Emulsifier Concentration Research Articles

Exposure to organophosphate insecticides induces behavioral changes and acetylcholinesterase inhibition in Apis mellifera

European honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) is an essential pollinator that contributes significantly to the global ecosystem and agricultural productivity. However, their population has been facing unprecedented threats, primarily due to their exposure to various pesticides, including organophosphates. These pesticides are being widely used in agriculture to control insect pests due to their efficacy, but their non-selective nature raises concerns about their impact on honey bees. Insecticides viz., chlorpyriphos 20 Emulsifiable Concentrate, dimethoate 30 Emulsifiable Concentrate, and profenophos 50 Emulsifiable Concentrate at a range of 0.005–0.09 per cent concentration were evaluated through two modes of application viz., topical and oral. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was measured at various intervals (1 and 24 hours) to assess enzyme inhibition. Behavioral observations and statistical analyses, including factor analysis with Eigen values, were employed to evaluate the impact of exposure on bee behavior and physiological responses.The results revealed two factors with Eigen value > 0.95 in both topical as well as oral method which accounted for 88.28 and 88.80 per cent of the variation in behaviour, respectively. Insecticides applied to honey bee A. mellifera in both topical as well as oral methods resulted in significant inhibition of the Acetyl choline esterase enzyme (AChE) activity. Studies revealed higher AChE inhibition (%) in oral method as compared to topical method. AChE inhibition percentage increased from 25.15 (1 Hour after treatment) to 58.25 (24 Hours after treatment) with lower concentration (0.005) of chlorpyriphos in topical method while as it reached from 27.66 to 60.94 with same concentration and same time in oral method of application. AChE inhibition percentage increased from 35.81 (1 Hour after treatment) to 78.30 (24 Hours after treatment) with higher concentration (0.06) of chlorpyriphos in topical method while as it reached from 40.35 to 80.18 with same concentration and same time in oral method. Similar trend was observed in dimethoate, and profenophos where AChE inhibition increased from 17.30, 27.15 (1 Hour after treatment) to 57.18, 61.81 (24 Hours after treatment), respectively in topical method and 20.67, 28.80 (1 Hour after treatment) to 59.85 64.04 (24 Hours after treatment), respectively in oral method. Similarly, with higher concentrations of dimethoate (0.07), and profenophos (0.09), per cent inhibition increased from 34.54, 38.60 (1 Hour after treatment) to 75.68, 79.62 (24 Hours after treatment), in topical method and 37.25, 41.23 (1 Hours after treatment) to 77.86, 82.73 (24 Hours after treatment), in oral method, respectively. Thorough risk assessments are vital for evaluating the effects of agrochemicals on Apis mellifera. The findings highlight the necessity for updated pesticide regulations and broadened conservation strategies that take into account the diverse ways pollinators are exposed to agrochemicals in the environment. The study assessed the impact of different insecticides on Apis mellifera by comparing topical and oral exposure methods. The study also aimed to analyze the behavioral effects of insecticide exposure on Apis mellifera, assessing variations in response and enzyme inhibition.The research focused on evaluating Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition to better understand the risks posed to honeybees in agricultural environments.

Emulsification and pH Control for Sustainable Thermochemical Fluids Reactivity

Managing chemical reactivity is crucial for sustainable chemistry and industry, fostering efficiency, reducing chemical waste, saving energy, and protecting the environment. Emulsification is used for different purposes, among them controlling the reactivity of highly reactive chemicals. Thermochemical fluids (TCFs), such as NH4Cl and NaNO2 salts, have been utilized in various applications, including the oil and gas industry. However, the excessive reactivity of TCFs limits their applications and consequently negatively impacts the potential success rates. In this study, an emulsification technique was employed to control the high reactivity of TCFs explored at 50% and 70% in diesel, using three distinct emulsifier systems at concentrations of 1%, 3%, and 5% to form water-in-oil emulsions. The reactivity of 4M neat TCFs and emulsified solutions was examined in an autoclave reactor as a function of triggering temperatures of 65–95 °C, volume fraction, and emulsifier type and concentration. Additionally, this study explores an alternative method for controlling TCF reactivity through pH adjustment. It investigates the impact of TCFs at pH values ranging from 6 to 10 and the initial pressure on the resulting pressure, temperature, and time needed to initiate the TCF’s reaction. The results revealed that both emulsification and pH adjustment have the potential to promote sustainability by controlling the reactivity of TCF reactions. The findings from this study can be utilized to optimize various downhole applications of TCFs, enhancing the efficiency of TCF reactions and success rates. This paper presents in detail the results obtained, and discusses the potential contributions of the examined TCFs’ reactivity control techniques to sustainability.

