Lower Particle Size Research Articles

Transdermal Delivery of Lornoxicam Hybrid Nanogel: Design, Preparation, Characterization, and In-Vitro Diffusion Evaluation

Lornoxicam was practically water insoluble and a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapeutic agent thus associated with gastrointestinal tract (GIT) side effects. Lipid polymer hybrid nanocarriers (LPHNs)-based transdermal nanogel of lornoxicam was formulated to increase solubility of lornoxicam and sustained lornoxicam release that lead to eliminate GIT related side effect, prolong therapeutic activity and improve patient compliance .The lornoxicam LPHNs formulations (LH1-LH6) were prepared by microwaves based method. The conventional gel of lornoxicam (G) was prepared by solvent diffusion method. The LH1-LH6 was entered to characterization processes that were later used as a base to prepare lornoxicam hybrid nanogel formulations (LN1-LN6). The LN1-LN6 was tested for various evaluations. It was found that all the LH1-LH6 were show nanosize globules, low polydispersity index and acceptable surface charge, entrapment efficiency and drug loading. LH3 was the most optimized LPHNs due had lower particle size and higher lornoxicam release.The evaluation processes indicate stable organoleptic properties, high homogeneity, and acceptable values of pH. The comparability profile of the lornoxicam release from the lornoxicam nanogel formulations (LN1-LN6) and conventional lornoxicam gel (G) was in the following descending order: LN3 > LN2> LN1 > LN6 > LN5 > LN4 > G. The characterization and evaluation processes highly support promise transdermal delivery system to decrease pain and inflammation in musculoskeletal diseases.

Enhancing the bio-polymeric stabilization of spray-dried Chlorella phenolic-rich extract: Analysis of its physicochemical, functional, structural, and biological properties

In this study, the spray-drying process of Chlorella extract was investigated. The influence of different carriers including maltodextrin (MD), acacia gum (AG), whey protein concentrate (WPC) on the physicochemical, functional, flowability and color properties was analyzed. Powder obtained using MD revealed the highest bulk and tapped density (0.613 and 0.750 g/mL, respectively), the highest solubility (96.87 %) and hygroscopicity (29.87 %). Dry powder attained by MD, showed the highest content of total phenols (0.413 mg GAE/mL) and lowest particle size (12.70 μm). All produced powders revealed fair to good cohesiveness and flowability. Besides, the spray-drying processes using (MD -WPC) showed higher maintenance of the antioxidant activity. SEM images revealed the presence of particles of different sizes and wrinkles. Evaluation of the chemical structure (FTIR) indicated the encapsulation and distribution of the phenolic compounds of the extract in the matrix of the carriers. Research findings can confirm the possibility to use encapsulated Chlorella extracts as an abundant source of natural antioxidants in the enrichment and formulation of various beneficial food products. Finally, the results showed the efficiency of the spray-drying process on the production of dry powder extract of Chlorella with appropriate physical properties, stability and antioxidant properties.

Solubilization strategy of myofibrillar proteins in low-ionic media (prototype soup): The effect of high-intensity ultrasound combined with non-covalent or covalent modification of polyphenols on myosin molecular assembly

This study investigated the effect of (−)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) non-covalent/covalent grafting onto myofibrillar protein (MP) by high-intensity ultrasound (HIU) on its water-solubility and filament forming behavior. The results showed that the introduction of EGCG, especially in the case of covalent grafting, could inhibit the molecular assembly of myosin and improve the MP water solubility from 2.7% to 53.1% (P < 0.05). The HIU pretreatment provided more opportunities for EGCG grafting onto the ultrasound-treated protein (UMP) by disrupting the filamentous polymerization of myosin and thus further facilitated MP dissolution. Additionally, compared with the UMP-EGCG non-covalent complexes, the covalent complexes with a yellow appearance exhibited a higher absolute zeta potential (35.9 mV) and a lower particle size (53.7 μm) (P < 0.05). Overall, the combination of HIU pretreatment and EGCG covalent modification may provide a promising method for improving the solubility and processing properties of MP in low ionic media (prototype soup).

