Dispersion Of Powders Research Articles

Foaming Properties and Foam Structure of Milk Determined by Its Protein Content and Protein to Fat Ratio

AbstractMilk proteins, integral to stable foam production, exhibit seasonal and type-dependent variations. Understanding the impact of protein levels with and without fat on foaming properties is essential for selecting suitable milk types and controlling the foaming process. In this study, we employed steam injection and mechanical mixing to assess foamability, foam stability, and foam structure of (1) reconstituted skim milk powder dispersions (1.5–15% solids concentration, corresponding to 0.5–5.0% protein), (2) reconstituted whole milk powder and commercial whole milk dispersions (0.5% protein), and (3) whole milk with added skim milk powder and milk protein concentrate (3.5 and 4% protein) and butter milk powder (0.5 and 1% total solid content). Results reveal that increasing solids concentration from 1.5 to 15% significantly increased lactose content, viscosity, and surface tension. However, these changes did not impact foamability or foam stability, while slightly decreasing air bubble size. At 0.5% protein, skim milk powder dispersions demonstrated higher foam volume (16 times greater) and more stable foam compared to reconstituted whole milk powder and whole milk dispersions, despite similar foam structure and appearance. These findings emphasize the substantial influence of the protein/fat ratio on milk’s foaming properties. Additionally, the addition of skim milk powder, milk protein concentrate, or butter milk powder at the investigated content did not affect the foaming properties of whole milk.

Preliminary Study and Use of Design of Dusto Cleaner for Black Board

Even if we lead to the digital platform traditional chalk and board is an integral part of the education life. Blackboards and chalk pieces are used in almost every educational field in the world. Cleaning the board using a duster is essential for continuing the writing process and this involves rubbing a sponge surface against the board surface. This cleans the board but also creates a fine dispersion and particles of chalk powder around the atmosphere nearer the board, which is certain to be inhaled by the teachers, and in many cases, students who occupy seats near the blackboard suffer some inhalation problems. The work also stated that teachers were at the maximum risk of inhaling the chalk dust and may suffer from respiratory diseases. Key Words: Blackboard, chalk, duster, respiratory, diseases

Efficacy of Ga3+ ions on structural, biological and antimicrobial activity of mesoporous lithium silicate bioactive glasses for tissue engineering

Mesoporous bioactive glass nanoparticles (MBGNPs) containing therapeutic ions have shown significant promise in the realm of hard and soft tissue repair and regeneration, owing to their multifunctional biological properties. In this study, gallium-incorporated silica-based gallium incorporated MBGNPs (Ga-MBGNPs) with fixed amount of Li2O (8 mol %) were synthesized using an emulsion-assisted sol-gel method. The impact of Ga2O3 integration into the silicate glass network was evaluated by investigating the microtextural properties. The results confirmed the production of spherical-shaped, nano-sized, amorphous particles with an enhanced specific surface area and ordered hexagonal meso-porosity (10–20 nm) in the developed Ga-MBGNPs. The in vitro bioactivity, assessed through hydroxyapatite (HAp) layer formation in simulated body fluid (SBF), over varying time intervals (0, 1, 3, 7, 14 & 21 days), revealed pronounced formation of short rod-like carbonated HAp with increasing immersion time and Ga3+ content in all glasses. However, a delayed apatite formation was observed for composition-dependent Ga-4 and Ga-5 MBGs during the initial incubation periods (1, 3, and 7 days). Further, the presence of Li + ions along with Ga3+ enhanced the apatite deposition when compared with the only Ga3+ inclusion. Evaluation of degradation rate and pH values indicated enhanced apatite formation with lower Ga ion content, while a slight reduction was noted with higher Ga ion content, attributable to the presence of reactive Si–O–Si bonds. Furthermore, analysis using a Zeta potential analyzer confirmed the dispersibility and bioreactivity of all glass powders owing to their higher negative surface charge. Moreover, Ga-MBGNPs exhibited notable antimicrobial effects against both E. coli and S. aureus bacteria due to the release of Ga3+ ions. Overall, the findings suggest that the incorporation of Ga in MBGNPs renders them potential multifunctional candidates for expediting the healing of bone tissue injuries in biomedical applications.

