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Load distribution on intervertebral cages with and without posterior instrumentation

Background ContextPosterior and transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF, TLIF) are well-established procedures for spinal fusion. However, little is known about load sharing between cage, dorsal construct, and biological tissue within the instrumented lumbar spine. PurposeThe aim of this study was to quantify the forces acting on cages under axial compression force with and without posterior instrumentation. Study DesignBiomechanical cadaveric study. MethodsTen lumbar spinal segments were tested under uniaxial compression using load cell instrumented intervertebral cages. The force was increased in 100N increments to 1000N or a force greater than 500N on one load cell. Each specimen was tested after unilateral PLIF (uPLIF), bilateral PLIF (bPLIF) and TLIF each with/without posterior instrumentation. Dorsal instrumentation was performed with 55N of compression per side. ResultsCage insertion resulted in median cage preloads of 16N, 29N and 35N for uPLIF, bPLIF, and TLIF. The addition of compressed dorsal instrumentation increased the median preload to 224N, 328N, and 317N, respectively. With posterior instrumentation, the percentage of the external load acting on the intervertebral cage was less than 25% at 100N (uPLIF: 14.2%; bPLIF: 16%; TLIF: 11%), less than 45% at 500N (uPLIF: 31.8%; bPLIF: 41.1%; TLIF: 37.9%) and less than 50% at 1000N (uPLIF: 40.3%; bPLIF: 49.7%; TLIF: 43.4%). Without posterior instrumentation, the percentage of external load on the cages was significantly higher with values above 50% at 100N (uPLIF: 55.6%; bPLIF: 75.5%; TLIF: 66.8%), 500N (uPLIF: 71.7%; bPLIF: 79.2%; TLIF: 65.4%), and 1000N external load (uPLIF: 73%; bPLIF: 80.5%; TLIF: 66.1%). For absolute loads, preloads and external loads must be added together. ConclusionSWithout posterior instrumentation, the intervertebral cages absorb more than 50% of the axial load and the load distribution is largely independent of the loading amplitude. With posterior instrumentation, the external load acting on the cages is significantly lower and the load distribution becomes load amplitude dependent, with a higher proportion of the load transferred by the cages at high loads. The bPLIF cages tend to absorb more force than the other two cage configurations. Clinical significanceCage instrumentation allows some of the compression force to be transmitted through the cage to the screws below, better distributing and reducing the overall force on the pedicle screws at the end of the construct and on the rods.

Numerical Study of Piled Raft Foundation in Non-Homogeneous Soil Using Finite Element Method

This paper analyzes a piled-raft foundation on non-homogeneous soils with variable layer depth percentages. The present work aims to perform a three-dimensional finite element analysis of a piled-raft foundation subjected to vertical load using the PLAXIS 3D software. Parametric analysis was carried out to determine the effect of soil type and initial layer thickness. The parametric study showed that increasing the relative density from 30 % to 80 % of the upper sand layer and the thickness of the first layer has led to an increase in the ultimate load and a decrease in the settlement of piled raft foundations for the cases of sand over weak soil. In clay over weak soil, the ultimate load of the piled raft foundation was increased, and the settlement decreased by increasing the clay cohesion of the upper layer from 20 kPa to 70 kPa. It was observed that the load shared by the raft was very effective when using dense sand in the upper layer. In the case of dense sand over stiff clay, the percent of load carried by the raft is (30-40) %. Although, for the case of stiff clay over soft clay, the load percentage was almost constant (16-20) %. While for other issues, the sharing load of raft foundation was close and had the same behavior, the load carried by raft is between (8-12) %.

