Normal Size Distribution Research Articles

A model for the lattice thermal conductivity of nanocrystalline materials with arbitrary grain size distribution

Nanocrystalline materials are a popular metamaterial used to control heat transport in semiconductor industrial applications. An accurate and reliable theoretical model is urgently needed but challenging for elucidating detailed microscopic heat transfer phenomena. In this study, we develop a mathematical model to predict the lattice thermal conductivity of nanocrystalline materials with arbitrary grain size distribution. The model first obtains the effective scattering rate of grain boundaries in single-grain-size materials, and then integrates the Landauer’s system transmission concept and series transmission concept to become applicable to multiple grain sizes. It takes into account not only intrinsic and grain boundary scattering effects, but also the effects of finite system size and grain size distribution. Numerical samples of silicon nanocrystals with single grain size, dual size, constant grain size distribution, and logarithmic normal grain size distribution are constructed and full-spectrum Monte Carlo simulations are performed for comparison. The excellent agreement observed between model predictions and simulation results validates the accuracy of the proposed theoretical model. This model will be very helpful in designing micron-scale thermal manipulation systems using nanostructures.

Fenfuro®-mediated arrest in the formation of protein-methyl glyoxal adducts: a new dimension in the anti-hyperglycemic potential of a novel fenugreek seed extract

The fenugreek plant (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is traditionally known for its anti-diabetic properties owing to its high content of furostanolic saponins, which can synergistically treat many human ailments. Non-enzymatic protein glycation leading to the formation of Advanced Glycation End products (AGE) is a common pathophysiology observed in diabetic or prediabetic individuals, which can initiate the development of neurodegenerative disorders. A potent cellular source of glycation is Methyl Glyoxal, a highly reactive dicarbonyl formed as a glycolytic byproduct. We demonstrate the in vitro glycation arresting potential of Fenfuro®, a novel patented formulation of Fenugreek seed extract with clinically proven anti-diabetic properties, in Methyl-Glyoxal (MGO) adducts of three abundant amyloidogenic cellular proteins, alpha-synuclein, Serum albumin, and Lysozyme. A 0.25% w/v Fenfuro® was able to effectively arrest glycation by more than 50% in all three proteins, as evidenced by AGE fluorescence. Glycation-induced amyloid formation was also arrested by more than 36%, 14% and 15% for BSA, Alpha-synuclein and Lysozyme respectively. An increase in MW by attachment of MGO was also partially prevented by Fenfuro® as confirmed by SDS-PAGE analysis. Glycation resulted in enhanced aggregation of the three proteins as revealed by Native PAGE and Dynamic Light Scattering. However, in the presence of Fenfuro®, aggregation was arrested substantially, and the normal size distribution was restored. The results cumulatively indicated the lesser explored potential of direct inhibition of glycation by fenugreek seed in addition to its proven role in alleviating insulin resistance. Fenfuro® boosts its therapeutic potential as an effective phytotherapeutic to arrest Type 2 diabetes.

Green synthesis of nanocomposite based on magnetic hydroxyapatite using Falcaria vulgaris Bernh leaf extract to remove tartrazine dye from aqueous solution

To mitigate the adverse impacts of water pollution, the application of nanotechnology in dye removal and by-product reduction has the potential to establish a sustainable potable water supply. For these methodologies, the materials must involve exhibit qualities such as simplicity, high efficiency, eco-friendliness, reusability, and affordability. This study presents a novel porous magnetic hydroxyapatite nanocomposite coated with zinc oxide (Fe3O4@HAP@ZnO). Initially, zinc oxide nanoparticles were generated via a green synthesis method, where a zinc nitrate solution was combined with an aqueous extract from the Falcaria Vulgaris Bernh plant, serving as a reducing and stabilizing agent. These were then coated onto the magnetic hydroxyapatite.Verification of successful nanocomposite synthesis was obtained through X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images further substantiated these results. The synthesized nanocomposite exhibited a normal particle size distribution of approximately 89 nm. To achieve maximal decolorization efficiency, pertinent parameters were scrutinized and optimized through a detailed experimental design. Under optimal conditions, the nanocomposite's ability to decolorize tartrazine dye in an aqueous solution was evaluated. Remarkably, the highest observed efficiency approached 98 %, employing 0.07 g of the nanocomposite at 90 degrees Celsius, pH 6.4, over a span of 30 min. Further exploration of the nanocomposite's reusability revealed it could sustain an efficiency exceeding 90 % across 11 successive cycles, boasting an impressive capacity of 1398 (mgg-1).

