Design Of Experiment Software Research Articles

Quality by design approach for fabrication of extended-release buccal films for xerostomia employing hot-melt extrusion technology

The study endeavors the fabrication of extended-release adipic acid (APA) buccal films employing a quality by design (QbD) approach. The films intended for the treatment of xerostomia were developed utilizing hot-melt extrusion technology. The patient-centered quality target product profile was created, and the critical quality attributes were identified accordingly. Three early-stage formulation development trials, complemented by risk assessment aligned the formulation and process parameters with the product quality standards. Employing a D-optimal mixture design, the formulations were systematically optimized by evaluating three formulation variables: amount of the release-controlling polymer Eudragit® (E RSPO), bioadhesive agent Carbopol® (CBP 971P), and pore forming agent polyethylene glycol (PEG 1500) as independent variables, and % APA release in 1, 4 and 8 h as responses. Using design of experiment software (Design-Expert®), a total of 16 experimental runs were computed and extruded using a Thermofisher ScientificTM twin screw extruder. All films exhibited acceptable content uniformity and extended-release profiles with the potential for releasing APA for at least 8 h. Films containing 30% E RSPO, 10% CBP 971P, and 20% PEG 1500 released 88.6% APA in 8 h. Increasing the CBP concentration enhanced adhesiveness and swelling capacities while decreasing E RSPO concentration yielded films with higher mechanical strength. The release kinetics fitted well into Higuchi and Krosmeyer-Peppas models indicating a Fickian diffusion release mechanism.

Fluconazole Microemulsions: Preparation, Statistical Optimization by Two-Level Factorial Design, and Physicochemical Evaluation

Background:: Candida albicans is the yeast that causes the fungal infection known as candidiasis. One of the standard methods for treating candida is the application of fluconazole. The low solubility of fluconazole in aqueous media is a big problem in the use of this agent. Novel drug delivery systems, such as microemulsions, could be applied to solve this problem. The main aim of this study was to perform statistical optimization of the formulation and physicochemical characterization of fluconazole microemulsion. Methods:: Optimization of the microemulsion formulation was done by using experimental design software, and then fluconazole was loaded onto the best formulation at a concentration of 1 % w/w. The physiochemistry of the microemulsion formulation was assessed by pH measurement, rheology measurement, simultaneous thermal analysis, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Results:: The two-level fractional factorial design application demonstrated the optimum formulation to consist of surfactant, co-surfactant, oil content, and water, comprising 58%, 27%, 10%, and 5% of the formulation, respectively. Desirable thermal mass was observed up to 150°C. The formulation was a non-Newtonian shear-thinning liquid in terms of viscosity, with a reported pH between 6.5-7. Conclusion:: Considerably stable, high-quality microemulsion formulations containing fluconazole are presented, which are applicable for antifungal skin candidiasis treatment in clinical trials.

Optimization of a Bacterial Cultivation Medium via a Design-of-Experiment Approach in a Sartorius Ambr® 15 Fermentation Microbioreactor System

In the evolving landscape of sustainable biopharmaceutical process development, the utilization of bacteria in the production of various compounds via fermentation has attracted extensive attention from scientists. A successful fermentation process and the release of its associated products hinge on the synergy between an efficient bacterial strain and the formulation of a suitable growth medium. Balancing all nutrient levels of a growth medium to maximize microbial growth and the product quality is quite an intricate task. In this context, significant advancements have been achieved via the strategic implementation of design-of-experiment (DOE) methodologies and the utilization of parallel microbioreactor systems. This work presents a case study of the fermentation growth medium optimization of a Gram-negative bacterium of the Neisseriaceae family that releases outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), which represent a potential vaccine platform. To achieve this, the ability of Sartorius MODDE®13 DOE software to explore multiple variables and their interactions was combined with the functionality of a Sartorius Ambr® 15F parallel microbioreactor system. The findings reported in this study have led to the design of a well-suited fermentation medium for a Gram-negative bacterium and an improvement in the quality of the OMVs produced from it.

