Material Formulation Research Articles

Bio-Based PLA/PBS/PBAT Ternary Blends with Added Nanohydroxyapatite: A Thermal, Physical, and Mechanical Study.

The physical and mechanical properties of novel bio-based polymer blends of polylactic acid (PLA), poly(butylene succinate) (PBS), and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) with various added amounts of nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) were investigated in this study. The formulations of PLA/PBS/PBAT/nHA blends were divided into two series, A and B, containing 70 or 80 wt% PLA, respectively. Samples of four specimens per series were prepared using a twin-screw extruder, and different amounts of nHA were added to meet the regeneration needs of bone graft materials. FTIR and XRD analyses were employed to identify the presence of each polymer and nHA in the various blends. The crystallization behavior of these blends was examined using DSC. Tensile and impact strength tests were performed on all samples to screen feasible formulations of polymer blends for bone graft material applications. Surface morphology analyses were conducted using SEM, and the dispersion of nHA particles in the blends was further tested using TEM. The added nHA also served as a nucleating agent aimed at improving the crystallinity and mechanical properties of the blends. Through the above analyses, the physical and mechanical properties of the polymer blends are reported and the most promising bone graft material formulations are suggested. All blends were tested for thermal degradation analysis using TGA and thermal stability was confirmed. The water absorption experiments carried out in this study showed that the addition of nHA could improve the hydrophilicity of the blends.

Circular Economy-based Food Technology: Enhancing Red Dragon Fruit Jam Quality according to SNI 3746-2008

Circular economy-based food technology innovation plays important role in overcoming environmental and sustainability challenges. This study aims to improve the quality of red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) jam by adding its peel, in line with SNI 3746-2008. The study will also explore the application of circular economy principles in the jam production process. This research uses both quantitative and qualitative methods, including Total Plate Count tests, organoleptic tests (condition and hedonic), fibre tests, moisture content tests, and literature reviews. The research results show that the addition of red dragon fruit peel improves the quality of the jam, with a Total Plate Count that meets standards, making it safe for consumption at 3.6x10² Colony/g. Three parameters typically state the organoleptic acceptance level for condition tests as normal: colour (97%), odor (65%), and taste (74%). The hedonic test showed that the panelists liked the colour of the jam (7) and somewhat liked the odor and taste of the jam (6). The addition of red dragon fruit peel confirmed the positive fibre content. However, the panelists slightly disliked the jam's texture (4) due to its high moisture content (48.6%), indicating the need for improvement. From a circular economy perspective, this contributes to reducing biomass waste, utilising resources efficiently, increasing the added value of products, and providing a positive social and economic impact. This research's limitations include variations in raw material formulation that affect the final results, as well as the need for further studies to optimise moisture content and improve organoleptic test results.

Reducing residual stress in photopolymerized composites by grafting high-mobility polymer chains onto the filler-matrix interface

3D/4D printing of thermosets, composites and hydrogels, lithographic procedures and dental resins are important examples of applications that rely on light-driven polymerization supported on substrates. Adhesion between the polymer and substrate during photopolymerization (and even between printed layers) can restrict the usual polymerization shrinkage, leading to the generation of residual stresses. These residual stresses can result in poor-quality products due to the presence of cracks and occurrence of warpage. In this work, silica nanoparticles were incorporated into photopolymerizable dimethacrylate based networks. These nanoparticles had their surface modified by grafting polymer chains with high mobility at usual room temperatures (low glass transition temperature polymer) and with high affinity towards the polymer matrix in order to test the hypothesis that these high-mobility chains could be helpful in dissipating stress and energy generated during photopolymerization in conditions in which the polymerization shrinkage is restricted. The nanoparticles and composites were analyzed via: electron microscopy (SEM), thermal analysis and mechanical bending tests. The evolution of the monomer-to-polymer conversion during photopolymerization was monitored using real-time infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. To determine the residual stress generated by the polymerization at restricted contraction conditions, a universal mechanical testing machine was adapted and used. The results showed that silica nanoparticles with grafted high-mobility polymer chains that were able to interpenetrate and interact with the dimethacrylate based networks led to the production of composites having higher mechanical properties and lower polymerization stresses than composites containing only silanized nanoparticles and nanoparticles having immiscible polymer grafts towards the dimethacrylate based network. Results indicate that the modifications of the interface of composites developed in this work can be useful in the formulation of materials with improved mechanical properties and stability regarding polymerization shrinkage and residual stress that can lead to higher-quality products obtained in processes that employ light-driven polymerization supported on substrates or that occur on sequential polymerized layers, such as 3D/4D printing, lithography and in dental applications.