Parametric optimization of wear parameters of hybrid composites (LM6/B4C/fly ash) using Taguchi technique

Wear is prominent in sliding components, so tribology property plays a major role in automotive as well as in the aerospace industries. In this work, Aluminium alloy LM6/B4C/Fly Ash hybrid composites with three different weight percentages of reinforcement were fabricated using the low-cost stir casting technique, and the experiments were conducted based on the Design of Experiments (DoE) approach and optimized using Taguchi’s Signal to noise ratio (S/N) analysis. The analysis was conducted with process parameters like Sliding Speed (S), Sliding distance (D), load (L) and reinforcement percentage (R %), the responses are Coefficient of Friction (COF) and Specific wear rate (SWR). Aluminum alloy reinforced with 9 wt% hybrid (LM6 + 4.5% B4C + 4.5% Fly Ash) has a low density and high hardness compared with other composites and base alloys. The optimum parameters for obtaining minimum SWR are S - 1 m/s, D - 500 m, L - 45 N, and R% - 6 wt% Hybrid (3% Fly ash and 3% boron carbide). The optimum parameters for obtaining minimum COF are S - 1.5 m/s, D - 500 m, L - 30 N, and R% −9 wt% Hybrid (4.5% Fly ash and 4.5% boron carbide). Load (28.34%) is the most significant parameter for obtaining minimum SWR, and DL (31.62%) for obtaining minimum COF. SEM images of the worn pins show the various wear mechanisms of the AMCs. The hybrid composite produced is new and these may be used for piston liner and brake pad applications.

Parametric study on producing Fused Deposition Modelling filament made of recovered carbon black reinforced Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene plastics

Additive manufacturing is a process that makes three-dimensional object layer by layer. There are many different types of 3D printer and the most commonly used is Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM). There is a need for a new material for Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) FDM filament to improve filament strength and reduce the usage of plastics. From literature, there are limited studies available on making 3D printer filament reinforced by recycled carbon black. The limitation hinders the potential of using this material in new applications. In this study, recycled carbon black powder (rCB) was added as a filler reinforcement to enhance the properties of ABS. Parameters considered in this study were percentage of filler weight loading and filler size. Tests and characterisation used in this study were tensile test, thickness test, surface roughness test, scanning electron microscopy, density test and water absorption test. There were improvements in mechanical properties such as tensile test and elasticity of the filament compared to the pure ABS plastic. The higher filler percentage can improve the elasticity of filament and lower filler percentage can improve the strength of the filament. The findings could help in improving marketability status and commercialisation potential of rCB reinforced ABS filament for FDM applications.

Studying the combined effect of layer thickness and solid loading percentage for improving the compressive strength of 3D printed β-TCP scaffold by LCD technique

Customized 3D printed bio-ceramic scaffolds with complex shapes can be fabricated by Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology. In this study we investigated the combined effect of the solid loading percentage of the β-Tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) bio-ceramic powder and the 3D printing layer thickness on the compressive strength of the 3D printed bio-ceramic scaffolds using LCD technique. Three different high solid loadings (40, 60 and 80 vol%) of β-TCP were mixed with resin in the presence of Oleic acid prior to the 3D printing. The β-TCP:resin slurry was used to fabricate scaffolds by using three different layer thicknesses (50 μm, 100 μm and 150 μm). The 3D printed green scaffolds were thermally debinded at 530 °C for 8 h and sintered at 1000 °C for 6 h based on the TGA and DSC thermal analysis of the β-TCP-resin slurry. The x-ray diffraction (XRD) and the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis confirmed that the β-TCP structure is preserved after scaffold fabrication. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis showed the surface morphology of the scaffolds with internal pores, micro porosity, and localized delamination. The main finding of the results suggests that decreasing the layer thickness and the solid loading will enhance the compressive strength of the scaffold. Maximum compressive strength attained was (0.19 ± 0.01 MPa) for scaffolds with 40 % solid loadings, layer thickness of 50 μm and porosity 83.49 %. These results demonstrate the potential of using the low-cost LCD 3D printing in fabricating a customized porous β-TCP scaffolds for bone tissue engineering.