Colloidal stability and dielectric behavior of eco-friendly synthesized zinc oxide nanostructures from Moringa seeds

This study centers on the environmentally benign synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) derived from Zn (CH3COO)2·2H2O and Moringa seeds. The synthesized nanostructures underwent comprehensive characterization utilizing diverse analytical techniques, encompassing X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV–VIS spectroscopy, field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. XRD measurements coupled with W–H plot transformation unequivocally confirmed the formation of ZnO nanostructures, characterized by an average size of 24.9 nm. UV–VIS spectroscopy, complemented by Kubelka Munk curve analysis, elucidated the direct conduction and determined a bandgap of 3.265 eV. FESEM analysis revealed minimal particle aggregation, showcasing well-defined grain boundaries spanning sizes from 20.4 to 87.7 nm. XPS analysis substantiated the presence of Zn (2p), Zn (3p), Zn (3d), and O (1s). Raman spectroscopy identified E2H as the predominant mode, followed by E1(TO) and (E2H-E2L). ZnO thin films, fabricated via pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and deposited onto silicon (100) substrates, exhibited exemplary morphology and discernible topography, characterized by a normal grain size distribution. Zeta potential tests yielded a value of approximately (z\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$\\mathcalligra{z}$$\\end{document} ~ − 43.8 mV), indicative of the commendable stability of the colloidal suspension, likely attributable to low particle aggregation. Dielectric measurements conducted on sintered pellets at 900 °C unveiled elevated capacitance and dielectric constant at low frequencies across the temperature range of 289.935–310 K. These findings affirm the potential utility of environmentally synthesized ZnO for a spectrum of applications, including energy devices and nanofluids.

The bubble size and rise velocity of bubble‐induced three‐phase inverse fluidized bed (BIFB)

AbstractThe bubble size and rise velocity were investigated in detail using a new telecentric photographic probe in a pilot‐scale bubble‐induced three‐phase inverse fluidized bed (BIFB). By the influence of the bubble flow behavior, the particle bed goes through four different flow regimes with increasing gas velocity in BIFB. An obvious normal bubble size distribution caused by bubble coalescence and breakup was observed. A parameter of “size span” was proposed to describe the distribution width of bubble size. The average bubble size increases with the axial distance from the column bottom and with the gas velocity until reaching a relatively stable size. The radial distributions of the average bubble size are almost uniform but experience a decreasing trend near the column wall. The bubble rise velocity increases with the bubble size and the gas velocity. An empirical equation was established to predict successfully the bubble rise velocity in BIFB.

Microstructural and Thermal Characterization of AZ31 and Ca-modified AZ31 Magnesium Alloys: Insight into Dynamic Recrystallization and Discontinuous Precipitation Phenomena

Magnesium alloys are highly desirable for weight critical applications owing to their high weight to strangth ratio. However, their poor formability at room temperature limits their widespread use in industrial applications. In this study, we invstigate the hot deformation behaviour of AZ31 and AZ31-0.7% Ca magnesium alloys and explore their microstructural and thermal properties. Our findings reveal that dynamic recrystallization during hot deformation leads to successful grain refinement in the AZ31 alloy, resulting in a normal grain size distribution. In contrast, the AZ31-0.7% Ca alloy shows bimodal grain size distribution due to the addition of calcium. Additionally, the number and size of β-Mg17Al12 particles were found to increase with the addition of a small amount of calcium. These particles are responsible for the discontinuous precipitation phenomenon, which strongly influences microstructural changes during hot rolling. Our study provides valuable insights into the dynamic recrystallization and discontinuous precipitation phenomena of magnesium alloys, which can aid in the development of novel alloys with improved formability and mechanical properties.

