Casting Approach Research Articles

High Efficiency Producing Technology Applied in Metal Optical Lens by 3D Wax Printing Combined with Investment Casting

3D printing technology can easily and quickly produce small batch models and full-size parts, which has obvious and important benefits in shortening development time. Since metals exhibit excellent mechanical strength and high wear resistance, metal additive manufacturing (MAM) is a popular technology for making metal parts. However, metal powders and 3D-printing machines are costly, which increases the difficulty of achieving mass production through MAM. In this study, the 3D wax printing and investment casting (WPIC) approach was developed to manufacture high-quality metal optical lenses with high efficiency and low cost. The manufactured lenses had a diameter of 38.1 mm, two radii of curvature (15 and 90 mm), and a cooling channel. These lenses were manufactured through 3D printing by using wax patterns produced through investment casting. The manufacturing efficiency and machining accuracy of the lenses produced using the proposed method were compared with those of lenses produced through MAM and investment casting. The results indicated that the total costs of manufacturing an optical lens through MAM and investment casting were nine and eight times greater, respectively than that of manufacturing an optical lens through WPIC. In addition, the surface roughness of metal lenses manufactured through WPIC was 45% lower than that of lenses manufactured through MAM. Finally, the time required to manufacture 50 metal lenses was only 15 days when WPIC was used; the corresponding time was 25 days and 6 months when MAM and investment casting were used, respectively. According to the above-mentioned results, the WPIC process has excellent advantages in product manufacturing cost and developing schedule over MAM and traditional methods of investment casting.

Study on the Interaction Dynamics of Magnesium and Molten Cast Iron: A Chill Casting Perspective

AbstractThis study presents a reassessment of the role of magnesium in the production process of cast iron. Through detailed experimentation involving an interrupted reaction process employing a chill casting approach in a copper mold, several reaction products that emerged during the high-temperature interaction between magnesium and cast iron were thoroughly examined. Two cast irons with different chemical compositions, notably different sulfur contents, were used to describe the contribution of magnesium during desulfurization and nodularization. The designed approach successfully revealed that rapid deoxidation and desulfurization reactions of cast iron involving liquid magnesium take place before following its ignition characteristics. Furthermore, the behavior of dissolved carbon concerning the remaining magnesium and magnesium-containing reaction products in molten iron is also empirically identified. Specifically, large graphite flakes and an indication of solidification behavior shifting are circumstantially detected in the magnesium-rich regions, which, to a certain extent, can provide additional insight into the role of magnesium during graphite nucleation.

Fabrication and Characterisation of Oral Fast-Dissolving Film of Metoprolol Succinate

Introduction: Oral, fast-dissolving films are an excellent alternative. The purpose of adopting the solvent casting approach was to create a compelling oral film. Methodology: HPMC E15 and sodium alginate polymers were chosen based on their compatibility. The produced films were evaluated in terms of organoleptic characteristics, weight, thickness, folding durability, tensile strength, drug content homogeneity, surface pH, disintegration time, and in-vitro dissolution kinetics. Results: Among the formulations, F2 had a disintegration time of 14.2 seconds and a phenomenal drug release of 98% in 5 minutes. As a result, formulation F2 emerged as the best option, demonstrating promising qualities for effective drug delivery. Conclusion: These films are made of thin strips and are easily applied to the tongue or oral mucosal tissue. When they come into contact with saliva, they quickly hydrate and attach, resulting in rapid medicine administration. Fast-dissolving oral films are an excellent alternative for patients who have difficulty swallowing traditional drugs, such as pediatric, geriatric, bedridden, or developmentally impaired people. These films are made of thin strips and are easily applied to the tongue or oral mucosal tissue. When they come into contact with saliva, they quickly hydrate and attach, resulting in rapid medicine administration. other: Nil

Preparation and investigation of structural, optical, and dielectric properties of PVA/PVP blend films boosted by MWCNTs/AuNPs for dielectric capacitor applications