Emulsifiers: Their Influence on the Rheological and Texture Properties in an Industrial Chocolate

The complexity of the chocolate matrix leads to it having characteristic rheological properties that may pose difficulties for its industrial manufacture. Many factors influence the flow behaviour of chocolates, such as raw materials, the amount of fat, the moisture content, particle-size distribution, the concentration of emulsifiers, or manufacturing conditions, among others. This study focusses on the rheological properties of an industrially manufactured chocolate with a 48% cocoa content, and the effect caused by the addition of two emulsifiers (soya lecithin and polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR)) on the rheological properties. In the case of lecithin, a clear effect has been observed on the plastic viscosity and the yield stress. Plastic viscosity decreases until a concentration of 0.6% lecithin is reached, and thereafter remains relatively constant, while yield stress increases over the studied range. This effect is not observed when PGPR is used as the emulsifying agent. In this case, a small concentration of PGPR decreases the yield stress. Thixotropy was determined using the Casson model, and its behaviour was found to be similar to that of plastic viscosity with respect to changes in the PGPR and lecithin concentrations. Textural determinations were also carried out, relating the rheology characteristics to the texturometry.

Multielemental determination in lubricating oil samples by microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry after extraction induced by emulsion breaking

Extraction induced by emulsion breaking (EIEB) was studied as a strategy for the determination of Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, and Pb in used lubricating oil via microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP OES). No spectral or nonspectral interferences were observed in the developed method. These were evaluated as a function of the emission intensity of natural molecular species in the N2 plasma and different atomic and ionic emission lines. The time required for extraction was evaluated, and the best sensitivity for all the elements was obtained at 40 min of contact between the sample and the extraction solution in the presence of the surfactant. Doehlert matrix response surface methodology was employed to study the effects and interactions between the nitric acid (extractor) and surfactant (emulsifier) concentrations during sample preparation. The recommended conditions for 3.0 g of sample were as follows: 5.0 mL of extraction mixture consisting of 2.8 mol/L nitric acid and 3.0 % (v v−1) of the surfactant Triton X-114. The limits of quantification obtained were 2.9 (Al), 43 (Cr), 4.0 (Cu), 17 (Fe), 4.0 (Mg), 3.7 (Mn), 7.0 (Mo), 9.2 (Ni) and 45 (Pb) µg kg−1. The method developed was applied in the analyses of lubricating oil samples. The following concentration ranges (mg kg−1) were found: 2.5–106 (Al), 2.8–24.8 (Cr), 3.5–21.4 (Cu), 16.9–199 (Fe), 33.4–64.0 (Mg), 0.57–9.7 (Mn), 4.7–43 (Mo), 1.6–11.1 (Ni) and 2.0–12.6 (Pb).

Optimization of docetaxel-loaded cholesterol nanostructured lipid carriers for improving cancer treatment using Taguchi experimental design

Today's diets boost breast, head, neck, ovarian, and lung cancer risk. This has prompted researchers to study active compounds against these slow killers. Docetaxel (DTX) loaded onto cholesterol nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) with elaidic acid appears promising. Carriers were made using solvent emulsification-diffusion. This study used Taguchi's experimental design and analysis with the L16 orthogonal array. The design was utilised to analyse NLC particle size and zeta potential data. These trials considered process factors like elaidic acid percentage (15–30 %), emulsifier concentration (1–4 %), agitation duration (2–8 min), and blending speed (800–1400 rpm). Controlled experimental design plays an important role in pharmaceutical research, as does the privilege of a comprehensive technique aimed to maximize the creation of NLCs loaded with DTX for cancer treatment. Blending speed had a substantial influence on particle size, as the lowest and maximum particle sizes were 170.54 and 190.90 nm. In the zeta potential research, values ranged from 5.88 to 30.72 mV. These data show how important blending speed is in determining particle size. This research supports the sustainable development goals of 3, 9, 12, and 17.