Comparative study on curing kinetics of MDI-based polyurethanes with different chain length diol curing agents

The difference in the reaction between thermosetting polyurethane (CPU) and binary alcohol system curing agents is crucial for obtaining accurate curing kinetics models and selecting curing agents. Based on a systematic comparison of the reaction activation energies and kinetic models of three different chain length fatty alcohol curing agents, ethylene glycol, 1,4-butanediol, and 1,6-hexanediol, the effect of curing agent chain length on the curing reaction was elucidated. Using differential and integral transformation methods to process non-isothermal DSC tests results, the effect of different chain lengths curing agents on the activation energy of MDI based polyurethane were analyzed. Based on the self-catalytic model, the segmented curing mechanism of the MDI based polyurethane systems were studied, and applicable high-precision segmented kinetic models’ parameters were calibrated. The optimal curing conditions for these systems were determined using extrapolation. The research results indicate that when the curing degree increases to 95 %, the overall activation energy of the MDI/1,4-butanediol system decreases by 47.1 %, accompanied by a faster self-catalytic. However, the activation energies of the other two systems, MDI/propylene glycol system and MDI/1,6-hexanediol system increased by 62. % and 295.0 %, respectively. This slows down the reaction rate of the two systems, which was 7.8 % and 10.9 % slower than the MDI/1,4 butanediol. heir molecular cross-linking network limits the diffusion ability of their chains and reduces the self-catalysis, resulting in slow reactions. These results will provide theoretical guidance and reference for the material formulation, process optimization of MDI based polyurethane actual curing production.

Electrospun methacrylated natural/synthetic composite membranes for gingival tissue engineering

New functional materials for engineering gingival tissue are still in the early stages of development. Materials for such applications must maintain volume and have advantageous mechanical and biological characteristics for tissue regeneration, to be an alternative to autografts, which are the current benchmark of care. In this work, methacrylated gelatin (GelMa) was photocrosslinked with synthetic immunomodulatory methacrylated divinyl urethanes and defined monomers to generate composite scaffolds. Using a factorial design, with the synthetic monomers of a degradable polar/hydrophobic/ionic polyurethane (D-PHI) and GelMa, composite materials were electrospun with polycarbonate urethane (PCNU) and light-cured in-flight. The materials had significantly different relative hydrophilicities, with unique biodegradation profiles associated with specific formulations, thereby providing good guidance to achieving desired mechanical characteristics and scaffold resorption for gingival tissue regeneration. In accelerated esterase/collagenase degradation models, the new materials exhibited an initial rapid weight loss followed by a more gradual rate of degradation. The degradation profile allowed for the early infiltration of human adipose-derived stromal/stem cells, while still enabling the graft's structural integrity to be maintained. In conclusion, the materials provide a promising candidate platform for the regeneration of oral soft tissues, addressing the requirement of viable tissue infiltration while maintaining volume and mechanical integrity. Statement of significanceThere is a need for the development of more functional and efficacious materials for the treatment of gingival recession. To address significant limitations in current material formulations, we sought to investigate the development of methacrylated gelatin (GelMa) and oligo-urethane/methacrylate monomer composite materials. A factorial design was used to electrospin four new formulations containing four to five monomers. Synthetic immunomodulatory monomers were crosslinked with GelMa and electrospun with a polycarbonate urethane resulting in unique mechanical properties, and resorption rates which align with the original design criteria for gingival tissue engineering. The materials may have applications in tissue engineering and can be readily manufactured. The findings of this work may help better direct the efforts of tissue engineering and material manufacturing.