With the rising global energy demands, there is a pressing need for the invention of efficient and reliable energy storage systems. This research centers on the creation and analysis of flexible dielectric capacitors composed of polymer nanocomposites (PNCs), incorporating a blend of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) as the base polymer, with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) serving as nanofillers. The AuNPs were produced through an environmentally friendly synthesis method. Films made from PVA/PVP blended with MWCNTs and AuNPs were fabricated using the casting approach. Various characterization methods, including TEM, XRD, FTIR, and UV–Vis spectroscopy, were utilized to evaluate the samples. A detailed analysis of their electrical/dielectric characteristics was conducted. XRD analysis revealed a significant decrease in crystallinity from 55% for the pure PVA/PVP blend to 37% for the 1.6 wt% nanofiller composite, indicating increased amorphous content, which facilitates better ion mobility. FTIR confirmed strong interactions between the polymer matrix and nanofillers, with intensified vibrational peaks pointing to enhanced molecular dynamics. UV–Vis spectroscopy demonstrated a red shift in the absorption edge, and Tauc plot analysis showed a reduction in the indirect/direct optical band gap from 4.84 eV/5.68 eV for the pure blend to 4.26/5.35 eV for the nanocomposite with 1.6 wt% nanofillers. The addition of nanofillers resulted in improvements in their dielectric features, which exhibited a significant performance improvement, with the dielectric constant (ε′) reaching approximately 1100 at low frequency for the 1.6 wt% nanofiller sample, compared to 9 for the pure blend. Additionally, the dielectric loss (ε'') and tangent loss (tan δ) were reduced, with tan δ showing a decrease from 15 for the pure blend to 2 for the 1.6 wt% nanofiller composite at low frequency, indicating enhanced dielectric efficiency and reduced energy dissipation. The capacitors' functionality was assessed through capacitance-frequency and conductance-frequency analyses. The capacitors exhibited stable high capacitance across a broad frequency spectrum, making them alternatives for energy storage solutions.

Easy fabrication of PVA-CaO-CuO composite films for efficient photocatalyst: Towards distinct luminescence property, morphology and thermal stability

PVA-CuO-CaO composites in the film form were synthesized by loading the different compositions of metal oxides (CuO and CaO) ranging from 5 to 25 wt% via solvent casting approach. The applications of the prepared composites as photocatalysts were assessed together with the findings of photoluminescence (PL) characteristics, optical clarity, morphological features, and thermal properties. Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis), and photoluminescence (PL) spectra exposed the systematic and viableintegration of metal oxides (CuO-CaO) into the PVA matrix in PVA-CuO-CaO composites. The modifications of PL property of PVA-CuO-CaO composites were recognized rather than bare PVA. The prepared composite films exhibited excellent optical transparency irrespective of the addition of metal oxides. Both TGA and DSC data showed that the thermal properties of the composites could be significantly enhanced by incorporating CuO and CaO. DSC measurements demonstrated that the Tm of PVA-CuO-CaO composites is improved substantially (∼7 to 38 °C) than PVA. The distinct morphological structures of the obtained composites were identified with variations in CuO and CaO addition remaining diameter in the 30–200 nm range. The photocatalytic assessments revealed the better photocatalytic performance of PVA-CuO-CaO composites for removing methylene blue (MB) than bare PVA. By eliminating organic pollutants, the current study may provide a new perspective on the preparation of water-processable PVA-CuO-CaO photocatalysts for wastewater management.

Preparation and characterization of low loss polyvinyl butyral/barium titanate nanocomposite films for energy storage applications

For energy storage applications, attaining high dielectric permittivity as well as low loss factor is the foremost target. This could be accomplished via filling polymer matrices with inorganic filler which is characterized by relatively high dielectric permittivity. In the present study, polyvinyl butyral (PVB) was used as a matrix material for preparing nanocomposite films filled with different weight fractions (2, 5, 10, and 15%) of barium titanate (BaTiO3) using the casting approach. The results show that BaTiO3 (BT) is well incorporated inside the PVB matrix. Although the dielectric permittivity has been decreased from 3.61 to 2.41 at 1 kHz upon filling the PVB matrix with 5 wt. % of BT, the PVB-BT-NPs-5 nanocomposite film shows the lowest loss factor ~ 0.0049, nearly half that for PVB, 0.0092, which implies the increased film ability to keep its stored energy. The PVB-BT-NPs-5 has been irradiated with gamma radiation to investigate its impact on the structure beside its dielectric and thermal properties. The crystallite size of BT has been decreased from 20.64 to 17.77 nm as PVB-BT-NPs-5 nanocomposite film has been irradiated at a dose of 0.5 kGy. The dielectric permittivity has been decreased from 2.41 to 2.37 at 1 kHz, whereas an increase from 0.0049 to 0.0073 in the loss factor is observed. Furthermore, the thermal stability has been decreased due to the deformation induced by gamma rays inside the nanocomposite films. Therefore, these nanocomposite films could be better exploited in energy storage applications in its un-irradiated form.

