Induction Time Research Articles

Nucleation study of xylitol as PCM in two different crystallization systems: a rheometer and a lab-scale prototype

Sugar alcohols are promising materials for latent heat-based thermal energy systems. Xylitol stands out among them for its high phase change enthalpy and density. However, xylitol, as well as other sugar alcohols, show undercooling and low crystallization rates, which hinder it potential as a phase change material. This work studies the effect of the seeding and shearing technique on crystallization, in addition to the effect of the operation conditions, such as temperature or shear. To do so, two systems are studied: a rheometer and a stirred tank. Induction times are then calculated from temperature and viscosity curves, and a crystallization model is used to study the influence of operating conditions in crystallization.

Antenatal Care: A Comparative Review of Guidelines.

Antenatal care plays a crucial role in safely monitoring and ensuring the well-being of both the mother and the fetus during pregnancy, ultimately leading to the best possible perinatal outcomes. The aim of this study was to review and compare the most recently published guidelines on antenatal care. A descriptive review of guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, the Public Health Agency of Canada, the World Health Organization, and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists regarding antenatal care was conducted. There is a consensus among the reviewed guidelines regarding the necessary appointments during the antenatal period, the proper timing for induction of labor, the number and frequency of laboratory examinations for the assessment of mother's well-being, and management strategies for common physiological problems during pregnancy, such as nausea and vomiting, heartburn, pelvic pain, leg cramps, and symptomatic vaginal discharge. In addition, special consideration should be given for mental health issues and timely referral to a specialist, reassurance of complete maternal vaccination, counseling for safe use of medical agents, and advice for cessation of substance, alcohol, and tobacco use during pregnancy. Controversy surrounds clinical evaluation during the antenatal period, particularly when it comes to the routine use of an oral glucose tolerance test and symphysis-fundal height measurement for assessing fetal growth, whereas routine cardiotocography and fetal movement counting are suggested practices only by Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. Of note, recommendations on nutritional interventions and supplementation are offered only by Public Health Agency of Canada and World Health Organization, with some minor discrepancies in the optimal dosage. Antenatal care remains a critical factor in achieving positive outcomes, but there are variations depending on the socioeconomic status of each country. Therefore, the establishment of consistent international protocols for optimal antenatal care is of utmost importance. This can help provide safe guidance for healthcare providers and, consequently, improve both maternal and fetal outcomes.

Quality and active constituents of safflower seed oil: A comparison of cold pressing, hot pressing, Soxhlet extraction and subcritical fluid extraction

Safflower seed oil (SSO) is suitable for nutritional and pharmacological applications due to its high content of linoleic acid and polyphenols. The study aims to investigate the quality of SSO extracted using different extraction methods. In this study, solvent extraction (SE), cold pressing (CP), hot pressing (HP), and subcritical fluid extraction (SFE) by dimethyl ether (SDE), n-propane (SPE), and n-butane (SBE) were used to extract oil from SSO. The physicochemical indexes, bioactive compounds, and oxidative stability of SSO were analyzed and compared. In all samples, the main fatty acid found was linoleic acid, ranging from 76.1% to 79.49% of total fatty acids. SE dramatically improved phytosterol content (up to 311.8 mg/100 g) and yield (up to 23.1%) in SSO. The SFE oils had a higher oxidation induction time (4.28–4.38 h) and α-tocopherol content (580.1–643.7 mg/kg) than other oils (0.76–3.22 h and 451.5–511.7 mg/kg, respectively). In SSO samples, phenolics were particularly abundant in SDE oils. Trachelogenin was the most abundant in all samples. Compared to all the other oils, SFE oils had better oxidative stability, with almost the highest yield, and had higher linoleic acid content, phytosterols, and tocopherols. SFE is a promising processing technology in nutrient-rich SSO.