Opportunities for Bioactive Glass in Gastrointestinal Conditions: A Review of Production Methodologies, Morphology, Composition, and Performance.

Bioactive glasses (BGs) are widely used in orthopedic and dental applications for their ability to stimulate endogenous bone formation and regeneration. BG applications more recently broadened to include soft tissue conditions, based on their ability to stimulate angiogenesis, soft tissue regeneration, and wound healing. Sol-gel synthesis has helped facilitate this expansion, allowing formulators to tailor the morphological characteristics of the BG matrix. The effectiveness of BGs in skin wound healing is viewed as a gateway for their use as both a therapeutic and drug delivery platform in other soft tissue applications, notably gastrointestinal (GI) applications, which form the focus of this review. Recent changes in international guidelines for GI conditions shifted clinical objectives from symptom management to mucosal wound healing. The additional scrutiny of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) safety, increasing burden of disease, and financial costs associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease (PUD), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) open new clinical possibilities for BG. This narrative literature review intersects materials engineering, formulation science, and clinical practice, setting it apart from prior literature. Broadly, current evidence for BG applications in GI conditions is sparse and under-developed, which this review directly addresses. It explores and synthesizes evidence that supports the potential use of sol-gel-derived BG for the efficacious treatment of soft tissue applications, with specific reference to GI conditions. An overview with comparative analysis of current BG synthesis techniques and associated challenges is presented, and influences of composition, biologically active ions, and morphological characteristics in soft tissue applications are explored. To contextualize this, sol-gel-derived BGs are proposed as a dual, tailorable therapeutic and drug delivery platform for upper and lower GI conditions. Future directions for this largely untapped area of translational research are also proposed, based on extant literature.

Surface Modification of Fast-Growing Wood with a Titanium-Dioxide-Based Nanocoating to Improve Weathering Resistance

Acacia mangium requires the addition of a finishing material to increase its resistance to weathering. Herein, the effectiveness of a nanocoating containing titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2-NPs) as a finishing material for mangium wood was investigated. The coating material formulations used were oil-based (V1) and water-based (V2) varnishes with TiO2-NP concentrations of 1% (CT1), 5% (CT5), and 10% (CT10) (w/v). The uncoated and coated samples were subjected to weathering periods of 0, 2, and 4 months. The results showed that the addition of TiO2 nanoparticles to the V1 and V2 varnishes resulted in more gradual colour changes after the weathering period. The surface of the mangium wood also became smoother after being coated. However, the surface roughness increased with the duration of the weathering period. The wettability (K-value) of the sample decreased after coating, indicating that the coated sample was more hydrophobic than the uncoated sample. The results of a photocatalyst test, which analysed the effectiveness of the coatings, showed that the best coating material formulas were V1-CT10 and V2-CT10, as they degraded 75.21% and 71.03% of methylene blue content, respectively. Fourier transform infrared analysis showed that mangium wood did not undergo rapid weathering after the nanocoating treatment, as indicated by an insignificant decrease in the peak absorption intensity of the main structural functional groups of wood.

Digital Light Processing 3D‐Printed Multilayer Dielectric Elastomer Actuator for Vibrotactile Device

AbstractDielectric elastomer actuators (DEAs) have emerged as promising components in the field of soft robotics. Multilayer DEAs can enhance the output performance compared to single‐layer DEAs, but the common layer‐by‐layer stacking methods are time‐consuming and likely susceptible to concerns about frequent dielectric breakdown. Herein, the one‐piece multilayer DEAs are directly fabricated via the digital light processing (DLP) 3D printing method, taking advantage of the precise and intricate printed structure. The study also focuses on the adjustable DLP printable resin formulation, aiming to achieve a DLP printed polyurethane acrylate (PUA)‐based dielectric elastomer (DE) material that exhibits desirable characteristics, such as an appropriate dielectric constant, modulus, and minimal hysteresis loss. The non‐pre‐stretch DLP‐printed cylindrical DEA demonstrates a significant blocked force of 270 mN and maintains 45% actuation performance at a frequency of 100 Hz, attributed to both the printed multilayer structure and the optimized formulation of the DE material. Moreover, the feasibility of DLP‐printed DEAs as vibrotactile devices is demonstrated. This work has advanced the development of rapid and efficient fabrication methods of multilayer DEAs using DLP printing, with enhanced force output and attractive applications in robotics and haptic interfaces.