Improving the energy storage efficiency and power density of polymer blend in combination with Ti3C2Tx for energy storage devices

Polymer blend-based dielectrics are extensively used because of their broad working temperature range, quick discharging speed, and high power density. The solution casting approach is used to prepare the PVDF/PMMA- Ti3C2Tx nanocomposite flexible energy storage films. The morphology results show that the composite has a homogeneous and dense microstructure. The structural study shows the composition of thin films and confirms the existence of the PVDF β-phase. The thermal analysis showed 31.36 % crystallinity for 20 wt% of nanocomposite (NCs). The values of band gap energy reduced from 3.07 eV to 2.65 eV with increasing Ti3C2Tx concentration (15 wt%). It was found that the almost high dielectric constant values of (̴205) at 100 Hz and loss of 0.078 were suggestive of increased interfacial polarization. The maximal energy density of the NCs is 1.28 J/cm3, and its power density is 4.86 MW/cm3 for 15 wt% NCs. The conductivities of 15 wt% composite increase to 10−9 –10−7 S.cm−1 at 100 Hz, and then it reaches nearly 10−3 S cm−1 when the frequency is raised to 1 MHz. The 2D MXene nanofiller and PVDF macromolecular chain have an improved interface interaction, which results in excellent complete electrical characteristics. The rise in residual polarization can be inhibited by adding PMMA. In this work, adding 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene to PVDF/PMMA blends offers a viable way to create materials that are highly effective at storing energy in capacitors.

Overcoming the brittleness of sustainable compression-cast recycled aggregate concrete through steel spiral confinement

The loose and porous adhered mortar of recycled aggregates produces concrete with low strength and poor durability. The newly developed compression casting technology applies pressure to fresh concrete to squeeze out excess water and air in the recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) and force the cement paste into the old adhered mortar to strengthen it, thereby effectively solving the aforementioned problems. However, the significant increase in the compactness and compressive strength of the RAC is accompanied by a pronounced increase in compression brittleness. Hence, this study attempts to overcome the brittleness of sustainable compression-cast RAC through proper design of transverse reinforcement. To achieve this objective, the axial compression behaviour of steel spiral-confined RAC specimens was experimentally investigated. It is found that the compression casting approach almost doubled the compressive strength of the unconfined RAC and improved the ultimate axial stress of the steel spiral-confined RAC by up to 69.9 %. The steel spiral-confined normal-cast RAC exhibited typical compression failure accompanied by a stress–strain curve characterised by strain hardening, whereas the steel spiral-confined compression-cast RAC exhibited localised shear failure accompanied by a stress–strain curve characterised by strain softening. The strain-softening behaviour of steel spiral-confined compression-cast RAC can be significantly improved by reducing the spiral pitch. Based on the test results obtained in this study and in the literature, stress–strain models were proposed separately for the steel spiral-confined compression-cast RAC and normal-cast RAC. The stress–strain models exhibited a significantly higher prediction accuracy than the selected models in the literature.

