Compound Powders Research Articles

Basalt rock powder and organic compounds in corn crops

The use of basalt rock powder associated with an organic fertilizer with compost can be an option to reduce the use of soluble fertilizers. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of organic compost and basalt rock powder on the agronomic traits of the corn crop and on the levels of nutrients available in the soil solution, with two additional treatments of fertilization with NPK. The experimental design used was completely randomized blocks, in a factorial scheme (5x2) + 2, with two additional and four replications. The first factor consisted of five doses of organic compost (0, 4, 6, 8 and 10 t ha-1) and the second factor, with and without basalt rock dust (0 and 8 t ha-1). The additional treatment consisted of the application of 150 kg ha-1 of formulated NPK (10-15-15), equivalent to ½ of the recommended dose for the crop, associated with 8 t ha-1 of basalt rock powder and the second additional treatment consisted in the application of 300 kg ha-1 of formulated 10-15-15 of NPK and without rock dust. The agronomic characteristics of corn and the nutrient contents in the soil solution were evaluated. The results showed that the use of organic compost associated with rock dust promoted soil chemical improvements, especially pH elevation and calcium content increase. There was no effect of organic compost with rock powder on the agronomic characteristics of corn evaluated. The use of chemical fertilizer of an NPK formulation improved the corn crop compared to the use of organic compost and rock dust. The application of 8 t ha-1 of basalt rock powder, associated with 150 kg ha-1 of a formulated NPK improved the development of the corn crop compared to the use of 300 kg ha-1.

Capturing shrinkage and neck growth with phase field simulations of the solid state sintering

The suitability of the phase field method for the simulation of the evolution of the microstructure during sintering, which has been assumed for more than a decade, receives new impetus from the progress described in this paper. A zero force formulation for the calculation of the rigid body motion of powder particles is adapted to diffuse interface model of Cahn–Hilliard and Allen–Cahn type. In this approach, the rigid body motion ensures the mechanical equilibrium in the powder compound. For this aim, the derivative of the free energy with respect to the additional degree of freedom of rigid body motion was approximated by a force in the grain boundary caused by concentration differences there. The potential of the model is demonstrated by first 2D simulations. These are compared with 2D simulations results generated with a model, which previously showed good agreement with experimentally obtained sintering data in the 3D case. In this comparison good agreements are observed qualitatively as well as quantitatively, showing the plausibility of the new approach.

Application of jaban watermelon exocarp powder in low‐calorie ice cream formulation and evaluation of its physicochemical, rheological, and sensory properties

Jaban watermelon seeds are one of the most favorable nuts in Iran. The production of these popular nuts leaves a large amount of environmental pollutants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the rheological, physicochemical, and sensorial properties of ice cream by replacement of milk cream with watermelon exocarp powder (WEP) at 0%, 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% levels. The results showed that although all samples showed the pseudo-plastic behavior rheologically, the replacement of cream with WEP significantly affected the physicochemical properties. Adding the WEP increased the textural properties and melting resistance of the samples, whereas overrun, draw temperature, and the flow behavior index decreased, significantly (p < 0.5). Hedonic evaluation showed not only that adding the WEP at 20% level does not have a significant effect on sensory properties, but also received the highest scores. Finally, regarding the high amount of fiber and minerals in WEP can lead to produce lower calorie ice cream with higher nutritional value. Novelty impact statement A new look on using Jaban watermelon environmental pollutants to produce economically and nutritionally valuable by-products. Investigation of macro- and micro compounds in watermelon exocarp powder. Producing of low calorie and high nutritional value ice cream by replacing cream with WEP.

Analysis of Safety and Effectiveness of Sodium Alginate/Poly(γ-glutamic acid) Microspheres for Rapid Hemostasis.

Most preventable deaths after trauma are related to hemorrhage and occur early after injury. Timely hemostatic treatment is essential to minimize blood loss and improve survival. Among the various treatment methods, the most economical and effective is to use a hemostatic agent. A powdered hemostatic agent can be used for wounds of any shape or depth with high compactness and excellent accumulation effect. Herein, we chose the natural, hydrophilic polymer poly(γ-glutamic acid) (γ-PGA) to form composite hemostatic microspheres with sodium alginate (SA), which show good biocompatibility, water absorptivity, and viscosity. The morphology and structure of the hemostatic microspheres were determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The overall safety, hemolysis, pyrogenic, and intradermal irritation tests were examined. The relationship between hemostatic pressure and hemostatic time during microsphere use was also measured. The hemostatic effect was analyzed with a liver, spleen, and femoral artery bleeding model. The composite microspheres were well tolerated in vivo and exhibited better hemostatic effects in animal experiments than a microporous polysaccharide powder compound. Research results showed that SA/γ-PGA microspheres are materials with good hemostatic effect, high safety, and great potential in clinical applications.