Probabilistic Techno-Economic Design of Isolated Microgrid

Isolated microgrid (MG) proved its potential to electrify the remote community through the cheaper and greener renewable energy alternatives with higher reliability than the weak grid. The goal of universal electricity access and the climate change mitigation paves the way for many public/private owned microgrids in remote areas. Having in mind various uncertainties associated with the design parameters of the MG (e.g., temperature, irradiation, load), this paper presents a probabilistic approach for optimal sizing and techno-economic assessment of the PV-based MG. The potential environmental impact of the isolated MG is taken into account by considering both, the PV/Battery, and more conventional PV/Battery/Diesel Generator configuration. The effectiveness of multi-year data over the single year data in the probabilistic approach is demonstrated. The probabilistic techno-economic analysis of different configurations facilitates informed decision making regarding the configuration and size of MG components while meeting the reliability of supply and environmental constraints. The feasibility and affordability of the configurations are demonstrated through the distribution of net present cost, levelized cost of energy and the unmet load percentage.

Engineered Catalyst Support with Improved Durability at Higher Weight Percentage of Platinum

Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cells are a suitable electrochemical power source for heavy duty vehicle (HDV) applications due to their high efficiency and durability. The cathode of the fuel cell uses a higher geometric loading of platinum (∼0.2 to 0.4 mgPt/cm2) for the electrocatalysis of the kinetically sluggish Oxygen Reduction Reaction (ORR) which requires higher weight percent loading of the metal (∼50%) on the carbon support to decrease the catalyst layer thickness and hence, the reactant transport losses. The conventionally used supports for platinum catalyst, such as the KetjenBlackTM type high surface area carbon (HSC) features limited mesopore area for the dispersion of Pt nanoparticles leading to increased aggregation and poor durability. Here, we show a new class of carbon materials known as the Engineered Catalyst Support (ECS) developed by Pajarito Powder with higher mesopore fraction for the dispersion of higher weight percentage of Pt nanoparticles. ECS materials can disperse up to 50% Pt by weight of the catalyst thereby enabling lower catalyst layer thickness with higher performance retained after durability test. A comprehensive set of physico-chemical and electrochemical studies in membrane electrode assembly (MEA) are reported to understand the performance and durability of Pt/ECS catalysts.

Analisis Penggunaan Transformator Sisipan Untuk Mengatasi Rugi Tegangan dan Pembebanan Lebih

On the JD267 distribution transformer with a capacity of 100 kVA at the Kalibaru feeder on the PT PLN (Persero) ULP Genteng experienced overloading at WBP (88.03%) and high voltage losses. The magnitude of the load exceeds 80% of the standard transformer capacity and is in the bad category (load >= 80%) according to Table I. SE No. 0017.E/DIR/2014, related to transformer loading percentage. Meanwhile, the voltage loss of the JD267 transformer when the WBP is in Phase R is 19.05%, Phase S is 17.08%, and Phase T is 18.33%. This exceeds the voltage tolerance limit in SPLN 1:1995 that the voltage is not allowed to exceed +5% and -10% of the PLN standard voltage, namely 220 V. To handle this problem, PT. PLN (Persero) ULP Genteng carried out the installation of insert transformers by estimating load growth in the next 5 years using the Least Square method. After the addition of the insert transformer, the loading on the JD267 distribution transformer fell to 58.93% on WBP. Meanwhile, the magnitude of the JD267 transformer voltage loss when the WBP after insertion in the R Phase decreases to 0.84%, the S Phase is 1.04%, and the T Phase is 1.63%, and when the LWBP after insertion in the R Phase decreases to 0 .76%, S Phase 0.30%, and T Phase 0.6%. Based on the data above, adding an insert transformer can improve the loading percentage on the transformer and reduce voltage losses that occur at the end voltage of the transformer.

Electric Field Analysis of HDPE/NR Biocomposite Due to Moisture Content Condition

It is critical to develop new insulating materials that can improve the performance of next-generation high-voltage cables used in the construction of future electrical networks. The high electric field reduces solid insulation resistance and causes partial discharge through imperfections in a dielectric, causing the dielectric to age and eventually fail. Moisture is one of the most serious factors the effect the high voltage insulation status of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) composites. The main goal of this project is to investigate the electric field intensity of HDPE due to moisture content condition when mixed with 10g, 20g, and 30g of various bio-fillers such as coconut coir fibre, pineapple leaves fibre, and oil palm empty fruit bunch. This can be accomplished by using the Finite Element Method Magnetics (FEMM) 4.2 software to create a two-dimensional (2D) axisymmetric electrostatic model. When compared to unfilled HDPE, the inclusion of bio-filler in HDPE increased the maximum electric field intensity due to moisture content condition. The intensity of the electric field varied with the different percentages of biocomposite loading and their permittivity due to moisture content condition. The results showed, due to moisture content condition, the maximum electric field intensity was significantly lower when HDPE was added with a 10% loading of the oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB). As a result, EFB bio-filler was the best composition because it tends to improve dielectric properties by having a lower maximum electric field intensity which is 4.214Mv/m due to moisture content condition at the top sphere electrode when compared to other compositions.