Disposable Zirconium trisulfide-Reduced graphene oxide modified conducting thread based electrochemical biosensor for lung cancer diagnosis

Flexible technology in sensors have received much attention in monitoring of human health through various physiological indicators. Thus, it drawn a lot of interest in the development of flexible substrate for the diagnosis of various diseases via analysis of analytes. Present work focusses on the development of ecofriendly, portable, flexible, conducting thread (Th) and used as smart substrate for fabrication of biosensor towards ultrasensitive detection of the lung cancer biomarker (cytoskeleton-associated protein 4; CKAP4). The zirconium trisulfide-reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) modified cotton thread based biosensor was fabricated via dip coating method. Next, successive immobilization of monoclonal antibodies of CKAP4 (anti-CKAP4) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was performed via drop cast approach using fabricated electrode [nZrS3@rGO/PEDOT:PSS/Th]. The response of fabricated electrode (BSA/anti-CKAP4/ZrS3@rGO/PEDOT:PSS/Th) was recorded electrochemically versus CKAP4 concentration via chronoamperometry (CA). The results showed wider linear detection range of 6.25-800 pg mL−1, excellent sensitivity of 85.2 µA[log(pg mL−1)]-1cm−2 with good stability up to 42 days. The response of fabricated biosensor was supported by investigating response of CKAP4 biomarker present in patients of lung cancer (concentration as determined through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and obtained results exhibited excellent correlation with that of standard samples.

Fabrication of 60μm-Thick Free-Standing Bilayer Solid Electrolytes for Solid-State Batteries Using Solution Processing and Lamination

Development of solid-state batteries with a high voltage cathode and lithium metal anode could enable high energy density while avoiding safety issues of flammable liquid electrolytes. However, the solid electrolyte (SE) should meet multiple requirements, including 1) electrochemical stability at both the cathode and anode side interfaces, 2) small thickness (tens of μm) to maximize energy density of the cell, and 3) fabrication with a scalable manufacturing method. Using bilayer SEs with different electrochemical stability windows could enable stability at both cathode|SE and anode|SE interfaces. In this work, we developed a manufacturing process to fabricate thin (60 μm) free-standing bilayer SE films from slurry casting and lamination, which can be used for large scale manufacturing of SSBs.Halide SE (Li3InCl6) and sulfide SE (Li6PS5Cl) were slurry casted on different substrates, and then were dried in vacuum before being laminated onto each other to make a free-standing bilayer film. The parallel slurry casting approach eliminates cross-compatibility requirements of the solvents used for slurry preparation. The resulting bilayer films after densification were pin-hole free without intermixing between the two phases. The ionic conductivity of the bilayer SE film was ~70% of the bilayer SE pellet (1 mm thickness in total) made with a conventional powder pressing method. However, because the thickness of bilayer SE film (60 μm) was much smaller than the bilayer SE pellet (1 mm), the bilayer SE film had ~10x lower area-specific resistance (ASR) compared to the bilayer SE pellet. Because of the lower total cell resistance, the cell made with the bilayer SE film had a better rate capability compared to the reference cell in pellet geometry.The strategy developed in this work could be integrated into current manufacturing infrastructure of battery fabrication as it is based on slurry casting, which is already a well-established fabrication method for lithium-ion batteries. Moreover, it could be used to fabricate multi-layered solid-state architectures in general, which are challenging to manufacture due to solvent compatibility issues during slurry casting. The study will assist the progress of solid-state battery manufacturing by providing a scalable manufacture method to prepare thin free-standing bilayer SEs.

Gradient structured MoS2@MXene/MXene/aramid nanofiber composite film with excellent electromagnetic interference shielding performance

Developing high-performance electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials with robust microwave attenuation capabilities and structural stability remains a formidable challenge to enhance their practical adaptability in everyday scenarios. In this study, we have successfully fabricated a gradient structured MXene-based composite film tailored for high-performance EMI shielding. Initially, a hybrid MoS2@MXene material featuring heterointerfaces is synthesized, which exhibits exceptional electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption capabilities. Subsequently, a gradient structured multi-layer film is engineered using a layer-by-layer casting approach, gradually increasing the MXene content in the MoS2@MXene/MXene/aramid nanofiber composite. This composite film is purposefully designed to employ an “absorb-reflect-reabsorb” EMI shielding mechanism, resulting in reduced reflection power. The resultant composite film achieves an impressive EMI SE of 50.9 dB, coupled with remarkable structural stability persisting through 500 folding cycles. This study presents a viable and potent strategy for developing flexible, absorption-dominant EMI shielding materials.

