Influence Of Processing Conditions Research Articles

Investigating the Influence of Processing Conditions on Dissolution and Physical Stability of Solid Dispersions with Fenofibrate and Mesoporous Silica.

The study aimed to enhance the solubility of the poorly water-soluble drug, fenofibrate, by loading it onto mesoporous silica, forming amorphous solid dispersions. Solid dispersions with 30% fenofibrate were prepared using the solvent evaporation method with three solvents (ethyl acetate, acetone, and isopropanol) at different temperatures (40 °C, boiling point temperature). Various characteristics, including solid-state properties, particle morphology, and drug release, were evaluated by different methods and compared to a pure drug and a physical mixture of fenofibrate and silica. Results revealed that higher solvent temperatures facilitated complete amorphization and rapid drug release, with solvent choice having a lesser impact. The optimal conditions for preparation were identified as ethyl acetate at boiling point temperature. Solid dispersions with different fenofibrate amounts (20%, 25%, 35%) were prepared under these conditions. All formulations were fully amorphous, and their dissolution profiles were comparable to the formulation with 30% fenofibrate. Stability assessments after 8 weeks at 40 °C and 75% relative humidity indicated that formulations prepared with ethyl acetate and at 40 °C were physically stable. Interestingly, some formulations showed improved dissolution profiles compared to initial tests. In conclusion, mesoporous silica-based solid dispersions effectively improved fenofibrate dissolution and demonstrated good physical stability if prepared under appropriate conditions.

Study on Surface Characteristics and Work Hardening of SiCp/Al Composites by SCCO2-MQL Combined with Ultrasonic Vibration Milling

This study investigated the milling of SiCp/Al composite materials using Polycrystalline Diamond (PCD) tools under various machining conditions, including dry cutting conditions, supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO2) conditions, supercritical carbon dioxide cooling with minimum quantity lubrication (SCCO2-MQL) conditions, ultrasonic vibration conditions, and supercritical carbon dioxide cooling with minimum quantity lubrication combined with ultrasonic vibration conditions. The objective was to compare the surface roughness and morphology of the materials under different machining conditions. Furthermore, under dry cutting conditions and SCCO2-MQL combined with ultrasonic vibration, the effects of different milling parameters on the surface roughness and morphology of SiCp/Al composite materials were investigated through a univariate experiment. Microhardness tests were carried out on the machined workpieces to explore the influence of process conditions and milling parameters on work hardening. The experimental results indicate that among all the tested machining conditions, the SCCO2-MQL in combination with the ultrasonic vibration process significantly reduced the surface roughness of the material. When the milling speed was increased from 40 m/min to 120 m/min, both the surface roughness and the degree of work hardening first increased and then decreased. As the feed rate or cutting depth increased, the degree of work hardening also increased. Therefore, under SCCO2-MQL combined with ultrasonic vibration conditions, it is recommended to use a milling speed of more than 60 m/min and avoid using high feed rates and cutting depths in order to optimize the machining performance.

Analysis and Basics of Improving the Process of Cutting Electrical Sheet Bundles with a High-Pressure Abrasive Water Jet.

Electrical steels are widely used in the electrical industry in the construction of many devices, e.g., power transformer cores and distribution transformers. An important parameter of electrical components that determines the efficiency of devices is energy loss during remagnetization. These losses are influenced, among other factors, by steel cutting processes. The common techniques for cutting electrical materials on industrial lines are mechanical cutting and laser cutting. High-pressure abrasive water jet (AWJ) cutting, unlike the technologies mentioned above, can ensure higher quality of the cut edge and limit the negative impact of the cutting process on the magnetic properties of sheet metal. However, the correct control of the process and the conditions of its implementation comprise a complex issue and require extensive scientific research. This work presents a new approach to cutting electric sheets, involving bundle cutting, which significantly increases the processing efficiency and the dimensional and shape accuracy of the cut details. The tests were carried out for bundles composed of a maximum of 30 sheets, ready to be joined in a stator and rotor in a motor. The influence of processing conditions on the quality of the cut edges of sheet metal, the width of the deformation zone, and the burr height were analyzed. The detailed analysis of the quality of the cut edges of electrical bundled sheets creates new possibilities for controlling the AWJ cutting process in order to obtain a product with the desired functional and operational properties.