Development of a demulsifier and technological process study for the preparation of highly viscous heavy oils for refinement

One of the challenges in the petroleum industry is the production of highly viscous heavy oils, often accompanied by undesirable emulsion formation with very high aggregate stability. To prepare the crude oils for refinement, the oils must be destroyed. The destruction of aqueous emulsions containing highly viscous heavy oils is an intricate task owing to the comparatively small disparity in water and oil densities, as well as the high viscosity of the dispersive medium and its high content of mechanical impurities. The problem of the destruction of petroleum emulsions arises desperately during the desalination and dehydration of crude oils with a high content of emulsifiers (resins, asphalts, paraffin, etc.) The creation of a highly efficient demulsifier and the development of an optimal technological process for the preparation of highly emulsifying oils that are distinguished by the composition and quantity of emulsifiers of West Siberian oils, which are widely refined in Russia, are the ways to resolve this challenging and timely issue. This study focuses on the viscous heavy oil of the Verbliouje deposit in the Astrakhan region. It also explains the creation of an effective demulsifier for the destruction of petroleum emulsions characterized by a very high emulsifying power and the fundamental principles of the development of deep dehydration technology and desalination of such high-viscosity heavy oils.

The effect of emulsifier concentration on turbulent drop breakup – An experimental study based on single drop visualizations

HypothesisA modified Weber number can capture the effect of emulsifier concentration and the effect of external stress in turbulent drop breakup. Moreover, the effect of emulsifiers on turbulent drop breakup cannot be adequately understood from classic slow/laminar techniques and quasi steady state interfacial tension. ExperimentsSingle drop breakup visualizations are used to study the effect of polysorbate 20 on turbulent drop deformation and breakup. Comparisons are made to drop tensiometry and emulsification experiments. FindingsA high concentration of the emulsifier increases breakup probability and breakup rate and decreases breakup timescales. These effects scale with a Weber number, indicating a lowering of the effective interfacial tension to 71 % of its pure interface value. This is far less than the observed lowering of interfacial tension as measured by quiescent drop tensiometry. Mechanistically, this shows that adsorption during emulsification cannot be limited by diffusion. Studying the effect cross a range of emulsifier concentrations suggest an elastic resistance at intermediate concentrations, further helping to understand the origin of similar effects previously reported in emulsification experiments. Overall, the results show the need to study emulsifiers under turbulent conditions to understand their effects during emulsification, as opposed to the slow/laminar techniques previously used.

Study on the preparation of magnetic Janus nanofluids and oil displacement mechanism

Magnetic nanomaterials, known for their eco-friendliness, low toxicity, strong magnetic response, and reusability, have seen significant advancements in enhancing oil recovery. In this study, the surfactant and magnetic Janus nanoparticles (MJNP) were evaluated and optimized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ζ potential test, scanning electron microscope, emulsion performance evaluation and other analysis, so as to develop magnetic Janus nanofluids (MJNF). Study the flow behavior and enhanced oil recovery mechanism of this nanofluid in porous media through nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and numerical simulation methods. The results showed that when the concentration of surfactant (LAD-30) was 0.08%, the maximum water content of emulsion was 80%, and the viscosity increased by more than 90000%. In addition, when the MJNP concentration is 400 ppm or higher, a stable emulsion is formed at 90 °C. NMR experiment shows that through MJNF oil displacement, the oil recovery of small and medium-sized pores is significantly improved by 25.9% and 18.3%, which indicates that high viscosity emulsion can be formed in situ after MJNF injection, thus achieving consistency control. In addition, the numerical simulation results also found that MJNF injection can improve the oil-water saturation in the pore volume and enhance oil phase flow. The research results provide a new understanding for EOR of emulsion flooding.

Characterization and Inversion Method of Relative Permeability of Emulsion Flooding.

Relative permeability curves are one of the crucial factors that control the behavior of multiphase flow in petroleum reservoirs. Accurate prediction of the relative permeability curve involving emulsification and emulsion transport in emulsion flooding is vital to enhancing heavy oil recovery. In this study, a relative permeability characterization model including the emulsification mechanism and emulsion transport is developed, in which residual oil saturation and end-point permeability for water are parametrized as functions of emulsion concentration and capillary number. Based on the built characterization model, an inversion method (ensemble Kalman filter) is used to estimate the relative permeability curves of emulsion flooding. The inversion results of four sets of emulsion flooding experiments show that the errors of end points between the Johnson-Bossler-Neumann method and inversion method are less than 10%. For the continuous emulsification process in the in situ emulsion flooding tests, the inversed relative permeability curves shift between the upper and the inferior limits of the permeability. The error of residual oil saturation between the inversion and the experiment is less than 10%. In summary, this study demonstrates the feasibility of using the characterization model and inversion method to infer the relative permeability curves of emulsion flooding, which can aid in the predictions of multiphase flow in heavy oil reservoirs.

