Preparation Of Blends Research Articles

Poly(butylene-succinate)-based blends with enhanced oxygen permeability

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) is a biodegradable polymer produced from renewable raw materials and is widely used in the production of packaging materials. Among important features, oxygen permeability is crucial for “breathing” packaging materials (such as packaging for medical devices sterilized with gaseous ethylene oxide). Recently, poly(butylene succinate-dilinolene succinate) (PBS-DLS) copolymers containing long chains of fatty acids and showing excellent elasticity were synthesized. In this work, bio-based polymer blends of PBS and PBS-DLS copolymer with an aliphatic-aromatic poly(butylene terephthalate-butylene adipate) (PBAT) (Ecoflex) were prepared in order to further improve their oxygen permeability while maintaining mechanical stability. PBS and PBS-DLS copolymer containing 90 wt% of hard segments and 10 wt% of soft segments, respectively, were used for blends preparation with 10 wt% of PBAT. The chemical structure was analyzed using infrared spectroscopy and thermal properties were determined with differential scanning calorimetry. The introduction of PBAT to the blends did not affect their melting temperatures. PBS-based blends were miscible at the molecular level based on single Tg value calculated from Fox equation and uniform fracture surface morphology from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Importantly, the oxygen permeability of PBS-DLS/PBAT blend was comparable to non-biodegradable high-density polyethylene (HDPE) Tyvek used for medical devices packaging.

Moodle Training as a preparation for Blended Learning at SMP IT Bina Amal Gunung Pati Semarang

Based on the Joint Decree of the 4 ministers, schools began to carry out limited face-to-face learning with a maximum number of students attending a maximum of 50% of the total specified class capacity, which is a maximum of 20 people in each class. With this reality, schools must provide human resources to be able to carry out joint learning between students who attend school and those who take lessons from home, so that the objectives of learning are still achieved with the concept of blended learning. Partners who will work together in community service are the Bina Amal Integrated Islamic Junior High School Gunung Pati Semarang. The existence of a blended learning plan, of course, needs to be prepared for teachers, one of which is by participating in blended learning preparation training. The method used in this training is to use the practicum method, namely how to present learning to participants by direct application using a computer so that participants will experience and prove how to use the Mood platform. It is hoped that by participating in this blended learning preparation training activity, teachers will get an overview and policies on what must be considered and prepared when blended learning is carried out. The success indicator of this training activity was obtained by processing the results of questionnaires filled out by participants before participating in the training (pre test) and after participating in the training (post test) and an increase in participants' understanding and skills in using Moodle was 91.7%.

Investigation into the Effect of Multi-Component Coal Blends on Properties of Metallurgical Coke via Petrographic Analysis under Industrial Conditions

The coalification rank of the coal blend components and their caking properties initially impact the coke’s quality. In part, the quality of coke depends on the technological parameters of the coke production technology, such as the method of blend preparation, the coking condition, the design features of the coke ovens, and the technique used for post-oven treatment. Therefore, to improve the coke quality, the main attention is paid to the quality of the coal blend. The petrographic analysis is the simplest and most reliable way to control coal quality indicators under industrial conditions. In this paper, the effect of nine industrial blends on coke quality using petrographic analysis has been studied. Additionally, this paper addresses the efficient use of coals and the preparation of coal mixtures under industrial conditions, which contributes to the sustainability of cokemaking. For the preparation of blends, 17 coals were used, for which, in addition to petrographic and proximate analyzes, the maximum thickness of the plastic layer was determined. Industrially produced cokes were analyzed for coke reactivity index (CRI), coke strength after reaction with CO2 (CSR), and Micum indices (M25 and M10). It has been established that the petrographic properties of coal blends are reliable parameters for assessing the quality of coke under conditions of an unstable raw material base, multi-component blends, and changes in coking regimes. Moreover, the research results have shown that to ensure the rational use of coals in the preparation of coal blends to achieve the required coke quality and consequently the sustainability of cokemaking, it is necessary to consider not only the mean reflectance of vitrinite but the proximate and caking properties of coals.