ANALISIS MEKANIK DAN TERMAL MATERIAL KOMPOSIT BERBASIS SERAT ECENG GONDOK SEBAGAI BAHAN KEMASAN RAMAH LINGKUNGAN

This study aims to analyze the mechanical and thermal properties of water hyacinth fiber-based composite materials as an alternative to environmentally friendly packaging materials. This composite material is produced by mixing water hyacinth fiber with a natural polymer matrix that can decompose easily. Manufacturing methods include mixing, pressing, and thermal treatment processes. The mechanical properties of composite materials, including tensile strength and resistance to deformation, are tested using tensile tests and hardness tests. Thermal analysis is carried out through thermogravimetric tests (TGA) to identify the thermal stability and decomposition of the material. The results showed that the water hyacinth fiber-based composite materials had fairly good mechanical properties in certain mixture compositions, although they were not as strong as composite materials using synthetic fibers. However, this material shows potential in packaging applications that do not require extreme mechanical strength. The mechanical properties of the water hyacinth fiber composite produced lead to the fulfillment of the need for use as packaging, which is light, flexible and not easily broken. The thermal properties of the composites show faster decomposition compared to synthetic fiber based composites, but are still within the acceptable range for single-use packaging. With its environmentally friendly properties, this composite material can be an attractive alternative to reduce the use of plastic in the packaging industry. Nonetheless, improvements in manufacturing processes and material formulations are still required to improve their mechanical and thermal properties and maintain packaging durability under diverse usage conditions.

Best billiard ball in the 19th century: Composite materials made of celluloid and bone as substitutes for ivory.

The demystification of how 19th-century novelly designed materials became significant elements of modern technological, economic, and cultural life requires a complete understanding of the material dimensions of historical artifacts. The objects frequently described as the earliest manufactured plastic products-the billiard balls made by John Wesley Hyatt and his associates from the late 1860s-are examined closely for the first time and are found to be more complex and functionally more successful than has been described. Modern analytical techniques such as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, micro-Fourier transformed infrared, and handheld/micro-Raman spectroscopies were used to reveal the complex composition of the Smithsonian Institution's "original" 1868 celluloid billiard ball. Comparisons with billiard and pool balls commercialized from the 1880s to the 1960s showed an unexpected consistency in material formulations. All specimens were made of an unprecedented composite material prepared with a mixture of cellulose nitrate, camphor, and ground bone; the source of the bone was identified as cattle by peptide mass fingerprint (ZooMS). Patent specifications and contemporary journal descriptions explained how and when these formulations emerged. Combining the technical analyses of compositions with a careful reading of the historical record and contemporary descriptions reveals the key elements of the first successful efforts to substitute materials to assist the survival of endangered animals.

A multi-scale formulation for polycrystalline materials accounting for cohesive micro-cracks: Homogenisation of the traction-separation law

This contribution investigates the modelling of failure in polycrystalline materials due to the nucleation and propagation of cohesive cracks at the micro-scale. First, a two-scale formulation that enables the analysis of failure, even when the evolution and propagation of cohesive micro-cracks induce material instability, is proposed. The development of this macro-continuous/micro-discontinuous formulation is based on the Method of Multi-Scale Virtual Power, from which dynamic equilibrium and homogenisation equations are derived, ensuring a variationally consistent scale transition. The respective minimal kinematical constraint is retrieved and enforced with the Lagrange multiplier method. The formulation is also extended for periodic boundary conditions. The discretisation of the resulting equilibrium equations, with the finite element method and the generalised-α method, is described in detail.Second, a fracture-based computational homogenisation procedure is developed to obtain homogenised traction-separation laws and fracture properties from microstructural volume elements. It is derived from a crack-based Hill-Mandel principle and employs a novel energetic-based damage variable, within the Park-Paulino-Roesler cohesive model, proposed to define the crack domain and compute the crack homogenised quantities. A strategy for accurately computing the homogenised unit normal vector of the equivalent macroscopic crack is also suggested.Numerical examples demonstrate the formulation’s ability to analyse fracture problems, including a study on the impact of different microscopic boundary conditions. This work also reveals the convergence of the traction-separation law with increasing microstructure model size when using the fracture-based computational homogenisation. Furthermore, it investigates how advanced deformation mechanisms, like slip plasticity and martensitic transformation, affect intergranular crack propagation mechanisms.

