline and lemon peel oil blends under different test conditions. Compared to gasoline and blends comprising 20 and 30% lemon peel oil, the 10% lemon peel oil mix produced higher thermal efficiency and lower emissions. The optical analysis demonstrated that premixed combustion with the 10% blend was found to be the highest, resulting in improved combustion and subsequently increased cylinder pressure. To improve the engine performance of the lemon peel oil blends with higher substitution (20 and 30%), the piston was coated with a ceramic coating. A novel technique, namely the micro-arc oxidation technique, was utilized for the coating. The coated piston engine fueled with a 20% lemon peel oil blend showed a 3% and 4.69% increase in thermal efficiency compared to the uncoated piston fueled with a 20% blend and sole gasoline, respectively. The hydrocarbon and carbon monoxide emissions of the engine with a coated piston fueled by the 20% lemon peel oil blend were reduced by 12.7% and 12%, respectively, as compared to gasoline operation in the engine with an uncoated piston.

Applications of machine learning techniques to broaden operating envelope of biodiesel-fueled HCCI engines

A significant shortcoming of Homogeneous charge compression ignition (HCCI) engines is their narrow operating envelope, particularly with high-reactivity fuels like biodiesel. Additionally, the compositional variability of biodiesels, reflected in cetane number variations based on different source feedstocks, poses another challenge. While various strategies have successfully extended the maximum load limit in diesel-HCCI engines, they have not been adequately explored in biodiesel-fueled HCCI engines. This study is the first to comprehensively investigate the interplay of biodiesel composition, cetane number, engine compression ratio, and charge dilution strategy for extending the operating envelope of a light-duty HCCI engine. Given the impracticality of controlling multiple variables experimentally, this work focuses on the potential of machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict the operational limits of an HCCI engine using neat biodiesels derived from diverse sources. Among the ML models explored, artificial neural networks were the most accurate in predicting the minimum stable load, with prediction errors of 3.5% (calibration) and 3.9% (validation). Support vector machine models predicted the maximum load (with and without dilution) with errors below 5%. Notably, biodiesel produced from a blend of linseed, karanja, coconut, and mustard oils in specific proportions (42%, 3%, 25%, and 30% mass, respectively) yielded a wide HCCI operating range from 0.4 to 3.25 bar (without dilution) and up to 3.67 bar BMEP with charge dilution. This study highlights the novelty and practicality of using ML to predict and extend the operating envelope for biodiesel-fueled HCCI engines, demonstrating their suitability for future applications.

Impact of nano cerium oxide addition with pyrolysis waste plastic oil on combustion, performance and emission characteristics of CRDI diesel engine

Abstract This investigation examined the effect of incorporating cerium oxide (CeO2) nanoparticle into diesel and waste plastic oil (WPO) blends on the combustion, performance and emission characteristics of the diesel engine. The WPO was extracted from low density polyethylene using plastic pyrolysis. The blending of diesel and WPO with combination of D70:WPO30 and D50:WPO50 was prepared to evaluate the engine operation. Additionally, the spherical sized CeO2 with 50 mg/L and 100 mg/L was added with this blend. The various blends named as Diesel, D-WPO30, D-WPO30+Ce50, D-WPO30+Ce100, D-WPO50, D-WPO50+Ce50 and D-WPO50+Ce100 were used in this investigation to operate the engine under various load conditions. The experiment was performed using water cooled common rail direct injection (CRDI) diesel engine with prepared D-WPO blend. Different characteristics such as In-cylinder pressure (CP), heat release rate (HRR), ignition delay time (IDT), brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and exhaust gas temperature (EGT), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbon (HC), nitrogen oxide (NOx) and smoke opacity emission are studied with respect to the effect of different blends and applied load used. It was observed that increasing of CeO2 nanoparticles in blend improved the overall performance and emission of the engine. Form the results, D-WPO30+Ce100 blend showed enhanced brake thermal efficiency (BTE), brake specific fuel consumption (BSFC) and exhaust has temperature (EGT) are 28.2%, 3% and 465oC respectively. Similarly, reduced emission of CO, NOx, HC and smoke opacity was observed in the CeO2 added blends particularly at 100 mg/L. It was concluded that among all blends prepared, the D70:WPO30 with 100 mg/L of CeO2 showed improved combustion, performance and emission characteristics in proposed diesel engine.