Laboratory performances during proficiency tests for the analysis of active substances in pesticide formulations during 2021–2023

During the period 2021–2023, the Italian National Institute of Health (ISS) organised, in collaboration with the Italian Health Ministry, proficiency testing (PTs) for about 22 Italian and other EU laboratories involved in the monitoring programmes for Plant Protection Products (PPPs). The aim of the PTs was to determine the amount of active ingredient in various formulations of PPPs. Overall, the type of formulations to be analysed were soluble concentrate (SL), suspension concentrate (SC), capsule suspension (CS), emulsion water oil (EW), soluble water granule (SG), dustable powder (DP), water dispersible granule (WDG) and emulsion concentrate (EC). In 2021, the ISS organised PTs for the determination of Imazamox, Fenhexamid and Trinexapac-ethyl in three different PPPs as soluble concentrate (SL), suspension concentrate (SC), and capsule suspension (CS), respectively. In 2022, PTs for the determination of Bentazone, Spinosad and Tau-Fluvalinate were organised. For this PTs, commercial PPPs were obtained from the Italian market as SC, emulsion oil water (EW) and soluble water granule (SG). In 2023, the PT was organised to determine the active ingredient Trifloxystrobin, Deltamethrin and Cyprodinil in the commercial product as water dispersible granule (WDG), dustable powder (DP) and emulsion concentrate (EC), respectively. Homogeneity and stability, performed for all PT samples, fulfilled the acceptability criteria. The Jarque–Bera test was used to verify the hypothesis of normality of the data distributions before to calculate the z-score values. Laboratory performances, expressed in terms of z-scores, were satisfactory for almost all participants for all substances.

Materials design and strength development of a novel cold recycled mixture with asphalt emulsion and geopolymer

ABSTRACT Cold recycling of asphalt pavement with asphalt emulsion is an important approach for achieving low-carbon and sustainable development in road engineering. Enhancing the performance of cold recycled mixtures has become a key research focus. The objective of this paper is to develop a novel cold-recycled asphalt mixture stabilised with asphalt emulsion and geopolymer (CRM-GE). Firstly, the effects of mixing sequence, geopolymer content, asphalt emulsion content and curing conditions on the strength of the mixture and its time-dependent law are studied. Then, the microstructure and composition of the mixture are analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The results show that the optimum amount of asphalt emulsion is different under different geopolymer contents. The indirect tensile strength of the mixture specimen increases with the increase in the curing time and curing temperature. The microstructure analysis indicates that geopolymer reaction and asphalt emulsion demulsification in CRM-GE with 7-day curing are relatively limited, while asphalt film and the geopolymer reaction products are intertwined to achieve a denser microstructure in CRM-GE with 28-day curing. In addition, the element analysis further verifies the result of materials design and micromorphology analysis.

Production of Monodisperse Large Drop Emulsions by Means of High Internal Phase Pickering Emulsions-Processing and Formulation.

High internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPE) have received significant research attention in the last two decades due to their potential for a wide range of applications. The appropriate processing of such high-viscosity emulsions, hundreds of times more viscous than that of the continuous phase, and the control of the final droplet size remain challenges to be tackled. Our research targeted this knowledge gap by examining the influence of the emulsion formulation and the processing conditions on the final droplet size. The dispersed phase fraction (100 cSt silicon oil) ranged between 75 and 80%. The emulsions were produced in a regular mixing tank equipped with a helical ribbon impeller rotating at a low speed (100-150 rpm). The effective viscosity of the continuous phase was obtained from the experimental torque measurements. The droplet size distributions were measured after emulsification and dilution in the continuous phases. It is shown that the capillary number obtained from the observed emulsification performance can help predict the final droplet size. Our approach provides a straightforward methodology to generate concentrated Pickering emulsions with controlled and predictable droplet size.