Prediction of tribological performance of Cu-Gr-TiC composites based on response surface methodology and worn surface analysis

In the current study, the prediction of tribological performance of Cu-Gr-TiC composites and its correlation with surface topography has been studied. For this purpose, the Cu-Gr composites reinforced with TiC ceramic particles were prepared via the powder metallurgy route. The prepared composites microstructure, mechanical characteristics, and dry sliding wear behaviour were assessed. A pin on disc setup was taken for tribological testing where sliding velocity is 1.5 m s−1. Wear behaviour of composites was examined using a central composite design (CCD) with three levels. The wear behavior optimization was accomplished through the utilization of response surface methodology (RSM). The input parameters in RSM consisted of sliding distance, varying load, and weight percentage (wt%) of reinforcements, while the wear rate and coefficient of friction served as the two responses. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) using RSM was conducted to identify the significant parameters influencing the wear rate and coefficient of friction. A quadratic model was suggested based on best fit and a regression equation was established for predicting the tribological properties at any given input parameter. Comparative of experimental and predicted values show close tolerance. It was observed that RSM is significant tool for predicting and optimizing the tribological properties. The composite having 3.08 wt% of TiC particles was optimized for minimum wear rate & COF at 20 N load and 2000 m sliding distance.

Promotion impact of different strontium doping on Ni‐9La+Zr catalyst for dry reforming of methane

AbstractThe potential dry reforming of methane technology allows for the synthesis of syngas from methane and carbon dioxide. Numerous investigations have been conducted on developing catalysts with exceptional activity and stability. Carbon deposition causes severe deactivation in typical nickel‐based catalysts, which is one of the most prevalent and important problems. In this study, methane was dry‐reformed over 5 wt.% Ni+xSr‐9La+Zr (x = 0–4 wt.%) catalysts for 7.5 h at 700°C and ambient pressure in a tubular fixed‐bed reactor. According to the weight percent of Sr loading, the features of the material's texture, morphology, and catalysis were investigated. N2‐physisorption, H2‐temperature programmed reduction, X‐ray diffraction, Raman, and TEM were used to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics of the catalysts. N2‐physisorption research revealed that changing the weight percentage loading of the Sr promoter had little effect on the textural qualities. The overall number of reducible NiO‐interacting species over the catalyst surface increased with increasing Sr loading. The 5Ni+2Sr‐9La+Zr catalyst exhibited the optimum CH4 and CO2 conversions of 62.9%–65.9% and 69.1%–70.3%, respectively, and the lowest deactivation factor of 4.7.

Nanocomposite physics and structure considerations in MCNP proton shielding models