Enhancing hydrate formation for cold storage by isotridecanyl polyoxyethylene ether series surfactants in quiescent conditions

The promotion technology of hydrate formation is the key to the industrial application using hydrates. To study how nonionic surfactants affect hydrate formation, four isotridecanyl polyoxyethylene ether series surfactants with hydrophilic lipophilic balance (HLB) values from 8 to 18 are selected to analyse nonionic surfactants influence on hydrate formation. All four surfactants can enhance 1,1-dichloro-1-fluoroethane (HCFC-141b) hydrate formation in quiescent conditions, and each surfactant has an ideal concentration regarding of hydrate formation induction time. E-1306 (HLB = 11.2) has the most effective on improving hydrate formation. The hydrate nucleation needs minimum time (61 min), and hydrate cooling storage capacity reaches 203.5 kJ·kg−1 with 1.0 wt% E-1306. Hydrate nucleation stability is also the best with 1.0 wt% E-1306. The hydrophobic effect and micelle effect of surfactants are the main methods for promoting hydrate formation. The effect of surfactants with large HLB values on promoting hydration is not obvious. The influence of surfactant on the stability of HCFC-141b emulsion is also an important factor affecting hydrate formation.

Investigation on The Effect of Low Frequency Ultrasound on The Crystallization of a Pharmaceutical Compound L+ Ascorbic Acid

One of the most crucial processes in the chemical processing industry is crystallization, which has the major challenge of producing solid products with the required purity and properties. The standard crystallization methods have various processing limitations; hence, research into alternative methods like ultrasonic-assisted crystallization has been at the forefront. The present work investigates the application of low-frequency ultrasound irradiation (40 kHz) for improving the cooling crystallization of ascorbic acid. The impact of ultrasonic irradiation on crystal size, shape, and induction time has been studied, and a comparison with the conventional method has been made. The standing time had a minor effect on particle size on average, while the initial temperature had a far more significant impact. Photographic analysis using image-analysis software indicated that when ultrasound was applied to the saturated solutions, the resulting crystals were smaller and more uniform in size and shape. The resultant crystal grows predominantly in a single direction, resembling thin prisms. The use of ultrasound was also shown to reduce the induction time significantly. This ultrasonic impact is stronger at lower initial temperatures. Indeed, the smallest induction time of 300 s was obtained for sonicated solutions at an initial temperature of 65°C and ultrasonic power of 250 w. When different levels of ultrasonic power dissipation were tested, it was established that the time required for the first nuclei to appear decreased as the power increased. There was, nevertheless, a marginal impact on average crystal size.

Co-Loading Versus Pre-Loading for Preventing Post-Spinal Hypotension in Caesarean Section

Co-Loading Versus Pre-Loading for Preventing Post-Spinal Hypotension in Caesarean Section

Chromatographic and Thermal Characteristics, and Hydrolytic and Oxidative Stability of Commercial Pomegranate Seed Oil.

The current investigations were aimed at the determination of the hydrolytic and oxidative stability of commercial pomegranate seed oils provided by four different producers, and to assess the oils' primary quality parameters. During storage, many changes occur in oils that can significantly affect their quality. The oils were tested for acid and peroxide values, fatty acid profile, and their distribution between the sn-1,3 and sn-2 positions of triacylglycerols. The oxidative stability was also determined, and melting curves were plotted for the oils. The analyzed oils were stored for one month in a dark place at refrigerator temperature. Based on the obtained results, it was found that the acid values for most oils did not exceed the permissible level determined by the Codex Alimentarius. However, in all oils, the peroxide value exceeded the permissible level set by the standard EN ISO 3960:2017-03 and the Codex Alimentarius after the one-month storage period. The examined pomegranate seed oils were found to be valuable sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids, especially punicic acid, which was the most abundant fatty acid present in these oils. In all analyzed oils, linoleic acid predominated in the sn-2 position of the triacylglycerols. Pomegranate seed oils did not exhibit good oxidative stability, as the oxidation induction times for all tested oils were very short. The storage period significantly affected the content of the primary oxidation products and oxidative stability of the oils.

A population balance model for the kinetics of covalent organic framework synthesis.