Polymer/dye blends: Preparation and optical performance: A short review

AbstractThis review focuses on the optimization of the optical performance of polymer/dye blends in which dyes are physically dispersed in polymer matrices. The optimization of the optical performance of polymer/dye blends is discussed in terms of: (i) the preparation procedure of polymer/dye blends (melt processing is considered particularly effective for producing polymer/dye blends with optimal dye distribution); (ii) mechanical and thermal solicitations after polymer/dye blend preparation; (iii) the polymer matrix, whose affinity for the dye and crystallinity affects the optical performance the polymer/dye blend; and (iv) the dye, whose chemical structure and concentration are significant determinants of the optical properties of polymer/dye blends.

Preparation of skim natural rubber and polypropylene blends via melt blending: A study on processability

Processability of thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR) blends is a vital aspect in the preparation of blends for industrial applications and is assessed using different techniques. In this study, skim natural rubber/Polypropylene (SNR/PP) blends were prepared using melt mixing and their processability was examined in terms of mixing torque development, long-term processability, moving die rheometer (MDR) torque, thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA), melt flow index (MFI) and morphological studies. A series of unvulcanized (UV) and dynamically vulcanized (DV) blends having 70/30, 60/40, 50/50, 40/60, and 30/70 SNR/PP compositions were prepared. Standard Lanka Rubber (SLR) and PP blends having corresponding ratios were also studied for the purpose of comparison. The study reveals that a high percentage of non-rubbers present in the SNR has positively influenced the processability of both UV and DV SNR/PP blends compared to SLR/PP blends as assessed by the mixing torque values. As suggested by the mixing torque development and long-term processability, natural rubber dominant both DV blends cannot be processed. However, they can be processed under low shear rates as shown in the MDR studies irrespective of the rubber type. Therefore, it can be inferred that these rubber dominant blends can be processed into molded products via compression molding technique. TGA studies revealed that a similar degree of protection has been offered to the blends against thermal degradation by SNR and SLR. MFI studies showed that there is no significant difference in flowability between UV SNR/PP blends and SLR/PP blends. However, for DV blends, SNR/PP blends showed a higher flowability than SLR/PP blends. In addition, increase in PP percentage in the blend enhances the flowability while dynamic vulcanization reduces the flowability irrespective of the type of rubber used in the blends. Morphological studies suggest continuous or co-continuous phase structures for UV blends and two-phase structures for DV blends where the plastic phase acts as the continuous phase.

Preparation and Characteristics of (Poly Methyl Methacrylate' / Poly Vinyl Pyrrolidone) Blend

Special attention, has been /focused on. the development: of Polymer blends' in recent, years. It is a member; of a class of materials' analogous to metal, alloys, in which at' least two polymers, are blended together to create, a new material with / different properties. In the present study, Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) / Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) blends with different weight ratios Poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) widely used as and the liquid part of methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer a prosthodontic denture resin, the denture materials resin should exhibit good physical and mechanical properties. In the present research, efforts are made to develop the properties of PMMA resin that used for upper and lower prosthesis complete denture, by different ratios of (0, 2%, 6%, 10%, 14%, 18%, 22%, 26%) to poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA), cold cured. The blend formation has been confirmed from Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), SEM, DSC - TGA and toxicity. By studying DSA and TGA, The DSC test results show that the glass transition temperature (Tg) value is equal (178) c0 and melting point between (368-372) for all concentrations of PMMA/PVP blends. Surface topography and morphology of PMMA-PVP shown by SEM. The results of the toxicological examination showed that the lowest toxicity appeared at a concentration of 78% - 22% for PMMA- PVP. The best results appear in (22%) PVP and (78%) PMMA.