Controllable preparation of black phosphorus nanomaterials via liquid-phase pulsed discharge

The N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) organic solvent was deliberately chosen as the optimal medium for this investigation. To achieve uniform dispersion of black phosphorus powder, which was obtained via shock-induced phase transformation, it was effectively dispersed in the DMF solution, resulting in a homogeneous black phosphorus-DMF suspension. Subsequently, a liquid-phase pulsed discharge experiment was conducted. This experimental setup harnessed the shockwave and tensile stripping effects generated by the rapid expansion of plasma during the liquid-phase pulsed discharge. These phenomena facilitated the interlayer exfoliation and dispersion of black phosphorus molecules, ultimately leading to the formation of a suspension containing black phosphorus quantum dots. In-depth investigation into the formation mechanism of black phosphorus quantum dots was also undertaken. Our findings reveal a pivotal influence of the charging voltage on the microstructure of the recovered samples. Specifically, as the charging voltage increases, the lateral dimensions of the retrieved two-dimensional black phosphorus powder undergo a remarkable reduction, transitioning from the micron-scale to less than 10 nm. The above results, which stem from meticulous experimentation and analysis, emphasize the significance of controlled synthesis in producing black phosphorus quantum dots with varying microstructures. Such insights hold substantial promise for advancing the field of materials science and enhancing the applicability of black phosphorus quantum dots in diverse applications.

Effect of Copper Particle Size on the Surface Structure and Catalytic Activity of Cu–CeO2 Nanocomposites Prepared by Mechanochemical Synthesis in the Preferential CO Oxidation in a H2-Rich Stream (CO-PROX)

An effect of Cu powder dispersion and morphology on the surface structure and the physical–chemical and catalytic properties of Cu–CeO2 catalysts prepared by mechanochemical synthesis was studied in the preferential CO oxidation in a H2-rich stream (CO-PROX). Two catalysts, produced by 30 min ball-milling from CeO2 and 8 mass% of copper powders and with particle sizes of several tens (dendrite-like Cu) and 50–200 nm (spherical Cu obtained with levitation-jet method), respectively, were characterized by X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy methods, a temperature-programmed reduction with CO and H2, and with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. The catalyst synthesized from the “large-scale” dendrite-like Cu powder, whose surface consisted of CuxO (Cu+) agglomerates located directly on the surface of facetted CeO2 crystals with a CeO2(111) and CeO2(100) crystal planes exposition, was approximately two times less active at 120–160 °C than the catalyst synthesized from the fine Cu powder, whose surface consisted of CuxO (Cu2+) clusters of 4–6 nm in size located on the steps of facetted CeO2 nanocrystals. Although a large part of CO2 reacted with a ceria surface to give carbonate-like species, no blockage of CO-activating centers was observed due to the surface architecture. The surface structure formed by the use of highly dispersed Cu powder is found to be a key factor responsible for the catalytic activity.

Performance characterization and microscopic properties of asphalt modified with rapeseed heavy oil-activated waste rubber powder

To improve the waste rubber powder modified asphalt viscosity is high, poor storage stability, and other shortcomings, 40 mesh, 60 mesh, and 80 mesh are three kinds of mesh rubber powder using rapeseed heavy oil pre-swelling activation way to prepare modified asphalt, improve the waste rubber powder modified asphalt storage stability and reduce the viscosity. The optimum blending amount of rapeseed heavy oil-activated waste rubber powder was determined by setting three oil-rubber ratios, and the unactivated waste gum powder modified asphalt was set as a control group, and the physical, rheological, and microscopic properties of the asphalt were evaluated accordingly. The optimum preparation parameters under the premise of setting the total dosage of modifier as 20% were: the mass ratio of rubber powder to rapeseed oil was 2:1, and the mesh size of rubber powder was 80 mesh. Rapeseed heavy oil-activated waste rubber powder modified asphalt storage stability and low-temperature performance improved, viscosity decreased, but high-temperature performance decreased at the same time. Compared with the unactivated waste rubber powder modified asphalt, the softening point decreased by an average of 16%, the needle penetration increased by an average of 19%, the ductility increased by an average of 44%, the viscosity decreased by an average of 22%, and the softening point difference decreased by an average of 44%. In the high-temperature rheological performance test set temperature interval, the rutting coefficient G*/sinδ decline, creep stiffness Ѕ, and creep rate m have increased. Therefore, rapeseed heavy oil activation can effectively improve the overall stability of waste rubber powder-modified asphalt and can reduce the overall viscosity, which is conducive to the uniform dispersion of rubber powder in asphalt.

