Granulated Material Research Articles

Manufacturing classification system for oral solid dosage forms of traditional Chinese medicines(Ⅰ): classification of processing routes

Oral solid dosage(OSD) occupies a key position in the market of Chinese patent medicines and new traditional Chinese medicines. Processing route is the foundation for the research and development of traditional Chinese medicine OSDs. On the basis of prescriptions and preparation methods of 1 308 traditional Chinese medicine OSDs recorded in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, we summarized the patterns of processing routes of both modern dosage forms(tablets, granules, and capsules) and traditional dosage forms(pills and powder) and constructed a manufacturing classification system(MCS) based on the processing routes. Based on the MCS, statistical analyses were conducted respectively on medicinal materials, pharmaceutical excipients, extraction solvents in the pretreatment process, crushed medicinal materials, methods of concentration and purification, and methods of drying and granulation, aiming to uncover the process features. The results showed that each dosage form can be prepared via different routes with different processing methods of decoction pieces and raw materials for dosage preparation. The raw materials for dosage form preparation of traditional Chinese medicine OSDs included total extract, semi-extract, and total crushed powder, which accounted for different proportions. The raw materials for traditional dosage forms are mainly decoction pieces powder. Semi-extracts are the main raw materials for tablets and capsules, which account for 64.8% and 56.3%, respectively. Total extracts are the main raw materials for granules, with a proportion of 77.8%. Compared with tablets and capsules, traditional Chinese medicine granules with dissolubility requirements had a larger proportion of water extraction process, a higher proportion of refining process(34.7%), and a lower proportion of crushed medicinal mate-rials in semi-extract granules. There are four ways to add volatile oil to the modern dosage forms of traditional Chinese medicine. In addition, some new technologies and processes have been used in concentration, filtration, and granulation processes of traditional Chinese medicine OSDs, and the application of pharmaceutical excipients is diversified. The results of this study are expected to provide reference for the processing route design and upgrading of OSDs for new traditional Chinese medicines.

Machine learning-assisted heat transport modelling for full-scale emplacement experiment at Mont Terri underground laboratory

Machine learning (ML)-assisted modelling of deep geological repositories (DGR) is of emerging interest and can help to improve the safe and reliable operation of DGRs as well as the public acceptance. Here, a concept of ML-assisted physical-based 3D heat transport model for the Full-scale Emplacement (FE) experiment performed at Mont Terri Underground Laboratory (URL), is presented. The FE experiment is a 1:1 scale mock-up of a DGR tunnel where heaters simulate emplaced high level waste. ML is applied to sparse sensor data of the water saturation degree in the granulated bentonite material (GBM) yielding a physically and neural network (NN) based surrogate model for the thermal conductivity of the GBM, needed to calculate the temperature evolution in the FE tunnel near-field. In order to investigate the dominant parameters influencing the temperature evolution in the vicinity of the FE experiment, the results of 32 orthogonal test cases have been analysed systematically.For the ML predicted water saturation degree, three NN methods are tested. The Elman NN (with a Pearson's r coefficient of 0.9911, a mean squared error (MSE) of 4.62, and mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.44) operates better than the back propagation (BP) and cascade BP (CBP) NN methods. Results of ML-assisted heat transport calculations are validated with the large experimental dataset of 137 × 10 temperature sensor data points (errors range within 7%). Parameters uncertainty ranges of ±10% for thermal conductivities of the GBM λGBM and bentonite block λblock are analysed and bands of temperature uncertainties are compared with temperature sensor data, which allows sensor data assessment including identification of the faulty sensor data. The ML-assisted physical modelling framework can be applied to future DGRs.