Effect of ginger‐enriched pasta on acceptability and satiety

SummaryGinger is attributed with beneficial bioactivities. The aims of this study were to analyse the bioactive compounds in commercial ginger powders and assess acceptability and satiety responses to ginger‐enriched wheat pasta in healthy human volunteers. Powders were extracted with methanol and extracts analysed by HPLC‐UV/LC‐MS. Results indicated that 6‐gingerol, 8‐gingerol, 10‐gingerol and 10‐shogaol were the principal bioactive components. The liking of pasta enriched with 1%, 3% and 5% (w/w) ginger powder was evaluated for four sensory attributes and overall liking using a 9‐point hedonic scale. All pasta products were generally liked to a similar extent to the control, with the exception of the liking for colour of the pasta with 5% ginger (P &lt; 0.02). Ten healthy subjects consumed two samples of equal weight: control and ginger‐enriched pasta (3%), on two occasions. Subjective feelings of satiety were assessed pre‐consumption, immediately after and for 2 h post‐consumption using a 7‐point intensity scale analysed using Rasch modelling. Results show that the ginger pasta sample had a similar satiety response compared to the control pasta up to 2 h after consumption. In conclusion, ginger‐enriched pasta is generally accepted by consumers, but does not lead to higher satiety compared to the control.

Microstructure and Properties of SnO2‐rGO Reinforced Copper Matrix Composites Fabricated by Molecular‐Level Mixing Method and Spark Plasma Sintering

Herein, the SnO2‐rGO compound powders are synthesized by reducing the graphene oxide with the SnCl2+HCl solution, and the SnO2‐rGO reinforced Cu matrix composites with uniform microstructure are successfully fabricated via molecular‐level mixing method along with spark plasma sintering. The hardness of the Cu matrix composite increases progressively with more incorporation of SnO2‐rGO content. At 0.1 wt% SnO2‐rGO, the yield strength and tensile strength of the Cu matrix composite are 305 and 350 MPa, which are, respectively, increased by 56% and 43% as compared to pure Cu. When the SnO2‐rGO content is beyond 0.2 wt%, the fractograph of the SnO2‐rGO/Cu bulk composite presents obvious tear ridges, and the fracture mode changes from ductile fracture to brittle fracture. With the introduction of SnO2 nanoparticles, the (Cu, Sn) solid solution formed at the interface between rGO and Cu matrix promotes the interface bonding. The strengthening mechanism of the SnO2‐rGO/Cu bulk composite can be ascribed to the dominant load transfer, supplemented by grain refinement and thermal mismatch effect.

Discoloration of Historical Plastic Objects: New Insight into the Degradation of β-Naphthol Pigment Lakes.

Light is a determining factor in the discoloration of plastics, and photodegradation processes can affect the molecular structures of both the polymer and colorants. Limited studies focused on the discoloration of heritage plastics in conservation science. This work investigated the discoloration of red historical polyethylene (PE) objects colored with PR 48:2 and PR 53:1. High-density and low-density PE reference polymers, neat pigment powders, and historical samples were assessed before and after accelerated photoaging. The applied methodology provided insight into the individual light-susceptibility of polyethylenes, organic pigment lakes, and their combined effect in the photoaging of historical plastic formulations. After light exposure, both PE references and historical samples yellowed, PR53:1 faded, and PR 48:2 darkened; however, both organic pigments faded severely in the historical samples. This highlights the role played by the plastic binder likely facilitating the pigment photofading. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry techniques—EGA-MS, PY-GC/MS, and TD-GC/MS—were successfully employed for characterizing the plastic formulations and degradation. The identification of phthalic compounds in both aged β-naphthol powders opens new venues for studies on their degradation. This work’s approach and analytical methods in studying the discoloration of historical plastics are novel, proving their efficacy, reliability, and potentiality.

HS-GC-IMS detection of volatile organic compounds in Acacia honey powders under vacuum belt drying at different temperatures.