Yeast cells-xanthan gum coacervation for hydrosoluble bioactive encapsulation

This study assessed the technological feasibility of microencapsulating vitamin C (VC) via coacervation between yeast cells (YC) and xanthan gum (XG). The interaction efficiency between YC and XG was examined across various pHs and ratios, while characterizing the microcapsules in terms of encapsulation efficiency, particle size, and thermal and chemical stability. Additionally, in vitro digestion experiments were conducted to determine the digestion efficiency and bioavailability of the bioactive compound. The optimally produced microcapsules exhibited favorable functional attributes, including low water activity (≤ 0.3) and particle size (≤ 33.52 μm), coupled with a high encapsulation efficiency (∼ 86.12 %). The microcapsules were able to increase the stability of VC at high temperatures and during storage when compared to the control. The in vitro experiment revealed that the microcapsules effectively retained approximately 50 % of the VC in simulated gastric fluid, with up to 80 % released in simulated intestinal fluid. However, due to prior degradation in the simulated gastric fluid, the achieved bioavailability was around 68 %. These results are promising, underscoring the potential of these microcapsules as a viable technology for encapsulating, protect, and releasing water-soluble bioactives in the GI tract.

Ascorbic acid nanoencapsulation using polyelectrolyte complex formation and optimization using hybrid artificial neural network‐genetic algorithm

AbstractBackgroundsThe polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) formation using chitosan (Cs) and alginate (Alg) has been employed to carry out Vitamin C (VC) nanoencapsulation because of its instability in adverse conditions. This method includes VC nanoencapsulation using physical cross‐linking. The effect of the mixing order as well as the different mass ratios of both the polymer and the VC content, were investigated on the size, pdi, zeta potential, encapsulation efficiency (EE%), and yield%. Hence, considering different mass ratios of both polymer (4:1–1:4) and VC content (10%–30% w/w of Cs) as independent variables, PECs were formed using 0.1% (w/v) of Cs and Alg solution.ResultThe result showed that, for equal mass ratio (1:1) of Cs and Alg, the addition of Alg solution to Cs solution led to lower particle size, while higher particle size was observed with reverse order of addition. However, no significant effect of polymer mass ratios was observed on particle size and NPs stability, while EE varied with VC concentration. Artificial neural network (ANN) was applied to train the experimental parameters Cs: Alg ratios (X1:X2) and VC content (X3) for the output variables. Moreover, process optimization was carried out using multi‐objective genetic algorithm (MOGA) with the goal of lowering particle size and increasing EE while increasing nanoparticle yield.ConclusionThe PEC method effectively encapsulated VC as obtained from higher EE. The Cs: Alg ratio of 4:2.1 and 18% VC content (w/w of Cs) was found optimum for nanoencapsulation. The final ANN‐GA model showed an acceptable agreement with experimental data.

Acid emulsions stabilized by soy whey concentrates and soluble soybean polysaccharides: Role of biopolymer interaction strategies on stability against environmental stresses.

This article focuses on the evaluation of different interaction strategies between soy whey concentrates (SWC) and soluble soybean polysaccharides (SSPS) at pH 3.0 on the emulsion stability against freeze-thawing and mechanical stirring. Emulsions were prepared from aqueous dispersions of both biopolymers (3.0% w/w SSPS and SWC, 1:1 mass ratio) and sunflower oil (10% w/w) by aqueous phase complexation (APC), interfacial complexation (IC) and interfacial complexation and sonication (ICS). SWC control emulsion was a poor emulsifying ability; SSPS addition, through the APC and ICS strategies, noticeably improved the SWC emulsifying properties. ICS emulsions showed the highest stability to environmental stresses, due a combination of low initial particle size, flocculation degree and steric hindrance promoted by the presence of SSPS chains at the interface. This study provides valuable information forthe utilization of whey soy proteins in acid dispersed systems stable to environmental stresses.