Sustainable Use of Biochar, Poultry and Cattle Manure for the Production of Organic Granular Fertilizers

In agricultural activities, there is an increasing need for organic fertilizers to use nature-friendly materials used to fertilize the soil. Farmers have been using granular organic fertilizers made from composted or dried manure of cattle, poultry, pigs, ash, bone meal, and other materials for some time, but the quantities of these organic fertilizers are not large. Biochar is also being intensively studied as a material to improve soil quality and plant growth and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from soil. The suitability of cattle manure compost, poultry manure, biochar, and their combinations for granular fertilizers was analyzed in this work. The preparation of biochar for granulation may have differences compared to other organic materials due to the moisture content, fractional composition, bulk density, and other parameters of the granulated material, so this work examines the physical–mechanical and chemical properties of cattle and poultry manure and biochar raw material and the final granulated product. Research has found that the fractional composition of raw materials under investigation manure and biochar was up to 2 mm. The moisture content of the studied raw material varied from 8.97% in the case of poultry manure to 25.11% in the case of cattle manure compost. The lowest moisture content was obtained due to additional drying. The addition of biochar reduces the granule density in investigated cases. Poultry manure granules were the most mechanically stable, with a semi-static stability of 382.6 ± 78.08 N. After the addition of biochar, weaker binding properties were determined in the experimental granules. Analysis of the composition of elements shows that these granules can be used for fertilization or soil improvement. High concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) were detected in the granules. The obtained results showed that it is appropriate to enrich the manure granules with biochar.

Study of soil reinforcement in the east of Mashhad using glass granule

As waste production has increased, these materials have been put to their best use to help reduce pollution. Glass bottles account for more than 5% of municipal waste in Mashhad, according to statistics. This study attempted to look into the impact of using glass granule recycled materials on soil parameters. The impact of adding glass granule materials on the properties of weak soil and the need for improvement in the east part of Mashhad was studied. The dominant soil in the east of Mashhad was determined using samples collected from‌ 54‌ different locations. Finally, two experimental relations for determining soil strength parameters were presented. The results show that adding glass granule (GG) lowers the optimum moisture content, and CBR testing on the samples revealed that adding GG by 5% water content increases CBR capacity. Adding GG reduces the CBR in saturated conditions with high densities. According to the obtained results, adding 5% of glass granule is the optimal state that increases CBR and adding more than 5% of additive amounts does not have such an effect. Also, by examining the effect of GG on the shear strength of the soil, it was obtained that the addition of GG increases the internal friction angle of the soil by at least 30% and reduces adhesion by about 40%, as determined by a direct shear test. Adding glass granule in cyclic CBR has no effect in low cycles and has a negative effect in high cycles.

An analytical study on transient thermal behavior of a packed-bed molten salt thermocline thermal storage

A volume averaged set of the governing equations for local thermal non-equilibrium fluid saturated porous media was applied to study transient thermal behavior of convection and conduction within a packed-bed thermocline thermal storage tank. General analytical expressions, which agree well with numerical results, were derived for the prediction of transient temperature fields of molten salt and granulated material. Three important dimensionless parameters, namely, the solid fluid heat capacity ratio, interstitial Stanton number and Peclet number based on the effective thermal diffusivity, are identified to investigate their effects on the thermal response of the packed-bed thermocline thermal storage tank. An explicit analytical expression for the effective discharging efficiency has been derived as a function of the three important dimensionless parameters. The expression may serve as a powerful tool to design a packed-bed thermocline thermal storage tank according to required operational conditions.

