Surface Characteristics Research Articles

Tribological behavior and characteristics of TIG surface cladded AlCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy on 304L stainless steel

The present study examines the tribological properties of AlCoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) surface cladded on 304L stainless steel via a Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) heat source. Commercially pure powders of aluminum, cobalt, chromium, and nickel were ball-milled, mixed in specific ratios, and applied onto the substrate with polyvinyl alcohol as a binder. Cladding was performed with optimized parameters to create layers of HEA. Microstructural and EDS analysis revealed equiaxial dendrites rich in aluminum and nickel in dendritic (DI) areas, and rich in iron, chromium, and cobalt in interdendritic (ID) areas. Mixing entropy was calculated by consideration of EDS analysis of the cladding and based on the initial definition of a high-entropy alloy, the high-entropy nature of the cladding was confirmed. XRD analysis showed the presence of FCC, A2/B2, and hard σ phases. Surface alloyed material exhibited higher hardness compared to the base material, with an average of 540 HV versus 200 HV. A pin-on-disc wear test machine was used to assess tribological properties under different loads of 10, 20, and 40 N. The wear rates of the high-entropy cladded material were 36 and 50 % less than those of the 304L stainless steel under applied loads of 10 and 40 N, respectively, while their wear rates were almost similar at 20 N. Friction coefficients of HEA pins were notably lower than 304L at 10 and 20 N, with smoother profiles. Wear mechanisms of the HEA material varied with load: oxidative wear at 10 and 20 N due to the formation of an oxide layer, and abrasion and spallation at 40 N, resulting in a threefold increase in wear rate at this load. Overall, the study highlights the effectiveness of HEA cladding in improving tribological properties, especially under high applied load.

Development of Highly Sensitive and Selective Electrochemical Glucose Sensors Based on the Modification of the Surface, Structural, and Morphological Properties of ZnO Using Vitamin-B Complexes

Non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensors are particularly advantageous because of their simplicity, low cost, efficiency, and long storage life. ZnO structures were modified with water-soluble vitamin B12, B9, and B6 complexes in alkaline 0.1 M NaOH solutions to enhance glucose sensing. ZnO samples were hydrothermally synthesized using 5 mg fixed masses of B12, B9, and B6 complexes. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, UV-visible spectrometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were used to determine crystalline properties, morphology, and optical band gap. Zinc oxide obtained from vitamin B complexes had a hexagonal structure similar to wurtzite, modified nanorods on its surface, and a reduced optical band gap. The molecular weight, size, and number of functional groups vitamins also influenced surface and structural characteristics of ZnO. Zinc oxide from the B12 complex proved excellent for non-enzymatic glucose sensing in alkaline conditions. B12-derived ZnO glucose sensors have a linear range of 0.1 to 10 mM with a detection limit of 0.005 mM. In the glucose sensing process, a satisfactory level of stability, reproducibility, and selectivity was observed. Furthermore, it was found that ZnO derived from B12 had a high electrical conductivity, which facilitated electron transfer during glucose oxidation.

Experimental study on slurry erosion wear behaviour of 2205 duplex stainless steel through integrated Taguchi approach and artificial neural network

Slurry erosion due to particle entrainment poses a significant threat to slurry handling components, leading to reduced performance and shorter service life. The ferritic-austenitic microstructure of 2205 duplex stainless steel (DSS) offers resistance to erosion and corrosion in harsh environments. This study investigated the slurry erosion wear response of 2205 DSS, focusing on parameters, such as: angle of impingement, impact velocity, slurry concentration, erodent size, and stand-off distance. A Taguchi experimental design approach, along with analysis of variance (ANOVA), was employed to design the experiments and identify the most significant factors. ANOVA results revealed that impact velocity and slurry concentration were the most influential parameters affecting mass loss, while erodent size and impact velocity significantly influenced surface roughness. Additionally, an artificial neural network model was used to estimate output responses, and the model's predictions were compared with experimental results. The surface and sub-surface characteristics of the eroded samples were analysed using X-ray diffraction, microhardness testing, and optical profilometry. The material removal mechanisms were studied using scanning electron microscopy, revealing ductile erosion behaviour in 2205 DSS. Micro-cutting, ploughing, lip formation, and indentation were identified as the primary methods of material removal in 2205 DSS.