An experimental study on the adsorption behavior of gold glycinate complex on graphene oxide

Graphene oxide (GO) has recently gained plenty of attention as an effective adsorbent for gold recovery from leaching solutions, primarily due to its larger surface area compared to activated carbon (AC). In this study, the adsorption behavior of gold glycinate complex (Augly2−) on GO surface was investigated using equilibrium isotherm and kinetic studies for the first time. The optimal conditions for adsorption were determined using an experimental design software (DX-13) based on the response surface method (RSM). These conditions were found to be a pH of 10.5, GO dosage of 0.6 g L−1, gold concentration of 6 mg L−1, and contact time of 10 h, resulting in the adsorption percentage of 74.2% and adsorption capacity of 7.4 mg g−1. The equilibrium isotherm studies indicated that the adsorption process adhered to the Freundlich isotherm model. Additionally, the results of the kinetic study revealed that the pseudo-second-order model exhibited a stronger correlation with the experimental data compared to other kinetic models. Surface analysis studies using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) spectroscopy demonstrated that the remarkable recovery of Augly2− was mainly attributed to the presence of oxygen containing functional groups on the GO surface.

Experimental and numerical study of effecting core configurations on the static and dynamic behavior of honeycomb plate with aluminum material

The sandwich panel incorporated a honeycomb core, a widely utilized composite structure recognized as a fundamental classification of composite materials. Comprised a core resembling a honeycomb, possessing thickness and softness, and is flank by rigid face sheets that sandwich various shapes and materials. In this paper, an investigation of static and dynamic analysis of aluminum honeycomb sandwich composite lightweight plates has been presented. Honeycomb sandwich plate samples are 300 mm long, and 300 mm wide, with various heights (10, 15, 20, and 25) mm. Aluminum honeycomb core is manufactured using resistance spot welding (RSW) as a novel technique instead of adhesive material, which is often used when an industrial flaw is detected. Numerical optimization based on response surface methodology (RSM) and design of experiment software (DOE) was used to verify the current work. A theoretical examination of the crashworthiness behavior (maximum bending load, maximum deflection) and vibration attributes (natural frequency, damping ratio, transient temporal response) of honeycomb sandwich panels with different design parameters was also carried out. In addition, the finite element method-based ANSYS software was used to confirm the theoretical conclusions. The findings of the present work showed that the relationship between the natural frequency, core height, and cell size is direct. In contrast, the relationship between the natural frequency and the thickness of the cell wall is inverse. Conversely, the damping ratio is inversely proportional to the core height and cell size but directly proportional to the thickness of the cell wall. The study indicates that altering the core height within 10–25 mm leads to a significant increase of 82% in the natural frequency and a notable decrease of 49% in the damping ratio. These findings are based on a specific cell size value of 0.01 m and a cell wall thickness of 0.001 m. Also, the results indicate that for a given set of cell wall thickness and size values, an increase in core height from 0.01 m to 0.025 m leads to a reduction of the maximum transient response percentage of approximately 76%. Conversely, the increasing thickness of the cell wall, spanning from 0.3 mm to 0.7 mm at a constant core height equal to 0.015 m, resulted in a decrease of the maximum transient response by 7.8%.

Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of Extracts Obtained from Young Shoots of Blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum L.), European Blueberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.), and Mountain Cranberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.)

This study explores the bioactive potential of young shoots from blackcurrant, European blueberry, and mountain cranberry, widely employed in gemmotherapy and phytotherapy, as rich sources of antioxidants, antimicrobial agents, and anti-inflammatory components. The primary aims of this study were to enhance the extraction conditions for bioactive compounds from blackcurrant young shoots using Modde software for experimental design, to conduct a comprehensive phytochemical analysis of blackcurrant, European blueberry, and mountain cranberry young shoot extracts through LC–MS analysis, and to evaluate the in vitro biological activities of these optimized extracts. The experimental design comprised multiple variables: extraction techniques, solvent type, extraction time, apparent pH, and the solvent-to-vegetal product ratio. The responses included total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, condensed tannin content, and total antioxidant activity determined through the DPPH assay. Furthermore, the antioxidant potential of the extracts was validated through in vitro cell culture experiments, in addition to the cytotoxicity assessments conducted on both normal and cancer cell lines. Extracts obtained through Ultra-Turrax extraction using 70% acetone displayed high levels of polyphenolic compounds and enhanced antioxidant potential, regardless of young shoots origin. LC–MS analysis revealed the predominant occurrence of chlorogenic acid, hyperoside, and isoquercitrin in all examined samples. The optimized extracts also displayed significant biological potential when evaluated in vitro on cell lines. These results provide valuable insights into the potent bioactive components present in these young shoot extracts, paving the way for further exploration in therapeutic applications.