DEVELOPMENT OF IMPROVED ROBOTICS EXTRUDER LOADING SYSTEM

The relevance of the study is due to the fact that the loading of granulated polymer material into the working hopper of extruders is mainly carried out manually from bags by production operators. The capacity of working hoppers of extruders is limited due to the fact that with a significant height of the bulk material, an increase in static pressure occurs in the lower layers, which leads to the formation of vaults, uneven supply of polymer into the material cylinder and deterioration of the quality of products. Since the work process of extrusion is continuous and lasts an entire work shift, there is a need to constantly control the filling level of the work hoppers of the extruders. The paper proposes a robotic extruder loading system for the processing of thermoplastic polymer materials into long products (pipes, profiles, films, etc.). The paper proposes a system for loading one or more extruders, which contains a large hopper loaded with raw materials for an entire work shift. From this hopper, the working hopper of the extruder is automatically filled with the help of a screw feeder. Automatic monitoring of the filling status of the hoppers is carried out by a microcontroller with the help of raw material level sensors. The object of research is the process of automatic control of periodic loading of loose materials into technological machines. The subject of the research is a robotic system for loading granulated polymers into the working hoppers of extruders. The purpose of the research is to develop a control system for devices for periodic dosing of granular polymer materials and loading them into working hoppers of limited capacity, which can be used in extruders. The task of the work is an analytical study of the effectiveness of the application of extruder loading systems based on a screw feeder and the development of its design and automatic control scheme. The methodological and theoretical basis of the research are the basic provisions of the theory of automatic control of technological processes, the design of transport equipment for loose media, and the basis of the calculation of machine parts. A scientific novelty is that the work proposed for the first time a device for automatic control of the extruder loading system based on a microcontroller with the possibility of programming the work algorithm. The results of the work can be used to create new systems for controlling the operation of equipment for processing polymer materials and creating new designs. The methodological and theoretical basis of the research are the basic provisions of the theory of automatic control of technological processes, the design of transport equipment for loose media, and the basis of the calculation of machine parts. A scientific novelty is that the work proposed for the first time a device for automatic control of the extruder loading system based on a microcontroller with the possibility of programming the work algorithm. The results of the work can be used to create new systems for controlling the operation of equipment for processing polymer materials and creating new designs.

Biomass ash-based soil improvers: Impact of formulation and stabilization conditions on materials’ properties

Biomass ash and sludge from pulp and paper industry have enormous potential to be recycled and used as components in soil improvers. Those materials can supply large amounts of nutrients and organic matter and its recycling avoids the need of landfilling. However, these wastes cannot be directly applied to soils. Some form of processing is required to ensure efficient soil pH correction, fertilization, guarantee soil protection, and reduce potential sanitary and environmental risks.In this study, different ash formulations (with or without addition of organic wastes) and stabilization conditions (indoors vs. outdoors) were tested to optimize physico-chemical properties of ash-based granules to be used as soil improvers. Biomass fly ash (BFA) was granulated in combination with different binding agents: distilled water, biological sludge (BS), biological sludge effluent (BSE), or composted biological sludge (CBS). All granulated materials were alkaline, ranging from pH 7.9 to 12.1. Their acid-neutralizing capacity ranged from 45 to 51 equiv. CaCO3, rendering them suitable as liming materials. Incorporation of organic materials (BS and CBS) enhanced water holding capacity (up to 38 %) and bulk porosity (up to 20 %). Stabilization outdoors resulted in a faster carbonation and consequent reduction of the granules pH. It also yielded a lower electrical conductivity and lower soluble salts content (Ca, Cl, K, and Na) than materials stabilized indoors. After processing and stabilization, some of these ash formulations fulfilled the criteria to be used as component for inorganic macronutrient fertilizers, liming materials or inorganic soil improvers under the EU Fertilizing Products Regulation.

Gaseous and particulate matter emissions from the combustion of biomass-based insulation materials at end-of-life in a small-scale biomass heating boiler

To alleviate the unbearable pressure on forests in Europe, the use of lower quality woody materials or wastes and agricultural fuels is emerging for the production of heat. The two major challenges of using these types of fuels are associated with the chemical composition variability and some fuel characteristics that could trigger potential issues throughout the burning process. This study aimed to investigate the environmental and technical performance of a small-scale multi-fuel biomass heating boiler (20 kW) fired with DINplus certified wood pellets and two granulated biomass-based insulation materials, namely hemp fibers and wood fibers under standard laboratory conditions. The boiler efficiency, particulate matter, and gaseous emissions were evaluated and compared to the legally permissible values specified in EN 303–5:2021. Hemp fiber pellets fulfilled the requirements for residential pellets, while wood fiber pellets showed lower durability and higher nitrogen and sulfur contents than the European standard limits. To respect the emissions regulation, blending wood fibers with certified wood is therefore necessary. Pellets type was noticed to significantly affect the gaseous and dust emissions but marginally the boiler efficiency. This latter was near 80 % for all fuels owing to high sensible and latent heat losses. Hemp fiber pellets showed high CO and dust emissions attributed to their high bulk density and high ash content, respectively, while the wood fiber pellets showed high NOx and SOx emissions accredited to their elemental composition. Gaseous and dust emissions were reduced through the blending of hemp and wood fibers with certified wood pellets. The particulate mass concentrations of the tested pellets fluctuated between 38 and 360 mg.Nm−3. Particulates were mainly composed of potassium, chlorine, sulfur, silicate, calcium, and zinc. From a number perspective, particles with diameters below 1 µm were dominant and their concentration varied between 104 and 106 particles.cm−3. Pelletized biomass-based insulation materials mixed with certified wood could be considered an attractive alternative fuel for residential biomass boilers.