Usability of volatile organic compounds from exhaled breath compared to those from ruminal fluid, serum, urine, and milk to identify diet-specific metabolite profiles in lactating dairy cows

To investigate dietary influences on the volatilome, the volatile subcategory of the metabolome, we performed a comparative untargeted volatilome analysis of exhaled breath, ruminal fluid, serum, urine, and milk from lactating Holstein cows fed different diets. Thirty-two cows (79.4 ± 31.3 d in milk [DIM], 30.6 ± 4.83 kg milk/d) were assigned to 4 diets. The experiment lasted 16 weeks. Throughout the experiment, half of the animals were fed a hay-based diet (HAY; n = 16), and the other half were fed a silage-based diet (SIL; n = 16). In experimental wk 5 to 12, half of the animals in each group received the control concentrate (CON), and the other half was fed with the CON supplemented with a blend of essential oils (EXP). We hypothesized that the basal diet and the essential oils influence the VOC profiles of the cows through potential changes in ruminal fermentation, digestion, and metabolism (hypothesis 1). Furthermore, we hypothesized that the potential effects of essential oils would have a delayed onset and a carryover effect (hypothesis 2). Every 4 experimental weeks, i.e., in W4, W8, W12 and W16, samples of exhaled breath, ruminal fluid, serum, urine, milk, and feed were collected for dynamic headspace extraction and gas chromatographic analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in their gaseous phase. Milk yield, milk composition, body weight, and feed intake were recorded regularly. Linear mixed models and multivariate and univariate data analyses were performed. The total DMI and basal diet intake was similar between HAY and SIL cows. However, SIL cows consumed less of the concentrate, neutral detergent fiber, and water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and more starch than HAY cows. The SIL cows had a higher milk production than the HAY cows. No effect was found regarding the concentrate type on feed intake or milk production. Irrespective of diet, 2,957 VOC were detected in the gaseous phase of serum; 2,771 in exhaled breath; 1,016 in urine; 1,001 in milk; and 921 in ruminal fluid. Across the experimental wk 4, 8, 12 and 16, the basal diet altered the VOC profiles of ruminal fluid, urine, and exhaled breath but not those of serum and milk. The concentrate type affected only the VOC profiles of the exhaled breath. Most diet-influenced VOC in the affected biological matrices were identified as dietary components. The experimental week influenced the VOC profiles of all matrices, especially those of exhaled breath. The VOC profile of exhaled breath strongly correlated with that of urine, followed by that of ruminal fluid, milk, and serum. This study provides the first description of diet- and time-specific VOC profiles from the biological matrices of dairy cows. The identified discriminatory VOC seem suitable as markers to discriminate between HAY and SIL cows. Exhaled breath may be a promising, sensitive, and less invasive tool to follow diet- and time-related metabolic changes.

Combustion and emission performance analyzes on the blend of waste cooking oil / Azadirachta indica oil biodiesel / carbon nano tubes in diesel engines

Combustion and emission performance analyzes on the blend of waste cooking oil / Azadirachta indica oil biodiesel / carbon nano tubes in diesel engines

Improving Crude Oil Storage Tank Heating and Blending Using Multiple Hot Jet Sprays: An Experimental and Numerical Study

Improving Crude Oil Storage Tank Heating and Blending Using Multiple Hot Jet Sprays: An Experimental and Numerical Study

Taxonomic and metabolic characterisation of biofilms colonising Roman stuccoes at Baia’s thermal baths and restoration strategies

Stuccoes are very delicate decorative elements of Roman age. Very few of them survived almost intact to present days and, for this reason, they are of great interest to restorers and conservators. In this study, we combined metabarcoding and untargeted metabolomics to characterise the taxonomic and metabolic profiles of the microorganisms forming biofilms on the stuccoes located on the ceiling of the laconicum, a small thermal environment in the archaeological park of Baia (southern Italy). We found that some samples were dominated by bacteria while others by eukaryotes. Additionally, we observed high heterogeneity in the type and abundance of bacterial taxa, while the eukaryotic communities, except in one sample (at prevalence of fungi), were dominated by green algae. The metabolic profiles were comparable across samples, with lipids, lipid-like molecules and carbohydrates accounting for roughly the 50% of metabolites. In vitro and in vivo tests to remove biofilms on stuccoes using essential oils blends were successful at a 50% dilution for one hour and half. This integrative study advanced our knowledge on taxonomic and metabolic profiles of biofilms on ancient stuccoes and highlighted the potential impacts of these techniques in the field of cultural heritage conservation.