This study presents a population balance model for the kinetics of nucleation and growth in covalent organic framework (COF) synthesis. The model incorporates second-order nucleation and first-order growth rates, consistent with proposals in the literature. Despite having non-linear terms, an implicit analytic solution is derived and then converted to explicit solutions for the monomer concentration and size distribution of COF flakes as a function of time. For experimental definitions of the induction time and the initial growth rate based on yield (y) vs time (t) curves, the model predicts power-law relationships: tind=0.409kN-1/3kG-2/3cA0-1 and dy/dtmax=0.965kN1/3kG2/3cA0, respectively. We discuss the implications for the interpretation of Arrhenius plots. We also discuss key discrepancies with experiments, including the predicted attainment of 100% yield instead of 30%-40% as observed and the value of the yield at the inflection point in the yield vs time curve. We suggest extensions to the model, including nucleation and growth kinetics with equilibrium solubility limitations and two-dimensional nucleation for the formation of multilayer COF particles.

The Growing Trend of Degenerative Spine Surgery Under Spinal Anesthesia in the Elderly: Empowering Patient Safety: A Series of 83 Cases

Objective: Awake spine surgery has improved patient outcomes in common orthopaedic procedures. Integrating it into spine surgery is of interest to surgeons since it may reduce the difficulties and complications associated with general anaesthesia. The demand for safe spine surgery is rising due to healthcare improvements and increasing ageing population. This study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of spine surgery under spinal anesthesia for elderly patients aged 65 and older.Methods: In a retrospective review, 83 lower lumbar spine surgeries performed under spinal anesthesia by a single surgeon at a single hospital from 2015 to 2019 were examined. All procedure-related data was collected prospectively for analysis. This study explored demographic characteristics, surgical features, perioperative concerns, and anesthesia-related obstacles in spine surgery under spinal anaesthesia.Results: This study included 83 patients aged 65 years and older. Following follow-up, visual analogue scale and Oswestry Disability Index scores considerably improved (p<0.05). Patients in the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical characteristics classification grade II had the highest count. The most common level was L4–5. About 7.2% of patients needed multiple spinal procedures. The average induction time was 20.2±9.6 minutes. The average intraoperative operation lasted 84.0±17.20 minutes. The shifting-out process took 7.95±2.10 minutes to start. The mean intraoperative arterial blood pressure was 70.7±10.8 mmHg, and the mean heart rate was 69.0±7.2 beats per minute. The average postoperative analgesia initiation time was 79.9±7.7 minutes. The average postoperative stay was 3.02±0.83 days. In 10.8% of individuals, cerebrospinal fluid was found. 1.2% of patients experienced postoperative hypotension, 12% experienced nausea and vomiting. Infection occurred in 2.4% of patients, and 14.5% experienced post-operative urinary retention.Conclusion: This case series shows that older patients can undergo lumbar fusion, decompression surgeries under spinal anesthesia with a skilled anaesthesia team. Additionally, spinal anaesthesia substantially minimised dangers and concerns related with general aanaesthesia.

In situ hydrogen production from Al–BiCl3 hydrolysis for small-sized fuel cell

Small-sized fuel cell has tremendous potential and broad market prospect in the field of portable devices, but its hydrogen source with compact structure and stable and high purity hydrogen supply remains an issue for commercialization. In this research, a novel in situ hydrogen production material Al–BiCl3 composite is developed via ball milling method, and its hydrogen production performance is evaluated in terms of induction time, storage stability, hydrogen production rate and hydrogen yield. The results demonstrate that Al–BiCl3 has excellent hydrogen production performance and its hydrogen yield can reach 85 % within 2.3 h. During ball milling process, many surface cracks and active surface are produced and some BiCl3 is reduced to metal Bi by Al, resulting in the high hydrolysis activity of Al–BiCl3. Prolonging milling time can promote the formation of surface cracks and Bi, enhancing the activity of Al–BiCl3. The hydrogen production mechanisms of Al–BiCl3 are attributed to pitting and microgalvanic effect between Al and Bi. Taking into account hydrogen production performance, cost and safety, Al-10 wt% BiCl3 milled for 1 h is a suitable and potential in situ hydrogen production material for small-sized fuel cells.

