Microstructure Of Granules Research Articles

Modification Method of Expanded Polystyrene Granular Concrete Based on Computer Data Analysis

Expanded Polystyrene Granular concrete (EPS) is renowned for its exceptional lightweight and thermal insulation properties, yet it is hindered by its low strength. Despite the existence of numerous modification methods, there remains a dearth of quantification and summarization, particularly in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Consequently, this study undertook the quantification of several conventional and novel modifications, uncovering intriguing challenges and discerning future trends in modification techniques. These methods encompass nanomaterials, phase change materials, ceramic concrete, and composite modifications, all aimed at bolstering mechanical properties and introducing novel functionalities to address diverse environmental, energy, and engineering requirements. Challenges encompass intricate processes, high costs, material compatibility issues, nascent processes, and application hurdles. Leveraging the advancements in simulation and AI technology, numerical simulations can meticulously replicate the microstructure of EPS granules and the physical attributes of concrete in numerical models, facilitating accurate prediction of material properties. The application of artificial intelligence techniques also includes utilizing big data analysis to optimize the proportions of various materials in EPS granular concrete, providing a valuable framework for the study of high-performance EPS granular concrete and significantly contributing to the enhancement of concrete performance.

Utilization of green liquor dreg in lightweight aggregates: Effect of texture on physical properties

Green liquor dreg (GLD) is a side stream generated by pulp industry. Due to its complex physicochemical nature, it has been reported to be difficult material to utilize. Here, a novel approach towards utilization of moist and dry green liquor dreg as binder and filler in alkali-activated lightweight artificial aggregates was developed. Dried GLD and moist GLD were granulated with blast furnace slag (BFS) and Bioash in different mixtures using alkali activation. The effect of the GLD nature (dried and moist) on strength, microstructure and durability of the lightweight granules were determined and compared. Results show that the method used in homogenizing the moist GLD and other powders was efficient and improved the frost resistance. The reaction product identified in the granule’s includes calcium silicate hydrate, Mg–Al layered double hydroxides, and ettringite. These results demonstrate the potential of GLD as a binder and fillers in cementitious applications.

Quality attributes of the developed banana flour: Effects of drying methods

The study aims to investigate the effects of different drying methods on the changes in functional properties, physicochemical composition, bioactive compounds, antioxidant activity, sensory attributes, and microstructural quality of the banana flours. Two local banana cultivars, Mehersagar and Sabri, were dried to produce flour using four distinct drying methods: freeze drying (FD), cabinet drying (CD), microwave oven drying (MOD), and forced air oven drying (FOD). The functional properties of the developed banana flours were observed where the findings were as water holding capacity (0.93 ± 0.06–2.74 ± 0.04 g water/g dry sample), oil absorption capacity (0.87 ± 0.06–2.22 ± 0.10 g oil/g dry sample), swelling capacity (4.62 ± 0.02–5.05 ± 0.03 g paste/g dry sample), bulk density (0.54 ± 0.04–0.81 ± 0.02 g/ml), tapped density (0.62 ± 0.04–0.93 ± 0.03 g/ml) and Carr's Index (9.38 ± 0.47–13.58 ± 0.43%). Freeze-dried Mehersagar cultivar's flour showed the leading functional properties with good flowability and cohesiveness. The physicochemical parameters of the flours also revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in lightness (L*) (50.51 ± 1.49–72.21 ± 1.05), moisture content (3.96 ± 0.09–7.74 ± 0.13%), protein (2.72 ± 0.07–3.93 ± 0.06%), crude fat (0.11 ± 0.01–0.36 ± 0.04%), crude fiber (0.64 ± 0.03–1.22 ± 0.03%), carbohydrate (84.15 ± 0.24–88.26 ± 0.15%) and energy content (354.25 ± 0.57–370.02 ± 0.39 kcal/g). Total flavonoid content (21.44 ± 0.04–34.34 ± 0.03 mgQE/100g) and phenolic content (29.91 ± 0.01–71.46 ± 0.03 mgGAE/100g) was observed, while the highest retention of bioactive compounds was exhibited in Mehersagar cultivar's flour. In terms of appearance, fineness, taste, flavor, color, and overall acceptability, the dried banana flour of both the cultivars obtained from freeze-dried scored overall acceptability 8.04 ± 0.02 and 7.92 ± 0.17, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy analysis of the microstructure of flour granules from each sample revealed a diverse morphological configuration in particle size and shape. According to the findings of this study, the freeze-drying technology is superior to others, and the Mehersagar banana cultivar is more satisfactory in terms of quality characteristics. Moreover, the quality parameters of banana flour may facilitate the formulation of different flour-based gluten-free baked products and food supplements.