On different classes of constitutive descriptions in finite electro‐mechanics: Computational modelling of isotropic and anisotropic electro‐active materials

AbstractVarious constitutive formulations can be employed to simulate the coupled behaviour of electro‐active polymers (EAP). Those distinct mathematical descriptions vary with respect to the manner in which the electric field is coupled to the deformation. However, in principle, they are all capable of emulating the finite coupled response of EAP. The underlying coupling mechanism of largely deformable materials can be identified through experimental characterization. This contribution addresses the constitutive and finite element modelling of the actuation response of both isotropic and anisotropic EAP, where different material formulations are considered and implemented within a finite element framework. Those various material formulations are mathematically treated and employed to simulate electro‐mechanical experiments of dielectric materials. Existing coupled electro‐mechanical tests of active materials are referred to, where it is sought to employ different constitutive models to fit the experimental observations. Within the undertaken study, the capability of different descriptions to predict electro‐mechanical instabilities is evaluated. Regarding the numerical implementation of the model, it is referred to an electro‐mechanical Q1P0 finite element formulation. After performing the study and fitting experimental results associated to isotropic materials, the actuation response of several anisotropic EAP‐based structures is emulated.

MXene-enhanced ePatch with antibacterial activity for wound healing.

Prudent wound-healing strategies hold great potential in expediting tissue renovation and regeneration. Despite the widespread adoption of hydrogels as preferred carriers for wound healing patches, achieving optimal mechanical compatibility and superior wound performance remains a formidable challenge. Consequently, meticulous attention must be given to the formulation of hydrogel structure and materials design to overcome these hurdles. In response, we have developed an ePatch composed of polyacrylamide (PAAM) as the primary hydrogel structure, augmented with MXene, silver nanowires (AgNWs), and resveratrol to act as sustained-release agents, structural enhancers, and antibacterial agents, respectively. Notably, the ePatch exhibited exceptional wound-fitting capabilities and impressive mechanical stretchability (with a relative standard deviation [RSD] of only 1.36% after 55 stretches) and Young's modulus. In contrast to the commercial 3M Tegaderm, the ePatch demonstrated superior wound healing properties, with the inclusion of MXene into PAAM/AgNWs playing a pivotal role in expanding the ePatch's potential use across various interconnected fields.

Color behavior of composite resin enhanced with different shapes of new antimicrobial polymer coated nanoparticles

