Orthogonal Array Design Experiments Research Articles

Influence of Geological and Environmental Factors on the Reconsolidation Behavior of Fine Granular Salt

Understanding the consolidation behavior of granular salt is of great significance for salt cavern repository design and the corresponding long-term safety assessments. To evaluate the influence of environmental and geological factors on the reconsolidation behavior of fine granular salt, a series of orthogonal array design experiments were performed. The experimental results showed that temperature, compressive stress, moisture content and compression time had significant impacts on the compaction properties of granular salt. The compressive stress exerted the greatest impact on porosity of the granular salt, which decreased the porosity. An increase in moisture content (within 3%) in the granular salt sample substantially reduced the porosity of the sample, whereas this effect was limited when moisture exceeded 3%. In the process of granular salt compaction, all of the deformation mechanisms were temperature dependent. The correlation between porosity and permeability of the dried compacted salt samples was independent of the environmental and geological factors during the compaction of the granular salt. The use of granular salt with a smaller particle size in the compacted salt backfill can improve its sealing performance. In the transient loading stage of granular salt compaction, the porosity decreased rapidly under stress to form a denser layer, which was mainly accomplished by particle rearrangement and cataclastic flow. However, in the constant-load creep stage, the additional porosity reduction was dominated by grain boundary processes and crystal plasticity mechanisms, including dislocation creep, pressure-solution creep and recrystallization.

The selection of optimum process parameters on A319 aluminum alloy in friction stir welding MCDM method

The main goal of this study is to research optimization process parameters for friction stir welding (FSW). The optimal parameter combinations have better tensile strength with combining decision model. Additive Ratio Assessment (ARAS) method is used to determine the optimum process parameters and suitable it is also for welding operation of Aluminum alloy A319. The friction stir welding parameters is considered for tool rotational speed (rpm), welding feed (mm/min) and tool pin diameter (mm). Taguchi L9 orthogonal array design experiments are mainly used to implement this operation. The Multi-criteria decision model for applying ARAS- method is proposed to solve this problem. The methodology has proved that the offered technology is suitable for finding the multi-criteria optimization for the process parameters in FSW.

Synthesis of multiblock linear polyether functional amino silicone softener and its modification of surface properties on cotton fabrics

Multiblock copolymers of polyether-modified amino silicone softener (ETSO-PEA) were successfully synthesized with epoxy-terminated polysiloxane (ETSO) and polyether amine. The chemical structure of ETSO-PEA was characterized by 1H NMR, FTIR and TGA. Single-factor and orthogonal array design experiments affecting the conversion rate of product were carried out to investigate the optimal reaction conditions. In the first two steps, the data between viscosity/conversion rate and reaction time showed that the two steps were both kinetic first-scale reaction. The application of ETSO-PEA used as softener on cotton fabrics was studied. The results showed that the ETSO-PEA-treated cotton fabrics expressed better hydrophilicity, wettability and whiteness than traditional amino silicone softener-treated samples. The morphology images indicated that the scales and clearance on the surface of the untreated cotton fibers were covered with a smooth film after treating with the silicones solution. Amino silicone softener was fixed onto the cotton fabrics, and the surface was modified with a formation of network structure. Meanwhile, the extent of networking and crosslinking was enhanced a lot, which provided a good soft handle. The polyether segment with less bending on the ETSO-PEA disrupted the continuous arrangement of Si–CH3 groups and limited the movement of polysiloxane segment, giving the cotton fabric a better hydrophilic and slightly rougher surface than ATSO-treated samples. This work provided an optimized and cost-effective method to synthesize high-performance multiblock polyether functional amino silicone softener.

An experimental assiduity on the dominance of process parameters on mechanical properties for making a fire retardant bamboo fiber composite with the help of Taguchi experimental design