Room-Temperature NO2 Gas Sensors Based on Granulated Carbon Nanofiber Material

Room-temperature gas sensors based on granulated carbon nanofiber material were investigated for the detection of NO2. The granulated material consisting of intertwined carbon nanofibers was synthesized by the decomposition of CH4 over the Ni/Al2O3 catalyst in a vibro-fluidized bed reactor. Carbon material was investigated using transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, low-temperature nitrogen adsorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Investigation of the gas sensors towards NO2 at room temperature (25 ± 2 °C) was carried out in a dynamic flow-through setup in the range from 1 to 500 ppm. A comparison of the sensitivity gas sensor to NH3 and CH4 was also given. The sensor based on non-treated carbon nanofiber material showed the response ΔR/R0 of 5.1 % to 10 ppm of NO2. It was found that the sensor response to NO2 decreased when increasing the relative humidity. The effect of the relative humidity was more pronounced for low concentrations of nitrogen dioxide and decreases with a further increase in them.

Development of Zinc Gluconate Vitamin C Effervescent Tablet for Immunity Improvement and Management of COVID-19

This look at aimed to increase the system of effervescent tablet containing zinc Gluconate and Ascorbic acid (vit c) combination to increase immunity and likely through reducing viral load and improving immunity of the patients. In this examine the formula turned into calculated exactly and then prepared by way of two distinct srtategies for compression and assessment. The flowability of powder and grannules turned into investigated effervescent tablet were produced by way of direct compression and wet granulation approach. The produced tablet have been then evaluated for appropriate hardness, friability ˂1%, effervescent time ˂ 3 minutes, solution PH ˂6, water content ˂ 0.5% and most beneficial content uniformity. The powder aggregate prepared for the direct compression technique had acceptable flowability however required a excessive compression force. Flowability and different physicochemical properties of this powder. Including compressibility and hardness have been progressed with the aid of granulation. The result of effervescent tablet produced by way of the moist granulation technique, which incorporate a higher percent of granulated content material have been higher than other method. The PVP-K30 binder solution is suitable to produced bubbling granules which are compressed into tablet, because of improvement in flowability and compactibility.

Improved Synthetic Route of Incorporation of Nanosilicon Species into Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin and Preparation of Novel ZnAl-Layered Double-Hydroxide Hybrid Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin.

Hybrid phenol-formaldehyde (PF) resins represent one of the most important niche groups of binding systems for composites. New industrial needs, environmental requirements, and price fluctuations have led to further research on materials with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties. The preparation of novel hybrid materials can be achieved by inclusion of various elements or functional groups in the organic polymer phenolic framework. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a PF-based hybrid material with different nanoscale silicone species and ZnAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH). The main goals of this study were to improve the synthetic pathways of hybrid resin, as well as to prepare granulated composite materials and test samples and determine their characterization. Added inorganic species increased the glass-transition temperature by a minimum of 8 °C, which was determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Rheological properties (melting viscosity and flow distance) of the hybrid resin were measured. The homogeneity of distribution of added species across the organic matrix was evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). With synthesized new hybrid-binding systems, we prepared different granulated composite materials and evaluated them with the measurements of rheological properties (flow curing characteristics). Tensile strength of samples, prepared from granulated composite material, improved by more than 5%.