Enhanced Predictability of Urea Crystallization by an Optimized Laser Repetition Rate.

Laser-induced crystallization is a novel alternative to classical methods for crystallizing organic molecules but requires a judicious choice of experimental parameters for the onset of crystallization to be predictable. This study investigated the impact of the laser repetition rate on the time delay from the start of the pulsed laser illumination to the initiation of crystallization, the so-called induction time. A supersaturated urea solution was irradiated with near-infrared (λ = 1030 nm) laser pulses of pulse duration τ = 5 ps at a pulse energy of approximately E = 340 μJ while varying the repetition rate from 10 to 20,000 Hz. The optimal rate discovered ranged from 500 Hz to 1 kHz, quantified by the measured induction time (median 2-5 s) and the mean probability of inducing a successful crystallization event (5 × 10-2%). For higher repetition rates (5-20 kHz), the mean probability dropped to 3 × 10-3%. The reduced efficiency at high repetition rates is likely due to an interaction between an existing thermocavitation bubble and subsequent pulses. These results suggest that an optimized pulse repetition rate can be a means to gain further control over the laser-induced crystallization process.

Elective Induction of Labor Following Prior Cesarean Delivery.

Following the ARRIVE trial, induction of labor at 39 weeks has increased in the United States. The risk of uterine rupture and optimal timing of elective induction in those patients with a prior cesarean delivery is not well described, and they were not included in the original trial. We aim to determine the risk of uterine rupture in those patients undergoing elective induction of labor with prior cesarean delivery. This was a retrospective cohort of participants with prior cesarean delivery from 1996 to 2000. Participants were included if they had ≤ 2 prior cesareans. Participants were excluded if they had a history of an unknown prior incision, a classical incision, gestational age < 39 weeks, any diabetes, chronic hypertension, twin gestation, collagen or vascular disease, or HIV. Those undergoing expectant management were compared to those undergoing elective induction with no medical or obstetrical indications for delivery. Analysis was performed at three gestational age groups: 39 weeks, 40 weeks, and 41 weeks. The primary outcomes were uterine rupture, rates of successful vaginal delivery, and a composite major morbidity risk. Multivariable logistic regression was performed. At 39 weeks, 618 (10.3%) elective inductions were compared to 5365 (89.7%) undergoing expectant management; uterine rupture occurred more frequently (13 patients (2.1%) vs. 49 patients (0.9%); aOR, 2.5; 95% CI, 1.3 - 4.6) with fewer successful VBAC (66.8% vs. 75%; aOR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.5 - 0.7). The risk of uterine rupture was similar between groups at 40 (5 patients (0.8%) vs. 21 patients (1.2%); P=0.387) and 41 weeks (7 patients (1.4%) vs. 2 patients (0.8%); P=0.448). Patients undergoing elective induction of labor with a prior cesarean scar had an increased risk of uterine rupture when compared to expectant management at 39 weeks, with fewer successful VBAC.

To Compare the Anesthetic Effect of Remimazolam and Propofol in Painless Hysteroscopic Minimally Invasive Surgery.