Spring exchange mechanism and temperature dependent magnetic properties of BaFe12O19/CoFe2O4 nanocomposites

Bare BaFe12O19, CoFe2O4, and their nanocomposites with concentration percentage 30–70, 50–50 and 70–30 were synthesized by sol–gel approach. The average crystallite size < D > of bare BaFe12O19 nanoparticles (NPs) was 35 nm which gets reduced with the addition of CoFe2O4 phase and found minimum for bare CoFe2O4 nanoparticles, i.e. 12 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) image showed the agglomeration of nanocomposites and mean particle size was observed to be 44 nm as estimated from normal size distribution. The ZFC/FC curves exhibited that the blocking temperature TB of all samples lies above room temperature. However, a small broad peak at ∼ 75 K in pure BaFe12O19 NPs is attributed to the surface freezing peak (Tf). The flatness in FC curve at low temperature with the addition of CoFe2O4 phase revealed the strong inter-particle interactions. From M−H loops, the value of saturation magnetization (MS) for Ba70/Co30 was found to be maximum (100.82 emu/g) than their corresponding bare nanoparticles. The higher value of MS showed the presence of exchange spring mechanism in these samples. The coercivity of BaFe12O19 sample was observed to be 4262 Oe which get increased with the addition of CoFe2O4 phase and found maximum for CoFe2O4 (7349 Oe), which shows the hard magnetic nature of CoFe2O4 NPs. However, the smaller value of Bloch’s constant “B” for BaFe12O19 phase (4.8 x10−6K-3/2) showed the strong intra-particle interactions in the core of BaFe12O19 NPs. The dM/dH vs. H curves showed the well-established exchange coupling of both hard and soft magnetic phases for 50% concentration of both phases and may be beneficial for high density recording devices.

CFD-PBM Simulation for Continuous Hydrothermal Flow Synthesis of Zirconia Nanoparticles in a Confined Impinging Jet Reactor.

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and population balance models (PBM) were coupled together for the first time to simulate the synthesis of zirconia nanoparticles in a continuous hydrothermal flow synthesis (CHFS) system with a self-designed confined impinging jet mixing (CJM) reactor. The hydrodynamic and thermodynamic behaviors within the CJM reactor strongly influenced the formation of the ZrO2 nanoparticles. Crucial parameters, such as velocities, temperatures, mixing conditions, and reaction rates, were analyzed under various supercritical conditions. Temperature and velocity measurements as functions of distance were also investigated. Normal particle size distribution (PSD) patterns were observed in all cases. The mean particle sizes in this study were calculated and compared using PBM aggregation analysis.

Anti-noise and denoising performance of global rainbow processing

This study simulated and experimentally evaluates the effect of signal noise of 5–60 dB on the inversion accuracy of the global rainbow signals of droplets with three typical size distributions (normal, log-normal, and bimodal normal), using a local minimum-based algorithm for parameter retrieval and empirical mode decomposition for denoising. For the simulated noise-free global rainbow signals of droplets with normal size distributions, the inversion algorithm has the highest accuracy, with the maximum relative error of droplet mean diameter D and the maximum absolute error of refractive index n being only 0.34% and 1.3 × 10−5. The empirical mode decomposition provides the best denoising and stability when preprocessing global rainbow signals of bimodal-normal size distributed droplets, reducing the errors of D and n from 51.4%, 9 × 10−4 to 7.9%, 2.4 × 10−4 even at a signal-to-noise ratio of 5 dB. Experiments were conducted based on a typical global rainbow measurement system. The errors of D and the n retrieved before and after denoising the noisy experimental signal are less than 5.2%, 1.4 × 10−4 and 2.4%, 0.51×10−4 respectively. Experimental results verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the noisy global rainbow processing procedures consisting of an original inversion algorithm and EMD denoising.