An enhanced photo(electro)catalytic CO2 reduction onto advanced BiOX (X = Cl, Br, I) semiconductors and the BiOI–PdCu composite

The photoelectrocatalytic reduction of CO2 (CO2RR) onto bismuth oxyhalides (BiOX, X = Cl, Br, I) was studied through physicochemical and photoelectrochemical measurements. The successful synthesis of the BiOX compounds was carried out through a solvothermal methodology and confirmed by XRD measurements. The morphology was analyzed by SEM; meanwhile, area and pore size were determined through BET area measurements. BiOI and BiOCl present a lower particle size (3.15 and 2.71 μm, respectively); however, the sponge-like morphology presented by BiOI results in an increase in the BET area, which can enhance the catalytic activity of this semiconductor. In addition, DRS measurements allowed us to determine bandgap values of 1.9, 2.4, and 3.6 eV for BiOI, BiOBr, and BiOCl, respectively. Such results predict better visible light harvesting for BiOI. Photoelectrochemical measurements indicated that BiOX shows p-type semiconductor behavior, being the holes the majority charge carriers, making BiOI the most active material to carry out photoelectrocatalytic CO2RR. In the second stage, three different composites, BiOI–Pd, BiOI–Cu, and BiOI–PdCu, (BiOI-M; M = Pd, Cu, PdCu), were fabricated to study the influence of active metal nanoparticles (NP's) in the BiOI CO2RR activity. XRD measurements confirmed the interaction between BiOI and the metallic NP's, the three composites overpassed by 20% the BET area of pristine BiOI. Photoelectrochemical measurements indicate that all BiOI-metal composites are suitable materials to perform CO2 reduction in neutral media efficiently; however, the BiOI–PdCu composites surpassed the faradaic current of BiOI–Pd and BiOI–Cu at 0.85 V vs. RHE (3.15, 2.06 and 2.15 mA cm−2, respectively). BiOI–PdCu presented photoactivity to carry out the CO2 reduction evolving formic acid and acetic acid as the main products under visible-light irradiation.

Physicochemical Properties of Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa) Starch.

Native starch extracted from wild yam (Dioscorea villosa) was evaluated for its intrinsic physicochemical properties. From the results, essential metals such as K, Ca, P, and Fe were detected along with some nonessential heavy metals below the WHO permissible limits. Bulk density was 0.13-0.63 g/mL. The water absorption capacity, oil absorption capacity, swelling power, and solubility of the starch were pH-responsive. Thermal profiles showed onset temperature, To (59.21 °C), peak temperature, Tp (60.22 °C), endset temperature, Tc (63.12 °C), gelatinization enthalpy, ΔHgel (0.54 J/g), temperature range of gelatinization, R (3.91 °C), and peak height index, PHI (1.87 J/g °C). Exhibiting a crystallite size of 0.03 nm, absorption peaks of 15.3119°, 24.4120°, and 18.4170°, corresponding to interplanar d-spacings of 3.7500 Ǻ, 5.14000 Ǻ, and 4.954610 Ǻ, were obtained. Evidence of C-H at 1338.1 cm-1, C-O at 640.0 cm-1, C-H stretch at 2829.7 cm-1, and a strong and broad O-H group at 3291.2 cm-1 were obtained. The starch granules had low particle sizes, were homogeneous, and were aggregates of irregular shapes. At a lower pH (2-4), the wild yam starch studied could be a potential absorbent material in the production of disposable diapers and female napkins and as biodegradable films due to its high hydrophobicity at a high pH (8-12).

Lignin Particle Production by Spray Dryer with Self-Assembly Technique

Spry dry and self-assembly techniques was applied to obtain a spherical lignin particle with low particles size distribution. Phase behavior of lignin, ethanol and water ternary system was investigated for spray dry process. Lignin with high solubility in ethanol fraction was used in this research. In the lignin/ethanol/water system, an increase in water content induces the self-assembly of lignin and forms lignin particles colloid. Sedimentation of lignin particles was observed at high lignin and water content. Three different contents of lignin at 1:9 of ethanol:water ratio which were stable colloids in the lignin/ethanol/water ternary system, were selected for spray dry process.,. The result was found that higher content of lignin showed smaller size (5.16 μm). FE-SEM results confirmed a spherical shape and low size distribution of the dried lignin particles. The chemical structure and thermal properties of the lignin particles were also investigated by FT-IR and TGA.