Uncovering microstructure and composition susceptibility of high permittivity ceramic granules to plasma‐induced arc breakdown

Uncovering microstructure and composition susceptibility of high permittivity ceramic granules to plasma‐induced arc breakdown

Scanning Electron Microscopic Observation of Endosperm Chalkiness Traits of OsAAP1 Mutant in Rice Gains

In order to investigate the effect of OsAAP1 gene mutation on chalkiness traits of rice endosperm and the microstructure of starch granules in endosperm, we used rice OsAAP1 mutants as experimental materials, with the help of ordinary optical microscopes and scanning electron microscopes, the morphological structure and arrangement of chalkiness traits and starch granules in the endosperm of Zhonghua 11 rice were observed in rice OsAAP1 mutants and controls. The results showed that the chalkiness rate, chalkiness area and chalkiness degree in rice endosperm of the OsAAP1 mutants were significantly increased, and the morphological structure, arrangement and development of chalkiness traits and starch granules were closely related. Compared with the control Zhonghua 11, there were also significant differences in the shape, structure and arrangement of starch granules between chalky rice and non-chalky rice. However, there was no significant difference between the starch granules in the transparent part of chalky rice and non-chalky rice, and the starch granules in the areas with low chalkiness degree developed well. Thus, the OsAAP1 mutation of rice could significantly increase the chalkiness traits of rice endosperm, and have an important impact on the morphology, structure and development of starch granules in its endosperm.

Optical characteristics of the skin with dark circles using pump-probe imaging

Pump-probe imaging was first used for quantitative analysis of melanin in dark circles’ skin to improve the ability to diagnose and treat dark circles on human skin. This study aimed to compare the distribution characteristics in melanin of lower eyelid skin tissues and to determine whether pump-probe imaging has potential for the classification of dark circles in vivo. Specimens obtained from 15 patients undergoing blepharoplasty were examined using pump-probe imaging. Furthermore, adjacent slices were respectively treated with hematoxylin–eosin (HE) and ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) staining for cross-references. Subsequently, the melanin content index (MCI) and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) were quantitatively analyzed by the pump-probe imaging. The distribution of melanin granules in the pump-probe image and FeSO4 staining was consistent. Meanwhile, the tissues of the skin with dark circles and normal skin demonstrated significant differences in MCI and MFI. These differences can be used to distinguish the skin with dark circles from the normal skin. Pump-probe imaging could be used for the analysis of the microstructure and spectral characteristics of melanin granules in skin with dark circles. Significant differences were noted between the pigmented type of dark circles and the other two groups (normal skin and the vascular type of dark circles), while no significant differences were found between normal skin and the vascular type of dark circles.

Resistant starch in native Tacca (Tacca leontopetaloides) starch and its various modified starches

Tacca (Tacca leontopetaloides) tubers have a high amylose content which can be modified to increase the resistant starch content. The present work therefore aimed to study the influence of acid hydrolysis, enzymes, and autoclaving cooling treatments on resistant starch content formation from Tacca starch. To this end, the amylose and resistant starch contents, and the microstructure of the samples were determined. Results showed that Tacca starch treated by a combination of acid, enzyme, and autoclaving cooling treatments had the highest resistant starch content which increased from 4.09 to 61.96%, with amylose content increasing from 31.62 to 77.87%. This showed a strong correlation between the increased amylose and resistant starch contents. The microstructure of the starch granules changed from a globular shape into a crystalline structure through SEM observation.

Microstructure of spherical granules based on hydroxyapatite and wollastonite

Spherical granules are one of the preferred forms of biomaterials for bone defects healing. Chemical composition and microstructure of these materials are largely determines their behavior in vivo. Synthesis and properties investigation of polydispersed porous composite granular materials containing several bioactive components are the important task of modern biomedical chemistry. In this work, the microstructure of organomineral granules based on hydroxyapatite, wollastonite, and gelatine, and the products of their calcination were studied. It was found that as a result of removal of the polymer binder from the ceramic particles surface, nanopores were disclosed, and the subsequent crystallites sintering provide the granules shape stability.