Influence of nanoparticle dispersion in a transparent liquid on the spatial characteristics of a four-wave radiation converter

Abstract – The spatial characteristics of a four-wave radiation converter in a transparent heterogeneous polydisperse medium are studied in this paper considering the nanoparticle flow caused by the gravity action with a normal size distribution of particle. Three ranges of average nanoparticle radii (small, intermediate and large), for which different types of spatial spectra of the object waves are characteristic, are distinguished. Shown that in the range of small average nanoparticle radii an increase in the standard deviation leads to an increase in the half-width of the spatial frequency band cut out by a four-wave radiation converter from the spatial spectrum of the object wave. In the range of intermediate average nanoparticle radii an increase in the standard deviation can lead to both an increase and a decrease in the width of the «ring» cut out by a four-wave radiation converter. At large average nanoparticle radii a change in the standard deviation doesn’t affect the spatial selectivity of the four-wave radiation converter.

Evaluation of particle models of corn kernels for discrete element method simulation of shelled corn mass flow

Bulk handling behavior of grains can be studied experimentally, but large-scale investigations of grain flow especially at the commercial scale are expensive, time consuming, and are therefore limited in the treatment factors that can be evaluated in any one study. Recent research has demonstrated the potential of discrete element method (DEM) in simulating grain flow in handling operations. However, application of DEM for simulating grain flow, requires development of appropriate particle models for each grain type. In this study, particle models comprised of one to four overlapping spheres were developed for shelled corn and tested. With these models, measurement of bulk properties, namely bulk density and angle of repose, both involving bulk flow were simulated using EDEM™ software with published data of material and interaction properties of shelled corn as inputs associated with each particle shape. Predicted time for the complete outflow from the bulk density test hopper (hopper emptying time), designated as simulation time in the study, was also recorded as another discriminant for model selection. Variable inputs into the simulation modeling were material properties particle shape, particle size distribution, Poisson's ratio, shear modulus, and density and interaction properties particle coefficients of restitution, static friction, and rolling friction. Computation time is critical in DEM modeling so single sphere particle models were emphasized over multi-sphere particles in the research even though multi-sphere particles represent the corn kernel shape more precisely because their simplicity can provide markedly reduced computation times to complete simulations. Predicted results for hopper emptying time, bulk density, and angle of repose were compared to experimental results or published data to select the most appropriate particle models for simulating bulk behavior of corn kernels in free-flowing grain applications using DEM. From the study, the most appropriate particle model (particle shape/physical properties combination) for corn kernels involved a single-sphere shape particle shape with a particle coefficient of restitution of 0.30, particle coefficients of static friction of 0.30 for corn-corn contact and 0.20 for corn-steel contact, particle coefficient of rolling friction of 0.05, normal particle size distribution with a standard deviation factor of 0.4, and particle shear modulus of 20 MPa.

A New Approach to the Synthesis of Nanocrystalline Cobalt Boride in the Course of the Thermal Decomposition of Cobalt Complexes [Co(DMF)6]2+ with Boron Cluster Anions

In the course of the study, nanocrystalline cobalt monoboride was prepared by thermal decomposition of precursors [Co(DMF)6][An], where [An] = [B12H12]2- (1), [trans-B20H18]2- (2) or [B10Cl10]2- (3) in an argon atmosphere. Three new salt-like compounds 1-3 were prepared when Co(NO3)2 was allowed to react with (Et3NH)2[An]. Compound 1 is new; the structures of compounds 2 and 3 have been previously reported. Samples 1-3 were annealed at 900 °C in argon to form samples 1a-3a, which were characterized by single crystal XRD for 1 and powder XRD for 1-3. Powder XRD on the products showed the formation of BN and CoB for 1a in a 1:1 ratio; 2a gave a higher CoB:BN ratio but an overall decreased crystallinity. For 3a, only CoB was found. IR spectra of samples 1a-3a as well as X-ray spectral fluorescence analysis for 3a confirmed these results. The nanoparticular character of the decomposition products 1a-3a was shown using TEM; quite small particle sizes of about 10-15 nm and a quite normal size distribution were found for 1a and 2a, while the decomposition of 3 gave large particles with 200-350 nm and a broad distribution.