BackgroundZein-coated magnesium oxide nanoparticles (zMgO NPs) demonstrate a potent antimicrobial effect, endorsing it as a compelling additive to dental materials formulations for oral health care advances. However, currently there is no data on the imprint of zMgO NPs on the color permanence of dental composites. The objective of this study is to evaluate the color stability of different types of composite enhanced with antimicrobial zein-coated magnesium oxide nanoparticles (zMgO NPs) of different shapes before and after thermocycling.MethodsTwo hundred composite samples were divided into four groups: Gp1: Tetric N-Flow with zMgO nanowires, Gp2: Tetric N-Flow with zMgO nanospheres, Gp3: Tetric N-Ceram with zMgO nanowires; Gp4: Tetric N-Ceram with zMgO nanospheres. Each group was subdivided into 5 subgroups (n = 10) with concentrations of zMgO NPs 0%, 0.3%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%. The characterization of the modified composite containing the zMgO was done via X-ray Diffraction, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). Colorimetric evaluation was performed through spectrophotometry with a white background. Samples underwent color assessment using a spectrophotometer, followed by thermocycling, and then another color assessment.ResultsFESEM analysis showed a uniform distribution of the zMgO nanoparticles in the composite and FTIR illustrated no change in the spectra. However, the XRD spectra exhibited an amorphous pattern in the composite enhanced with zMgO NPs. There was no compelling discrepancy in color variation ΔE among the different groups before and after thermocycling (p > 0.05). A statistically notable variation in ΔL was found amid the control and N-Flow and N-Ceram with 2% zMgO nanospheres before and after thermocycling respectively (p < 0.05). While after thermocycling, there was a statistically significant difference in Δa in N-Flow and N-Ceram wires amid the control and the different groups (p < 0.05). Additionally, after thermocycling there was a statistically significant difference in Δb in N-Flow and N-Ceram wires between the control and the different groups (p < 0.05). The Tukey test exhibited no variation among the groups with different zMgO concentrations (p > 0.05).ConclusionEnhancing N-Flow and N-Ceram composite with antimicrobial zMgO nanowires and nanospheres did not alter the total color stability of the materials before and after thermocycling.

Formulation and properties of a new cleaner double liquid alkali-activated grouting material

Herein, a new cleaner double liquid alkali-activated grouting material (DLAG) was successfully developed, which could be applied similarly to cement by adding water. Desulphurisation gypsum (DG) was selected to activate ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBFS) and fly ash (FA) to completely replace cement. The optimum proportion of the basic materials and admixtures were determined by a series of orthogonal and single-factor controlled variable experiments. The mechanism for the strength enhancement of the materials was interpreted by microscopic experiments. The optimum proportion of the basic materials was determined that slurry A comprised of only GGBFS, whereas DG, FA, and metakaolin (MK), were present in a mass ratio of 6:3:1 in slurry B. The single slurry maintained good workability over a long period before mixing, and the fluidity of mixed slurry could be dynamically adjustable from 138 mm to 215mm. The strength of solidified specimens reached 45.7 MPa at 28 days curing time, which was 220% higher than that of Portland cement. Microscopic analyses showed that Al2O3 and SiO2 in the precursor materials were continuously dissolved and reorganised to produce hybridised phase gels (C, N)-A-S-H (calcium, sodium aluminium silicate hydrate), and also hydrated with Ca2+, SO42− provided by DG to produce ettringite and calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) in the alkaline environment. The size and content of hydration products gradually increased with increasing curing time and acted together to enhance the strength of solidified body. The proposed material can promote the development of alkali-activated technology in the field of special grouting materials.

Strategy for the Mix Design of Building Earthen Materials Made of Quarry By-Products

The use of quarry by-products can enable the commercialization of a clay building material (reconstituted earth) thanks to minimal valorized and perennial stocks of materials. This study shows that quarry by-products can be used to mix design a clay-based building material for the manufacture of CEB. These soils are composed of quarry tailing and clayey muds. Proctor and dry compressive strength tests have shown that the proportion of mud that achieves the highest possible compressive strength is a balance between increasing density through the aggregate arrangement, increasing clay activity, and decreasing density through the increase in water content. These tests resulted in the formulation of materials with compressive strengths of 5.8 MPa and 8.4 MPa at densities of 2135 kg/m3 and 2178 kg/m3. The influence of mud incorporation on the material granulometry and on its characteristics was also studied. Moreover, a model allowing us to link the compressive strength, the clay activity, and the dry density is proposed for the materials composed of quarry by-products. This model enables us to facilitate the mix design and the standardization of the earth material.

Acylthiourea oligomers as promising reducing agents for dimethacrylate-based two-component dental materials.

