Mixture Design Research Articles

Phytochemical quantification and optimization of synergistic antioxidant potency of Moroccan medicinal plants using constrained mixture design

Phytochemical quantification and optimization of synergistic antioxidant potency of Moroccan medicinal plants using constrained mixture design

Enhancing Xylanase Production from Aspergillus tamarii Kita and Its Application in the Bioconversion of Agro-Industrial Residues into Fermentable Sugars Using Factorial Design

The endo-1,4-β-xylanases (EC 3.2.1.8) are the largest group of hydrolytic enzymes that degrade xylan, the major component of hemicelluloses, by catalyzing the hydrolysis of glycosidic bonds β-1,4 in this polymer, releasing xylooligosaccharides of different sizes. Xylanases have considerable potential in producing bread, animal feed, food, beverages, xylitol, and bioethanol. The fungus Aspergillus tamarii Kita produced xylanases in Adams’ media supplemented with barley bagasse (brewer’s spent grains), a by-product from brewery industries. The culture extract exhibited two xylanase activities in the zymogram, identified by mass spectrometry as glycosyl hydrolase (GH) families 10 and 11 (GH 10 and GH 11). The central composite design (CCD) showed excellent predictive capacity for xylanase production (23.083 U mL−1). Additionally, other enzyme activities took place during the submerged fermentation. Moreover, enzymatic saccharification based on a mixture design (MD) of three different lignocellulosic residues was helpful in the production of fermentable sugars by the A. tamarii Kita crude extract.

Multi-Objective Optimization of Glass/Carbon Hybrid Composites for Small Wind Turbine Blades using Extreme Mixture Design Response Surface Methodology

Abstract Small wind turbines (SWTs) are a prominent renewable energy technology for decentralized power generation. Blade material and its profile are vital parameters for the aerodynamic performance of SWTs. Traditionally E-glass fibre-reinforced composites (FRCs) are the widely accepted material for developing SWT blades. However, its application is limited by moderate tensile and fatigue properties. Alternatively, other FRC materials such as carbon, basalt and natural fibre composites are proposed as future materials for SWT blades. However, individual materials are observed to satisfy the requirements partially. Therefore, the hybridization of these materials, particularly Glass/Carbon composites is foreseen as a prospective solution for developing cost-competitive and high-strength SWT blades. There are various studies performed to obtain optimized glass/carbon hybrid composites. However, overall material properties required for SWT blades such as low cost, lightweight, moderate flexural strength and higher tensile and fatigue strengths have not been considered simultaneously during the optimization process. This work presents multi-objective optimization of Glass/Carbon hybrid composites using extreme mixture design response surface methodology (RSM) for small wind turbine (SWT) applications. The weight percentages of glass and carbon fibres are optimized to achieve desired material properties for SWT blades. The experiments are planned using extreme mixture design RSM and the regression models for desired material properties are developed with a 95% confidence level. RSM-based desirability function is employed to perform multi-objective optimization. Maximum composite desirability of 93.5% is achieved with optimal proportions of 37.9% and 27.1% for glass and carbon fibres respectively. An adequate tensile, flexural and fatigue strengths of 486.02, 435.41 and 316.27 MPa respectively are obtained for optimized glass/carbon hybrid composite at an optimum cost of 2228.76 Rs/Kg and density of 3.39 g/cm3. The regression models and optimization results are validated through a confirmation experiment with an error of less than 6.1%.

Inside the Borate Anomaly: Leveraging a Predictive Modelling Approach to Navigate Complex Composition–Structure–Property Relationships in Oxyhalide Borate Glasses

This study employs a systematic and predictive modelling approach to investigate the structure and properties of multi-component borate glasses. In particular, this work is focused on understanding the individual and interaction effects of multiple constituents on several material properties. By leveraging advanced modeling techniques, this work examines how the inclusion and variation of B2O3, CaF2, TiO2, ZnO, and Na2CO3 influence the glass network, with particular attention to modifier fractions ≥ 30 mol%. This research addresses the gap in knowledge regarding the complex behavior of borate glasses in this high modifier fraction range, known as the borate anomaly, where prediction of glass structure and properties becomes particularly challenging. The use of a design of mixtures (DoM) approach facilitated the generation of polynomial equations indicating the influence of mixture components on various responses, enabling the prediction and optimization of glass properties over broad compositional ranges despite being within the anomalous region. This methodical approach not only advances our understanding of borate glass systems but also underscores the importance of predictive modelling in the accelerated design and development of novel glass materials for diverse applications.