Zeolite/Chitosan/Gelatin Films: Preparation, Supercritical CO2 Processing, Characterization, and Bioactivity

AbstractChitosan/gelatin and chitosan/gelatin/zeolite films prepared by solvent casting method are impregnated with a mixture of thymol and carvacrol using a green solvent, supercritical carbon dioxide at 35 °C and 30 MPa, during 18 h. Proposed method enables preparation of biocompatible and biodegradable blends with strong antioxidant and antibacterial activity, whereby amounts of loaded thymol/carvacrol (TC) mixture are in the range from 3.3% to 6%. After initial burst release, both types of films exhibit gradual release of bioactive compounds, with around 72% and 96% of impregnated TC mixture released in water and phosphate buffered saline solution (pH 7.4) during tested period of 10 days, respectively. Results of water vapor transmission rate (>76 g m−2 day−1) confirm that prepared composites are suitable for wound dressing application. Thermal analysis shows superior properties of prepared TC loaded films compared to control samples. In addition, mechanical and structural properties, as well as solubility and swelling behavior of the obtained films are investigated in detail.

Preparation and performance of an immiscible PVC-HDPE blend compatibilized with maleic anhydride (MAH) via in-situ reactive extrusion

Preparation and performance of an immiscible PVC-HDPE blend compatibilized with maleic anhydride (MAH) via in-situ reactive extrusion

State of art review of algal biodiesel and its blends influence on performance and emission characteristics of compression ignition engine

The current scenario, ever ending increase in depletion rate of petro-diesel and eventually their socio-economic impacts, strongly urges to invent appropriate substitute to petro-diesel. Profound research in the field has been carried out till time which is still continuing for investigating even more possible and probable way outs. In this context, the evaluation of the performance parameters of internal combustion engine is the essential step to ascertain the effective and appropriate fuel and its blends. This paper focus on extensive review of often discussed performance parameters such as break specific fuel consumption, break thermal efficiency and brake power. To widen the assortment of information in this field, the state of art review of the emission characteristics of Compression Ignition machine using algal biodiesel as a fuel has been recited through this survey. For evoking more precise knowledge of this review, the variety of fuel and engine type used for experimentation is thoroughly reviewed, analyzed and explained. It was found in review that there is an increase in brake power by 1%–20%, brake specific fuel consumption by 0.9%–13.90% and brake thermal efficiency from 1% to 27.65% which are in adoptable range. The emissions such as carbon monoxide and dioxides are found to be reduced considerably along with reduction in hydrocarbon emissions. The only exemption of oxides of nitrogen which found to be increase. Finally, it can be underlined that algae and its blends) characteristics were compatible with petroleum diesel and performance and emission parameters are in close proximity of diesel so, algal biodiesel and its blends can be used as diesel engine fuel without any modification in existing diesel engines. Considering the state of art review on this less explored topic, along with blends preparation, investigating physiochemical properties of blends and the impact of small proportion of algal biodiesel blends on performance and emission of compression ignition engine could be carried out.

Simple Preparation of Photoluminescent and Color-Tunable Polyester Resin Blended with Alkaline-Earth-Activated Aluminate Nanoparticles.

A simple inorganic/organic nanocomposite was used to generate long-lasting phosphorescent pebbles for easy commercial manufacturing of smart products. An organic/inorganic nanocomposite was made from low-molecular-weight unsaturated polyester and rare-earth-activated strontium aluminum oxide nanoparticles doped with europium and dysprosium. The polyester resin was mixed with phosphorescent strontium aluminate oxide nanoparticles and methylethyl ketone peroxide as a cross-linking agent to create a viscous mixture that can be hardened in a few minutes at room temperature. Before adding the hardener catalyst, the phosphorescent strontium aluminate nanoparticles were dispersed throughout the polyester resin in a homogeneous manner to ensure that the pigment did not accumulate. Long-lasting, reversible luminescence was shown by the photoluminescent substrates. The emission was reported at 515 nm upon exciting the pebble at 365 nm. In normal visible light, both blank and luminescent pebbles had a translucent appearance. As a result of UV irradiation, the photoluminescent pebbles produced an intense green color. The three-dimensional CIE Lab (International Commission on Illumination) color coordinates and luminescence spectra were used to investigate the color changing characteristics. Photophysical characteristics, including excitation, emission, and lifetime, were also investigated. Scanning electron microscopy, wavelength-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis were employed to report the surface morphologies and elemental content. Without impairing the pebbles’ original physico-mechanical characteristics, the pebbles showed improved superhydrophobic activity. The current simple colorless long-lasting phosphorescent nanocomposite can be applied to a variety of surfaces, like ceramics, glassware, tiles, and metals.