Formulation and evaluation of herbal makeup primer

The burgeoning interest in natural and sustainable beauty products has driven the development of herbal makeup primers, which combine cosmetic functionality with the benefits of botanical ingredients. This abstract explores the formulation, efficacy, and advantages of herbal makeup primers. Unlike traditional primers that often rely on synthetic chemicals, herbal primers leverage plant-based extracts known for their skin-enhancing properties, such as aloe Vera& Orange oil. These ingredients offer soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant benefits that can improve skin texture and promote a healthier complexion. The formulation of herbal makeup primers typically includes a blend of herbal extracts, essential oils, and natural emulsifiers. These components work synergistically to create a smooth base for makeup application while also addressing skin concerns such as redness, dryness, and uneven tone. Clinical and consumer studies suggest that herbal primers can enhance makeup longevity and performance, while simultaneously contributing to overall skin health. In summary, herbal makeup primers represent a significant advancement in cosmetics science by integrating the therapeutic benefits of herbal ingredients into everyday beauty routines. Their growing popularity underscores a shift towards more eco-friendly and skin-conscious beauty solutions, aligning with consumer demand for products that offer both cosmetic and therapeutic benefits. Future research and development in this field are likely to expand the range of available formulations and further validate the efficacy of these natural alternatives.

An essential oil blend of citronella, red thyme, and clove bud kills common hydroponic pests and pathogens

Protected cropping utilizing hydroponic systems are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of waterborne diseases which result in substantial crop damage and yield loss. This study assessed the potential of a citronella, red thyme, and clove bud essential oil blend (EOB) for plant safety, and pesticidal and antimicrobial activities. Results within model systems identified efficacy of EOB against aphids (p < 0.001), spider mites (p < 0.001), and fungus gnats (p < 0.001), and 250-fold diluted EOB against Pythium (p < 0.001), Phytophthora (p = 0.001), and Fusarium (p < 0.001). The plant safety trial indicated no impacts of 250-fold diluted EOB to capsicum health and glasshouse experiments demonstrated both curative and preventative efficacies against Pythium, based on reductions in the incidence and severity of infection. These results highlight the potential for the utilization of biopesticides for the effective and environmentally friendly management of common pests and diseases within hydroponic crop systems.

Effect of Cooling Rate on Properties of Beeswax and Stearic Acid Oleogel Based on Rice Bran Oil and Sesame Oil.

This study aimed to investigate how varying cooling rate impacts the characteristics of oleogels prepared using a sesame oil and rice bran oil blend (5:6, w/w) using a combination of beeswax and stearic acid (3:1, w/w at 12%, w/w) as the oleogelators. The study assessed three different cooling rates-0.5, 1.5, and 5 °C/min-with a focus on the attributes of the oleogels. The study revealed that the cooling rate had a substantial impact on the strength of the gel network. The cooling rate of 0.5 °C/min resulted in a higher oil-binding capacity and a stronger gel structure than fast cooling. The thermal properties and molecular interactions of the oleogels were not influenced by the cooling rate. The findings of this study indicated that the characteristics of beeswax and stearic acid oleogel prepared using sesame oil and rice bran oil blend could be tailored by manipulating the cooling rate.

Multi response optimization of process parameters in titanium alloy minimum quantity lubrication drilling operation

Abstract This work investigates the application of minimal quantity lubrication (MQL) in the drilling process, where a combination of liquid and air creates an aerosol in the form of a fine mist. This protective layer decreases friction and tool wear, hence improving overall efficiency. The study examines the conventional Gulfcut oil blend drilling technique to enhance drilling performance on the titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V under MQL circumstances. The key drilling parameters, namely spindle speed (N), feed rate (F), and point angle (D), were analyzed using a Taguchi L16 orthogonal array. The experimental inquiry aimed to identify the most favorable conditions that lead to the least amount of torque (TQ), thrust force (TF), and surface roughness (SR). An Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to examine the impact of control factors on drilling performance. The optimized drilling parameters led to a reduction in torque, thrust force, and surface roughness by 12.88%, 21.29%, and 25.76%, respectively. Furthermore, microstructure analysis demonstrated that the Gulfcut lubricant plays a pivotal role in reducing grain size during drilling. This research provides valuable insights into optimizing drilling conditions for titanium alloy using a conventional Gulfcut oil blend with MQL, aiming to reduce torque, thrust force, and surface roughness.