Honey is a commodity of great nutritional value, but deep‐processed honey products are uncommon. Herein, we used vacuum belt dryer to dry Acacia honey at 60°C, 70°C, and 80°C, prepared it into powder, and analyzed its volatile compound differences. We established HS‐GC‐IMS method to detect the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of these three Acacia honey powders (AHPs). In total, 77 peaks were detected, and 23 volatile compounds were identified, including eight aldehydes, six ketones, three furans, one alcohol, one phenol, one lactone, one ester, one acid, and one nitrile. Moreover, principal component analysis (PCA) and fingerprint similarity analysis based on the Euclidean distance distinguished the three heating temperature treatments. Clearly, it was concluded that there are significant differences in volatile substances at different tested temperatures, and when the AHP was incubated at 80°C, more volatile compounds were detected.

Aluminum dust exposure and risk of neurodegenerative diseases in a cohort of male miners in Ontario, Canada.

ObjectivesWe estimated associations between respirable aluminum exposure through McIntyre Powder (MP), a fine-sized aluminum and aluminum compound powder, and neurological disease in a retrospective cohort of mining workers from Ontario, Canada. Outcomes included Alzheimer’s disease, Alzheimer’s with other dementias, Parkinson’s disease, parkinsonism, and motor neuron disease.MethodsThe cohort was created by linking a database of mining workers’ work history to healthcare records. This analysis included 36 826 male miners potentially exposed to MP between 1943 and 1979, followed up for disease diagnosis between 1992 and 2018. Exposure was assessed using two approaches, self-reported and historical records. Neurological diseases were ascertained using physician billing and hospital discharge records. Poisson regression models were used to estimate associations between MP exposure and neurological outcomes using incidence rate ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).ResultsExposure to self-reported MP was associated with an elevated incidence rate of Parkinson’s disease (RR 1.34, 95% CI 1.14–1.57). The rate of Parkinson’s disease appeared to increase with the duration of exposure assessed by historical records. Having ever been exposed to MP was positively associated with an elevated rate of Alzheimer’s with other dementias (RR 1.12, 95% CI 1.06–1.19) but not Alzheimer’s disease alone.ConclusionThis study found that miners who were exposed to MP (respirable aluminum) had elevated rates of Parkinson’s disease. The rate of Parkinson’s disease appeared to increase with the duration of exposure assessed by historical records.

Development and characterization of iron (III) phthalocyanine modified carbon nanotube paste electrodes and application for determination of fluometuron herbicide as an electrochemical sensor

This study is the first electroanalytical study conducted for the determination of fluometuron herbicide. For this purpose, a new electrode was prepared by combining iron (III) phthalocyanine − 4.4′,4′′,4′′′-tetrasulfonic acid, oxygen monosodium salt hydrated compound (FePc) and multi-walled carbon nanotube powders (MWCNTP). The FePc/MWCNTP composite (hybrid) material prepared in this way was coated on glassy carbon electrode (GCE) and multi-walled carbon nanotube paste electrode (MWCNTPE) using the drop-dry method. Compared to both the bare GCE and MWCNTPE, the modified FePc/MWCNTPE increased the anodic peak current of fluometuron by approximately six fold. Calibration plots of the fluometuron were constructed using the standard addition method with differential puls stripping voltammetry (DPSV) and square wave stripping voltammetry (SWSV) under the optimum conditions. While the working range was determined as 0.4–15.0 mg/L in pH 6.0 Britton Robinson (BR) buffer solution on FePc/MWCNTP electrode with DPSV, this range was found to be 0.4–7.5 mg/L with SWSV. In addition, the limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of quantification (LOQ) values ​​were 69.8 µg/L and 233.0 µg/L, respectively, by DPSV. On the other hand, these two validation values ​​(LOD and LOQ) were 101 µg/L and 337 µg/L by SWSV, respectively. Subsequently, cyclic voltammetric (CV) studies were carried out to elucidate the electrochemical behavior and electrode mechanism of the fluometuron herbicide. In addition, the interference effects of some cations and pesticides in the determination of fluometuron were examined. Finally, studies of recovery of fluometuron herbicide from tap water and determination of fluometuron in Cottonex 500 SC® commercial pesticide formulation using the proposed DPSV method and modified FePc/MWCNTP electrode were performed with very low relative error.