Probiotic potential of acetic acid bacteria isolated from kombucha in New Zealand in vitro

Kombucha is a fermented tea beverage containing live microorganisms, mostly beneficial strains of yeast and acetic acid bacteria (AAB), but empirical evidence is limited supporting the probiotic potential of kombucha. This study reports the in vitro probiotic potential of 36 AAB strains isolated from three Kombucha samples commercially available in New Zealand. Nine representative AAB strains, belonging to three species (Komagataeibacter rhaeticus, Acetobacter musti and Gluconobacter potus), were examined for their primary probiotic characteristics such as tolerance to bile salts, NaCl, and low pH, and temperature. Three non-cellulose forming strains (A. musti LOAAB1, G. potus LOAAB2 and G. potus GBAAB3) were assayed for their cell surface characteristics such as auto-aggregation, co-aggregation with pathogenic bacteria, and hydrophobicity. Antimicrobial, antioxidant activities and enzymatic activities were also investigated for the strains of interest. Results indicated that nine strains were able to grow under low pH in the presence of bile salts, suggesting their potential to survive in the human gut. Six K. rhaeticus strains produced cellulosic pellicles, a potential source of prebiotics for beneficial bacteria. The three AAB strains LOAAB1, LOAAB2 and GBAAB3 showed promising cell surface characteristics, such as auto-aggregation rates (>80%), co-aggregation with four pathogenic bacteria (13.24% to 43.47%), hydrophobicity (42.12% to 50.20%), and antioxidant activities (>90%). All nine strains tested negative for enzymatic activities (haemolytic, proteolytic, phospholipase, and gelatinase), suggesting that they are safe to consume. Together, these data indicate the potential for the three AAB strains to be further investigated as probiotic sources with more in vivo tests for applications in the food and beverages industry.

Parametric investigation of aerodynamic performance degradation due to icing on a symmetrical airfoil

Ice accretion on lifting surfaces induces an aerodynamic penalty in lift and drag on an aircraft. This performance degradation depends on the geometric features, type, and surface characteristics of the accreted ice on the airfoil. In the present work, we propose a set of two-parameter, low-order models to represent some of the typical ice topologies: glaze, rime, and horn. The parametric space is swept for all types of ice to isolate the aerodynamic changes causing performance degradation on a canonical symmetrical airfoil, which is the representative airfoil used by the National Research Council of Canada's platform for ice accretion and coatings tests with ultrasonic readings platform for in-flight icing tests. The three ice topologies show a self-similar trend between the stall angle of attack and the ice thickness, with the horn-type of ice imparting the greatest drag and lift penalty due to strong boundary layer separation. The relative effect of ice roughness plays a secondary role in performance degradation, and in some cases, the roughness causes a thicker and more resilient boundary layer, which can, under very specific icing conditions, enhance the aerodynamic performance.

Defects-rich MgFe LDH: A high-capacity adsorbent for methyl orange wastewater

Dye pollution is a common pollutant in wastewater that poses a serious threat to human health. Layered double hydroxide (LDH) is a commonly used adsorbent for dye removal. However, its adsorption efficiency is significantly limited by the limited adsorption active sites of the adsorbent. In this paper, a defects-rich MgFe LDH adsorbent for anionic dye wastewater was synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method and alkaline etching. Different analytical techniques, such as XRD, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, XPS, and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm, were used to verify the chemical composition and surface characteristics of the materials, and the effects of pH, temperature, and contact time on the adsorption effect of methyl orange and the adsorption mechanism were analyzed. Alkaline etching of Al and Zn in the laminate generated defects that expose unsaturated coordination centers and create abundant adsorption sites, which can electrostatically attract and coordinate with dye ions. At 25°C, the adsorption capacity of MgFe LDH with Al etched and MgFe LDH with Zn etched for methyl orange dye reached 1722 mg/g and 1685 mg/g, respectively, much higher than that of MgFe LDH (544 mg/g). This work provides a promising method for the removal of dye wastewater by adsorption and a new idea for the design and development of high-performance dye wastewater adsorbents.