Background Deep space crewed missions require unique radiation shielding considerations. Due to mission duration and the heavy, high-energy nature of deep space radiation, the aluminum alloys that have historically been used for spacecrafts do not provide sufficient protection for crew members. Polymer-based nanocomposites have been proposed as potential radiation shielding materials for deep space applications; however, the high tunability of nanocomposites and the limited number of facilities able to produce representative radiation energies presents barriers to nanocomposite testing. Computational approaches may allow for preliminary investigation and discrimination of nanocomposite parameters like polymer and filler composition, loading percentage, and filler size and structure. Methods This work aims to investigate several modeling methods to perform radiation transport simulations for a nanocomposite, particularly with regards to modeling the filler nanostructure and the involved physics. Published experiments of a polydimethylsiloxane-carbon nanotube nanocomposite in 63 MeV and 105 MeV proton beams were digitally recreated in MCNP6.2 with three different nanocomposite structures. Additionally, several simulations were performed under various physics assumptions. The computationally determined water equivalent thicknesses are compared between modeling methods, as well as between the computational and the published experimental work. Results Nanostructure model complexity had no impact on the computed water equivalent thickness, with <1% difference between the three modeling methods. The inclusion of delta ray production and tracking physics produced a slight decrease in the computed water equivalent thickness and significantly increased the computational time for a single simulation by a factor of 35.7. Computationally determined water equivalent thicknesses are within 5% of published experimentally determined values. Conclusions Shielding capabilities of a polymer/carbon nanotube nanocomposite estimated using Monte Carlo radiation transport models agree well with published experimental results, even with a simplistic representation of the nanocomposite material. Radiation transport settings influenced the resulting water equivalent thickness as well as computational resource needs.

Cation-Intercalated Lamellar MoS2 Adsorbent Enables Highly Selective Capture of Cesium.

Highly selective capture of cesium (Cs+) from complex aqueous solutions has become increasingly important owing to its (133Cs) indispensable role in some cutting-edge technologies and the environmental mobility of radioactive nuclide (137Cs) from nuclear wastewater. Herein, we report the development of cation-intercalated lamellar MoS2 as an effective Cs+ adsorbent with the advantages of facile synthesis and highly tunable layer spacing. Two types of cations, including Na+ and NH4+, were employed for the intercalations between adjacent layers of MoS2. The results demonstrated that the adsorption capacity of the NH4+-intercalated material (M-NH4+, 134 mg/g) for Cs+ clearly outperformed the others due to higher loading percentages of cations and larger layer spacing. The cesium partition coefficients for M-NH4+ in the presence of 100-fold competing ions all exceed 1 × 103 mL/g. A simulated complex aqueous solution containing 15.37 mg/L Cs+ and highly excess of competing ions Li+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ (20-306 times higher) was introduced to prove the practical application potential using our best-performing M-NH4+, showing a good to excellent partition ability of Cs+ among other cations, especially for Cs/K and Cs/Na with separation factors of 58 and 212, respectively. The adsorption and selectivity mechanisms were clearly elucidated using various advanced techniques, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy. These results revealed that the good selectivity for Cs+ can be ascribed to the differences in Lewis acidities, hydration energy, cation sizes, and in particular, the divergence of coordination modes which was successfully achieved after tuning the layer distance via the cation intercalation strategy. In addition, the material has fast kinetics (<30 min), wide range of pH tolerance (4-10), and good reusability. Overall, our studies point out that the tunable lamellar MoS2-based materials are promising adsorbents for Cs+ capture and separation.

Optimization of CI Engine Performance and Emissions Using Alcohol–Biodiesel Blends: A Regression Analysis Approach

This research paper investigates the optimum engine operating parameters, namely engine load, palm biodiesel, and ethanol percentage, by using a regression analysis approach. The study was conducted on a single-cylinder, four-stroke diesel engine at varying engine loads and constant speed. A general full factorial design was established using Minitab software (Version 17) for three different input factors with their varying levels. The test results based on the regression model are used to optimize the engine load and percentages of palm biodiesel and ethanol in diesel–biodiesel–ethanol ternary blends. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed a significant effect on performance and emission parameters for all three factors at a 95% confidence level. From the regression study, optimum brake thermal efficiency (BTE), nitrogen oxide (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), and unburnt hydrocarbon (UHC) emissions were found to be 12.57%, 436.2 ppm, 0.03 vol.%, and 79.2 ppm, respectively, at 43.43% engine load, 11.06% palm biodiesel, and 5% ethanol share. The findings of this study can be used to optimize engine performance and emission characteristics. The regression analysis approach presented in this study can be used as a tool for future research on optimizing engine performance and emission parameters.