Engine vibration and noise characteristics of common rail direct injection engine fuelled with orange peel oil by response surface methodology based multi-objective optimization

The present study aims to find out the noise and vibration & compatibility of OPO (orange peel oil) in the common rail direct injection engine. Various injection strategies like FIP (fuel injection pressure), pilot mass, pilot injection timing, and engine speed are examined at idling mode using the design of experiments software. The obtained results are post-processed and computed in the form of perturbation and surface plots based on RSM (response surface methodology) and analysis of variance. Considering the trade-off with combustion parameters, the engine speed is found to be more responsible for crank level vibrations while FIP created more influence in head level vibrations. OPO B20 (20% OPO + 80% diesel by volume) injected 28° CA bTDC (before top dead centre) is predicted to be optimum by using RSM. In the case of diesel fuel, vibrations at the head level show a noticeable increase in all three directions as the FIP is raised. However, when using a OPO B20, the vibrations primarily in the z-direction are significantly affected by the FIP changes. Additionally, for OPO B20 fuel at idling operation, the pilot mass of 20%, engine speed at 979 rpm, and a fuel injection pressure of 300 bar are the optimal setting condition to achieve favourable characteristics of combustion, vibration and noise.

Permen Sambal Pecel: A New Variant of Traditional Cuisine from Madiun City

Sambal pecel is a typical food of the City of Madiun. In an effort to maintain the existence and product development, product development needs to be done through variation of sambal pecel products. This study aims to provide an alternative variation of a new product in the form of sambal pecel candy. This new variant of the sambal pecel product is intended to introduce sambal pecel to children. Determination of the formulation for making sambal pecel candy, namely sambal pecel, sucrose, glucose, and water was carried out using an experimental method. In processing the data, researchers used the Design Expert 13 application with the Simplex Lattice Design method. This study gave the result that the form of sambal pecel candy that children like is the lollipop form. Based on the experiment as a whole, the sambal pecel candy formula has a significant effect on organoleptic testing on the hedonic scale value p <0.05. The composition of the pecel sauce chosen by consumers was 25 gr, 80 gr sucrose, 40 gr glucose, and 95 ml water with an average score of 3.89. Highlights:
 
 
 Product Diversification: The study focuses on diversifying traditional sambal pecel into a new product, sambal pecel candy, to attract a wider audience.
 
 
 Child-friendly Introduction: The new candy variant aims to introduce the flavors of sambal pecel to children, promoting the traditional cuisine in a form suitable for young palates.
 
 
 Formulation Experimentation: Through experimental methods and design software, the optimal formulation for sambal pecel candy was determined, considering factors like taste and texture.
 
 
 Keywords: Sambal Pecel Candy, Product Variation, Children, Formulation, Organoleptic Testing

Valorization of lignin for the production of vanillin by Bacillus aryabhattai NCIM 5503

Coconut coir waste is a rich lignocellulosic biomass. The coconut coir waste generated from temples is resistant to natural degradation, and its accumulation causes environmental pollution. Ferulic acid, a vanillin precursor, was extracted from the coconut coir waste by hydro-distillation extraction. The extracted ferulic acid was used for vanillin synthesis by Bacillus aryabhattai NCIM 5503 under submerged fermentation. In the present study, the Taguchi DOE (design of experiment) software was used to optimize the fermentation process, which resulted in a 1.3 fold increase in vanillin yield (640.96 ± 0.02 mg/L), as compared to the unoptimized yield of 495.96 ± 0.01 mg/L. The optimized media for enhanced vanillin production comprised; fructose 0.75 % (w/v), beef extract 1 % (w/v), pH 9, temperature 30℃, agitation speed 100 rpm, trace metal solution 1 % (v/v), and ferulic acid 2 % (v/v). The results show that the commercial production of vanillin can be envisioned using coconut coir waste.