Innovation of Nano-hydrogels Loaded with Amelogenin Peptide and Hydroxyapatite Nano-Particles for Remineralisation of Artificially Induced White Spot Lesions

BackgroundWhite spot lesions are a common side effect of fixed orthodontics. This study investigates chitosan-based hydrogels using amelogenin peptide as a scaffold to facilitate hydroxyapatite nanoparticle attachment, assembly, and organisation, aiding in enamel remineralisation. Materials and MethodsThree groups were prepared to carry out remineralisation experiments after creating artificial white spot lesions on extracted 1st premolars. The first group served as a control with no treatment, while the experimental groups were treated with either amelogenin peptide/chitosan hydrogel or amelogenin peptide+hydroxyapatite/chitosan hydrogel. Remineralisation was conducted for three weeks. The interaction between amelogenin peptide and hydroxyapatite nanoparticles was evaluated using TEM, UV-Vis, FTIR, zeta potential, and Raman spectroscopy. Remineralisation potential was assessed through enamel microhardness, fluorescence, and XRD. Surface characteristics of demineralised and remineralised enamel were examined by SEM at different magnifications, and chemical compositions were analysed using an EDX analyser. one-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD post hoc multi-comparison tests were performed to find statistical differences between groups. A pairwise comparison was performed to examine if there were significant differences within each group. Significant differences were considered at a P<0.05. ResultsThe results demonstrated that amelogenin peptide adsorbs onto hydroxyapatite. TEM images revealed the self-assembly of peptide nanoparticles and their adsorption onto hydroxyapatite nanoparticles. UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, Zeta Potential, and Raman Spectroscopy confirmed the binding between amelogenin peptide and hydroxyapatite. The novel hydrogel significantly improved the microhardness and fluorescence values of demineralised enamel. Energy-dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry revealed the formation of new hydroxyapatite crystals on demineralised enamel, with a calcium-to-phosphorus ratio comparable to natural enamel hydroxyapatite. Structural analysis via SEM showed improved surface texture with the occlusion of demineralised surface porosities. Overall, the hydrogel enhanced hardness, fluorescence, morphology, and chemical composition compared to demineralised enamel. ConclusionsChitosan-based hydrogels provide a promising remineralising strategy that bio-mimics natural enamel regrowth.

Study on Bonding Characteristics of Aluminum Alloy Treated by Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation Process and Polymer Resin Bonded by Direct Injection Molding

Aluminum alloy and polymer resin hybrid bonding technology is essential for lightweight mobile phone frames and automotive components. Recently, there has been extensive research on a method of bonding metals and polymer resins by treating the metal surface and then direct injection molding. However, this method requires separate surface treatment of the aluminum alloy after bonding to enhance its corrosion resistance. This paper studies the use of Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation, one of the surface treatment methods for aluminum, to achieve the bonding of aluminum and polymer resin in a single surface treatment step while ensuring high corrosion resistance. We conducted research to investigate optimal conditions by adjusting the process variables of Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation, in order to achieve integration with the polymer resin and measure the bonding strength and corrosion resistance. The surface characteristics of each Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation condition were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscope equipment, while the bonding strength was measured using universal testing machine equipment. The corrosion characteristics were evaluated by measuring the corrosion resistance in a saltwater solution.

Quantitative surface quality evaluation for 3D-printed concrete with coarse aggregate through 3D scanning

The undulating appearance of 3D-printed concrete (3DPC) is an essential feature that impacts the integrity and stability of the multilayer structure, yet the related evaluation parameters have rarely been proposed. This study proposed a quantitative evaluation and parameters through the on-site 3D scan technology to impel a direct and precise understanding of the surface quality of 3DPC, especially concrete with coarse aggregates. Firstly, 8-layer 3DPC walls are produced at four different printer printing rates and then 3D scanned. After point cloud correction, noise reduction, and 2D processing onto acquired points cloud, the evaluation parameters for evaluating 3DPC surface characteristics are defined and calculated. Results indicate that a higher 3D printer printing rate helps reduce surface fluctuation of 3DPC multilayer structures but disfavor the vertical flatness, of which the linear relationship between the parameters and the printing speed of the printer is explored and discussed. Recommendation of 3DPC straight wall structures controlled to surface defects ratio within 2% and slope within 0.2% is suggested. These conclusions provide precise external surface quality control and treatment basements that contribute to improving the practical application of 3DPC.