Influence of Processing Conditions on the Properties of High Paraffin Oil and Sediment Composition

Influence of Processing Conditions on the Properties of High Paraffin Oil and Sediment Composition

The Influence of Processing Conditions on the Formation Potential of Type V Resistant Starch from Jackfruit Seed Starch

The Influence of Processing Conditions on the Formation Potential of Type V Resistant Starch from Jackfruit Seed Starch

Demystifying Fogging in Lyophilized Products: Impact of Pharmaceutical Processing

A commonly encountered challenge with freeze-dried drug products is glass vial fogging. Fogging is characterized by a thin layer of product deposited upon the inner surface of the vial above the lyophilized cake. While considered to be a routine cosmetic defect in many instances, fogging around the shoulder and neck of the vial may potentially impact container closure integrity and reject rates during inspection. In this work, the influence of processing conditions i.e. vial pre-treatment, lyophilization cycle modifications and filling conditions on fogging was evaluated. A battery of analytical techniques was employed to investigate factors affecting glass vial fogging. A fogging score was used to quantify its severity in freeze-dried products. Additionally, a dye-based method was used to study solution upcreep (Marangoni flow) following product filling. Our lab-scale results indicate measurable improvement in fogging following the addition of an annealing step in the lyophilization cycle. Pre-freeze isothermal holding of the vials (at 5°C on the lyophilizer shelf) for an extended duration indicated a reduction in fogging whereas an increase in the freezing time exhibited no effect on fogging. Vial pre-treatment conditions were critical determinants of fogging for Type 1 vials whereas they had no impact on fogging in TopLyo® vials. The headspace relative humidity (RH) investigation also indicated sufficient increase in the water vapor pressure inside the vial to be conducive to the formulation of a hydration film - the precursor to Marangoni flow.

Influence of process conditions of alkalization on quality of cocoa powder

In this study, the effects of independent variables such as alkaline (NaOH) salt concentration (3.0–6.0 g/100 mL), alkalization temperature (60–90 °C), and time (20–40 min) on cocoa powder (low-fat) properties were investigated by using Central Composite Design. The physicochemical and color properties of samples, powder characteristics, volatile component profile, total polyphenol content (TPC), as well as antioxidant activity potentials using different methods (DPPH and ABTS) were determined. Significant models were identified for the effects on major alkalization indicators (L*, a*/b*, pH), as well as TPC and antioxidant activity potential (DPPH), which are the main motivators for the preference and consumption of cocoa products (p < 0.05). The established model was validated, and their predicted values were found to be very close to real results. It was determined that the alkali concentration had a more significant effect on dependent variables, especially on alkalization indicators, compared to the other independent variables. Furthermore, strong correlations were determined between TPC and antioxidant activity potential and color properties (L*, a*, b*, and a*/b*). Optimum concentration, temperature and time were found to be 5.3 %, 84 °C and 35.7 min for maximizing a*/b* value. The establishment of such models lead to optimizing process conditions of alkalization with minimum effort and labor force for obtaining cocoa powder with desired quality depending on the usage purpose.

Thermochemical Conversion of Animal-Derived Waste: A Mini-Review with a Focus on Chicken Bone Waste