A European manufacturing line for monolithic U–Mo bare foil production

The nuclear research reactor Forschungs-Neutronenquelle Heinz Maier-Leibnitz (FRM II), operated by the Technical University of Munich (TUM) in Germany, provides intense thermal neutron beams for the international scientific community. The uranium fuel currently used for the compact core is an assembly of fuel plates composed of dispersed U3Si2 powder with an enrichment up to 93%, dispersed in aluminium (Al) powder and cladded with an Al alloy. Within the international efforts to minimise the usage of HEU (Highly Enriched Uranium), the FRM II aims to convert its compact core to LEU (Low Enriched Uranium), i.e., a fuel with an enrichment in 235U lower than 20%. The most promising candidate is the metallic monolithic uranium–molybdenum alloy (U–Mo) with zirconium (Zr) coating and Al-based cladding. Here, we show the first European pilot line for U–Mo bare foil manufacturing, implemented in collaboration with the European fuel manufacturer Framatome-CERCATM in Romans-sur-Isère, France. This line involves innovative manufacturing processes, including casting, laser welding, hot rolling, and laser cutting. An overview of the bare foil development with the first results is presented, including visual inspections of foils produced from the hot rolling, the laser cutting and the manufacturing tools used. These first depleted uranium (DU) bare foils are analysed to extract the best manufacturing parameters for future industrialisation. This European manufacturing process gives an alternative solution to the US development for U–Mo monolithic bare foil manufacturing. It represents the first step for European monolithic fuel manufacturing, which could push other European research reactors to use the monolithic U–Mo for their conversion.

Effect of jet milled ultrafine powder on porous tungsten emitter components by micro injection molding

Micro injection molding (μPIM) is currently the optimal solution for fabricating porous tungsten emitters with complex shapes. Considering the serious agglomeration of ultrafine powder, using this particle size for μPIM is detrimental to the molding of the components and the regulation of the pore structure. In this work, jet milling technology was applied as pretreatment to obtain uniformly dispersed ultrafine tungsten powder, and a needle-like porous tungsten emitter with uniform and adjustable pores was successfully prepared by μPIM. The effects of jet milling on the characteristics of ultrafine tungsten powder and μPIM process were investigated. After the jet milling treatment at 0.75 MPa and 12,000 rpm, the agglomerates in ultrafine powder were completely eliminated and the powder dispersion was optimized. The solid loading of feedstock was increased from 45% to 51%, and the corresponding rheological properties and debinding efficiency were also improved. Jet milled powder exhibited higher sintering activity and gained the same porosity (25%) at 1425 °C, lower than the 1500 °C of the as-received one. The porous tungsten obtained by jet milled powder had pores and skeletons with uniform size and distribution, which contributes to the adjustment of the pores. The pore size decreased from 338 nm to 263 nm, and the closed porosity decreased from 1.5% to 0.6%. This work is beneficial for further understanding the influence of jet milling on powder characteristics, μPIM process and pore characteristics, and highlights its potential application in the field of micro-pores complex parts.

The Processing Space of the Spray-Dried Mannitol-Leucine System for Pulmonary Drug Delivery.

Designing spray-dried particles for inhalation aims at specific physicochemical properties including a respirable aerodynamic diameter and adequate powder dispersibility. Leucine, an amphiphilic amino acid, has been shown to aid in optimizing bulk powder properties. Mannitol, a model crystalline active and common bulking agent, was co-sprayed with leucine at several excipient ratios, ethanol/water ratios, and spray dryer outlet temperatures in order to experimentally probe the underlying particle formation mechanisms in this binary crystalline system. During the droplet drying of two crystallizing components, the material that nucleates first will preferentially enrich the surface. It is desired to have a completely crystalline leucine shell to improve powder properties, however, mannitol competes with leucine for the surface depending on excipient concentration and manufacturing parameters. The resulting particles were studied initially and at a two-month timepoint via solid state characterization, visual analysis, and particle size analysis in order to detect changes in bulk powder properties. It was determined that, similar to systems where only leucine can crystallize, initial leucine saturation in the formulation dictates powder characteristics.

Synthesized-Hydroxyapatite Powder from Anadara Granosa Shells using Deposition Time Method for Biomedical Applications

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) powder, one of the biomaterials derived from natural sources, could be used in biomedical applications. In this research, the synthesized-HAp powder from Anadara Granosa shells as raw materials had a high calcium carbonate content with variations in deposition time using the precipitation method. Variations of deposition time used were 0 (S0), 24 (S24), and 48 (S48) hours. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-Ray Diffractions (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were used to investigate the chemical structure, phase analysis, and morphology of the synthesized HAp powder. FTIR results of the S0, S24, and S48 showed that the functional groups , and were formed at variations in the deposition time. The XRD results showed that the smallest of crystallite size of S48 was 26.03 nm, and the crystallinity degree of S24 was 38.74%. The grain dispersity of the synthesized-hydroxyapatite powder from SEM results were uniform, agglomeration, and spherical, irregular shape. The Ca, P, Mg, and Si compositions were shown in the synthesized-hydroxyapatite powder. The deposition time affects the synthesized-Hydroxyapatite (HAp) powder from the Anadara Granosa shell, and it is a potential raw material for biomedical applications.