Numerical investigation of the heat transfer and flow pattern on tandem triangle-grooved cylinders

Modifying surface characteristics and geometric structure to regulate heat transfer and flow fields is a classical issue. The study of wake dynamics and heat transfer efficiency in tandem grooved cylinders hold fundamental importance. This research proposes a configuration of tandem cylinders with triangle-grooved surfaces and numerical simulates the vorticity, fluid forces, Strouhal numbers, and convective heat transfer in tandem grooved cylinders. The parameters investigated include orientation angles θ = 0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90° and Reynolds numbers Re = 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200. This study focuses on how the triangle-grooved angle (θ) and Re affect wake dynamics and thermal performance. Numerical results are validated against available data in the literature for tandem smooth and tandem grooved cylinders. The results indicate that, compared to tandem smooth cylinders, the positive vorticity intensity of tandem grooved cylinders is 35.7% higher, while the negative vorticity intensity is 23.5% lower. Further observations show that at θ = 45°, the pressure variation on the upstream cylinder is most significant, approximately twice that at θ = 0° and θ = 90°. Notably, the variation values of the downstream cylinder (β = 0°) at θ = 0° and θ = 45° are triple and double that of the upstream cylinder in TF mode, respectively. Additionally, at θ = 0°, the root mean square lift coefficient of the downstream cylinder reaches the maximum value (Re = 75-100), approximately 1.34. When Re = 125, CL(rms),1 decreases by 15.7% to 1.13. Particularly, when Re = 100-150, the time-averaged drag coefficient of the downstream cylinder shows a peak value of approximately 1.02. Interestingly, at Re = 200, a tadpole-shaped thermal distribution forms in the wake region of the upstream cylinder. Furthermore, the time-averaged Nusselt number ratio (θ = 0°) exhibits a trend opposite to other cases over a broader range (125 ≤ Re ≤ 200) and peaks at Re = 200, approximately 1.24.

Transformative impact of atmospheric cold plasma on mung bean seeds: Unveiling surface characteristics, physicochemical alterations, and enhanced germination potential

This work investigates the impact of a new geometry Atmospheric Cold-Plasma (ACP) system on mung bean (Vigna radiata) seed germination and seedling growth. Plasma is produced using a bipolar pulse power source, providing superior control of the generated species. A substantial increase in germination rates (86.67%–91.67%) and optimal seedling growth after 40 s of treatment is reported. The functional and morphological features have shown improvements. Plasma treatment significantly increases the specific surface area (7.695 m2/g) and total pore volume (0.007 cc/g) of the seeds compared to the control (2.214 m2/g and 0.001 cc/g, respectively), suggesting potential enhancements in water absorption and nutrient exchange. Radicle growth stimulation is also observed without alterations in the seed’s chemical structure. These findings highlight the potential of the ACP system for enhancing mung bean sprout germination and seedling development, which is helpful for agriculture applications.

The implementation method of point cloud denoising filter based on KinectV2

Abstract In the process of collecting data from point clouds, some factors, such as precision equipment, operator experience, environmental conditions, as well as characteristic diffraction effects of electromagnetic waves, changes in surface characteristics of test objects, and the impact of integration processes, are involved data and records that may display some point noise in the data point cloud. In addition to noise caused by measurement errors, practical applications can be affected by external interference and obstacles, which causes deviating values in the data point cloud to differ from the measurement entity. A 3D scanner, represented by the depth of the camera, is used to collect data. To eliminate these noises and anomalies, it is necessary to filter the initial points of the cloud. In this article, we suggest using statistical filtering algorithms to perform statistical analysis on each point community, remove points that do not meet predetermined standards, and remove outliers. To verify the effectiveness of the algorithm, it is compared with other filtering algorithms. The experimental results show that the filter algorithm proposed in this thesis has better effects on outlier points and can obtain the general shape properties of the point cloud.