Determination of Valbenazine related substances by liquid chromatography method complying with the current regulatory guidelines. Method robustness evaluation by Design of Experiments software

AbstractA simple, specific, rapid, sensitive reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated for the determination of Valbenazine, impurities, and its degradation products. The proposed high‐performance liquid chromatography method showed optimum separation in 60 min using potassium dihydrogen phosphate buffer and ACN in the ratio of 90:10 (V/V) as mobile phase‐A whereas ACN and methanol in the ratio of 60:40 (V/V) as mobile phase‐B. YMC‐Pack ODS‐AQ (150 × 4.6 mm, 3.0 μm), column used along with security guard cartridge C18, (4.0 × 3.0 mm) at 1.1 ml/min flow. The injection volume was 10 μl and detection was carried out at 285 nm. The drug was degraded under different stress conditions and the method was validated as per International Conference on Harmonization guidelines on the basis of accuracy, precision, linearity, and robustness. A degradation study indicates that Valbenazine is prone to oxidative degradation. The method was linear over the concentration range of limit of quantitation to 200% for impurities and drug substances. The method was found robust and was studied by the design of experiments. The proposed method is applicable for the determination of the stability of Valibenazine and was successfully used in the quality control of bulk drug manufacturing and pharmaceuticals.

Optimization and Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Herbal Emulgel loaded with Vitex Negundo for Enhanced Permeation

The use of conventional drugs for the treatment of pain and inflammation has largely resulted in various side effects. These challenges have triggered the search for alternative therapy such as herbal medication that may serve as a safe, effective, and alternate treatment approach to managing pain and inflammation. Vitex negundo, a potential lipophilic molecule, possesses limited solubility and permeability. Emulgels are either water-in-oil or oil-in-water type emulsions, mixed with a gelling agent to form a gel for the delivery of lipophilic active ingredients. Therefore the current study is undertaken for the effective delivery of vitex negundo locally in the form of oil-in-water emulgel for improving solubility and permeability. The emulgel was formulated from carbopol 934 with vitex negundo in mineral oil emulsion using tween 80 (surfactant), and triethanolamine (co-surfactant). The formulations were optimized using the design of experiment software. The optimized emulgel formulation containing Smix (tween 80 and triethanolamine) ratio of 61.90, mineral oil 50.58%, and carbopol 934 3% showed a pH of 6.5±0.3, a viscosity of 17793 – 939 cps, and spreadability of 7.07 g.cm/s. Data from in-vitro and ex-vivo diffusion studies demonstrated improved permeability properties. The stability of the optimized emulgel formulation was additionally examined at ambient temperature for 28 days. The emulgel remained stable for 28 days. Based on the overall results we can conclude that emulgel can be a promising and suitable formulation for the application of vitex negundo.

The effect of pre-microwave irradiation on the floatation of polystyrene, polyethylene terephthalate, and polyvinylchloride using numerous traditional depressants

The absence of an effective technique for separation of an individual plastic from a mixture of plastics, is one of the most important concern in plastics waste management. The recently introduced floatation technique used to separate the selected engineering plastics including, polystyrene (PS), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyvinylchloride (PVC) from each other. The floatation was assisted by using the traditional depressants (chemical agents). The effects of plastics surface pre-microwave irradiation at different microwave output powers, 20–100% studied on the floatation of each plastic. Also, the effect of depressant concentration, 400–2000 mg/L on the plastics floatation was evaluated. The results showed the pre-microwave irradiation of the plastics surface at different microwave output powers and depressant concentrations had important influence on the sink-float behavior of the studied plastics with the exception of PET. It seemed, the number and type of the active sites on the plastics surface changed after microwave irradiation. There was not any regular trend for the floatability of a plastic with increasing the microwave output power. The results reinforced by the traditional identification techniques including contact angle (θ) measurement, scanning electron microscope (SEM) images, and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) spectra analysis. The driven equations by a design of experiment software (Design-Expert ®) showed suitable conformity between the predicted and actual plastics flotation values.