Establishment of a semi-continuous nano-production line using the Microfluidizer® technology for the fabrication of lipid-based nanoparticles part 1: Screening of critical parameters and design of experiment optimization studies

A variety of strategies for producing high-quality nanoparticles have been reported in recent years. Batch-based bottom-up and top-down technologies are generally the most efficient methods, but present a number of challenges, particularly in terms of variability, safety, sustainability and large-scale production. In this study, a scalable, semi-continuous production line was built by connecting individual processing units, including a high shear mixing device, the Microfluidizer® technology and a cooling system. Each unit was equipped with an adequate temperature control to allow solvent-free production of solid lipid nanoparticles (consisting of Precirol® ATO 5 or Gelucire® 43/01) and nanostructured lipid carriers (additionally comprising Labrafac™ lipophile WL 1349). Subsequently, critical formulation parameters and critical process parameters (CPPs) of the individual processing units and their effects on particle size (i.e., critical quality attribute (CQA)) were investigated to identify appropriate input parameters for the subsequent Design of Experiment (DoE) studies conducted after linking the process units to a semi-continuous production line. For particle size monitoring, spatially resolved dynamic light scattering (SR-DLS) measurements were conducted and compared to standard DLS measurements to evaluate the applicability of SR-DLS as an inline monitoring tool. It was found that matrix composition, emulsifier concentration, pressure and number of cycles when processing through Microfluidizer® processor were the most influencing parameters. By optimizing these parameters, five-times higher throughputs could be achieved by the semi-continuous manufacturing line. In addition, the particle size measurements with SR-DLS confirmed the feasibility of implementing this technology for real-time particle size monitoring as an important safety factor in quality control.

Enhancing lutein stability and bioaccessibility with high internal phase emulsions stabilized by octenylsuccinylated starch

AbstractLutein possesses antioxidant properties and is a main component of the macular pigment, vital for infant eye and brain development. However, its use is constrained by its poor aqueous solubility and low stability. High internal phase emulsions (HIPEs) are valued in food development for encapsulating and protecting hydrophobic nutraceuticals. The objective of this study is to improve lutein's stability and bioaccessibility using HIPEs stabilized by biopolymer octenylsuccinylated starch (OSS). Three types of commercial OSS, including CAPSUL TA (CTA), HI‐CAP 100 (HC), and Purity Gum 2000, were tested for their emulsification properties in forming lutein HIPEs. Lutein HIPEs stabilized by 15%–25% CTA and 15%–30% HC had no phase separation and were selected for subsequent testing. After 21 days of storage at room temperature, lutein HIPEs showed higher lutein retention compared to free lutein. Lutein HIPEs stabilized with higher emulsifier concentrations (25% CTA and 30% HC) exhibited greater droplet diameter stability than those with lower concentrations. Additionally, lutein HIPEs significantly enhanced lutein retention under UV exposure and thermal stress. The in vitro bioaccessibility of lutein was highest in the HIPE stabilized by 20% CTA, reaching 54.36%. In conclusion, lutein HIPEs stabilized by 20% CTA demonstrated superior lutein stability and bioaccessibility, showing significant potential as an effective lutein delivery system.

Fabrication of ultrafine Himalayan walnut oil Pickering emulsions by ultrasonic emulsification: Techno-functional properties of emulsions and microcapsules

In present scenario, much of the attention has been put on the production and utilization of Pickering emulsions deciphering enhanced stability and applicability over wide environmental conditions. In this context the present study was carried out to elaborate effect of different wall materials and pH systems on the physicochemical, structural and morphological properties of Himalayan walnut oil Pickering emulsions by ultrasonic emulsification. In this study, concentrated Pickering emulsion of Himalayan walnut oil (HWO) was prepared utilizing soy protein isolate (SPI), maltodextrin (MD) stabilized by pectin at varying concentrations and pH systems (4.0, 7.0). With increase in pectin and SPI concentration and lowering MD, stable emulsions were obtained as deciphered by an Emulsion stability index (ESI) of 100 for 7 days at ambient storage. HWO Pickering emulsions were analysed for particle size measurements (2.13–13.64 µm) and depicted negative zeta potential values (−3.70 to −18.58). Lyophilized HWO microcapsules depicted moderate encapsulation efficiency (44.69–57.63 %) whereas the hygroscopicity values of the microcapsule ranged from (0.21–12.10 %). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of the samples depicted the temperature of maximum degradation rate up to 550 °C whereas XRD spectra depicted amorphous nature of oil microcapsules. FTIR spectra revealed a close association between the SPI-MD-Pectin matrix. SEM analysis revealed stable oil globules entrapped in protein-polysaccharide matrix with no visible cracks and fissures.