Effect of the fibre diameter polydispersity on the permeability of nonwoven filter media

AbstractThis paper studies the permeability values of air filter media obtained by 3‐D simulations using the GeoDict® code. 3‐D fibrous structures with different specific characteristics that can be encountered in air filtration (0.03 ≤ solid volume fraction [α] ≤ 0.25, monodisperse fibres [1 μm ≤ df ≤8 μm], or polydisperse fibres) were generated. For monodisperse fibres, the permeability values obtained were compared with various correlations identified in the literature. After confirming that Davies' or Jackson and James' relations allowed a good estimate of the permeability, it is shown that the modified Happel's correlation provides a better prediction. In the case of normal (standard deviation: σ ≤ 1.5) or lognormal fibre size distribution (geometric standard deviation: σG ≤ 2), this modified Happel's correlation, in which the fibre diameter is replaced by an equivalent fibre diameter, leads to a relative deviation of less than ±8% and ±4% for lognormal and normal fibre distributions, respectively. The comparison with experimental permeability values obtained on real media provides quite encouraging results.

FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF ZEAXANTHIN NANOEMULSION RADIANCE SERUM AS ANTIOXIDANT

Objective: This study aimed to increase the effectiveness of using zeaxanthin by developed nanoemulsion containing zeaxanthin which was then formulated into radiance serum for topical use.&#x0D; Methods: Nanoemulsions are made using spontaneous nano emulsification methods/techniques, which are relatively simple technologically because they rely on the right combination of selected surfactants and co-surfactants. The optimization of the formula was carried out starting from determining the oil: surfactant: co-surfactant phase ratio and concentration of zeaxanthin. Nanoemulsion characterization in the form of physical characterization includes organoleptic tests, globule size and polydispersity index, zeta potential, pH and entrapment efficiency tests. The best results from nanoemulsion were then combined into serum preparations which were then tested for evaluation of the preparations, including organoleptic, homogeneity, viscosity, pH, spreadability, and antioxidant test.&#x0D; Results: The results showed that the developed zeaxanthin nanoemulsion had a globule size in the range of 20-24 nm (with a normal globule size distribution curve), polydispersity index value of less than 0.3, zeta potential greater than (-20) mV and entrapment efficiency ranging from 80-85%.&#x0D; Conclusion: The results of the evaluation showed that the serum radiance of zeaxanthin nanoemulsion had good physical, chemical and stability properties during storage with an IC50 value of zeaxanthin less than 50 ppm.

FORMULATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF FACIAL SERUM FROM ASTAXANTHIN-BETA CAROTENE NANOEMULSION AS AN ANTIOXIDANT

Objective: The purpose of this study is to make facial serum from astaxanthin-beta carotene nanoemulsion as an antioxidant.&#x0D; Methods: Nanoemulsions were prepared using Spontaneous Nanoemulsion (SNE) method with a ratio of 1:8:1 for (Sunflower oil): surfactant (Kolliphor® RH40): and co-surfactant (PEG 400). Physical nanoemulsion characterization includes globule size, polydispersity index, zeta potential, visual appearance, pH and entrapment efficiency test. The best results from nanoemulsion were then combined into serum preparations which were then tested for evaluation of the preparations, including organoleptic, homogeneity, viscosity, pH, adhesion and stability test (cycling test).&#x0D; Results: The results showed that the nanoemulsion of astaxanthin and beta-carotene combination that had been developed had a globule size of&lt;50 nm (with a normal globule size distribution curve), polydispersity index value was less than 0.5, zeta potential was greater than-20 mV and entrapment efficiency was ranging from 80-85%. The results of the preparation evaluation showed that serum astaxanthin-beta carotene nanoemulsion had good results in physical, chemical and stability test during storage. The best serum formula is formula 3 when viewed from the results of the evaluation of the dosage form with an IC50 value of 8.562 ppm with a very strong category as an antioxidant.&#x0D; Conclusion: Facial serum from astaxanthin-beta carotene is the potential to be an antioxidant.