Insights into impact of shock wave on structural, optical and surface characteristics of ammonium pentaborate tetrahydrate single crystal

In this study, we are emphasizing on growth of bulk size optically transparent single crystals of ammonium pentaborate tetrahydrate (APB) using the slow evaporation solution technique at room temperature. Initially, crystalline phase of the compound was confirmed through the X-ray diffraction technique. Thereafter, APB has been analysed systematically for its crystallographic structural stability in such a way that its structure has been examined periodically at two shock wave (SW) loaded conditions using XRD measurements. Further, our research contains a comprehensive knowledge about effect of shock wave on rocking curve of APB single crystal measured through high resolution XRD measurement system and the changes in crystalline perfection due to shock wave was analysed. Also, modifications in optical properties were studied due to impact of shock waves. The transmittance was checked through UV-visible spectroscopy and the changes in optical band gap were examined. The defects generated in the APB crystal after every two shocks i.e., shockwave - sample interaction was scrutinized by photoluminescence spectroscopy and surface morphology studies in detail.

Research on the influence of cutting surface characteristics on the cutting load of the conical pick

Abstract A coal rock cutting model was established using ANSYS/LS-DYNA and the influence of different cutting surfaces was studied. By using the control variable method, simulation experiments are conducted on single and multiple conical picks cutting under the different ratios of cutting spacing to the cutting thickness. The variation pattern of the cutting correlation is obtained. The conclusion is that when the ratio is 2-2.5, there is a significant cutting correlation between adjacent picks, and the conical picks have the best cutting performance. As the ratio increases, the cutting correlation between adjacent picks weakens, which is not conducive to the cutting of the pick. This conclusion has important guiding significance for the design of cutting parameters.

Bioinspired starch nanofibrous films with tunable hydrophobicity and water adhesion via tannic acid-interfacial self-assembly for food packaging

To address the limitations in water resistance and functionality of existing starch-based food packaging materials, this study developed a new sustainable food packaging material—starch nanofibrous films (SNFs) enhanced with an acylated tannic acid (ATA) interfacial self-assembly coating. Inspired by the unique hydrophobicity and water adhesion properties of rose petals, which effectively control surface characteristics to maintain microenvironmental humidity during food processing and storage, this approach significantly enhanced the water resistance, stability, and mechanical strength of the material. Specifically, the obtained SNFs/ATA films exhibited a maximum water contact angle of ∼ 134.1°, tensile strength of ∼ 0.86 MPa, and Young’s modulus of ∼ 43.48 MPa. Moreover, the material demonstrated excellent antibacterial and antioxidant properties, UV-blocking capabilities, and degradability, making it an environmentally friendly choice for food packaging. In practical food preservation applications, cherry tomatoes packaged with SNFs/ATA showed a significant extension of shelf life to 15 days, with a 62.5 % reduction in spoilage rate, a 25.4 % decrease in weight loss, and improvements in pH, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids. This work demonstrates structurally regulated polyphenol assembly in the preparation of all-natural green biomimetic surface, creating new opportunities for the development of sustainable bio-based food packaging systems.

High carbon content microporous activated carbon from thin walnut shells: Optimization, physico-chemical analysis and structural profiling

High carbon content-activated carbon with high micro-porosity was prepared from thin walnut shell by pyrolysis process with chemical activation (using KOH), exhibiting the promising potential to be a very good adsorbent. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of activation temperature, holding time and impregnation ratio on moisture content, total carbon content, ash content, BET surface area, adsorption capacity, total pore volume and iodine absorption value. Design expert predicted 5500 C activation temperature, 2.5 h holding time and 1:1 impregnation ratio as optimum conditions for development of activated carbon. The developed activated carbon was compared with market sample activated carbon for physico-chemical properties and surface characteristics. The developed activated carbon was characterized by high carbon content (80.06 %), BET surface area (735.36 m2/g), iodine absorption value (783.64 mg/g), adsorption capacity (201.31 mg/g), low ash content (5.01 %) and total pore volume (0.29). XRD patterns of activated carbon developed from thin walnut shell confirmed its highly amorphous structure. FTIR analysis indicated similarities in peaks at different wave numbers with no significant differences in both samples. SEM-EDX analysis revealed highly porous structure with high carbon, potassium elemental composition of developed activated carbon as compared to market sample.