Divergence of Critical Fluctuations on Approaching Catastrophic Phase Inversion in Turbulent Emulsions.

Catastrophic phase inversion, the breakdown of a concentrated emulsion characterized by the most puzzling sudden feature, is crucial in numerous industrial applications. Here we combine well-controlled experiments and fully resolved numerical simulations to study the critical dynamics of catastrophic phase inversion in oil-water emulsions under turbulent flow as the phase-inversion volume fraction is approached. We reveal that the phase inversion is characterized by the critical power-law divergence of fluctuations in the global drag force. We determine the enhanced dynamical heterogeneity in the local droplet structures at approaching the phase inversion, and tightly connect it to the diverging drag fluctuations. Moreover, we show that near to the critical point the phase inversion is triggered as a stochastic process by large fluctuations at both large and small scales. Our findings pave the way to modeling the phase inversion process as an out-of-equilibrium critical-like phenomena.

Fabrication of High-Performance Asphalt Mixture Using Waterborne Epoxy-Acrylate Resin Modified Emulsified Asphalt (WEREA)

Existing research shows that using waterborne epoxy resin (WER) instead of emulsified asphalt as the binder for cold mix asphalt (CMA) can enhance the rutting resistance, high-temperature performance, fracture performance, and early performance of CMA. In order to eliminate the potential drawbacks such as insufficient strength and low-temperature performance of CMA during application, a novel method was proposed in this study for the preparation of waterborne epoxy-acrylate resin (WER), specifically tailored to modify emulsified asphalt, resulting in waterborne epoxy-acrylate resin emulsified asphalt (WEREA). The modification effect of WER on emulsified asphalt was evaluated through rheological tests and direct tensile tests. A modified design method based on the conventional Marshall design method was proposed to determine the optimal mix proportions, including the key parameters of specimen compaction and curing. The results revealed that the incorporation of WER led to a substantial improvement in the complex shear modulus and a concurrent decrease in the phase angle. When the temperature exceeded 60 °C, the phase angle exhibited a diminishing trend, indicative of a reduced viscosity as temperatures escalated. As the WER content increased, a decrease in the direct tensile strain rate was observed, accompanied by a substantial elevation in direct tensile strength. At various stress levels, the shear strain of WEREA decreases with increased content of WER, indicating that the incorporation of WER can enhance the hardness of emulsified asphalt and improve its deformation resistance. The results from MSCR tests indicate that WER could significantly improve the elasticity and hardness of emulsified asphalt, transitioning it from a viscoelastic material to an elastic material, thereby improving its deformation resistance, resistance to rutting, and high-temperature performance. The results of fatigue life are consistent with those of the amplitude sweep, both reflecting the improvement of resistance to deformation of emulsified asphalt by WER. This indicates that WER has a significant improving effect on the fatigue resistance of emulsified asphalt. Furthermore, the Marshall design tests further confirmed the advantages of WEREA in asphalt mixtures. The optimal preparation for the WEREA mixture was proposed as follows: double-sided compaction for 50 times each, aging at 60 °C for 48 h, optimal moisture content of 5.14%, cement content of 2.5%, and emulsion content of 8.4%. The optimal mix proportions identified through these tests yielded asphalt mixtures with significantly improved stability, reduced flow value, and enhanced rutting resistance compared to the hot-mix asphalt mixture (HMA) of AC-16. These findings suggest that WEREA has the potential to significantly enhance the durability and longevity of asphalt pavements. For future applications, it can be explored for use in producing cold recycled asphalt mixtures. In addition to designing the WEREA mixture according to AC-16 gradation, consideration can also be given to using a gradation with a smaller nominal maximum aggregate size for the application in the surface layer or ultra-thin wearing course.