Hydroxyapatite Reinforced Magnesium Alloy Composites Using the Ultrasonic-Assisted Rheo-Squeeze Casting Technique: Microstructural and Mechanical Performance Evaluation for Bone Fixture Applications

Magnesium-based biomaterials have recently been in the research spotlight in the field of biomedical engineering owing to their properties, such as density and biocompatibility that closely align with those of human bone. However, poor strength and rapid degradation impede their application as bone support fixtures. The present research aims to tailor the properties of Mg by using a novel ultrasonic-assisted rheo-squeeze casting approach. To satisfy the demand, pure Mg (Mg), MHA (Mg/5%HA), MZHA (Mg-1%Zn/5%HA/), and MSHA (Mg-1%Sn/5%HA) were fabricated, and various mechanical tests were conducted to assess the composite’s mechanical properties, including its microhardness, tensile strength, compressive strength, flexural strength, and impact strength. The microstructural and fractured morphology of the composites was examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), whereas their elemental composition was analyzed by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) equipped with elemental mapping. Comparing the MZHA, MHA, and pure Mg samples, the mechanical behavior of MSHA is significantly superior. This is due to composites containing Sn that possess finer-grained materials, which act as barriers to dislocation motion while increasing the strength of the materials. From the observed results, there is a significant improvement in the microhardness of MSHA of 64.5% when compared to that of pure Mg, and 42.7% compared to MHA. Furthermore, MSHA composites possess noticeable enhancements in tensile and compression performance of 80.8% and 58.3%, respectively, and 19% and 22.4% compared to MHA. Additionally, the impact and flexural performance of MSHA composites exhibit higher performance (41% and 42%) than pure Mg and 8% and 7% against the MHA composite.

Fabrication of ultralightweight, thermal insulation alumina scaffolds by a hybrid sol–gel/freeze‐casting approach

AbstractFreeze casting is an effective way to fabricate the porous ceramics with anisotropic and interconnected porous structures and can be used in various applications, such as filtration, adsorption, and insulation. However, the ceramic‐based scaffolds fabricated by freeze casting have the upper limit of porosity since excessively low solid content in the slurry will lead to structural instability and cracks formation in scaffolds. This study aims at combining the freeze casting and sol–gel method and developing a hybrid process to overcome the limitation of freeze casting. Besides, the effects of solid content and cooling rates on the microstructure of ultralightweight alumina scaffolds (ULASs) and their mechanical and thermal properties were investigated. Aluminum isopropoxide was selected as the precursor to conduct the hydrolysis reaction in acid environment and condensation process by heat treatment. The successfully synthesized alumina scaffolds have ultrahigh porosity (>90%), low bulk density (0.1240–0.2429 g/cm3), and low relative density (0.0314–0.0615). The anisotropic porous lamellar structure was evaluated by scanning electron microscope, µ‐CT, and mercury porosimeter. A lot of nanoscale pores are observed on the lamellae surfaces, forming the dual‐scale porous structure inside the scaffolds and contributing to higher specific surface area. The unique anisotropic structure, high porosity, and stable mechanical properties enable ULASs to deliver a low thermal conductivity of 0.2 W/m/K and large anisotropy in thermal properties, possessing great potential for thermal insulative materials. This sol–gel/freeze‐casting hybrid approach is believed to be extended to different material systems and provide promising potentials in fabricating the porous materials with various functionalities.

Poster 341: Nonoperative Treatment of MCL Tears in ACL/MCL Injuries Does Not Increase ACL Retear Rates