Synthesisation of Zinc Oxide Nanowires via Hybrid Microwave-Assisted Sonochemical Technique at Various Microwave Power

Zinc oxide nanowires (ZnO NWs) have been successfully synthesized via a hybrid microwave-assisted sonochemical technique (HMAST) using zinc acetate dehydrate as starting material. The optimized parameters were set at 12.5 mM solution concentration and a rapid deposition time of 60 minutes. The microwave power was varied from 100 to 800 Watts and the effect of microwave power on the morphological, structural, and optical properties ofthe ZnO NWs has also been studied. Results showed an aligned, uniformly distributed hexagonal wurtzite structure of ZnO NWs was produced, which were augmented at 600 W microwave power, having the smallest diameter size of 29.66 nm. The XRD graph showed that the ZnO NWs produced are highly crystalline, exhibiting the sharpest and narrowest intensity of (002) peaks and a crystallite size of 18.60 nm. The transmittance spectra obtained by UV-Vis would be 89.72%, having a sharp absorption edge, implying the lower particle size of ZnO as well as exhibiting high absorbance in the ultraviolet region, indicating good crystallinity. From the findings, it can be confirmed that the microwave-assisted method helped in improving the formation of higher quality ZnO NWs that can be befittingly applied in many devices such as photocatalysts and sensors due to their excellent electrochemical properties.

Revealing the effect of humic substance compounds on the aged characteristics and release compounds profiles from photodegradation of polyethylene microplastics

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of humic substance compounds (humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid (FA)) on the aged characteristics and release compounds profiles from polyethylene microplastics (PE-MPs). Results showed that HA promoted degree of PE-MPs photodegradation with a higher value of weight loss and oxygen atom and lower average particle size (110 μm), compared with the presence of FA during 15 days of irradiation. Likewise, the needle trap microextraction (HS-NTME) combined with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis revealed that HA and FA promoted a variety of oxygen-containing products (carboxyl acid, phenols and ketones) and siloxanes additives released from photodegradation of PE-MPs. Moreover, HA was found to have a higher ability to generate free radicals (▪OH and O2–) than FA, which accelerated the photooxidation of PE-MPs and led to the different mechanisms of photodegradation pathway of PE-MPs. These findings not only shed light on how humic substances affect photodegradation process of MPs, but also support further investigation into the possible hazard of MPs when co-existing compounds exist in the aqueous system.

Synthesis and Biomedical Applications of Polymer-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are receiving increasing attention from individual scientists and research companies as promising materials for biomedical applications. Mas different methodny other methods can synthesize magnetic nanoparticles can synthesize magnetic nanoparticles. Before proceeding to the synthesis process, the cost of using it and the practicality of the synthesis conditions are well investigated. Especially in their use in the biomedical field, features such as not containing toxic substances, high biocompatibility, and low particle size are desired. However, the use of magnetic nanoparticles in biomedical applications is limited due to various difficulties such as particle agglomeration and oxidation of magnetic cores of MNPs. To overcome these challenges, MNPs can be coated with various natural and synthetic polymers to alter their morphological structure, magnetic character, biocompatibility, and especially surface functional groups. Therefore, this chapter focuses on the synthesis of MNPs by different methods, the effects of these synthesis methods on magnetic properties and size, their modifications with natural and synthetic polymers, and the use of these polymer-coated MNPs in biomedical fields such as targeted drug release, enzyme immobilization, biosensors, tissue engineering, magnetic imaging, and hyperthermia. The review article also provides examples of advanced biomedical applications of polymer-coated MNPs and perspectives for future research to promote polymer-coated MNPs. To this end, we aim to highlight knowledge gaps that can guide future research to improve the performance of MNPs for different applications.

A curcumin oral delivery system based on sodium caseinate and carboxymethylpachymaran nanocomposites

The food industry has paid lots of attentions to curcumin because of its potential bioactive qualities. However, its use is severely constrained by its low bioavailability, stability and water solubility. Herein, we created sodium caseinate and carboxymethylpachymaran (CMP) nanoparticles (SMCNPs) that were loaded with curcumin. The composite nanoparticles were spherical, as characterized by SEM and TEM, the fluorescence spectroscopy, FTIR and XRD research revealed that hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interaction and electrostatic interaction were the main drivers behind the creation of the nanoparticles. The SMCNPs exhibited lower particle size, greater dispersion and higher encapsulation rate when the mass ratio of sodium caseinate to CMP was 3:5 (particle size of 166.8 nm, PDI of 0.15, and encapsulation efficiency of 88.07 %). The composite nanoparticles had good antioxidant activity, physical stability and sustained release effect on intestinal tract during the in vitro simulation experiments, successfully preventing the early release of curcumin into gastric fluid. Finally, cytotoxicity studies told that the prepared composite nanoparticles have good biocompatibility and can inhibit the growth of tumor cells (HT-29). In conclusion, using CMP and sodium caseinate as carriers in this study may open up a fresh, environmentally friendly, and long-lasting way to construct a bioactive material delivery system.