Formulation of a High-Quality Cold-Pressed Vegetable Oil (Virgin) Based on a Blend of Four Oilseeds.

Vegetable oils are crucial for the human diet, providing energy and essential fatty acids. This study investigates the formulation of a high-quality cold-pressed vegetable oil blend from rapeseed, sunflower, sesame, and safflower, chosen for their agronomic benefits, cost-effectiveness, and reduced environmental impact. For the first time, this study is carried out in order to enhance the nutritional profile of these blend oils compared to commercial oils. The study's results showed that all formulated blend oils had higher total polyphenol and flavonoid content. Specifically, the blend of 1/2 rapeseed, 1/4 sunflower, 1/8 sesame, and 1/8 safflower had an oil yield ranging from 37 to 39% and was rich in total polyphenols (18 mg GAE/100 g), total flavonoids (2 mg/g), antioxidant activities (52%), oleic acid (46.4%), and saturated fatty acids (11%), with a balanced omega-6/omega-3 ratio (2.5). Consuming this blend oil offers a healthier choice rich in nutrients and natural antioxidants. This could open new market opportunities and cater to the growing demand for healthier oil options, especially since it is extracted without a refining process. Further research could focus on the sensory attributes and consumer acceptance of these blend oils to ensure market success, noting that sesame and sunflower involve agreeable pronounced aromas.

Effect of Level of Sorghum and WPC-80 on Quality of Sorghum Incorporated Chhana Cake

The objective of the present investigation was to develop a technology for manufacture of a millet based chhana cake. Sorghum incorporated chhana cake (SCC) was prepared using chhana as base material. Sorghum flour was added @ 20 % (w/w of chhana). Four batches of chhana were prepared from milk using different levels of milk fat, viz. 4.5, 5.0. 5.5 and 6.0%. It was found that chhana prepared from milk containing 6.0% milk fat was most suitable for preparation of SCC. The proportion of sorghum flour, blend of white butter and cottonseed oil (1.5:1.0 w/w) and WPC-80 in the formulation was optimized using Response Surface Method. The suggested solution was 25.31% sorghum flour, 25.52% blend of white butter and cottonseed oil (1.5:1.0 w/w) and 9.78% WPC-80 (w/w of chhana) and the desirability of the model was found to be 0.837. The Hardness (N), Cohesiveness, Springiness (mm), Guminess (N) and Chewiness (Nmm) of SCC was found to be 17.48, 0.26, 8.13, 4.28 and 35.02 respectively. The proximate composition of the developed product was: moisture 25.0 %, protein 13.8 %, fat 18.90 %, total carbohydrate 40.60 % and ash 1.68 %. The protein content of SCC was 14.5 % which was 2.9 times higher than commercial cakes.

Chemical Composition and Crystallization Behavior of Oil and Fat Blends for Spreadable Fat Applications.

To meet the expectations of European consumers, who prioritize agro-environmental factors and local resources, the substitution of fats (palm, coconut, shea) and achieving a balanced fatty acid profile in spreadable fats are gaining more attention. The crystallization at 4 °C of a lipid blend composed of rapeseed oil, anhydrous dairy fats, and emulsifiers was studied using a multi-scale approach (DSC and X-ray diffraction techniques) to understand the emergence of polymorphic structures. Although the addition of PUFA from rapeseed oil reduces the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices in the blend, controlling the cooling kinetics influences the shapes (needles and spherulites) and sizes of the crystalline structures (small crystals form at a cooling rate of 1 °C min-1, while larger crystals form at higher rates of 5 and 10 °C min-1). The crystallization behavior revealed differences in polymorphic forms at 4 °C in the blend, with a transition to different forms occurring more rapidly compared to dairy fat (stop-and-return method). The study shows crystalline coexistence (α, β', and β) in a 2L lamellar structure, with the β' form being predominant. This structure is ideal for formulating a spreadable product, offering good spreadability (SFC < 32% at 10 °C), mouthfeel, and nutritional benefits compared to butter.