Analysis of technological processes of production of spherical powders and granules of NiAl nickel monoaluminide for the needs of domestic engine building

The article is devoted to the study of the features of various methods for obtaining granules of nickel aluminide NiAl. The problems hindering the widespread use of nickel aluminide NiAl in modern aircraft and engine construction are analyzed. It has been revealed that the main problems hindering the widespread industrial use of nickel aluminide NiAl are practically zero plasticity of the material during pressure treatment and difficulties in machining parts made of this material. However, this problem can be solved with the use of pellet metallurgy technologies, when by sintering the granular material, an almost finished product is obtained that requires minimal amounts of subsequent machining. Within the framework of the conducted studies, the quality criteria of the obtained granules were determined, which include the sphericity of the granules, the stability of the obtained dimensions of the granular material, the absence of defects in the form of pores, the absence of satellites on the surface of the granules, the presence of a finely dispersed dendritic structure of the granule material. Several methods of obtaining granules of nickel aluminide NiAl have been investigated from the point of view of obtaining the highest quality raw materials, namely: the method of spraying the melted billet with a high-temperature inert gas flow (gas atomization method), the method of centrifugal spraying of the melted electrode (PREP method), the method of centrifugation of the melt using a perforated crucible. It is determined that the optimal way to obtain a high-quality granulate of NiAl material is the method of centrifugal spraying of the melted electrode. In the course of the conducted research, it was proved that the main parameter of the process of centrifugal spraying of the melted electrode, affecting the quality of the obtained granules, their diameter and the value of the dendritic parameter of the microstructure of the granules, is not so much the current strength I as the rotation speed of the melted electrode n. The optimal values of the electrode rotation speeds are determined, which are n ≈ 15000-16000 revolutions per minute at a current strength I ≈ 1000-1500 A. A technology for obtaining high-quality NiAl material granulate has been developed and tested, which includes operations for obtaining initial NiAl blanks by self-propagating high-temperature synthesis, subsequent remelting of semi-finished products, heat treatment, separation of granules and subsequent granulation by the PREP method.

Results of magnetometry of spheres’ chains as basic structural elements of a granulated material

During the magnetization of a granulated material with back filling of ferromagnetic spheres, the chains of contacting granules (spheres) serve as self-sufficient conductors of the magnetic flux. Each of such chains is characterized by a pronounced redistribution of the magnetic flux along its cross section. If in the chain of spheres with radius R the conditional core with radius r is selected, and then this core is surrounded by a loop placed between the contacting spheres in order to measure magnetic flux, it has been found that an increase in r decreases the thread density (magnetic induction). The data for magnetic flux are given for a different relative radius r/R of the cores of two chains differing only in R. For this purpose, the sensors created in the form of circular circuits based on thin printed circuit boards have been used. According to recorded magnetic flux, the detailed information on magnetic induction within the cores and their magnetic permeability under the magnetization of the chains in a solenoid has been obtained. It has been shown that as the ratio r/R increases, i.e., with the thickening in the conditional cores and the corresponding increase in magnetic flux, both magnetic induction and magnetic permeability significantly reduce. The complete mutual agreement of the corresponding r/R-dependence of magnetic induction and magnetic permeability is demonstrated for both chains, what indicates the potential in applying the results obtained for the chains of spheres of other radii.

Relationship Between the State of a Shear Crack in a Granulated Material and Acoustic Emission and Deformation Data

Relationship Between the State of a Shear Crack in a Granulated Material and Acoustic Emission and Deformation Data

Formable porous biochar loaded with La-Fe(hydr)oxides/montmorillonite for efficient removal of phosphorus in wastewater: process and mechanisms