Volatile Compounds, Phenolics and Microstructure of Aloe Vera Peel Powder Cells with Maltodextrin as their Capsules and Variations in Drying Temperature

The purpose of this study was to determine the quantity and quality of active compounds in aloe vera peel powder which was dried by foam mat drying method at a temperature of 60, 70, and 80°C for 6 hours. Aloe vera peel powder in this study came from aloe vera peel extract added with maltodextrin as a filler. The results of the study concluded that the volatile components by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) at each temperature have different types of compounds. Consecutively with drying temperatures of 60, 70, and 80°C detected as 21, 19, and 19 types of compounds, but there are 3 similar dominant compounds, namely menthone, 1-anthrol and anthranol. Analysis using HPLC produce 9 compounds different temperatures, but only 3 that had similarities, namely pyrogallol, β-Coumaric acid, and caffeic acid. Pyrogallol compounds in aloe vera peel powder dried at 60, 70, and 80° C were 513.44, 464.12, 606.76 μg / g respectively. The β-Coumaric acid that has been produced from drying temperatures 60, 70, and 80° C is 605.43, 547.33, and 715.37 μg / g respectively and the caffeic acid compound was resulting from drying temperatures 60, 70, and 80° C is 734.4, 664.00 and 867.85 μg / g. Microstructure analysis was only carried out on powder which is dried at 60oC, there are fine bubbles on the surface of the powder, this concludes that the powder has good solubility as one of the requirements of powdered products.

Food Properties of Lebui Bean Powder Extract Fermented by Rhizopus Sp.

The fermentation that involves the performance of microbes is very effective for breaking the glycoside bonds that bind bioactive compounds in cells without using high temperatures and chemicals, as well as to improve the quality of nutritional components. Bioactive compounds in free form, obtained from the fermentation of black bean powder (Cajanus sp.) need to be extracted and characterized to obtain the types of bioactive compounds that have the potential to be applied in functional foods. Fermented black bean powder used in this experiment is the fermented lebui bean powder that has been fermented using the fungus Rhizopus sp. for two days. These lebui beans are local beans from Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. This experiment aimed to determine the type and concentration of organic solvents, which can maintain the quality of nutritional contents and bioactive compounds of fermented lebui bean powder. The nested design was used. The main factor was the type of solvent (n-hexane or ethanol), while the solvent concentration (70% or 90%) was the second factor and nested in the main factor. The result showed that ethanol 90% was the best organic solvent to extract the bioactive compound in fermented lebui bean powder, and this extract contained protein, lipid, moisture, ash, fiber, and carbohydrates respectively 26.33%; 13.60%; 14.24%; 3.28%; 16.03%; and 26.54%. The bioactive compounds identified were phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin, respectively 78.544 mgGAE/g; 217.358 mgQE/g; and 147.665 ppm.

Influence of boron on the essential properties for new generation scintillators

Cerium doped yttrium aluminum (YAG:Ce) and lutetium aluminum garnets (LuAG:Ce) are some of the most popular materials used as scintillators. While the scintillators themselves are materials that absorb and convert high-energy radiation into light. The decay time in YAG:Ce and LuAG:Ce is about 60 ns, therefore the essential task for their improvement would be to shorten it as much as possible. For this reason, in this work, the aforementioned garnets were doped with different amounts of boron. B3+ ion has a suitable neutron capture cross section and can therefore absorb gamma radiation. Because of the extremely strong absorption of thermal neutrons and the weak interaction with MeV gamma rays the material is an exciting new inorganic scintillator candidate for the detection thermal and epithermal neutrons. B3+ stimulates and improves the absorption of such radiation. In the study, 0.05% of cerium and different amounts of boron doped YAG, YLuAG (Y1.5Lu1.5Al5O12) and LuAG were synthesized by the sol-gel method. To investigate the influence of the annealing atmosphere, all samples in powder form were heated either under air or reducing atmospheres. XRD, SEM characterization techniques were performed on the synthesized samples. Luminescent properties were measured and analyzed. The main results that have been observed from this research were that boron does indeed shorten decay time, while also increasing emission intensity. The most intensive emission was of those powder compounds containing 1% and 5% of boron, regardless of the annealing atmosphere. While pure samples doped with 5% of boron have the shortest decay times.