Effects of interesterification with solid base catalyst on physicochemical properties of lard and high-oleic sunflower oil blends

Interesterified blends of lard (LA) and high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) were prepared by using a self-synthesized solid base catalyst (K2CO3/GCN). The effect of interesterification on the physicochemical properties of blends was investigated by analyzing the triacylglycerol (TAG) composition, slip melting point (SMP), solid fat content (SFC), thermal properties, crystal polymorphism, and micromorphology. The results proved that interesterification significantly modified the physicochemical properties of the blends. The interesterified products had lower SMPs and steeper SFC curves than the individuals. The interesterified product (CIE-5:5) had the widest plastic range (5.7–18.6 °C), and its increase rate of OPO and OPL total content was up to 38%. The differential scanning calorimetry melting and cooling thermograms showed an obvious change after interesterification. These changes were mostly due to the alternations in TAG compositions. The wide-angle X-ray diffraction results indicated that the crystal form of blends transformed from β′ to β-form after interesterification. Because of the transformation of crystal polymorphism, the micromorphology of interesterified blends differed greatly from the physical blends at the same ratio. The changes in crystal morphology are beneficial for the application of LA-HOSO blends. This work provides an alternative option for extending the use of native lard and high-oleic sunflower oil.

Development of Natural Fungicidal Agricultural Defensives Using Microbial Glycolipid and Vegetable Oil Blends

Development of Natural Fungicidal Agricultural Defensives Using Microbial Glycolipid and Vegetable Oil Blends

The essential oil blend Agolin Ruminant L reduces methane production in vitro and in vivo when included in the drinking water of cattle.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the potential for the essential oil blend Agolin Ruminant L (Agolin) to reduce enteric methane (CH4) emissions from beef cattle when delivered via the drinking water. Experiment 1 evaluated aqueous solutions of Agolin (50mg/L) and a non-protein nitrogen and mineral solution (uPRO ORANGE [uPRO]; 1.7mL/L) individually and in combination, where Agolin was added to concentrated uPRO at 3, 4.5, 6% Agolin (w/w) prior to dilution with water at 1.7mL/L, for a total of five treatments. These were incubated for 48h with a medium-quality Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) hay substrate, with gas production, CH4 concentration in gas, and digestibility measured in vitro. In Exp. 2, Droughtmaster steers (n = 24) were fed a basal diet of Rhodes grass hay and were allocated to one of three water treatments (n = 8/treatment) supplemented with either uPRO (2.27mL uPRO/L water), or one of two inclusion rates of Agolin in combination with uPRO (2.27mL uPRO and 6 µL Agolin/L water or 2.27mL uPRO and 24 µL Agolin/L water) with enteric CH4 emissions, feed and water intake, and live weight gain (LWG) measured over 56 d. In Exp. 1, the inclusion of Agolin in uPRO at 6% w/w resulted in a reduction in CH4 production (15.8%; P = 0.003) and the proportion of CH4 in the gas produced (24.5%; P < 0.001). In Exp. 2, steers consuming the lower quantity of Agolin via drinking water had a 16.4% (P = 0.0027) reduction in CH4 production over the experiment, declining from 140g/d during week 1 to 117g/d in week 8. This inclusion rate of Agolin in the drinking water also resulted in a 25g (17.6%) CH4/d decrease in emissions by steers compared to control steers (P = 0.0205). However, no significant differences in CH4 yield (g CH4/kg dry matter intake), or CH4 intensity (g CH4/kg LWG) by steers was observed between treatments. These results demonstrate that Agolin reduces CH4 emissions when mixed in aqueous solution under in vitro and in vivo conditions, providing a potential method to reduce enteric CH4 emissions from cattle in extensive production systems.

Microencapsulation of a Flaxseed and Avocado Oil Blend: Influence of Octenyl Succinic Anhydride (OSA)-Modified Starch and Rice and Pea Proteins on Powder Characterization and Oxidative Stability

This work investigated the influence of the OSA-modified starch, pea protein, and rice protein combination in the microencapsulation process of a blend of avocado and flaxseed oil (25–75%, w/w) by freeze-drying, focusing on emulsions and powders characteristics and oxidative stability. Four different ratios between the mixture of vegetable proteins (1:1) and the OSA-modified starch were analyzed, using a fixed ratio between the oils blend and the combined encapsulant agents of 1:3. Based on the creaming index, the separation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic phases was not observed. The results demonstrated a tendency to increase the droplet mean diameter with increased protein content (4.71–19.36 μm). An increase in the encapsulation efficiency was verified with the increase in the OSA-modified starch content (51.33–60.32%). Powders presented low moisture content and hygroscopicity, and an oxidative induction time value varying from 0.86 to 1.18 h. The increase in the vegetable protein content increased the powders’ oxidative stability, which could be associated with the antioxidant capacity of rice and pea proteins.