Food waste, particularly animal-derived waste, presents a significant challenge globally, prompting the need for sustainable management strategies. In 2022, the amount of food waste per capita reached 131 kg/capita in the EU (European Union), which is why the search for environmentally friendly ways to manage food waste through thermochemical conversion processes has gained momentum in recent years. Animal-derived waste is a good source of organic matter (proteins, lipids, and polysaccharides) and mineral compounds (calcium phosphate, mostly hydroxyapatite). This composition makes animal-derived waste valuable for the extraction of chemical compounds, such as hydroxyapatite (HAp), which constitutes up to 70 wt% of animal bones; keratin; collagen; and hyaluronic acid (HA), to produce pharmaceutical, medical, or industrial by-products. The thermochemical conversion of chicken bones through pyrolysis and gasification creates a new opportunity to valorize this type of waste by reintroducing valuable by-products into the economy and thus achieving sustainable waste management objectives. The results of this study showcase the multiple applications of the pyrolysis of chicken bone waste products (as adsorbents in aqueous mediums, catalysts, fertilizers, and biomedical applications) and the necessity of a better exploration of the gasification process of chicken bone waste. Therefore, this study explores the properties of animal-derived waste and discusses the pyrolysis and gasification of chicken bone waste, the influence of process conditions on product yields, and the catalytic enhancement of these thermochemical processes.

Determining the Impact of Roller Compaction Processing Conditions on Granulate and API Properties: Impact of Formulation API Load.

Previous work demonstrated that roller compaction of a 40%w/w theophylline-loaded formulation resulted in granulate consisting of un-compacted fractions which were shown to constitute between 34 and 48%v/v of the granulate dependent on processing conditions. The active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) primary particle size within the un-compacted fraction was also shown to have undergone notable size reduction. The aim of the current work was to test the hypothesis that the observations may be more indicative of the relative compactability of the API due to the formulation being above the percolation threshold. This was done by assessing the impact of varied API loads in the formulation on the non-granulated fraction of the final granulate and the extent of attrition of API particles within the non-granulated fraction. The influence of processing conditions for all formulations was also investigated. The results verify that the observations, both of this study and the previous work, are not a consequence of exceeding the percolation threshold. The volume of un-compacted material within the granulate samples was observed to range between 34.7 and 65.5% depending on the API load and roll pressure, whilst the API attrition was equivalent across all conditions.

Valorisation of residual biomass by pyrolysis: influence of process conditions on products

In the context of sustainable residual biomass management, this work explores the pyrolysis process of residual biomass using a bench-scale fixed bed reactor.

Influence of Process Conditions during Aqueous and Direct Recycling of NMC811 Cathodes

A binder-solvent system consisting of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) is commonly used in state-of-the-art cathodes for lithium-ion batteries [1]. However, NMP is highly toxic and requires energy-intensive production processes as well as solvent recovery and purification systems to prevent uncontrolled evaporation [2]. To reduce the cost and environmental impact of cathode production, carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and water can be used as an alternative to PVDF and NMP [3]. In addition, the use of water instead of organic solvents for binder deactivation in aqueous processed cathodes would make direct recycling much more attractive.This study investigates the process conditions for direct recycling of aqueous processed NMC811 cathodes by varying parameters such as the amount of water, process time, and pH of the water bath. The recycled NMC materials are characterized by various techniques, including thermogravimetric and mass spectrometry (TG-MS), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electrochemical measurements such as EIS and galvanostatic cycling.The results show that the ratio of water to NMC has a significant effect on the amount and type of surface species formed on the NMC811 surface. The ratio of NMC811 to water was varied between 1:1 and 1:50, representing possible water concentrations in the direct recycling process. The formation of surface species directly affects the electrochemical performance. Higher water concentrations were associated with higher charge transfer resistances and lower discharge capacities. TG-MS and XPS measurements identified the additional species as the cause. These were mainly transition metal carbonates and hydroxides.In addition, by adding aluminum foil to the water-NMC mixture, the process conditions during the current collector detachment step within direct recycling are investigated. In the aqueous medium, the high pH of about 11.5 leads to the formation of aluminum-containing species due to aluminum corrosion. These species form a surface layer on the NMC particles, which limits the amount of Li leached, but also induces higher polarization. When aluminum corrosion is prevented by adding acid to regulate the pH, the material leaches more Li but also has less polarization. Overall, the importance of controlling the process conditions during aqueous and direct recycling is demonstrated.