PROSPECTS FOR IMPROVING THE PROPERTIES OF SECONDARY FOUNDRY ALLOYS OF THE AL-SI SYSTEM USING THE MODIFICATION PROCESS

The results of analytical studies of the use of modern modifiers for secondary aluminum alloys, which affect the structure of the metal of castings and allow to obtain the necessary physical and mechanical characteristics. It is shown that modifiers influencing the size of the primary grain and the shape of eutectic silicon inclusions are of the greatest interest for the production of castings from secondary silumins. It is shown that according to modern ideas the structure of the metal melt is not homogeneous. In some temperature range, complete mixing of atoms does not occur, and microregions with a short-range structure characteristic of the crystalline phase appear. These formations are called differently: atomic groups, clusters, clots, islands, complexes of atoms, clusters, etc. In the last decade, ultrafine powders of chemical compounds (nanopowders), which act as additional crystallization centers during primary crystallization, have become increasingly used as modifiers of cast alloys.

Fumigant Activity of Four Plant Powders against Cowpea Weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Stored Adzuki Bean

Background: Cowpea weevil, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) is one of most common species pest that attack various types of beans in the storage. Plant-based insecticides are considered as good candidates as alternatives to methyl bromide and phosphine for controlling pest in storage. Plenty of reports about plant powder as grain protectant, conversely a little information on plant powder as fumigant had been reported. This study was designed to observe the effects of plant powders of clove, holy basil, lemongrass and turmeric as fumigant on the biological parameters of C. maculatus under laboratory conditions.Methods: Experiments were conducted on plant powders against biological parameters of cowpea weevil. No choice test method was followed to assess the bioefficacy of the four natural fumigants on adult longevity, fecundity, F1 progeny, bean damage and weight loss of bean under completely randomized design (CRD).Result: Fumigant toxicity of four plant powders (clove, holy basil, lemongrass and turmeric) varied amongst doses. Clove powder showed significantly lower adult longevity, fecundity of female, number of F1 progeny, bean damage and weight loss of bean at 1 g and 3 g dose per container. Major volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in clove powder were eugenol (48.64%) and caryophyllene (43.09%) identified by solid phase microextraction followed with gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (SPME-GC/MS). These two major constituents might explain the fumigant toxic activities of clove powder towards C. maculatus biological parameters.

Effect of microorganisms on the fingerprint of the volatile compounds in pine nut (Pinus koraiensis) peptide powder during storage.

Pine nut (Pinus koraiensis) peptide (PNP) powder possesses promising bioactivities. However, the powder may have the quality problem of becoming sticky and smelly. Therefore, the volatile compounds' fingerprint of PNP powder was established by headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS). The essential spoilage microorganisms were confirmed by 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing. The antioxidant activity, which presents PNP powder's quality, decreased during storage with the highest value of (1.88±0.18) × 1014 at day 30. Fifty-nine significantly changed signals were detected; eight compounds were considered as volatile marker compounds. Besides, Firmicutes and Cyanobacteria were the essential spoilage microorganisms in PNP powder at the phylum level. Significantly, unidentified_Chloroplast, which belongs to Cyanobacteria, had a positive correlation with volatile marker compounds. The results proved that microorganisms indeed affect volatile compounds of PNP powder and induced off-flavor, including hexanal, which can be used as the detection indicator for the quality control of PNP powder. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In the present study, we controlled the influence of moisture migration on PNP powder and investigated microorganisms' effects on volatile compounds of PNP powder. HS-GC-IMS could be used to establish fingerprints of volatile compounds in PNP powder. 16S rDNA amplicon sequencing method could be used to screen the dominant spoilage bacteria in PNP powder and established essential spoilage microorganisms of PNP powder. This work provides a reference for category identification of PNP powder, which was infected by spoilage bacteria or not, and stored at day 0 or 30days. Hexanal can be considered as the volatile marker compound generated from microorganisms. It helps to realize the controllability of PNP powder storage and prolongs the shelf life of PNP powder.

Deep Learning Optical Spectroscopy Based on Experimental Database: Potential Applications to Molecular Design.