Currently used thiourea-based two-component dental materials may release bitter compounds if they are not properly cured. To address this issue, the objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of acylthiourea oligomers as reducing agents for the development of self-cure composites. Acylthiourea oligomers ATUO1-3 were synthesized via cotelomerization of the acylthiourea methacrylate ATU1 with butyl methacrylate. They were characterized by 1H NMR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography. Self-cure composites based on the redox initiator system cumene hydroperoxide/acylthiourea oligomer/copper(II) acetylacetonate were formulated. The flexural strength and modulus were measured using a three-point bending setup. The double bond conversions were determined using NIR spectroscopy. The working time of each self-cure composite was measured using an oscillating rheometer. Leaching experiments using light-cure composites were performed in DMSO-d6. Acylthiourea oligomers ATUO1-3 were successfully synthesized in good yields. Both the oligomer molecular weight and the amount of thiourea groups were varied. Self-cure composites containing ATUO1 or ATUO2 as reducing agents exhibited excellent mechanical properties and high double-bond conversions. The amounts of reducing agent, cumene hydroperoxide and copper(II) acetylacetonate were shown to have a significant impact on the working time. Moreover, a correlation between flexural modulus and the amount of metal salt was clearly established. Self-cure composites containing the oligomer ATUO1 exhibited a longer working time than materials containing ATU1 or acetylthiourea. Contrary to acetylthiourea, ATUO1 was not able to leach out of light-cured composites. Acylthiourea oligomers are promising reducing agents for the formulation of two-component dental materials that do not induce a bitter taste in mouth.

An atomistic investigation on the sintering behaviour of AlSi10Mg nanoparticles during the laser powder bed fusion process

The laser powder bed fusion process represents an innovative manufacturing technique within the context of Industry 4.0. This method involves creating components in a layered manner by melting or compacting together individual powder particles. The process of compacting multiple-component metal powders significantly affects the mechanical and physical characteristics of the final product. In this particular investigation, an atomistic model is constructed to gain a deeper understanding of how AlSi10Mg metal powders with multiple components fuse together. This model is employed to examine how the compacting behavior changes for AlSi10Mg particles that are 4 nm in size at varying sintering temperatures: specifically, 800 K, 950 K, and 1100 K. The growth of interparticle connections (referred to as “necks”) and the ratio of shrinkage are quantified over time as the compacting process takes place. The results of the simulations reveal that increasing the sintering temperature leads to a wider neck, expanding from 51.81 Ã… to 53.63 Ã…. Correspondingly, the shrinkage ratio also increases as the sintering temperature rises. These findings offer insights into enhancing the manufacturing conditions and material formulations for multi-component nano powders.

대두 탈지 처리가 식물조직단백 조직화 특성에 미치는 영향

In this study, the quality characteristics of texturized vegetable proteins (TVP) produced from defatted soy flour (DSF) were analytically compared with those of texturized vegetable proteins produced with isolated soy protein (ISP) and non-defatted soy flour (SF). The base raw material formulation consisted of 50% soy proteins, 30% gluten, and 20% corn starch. A cooling die-equipped extruder was used with a barrel temperature set at 190°C and screw rotation speed of 250 rpm. With respect to the hardness of isolate soy proteins, that of soy flour and defatted soy flour was 22.4% and 68.8%, respectively, and gumminess was 17.6% and 44.3%, respectively. Defatting increased chewiness, shear strength, and springiness. Moisture content was higher in soy flour than in defatted soy flour, while there were no significant differences in terms of water absorption and turbidity. The pH was higher with soy flour than with defatted soy flour. Concerning color, the L and b values were higher with soy flour, while the a value was higher with defatted soy flour. These results suggest that defatting soybeans can improve the quality of plant-based proteins. Further research is needed to address the quality differences from those of isolated soy proteins.

Unified GSTC-FDTD Algorithm for the Efficient Electromagnetic Analysis of 2D Dispersive Materials

The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method has been widely used for the electromagnetic wave analysis of complex media. Conventional FDTD analyses of very thin two-dimensional (2D) dispersive materials require overwhelming computing resources because they should use very refined FDTD spatial grids. In this work, we propose a computationally efficient and unified FDTD formulation for 2D dispersive materials based on a combination of the generalized sheet transition condition (GSTC) and the modified Lorentz dispersion model. The proposed FDTD formulation can lead to a significant improvement in computational efficiency compared to the conventional FDTD method, while maintaining high accuracy. Numerical examples validate the improved computational efficiency of the proposed FDTD formulation.