Astringent Government regulations, A Hard Nut to Crack disposal, augmentative oil prices, dwindling fossil fuels & predominant environmental cognition concerned to the use of petroleum based products has forced the manufacturers to seek for eco-friendly & sustainable materials, that trace the problems associated with synthetic composites with an endurable solution to replace themselves with natural fibers. From the past decades it has been shown that apart from the prosperous civilian living standard & sustainability of environment, fiber reinforced composites using range belongs from aerospace applications to military & automobile industries for continuously advancing in order to meet their new challenges due to its flexibility in intended design i.e., capability of tailoring two or more materials as per required specification. Besides the biodegradability & eco-friendly behaviour another most important thing is fire retardant & termite resistant properties. Fire always has been an intensive threat to the well-being entity of the civilization due to the monetary damages, substantial injuries & huge losses of heart’s-blood. In the mob of innovating environmental durable composite material, combustible peculiarity may have avowed titular consideration. In another point of view the major problem associated with the natural fiber reinforced composites is the fall of physical strength due to the attack of borer beetles & termite. Pertaining these problems one enthusiasm has taken in this ploy to develop more deft & limber composite by optimizing the process parameters with Taguchi L16 orthogonal array design experiment. By applying the analysis of the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N ratio) & analysis of variance (ANOVA) the optimum combination of process parameters & the importance of the levels have been ascertained in some respects. Dispense of regression analysis were mathematically modeled the metamorphism of mechanical properties with process parameters. Eventually, the presented models are also substantiated by a set of confirmation test.

Effect of solvent evaporation technique on the characteristics of curing agent microcapsules and the curing process

In this work, diuron (DCMU), which was encapsulated using polystyrene (PS) as the shell material via solvent evaporation method in an oil-in-water emulsion was used as an accelerator. Due to their temperature control release performance, these microcapsule-type latent curing agents have an excellent impact on prolonging the shelf life of prepreg in a one-component system. The structure and properties of microcapsules, such as size and coating rate, were influenced by dispersed phase/continuous phase ratio, mass ratio of core/shell, emulsifier concentration, and agitation rate. Orthogonal array design experiments were used to obtain optimum synthetic parameters. The temperature controlled release performance of microcapsules plays an important role during the curing reaction. Furthermore, the released amount of the curing agent throughout the heating process was evaluated. With the increase in the heating rate, the release rate of the core materials showed a growing trend. To explore the influence of the microcapsule-type curing agent by non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique at different heating rates, the heating flow of microcapsule-type and normal-type curing agents in the curing process were tested and data were compared., Compared to the normal ones, the microcapsule curing agents exhibited delayed kinetic behaviors throughout the curing process. The variations of activation energy over the course of the reaction were evaluated by using Iso-conversional methods. The results indicated that the activation energy of the microcapsule-type curing agent indicated a continuous decrease, proving that it is easier for the reaction to carry through to completion.

Analysis of main constituents and mechanisms underlying antidepressant-like effects of Xiaochaihutang in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceXiaochaihutang (XCHT), a famous Chinese herbal formula which consists of seven Chinese herbs, has been used clinically in depressive disorders in China. Our previous studies have demonstrated that XCHT improved depressive-like behavior in several animal models of depression. However, therapeutic basis of XCHT on depression are challenging, due to the complex active constituents of XCHT and the unclear pharmacological mechanism of action. Materials and methodsTo provide further insights into therapeutic basis of XCHT, the core in compatibility of XCHT on antidepressant therapy was assessed by the method of orthogonal array design. The comparative evaluations on antidepressant effects of XCHT and its core in compatibility were executed by tail suspension test (TST), forced swim test (FST), novelty suppressed feeding test (NSFT), reserpine-induced hypothermia and palpebral ptosis. Moreover, the potential mechanism was explored by investigating levels of monoamine neurotransmitters in hypothalamus and striatum and neurogenesis in hippocampus. Chemical profile of active constituents in plasma after oral administration of the core in compatibility of XCHT was revealed by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS). ResultsThe results of orthogonal array design experiment showed that Huangqin (Radix scutellariae), Renshen (Ginseng) and Gancao (Radix glycyrrhizae), defined as HRG, might be the core in compatibility of XCHT on antidepressant therapy. In accordance with XCHT, oral administration of HRG for 15 days significantly reduced immobility duration in TST and FST without affecting locomotor activity. Both HRG and XCHT increased immobility latency in FST, decreased the latency in NSFT, reversed reserpine-induced hypothermia and palpebral ptosis. Moreover, both HRG and XCHT significantly increased levels of 5-HT and DA in hypothalamus. In addition, HRG could remarkably increase Ki-67 and doublecortin (DCX) positive cells in hippocampus. A total 25 active constituents in plasma, including 14 prototype components and 11 metabolites, were identified by UPLC–MS/MS after oral administration of HRG. ConclusionThe present results reveal that HRG is supposed to be the core in compatibility of XCHT on antidepressant therapy. In accordance with XCHT, HRG exerts significant antidepressant-like effects, which are likely attributed to regulating serotonergic and dopaminergic systems and increasing hippocampal neurogenesis. The constituents identified in plasma after oral administration of HRG may be the potential active ingredients for the treatment of depression.