Effects of various cooling temperatures on resistant starch formation and pasting behaviour of autoclaved taro flour

Taro is one of the tubers rich in starch which is prospectively improved for its functional properties. In this work, the cooling treatment subjected to the autoclaved taro flour on resistant starch formation and pasting behaviour were evaluated. The flours were autoclaved at 121°C for 30 minutes followed by cooling at different temperatures (25, 4, and -20°C) and repeated twice cycles. Among the cooling treatments, the 4°C had the highest RS (13.11%) compared to 25°C and 4°C which were 13.02% and 12.76% respectively. The autoclaved-cooled treatment altered the microstructure of starch granules showing fracture morphology and irregular shape. The starch morphology treated by autoclaving-cooling at the lowest temperature exhibited a slightly rougher and more wrinkled than other cooling temperatures. Moreover, repeated autoclaving-treatment lowered the pasting temperature. Other than the cooled flour at 25°C, the pasting parameters of the treated flours (peak, final viscosity, and setback) were higher than the untreated flour.

Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae fermentation on the quality of Samurai 2, a mutant sorghum flour

Sorghum is a remarkably nutritious cereal plant primarily found in Africa. It was introduced to Indonesia in 1989. Joining the effort to improve the quality of local flour as part of the Indonesian government’s food security program, we applied the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae during sorghum flour fermentation with different parameters to yield better final flour products. Since low digestibility of proteins and high levels of tannins that are present in grains are considered as obstacles to favourable sorghum flour production, we aimed at formulating a method for flour production by using the mutant sorghum variety called Samurai 2, and employing various fermentation periods and concentrations of S. cerevisiae as starter culture. The quality controls were performed on the basis of chemical and physical properties. The present work employed a complete factorial randomised design, by varying the durations of fermentation (20, 40, and 60 h) and starter culture concentrations of 107 CFU/mL (0, 2, 4, and 6%, w/v). The results showed that the longer the fermentation time and the higher the starter concentration, the lower the water, ash, and in-flour tannin contents, whiteness intensity, and viscosity (p &lt; 0.05). On the other hand, this treatment increased the levels of dissolved protein (p &lt; 0.05), and the microstructure of starch granules became coarser.

Production Techniques and Microstructures of Copper Granule: Experimental Analysis and Archaeological Case Study

Granulation is a decorative technique for metalwork where tiny granules are used. Recent discoveries in China confirmed that pure copper granulation was employed as early as the seventh century CE. However, the production techniques for copper granule are still unknown. Herein, a systematic study is carried out to produce pure copper granules by using “pouring method”, “heating method”, and “crucible method” to investigate possible techniques of ancient times. The results reveal that copper granules can be produced by the same methods for ancient gold and silver granules. Furthermore, the granule rate during the pouring method is mainly influenced by the cooling media. In addition, the cooling rate and oxygen content significantly affect the microstructure of copper beads. Moreover, metallographic analysis of two archaeological granulated copper pieces of the seventh century CE is carried out to compare the microstructure of copper granules by different simulation experiments. The microstructural analysis indicates that the two ancient copper granules were most likely produced by the crucible method, which is also a preferred choice from the viewpoints of mass production and precise control of granule dimensions. The paper provides a point of departure for future research on the utilization of copper granules in ancient times.

The Nature of Anomalous Particles (Granules) in Rapidly Quenched PREP Powders—II. A Multiscale Study of PREP Powders and PM HIP Compacts of Ni-Based Superalloys and Stainless Steels

The formation of anomalous particles (granules) with a significantly different content of microalloying interstitial elements of carbon and boron characterizes the heterogeneity of the composition of rapidly quenched particles of high temperature Ni-based superalloys and stainless steels powders manufactured by the plasma rotating electrode process (PREP) technique. A detailed multiscale experimental study of the microstructure of PREP powders and PM HIP compacts of Ni-based superalloys and stainless steels is carried out in order to reveal the features of the microstructure of anomalous granules in the as-received state and consolidated state. Direct nuclear methods of activation autoradiography on carbon, track autoradiography on boron, metallography, SEM, EDX, and OIM are used. A significant effect of carbon and boron on the dendritic segregation of carbide-forming and boride-forming alloying elements in anomalous granules is revealed. The features of the behavior of carbon and boron, which determine the formation of the microstructure of anomalous granules and their retention in PM HIP compacts, are established.