Modelling of Proximate Composition of Amaranth, Sorghum, Pumpkin and Sunflower Flour Blends using Response Surface Methodology

Blends of cereals and legumes have gained attention especially in complementary nutrition. Optimization of the production of composite flour from defatted amaranth, sorghum, defatted pumpkin and defatted sunflower flour using D-optimal mixture design of Design Expert software with the levels for amaranth (40-60 %), sorghum (10-30 %), pumpkin (20-40 %), and sunflower flour (3-10 %), respectively was carried out. The responses were proximate composition. Run 5 and 14 recorded the highest crude protein (4.08 %) and total ash content (5.71 %) while run 7 and 10 had the highest fibre content (4.08 %.), respectively. The model terms were significant (p≤0.05) for the proximate composition of the blends with R2 values of 0.93, 0.92, 0.96, 0.90, 0.91, and 0.90 respectively for moisture, protein, fat, ash, fibre, and carbohydrate. The optimal blend from the numerical optimization through the desirability function approach were 42.46% amaranth, 10.00% sorghum, 40.00% pumpkin, and 7.54%. In conclusion, composite flour from amaranth, sorghum, pumpkin and sunflower flour have acceptable proximate composition in terms of nutritional quality necessary for the production of nutrient-dense food products capable of addressing issues of malnutrition.

The influences of type, length, and volumetric fraction of fibers on the direct shear strength of the fiber-reinforced concretes

Besides the common modes of failure including compressive, tensile, and bending in concrete structures, cracking and failure due to the shear is also considered as a significant and hazardous mode of failure. The shear failure mode can be observed in structural elements such as deep beams, locations having high point loads, connection cores of beams and concrete columns, short columns, punching shear in slabs and foundations, etc. However, the direct shear strength of the fiber-reinforced concretes has seen limited studied. Hereupon, this study aims to experimentally investigate the influences of the type, length, and various volumetric fractions of the steel fiber (SF) and polypropylene (PP) fiber on the compressive strength, the tensile strength, and specifically on the direct shear strength of the fiber-reinforced concretes. To this end, four different mixture design schemes of the plain concrete were examined by adding PP and SF with lengths of 3 cm, 5 cm, and their half-half combination with volumetric fractions of 0.5 %, 1 %, and 1.5 % to measure the compressive strength (the cubic sample), the tensile strength (the cylindrical sample), and the direct shear strength (the prismatic sample) of the concrete specimens. In addition, the plain concrete specimens as the witness specimens were built to compare with fiber-reinforced ones. The experiments were not only performed for 20–25 MPa concrete strength category, but were also executed for 25–30 MPa. The constructed concrete specimens were exhaustively surveyed in terms of the contribution of the fibers, the failure patterns in various specimens, the force-displacement diagrams in shear, the maximum displacement in specimens, the aspect ratio of the fibers, and the shear ductility index in various specimens. The obtained results indicated that, with increasing the length and volumetric fraction of the fibers (i.e., the aspect ratios), the compressive, tensile, and direct shear strengths have been subsequently augmented in the concrete specimens. Moreover, the strain and ductility of the concrete specimens have also been enhanced. Remarkably, in most tests, the SF-reinforced specimens have excellent performance compared with other specimens. However, the specimens containing the PP fibers have not considerably improved the compressive and direct shear strengths of the concrete specimens.

Optimization of Blending Ratio of Emmer Wheat Flour, White Sesame Powder and Sweet Potato Leaves Powder to Produce Nutrient-Dense and Sensory Acceptable Gruel