Assessing the Sensitivity of the Heat Transfer Coefficient at the Polymer-Calibrator Interface in Profile Extrusion

One of the major challenges in modeling the cooling stage of the thermoplastic profile extrusion process is defining the heat transfer coefficient at the polymer-calibrator interface (hint), which significantly affects the cooling rate. Accurate values for the hint are essential for improving process efficiency using numerical modeling codes. In the existing literature, values of hint are only available for a limited number of cases, and there are no systematic studies regarding the influence of processing conditions on this parameter. This study focuses on the determination of accurate values for hint and on the influence of processing parameters, namely: cooling fluid temperature, pulling velocity, and vacuum pressure. To accomplish this, a previously developed calibrator prototype, and associated methodology, targeting the measurement of hint for thermoplastic materials, is utilized in a conventional profile extrusion line. The results obtained show hint values in the range of 200–1500 W·m−2·K−1, which is in accordance with the results published in the available literature. The results also reveal that the cooling fluid temperature and the pulling velocity have the most substantial influence on hint, while vacuum pressure has minimal impact within the range of the experiments conducted.

Viscosity, mixing regime and power consumption analysis during enzymatic hydrolysis of fish (Sardina pilchardus) processing by-products, through development of power number and Reynolds number correlations

The influence of processing conditions on fluid rheology and mixing regime is of considerable importance during enzymatic hydrolysis of fish processing by-products. Solids concentration ranging from 30 to 70 % (wet basis) and mixing speed from 100 to 400 rpm were investigated, with apparent viscosity, power consumption, power number (Np) and Reynolds number (Re) as response variables of interest. The fish processing by-products at different solids concentration showed power-law pseudoplastic behaviour. Apparent viscosity ranged from 4.35 to 8.51 mPa·s, and power consumption ranged from 53.0 to 492 W/m3. Np―Re curves showed the typical relationship where Np decreased from 20.4 to 1.99 when Re increased from 425 to 3 317. Poor mixing was observed at high solids concentration and low mixing speed, with cavern formation in the early stages of mixing. Liquefaction of solids led to the disappearance of caverns, resulting in good degree of mixing during the hydrolysis process. Contrary to expectations, our study indicated that liquefaction of solids and reduction in molecular weight of proteins had a significant effect on power consumption more than increase in soluble protein concentration, gel formation and/or emulsion. Liquefaction and molecular weight reduction caused a decrease in fluid viscosity while increase in protein concentration, gel formation and/or emulsion contributed to an increase in viscosity. The net result was a decrease in power consumption from 0 to 60 min of enzymatic hydrolysis. The practical implications of the results presented in this study are that one Np―Re curve can be used for any solids concentration between 30 and 50 %. Beyond 50 %, low degree of hydrolysis, protein recovery and significantly high power consumption are experienced.

Influence of Processing Conditions on the Generation of Surface Defects in a Heat-and-Cool Hybrid Injection Molding Technique for Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Thermoplastic Sheets and Development of a Suitable Mold Heated by Far-Infrared Radiation.

Recently, hybrid injection molding-a type of overmolding technology in which a short carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic is injection molded over a compression-molded carbon fiber-reinforced thermoplastic (CFRTP) sheet-has been introduced. A heat-and-cool hybrid injection molding technique has also been introduced for practical use. The technique yields high-quality molded products. This is achieved through the heating of the mold cavity surface to a temperature higher than the melting point of the base polymer impregnated into the carbon fiber fabric. However, few experimental analyses of the molding phenomena in heat-and-cool hybrid injection molding have been reported. In particular, the effect of the processing conditions on the transfer of the mold cavity surface shape to the CFRTP sheet has not been clarified in detail. Therefore, it has been impossible to take extensive measures when defects are generated in molded products. In this study, a mold is designed and fabricated for use with far-infrared radiation heating, a variotherm technology that is suitable for the experimental analysis of the heat-and-cool hybrid injection molding phenomenon. In particular, a mold is designed and fabricated to continuously perform the following three processes using only an injection molding machine: (1) the radiation heating of both the CFRTP sheet and the mold cavity surface using a far-infrared radiation heater, (2) the compression molding of the CFRTP sheet, and (3) the injection molding of the melt. The effects of the heating conditions of the mold and the injection molding process conditions on the appearance characteristics of the molded products are clarified using this mold and a far-infrared radiation heater.