Magnetic layered double hydroxides with carbamazepine for breast cancer treatment

Current cancer chemotherapy is associated with many side effects and, in some cases, drug resistance, which makes the search for new active molecules and drug delivery strategies imperative. Carbamazepine is an antiepileptic compound that has shown efficacy against breast cancer cell lines. In this study, it was incorporated into layered double hydroxide nanoclays, the percentage of drug loading was increased compared to previous research, and the clays were impregnated with magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The goal of the magnetic Fe3O4-impregnation was to direct the nanocomposites to the therapeutic target with an external magnetic field. The nanoclay-carbamazepine composites had a carbamazepine loading of 51 %, and the nanoclay-carbamazepine-nanoparticles had a drug loading of 13 % due to the addition of more ingredients. The structure of the composites was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and Scherrer equation, showing a layered double hydroxide organization with crystal sizes of 9–15 nm; from transmission electron microscopy, the final compounds showed a particle size of 97–158 nm, small enough for systemic circulation. In vibrating sample magnetization studies, the composites showed a superparamagnetic behavior with high magnetic saturation (9–17 emu/gr), which should allow a good material attraction by an external magnetic field located near the tumor. In vitro drug release studies were done in Franz cells and measured by UV/Vis spectrophotometry; they showed that carbamazepine release from the nanocomposites responds to the media pH: a good drug release at the lysosome pH and slow release at the blood pH. Finally, the efficacy was tested in vitro in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, and the composites showed an enhanced efficacy in comparison with that produced by the free drug (96 % and 62 % of cell inhibition respectively). Carbamazepine administered with magnetic clays as a carrier is a promising treatment for breast cancer, and further studies should be done to measure the arrival time and the efficacy in vivo.

Formulation and In vitro characterization of the sustained release liposphere containing flavonoid Naringin

The purpose of the study was to formulate sustained release liposphere of naringin. The aim was to increase the solubility and improve the loading of drug as well as drug rlease. The liposphere was formulated using melt dispersion method and then sonicated to achieve the desired size. The formulated liposphere were then evaluated for drug loading, entrapment of drug, solubility and In vitro drug release studies. The highest percentages of drug loading and drug entrapment are seen observed to be 16.233±0.208% and 97.395±0.189%. The manufactured liposphere of naringin showed sustained release to be greater than 96.397±0.124% within 12 hours.

MIL-101 (Cr) hybrid nanoporous carbon derived MOF as a nano-adsorbent for dye removal using RSM-CCD

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a promising class of nanoporous crystalline materials with potential applications in gas storage, catalysis, biomedical, adsorption, and clean energy. The massive parts of commercial dyes are interring to our environment and are considered danger for humans and animals. In this research work, nanohybrids based on MOFs have been studied as a suitable nanoadsorbent for the adsorption of cationic dyes such as methylene blue (MB). In this article, a nanopore carbon (NPC) was prepared from Zn-MOF. The Zn-MOF NPC with MI-101 NPs has been used to prepare Zn-MOF NPC@MIL nanohybrid by the hydrothermal method. Various XRD, FT-IR, SEM, EDX, TEM, TGA, and BET techniques have been used to characterize the nano adsorbent. Four essential variables effective in adsorption, loading percentage of NPs, initial concentration of MB, contact time and pH, were optimized by Central Composite Response Surface Method (RSM-CCD). The removal percentage (Re%) of MB is equal to 95.7% was obtained under the following conditions: The loading value of 25Wt.%, the MB initial concentration of 50 mg. L-1, contact time 30 min and pH 8. Also, the experimental data were investigated with famous kinetic models and isotherms, and it was observed that MB removal by nanohybrid is correlated with pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm.

Candy floss spinning driven facile exfoliated PLA-clay bionanocomposites: Study of mechanical, thermal, and microstructural properties