Tailoring bimodal grain size structures in Ti–2.5Al–2Zr–1Fe alloy to improve impact absorbed energy and reduce anisotropy

The Charpy impact toughness of Ti–2.5Al–2Zr–1Fe alloy plate with a bimodal and normal grain size distribution was comparatively studied. The sample with the bimodal grain size structure exhibits the larger impact absorbed energy and lower anisotropy than that with the normal grain size structure, which is mainly attributed to the coordination of prismatic slips in the fine α grains and {101‾2}101‾1 deformation twins in the coarse α grains. The current work provides a promising approach for improving impact toughness and reducing anisotropy through microstructure optimization in near-alpha Ti alloys.

SIPA1L1/SPAR1 Interacts with the Neurabin Family of Proteins and is Involved in GPCR Signaling.

Signal-induced proliferation-associated 1 (SIPA1)-like 1 (SIPA1L1; also known as SPAR1) has been proposed to regulate synaptic functions that are important in maintaining normal neuronal activities, such as regulating spine growth and synaptic scaling, as a component of the PSD-95/NMDA-R-complex. However, its physiological role remains poorly understood. Here, we performed expression analyses using super-resolution microscopy (SRM) in mouse brain and demonstrated that SIPA1L1 is mainly localized to general submembranous regions in neurons, but surprisingly, not to PSD. Our screening for physiological interactors of SIPA1L1 in mouse brain identified spinophilin and neurabin-1, regulators of G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, but rejected PSD-95/NMDA-R-complex components. Furthermore, Sipa1l1-/- mice showed normal spine size distribution and NMDA-R-dependent synaptic plasticity. Nevertheless, Sipa1l1-/- mice showed aberrant responses to α2-adrenergic receptor (a spinophilin target) or adenosine A1 receptor (a neurabin-1 target) agonist stimulation, and striking behavioral anomalies, such as hyperactivity, enhanced anxiety, learning impairments, social interaction deficits, and enhanced epileptic seizure susceptibility. Male mice were used for all experiments. Our findings revealed unexpected properties of SIPA1L1, suggesting a possible association of SIPA1L1 deficiency with neuropsychiatric disorders related to dysregulated GPCR signaling, such as epilepsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, or fragile X syndrome (FXS).SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Signal-induced proliferation-associated 1 (SIPA1)-like 1 (SIPA1L1) is thought to regulate essential synaptic functions as a component of the PSD-95/NMDA-R-complex. In our screening for physiological SIPA1L1-interactors, we identified G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR)-signaling regulators. Moreover, SIPA1L1 knock-out (KO) mice showed striking behavioral anomalies, which may be relevant to GPCR signaling. Our findings revealed an unexpected role of SIPA1L1, which may open new avenues for research on neuropsychiatric disorders that involve dysregulated GPCR signaling. Another important aspect of this paper is that we showed effective methods for checking PSD association and identifying native protein interactors that are difficult to solubilize. These results may serve as a caution for future claims about interacting proteins and PSD proteins, which could eventually save time and resources for researchers and avoid confusion in the field.

Crystal Plasticity Simulation of Yield Loci Evolution of SUS304 Foil.