Strategies for the production of a stable blended fertilizer of anaerobic digestates and wood ashes

The wood ash-based treatment of anaerobic digestates is a novel technology to achieve the stabilization and improve the properties of organic amendments as slow-release fertilizers. The present work evaluated 3 strategies to optimize the blending of these materials under minimum acidification. The first strategy consisted in the titration of 2 samples of digestate and 2 samples of wood ash with 4 acids (H2SO4, HCl, HNO3, and CH3CHOHCOOH). The stability of the samples was inferred from the pH measurements and the simulations with Visual MINTEQ allowed to confirm some of the on-going phenomena. The bottom ash and the agro-waste digestate required less acid to reach the targeted pH of 5.5, which prevents ammonia volatilization, due to low reactivity of the coarse particles and the low ammoniacal nitrogen content, respectively. The calculation of the pH of zero point of charge further minimized the use of acid reagents, since the optimum pH for the treatment of the digestates could be 11.90 ± 0.50 and 12.43 ± 0.06, when employing the finer and coarser fractions of the ashes, respectively. In the second strategy tested, commercial doses of acids were applied to the digestates before the addition of the ashes. The sorption of ammonia onto the fly ash at pH 10.49 ± 0.76 was found to be key to preserve the nitrogen of the food waste digestate, while saving HCl or HNO3. The third strategy involved washing the ashes repeatedly with ultrapure milli-Q® water to remove the impurities and reach a pH closer to the zero point of charge without using acids. The removal of impurities and most reactive alkali elements (e.g. sodium and potassium) from the ashes led to approximately 5 % lower pH and higher carbon, calcium, and magnesium contents, which could enhance sorption processes upon combination of these materials with the digestates. The integration of washing the wood ashes and commercial acidification of anaerobic digestates would provide the best conditions for the preparation of stable blends. This procedure also minimizes the use of acids, which disrupts the closed-loop valorization of these materials.

Powder bed selective laser process (sintering/melting) applied to tailored calcium phosphate-based powders

This paper focuses on the tailoring of calcium phosphate powders for their use as powder bed selective laser process feedstock. Hydroxyapatite and chlorapatite were used as starting powders for the preparation of different blends through the addition of graphite as a laser absorptance additive. A methodical study was conducted to compare the processing windows of the blends containing different amounts of graphite through the laser patterning of circular samples. It was found that the addition of graphite increases the process window of the powder blends being the powder without additive non processable. Hydroxyapatite showed a clear phase transition (decreased when using higher volumetric energy density) into other calcium phosphate phases while chlorapatite was demonstrated to be thermally stable during the whole process (examined through X-ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopies). In parallel, the study evaluating the powder blend composed of hydroxyapatite and graphite for the production of solid and complex parts was carried out although it required long printing times. The productivity of the process was improved by modification of printing parameters. Then, a series of solid samples were produced for the analysis of the microstructure and mechanical properties. High interconnected porosity was observed in the samples which could improve the bioactivity of the bioceramic scaffolds. A post-treatment of the parts increased their proportion in the hydroxyapatite phase and their mechanical properties. These results are expected to contribute to the application of powder bed selective laser processing of calcium phosphates powders toward bone tissue engineering. • Graphite as absorption additive improves the laser-material interaction enlarging the process window. • Laser parameters directly influence the hydroxyapatite phase transition into other calcium phosphate phases. • Chlorapatite did not undergo phase transition during the process due to its inherent higher thermal stability. • Solid parts containing a majority of HA phase in the structure were obtained although with low mechanical properties.