Dehydration of turbine engine lubricant oil using cellulose hydrogel

Contamination of oils by water is a recurring problem in the industry and can damage engines and equipment. Oil dehydration systems with hydrogels have shown promise for the removal of free, soluble, and emulsified water. This work evaluates, in an unprecedented way, the dehydration of turbine lubricating oil using a cellulose hydrogel. The synthesis of the hydrogel was confirmed by the formation of specific functional groups. The hydrogel was characterized through high-resolution SEM, EDS, FTIR, BET, TGA, DVS and swelling degree. The oil was evaluated regarding its composition and physicochemical properties. The performance of the hydrogel in the treatment of water-in-oil emulsion was analyzed in batch and continuous flow systems. A fixed bed apparatus was specially designed and sized according to the industry's specifications to simulate on-site application. The batch treatment was evaluated using orbital and full tumbling inversion mixing systems, both reaching removal efficiency of around 47 %. Mixing by full tumbling allowed greater stability of the emulsion and control of the water concentration, but it required a longer time to enable adequate water uptake by the hydrogel. The efficiency of the hydrogel in the continuous flow system was affected by retention time and inlet water concentration. With a retention time of 12 min, it was possible to treat 1 L of oil, reducing the water concentration from 412 ppm to 197 ppm and the turbidity from Haze 6 to Haze 1. Thus, the cellulose hydrogel was efficient in dehydrating turbine lubricating oil, opening up the possibility of expanding its use to industrial facilities.

Hydrophobic and positively charged magnetic nanoparticles for enhanced oil recovery from concentrated emulsion wastewaters

With the development of petroleum industry, a large amount of oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion wastewaters were produced, resulting in serious environmental pollution and resource waste. Up till now, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were frequently reported in emulsion wastewater treatment and mainly focused on the water purification, but little effort was devoted to the facile recovery of oil resource. In the present work, a class of hydrophobic and positively charged MNPs, namely dimethyloctadecyl [3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl] ammonium chloride (DOTAC)-coated MNPs (M−DOTAC), was carefully synthesized by regulating DOTAC anchoring density on Fe3O4@SiO2, and then employed to treat the concentrated emulsion wastewaters stabilized by anionic sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate (SDBS) or nonionic Tween-80. M−DOTAC with relatively high DOTAC density (M−DOTAC 1.8) exhibited higher positive charge density and hydrophobicity, and hence could significantly promote the oil droplet coalescence and mergence via the electrostatic attraction and hydrophobic adsorption bridging as well as the hydrophilic-lipophilic transition of interfacial adsorption layer. Accordingly, with addition of moderate dosage of M−DOTAC 1.8, the emulsion was broken and divided into three layers: (1) a continuous oil layer was formed in the upper layer which could be directly recycled; (2) the middle layer was composed of MNPs-tagged oil droplets/flocs; (3) the bottom layer was the clearer water phase. The optimal recovery rate of oil resource reached ∼ 60 % in SDBS stabilized system, and further increased to ∼ 98 % in Tween-80 stabilized system. However, the oil recovery rate was declined at an excessive dosage of M−DOTAC 1.8 due the formation of double emulsion. Besides, M−DOTAC 1.8 exhibited good reusability. These results indicated the fabricated M−DOTAC had great application prospect in treating emulsion wastewaters containing high oil content.

Pickering emulsions based on ovalbumin‐ferulic acid‐sodium alginate supramolecular hydrogels: application to cookies replacing margarine

SummaryMargarine contains trans fatty acids, which have been linked to adverse effects on human health. It is therefore of the utmost importance to develop superior margarine substitutes for use in baked foods. The protein‐polyphenol‐polysaccharide ternary supramolecular system displays remarkable stability and can be utilised in the formulation of emulsions for partial margarine replacement. The aim of this study was to examine the stability of an ovalbumin (OVA)‐ferulic acid (FA)‐sodium alginate (SA) ternary supramolecular emulsion with varying water‐to‐oil ratios. The emulsion was evaluated for its potential as a substitute for margarine in cookies. The findings revealed that the specific emulsion instability of the system initially increased and subsequently decreased with an increase in corn oil content, reaching an optimal point of stability and dispersibility at a water‐to‐oil ratio of 5:11. As the emulsion was incorporated into the cookie dough at levels ranging from 0% to 100% margarine, the viscoelasticity of the dough was enhanced and the hardness was reduced. As the emulsion content increased in place of margarine, the cookies exhibited visible cracks on the surface, accompanied by an increase in hardness, baking loss rate and a notable change in colour. The cookies demonstrated the optimal quality when the emulsion content was 40%.