Effect of different types of bacterial single cell protein on feed intake, digestibility, growth and body composition of Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)

This study assessed the potential of four bacterial (Methylococcus capsulatus) single cell protein (SCP) products as alternative protein sources for Pacific white shrimp (Penaeus vannamei) diets. A growth trial and a digestibility trial were undertaken, during which the bacterial SCP products were compared with a high-quality fishmeal and a soy protein concentrate, regarding their impact on ingredient digestibility, growth, feed intake and whole-body composition of juvenile P. vannamei. Seven diets were formulated; one reference diet (REF) and six test diets. The test diets consisted of 85% of the REF diet and 15% of a test ingredient. Ingredients tested were four bacterial SCP products (SCP1–4), which differed in processing conditions, fishmeal (FM) and soy protein concentrate (SoyProt). Growth and feed utilization were similar for P. vannamei fed either the FM diet or one of the bacterial SCP diets, whilst lowest growth and feed utilization were observed for shrimp fed the SoyProt diet. Final whole-body protein content did not differ between shrimp fed the FM diet or one of the four bacterial SCP diets. However, shrimp fed the SCP diets had a significantly higher final phosphorus body content and a higher phosphorus retention than shrimp fed the FM or SoyProt diets. This indicates a higher phosphorus availability in the bacterial SCP products compared to FM and SoyProt. Protein digestibility of the SCP products was similar to FM, whilst amino acid (AA) digestibility was comparable to FM for three of the four SCP products (SCP1, SCP2 and SCP4). The SCP3 product showed the lowest digestibility for most AA, indicating a possible influence of processing conditions on AA availability of bacterial SCPs. Overall, this study highlights that bacterial SCP originating from M. capsulatus is a viable alternative protein source for Pacific white shrimp diets, but processing conditions should be taken into account.

Study on influencing factors of Coal Microbial Flotation Desulfurization

This study systematically investigates the influence of various factors on microbial flotation desulfurization of coal, with a particular focus on removing organic sulfur. The parameters examined encompass particle size, pretreatment time, bacteria species, bacterial concentration, forms of sulfur occurrence, ash yield, and coal rank. The study aims to develop a thorough understanding of the desulfurization process and establish a theoretical framework for advancing clean coal technology and efficient coal utilization. Stringent control was maintained over parameters such as particle size, pretreatment time, bacterial species, and bacterial concentration. Various forms of sulfur and coal rank were considered to evaluate their impact on desulfurization. Correlation analysis was conducted to investigate the relationship between ash yield reduction and the extent of desulfurization. Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and Rhodotorula mucilaginosa were employed in the experimental setup to assess their efficacy in microbial flotation desulfurization. The results demonstrate that microbial flotation desulfurization achieved the highest removal efficiency for organic sulfur, reaching 79.65%. Notably, the desulfurization of organic sulfur exhibited an increasing trend with decreasing coal rank. Correlation analysis reveals a positive correlation between ash yield and desulfurization, suggesting that high mineral matter content in coal facilitates microbial flotation desulfurization and enhances biological oxidation. Comparative analysis of single strain and mixed strain experiments revealed varying degrees of improvement in desulfurization extent, with the mixed-bacteria system exhibiting the most effective removal of organic sulfur, which suggests that Rhodotorula mucilaginosa can significantly enhance microbial flotation desulfurization. Overall, this research provides systematic insights into the influence of process conditions and geological factors on coal desulfurization. The study establishes a theoretical foundation for the development of clean coal technology and the efficient utilization of coal resources, contributing to the advancement of environmentally friendly practices in the coal industry.