Objectives: There continues to be controversy regarding the treatment of medial collateral ligament (MCL) tears when torn in conjunction with the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). There is a push to acutely repair or reconstruct the MCL in this setting due to lower revision rates following the ACL reconstruction (ACLR). However, most nonoperative treatment philosophies are focused on immobilization through bracing instead of the more rigid casting approach. The purpose of this study was to determine if there was a difference in ACL retear rates or postoperative stability between those with ACL/MCL injuries and isolated ACL injuries when the MCL was treated nonoperatively, including rigid casting prior to the ACLR. Methods: Between 1982 and 2022, 6047 patients planning to have an ACLR were enrolled into the study. The population was determined with inclusion criteria of a primary ACLR using a patellar tendon graft with minimum 1-year follow up. Patients were excluded with revision ACLR, lateral side or posterior cruciate ligament involvement, or lacking postoperative KT data. Patients were divided into two groups, isolated ACLR (N = 5670) and ACL/MCL (N = 377). All MCL tears were treated nonoperatively and when indicated, they were casted in 30° of flexion and changed weekly until a solid end point was achieved and patients had the ability to bear full weight on the involved side. Once medial side stability was attained, preoperative rehabilitation commenced and range of motion was normalized before the ACLR. Postoperatively, all patients followed the same accelerated rehabilitation program. The KT manual maximum (MM) difference between knees, in millimeters, was used for analysis. Graft retear rate was determined through subjective surveys sent yearly to each patient after surgery. To reduce confounding bias in the analysis, the ACL/MCL patients were control matched 1:1 to the isolated ACL injury patients based on sex, age, postoperative activity rating, and surgery timing, which led to 304 patients in each group. Results: Prior to matching, both groups had similar mean ages and rates of having postoperative activity levels ≥7, however, the ACL/MCL group showed higher rates of males (69.0%) and subacute surgery (71.9%) compared to the isolated ACLR group (59.7% males and 56.6% subacute surgery). After matching, the mean age for both groups was similar (ACL/MCL: 24.6 years, isolated ACLR: 24.9 years) and they showed identical rates of males, postoperative activity rating ≥7, and subacute surgery at 66.4%, 90.4%, and 73.0%, respectively. The KT MM difference for the ACL/MCL group was not statistically significantly different when compared to the isolated ACLR group (1.8mm vs 1.6mm; p=0.196). The ACL retear rate for the ACL/MCL group was 7.9% compared to 6.6% for the isolated ACLR group, which was not statistically significantly different, p = 0.531. Conclusions: When the MCL is treated nonoperatively, including the use of a cast, before an ACLR, postoperative stability and rates of ACL retears are similar to those with an isolated ACL tear. Due to similar outcomes for both groups, surgeries to the MCL, and thus potential complications that can come with it, can be avoided. We postulate that the lack of differences in laxity and retear rates for the ACL/MCL group may be due to more rigid cast immobilization for the MCL, as opposed to bracing. Further study is needed to evaluate this hypothesis.

A study of EMI shielding efficiency, dielectric, and impedance properties of polymer nanocomposites reinforced with Graphene nanoplatelets, montmorillonite, and copper oxide nanoparticles

ABSTRACT In the present study, polyvinylchloride (PVC) and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) blended nanocomposites comprised of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs), montmorillonite (MMT), and copper oxide (CuO) nanoparticles were prepared through solvent casting approach. The structural and morphological measurements confirmed the presence and dispersion of nanofillers in the polymeric chains. Thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential-scanning calorimetry (DSC) investigations suggested the improved thermal stability for nanocomposite with 1.5 wt% GNPs loading having minimum weight loss and reduction in Tm due to the presence of GNPs, MMT, and CuO acting as a barrier to oxygen molecule diffusion and polymer-chain movement in the nanocomposite. The dielectric and impedance properties of PVC/PMMA/MMT/GNP/CuO nanocomposite investigated in 1 Hz to 20 MHz frequency range and at room temperature have shown improved dielectric constant upto 90.59 in 1 Hz frequency. The σac measures to be improved by 0.0034 (S/m) after adding GNPs, MMT, and CuO resulted from the interfacial polarization effect. The cole–cole plot investigations have shown the formation of semicircles for higher nanofiller loadings of nanocomposite. A drastic improvement in the SETotal was observed from lower to higher nanofiller concentrations. The total SE obtained for the nanocomposite with 2.5 wt% GNPs is upto 5 dB in 8–12 GHz range with absorption dominant nature of nanocomposite.

Transparent and High-Refractive-Index Titanium Dioxide/Thermoplastic Polyurethane Nanocomposites.