Content and Dispersion of Ferroalloys in the Coating During Microarc Alloying of Steel

Introduction. The main disadvantage of traditional processes of diffusion surface hardening of steel products is its long duration. Therefore, the problem of intensification of such processes is relevant. To solve it, the use of high-energy effects on the material is proposed, which allows us to obtain a hardened surface layer from a coating composed of ferroalloy powders containing alloying elements. There is no data in the literature on the required content and dispersion of such powders in the composition of the coating. The aim of this study was to select the particle size of ferroalloys and their concentration in the coating to achieve the most effective hardening of the processed product.Materials and Methods. For experimental studies, cylindrical samples made of steel 20 with a diameter of 12 mm and a length of 35 mm were used. On the surface of these samples, an alloying coating containing ferroalloy powders and an electrically conductive gel as a binder was applied. After that, the samples were immersed vertically for half their length into a metal container, which was then filled with carbon powder with a particle size of 0.4–0.6 mm. Then an electric current of 2.5 to 3.0 A was passed in the circuit power source — container — carbon powder — sample. The duration of the process was 2–8 minutes.Results. The calculated estimation of the electrical conductivity of coal powder was performed, and the thermophysical parameters of microarc heating of steel were calculated. These include the power released by electric current on the surface of the steel product, the density of the heat flux, and the energy of a single microarc discharge. The expressions for calculating the particle size of ferroalloy powder were obtained, as well as the experimental dependencies of the diffusion layer thickness on the particle size of ferroalloys and their content in the coating.Discussion and Conclusion. The results of this study have allowed us to determine the size range of ferroalloys and their content in the coating. This information is essential for optimizing the alloying process and ensuring the most efficient surface hardening treatment for steel products. The data collected will be used to develop improved technological processes for the surface hardening process, leading to improved product quality and performance.

CFD-DEM investigation of the dispersion of elongated particles in the Turbuhaler® aerosol device

Elongated drug particles have the potential to be superior to spherical drug particles for delivery to the deep lung due to their increased ability to align with the airflow. However, the performance of elongated particles within dry powder inhalers (DPIs) has been largely unexplored. This paper presented a CFD-DEM study to simulate the dispersion of elongated active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) particles with equivalent sizes of 1.55–5.53 μm in a commercial DPI device Turbuhaler®. The model, which adopted a multi-sphere approach to mimic the shape of elongated spherocylindrical particles, was validated by comparing experimental data of fluidized beds. The model was then utilized to simulate the dispersion of powders with different aspect ratios in Turbuhaler. Findings revealed that the depositions of elongated particles in the chamber and the mouthpiece were significantly higher than those of spherical particles, and the depositions increased with higher aspect ratios. The higher deposition of the elongated particles was due to much stronger inter-particle cohesion when particles were in flat contact with particles or wall surfaces. Similar to spherical particles, both emitted dose and fine particle fraction (FPF, % mass of particles below 5 μm) of elongated particles increased with flow rates due to intensified particle-wall collisions. On the other hand, the FPF of elongated particles in the device decreased more significantly with increasing cohesion than spherical particles. Results indicated that while elongated particles are preferred for drug delivery to deeper lungs, their poor dispersion in inhalers due to higher deposition needs to be considered.

A facile in‐situ fabrication of black polyimide films with ultrahigh electrical properties

AbstractConsidering the ongoing evolution of flexible printed circuit boards and the importance of safeguarding the intellectual property of circuit designs, there exists an imperative demand for the development of a black film exhibiting exceptional electrical properties and remarkable light‐shielding capabilities. Consequently, this work employs a straightforward strategy to enhance the opacity of polyimide films by incorporating carbon black (CB) and manganese dioxide (MnO2) as black fillers using an in situ doping method. Rigorous tests are conducted, analyzing properties such as dielectric constant, dielectric loss, breakdown field strength, current density, and ferroelectric energy storage. The optimal ratio of CB to MnO2 (mass fraction) is determined as 1:5, with a total powder doping amount of 6 wt%, providing the best ratio relative to the matrix resin. This ratio ensures an optimal powder dispersion state, resulting in an outstanding breakdown field of 147.4 kV/mm and ultralow dielectric constants, measuring less than 3.78 at 103 Hz. This composite film is anticipated to find applications as a cutting‐edge material for electronic devices and the semiconductor industry.