A Zn‐Based Metal‐Organic Framework Modified by CuCl2 Under Ambient Conditions for Simultaneous Ultrasonic‐Assisted Removal of Pb and Cd Ions with Fast Kinetics from Aqueous Solution

AbstractWater pollution has become one of the most severe issues due to the growth of various industries and increased urbanization. Heavy metals are a contaminant that has sparked widespread concern in recent decades. Both natural and human activities cause heavy metal accumulation in the environment. They have a wide range of adverse impacts on the environment and the health of living organisms. Because of its simplicity, high speed, and cost‐effectiveness, adsorption is the most widely used heavy metal removal method. In this study, a metal‐organic framework MOF‐5 modified by CuCl2 was used as an adsorbent to simultaneously remove lead and cadmium heavy metal ions. The structure was identified using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), an X‐ray diffraction pattern (XRD), Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and nitrogen adsorption and desorption analysis (BET). The central composite design was applied to achieve the optimum adsorption conditions. The optimum conditions were pH=7, the adsorbent dosage of 8 mg, a three‐minute lead concentration of 79 mg/L, and a cadmium concentration of 19 mg/L in the experimental design software. Lead and Cadmium RSD was 1.42 % and 2.3 %, respectively.

Newfangled Topical Film-Forming Solution for Facilitated Antifungal Therapy: Design, Development, Characterization, and In Vitro Evaluation.

Luliconazole is a broad-spectrum topical antifungal agent that acts by altering the synthesis of fungi cell membranes. Literature suggests that the recurrence of fungal infection can be avoided by altering the pH of the site of infection. Studies have also suggested that fungi thrive by altering skin pH to be slightly acidic, i.e., pH 3-5. The current study is aimed to design, develop, characterize, and evaluate an alkaline pH-based antifungal spray solution for antifungal effects. Luliconazole was used as an antifungal agent and an alkaline spray was formulated for topical application by using Eudragit RS 100, propylene glycol (PG), water, sodium bicarbonate, and ethanol via solubilization method. Herein, sodium bicarbonate was used as an alkalizing agent. Based on DSC, FTIR, PXRD, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and rheological analysis outcomes, the drug (luliconazole) and polymer were found to be compatible. F-14 formulation containing 22% Eudragit RS 100 (ERS), 1.5% PG, and 0.25% sodium bicarbonate was optimized by adopting the quality by design approach by using design of experiment software. The viscosity, pH, drying time, volume of solution post spraying, and spray angle were, 14.99 ± 0.21 cp, 8 pH, 60 s, 0.25 mL ± 0.05 mL, and 80 ± 2, respectively. In vitro drug diffusion studies and in vitro antifungal trials against Candida albicans revealed 98.0 ± 0.2% drug diffusion with a zone of inhibition of 9 ± 0.12 mm. The findings of the optimized luliconazole topical film-forming solution were satisfactory, it was compatible with human skin, and depicted sustained drug release that suggests promising applicability in facilitated topical antifungal treatments.

Thermoresponsive nanocomposite hydrogels based on Gelatin/poly (N–isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) for controlled drug delivery

This study is focused on developing thermoresponsive nanocomposite hydrogels based on gelatin by the incorporation of a thermoresponsive polymer, poly (N–isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), that can undergo a sol–gel transition by physiological conditions with the aim of minimally invasive drug delivery. Various hybrid nanocomposite hydrogels consisting of gelatin as the matrix and acetaminophen–loaded PNIPAM nanoparticles were prepared using response surface methodology through the design of experiment software. PNIPAM nanoparticles were synthesized using the photopolymerization technique. Nanocomposite hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), swelling capacity, hydrolytic degradation, antibacterial and cell viability measurements, and release studies. Narrow size distribution of PNIPAM nanoparticles was observed, indicating successful polymerization and good size control by the reactor size. The system exhibited a reversible sol–gel transition around 37 °C, close to body temperature. The swelling capacity of nanocomposite hydrogel was found to decrease above the phase transition temperature. Drug–loaded gelatin–PNIPAM nanocomposite hydrogels indicated the antibacterial activity against the gram–positive and gram–negative species. Hydrogels with a lower ratio of PNIPAM to gelatin demonstrated a lower amount, more uniform, and delayed release compared to the other hydrogels, indicating good potential for drug delivery targeted purposes.