The development of biochar-based granule-like adsorbents suitable for scaled-up application has been attracting increasing attention in the field of water treatment. Herein, a new formable porous granulated biochar loaded with La-Fe(hydr)oxides/montmorillonite (LaFe/MB) was fabricated via a granulation and pyrolysis process for enhanced phosphorus (P) removal from wastewater. Montmorillonite acted as a binder that increased the size of the granulated biochar, while the use of Fe promoted the surface charge and facilitated the dispersion of La, which was responsible for selective phosphate removal. LaFe/MB exhibited rapid phosphate adsorption kinetics and a high maximum adsorption capacity (Langmuir model, 52.12 mg P g−1), which were better than those of many existing granulated materials. The desorption and recyclability experiments showed that LaFe/MB could be regenerated, and maintained 76.7% of its initial phosphate adsorption capacity after four adsorption cycles. The high hydraulic endurance strength retention rate of the developed material (91.6%) suggested high practical applicability in actual wastewater. Electrostatic attraction, surface precipitation, and inner-sphere complexation via ligand exchange were found to be involved in selective P removal over a wide pH range of 3–9. The thermodynamic parameters were determined, which revealed the feasibility and spontaneity of adsorption. Based on approximate site energy distribution analyses, high distribution frequency contributed to efficient P removal. The research results provide a new insight that LaFe/MB shows great application prospects for advanced phosphate removal from wastewater.Graphical

Evaluating effects of granulated glass on structural and seismic behavior of tall RC structures using experimental tests and 3D modeling

The use of waste materials for reinforcement of reinforced concrete (RC) structures is of great importance for both environmental cleaning and recycling. In this study, the effects of granulated glass released by factories on the structural behavior of RC structures are examined in detail. Initially, 5 different concretes are produced using 5 different granulated glass percentages. Granulated glass is used instead of aggregate. Different aggregate ratios of granulated glass are taken into account for each sample. 5 different concrete samples are subjected to the slump test and the consistency of the concrete samples is assessed in detail. Then, each concrete sample is subjected to compressive strength tests. It is clearly seen from the compressive strength tests that granulated glass increased the strength of the concrete noticeably. Then, the 31-story reinforced concrete structure is modeled considering the most critical granulated glass ratio. The 1995 Kobe earthquake is utilized for the seismic analyses. Firstly, the RC structure is analyzed for the pure concrete and then, analyses are performed for various granulated glass added cases. According to the analysis results, granulated glass significantly increased the earthquake resistance of reinforced concrete structures. Furthermore, waste granulated glass caused enormous reductions in the weight of the structure. In this study, it is concluded that granulated glass material, which is found in nature as waste, can be used for the construction of RC structures.

Improvement of As(V) Adsorption by Reduction of Granular to Micro-Sized Ferric Hydroxide

The remediation of groundwater containing arsenic is a problem that has been addressed using adsorption processes with granulated materials in columns, but the remediation itself could be improved by using micro-sized adsorbents in stirred systems. In this study, arsenate (As(V)) batch adsorption experiments were performed using granular ferric hydroxide (GFH) and two derived micro-sized materials. Reduced-size adsorbents were produced by energetic ball milling, giving final sizes of 0.1–2 µm (OF-M samples) and ultra-sonication, producing final sizes of 2–50 µm (OF-U samples). Equilibrium isotherm studies showed that the Langmuir model was a good fit for the three sorbents, with the highest maximum adsorption capacity (qmax) for OF-U and the lowest for OF-M. The adsorption of the two groundwater samples occurred according to the obtained equilibrium isotherms and indicated the absence of interfering agents for the three adsorbents. Batch kinetics tests in stirred beakers followed a pseudo second-order model and indicated that the kinetics of the OF-U sorbent was faster than the kinetics of the GFH sorbent. The tests also showed an increase in the qe values for the reduced-size sorbent. The application of ultrasonication to the GFH produced an increase of 23 % in the qmax and b term and an increase of 34-fold for the kinetic constant (k2) in the stirred batch systems tested. These results suggest that this new approach, based on ultra-sonication, has the potential for improving the adsorption of arsenic in groundwater.

Alterations of Neuronal Lysosomes in Alzheimer's Disease and in APPxPS1-KI Mice.