Enhancement of Scan Strategy for Improving Surface Characteristics of the SLMed Inconel 718 Alloy Component

The technique of selective laser melting has garnered significant interest due to its capacity to fabricate metal parts of any shape using a single printing process. In this study, a scan strategy was proposed for printing the inner structure part based on the varying performance of the Inconel 718 alloy part produced using different scan techniques. The test findings indicated that the surface quality of the printed material along the scan line exhibited significantly superior performance in comparison to that produced in a vertical direction to the scan line. Regarding the scan strategy, it is evident that the zigzag shape scan strategy exhibited superior performance in terms of the microstructure of the printed part. This is attributed to the more consistent cooling rate on each scan track. On the other hand, the square-framed scan strategy demonstrated a relatively optimal condition for the bending deformation of the printed part compared to other scan strategies. This is due to the more appropriate behavior of the molten pool during the outer edge printing process. After considering all of these criteria, a novel scan approach was created that included various scan strategies. The test findings indicated that the component produced using this novel scanning technique exhibited the combined benefits of both the square-shaped and zigzag-shaped scanning strategies.

Development of a Biodegradable Ternary Blend of Poly(vinyl alcohol) and Polyhydroxybutyrate Functionalized with Triacetin for Agricultural Mulch Applications.

The development of biodegradable mulch for agricultural applications represents a sustainable approach to reducing plastic pollution. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is one of the nontoxic and biodegradable polymers that can be used as mulching film. However, a major drawback of PVA is its moisture sensitivity, which limits its applications. In this study, a biocomposite based on PVA and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), plasticized with triacetin, was developed by solvent casting method. The biocomposite film exhibited good mechanical properties, better integrity, reduced transmittance, and light-blocking properties, which can prevent weed growth. Additionally, an improvement in surface characteristics was observed, as demonstrated by the shift in contact angle from 44 to 99° and a reduction in the water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) from 4.82 to 2.31 g/h m2. For agronomic application, the developed films were experimentally applied as mulch for maize plants in pots. The results were positive, showing that the mulches effectively supported the growth of the maize plants. Further, signs of initial degradation were observed after 5 days, and the film reached a degradation level of 50-55% after 30 days under natural conditions. Thus, this work has provided new insights for expanding the application range of PVA films in biobased mulching materials.

Tuning a Superhydrophobic Surface on an Electrospun Polyacrylonitrile Nanofiber Membrane by Polysulfone Blending.

Nanofibers made of different materials have been continuously studied and widely used as membranes due to their simple fabrication techniques and tunable surface characteristics. In this work, we developed polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofiber membranes by the electrospinning method and blended them with polysulfone (PSU) to obtain superhydrophobic surfaces on the fiber structures. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that the fabricated nanofibers have smooth and continuous morphology. In addition, to observe the effect of the PSU-based blending material, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the samples were acquired, providing chemical compositions of the bare and PSU-blended PAN nanofibers. The fabricated PSU/PAN composite nanofibers have a diameter range of 222-392 nm. In terms of the wettability, the measured water contact angle (WCA) value of the PAN nanofibers was improved from (14 ± 1)° to (156 ± 6)°, (160 ± 4)°, (156 ± 6)°, and (158 ± 4)° after being blended with PSU solutions having concentrations of 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 wt %, respectively. This result has proven that the PAN nanofiber surfaces can be tuned from hydrophilic to superhydrophobic characteristics simply by introducing PSU into the PAN solution prior to electrospinning, where a small PSU concentration of 0.5% has been sufficient to provide the desired effect. Owing to its low-cost and highly efficient process, this strategy may be further explored for other types of polymer-based nanofibers.

Automated Tomographic Assessment of Structural Defects of Freeze-Dried Pharmaceuticals

The topology and surface characteristics of lyophilisates significantly impact the stability and reconstitutability of freeze-dried pharmaceuticals. Consequently, visual quality control of the product is imperative. However, this procedure is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive but also expensive and prone to errors. In this paper, we present an approach for fully automated, non-destructive inspection of freeze-dried pharmaceuticals, leveraging robotics, computed tomography, and machine learning.