Hysteroscopic surgery will stimulate the autonomic nerves innervating the uterus, causing intense discomfort and pain in the examined person, and in severe cases, it will cause blood pressure drop, heart rate slowing, arrhythmia and even cardiac arrest, so most patients need anesthetic intervention. This study to retrospectively compare the anesthetic effect of remimazolam and propofol in minimally invasive painless hysteroscopic surgery and to explore the safety and efficacy of remimazolam. The clinical data of 110 female patients who underwent painless hysteroscopic minimally invasive surgery in our hospital from January 2023 to June 2023 were collected. The patients were divided into the remimazolam group (group R, n = 55) and the propofol group (group P, n = 55) according to the main anesthetic drugs used during the operation. The changes in heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP), blood oxygen saturation (SpO2), and respiratory rate (RR) at the time of entry (T0), modified vigilance/sedation score (MOAA/S) 0 (T1), cervical dilation (T2), end of the operation (T3) and anesthesia recovery (T4) were compared between the two groups. Anesthesia induction time, operation time, and anesthesia recovery time were compared between the two groups, and the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative adverse reactions was compared between the two groups. HR, MAP, and SpO2 in group R were significantly higher than those in group P at T1, T2, T3, and T4 (p < 0.05), and there was no significant difference in RR between the two groups (p > 0.05). HR, MAP, and SpO2 at T1 and T2 were significantly lower than those at T0 in group R (p < 0.05), and RR at different time points in the group had no significant difference (p > 0.05). HR, MAP, and SpO2 at T1, T2, T3, and T4 were significantly lower than those at T0 in group P (p < 0.01), and RR at different time points in the same group had no significant difference (p > 0.05). The anesthesia induction time in group R was more prolonged than in group P, and the anesthesia recovery time in group R was shorter than in group P (p < 0.05). The incidences of hypotension, bradycardia, low oxygen saturation, respiratory depression, and injection pain in group R were significantly lower than those in group P (p < 0.05). Intravenous induction of remimazolam at 6 mg·kg-1·h-1 and maintenance of anesthesia at 1-2 mg·kg-1·h-1 have less effect on hemodynamics, faster recovery time and lower incidence of adverse reactions compared with propofol when used in minimally invasive hysteroscopic surgery. Remimazolam can be safely and effectively used in this kind of surgery.

Effect of particle size on cement foams

This work attempts to elucidate the foaming kinetics, hierarchical structures, engineering properties and mechanisms of cement foams with high-volume quartz powder (QP) of different fineness from 200 to 2000 meshes. Comprehensive experiments were conducted to measure the fresh slurry properties, foaming process, penetration strength, and structure of the foams and skeletons. Foaming kinetics was analyzed using fractional-kinetic (FK), pseudo first-order (PFO) and pseudo second-order (PSO) models. Results show that the increase of QP fineness can, respectively, keep, increase and decrease the pH, viscosity, and flowability. The FK model shows the best fitting goodness of foaming kinetics, and the slurry with the QP fineness of 600 meshes possesses the fastest foaming speed. Fine QP shortens the induction time and exothermic peak time, and improve the collapse strength. Coarse QP induces more small bubbles and severe breakage of skeleton, and coarsen the nanopores. The interrelationships among the experiment outcomes and the mechanisms of colloidal adhesion, nucleation and growth of bubbles and cement hydrates, and microstructure development in skeletons are profoundly discussed. The findings deepen the mechanistic understanding of cement foams with different size particles.

Kinetics studies of CO2 hydrate formation in the presence of l-methionine coupled with multi-walled carbon nanotubes

In recent years, gas hydrate technology has been considered to be a promising method for CO2 capture and transport. Nevertheless, the development of the gas hydrate technology is hindered by the slow hydrate formation. In this work, the effects of concentration, initial pressure and gas-liquid ratio on the CO2 hydrate formation kinetics in the compound system of environmentally friendly additive l-methionine (L-met) coupled with low-dose multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were investigated for the first time. The results showed that L-met coupled with MWCNTs could effectively promote the CO2 hydrate formation, and the promotion effect was related to the MWCNTs concentration. At 4.0 MPa, compared to the 0.1250 wt% L-met single system, the compound system with the MWCNTs concentration of 0.0270 wt%∼0.0720 wt% increased the CO2 gas consumption (Gsum) by an average of 6.37 %, and the induction time (tin) of CO2 hydrate formation were shortened by an average of 36.03 %. The optimal concentration of MWCNTs was 0.0450 wt%. Meanwhile, the increase of the pressure and gas-liquid ratio could effectively accelerate the kinetics of CO2 hydrate formation. The promotion effect of the pressure increasing was better than that of the gas-liquid ratio increasing. The pressure increasing could result in the maximum increase of 39.75 %, 122.83 %, and 69.85 % in Gsum, initial gas consumption rate (N10), and the gas to hydrate conversion (GTH), respectively; and the highest reduction of tin was 83.72 %. Furthermore, the hydrate morphological observations revealed that CO2 hydrate initially nucleated in the inner of L-met solution, and the hydrate particles in the compound system of L-met coupled with the MWCNTs were porous snowflakes. The wall climbing effect induced by capillary forces was further explained, and the presence of L-met enhanced the mass transfer capacity of CO2 hydrates. The practical use of fast hydrate formation technology for CO2 capture and sequestration has been facilitated by this work.