Microencapsulation of tomato seed oil using phlorotannins-adducted pea protein isolate-chitosan and pea protein isolate-chitosan complex coacervates.

Pea protein isolates (PPI)/phlorotannins (PT)/chitosan (CS) ternary complex and PPI/CS binary complex were synthesized to prepare tomato seed oil (TSO) microcapsules. The concentration of PT was determined to be 0.025% (w/w) based on the solubility, emulsification, and UV-visible spectrum of PPI-PT complex. Subsequently, the optimal pHs associated with the formation of PPI/CS and PPI-PT/CS complex coacervates were determined to be pH 6.6 and 6.1, while the optimal ratios were 9:1 and 6:1, respectively. The coacervate microcapsules were successfully produced by freeze-dried method and those formulated with PPI-PT/CS displayed significantly lower surface oil content (14.57±0.22%), higher encapsulation efficiency (70.54±0.13%), lower particle size (5.97±0.16μm), and PDI (0.25±0.02) than PPI/CS. The microcapsules were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, the encapsulated TSO exhibited enhanced thermal and oxidative stability than that of free oil, along with microcapsules fabricated with PPI-PT/CS ternary complex showed better protection than that of free PT. Overall, PPI-PT/CS complex as an effective wall material in delivery system presented great potential.

The Effect of Particle Size and the Material Loading to the Performance and Stability of the LFP Batteries

LiFePO4 (LFP) is one of the most studied materials for Li-ion battery cathodes. It provides excellent safety and long cycle life; however, it displays limited capacity when compared to other cathode materials. The physical properties of LFP strongly affect the performance and stability of the final battery. Among them, particle size is known to be crucial and, in addition, the maximum acceptable electrode loading certainly depends on it. Herein, the effect of particle size as well as the loading of the coating on the performance and stability of the LFP electrode is studied by using both galvanostatic charge-discharge and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Two powders displaying average particle sizes of 0.88 µm (LFP-1) and 0.26 µm (LFP-2) have been selected to prepare two different sets of electrodes via water-based spray with Xanthan Gum binder. Different coating loadings were prepared on circular current collectors (Æ = 1.55 mm): 3 mg (1.59 mg/cm2), 6 mg (3.17 mg/cm2) and 12 mg (6.35 mg/cm2). Half-cells were analysed according to their capacity, electrochemical properties and capacity retention after cycling.First, the effect the loading on the capacity of the cells was determined within both LFP-1 and LFP-2 sample groups (Figure 1). Results show that both groups are indeed affected by increasing the active mass loading, but the LFP-2 series to a lower extent, whatever the cycling rate. In the meantime, the rate capabilities of the electrodes were studied by comparing the electrode capacity as a function of the C-rates. Overall, electrodes with the lowest loading (3 mg) can sustain their capacity on higher C-rates regardless of the sample group. It confirms that lower loadings of the coating are preferable for high C-rate applications. The difference between LFP-1 and LFP-2 sets are much more apparent for 6 mg and 12 mg-loaded electrodes as the relative difference can reach 25%; this result shows that active materials with smaller particle size are more suitable for high C-rate applications.Capacities and capacity retention results were investigated by using EIS in order to understand the electrochemical property difference between the two powders as well as between the different electrode loadings. Firstly, effect of loading amount has been observed and for LFP-1 cells, when the loading increases (from 3 mg to 12 mg), a resistance (Rs) increase (from 15 to 56 Ω) can be observed. Secondly, effect of particle size change has been observed and it has been seen that the charge transfer resistance (Rct) decreases strongly (from 93 to 53 Ω) between LFP-1 and LFP-2 for 3mg loading cells respectively. This is a direct consequence of higher surface area of LFP-2.Second, the stability of the electrodes was examined. To that aim, half-cells were submitted to a sequence of varied C-rate cycling similar to the performance measurement. Then, they were cycled for 100 cycles at C and, finally, the varied C-rate sequence was applied again. The first and second sequences were compared with each other to obtain capacity retention between the the first and second sequences, which enables observing the effect of ageing.Results (Table 1) show electrodes with lower loading get less effected by the degradation, regardless of the LFP used. For both powders, the capacity remains high even at high C-rates. The reverse can be told for the electrodes with the highest loading. Regardless of the LFP chosen, the degradation is quite harsh as it can go as low as 28% capacity retention. This suggests that thin coatings are affected less by the degradation while it is quite dramatic when the loading increases. Comparison between LFP-1 and LFP-2 shows the impact of the powder particle size: electrodes made of smaller particles are less effected by the degradation. The difference can go up to 36% and 69% between LFP-1 and LFP-2 respectively.Electrochemical properties were investigated for 3 mg-loaded electrodes with the EIS before and after cycling. Increase in all observed values (Rs and Rct) has been observed after cycling (Table 2). The increase in values are much more dramatic for LFP-1, which explains the worse stability performance upon long-term cycling.Overall, LFP-2 cells display lower Rs and Rct as a direct result of high surface area resulting from their lower particle size. Those properties give them the advantage of being more tolerant to increasing loadings and increasing C-rate. In addition, cells prepared with smaller LFP particles are affected less by the degradation, possibly because the morphology is less affected by the cycling. Further study of morphology or crystallography modifications will be conducted to determine the origin of degradation. Figure 1