Simultaneous determination of seven bioactive components in Guizhi Fuling capsule by microwave-assisted extraction combined with ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry

A simple, rapid and reliable microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) combined with ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for simultaneous determination of the seven bioactive constituents in Guizhi Fuling capsule (GFC), namely gallic acid, amygdalin, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, paeonol, cinnamic acid and pachymic acid, respectively. The operation of MAE optimised through orthogonal array design experiment was performed at 80°C for 10 min with methanol–water (70:30, v/v) as the extracting solvent. The method was validated including intra- and inter-day precision, repeatability and stability, with relative standard deviation less than 3.9%, 3.3%, 4.4% and 3.1%, respectively. All analytes showed the good linearity (r >0.999), and their average recoveries varied between 98.2% and 101.2%. The results indicated that this method was simple, effective and suitable for the quality control of GFC.

Optimization of zofimarin production by an endophytic fungus, Xylaria sp. Acra L38.

To optimize the medium for high zofimarin production, sucrose maltose, glucose, tryptone and peptone were used in an orthogonal array design experiment, where the highest value of zofimarin produced was 25.6 μg/mL. This value was about 3 times higher than that obtained with Czapek yeast extract (CzYE) culture medium. A study with Plackett-Burman design showed that sucrose, maltose, glucose and NaNO3 were significant factors in zofimarin production. Further studies using central composite design (CCD) showed the significance of glucose and the interactions of these critical components affecting zofimarin production. Multiple regression analysis of the data yielded a poor fit as shown by the mismatch of the model with these variable factors. When a polynomial equation was applied, the maximum zofimarin production was predicted to be 201.9 μg/mL. Experimental verification yielded a much lower amount of zofimarin, at around 70 μg/mL. Reconsideration of the CCD data and repetition of some runs with high zofimarin production resulted in reproducible zofimarin yield at 79.7 μg/mL. Even though the amount was lower than the predicted value, the medium optimization study was considered to be quite successful as the yield increased to around 8 times that obtained with the original CzYE culture medium.

A novel technique of semi-aerobic aged refuse biofilter for leachate treatment

We developed a semi-aerobic aged refuse biofilter (SAARB) for leachate treatment and examined its advantages and disadvantages compared to previous aged refuse biofilters (ARBs). To assess its treatment capability, decontamination mechanisms and optimal performance parameters, a single-period experiment and L 9(3 4) orthogonal array design experiments were conducted on artificial leachate. The SAARB markedly enhanced the treatment capability and removal efficiency of organic matter and nitrogen pollutants due to the alternating aerobic–anoxic–anaerobic zones in situ. The reduction in chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia nitrogen ( NH 4 + – N ) and total nitrogen (TN) exceeded 98%, 94%, and 80%, respectively. After the leachate was distributed onto the SAARB surface, the effluent velocity decreased as a logarithmic function, and there was a concomitant reduction in leachate effluent volume. Based on the capacity for removal of COD, NH 4 + – N , and TN, the effective height of aged refuse in a SAARB was enough to be 900 mm. An excellent treatment efficiency could be achieved at 20–35 °C, with a leachate distribution time of 1 h once every period of 2–3 days, hydraulic loading of 11–30 L/(m 3 day), and COD loading of 550–1200 g/(m 3 day). This new SAARB system demonstrates superior efficacy for biofilter compared to other ARB systems, especially for nitrogen removal from leachate.

Effects of Ethanol on Optimizing Porous Films of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells

Solvent, dispersant, and surfactant play different roles in forming porous films of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) when they are added into the paste. We investigate the influence of ethanol, acetylacetone, and Triton-X100 on the photoelectrode of DSSCs with orthogonal array design experiments. Stereoscopic morphologies of photoelectrodes scanned with atomic force microscopy (AFM) show that decreasing the amount of ethanol in TiO2 paste results in forming a more compact structure of the photoelectrode for DSSCs. The TiO2 photoeletrode made with 2.5 g of TiO2 nanoparticle powder dissolved in 20 mL of ethanol presents lower root-mean-square (rms) roughness calculated from AFM, and its corresponding performance in DSSCs shows higher photoelectric conversion efficiency, while the effects of acetylacetone and Triton-X100 on the performance of DSSCs are not very apparent. Optimized photoelectrode dyed with N719 shows increased light absorption. This may result from adsorbing more amount of dye on a larger i...