ABSTRACT This study focuses on optimizing the blending ratio of Emmer Wheat Flour (EWF), White Sesame Powder (WSP), and Sweet Potato Leaf Powder (SPLP) to improve the nutritional and sensory properties of gruel for children up to 2 years of age. Thirteen formulations were created with the help of D-optimal mixture design (Minitab Ver. 19.2), considering EWF (70–80%), WSP (10–20%), and SPLP (5–10%). The resulting gruel underwent analysis for proximate, mineral, functional, anti-nutritional, and sensory properties. Graphical optimization revealed that a blend of 71.30% EWF, 20% WSP, and 8.70% SPLP yielded nutrient-enriched gruel with high sensory acceptability (Desirability: 0.85). This optimized gruel contains essential nutrients, including fat (8.35%), protein (15.058%), fiber (8.27%), carbohydrates (62.073%), energy (425.91 kcal/100 g), and minerals (Fe: 9.17, Zn: 3.79, Ca: 393.027 mg/100 g). Overall, the study concludes that EWF, WSP, and SPLP-based gruel can effectively address protein-energy malnutrition and iron deficiency in infants. Novelty Impact Statement Preparation of gruel from the locally available and cost-effective materials are considered in this study. Preparation of the gruel from the emmer wheat, sesame powder and sweet potato leaves powder is not reported yet. The SPLP is rich in different nutrients, and they are the waste produced in the production system. So, using these locally available ingredients to alleviate malnutrition is very important.

Design and Application of Rich Bottom Layer Mixtures

This study aims to summarize design indexes for rich bottom layer mixtures (RBLMs) and design asphalt mixtures with superior performance to reduce reflective cracks and fatigue cracking resulting from semi-rigid base cracking in the asphalt layer. First, this study synthesizes the research results about RBLMs and introduces the related design indexes. After that, using ABAQUS 6.13, finite element analysis was performed to analyze the change in bottom stress when the base cracked and the interlayer bond weakened. SBS-modified asphalt mixtures (SMMs) and composite-modified asphalt mixtures (CMMs) were subsequently developed as RBLMs utilizing the Marshall test method and applied on a test road. The research findings reveal that design indexes for RBLMs include a volume of air voids (VVs) within the range of 2.0–3.0%, a maximum flexural strain exceeding 3500με, and a dynamic stability surpassing 1000 cycles/mm. Both mixtures satisfy the design requirements, with the CMM demonstrating superior performance and offering promising application prospects. Future research endeavors will concentrate on prolonged monitoring of the test section to authenticate the effectiveness of an RBL in practical road applications.

Development of a yeast‐free bread using legume and nut flours in a gluten‐free flour: Techno‐functional characteristics and sensory evaluation

SummaryThis study aimed to investigate the effect of combined use of legume and nut flours on physical, nutritional and sensory properties of yeast‐free bread by substituting gluten‐free flour with hazelnut and white bean flours. Yeast‐free bread containing a mixture of 30% hazelnut and white bean flours was found to have the lowest hardness (9.04 N) and the largest specific volume (1.51 mL g−1) compared to the reference gluten‐free bread (18 N and 1.43 mL g−1) using a mixture design. Hazelnut and bean flours improved the in vitro starch digestion, reducing rapidly digestible starch by 29% and increasing resistant starch compared to the reference bread. Free choice profiling sensory analysis revealed that the developed breads containing nuts and legumes differed from the standard gluten‐free formulation and a commercial product available on the market. The combined use of bean and hazelnut flours was demonstrated as functional ingredients for enhancement of nutritional, sensory and textural aspects.

Design of three-component essential oil extract mixture from Cymbopogon flexuosus, Carum carvi, and Acorus calamus with enhanced antioxidant activity

The development of novel antioxidant compounds with high efficacy and low toxicity is of utmost importance in the medicine and food industries. Moreover, with increasing concerns about the safety of synthetic components, scientists are beginning to search for natural sources of antioxidants, especially essential oils (EOs). The combination of EOs may produce a higher scavenging profile than a single oil due to better chemical diversity in the mixture. Therefore, this exploratory study aims to assess the antioxidant activity of three EOs extracted from Cymbopogon flexuosus, Carum carvi, and Acorus calamus in individual and combined forms using the augmented-simplex design methodology. The in vitro antioxidant assays were performed using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging approaches. The results of the Chromatography Gas-Mass spectrometry (CG-MS) characterization showed that citral (29.62%) and niral (27.32%) are the main components for C. flexuosus, while d-carvone (62.09%) and d-limonene (29.58%) are the most dominant substances in C. carvi. By contrast, β-asarone (69.11%) was identified as the principal component of A. calamus (30.2%). The individual EO exhibits variable scavenging activities against ABTS and DPPH radicals. These effects were enhanced through the mixture of the three EOs. The optimal antioxidant formulation consisted of 20% C. flexuosus, 53% C. carvi, and 27% A. calamus for DPPHIC50. Whereas 17% C. flexuosus, 43% C. carvi, and 40% A. calamus is the best combination leading to the highest scavenging activity against ABTS radical. These findings suggest a new research avenue for EOs combinations to be developed as novel natural formulations useful in food and biopharmaceutical products.