Effect of different boron sources on the copper borates in solid-state synthesis

Abstract The copper borate of CuB2O4 in tetragonal form was successfully synthesized as a single-phase by using a solid-state method without using any modifying agent. For the designed experimental procedure, the optimized reaction conditions were estimated as a reaction temperature of 950 °C, reaction time of 240 min, argon atmosphere and Cu:B ratio of 1:5. The possible reaction mechanism estimated for both boron sources of boric acid and boron oxide. In both sets, the lower ratios of Cu:B supported CuB2O4 formation. In the use of boric acid as a boron source, higher reaction yield percentages (98 %) and lower particle sizes were determined. The micron-scale rounded particles were observed in morphological analyses and the particles were shaped in homogeneity in the use of boron oxide as a boron source. The specific FT-IR peaks were observed at the band values of 1190, 1035, 988, 945, 890, 695, 631, 540 and 479 cm−1. The experimental results highlighted the probable use of solid-state in the copper borate synthesis.

Influence of Block-Copolymers' Composition as Compatibilizers for Epoxy/Silicone Blends.

The objective of this study was to prepare crosslinked epoxy networks containing liquid silicone particles in order to improve their mechanical properties and obtain less brittle materials. Different copolymers were used as compatibilizers. These copolymers vary in their chemical composition and structure. All of the copolymers contain hydrophobic (PDMS sequences) and hydrophilic groups. The effect of their chemical structure and architecture on the morphology of the dispersed phase, and on the final physico-chemical and flexural characteristics of epoxy/silicone blends, was explored. The morphology of crosslinked formulations was studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the thermal characteristics (glass transition temperature, Tg, and curing exothermic peak) were determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The experimental results have shown that the average diameter and particle size distribution of silicone particles depend on the chemical structure and architecture of the compatibilizers. One copolymer has been identified as the best compatibilizer, allowing a lower mean diameter and particle size distribution in addition to the best mechanical properties of the final network (less brittle character). This study has consequently evidenced the possibility of creating in situ silicone capsules inside an epoxy network by adding tailored compatibilizers to epoxy/silicone formulations.

Effect of diffusion medium on the regeneration of Nd-Fe-B magnet sludge by CaH2 reduction diffusion method