Study on Ultrasonic Extraction Technology and Oxidation Resistance of Total Flavonoids from Peanut Hull

In this article, a method of ultrasonic extraction (USE) was used to extract flavonoids from peanut hulls. Orthogonal array design experiment was employed to get the optimum extraction conditions. The optimum USE conditions were as follows: ethanol concentration was 65%; solid/liquid ratio (g mL-1) was 1:65; temperature was 60°C; ultrasonic frequency was 45 Hz; ultrasonic power was 150 W; initial pH of feed liquid was 6.0; time for extraction was 3 h. The optimum extraction yield of flavonoids was 8.23 mg g-1. The antioxidant activity of the crude extract was tested with phosphomolybdenum complex method, the reduction of K3Fe(CN)6 and DPPH assay. The IC50 value for DPPH radical scavenging lied 14.86 μg ml-1, and 28 μg mL-1 of PHF exhibited total antioxidant activity and reducing power which were comparable to that of the ascorbic acid standard at 52.41 and 15.41 μg mL-1, respectively.

Pressurized liquid extraction of flavonoids from Houttuynia cordata Thunb

The extraction of flavonoids from Houttuynia cordata Thunb by pressurized liquid extraction has been studied in this article. The effects of several important factors such as the concentration of slovent ethanol, solvent rate, temperature and pressure were investigated by orthogonal array design experiment. Both a high flavonoids yield of 3.152% and a high flavoniods content of 23.962% were obtained with solvent ethanol concentration of 50%, solvent rate of 1.8 mL/min, temperature of 70 °C and pressure of 8 MPa. The results are favorable to that of traditional methods of hot soaking and ultrasound-assisted extraction.

Orthogonal array design experiments for optimizing the separation of nine pesticides by micellar electrokinetic chromatography

Separation in micellar electrokinetic chromatography is influenced by many factors. The separation of 9 pesticides was optimized using orthogonal array designs (OADs), five relevant factors were investigated: type and concentration of surfactant, concentration of buffer, pH and concentration of urea modifier. In the first experiment, five factors were examined at two levels using an OA 16(2 15) matrix, by which the effect of each factor was estimated using individual contributions as response function, based on the results of the first experiment, three more important factors were chosen for further optimization using OA 9(3 4) matrix to locate the exact levels for each variable. Finally, 9 pesticides achieved baseline-separation within 15 min.

Orthogonal array design experiments for optimizing the separation of various pesticides by cyclodextrin-modified micellar electrokinetic chromatography

The potential of cyclodextrin-modified micellar electrokinetic chromatography (CD–MEKC) for the separation of complicated environmental samples of pesticides and the applicability of orthogonal array designs (OADs) for the optimization of separation in CD–MEKC were investigated. Six relevant factors were investigated: type and concentration of cyclodextrin, concentration and pH of buffer, and concentration of micelle and organic modifier. In the first experiment, five factors were examined at two levels using an OA 16 (2 15) matrix, by which the effect of each factor was estimated using individual contributions as response function. Based on the results of the first experiment, three most important factors were chosen for further optimization using OA 9 (3 4) matrix to locate more exact levels for each variable. Finally, main-effect curves were used to predict approximate optimum conditions under which adequate separation of 15 pesticides was achieved within 30 min.

Cell and tissue biology a textbook of histology

In this work, diuron (DCMU), which was encapsulated using polystyrene (PS) as the shell material via solvent evaporation method in an oil-in-water emulsion was used as an accelerator. Due to their temperature control release performance, these microcapsule-type latent curing agents have an excellent impact on prolonging the shelf life of prepreg in a one-component system. The structure and properties of microcapsules, such as size and coating rate, were influenced by dispersed phase/continuous phase ratio, mass ratio of core/shell, emulsifier concentration, and agitation rate. Orthogonal array design experiments were used to obtain optimum synthetic parameters. The temperature controlled release performance of microcapsules plays an important role during the curing reaction. Furthermore, the released amount of the curing agent throughout the heating process was evaluated. With the increase in the heating rate, the release rate of the core materials showed a growing trend. To explore the influence of the microcapsule-type curing agent by non-isothermal differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) technique at different heating rates, the heating flow of microcapsule-type and normal-type curing agents in the curing process were tested and data were compared., Compared to the normal ones, the microcapsule curing agents exhibited delayed kinetic behaviors throughout the curing process. The variations of activation energy over the course of the reaction were evaluated by using Iso-conversional methods. The results indicated that the activation energy of the microcapsule-type curing agent indicated a continuous decrease, proving that it is easier for the reaction to carry through to completion.