Influence of Gelatin and Propolis Extract on Honey Gummy Jelly Properties: Optimization Using D-Optimal Mixture Design.

Gelatin is commonly used as a gelling agent in gummy candy. Honey and bee products are valuable and rich sources of biologically active substances. In this study, the influence of gelatin and propolis extract on honey gummy jelly (HGJ) properties was investigated. Honey (28-32%), xylitol (13-17%), and gelatin (6-10%) were utilized to develop HGJ products by mixture design methodology. Subsequently, the optimized formulation of HGJ was fortified with 1% and 2% propolis extract to enhance its phytochemicals and antimicrobial activities. The variation in the ingredients significantly affected the physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties of the HGJ. The optimized HGJ formulation consisted of honey (32%), xylitol (14%), and gelatin (7%) and exhibited 13.35 × 103 g.force of hardness, -0.56 × 103 g.sec of adhesiveness, 11.96 × 103 N.mm of gumminess, 0.58 of resilience, and a moderate acceptance score (6.7-7.5). The fortification of HGJ with propolis extract significantly increased its phytochemical properties. Furthermore, the incorporation of propolis extract (2%) into the HGJ was able to significantly inhibit the growth of Gram-positive (Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) bacteria. The mixture of gelatin, xylitol, honey, and propolis extract can be utilized to develop a healthy gummy product with acceptable physicochemical, textural, and sensory qualities.

Research on concrete early shrinkage characteristics based on machine learning algorithms for multi-objective optimization

Cracking phenomena in tunnel side wall structures (TSWS) increasingly jeopardize their longevity due to water leakage, reinforcement corrosion, and eventual collapse. The primary contributor, early-age shrinkage (EAS) induced by hydration reactions, significantly undermines structural stability and durability. The integration of expansion agents (EA) and fibers presents a low-cost, efficient strategy to counteract EAS-induced cracking. Despite its promise, limited research on the influencing factors constrains its broader application. This study delves into the impacts of EA content, the CaO–MgO ratio, and fiber reinforcement on flexural strength (FS), compressive strength (CS), and EAS, revealing a complex interplay where EA and CaO content detrimentally affect mechanical properties yet beneficially influence EAS. Results showed that EA and CaO content had negative effects on the mechanical properties, but had positive effect on EAS. Additionally, Random Forest (RF) was developed with hyperparameters refined via the firefly algorithm (FA) based on the experimental data. The validity of the built RF-FA models was verified by substantial correlation coefficients and low root-mean-square errors. Subsequently, a coFA-based firefly algorithm (MOFA) was proposed to optimize tri-objectives of mechanical properties, EAS, and cost simultaneously. The Pareto fronts were obtained effectively for the optimal mixture design. This study contributes to its practical implications, offering a scientifically grounded approach to enhancing TSWS concrete design for improved performance and durability.

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Anaerobic co-digestion of microalgal biomass, sugarcane vinasse, and residual glycerol from biodiesel using simplex-centroid mixture design: methane potential, synergic effect, and microbial diversity.

Microalgal biomass (MB) is a promising feedstock for bioenergy production. Nonetheless, the cell recalcitrance and the low C/N ratio limit the methane yield during anaerobic digestion. As an alternative to overcome these challenges, MB co-digestion with different feedstocks has been proposed. Thus, this study evaluated the anaerobic co-digestion (AcoD) of MB cultivated in wastewater with sugarcane vinasse (VIN) and residual glycerol from biodiesel production (GLY). Batch tests were conducted using augmented simplex-centroid mixture design to investigate the impact of AcoD on methane production (SMP), synergistic effects, and the influence on microbial community. When compared to MB digestion, 150 NmL CH4.g-1VS, binary and ternary AcoD achieved SMP increases from 120 to 337%. The combination of 16.7:16.7:66.7 (MB:VIN:GLY) showed the highest SMP for a ternary mixture (631 NmL CH4.g-1VS). Optimal synergies ranged from 1.3 to 1.4 and were primarily found for the MB:GLY AcoD. Acetoclastic Methanosaeta genus was predominant, regardless the combination between substrates. Despite the largest SMP obtained from the MB:GLY AcoD, other ternary mixtures were also highly synergetic and therefore had strong potential as a strategic renewable energy source.