Accurate and reliable prediction of the optical and photophysical properties of organic compounds is important in various research fields. Here, we developed deep learning (DL) optical spectroscopy using a DL model and experimental database to predict seven optical and photophysical properties of organic compounds, namely, the absorption peak position and bandwidth, extinction coefficient, emission peak position and bandwidth, photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), and emission lifetime. Our DL model included the chromophore–solvent interaction to account for the effect of local environments on the optical and photophysical properties of organic compounds and was trained using an experimental database of 30 094 chromophore/solvent combinations. Our DL optical spectroscopy made it possible to reliably and quickly predict the aforementioned properties of organic compounds in solution, gas phase, film, and powder with the root mean squared errors of 26.6 and 28.0 nm for absorption and emission peak positions, 603 and 532 cm–1 for absorption and emission bandwidths, and 0.209, 0.371, and 0.262 for the logarithm of the extinction coefficient, PLQY, and emission lifetime, respectively. Finally, we demonstrated how a blue emitter with desired optical and photophysical properties could be efficiently virtually screened and developed by DL optical spectroscopy. DL optical spectroscopy can be efficiently used for developing chromophores and fluorophores in various research areas.

Effect of Foam-Mat Drying Conditions on Antioxidant Activity, Total Phenolic Compound, Anthocyanin Content and Color of Purple-Fleshed Sweet Potato Powder

This research was aimed to study chemical properties (antioxidant activity, total phenolic compound and anthocyanin content) and color of foam-mat dried purple-fleshed sweet potato powder affected by 2 drying methods (tray drying and vacuum drying) and 3 drying temperatures (50, 60 and 70°C). The foaming process of purple-fleshed sweet potato used carboxymethyl cellulose (1%) mixed with hydroxy propylcellulose (1%) as a foaming agent. The results showed that different drying methods and temperatures affected qualities of foam-mat dried purple-fleshed sweet potato powder significantly (P &lt;0.05). Vacuum drying method at 70°C showed antioxidant activity, total phenolic compound and anthocyanin content in foam-mat vacuum-dried powder than tray-dried one at 70°C. The results also showed that increasing temperature led to an increase in anthocyanins and antioxidant activities of the samples (P &lt;0.05) because low oxygen and drying time condition could avoid the oxidation reaction. Therefore, their low phytochemical content loss during vacuum drying could be considered from the high intense of purple color (low b* value). Results of this study suggested that foam-mat drying by vacuum method at 70°C could retain higher quality of purple-fleshed sweet potato powder, in terms of phytochemical content as well as antioxidant capacities. This study has indicated that, under the experimental conditions, obtain for highly nutrition powder characteristics and applying for food ingredients.

Processing of Y3+-doped Ba(Ce,Zr)O3 by using the sol–gel method assisted with functionalized activated carbon as a composite anode for proton ceramic fuel cells

A functionalized activated carbon derived from palm oil empty fruit bunches is utilized as a dispersing agent to synthesize BaCe0.54Zr0.36Y0.1O2.95 (BCZY) powder, which is used as a composite anode. The characteristics of pristine and modified powders are presented and compared. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) results confirm the elimination of the intermediate compounds in both powders, thereby promoting single perovskite phase formation. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) image demonstrates that the modified powder has a smaller particle size and less agglomeration than the pristine powder. The modified powder's performance in the composite anode of the anode-supported single cell shows lower ohmic and polarization resistances than pristine powder. The improved electrochemical performance of nickel oxide mixed with modified powder indicates the importance of tailoring the pristine powder microstructure as a composite anode for proton ceramic fuel cells.

The formation of an amorphous composite between flavonoid compounds: Enhanced solubility in both oil components and aqueous media

In this study, the formation of naringenin (NRG) amorphous composite using coformer candidates of nine selected flavonoids was investigated. The screening test showed that hesperetin (HPT) is an excellent potential coformer. The melt-quenched particles (MQPs) of NRG/HPT (molar ratio of 3/1 to 1/3) were prepared by melt-quenching method. MQPs of NRG/HPT showed the hallow-pattern in any combination ratio in powder X-ray diffraction. MQPs of NRG/HPT (1/1) showed the highest physical stability without recrystallization of NRG and HPT upon storage. Conversely, other MQPs showed recrystallization from the compound with a higher molar ratio, implying the stoichiometric relationship between NRG and HPT at a molar ratio of 1/1. The MQPs of NRG/HPT (1/1) showed significantly improved dissolution properties of both NRG and HPT in aqueous media. In addition, the MQPs of NRG/HPT (1/1) enhanced the solubility of both NRG and HPT even in oil components. Their solubility from the MQPs of NRG/HPT (1/1) increased 5-times compared to untreated compound powder in oil components. These results showed that an amorphous composite of NRG/HPT (1/1) enhances the physical stability and solubility of both NRG and HPT.