Poly (lactic acid) (PLA) is a benign biodegradable polymer based on renewable resource. Cotton candy floss is a longstanding popular technique to prepare cotton like fibres in food applications. This study investigated the potential feasibility of using candy floss spinning (CFS) technique to generate new PLA-clay bionanocomposites with exfoliated morphology. The dispersion of nanoclay in PLA-clay bionanocomposites prepared by internal mixing, with and without candy floss spinning, as a masterbatch (having 20%wt nanoclay) and then diluted in twin screw extruder to different percentage of nanoclay loadings (1%, 2% and 4%, w/w), were compared in terms of their structures and properties. They were subjected to several tests: tensile and flexural tests, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), simultaneous thermal analysis (STA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), X-ray diffraction (XRD) study, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Overall, mechanical, and thermal properties of the bionanocomposites were improved in comparison to the neat PLA. Furthermore, XRD study exposed that bionanocomposites prepared by the CFS technique showed the disappearance of d001 basal peak, confirming generation of exfoliated microstructures, whereas the samples prepared solely by the internal mixing technique showed intercalated structure. Additionally, PLA-clay bionanocomposites prepared by the candy floss spinning technique exhibited prominent enhancement of mechanical as well as thermal properties compared to the ones prepared solely by internal mixing. These bionanocomposites possess great potential to find application as food packaging material.

Quality preservation and decay reduction of minimally processed seedless barberry fruit via postharvest ultrasonic treatment.

Seedless barberry fruit is one of the important horticultural products of Iran, which has health benefits due to great amounts of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. However, fresh barberry fruit has a short shelf life even at cold storage, mainly due to high water content and thin skin that leads to fungal decay and high postharvest loss. We examined the effectiveness of the postharvest ultrasonic technology on the quality preservation and nutritional value of fresh seedless barberry fruit and their decay reduction during cold storage. Experimental treatments were the time and temperature of ultrasound (US) and included: (1) control, fruit without US, (2) 5 min US at 20°C, (3) 5 min US at 30°C, (4) 5 min US at 40°C, (5) 10 min US at 20°C, (6) 10 min US at 30°C, (7) 10 min US at 40°C, (8) 15 min US at 20°C, (9) 15 min US at 30°C, and (10) 15 min US at 40°C. After applying the treatments, the fruits were sealed in polyethylene bags and stored at 4 ± 1°C for 20 days. The results showed that all US treatments had higher titratable acidity, antioxidant activity, phenol content, and vitamin C content than the control. However, the highest titratable acidity and antioxidant activity values were obtained in US treatments at 40°C and 30°C for 15 min. Also, US treatment significantly reduced the total soluble solids, decay percentage, and microbial load of fresh barberry fruit. As the US treatment temperature increased from 20°C to 40°C, the decay and microbial load of fruit significantly decreased. In conclusion, this study proved the potential application of the US for preserving the quality of fresh seedless barberry fruit, and the most optimal US temperature and its application time was 40°C for 15 min.

Multiferroic behavior of room temperature bismuth ferrite with tailored calcination temperature

One of the few materials that is multiferroic (antiferromagnetic and ferroelectric) is bismuth ferrite. In this study, we used the sol-gel method to create multiferroic bismuth ferrite and examined its structural and optical characteristics. The annealing temperature used to create bismuth ferrite was 600°C. The rhombohedral crystal structure was revealed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation. The XRD diffractogram data examines the phase and planes of orientation for the synthesized materials. The crystalline size for the peak was determined using the Scherrer equation. Analysis using the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) confirmed the existence of M-O octahedral and tetrahedral coordinates of the M-O bonds formed. The Fourier transform infrared in the wavenumber range of 500–850 cm−1 has been used to study the vibrational modes of the octahedral and tetrahedral metal complexes in the sample. Studies using a FESEM show that the synthesized nanocomposite has morphological characteristics, including interconnected agglomerates with spherical, irregular, or non-uniform elongated forms. By increasing the loading percentage of bismuth ferrite, the composite remnant magnetization (Mr) and saturation magnetization (Ms) values were discovered to be 0.43701 emu/g and 0.1940 emu/g, respectively. A frequency range of 10 Hz to 106 Hz was used to study the dielectric measurement of the nanocomposites. In the temperature range of 310 to 525 K, the AC conductivity has been measured, and it has been discovered that conductivity decreases as temperature rises. A temperature increase results in a reduction in the dielectric constant and dielectric loss. The initial data imply that the nanocomposite is a possible contender for use in capacitors with high dielectric constants. The composite will be useful for usage in hard disc components due to its magnetic characteristics, which is significant.