The Efficacy of Cold Atmospheric Plasma Deposited Antibiotics on Titanium Surfaces and Their Elution Liquids Against Staphylococcus aureus Growth Over Time

Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) was used to deposit antibiotics, penicillin, and ciprofloxacin, separately onto titanium coupons. The antibiotic coating parameters were varied using a design of experiment software which factored in plasma power, bacterial and antibiotic load. The antimicrobial activity of the plasma deposited antibiotics was benchmarked against conventional spray coated materials and the effect of the plasma exposure is discussed. The deposited antibiotics were characterized using various surface analysis and microbiological techniques. It was found that the antibiotics were not degraded and retained antibiotic activity against planktonic <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> bacteria. However, the presence of the plasma during coating did alter the elution profile of the antibiotics and helped prolong the activity of the antibiotics on the metal surface. This study may contribute to the development of novel implant coating procedures that can offer prolonged antimicrobial protection.

Synthesis and appraisal of dalbergin-loaded PLGA nanoparticles modified with galactose against hepatocellular carcinoma: In-vitro, pharmacokinetic, and in-silico studies.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common malignancy which affects a substantial number of individuals all over the globe. It is the third primary cause of death among persons with neoplasm and has the fifth largest mortality rate among men and the seventh highest mortality rate among women. Dalbergin (DL) is described to be effective in breast cancer via changing mRNA levels of apoptosis-related proteins. DL belongs to neoflavonoids, a drug category with low solubility and poor bioavailability. We created a synthetic version of this naturally occurring chemical, DL, and then analyzed it using 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and LC-MS. We also made PLGA nanoparticles and then coated them with galactose. The design of experiment software was used to optimize DL-loaded galactose-modified PLGA nanoparticles. The optimized DL-nanoformulations (DLF) and DL-modified nanoformulations (DLMF) were analyzed for particle size, polydispersity index, shape, and potential interactions. In-vitro experiments on liver cancer cell lines (HepG2) are used to validate the anti-proliferative efficacy of the modified DLMF. The in-vitro research on HepG2 cell lines also demonstrated cellular accumulation of DLF and DLMF by FITC level. The in-vitro result suggested that DLMF has high therapeutic effectiveness against HCC. In-vivo pharmacokinetics and bio-distribution experiments revealed that DLMF excelled pristine DL in terms of pharmacokinetic performance and targeted delivery, which is related to galactose's targeting activity on the asialoglycoprotein receptor (ASGPR) in hepatic cells. Additionally, we performed an in-silico study of DL on caspase 3 and 9 proteins, and the results were found to be -6.7kcal/mol and -6.6kcal/mol, respectively. Our in-silico analysis revealed that the DL had strong apoptotic properties against HCC.