Viability of palm oil in edible vegetable oil blends preparation for employment in immersion frying

Viability of palm oil in edible vegetable oil blends preparation for employment in immersion frying

Synthesis, optical, and electrical properties of starch/chitosan/NaTiO3 bio-nanocomposites modified with ErCl3

Solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) based on nanocomposites are attracting increasing attention due to their technological and industrial applications. In the present work, a facile aqueous casting method was utilized for the preparation of a starch-chitosan blend loaded with nanosized NaTiO3 (NTO) and co-mixed with ErCl3 (EC) salt. The interactions between OH group of starch and N–H group of chitosan with NTO and EC, and the films’ crystallinity and surface morphology were studied by FTIR, XRD, and SEM. UV-Vis-NIR measurements showed the indirect (direct) optical band gaps decreased from 3.4 to 2.0 eV (4.5 to ∼2.5 eV), i.e., ∼41%–44% shrinking. At the time that the films maintained a reasonable transmittance. The optical constants of the films; extinction coefficient, refractive index, and the carrier’s concentration to the electron effective mass (N/m*) are reported. N/m* of the pure blend was 4.85 × 1039 (kg−1 m−3) increased to 1.64 times and 2.8 times after loading with 1.0% NTO and 20% EC, respectively. Various dielectric parameters (dielectric constant ε′, dielectric loss ε″, ac conductivity σ ac, and dielectric moduli M′ & M″) were evaluated in the frequency range 5 Hz–1 MHz and temperatures of 298–353 K. The conductivity (σ ac) of the blend increased from 1.10 × 10–3 S cm−1 to 8.17 × 10–3 S cm−1 after modifying with 20% EC, i.e., became 8 times greater. Moreover, the influence of NTO and EC on the conduction mechanism and Cole-Cole plots are discussed. The improvements in the optical and electrical properties of EC/NTO/blend illustrate the possibility of extending the applications of these smart materials to include optoelectronic devices, batteries, and supercapacitors.

Age wise preferences for fortified aloo tikki with soybean

Food fortification process includes addition of nutrients and bioactive components in foods. Fortification used as a tool to prevent malnutrition which is cost-effective, applicable and defensive methodology for malnutrition such as salt fortification, milk fortification and rice fortification in rising countries. Fortification is useful for the people suffering from undernourishment mostly influencing children and generative women. Soybean is single one houseplant which provide complete protein along with many other important nutrients like iron, manganese, copper, molybdenum, potassium and vitamin K, dietary fiber, Isoflavone, fat (63% polyunsaturated fatty acids, 23% monounsaturated fatty acids and 14% saturated fatty acids also provide omega-3 fatty acids), 30% carbohydrates and 38-40% protein (70% protein characterized by the blend of glycinin & β-conglycinin). The present research is intended to evaluate sensory quality and overall consumer acceptability of different blends of fortified aloo tikki with soybean by hedonic rating test. For preparation of different blends, boiled grated aloo was blended with boiled grinded soybean (Control group - 100% potato + 0% soybean, Sample A - 75% Potato + 25% Soybean, Sample B - 50% Potato + 50% Soybean and Sample C - 25% Potato + 75% Soybean). The sensory characteristics like appearance, mouth feel, texture and overall acceptability of fortify aloo tikki were evaluated by 50 panelists (Male 23 and female 27) by using 9-Point hedonic rating test. The results concluded that both age group 18-29 year and 30-40 year gave higher acceptability for sample B which hold equal ratio of soybean and aloo. Appearance of sample A and texture of Sample C were highly preferred by both age groups. Respondents of 18-29 year age group prefer sample A (52%) for mouth feel and respondents of 30-40 year age group prefer sample B (64%).