Transparent nanocomposite films made of surface-modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles and thermoplastic polyurethane are prepared via film casting approach showing enhanced refractive indexes and mechanical properties. Two different sets of composites were prepared up to 37.5 wt % of inorganic nanoparticles with a diameter <15 nm, one set using particles capped only with oleic acid and a second one with a bimodal system layer made of oleic acid and mPEO-5000 as coating agents. All of the composites show significantly enhanced refractive index and mechanical properties than the neat polymeric matrix. The transparency of nanocomposite films shows the excellent dispersion of the inorganic nanoparticles in the polymeric matrix avoiding aggregation and precipitation phenomena. Our study provides a facile and feasible route to produce transparent nanocomposite films with tunable mechanical properties and high refractive indices for various applications.

Optical and dielectric features of PVC/ZnCo2O4/MWCNTs/TBAI polymers for optoelectronic and energy storage applications

Zinc cobalt oxide is considered a highly desirable substance for use in a wide range of applications, particularly supercapacitors. In this study, polyvinyl chloride/zinc cobalt oxide/multi-walled carbon nanotubes/x wt % tetrabutylammonium iodide (PVC/ZnCo2O4/MWCNTs/x wt % TBAI) composite polymers were fabricated using casting and hydrothermal approaches. The resulting composites were then analyzed to determine their structure, optical properties, and dielectric characteristics. The structure of ZnCo2O4 and PVC/ZnCo2O4/MWCNTs/x wt.% TBAI were studied using the X-ray diffraction technique. The morphologies of doped polymer were investigated using SEM technique. The impact of ZnCo2O4/MWCNTs/x wt.% TBAI filler samples on the linear and nonlinear optical properties of PVC polymer has been analyzed through UV diffused reflectance measurements. The doped samples could serve as effective shields against ultraviolet radiation across different wavelengths (UVA, UVB, UVC) and a highly effective material for absorbing solar energy in solar cells. The lowest optical energy gap values are attained (3.77, 3.03) and (3.32, 2.55) eV for the direct and indirect optical band gaps in PVC/ZnCo2O4/MWCNTs/3 wt% TBAI polymer, respectively. The largest refractive index value at 600 nm was observed in the doped polymer with 6 wt% TBAI. The fluorescence emission spectra and dielectric properties of the PVC/ZnCo2O4/MWCNTs/x wt.% TBAI polymers are also studied. The highest electrical dielectric constant was achieved in the ZnCo2O4/MWCNTs/9 wt% TBAI polymer. It follows that the PVC/ZnCo2O4/MWCNTs/x wt % TBAI has the ability to open up new possibilities for use in optoelectronic devices.

Formulation and Characterization of Clozapine Nanosuspension as a Sublingual Film

Background: Clozapine (CLZ) is a potent antipsychotic drug that suppresses the symptoms of schizophrenia and mania. Clozapine falls into Class II (BCS); its poor bioavailability is attributed to low water solubility and an extensive first-pass effect. Objective: To prepare CLZ as a nanosuspension (NS) to improve its low water solubility and load it into a sublingual film to enhance oral bioavailability. Methods: CLZ nanosuspensions are prepared by the “solvent anti-solvent precipitation” method using Soluplus as a stabilizing agent. We evaluated the polydispersity index (PDI) and the particle size of the CLZ nanosuspension formulations. The optimized formula of CLZ nanosuspension is loaded directly onto a sublingual thin film, eliminating the need for freeze-drying for solidification by the solvent casting approach. The sublingual films were characterized by thickness, surface pH, folding endurance, disintegration time, and in vitro dissolution rate. Results: We selected the formula F1 sublingual film as the best, as it demonstrated a uniform thickness of 0.087mm, good flexibility, and a surface pH of 6.7. It disintegrated quickly in 13 seconds and had a faster in vitro dissolution rate (3 min) compared to the CLZ ordinary films. Conclusions: The results confirmed the success of CLZ NS as a sublingual thin film for dissolution rate enhancement, which may improve oral bioavailability.