The effects of adding different diffusion medium (KCl and CaCl2) on the regeneration of Nd-Fe-B magnet sludge by CaH2 reduction diffusion (RD) method were investigated. Through thermodynamic calculations, phase-structure and microstructure analysis, we found that the liquid CaCl2 could lower the starting reaction temperature of the CaH2-RD reaction. And the gaseous KCl led to the formation of loose and porous reacted compact, which was beneficial for impurity removal and refining the grains. Besides, CaCl2 would be involved in the CaH2-RD reaction and produce the intermediate product NdOCl, while KCl would not. Therefore, the regenerated Nd-Fe-B powders with finer particle size, low impurity content and uniform particle size distribution were prepared when KCl was used as diffusion medium. The average particle size of the regenerated Nd–Fe–B powders were reduced from 3.49 μm to 1.83 μm. The contents of Ca and O for the regenerated Nd-Fe-B powders were reduced to 0.04 wt% and 0.26 wt%, respectively. The M3T of regenerated Nd-Fe-B powders increased to 152.25 emu/g, which was about 4.1% and 38% higher than CaH2-regenerated Nd-Fe-B powder and initial sludge, respectively. Finally, the regenerated Nd-Fe-B sintered magnets with properties of Hcj = 16.5 kOe, Br = 11.7 kG, and (BH)m = 31.8 MGOe were successfully prepared by adding 40 wt% Nd4Fe14B alloy powders.

Corn kernel hardness and drying temperature affect particle size post-hammer-milling and pellet quality in broiler and swine diets

The particle size (PS) of ground corn affects the live performance, nutrient digestibility, energy utilization, and gut health of poultry and swine. Endosperm hardness influences kernel breakability. The interactive effects of corn moisture content at harvest and drying temperature (DT) can also affect starch-protein matrix structure, breakage susceptibility, and pellet durability. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of drying temperature (35 or 120 °C) in two yellow-dent corn hybrids with different kernel hardness (average and hard) on the geometric mean diameter (dgw) and standard deviation by weight (Sgw) when hammermilled, and pellet quality. Four different settings combinations of tip speeds (4213, 3862, 3335, and 2458 m/min) and screen of 8/64", 3.18 mm (8 −8); 20/64", 7.94 mm (20 −20); 24/64", 9.53 mm (24 −24); and 24/64", 9.53 mm (24 −24) respectively were used to target four dgw (400, 700, 925, and 1250 µm). After grinding, the 400 and 700 µm corn were included in broiler and sow diets to assess the impact of these treatments on the pellet durability index (PDI). Grinding and pelleting data were analyzed using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of two corn varieties (CV) and two DT in a randomized complete block design with blocks by grinding or pelleting event. The average hardness CV generally had the lowest dgw. The hard CV had the biggest dgw when kernels were dried at 35 °C, and the tip speed setting was 3335 m/min. Drying at 120 °C increased dgw for the average hardness CV when the target PS were 700, 925, and 1250 µm, but caused no increase in dgw at the lowest target PS. In contrast, the dgw of hard CV was not affected by DT when ground to target 700 and 1250 µm and increased at 400 µm with the high DT. The average hardness CV had higher Sgw, especially when dried at 35 °C. Higher particle uniformity (lower Sgw) was observed with hard CV. Diets containing the hard CV presented better PDI than diets with the average CV. Better broiler feed PDI was observed with corn dried at 120 °C than at 35 °C. However, this effect was the opposite when grinding at a lower PS target for sow gestation diets. The PS distribution and damaged starch of corn affected PDI. Higher corn DT affected dgw and Sgw differently depending on CV and improved PDI in broiler diets, while 35 °C DT improved PDI in sow diets.

Effect of shear on durability of viscosity reduction of electrically-treated waxy crude oils

Applying a high-voltage electric field to waxy oil can significantly reduce its viscosity near the pour point, and the viscosity recovers gradually after the removal of the electric field. The impact of shear, which is an inevitable occurrence during oil pipeline transportation, on the durability of viscosity reduction remains inadequately explored. In this study, four waxy crude oils were subjected to electric fields with various strengths, and the effect of shear on the viscosity and impedance of treated oils was evaluated. The results revealed that a higher field strength promotes the accumulation of more colloidal particles (asphaltenes and resins) on wax particle surfaces, resulting in longer maintenance of viscosity reduction. Shear exhibited a contrasting impact on electrically-treated oils’ viscosity: it hastened the disappearance of the modification effect of oils with low liquid phase viscosity and small colloidal particle size, but preserved the viscosity reduction of oils with high liquid phase viscosity and large colloidal particle size. Further investigation revealed that shear disrupted the interconnection between colloidal particles and wax particles, and promoted the collision and adhesion of free-moving colloidal particles with wax particles. The competition between these two effects determined the effect of shear on the viscosity of treated oils.