Preparation and properties of aluminosilicate aerogels from boehmite and waterglass

Aluminosilicate aerogels are promising thermal insulation materials for high temperature applications. In this study, aluminosilicate aerogels were effectively synthesised using affordable precursors: dispersible boehmite powder and waterglass solutions, with subsequent drying achieved by supercritical CO2 processing. According to the evaluation of their properties, the Al–Si aerogels exhibited low densities (0.11 g/cm3), low thermal conductivities (<0.021 W/m·K) and high specific surface areas (SSA) (516 m2/g for an Al:Si molar ratio of 3:1). When waterglass-based aerogel and aluminosilicate samples were treated at high temperature (1200 °C), the formation of mullite was demonstrated for the aluminosilicate aerogel with a molar ratio of Al:Si 3:1, which showed a higher value for SSA compared to the waterglass-based aerogel.

Determination of Mass and Quantitative Productivity of the Process of Electrodispersion of Nickel Waste in Isopropyl Alcohol

The purpose of this study was to obtain electroerosive dispersed nickel by processing nickel waste by electrodispersing in isopropyl alcohol, as well as to study the performance of this process and the particle size of the obtained dispersed nickel.Methods. Nickel waste in the form of plates was processed into powder by electrodispersion at an experimental electroerosive dispersion plant (RF Patent No. 2449859) in an isopropyl alcohol medium. The study of the average particle size of the obtained electroerosive dispersed nickel was carried out using a laser particle size analyzer "Analysette 22 NanoTec".Results. For the first time, spherical nickel powders in the medium of isopropyl alcohol were obtained from industrial waste by the method of electroerosive dispersion. The parameters of the electroerosive dispersion unit necessary for the dispersion of nickel waste have been determined. A directly proportional dependence of the mass productivity of the process of electroerosion research of nickel waste dispersion on the voltage at the electrodes in isopropyl alcohol in the range of 120-220 V. has been experimentally established. The optimum for dispersing nickel waste in isopropyl alcohol is the voltage at the electrodes in the range of 200-220 V. It is established that the smallest particle size is nickel powder obtained at a voltage of 220 V at the electrodes, while the mass productivity at this value of the voltage at the electrodes is the maximum.Conclusion. Based on the presented experimental studies of the mass and quantitative productivity of the process of electroerosive dispersion of nickel waste in isopropyl alcohol, a high efficiency of the use of electrodispersion technology for obtaining dispersed nickel powder, which is not inferior to industrially used powders in terms of average particle size, has been established. It has been experimentally established that the smallest particle size has a nickel powder obtained at a voltage of 220 V on the electrodes, while the mass productivity at this value of the voltage on the electrodes is maximum.

Plastic shaping of NiFe2O4‐based cermets using granular feedstock: microstructure and mechanical properties

AbstractCarbon‐free aluminum electrolysis is crucial for achieving the low‐carbon development and carbon neutrality in the future aluminum industry. NiFe2O4‐based cermet is the potential candidate of inert anode, benefiting from the satisfactory corrosion resistance and high‐temperature conductivity. Herein, complex‐shaped 25(Cu–20Ni)/(NiFe2O4–10NiO) cermets were fabricated via a plastic shaping method using the polyformaldehyde (POM)‐based granular feedstock. The feedstock showed uniform microstructure with evenly dispersed powders wrapped in polymers, which exhibited shear‐thinning behavior during molding. Roles of the feedstock with different powder loadings in the morphology and bending strength of the cermets were investigated. High‐precision gear parts exhibited no deformation, a high relative density over 98%. Investigation of different powder loadings revealed that parts prepared with a 56 vol% loading demonstrate the excellent performance, and possessed an impressive flexural strength of 178.4 MPa. This achievement provided a foundation for the future utilization of complex‐shaped inert anode material components in industrial applications.

Regulated Phase Separation in Al-Ti-Cu-Co Alloys through Spark Plasma Sintering Process.