Resolving hydrate inhibition mechanism: Interactions between kinetic hydrate inhibitors and CH4 bubble

The kinetic hydrate inhibitors (KHIs) are known to be both economical and eco-friendly in preventing hydrate blockages. To date, two main inhibition hypotheses of KHIs have been proposed, in which the dominant interactions are KHIs-crystals and KHIs-aqueous, respectively. However, both hypotheses experience challenges as contrary phenomena are frequently observed. Herein, we find the extensively generated CH4 bubble in hydrate exploitation or natural gas transportation can greatly promote hydrate nucleation, thus, a new inhibition mechanism is proposed based on the interaction of KHIs-CH4 bubble. Specifically, PVCaps (one typical KHI) can absorb on CH4 bubble surface to mitigate CH4 dissolution, which thus i) reduces the concentrations and accommodations of CH4 in aqueous, thereby mitigating the formation of hydrate embryo; ii) decreases CH4 transfer from bubble to embryo, thereby mitigating the growth of hydrate embryo. As both the formation and growth of hydrate embryos are inhibited, the hydrate nucleation requires longer induction time and larger critical nucleus. Moreover, this new mechanism has been found to be applicable to other KHIs, in which the interaction strengths of KHIs-CH4 bubble can successfully explain the experimental inhibition efficiencies of PEO < PVP < PVCap < VIMA. Thus, the interaction of KHIs-CH4 bubble can act as the key criterion in screening and designing effective KHIs.

Effects of leucine on hydrate formation: A combined experimental and molecular dynamics study

Compared to conventional natural gas storage and transportation methods, hydrates offer a safer, more compact alternative with broad future potential. To enhance hydrate formation, there has been considerable interest in environmentally friendly and cost-effective amino acid promoters, such as leucine. This study utilized a transparent vessel for CH4 hydrate formation experiments, identifying the optimal 0.5–0.6 wt% leucine concentration, which led to enhanced gas consumption, shorter induction time, and maximum gas storage density. In the leucine system, hydrates exhibited distinctive branching growth on container walls, both upward and downward. The formation of numerous microchannels amplified capillary effects, enhancing gas–liquid contact and fostering hydrate formation. Simultaneously, isobaric-isothermal molecular dynamics (MD) simulations integrated system growth configurations, structural parameters, radial distribution functions, energy barriers and mean square displacements, unveiling leucine’s microscopic impact on hydrate formation. Simulation results unequivocally show that leucine significantly accelerates CH4 hydrate growth by momentarily adsorbing at the solid–liquid interface, expediting water molecule ordering into cage-like structures. Leucine also enhances water molecule structural order around the mobile leucine molecule. Moreover, leucine lowers the energy barrier for methane transitioning from gas to liquid, facilitating gas molecule diffusion into the liquid phase and affording plenty interaction time for water and methane molecules, thereby providing favorable conditions for hydrate formation. These findings provide crucial perspectives for future research in the field of eco-friendly hydrate promoters, paving the way for innovative solutions in natural gas storage and transportation.

Freshwater and minerals recovery from synthetic produced water by membrane distillation/membrane crystallization processes