Mixture Design Identification of Admissible Tannery Sludge Incorporation in Fired Bricks

Pollution problems caused by industrial production of leather tanneries are an important environmental issue. In the present paper we propose to study effects of tannery sludge (TS) addition in manufactured clay bricks applying a mixture design formed by different proportions of four components: Clay, two types of sand and TS. The analysis leads to an optimal practical mixture of around 10% of TS, 20% of sand and 70% of clay and this to remain with an acceptable aspect, an admissible water absorption below 15%, an admissible total shrinkage (drying and after fire) lower than 8%, a tensile strength higher than 5MPa and a thermal conductivity of 0.93 Wm-1K-1, 15% lower than the reference mixture with 0% of TS. Experimental results indicate that a temperature cycle firing up to 950°C can lead to higher tensile strength and lower water absorption compared to a cycle that reaches only 850°C. Furthermore, incorporating (TS) in the fired brick manufacturing process can lead to significant energy saving. Additionally, it was observed that a moderate inclusion of TS can enhance evaporation process. Keywords : Mixture design, Tannery Sludge (TS); Clay bricks ; Evaporation ; Strength; Water absorption; Shrinkage; Leaching; Energy.

Formulation, Process Optimization, and Biochemical Characterization of Cereal-Based Sweet Potato and Mulberry Instant Beverage

Most of the beverages have a high glycemic index, which is attributed to a sudden rise in blood sugar. The beneficial role of functional foods combination provided the tool to perform and design our study to develop an instant beverage mix (IBM) that might be revealed as the favorable therapeutic potential for the treatment of hyperglycemia and act as a functional beverage. Therefore, resistant fibre-rich ingredients/raw materials were used to formulate the cereal-based instant beverage (CIB). CIB was formulated using black rice flour (40–70%), germinated lentil flour (10–20%), sweet potato flour (10–20%), and mulberry powder (10–20%). The product formulation was optimized with respect to the following responses such as color and appearance, texture, flavor, taste, and overall acceptability using a D-optimal mixture design. The results revealed that the variation in raw ingredients significantly affected the organoleptic properties of trials. The ratio 40 : 20 : 20 : 20 of black rice: germinated lentil: sweet potato: mulberry was found to be optimum for the development of CIB. Optimized CIB had 9.71 ± 0.10 g/100 g of crude protein, 4.73 ± 0.09 g/100 g of fat, and 4.48 ± 0.06 g/100 g of crude fibre. Moreover, the total mineral content and carbohydrate content were found to be 1.08 ± 0.07 g/100 g and 72.45 ± 0.44 g/100 g, respectively, whereas, the energy value was 371.21 ± 4.23 kcal. In vivo glycemic index was also performed for the optimized CIB. The findings showed a lower glycemic response (37.70) than the diabetic control group, and blood glucose was found to be lowered (279.67 ± 20.06 to 227.17 ± 13.44 mg/dL) via the hypoglycemic mechanism. Thus, the optimized CIB exhibited a therapeutic effect against diabetic conditions and might be a healthy instant beverage for human consumption.

Projecting the resiliency of nano-modified cementitious composites with hybrid BFP/PVA fibers in shear key joints

Effective bond strength at the interface between conventional concrete (CC) and high-performance fiber-reinforced cementitious composites (HPFRCC) is vital for applications like shear key for bridge joints. This study investigated the suitability of HPFRCC incorporating various constituents (cement, slag, as well as nano-silica), with only basalt fiber pellets (macro-BFP) or hybrid fiber systems including macro-BFP and micro-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers. BFP is a new emerging class of basalt fiber strands protected by a polymer coat. Experimental results (slant shear, pure shear, rebar pull-out, etc.) were used to develop modeling [homogenization/finite element modeling (FEM)] components to evaluate the effect of HPFRCC mixture design parameters on the mode of failure and bonding capacity with CC and steel rebar. After verification, these model components were integrated in a full-scale shear key joint model to project the field performance of the developed HPFRCC. The results revealed that nano-silica had a significant effect at improving the HPFRCC bonding strength capacity with CC and steel reinforcement. Whilst increasing BFP dosage (4.5%) in the nano-modified composites resulted in reduction of the interfacial bonding with CC, it significantly improved the rebar interfacial bonding and ultimate shear key capacity of the joint. Comparatively, the inclusion of 1% micro-PVA fibers in the nano-modified composites comprising macro-BFP resulted in the highest increase in shear resistance force, interfacial bonding with precast CC and shear reinforcement dowels, and ductility which suggests their promising potential to be employed in shear key jointing applications.