With the goal of developing lightweight Al-Ti-containing multicomponent alloys with excellent mechanical strength, an Al-Ti-Cu-Co alloy with a phase-separated microstructure was prepared. The granulometry of metal particles was reduced using planetary ball milling. The particle size of the metal powders decreased as the ball milling time increased from 5, 7, to 15 h (i.e., 6.6 ± 6.4, 5.1 ± 4.3, and 3.2 ± 2.1 μm, respectively). The reduction in particle size and the dispersion of metal powders promoted enhanced diffusion during the spark plasma sintering process. This led to the micro-phase separation of the (Cu, Co)2AlTi (L21) phase, and the formation of a Cu-rich phase with embedded nanoscale Ti-rich (B2) precipitates. The Al-Ti-Cu-Co alloys prepared using powder metallurgy through the spark plasma sintering exhibited different hardnesses of 684, 710, and 791 HV, respectively, while maintaining a relatively low density of 5.8-5.9 g/cm3 (<6 g/cm3). The mechanical properties were improved due to a decrease in particle size achieved through increased ball milling time, leading to a finer grain size. The L21 phase, consisting of (Cu, Co)2AlTi, is the site of basic hardness performance, and the Cu-rich phase is the mechanical buffer layer between the L21 and B2 phases. The finer network structure of the Cu-rich phase also suppresses brittle fracture.

Influence of guide vane on dispersion of aggregates near the guide vane in a turbo air classifier

Ultra-fine particles are prone to agglomeration, limiting the preparation of ultra-fine powder. The aggregates' disaggregation mechanism is studied, and the proposal of improving the guide vane of a turbo air classifier is contributed to strengthen powder disaggregation based on CFD-DEM coupling and the novel local fluid domain extraction method. The results show the cylindrical tail of guide vane is conducive to the disaggregation, and the powder dispersion near the guide vane is improved. When the inlet air velocity vin is <18 m·s−1, the cylindrical tail of guide vane can significantly improve the powder dispersion. When the cylinder diameter is larger than or equal to 2 mm, the effect of the increase of the cylinder diameter on powder dispersion is significant. However, the increase of cylinder diameter will lead to the increase of energy consumption, so the cylinder diameter should not be too large.

Exploration of surface treatment and liquid additive processing for enhanced multilayer ceramic capacitors performance

This study proposes the development of an optimum multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) that exhibits outstanding performance. Novel research on the improvement of the dispersibility of the dielectric slurry using BaTiO3 is carried out and the results are analyzed and assessed. To improve the dispersibility of the fine powder, various types of silane coupling agents are used to comparatively analyze properties of the dielectric sheet and the MLCC sample chip. In addition, a powder form Dy is generally used to improve the reliability of MLCC dielectric properties; nonetheless, outstanding properties are achieved by applying a liquid form Dy. Therefore, this research combines the optimal surface treatment method of the ferroelectric powder for the manufacture of outstanding MLCCs and the method of treating liquid form additive to achieve innovative research results to obtain MLCCs with outstanding performance.

Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cell of Silicon Dioxide–Titanium Dioxide Photoanode With Polypyrrole/Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate Low‐Cost Counter Electrode

To produce a better connection and greater electron transfer efficiency between the TiO2 particles, as well as to eliminate agglomeration and increase the dispersion of TiO2 powders, a silicon dioxide/titanium dioxide (SiO2/TiO2) nanocomposite has been used as a photoanode in this study. An attempt was made to construct dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) at a low cost with reasonable efficiency by replacing the highly costly platinum counter electrode with polypyrrole/sodium dodecyl sulfate (PPy + SDS) as Counter Electrode 1 (C1) and PPy/SDS/multiwalled carbon nanotube (PPy + SDS + MWCNT) as Counter Electrode 2 (C2), using Ru‐based dyes Z907, pomegranate (Pom) dye, arugula (Aru) dye, and hibiscus dye as photosensitizers. The working electrode composite was deposited on fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) glass using a thermal chemical spraying approach, while the counter electrodes were produced using an electropolymerization method. The structural and optical characteristics are fully examined using several characterization techniques such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman scattering, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The photovoltaic properties of the constructed DSSCs were assessed under light irradiation (100 mW/cm2). When compared to the reference cell based on the Pt counter electrode, which has an efficiency of 8.4%, the measured current–voltage (I–V) curve shows that the efficiency of DSSC in the case of Z907 dye with C1 and C2 was 3.037% and 3.743%, respectively. This suggests that the low‐cost prepared DSSCs have good efficiency. Natural dyes show an efficiency range of 1.317%–0.66%, which indicates a moderate level of sensitivity.