Improvement in hydration resistance of CaO granules based on CaO–TiO2, CaO–ZrO2 and CaO–V2O5 systems

In this paper, CaO granules were prepared, using the slaked lime as the raw material as well as ZrO2, TiO2, and V2O5 as additives, respectively. The influence of different additives on the sintering properties, microstructure and hydration resistance of CaO granules was investigated. The results indicated that the introduction of additives could obviously promote the densification and the hydration resistance of the specimens. Especially, the sintering mechanisms of the specimens with different additives were studied. For the specimens with ZrO2 and TiO2 as additives, the in-situ formed CaZrO3 and Ca3Ti2O7 between grain boundaries promoted the densification to enhance the properties of the granules. However, the adding of V2O5 generated a coating on the surfaces of CaO granules which contributed to the best hydration resistance.

Formation and internal microstructure of granules from wetting and non-wetting efavirenz/iron oxide blends

An examination of granulation of non-wetting/wetting powder mixtures is presented. Non-wetting micron-size pharmaceutical active powder was blended with a sub-micron wetting excipient in three different ratios to produce wetting, non-wetting, and marginally-wetting powder blends. Model nuclei were prepared from these blends using binder droplets with viscosity of ca 10, 100 and 1000 mPa·s and further granulated in tumbling drum and high shear granulator. The effects of blend wettability, binder viscosity, granulation time, and shear forces on granule size and microstructure were investigated. Hollow granules were produced at higher binder viscosity of 100 and 1000 mPa·s regardless of blend wettability. Solid granules with a complex internal microstructure were produced at low binder viscosity of 10 mPa·s regardless of blend wettability. Contribution of capillary, viscous and impact forces are considered to explain differences in granule microstructure. Modified Reynolds and Weber numbers are proposed to rationalize formation and stability of shell microstructures.

Effect of porogen agent on microstructure of CaP granules using the gelation of alginate droplet formation

CaP granules are used for open defect of bone. The important feature in the physical structure of a synthetic ceramic is its porosity. Pore structure is great importance for osteoconduction. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effect of adding carbon black as porogen agent on microstructure of CaP granules of droplet CaP. According to that, certain carbon black (325 mesh) has added into composition of microspheres CaP-alginate gelation with ratio CaP:Carbon black was 0.5, 1, and 1,5 weight ratios respectively. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) was used to investigate microstructure of droplet and shown that Irregular shape grain. Internal microstructure appears more open for samples produced without a presence of alginate after sintering process and confirmed by XRD pattern for whole samples. The porosity and pore size increased by increasing CB. On the other hand, no significant change on surface roughness and no transformation phase caused by adding CB. So that, it can be concluded that CB can serve as a porogen agent.

Starch gelatinization and drying of paddy using microwave rotary drum dryer: Optimization, kinetics, and cooking studies

The microwave-assisted starch gelatinization was carried out in a semi-pilot microwave rotary drum dryer. Gelatinization experiments were planned using a central composite design and the process was optimized. The effect of microwave power density, time of treatment, and water application rate on final moisture content, crystallinity percentage, and specific energy consumption was studied. The optimized conditions in the starch gelatinization process were found at 1 kW kg−1 power density, 60 min treatment time, and 90 mL/10 min water application rate. Microwave power density and treatment time significantly (p < 0.01) affected the crystallinity percentage and specific energy consumption. Further, the gelatinized paddy was dried in the same dryer at 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00, and 1.25 kW kg−1 microwave power density levels. The drying characteristics, milling yield, cooking characteristics and cooking kinetics of the milled rice were analyzed. Drying rates were increased with an increase in microwave power density. The head rice yield and specific energy consumption were lower in microwave drying compared with hot air drying. The crystallinity percentage of microwave dried rice was decreased with an increase in power density. At higher power density, the microstructure of starch granules showed formations of internal fissures as well as the effect on the color and cooking rate constants of the rice.