The deformation process of metal foils is usually under a complex stress status, and the size effect has an obvious influence on the microforming process. To study the effect of grain orientation and grain size distribution on the yield loci evolution of SUS304 stainless steel foils, three representative volume element (RVE) models were built based on the open source tools NEPER and MTEX. In addition, the yield loci with different grain sizes are obtained by simulation with Duisseldorf Advanced Material Simulation Kit (DAMASK) under different proportional loading conditions. The initial yield loci show a remarkable difference in shape and size, mainly caused by the distinct texture characteristics. By comparing the crystal plasticity simulation with the experimental results, the model with normal grain size distribution and initial texture based on Electron Back-scattered Diffraction (EBSD) data can more accurately describe the influence of the size effect on the shape and size of yield loci, which is the result of the interaction of grain size distribution and texture. However, the enhancement of grain deformation coordination will weaken the impact of the size effect on yield loci shape if the grain size distribution is more uniform.

Preparation and Characterization of Cellulose and Microcrystalline Cellulose from Sugarcane Bagasse and Assessment of the Microcrystalline Cellulose as a Directly Compressible Excipient

Cellulose, the most abundant biomass material in nature finds wide applications in the pharmaceutical industry. Sugarcane bagasse (SCB) is one of the main agricultural lignocellulose byproducts. The objective of this study was to prepare and characterize native and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) from SCB and evaluate the MCC as a directly compressible pharmaceutical excipient. Cellulose was extracted from SCB by chlorine-free methods with or without dewaxing. MCC was prepared from the cellulose by hydrolysis using hydrochloric acid, and subsequently oven-dried (OD) or spray-dried (SD). The as-obtained cellulose and MCC were characterized in terms of yield, degree of polymerization (DP), chemical functionality, crystallinity, morphology and thermal stability. The chemical composition, particle size, densities and direct compressibility of MCCs were also determined. Cellulose yields on a dry weight basis were found to be 42.8 ± 1.10% and 43.5 ± 0.5% from non-dewaxed and dewaxed SCB, respectively. Dewaxed SCB cellulose (DSCBC) provided higher yield of MCC (DSCB-MCCOD, 83 ± 0.74%) than non-dewaxed SCB cellulose (SCBC) (SCB-MCCOD; 78 ± 1.07%). The DP of SCBC and DSCBC were 580.56 and 592.75, respectively, while the DP of MCC ranged from 230.10 - 251.40. The FTIR spectra of both cellulose and MCC were similar with that of Avicel PH-101. The degree of crystallinity of the dewaxed cellulose (77.34%) and MCCOD (79.56%) and MCC-SD (81.87%) were higher than non-dewaxed cellulose (74.50%) and MCC-OD (78.11%) and MCC-SD (79.62%). Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) showed a fibrous structure for DSCBC and rod-shaped for DSCB-MCC. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed dewaxed products exhibited better thermal stability than non-dewaxed products. All MCC samples exhibited monomodal normal particle size distributions. The Hausner ratio and Carr’s index of DSCB-MCCOD and Avicel PH-101 were not significantly different (p &lt; 0.05) indicating similar flow property and compressibility of the materials, respectively. Also, plain tablets prepared from SCB-MCC showed reasonably high crushing strengths (MCC-SD &gt; MCC-OD), although tablets of Avicel PH-101 showed the highest crushing strengths. Thus, SCB could be an alternative source of cellulose and MCC for pharmaceutical applications.

A predictive PBM-DEAM model for lignocellulosic biomass pyrolysis

Pyrolysis is a promising and attractive way to convert lignocellulosic biomass into low carbon-emission energy products. To effectively use biomass feedstock with size distribution to produce biofuels, a comprehensive kinetic model of the process, occurring at particle level, is important. In this study, the population balance model (PBM)-distributed activation energy model (DAEM) coupled model is first time developed to predict biomass pyrolysis. The Population balance model is used to present the variable size distribution of solid, decomposed from virgin biomass to porous char. Two different kinetic models are embedded into the conservation equations of mass and energy. They are compared to demonstrate the prediction performance of heating-up time during the pyrolysis process of biomass with a normal size distribution. It is found that non-isothermal kinetics without and with DEAM capture the intra-particle temperature distribution. There is a noticeable difference of heating-up time between single and distributed particle size.