Development and characterization of Zn[sbnd]xCu[sbnd]yTi[sbnd]zMo alloys for biomedical applications: A high-throughput gradient continuous casting approach

The limited mechanical properties of pure Zn, such as its low strength and ductility, hinder its application as a material for biodegradable implants. Addressing this challenge, the current study focuses on the development of biodegradable Zn-based alloys, employing innovative alloy design and processing strategies. Here, alloys with compositions ranging from 0.02 to 0.10 weight percent (wt%) Cu, 1.22 to 1.80 wt% Ti, and 0.04 to 0.06 wt% Mo were produced utilizing a high-throughput gradient continuous casting process. This study highlights three specific alloys: Zn1.82Cu0.10Ti0.05Mo (HR8), Zn0.08Cu1.86Ti0Mo (HR7), and Zn1.26Cu0.13Ti0.06Mo (HR6), which were extensively evaluated for their microstructure, mechanical properties, electrochemical performance, potential as bioimplants, and cytotoxicity. These alloys were found to exhibit enhanced mechanical strength, optimal degradation rates, and superior biocompatibility, evidenced by in-vivo experiments with SD rats, positioning them as promising candidates for medical implants. This research not only introduces a significant advancement in biodegradable alloy development but also proposes an efficient method for their production, marking a pivotal step forward in biomedical engineering. Statement of significanceThe limited mechanical properties of pure Zn have hindered its application in biodegradable implants. Our research primarily focuses on the alloy design and process strategies of biodegradable Zn-based alloys. We explore the ZnCuxTixMox alloys. This study introduces a high-throughput experimental approach for efficient screening of multi-component alloy systems with optimal properties. The ZnCuxTixMox alloys were designed and processed through gradient continuous casting, followed by homogenization and hot rolling. Our findings indicate that the Zn1.82Cu0.10Ti0.05Mo alloy demonstrates superior tensile, mechanical, and corrosion properties post hot rolling. The study suggests that Zn0.13Cu1.26Ti0.06Mo, Zn0.08Cu1.86Ti0Mo, and Zn1.82Cu0.10Ti0.05Mo alloys hold significant potential as biodegradable materials.

Evaluation of a novel composite of expanded polystyrene with rGO and SEBS-g-MA.

This study displays the effect of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanofiller and polystyrene-b-poly(ethylene-ran-butylene)-b-polystyrene-grafted maleic anhydride (SEBS-g-MA) on the optical, thermal, and mechanical features of expanded polystyrene (EPS). First, the thin films of pristine EPS and composites were prepared using solution cast method. The prepared films were subjected to fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), SEM, UV-visible spectrophotometer, thermogravimetric analysis/differential scanning calorimetry, and universal testing machine for structural, morphological, optical, thermal, and mechanical characterizations. Optical study revealed a significant increase in refractive index and absorption of composites than EPS. Indirect band-gap energy of EPS (~4.08 eV) was reduced to ~1.61 eV for rGO composite and ~ 2.23 eV for composite composed of rGO and SEBS-g-MA. Thermal analyses presented improvement in characterization temperatures such as T10, T50, Tp, Tm, and Tg of composites, which ultimately lead to the thermal stability of prepared composites than pristine EPS. Stress-strain curves displayed higher yield strength (46.62 MPa), Young's modulus (96.29 MPa), and strain at break (0.54%) for EPS+rGO composite than pure EPS having stress at break (1.01 MPa), Young's modulus (12.44 MPa), and strain at break (0.08%). Moreover, ductility with relatively higher strain at break (0.61%) and lower Young's modulus (79.32 MPa) and yield strength (32.98 MPa) was noticed in EPS+rGO+SEBS-g-MA composite than EPS+rGO composite film. Morphological analysis revealed a change in globular morphology of EPS and inhomogeneous dispersion of rGO in EPS to homogeneously dispersed rGO in EPS matrix without globules owing to the addition of SEBS-g-MA. The increase in compatibility of EPS and rGO due to SEBS-g-MA was also observed in FTIR spectra. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: Here, the solution casting approach was used to create the composite film of EPS and rGO with globules of various sizes. After adding SEBS-g-MA, the shape altered to globular free films exhibiting homogenous dispersion of rGO in EPS matrix. An optical investigation showed that composite materials had a significantly higher refractive index and absorption than EPS. The optical, thermal, and mechanical investigations suggest that the produced composites may be a great substitute for virgin EPS, allowing for a wider range of applications.