Impact of coarse aggregate morphology andseparation distance on concrete properties based on visual learning

The morphology of coarse aggregates plays a significant role in concrete performances. This study conducted a quantitative analysis on the morphology of coarse aggregates using visual learning technology, aiming to explore their effects on fluidity, rheology and mechanical properties of fresh concrete. The parameters of flatness, angularity, roughness, roundness, sphericity and coarse aggregate separation distance (CSD) on concrete properties are discussed. The results showed that CSD, flatness and sphericity had the most significant effect on slump, with its weighting of 0.99, 0.96 and 0.94, respectively. Higher value of CSD, flatness and sphericity help to produce concrete with better flowability. The yield stress of concrete was mainly affected by roughness, roundness and CSD with weighting of 0.98, 0.87 and 0.76, respectively. Plastic viscosity was also affected by these factors with weighting of 0.96, 0.85 and 0.80, respectively. Aggregate roughness (weight 0.96) and roundness (weight 0.87) are the two significant factors influencing the compressive strength. Through numerical analysis, mathematical models correlating the morphological parameters coarse aggregates with the performance of concrete are established, which can provide some indications for the smart design of concrete mixture.

Optimizing prickly pear by-product valorization: formulating molasses with enhanced antioxidant capacities and sugar contents

ABSTRACT This study endeavoured to capitalize on prickly pear by-products for the optimization of molasses formulation, targeting elevated antioxidant capacities and superior sugar contents. Through robust statistical modelling, the optimal cooking parameters—temperature (70-80 °C) and duration (60–90 min)—were determined, guided by responses of antioxidant activity and Brix value. A D-Optimal mixture design further delineated the ideal proportions of molasses components (pulp, peel, and seeds). Characterization revealed that peel harboured the highest concentrations of total polyphenols (396.41 mg GAE/100g FW) and flavonoids (234.26 mg CE/100g FW), emphasizing its antioxidant potential (DPPH inhibition IC50: 12.72 µg/ml). The optimal cooking conditions were established at 78.35 °C for 79.70 min, with predictive equations guiding ingredient proportions (0.265 g pulp, 0.710 g peel, 0.025 g seed). Intriguingly, while peel inclusion enhanced total sugar content and antioxidant activity, seed incorporation exerted a contrasting effect by reducing total sugar content and limiting antioxidant activity.

Exploring the synergistic effect of carboxymethyl cellulose and chitosan in enhancing thermal stability of polyurethanes through statistical mixture design approach

The thermal stability of polyurethanes, known for its limitations, was addressed in this research by seeking improvement through the introduction of carbohydrate-based chain extenders. In this research paper, we systematically sought to improve the thermal resistance of polyurethanes by incorporating carboxymethyl cellulose and chitosan, representing a pioneering application of the mixture design approach in their preparation. In this synthesis, hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene and isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI) were reacted to prepare –NCO terminated prepolymer, which was subsequently reacted with varying mole ratios of CMC and CSN to develop a series of five PU samples. The prepared PU samples were characterized using the Fourier-transformed infrared spectroscopic technique. Thermal pyrolysis of PU samples was examined using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). It was observed that, among all the samples, PUS-3 showed remarkable thermal stability over a wide temperature range. A comprehensive statistical analysis was conducted to substantiate the experimental findings. It was estimated that CMC and CSN significantly enhance the thermal stability of the samples when involved in an interaction fashion. The ANOVA Table for the mixture design demonstrates that over 90 % of the total variation in thermal stability is explained by the mixture model across a wide temperature range. Moreover, PSU-3 exhibited 4 % more thermal stability over a wide range of temperatures on average, as compared to contemporary samples.