The purpose of this work is to study the influence of oil and surfactant present in produced water on the membrane distillation and membrane crystallization performance. The latter is evaluated in terms of permeate flux, quality of permeate and sodium chloride crystallization kinetics. Polypropylene and Hyflon AD40H/PVDF composite membranes with 0.2 μm\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathrm{\\mu m}$$\\end{document} pore size were used in the investigation. The tests were carried out in direct contact configuration using two synthetic feed solutions: the first one without oil and surfactant, and the second one with oil and surfactant. The achieved results showed a permeate flux reduction of 20 and 40% for PP and AD40H, respectively, in membrane distillation and of 35% in membrane crystallization. These results may be attributed to the interaction between the salts and surfactant, which led to the deterioration of the membrane performance. Despite this, high salt rejection factors greater than 99.9% and total carbon rejections ranging between 80 and 90% indicated the good potential of membrane distillation technology for the treatment of produced water. Moreover, good quality crystals and high total water recovery factor (97%) were achieved using the membrane crystallization process. Nevertheless, the presence of oil and surfactant in the feed caused an increase in the induction time compared to the system without oil and surfactant. In addition, in the performed experiments, simple physical cleaning with distillate water was sufficient to recover the initial trans-membrane flux of the membranes.

Oleogels based on peanut protein isolate fibrils: Structural characterization dependent on induction time and suitability in marguerite biscuits

In order to develop new plant protein-based lipid substitutes to deal with health problems caused by animal fats or trans-fatty acids, the emulsion stablized by acid-heat (90 °C, pH 2.0) induced aggregation of peanut protein isolate (PPI) was used as template to fabricate oleogels. Heating time affected the structure, morphology of PPI and the adsorption characteristics at the O/W interface. The protein with suitable heating time (2–6 h) formed fibrils structure, which was beneficial to the rapid adsorption of aggregates at the O/W interface. Overheating (exceeding 8 h) led to the aggregate of protein fibrils and inhibited the adsorption of proteins at the O/W interface. Therefore, the heating times of 2 h, 4 h and 6 h were selected to prepare the follow-up emulsion and oleogels. Among the four heating times, the emulsion prepared by PPI heating for 6 h showed the best storage stability, ionic strength stability and shear resistance. The resultant oleogels exhibited the least oil loss and the highest freeze-thaw stability. The margarita biscuits prepared with a substitution rate of 50% oleogels to butter presented similar sensory property to the margaritas prepared with butter, indicating that the oleogels possessed favorable shortening properties. The results indicated that PPI fibrils structure could improve the oleogel formaton properties, making it a potential novel additive for the development of new fat substitute products.

Introducing sodium lignosulfonate as an effective promoter for CO2 sequestration as hydrates targeting gaseous and liquid CO2

Hydrate-based CO2 sequestration (HBCS) emerges as a promising solution to sequestrate CO2 as solid hydrates for the benefit of reducing CO2 concentration in the atmosphere. The natural conditions of high-pressure and low-temperature in marine seabed provide an ideal reservoir for CO2 hydrate, enabling long-term sequestration. A significant challenge in the application of HBCS is the identification of an environmental-friendly promoter to enhance or tune CO2 hydrate kinetics, which is intrinsically sluggish. In addition, the promoter identified should be effective in all CO2 sequestration conditions, covering CO2 injection as gas or liquid. In this study, we introduced sodium lignosulfonate (SL), a by-product from the papermaking industry, as an eco-friendly kinetic promoter for CO2 hydrate formation. The impact of SL (0–3.0 wt.%) on the kinetics of CO2 hydrate formation from gaseous and liquid CO2 was systematically investigated. CO2 hydrate morphology images were acquired for both gaseous and liquid CO2 in the presence of SL for the explanation of the observed promotion effect. The promotion effect of SL on CO2 hydrate formation is optimal at 1.0 wt.% with induction time reduced to 5.3 min and 21.1 min for gaseous and liquid CO2, respectively. Moreover, CO2 storage capacity increases by around two times at 1.0 wt.% SL, reaching 85.1 v/v and 57.1 v/v for gaseous and liquid CO2, respectively. The applicability of SL as an effective kinetic promoter for both gaseous and liquid CO2 was first demonstrated. A mechanism explaining how SL promotes CO2 hydrate formation was formulated with additional nucleation sites by SL micelles and the extended contact surface offered by generated gas bubbles or liquid droplets with SL. The study demonstrates that SL as an effective promoter for CO2 hydrate kinetics is possible for adoption in large-scale HBCS projects both nearshore and offshore.