Influence of processing conditions on the titanium/nickel contact metallization on a silicon wafer for thermal management

Thermal management of both digital and power electronics is becoming challenging with device miniaturization and a need for delivering higher power. Diamond thin films and substrates are attractive for thermal management applications in power electronics because of their high thermal conductivity. However, deposition of diamond by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition requires high temperatures, which can degrade metallization used in power electronic devices. In this research, Titanium (Ti)- Nickel (Ni) thin films are deposited by direct current magnetron sputtering on p-type Silicon (Si) (100) substrates using a physical mask for creating dot-patterns for measuring properties of the contact metallization. The influence of processing conditions and post-deposition annealing in Argon and hydrogen at 380 °C for 1 h on the properties of the contact metallization are studied by measuring the current - voltage characteristics and Hall effect. The results indicated ohmic contact resistance for both, the as-deposited films and after post annealing treatments. In addition, the results on contact resistance, resistivity, carrier concentration and hall mobility of wafers extracted from Ti/Ni metal contact to p-type Si (100) are presented and discussed.

Fischer–Tropsch synthesis over the Co–Ni/Al2O3 nanocatalyst: influence of process variables, modeling and optimization using response surface methodology

AbstractBACKGROUNDLight olefins production greatly influenced by the process conditions. In the present work Al2O3 supported Co‐Ni nanocatalysts were evaluated for production of light olefins. Incipient wetness impregnation procedure was used for catalyst synthesis. Catalysts were characterized for determining the physicochemical properties using various techniques of XRD, SEM, EDS, H2‐TPR, TPD, TEM, XPS, TGA, DSC, FT‐IR, and BET. The influence of process conditions (Pressure, Temperature and H2/CO inlet feed molar ratio) was investigated on the catalytic performance of Co‐Ni/γAl2O3 nanocatalyst toward lower olefins. Temperature, pressure, and feed ratio factors were changed in wide ranges of 250–450 °C, 1–12 bar, and 1–4 respectively. The Response Surface Methodology (RSM) method was employed for modeling and optimization.RESULTSThe optimum process conditions were obtained using the RSM method (T = 383 °C, P = 4 bar, and H2/CO = 1.92). The highest selectivity of light olefinic products and conversion of carbon monoxide and the lowest selectivity toward methane were obtained concurrently under the optimized conditions with desirability of 0.896.CONCLUSIONThe impact of inlet feed ratio, temperature, and pressure factors was investigated and it was found that the performance of the catalyst greatly depends on the operational parameters. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

A review on the effects of resistant starch on the postprandial glycaemic response and the influence of processing conditions on the formation of resistant starch

In a world of rapidly changing food habits and stressful lifestyles it is more and more recognized that a healthy digestive system is essential for overall quality of life. This recognition has led to the development of foods that are designed to contribute to a healthy digestive system and indirectly to the maintenance of general well-being. For this reason, there is an immediate growing interest in the field of gut health related to the consumption of resistant starch. In this review article, the effects of resistant starch on the postprandial glycaemic response and the influence of processing conditions on the formation of resistant starch were discussed. The use of resistant starch for lowering blood glucose has promising implications for people with diabetes since, for this subpopulation, controlling blood glucose concentrations is a beneficial trait. Besides, the processing method reported in this article showed mixed trends in resistant starch formation.

Preparation and characterization of polyvinylidene fluoride/graphene composite membranes via the electrostatic spinning method

The polyvinylidene fluoride/graphene composite membranes were prepared by electrostatic spinning under different conditions. Statistical analysis was conducted on the film-forming properties and liquid absorption rate. Scanning electron imaging technology observed the typical morphologies of the prepared membranes. The influences of process conditions, such as the graphene content, the applied voltage, the needle-collector distance, and the spinning flow rate on the typical morphology of the composites, were compared. It was found that the applied and the needle-collector distance significantly affected the thin film’s film-forming properties. In contrast, the flow rate had a smaller effect on the film properties and morphology. Comprehensive comparison results suggested that the morphology and uniformity of the fibers in the prepared composite material were relatively better at the needle-collector distance of 13 cm with a graphene content of 0.5%, the applied voltage of 18 KV, and the spinning flow rate of 0.12 μL/min.