Application of Parametric Modeling in Atomic Layer Deposition

Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) is sequential and conformal process that provides precise thickness control due to its self-limiting nature even in high aspect ratio structures. The exponential growth in the use of ALD is due the availability of hundreds of precursor chemistries for diverse technological applications beyond just semiconductors and microelectronics. However, one of recurring challenges is the problem of results disparity, and errors that underline the causes of disparity, primarily may be due to lack of consistency in process optimization and reproducibility. In this research, a Design of Experiment (DoE) approach is adopted for parametric optimization for synthesis of Al2O3 thin films using ALD. The objective of this work is to adopt DoE for reproducible ALD synthesis processes within statistical reliability.Briefly, the precursors used for Al2O3 ALD (Ultratech Veeco Thermal ALD) were Trimethylaluminum (TMA) and H2O with Ozone. The effect of four parameters, namely pulse duration of TMA and water, number of cycles, and temperature were evaluated for the response parameter of Al2O3 thickness on Si with 300 nm of SiO2. E-Chip DoE software was chosen for data modeling. E-Chip considers multivariate analysis to provide the parametric relationship for Analysis of Variances (ANOVA) and predictive surface response analysis, thus eliminating the need for extensive process optimization experiments that are required for full factorial design. Initially, screening experiments were conducted to determine the levels of input parameters. The pulse duration for TMA and H2O were 0.01-0.02 sec, the number of cycles were varied between 50 and 100, the temperature range was 100-200 0C. For each sample, five thickness and roughness readings were measured on an ex-situ ellipsometer and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM). The stoichiometry of Al2O3 thin films were evaluated using XPS.The data analysis reveals that the influential parameters are number of cycles, pulse duration, and temperature in the order of their significance. The direct relationship between number of cycles and Al2O3 thickness infers that flux available is effectively used for layer growth. The consistency of layer thickness is related not just to the conformality but also to the adsorption of reactive species effectively. Uneven pulse duration also contributes to the linear growth of layer thickness, which supports the effectiveness of reactive species saturation and purging of un-reactive elements. The temperature variation was also an influential parameter as it affected the vapor pressure for TMA and H2O. This mechanistic model based on DoE is a suitable tool to predict the ALD’s growth per cycle, which can further help in understanding of any chemisorption with substrate treatment or variation in film roughness characteristics. Study of other DoE parameters such as type of substrate, substrate functionalization, reactor size in relation to the size of substrate, and purge duration are ongoing. Figure 1 describes the ANOVA chart estimates and surface response graphs, which identifies the bounded parametric region along with the ability to predict the influence of change in parameters based on developed mechanistic model. Figure 1

Investigation of Welding Process Parameters In Friction Stir Welding of AA1100 Alloy Using Taguchi Technique

Friction stir welding (FSW) of aluminium alloy AA1100 is investigated in this work. The process parameters considered in the work includes; tool tilt angle, tool pin geometry, tool rotational speed and welding speed. The tensile strength, welding temperature and hardness are considered as the responses and selection of optimum welding process parameters for maximizing tensile strength, hardness and minimization of the welding temperature are demonstrated using Taguchi technique and Response surface methodology. Four levels for the welding process parameters are selected and Taguchi L16 orthogonal array is used to perform 16 experiments as designed by the design of experiments software. Aluminium alloys of AA1100 of thickness 2mm are chosen for this experimental work. The specially designed tool which is made up of high tool steel material is used in this Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process. Tool pins of various shapes are considered in this study. ANOVA analysis is carried out for every response and the S/N ratio for the strength, hardness and welding temperature are determined and the main effects plots for signal to noise ratio are plotted and discussed. The microstructure of the grain size infl uences the tensile strength of the weld joint. It is observed that the tool tilt angle provides very less infl uence in the determination of the tensile strength during FSW of AA1100 aluminium alloy. It is observed that by increasing the tool tilt angle, tool penetration into the specimen will increase and as a result it leads to an increase in the welding temperature.

Removal of azo red-60 dye by advanced oxidation process O3/UV from textile wastewaters using Box-Behnken design

• Main effects and synergistic effects in hybrid AOPs improve the treatment textile wastewaters. • Treatment model and optimization of process parameters using RSM based Box-Behnken design model. • The model predicted about 100 % of azo red-60 removal under optimal conditions. • The parameters studied had statistically significant probability critical levels. Azo red-60 dye is a type of azo dyes with complex structure, carcinogenicity and mutagenic properties that are tolerable in the environment and is discharged through the sewage of textile industries. Advanced oxidation techniques have been used to remove resistant organic compounds. Experimental design and optimization were performed by the design of experiment software using Box - Behnken Design, and its optimal conditions were determined. The effects of these parameters were tested, and the dye removal process includes the presence of ozone gas and UV (125 w) as well as the different pH values (5–10) and reaction times (10–60 min), at an initial concentration (25–100 mg/L) were investigated. The ANOVA results with a confidence level of 99 %, high regression, and fitting values were obtained between the experimental degradation data of azo red-60 and the RSM predicted model. The optimum removal efficiency of 100 % was obtained at conditions of an initial concentration dye of 100 mg/L and a reaction time of 60 min and pH 7.5 in the presence of ozone gas flow, and UV rays. Thus, the present study indicated by the O 3 /UV hybrid process with advantages such as performance and high speed can be an efficacious method for removing azo red-60 and wastewater treatment in various industries.