The effect of buffer sedimentation on the process of biometric deposition of calcium phosphates

In this work was considered the influence of the buffer solutions, modeling biogenic extracellular liquid, including Simulated Body Fluid and also physiological solution for comparison, on microstructure and properties of octacalcium phosphate granules. The research was conducted, according to Russian state standard specification № 10993-14-2001. The correlation of pH - value and concentration of calcium and phosphorus ions in solutions on a degradation kinetics and recrystallization of the surface layer were analyzed.

Pullulanase activity: A novel indicator of inherent resistant starch in rice (Oryza sativa. L)

Starch quality studies over the decades highlighted the immense health benefits of resistant starch (RS), but still much is needed to elucidate the science behind its inherent formation. Till date, there is no report to establish the relationship between inherent RS content and pullulanase (PUL) activity in any of the crops. In this study, we emphasize the novel role of debranching enzyme, PUL towards inherent RS formation, using rice as a model crop. Biochemical analysis of 51 rice genotypes for amylose content (AC) revealed a good amount of variation ranging from 7.03 to 37.33%. Further, hierarchical clustering which resulted in 11 genotypes of varying RS (0.33–2.7%), highlighted medium dependency towards amylose and low dependency towards amylopectin content. The discrete differences in microstructure, unimodal distribution and tight packing of starch granules observed in higher RS genotype indicated the higher possibility of compact cluster structure of amylopectin, modulated by PUL. Qualitative and quantitative assays performed validated the relevant role of PUL towards inherent RS content with very high dependency score (R2 = 0.98). This is the first report regarding the fact that higher PUL activity contribute to inherent RS using novel hypothetical 'Pullulanase-Amylopectin Trimming Model'.

Analysis of Microstructure of Granules Prepared by Continuous Twin Screw Granulator Using X-Ray Micro-computed Tomography.

Granules prepared by a continuous twin screw granulator (TSG) were analyzed by X-ray micro-computed tomography (X-ray μCT) and the relationships between porosity of granules and granule properties were investigated. A model formulation containing ibuprofen, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, and hydroxypropyl cellulose was used. The porosity of granules was measured by X-ray μCT and mercury porosimetry. The data sets obtained by both methods showed linear correlation despite different values, which were attributed to the resolution of X-ray μCT and a low-signal-to-noise ratio of the original cross-sectional images. The porosity of granules measured by X-ray μCT decreased from 11-14 to 6-7% as liquid-to-solid ratio (L/S) increased, while the standard deviation (S.D.) of the porosity of individual granules decreased from 4-5 to 2%. L/S affected the porosity of granules. By contrast, the effect of screw speed was not significant. Pressure transmission, G, which indicates the liquid dispersion in wet kneaded masses, increased as the porosity of granules and the S.D. decreased. The cross-sectional images showed that granules were densified as L/S increased. Based on these results, the effect of L/S on the porosity of granules can be explained by liquid dispersion and densification of the wet granules. The porosity of granules measured by X-ray μCT showed good linear correlation with friability and drug dissolution rate (R2 = 0.9107 and 0.8834, respectively). This study revealed that the drug dissolution rate was regulated by a disintegration step in which the porosity of granules plays an important role.

Some basic properties of granules from ore blends consisting of ultrafine magnetite and hematite ores

Some basic properties of granules, including the granule size distribution, packed-bed permeability, and chemical composition of the adhering layer, were investigated in this study for four iron ore blends consisting of 5wt%, 25wt%, and 45wt% ultrafine magnetite and 25wt% ultrafine hematite concentrates. The effects of varying the sinter basicity (CaO/SiO2 mass ratio = 1.4 to 2.2) and adding ultrafine concentrates on the variation of the adhering-layer composition and granule microstructure were studied. Moreover, the effect of adhering-layer compositional changes on sintering reactions was discussed in combination with pot sintering results of ore blends. Increasing sinter basicity led to an increase in the basicities of both the adhering layer and the fine part of the sinter mix, which were higher than the overall sinter basicity. When the sinter chemistry was fixed and fine Si-bearing materials (e.g., quartz sand) were used, increasing the amount of ultrafine ores in the ore blends tended to reduce the adhering-layer basicity and increase the SiO2 content in both the adhering layer and the fine part of the sinter mix, which will induce the formation of low-strength bonding phases and the deterioration of sinter strength. The adhering-layer composition in granules can be estimated in advance from the compositions of the −1 mm fractions of the raw materials.