The cellular and molecular alterations associated with synapse and neuron loss in Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain unclear. In transgenic mouse models that express mutations responsible for familial AD, neuronal and synaptic losses occur in populations that accumulate fibrillar amyloid-β 42 (Aβ42) intracellularly. We aimed to study the subcellular localization of these fibrillar accumulations and whether such intraneuronal assemblies could be observed in the human pathology. We used immunolabeling and various electron microscopy techniques on APP x presenilin1 - knock-in mice and on human cortical biopsies and postmortem samples. We found an accumulation of Aβ fibrils in lipofuscin granule-like organelles in APP x presenilin1 - knock-in mice. Electron microscopy of human cortical biopsies also showed an accumulation of undigested material in enlarged lipofuscin granules in neurons from AD compared to age-matched non-AD patients. However, in those biopsies or in postmortem samples we could not detect intraneuronal accumulations of Aβ fibrils, neither in the lipofuscin granules nor in other intraneuronal compartments. The intralysosomal accumulation of Aβ fibrils in specific neuronal populations in APPxPS1-KI mice likely results from a high concentration of Aβ42 in the endosome-lysosome system due to the high expression of the transgene in these neurons.

Study on the difference of osteogenesis and Notch signaling pathway expression in biphasic calcium-phosphorus ceramic granule materials with different microstructure.

Different microstructures including micropore diameter, micropore volume, and micropore area of biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP, hydroxyapatite: β-tricalcium phosphate=8:2) ceramics granules were obtained by varying their sintering temperatures. Sprague-Dawley rat bone marrow-derived stem cells (BMSCs) were co-cultured with BCPs in vitro study and the BMSCs showed different degrees of proliferative activity under the influence of three materials. Cell proliferation and vitality were assessed. Three kinds of BCPs were implanted in the dorsal muscle of beagle dogs. At 1, 2, and 3 months, histological analyses were conducted to estimate the rate of osteogenesis. Expression of Notch pathway genes and osteogenic-related genes were detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-rtPCR). The proportion of osteogenesis area increased to:48.75 ± 4.20%, 29.48 ± 1.55%, and 26.58 ± 3.86% at 3 months after the implantation (1050, 1150, 1250). Significant differences were observed in the upregulation of Notch pathway genes among different BCPs. BCPs with different micropore diameters have different ectopic osteogenesis effects and led to up-regulation of the Notch signaling pathway genes to different extents.

Understanding the Effect of Intensified Heat Dissipation during Crystallization of High-Strength Aluminium Alloys of the Al – Zn – Mg – Cu System

This paper describes the results of a study that looked at granulated materials produced from high-strength aluminium alloys of the Al – Zn – Mg – Cu system by meltspinning. The concept of Steam Jacket is introduced, which stands for a layer of vapour that forms between the particle and the coolant and inhibits heat dissipation while also hindering the crystallization rate due to lower heat conductivity of water vapour. It was established that the vapour layer forms when the coolant comes in contact with the melt and heats up to the boiling point resulting in its transition from liquid phase to vapour. This paper describes how the particle crystallization rate can be increased by the vapour layer being constantly removed. The steam jacket that forms around a droplet gets removed due to a high speed with which the droplet travels through the coolant. What is crucial for industrial implementation of this process is not so much the design of the meltspinning unit but the velocity of the spray crucible. The paper describes the results of theoretical calculations, as well as proven experimental data, which can help determine what velocity a perforated cup should have to ensure sufficient initial speed of the droplet and constant removal of the steam jacket. It was established that by rising the rate of heat dissipation from solidified granules and, consequently, the crystallization rate one can enhance the strength of the resulting granulated aluminium alloys of the Al – Zn – Mg – Cu system. Thus, when dealing with Al – Zn – Mg – Cu alloys (such as ‘B95’, ‘В96ц’) with additional zirconium doping up to 0.5% for making pressed semi-finished products, the resultant material can have an up to 15% higher strength compared with similar granulated materials that are made using conventional processes and industrial solidification rates. It is pointed out that the technique that involves removal of the vapour layer around a forming granule is the only possible way to further raise the cooling rate and, consequently, the solidification rate. Bringing the granule size to the size of little powder particles can disrupt the following granule consolidation process meaning that it is not a feasible technique that could enhance the granulation process.