A review of biodegradable thermoplastic starches, their blends and composites: recent developments and opportunities for single-use plastic packaging alternatives

This review article effectively analyses the effect of multiple plasticizers, compatibilizers, and essential oils on plasticized starch in the preparation of thermoplastic starch-based biodegradable blends and composites.

Impact of algal biodiesel and its diesel blends on performance and emission characteristics of compression ignition engine

The current situation demands for the production of a more efficient diesel engine fuel replacement due to the increased fuel consumption, diesel fuel exhaustion, and, eventually, social and economic repercussions. Extensive to the point research has been done where it is still looking at prospective alternatives for diesel. In this scenario, the internal combustion engine's performance is a critical point to guarantee an effective and efficient alternative fuel. In this paper, a bibliographic review of the most widely debated engine operating characteristics, such as fuel consumption, thermal efficiency, and brake power, has been carried out. Furthermore, this study investigates a state-of-the-art comparison of the compression ignition engine characteristics utilizing algae biodiesel as fuel. This work has demonstrated the application of a great deal of information to assess and explain the many types of fuels and engines. Following a thorough analysis, it was revealed that the brake power has increased by 1% to 20%, the brake specific fuel consumption has increased by 0.9% to 13.90%, and the thermal efficiency has decreased by 1% to 27.65%. As a result, algae and its blend characteristics are shown to be compatible with diesel. Because algal biodiesel and its blends have performance and emission properties that are very similar to diesel, they can be utilized as diesel engine fuel without modification. Physicochemical characteristics and the impact of algae biodiesel blends on compression ignition engine performance and emissions could be investigated in addition to blend preparation.

Streamlining tablet lubrication design via model-based design of experiments

In oral solid dosage production through direct compression powder lubrication must be carefully selected to facilitate the manufacturing of tablets without degrading product manufacturability and quality (e.g. dissolution). To do so, several semi-empirical models relating compression performance to process operating conditions have been developed. Among them, we consider an extension of the Kushner and Moore model (Kushner and Moore, 2010, International Journal Pharmaceutics, 399:19) that is useful for the purpose, but requires an extensive experimental campaign for parameters identification. This implies the preparation and compression of multiple powder blends, each one with a different lubrication extent. In turn, this translates into a considerable consumption of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API), and into time-consuming experiments. We tackled this issue by proposing a novel model-based design of experiments (MBDoE) approach, which minimizes the number of optimal blends for model calibration, while obtaining statistically sound parameters estimates and model predictions. Both sequential and parallel MBDoE configurations were compared. Experimental results involving two placebo blends with different lubrication sensitivity showed that this methodology is able to reduce the experimental effort by 60–70% with respect to the standard industrial practice independently of the formulation considered and configuration (i.e. parallel vs. sequential) adopted.

Preparation of shrimp-based chitin blend with polyaniline for chromium (VI) removal from aqueous solution

Heavy metals are major constituent of environmental pollution. Among the heavy metals, chromium (Cr) has received widespread attention due to its constant presence in the water body beyond the permissible limit. Hence, the present work discusses about the preparation of shrimp-based chitin/polyaniline composite that synthesized via in-situ chemical oxidative polymerization. A higher % yield of 80.53 % was derived from shrimp shells. The prepared composite was characterized via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) spectroscopic techniques. Then, shrimp-based chitin/polyaniline was optimized in terms of pH, contact time and amount of adsorbent in the removal % of Cr (VI) from aqueous solution. The results suggests that, pH = 1, 20 mins of contact time and 10 mg of adsorbent is the most optimum condition for Cr (VI) removal from aqueous solution.

Phase morphology and thermomechanical performance of thermoplastic corn starch/polystyrene blends

This study compared the preparation and characterization of polymer blends containing two types of polystyrene (high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) and general-purpose polystyrene (GPPS)) and thermoplastic corn starch (TPS) as a natural resource. Melt extrusion was used to create TPS/polystyrene blends. SEM, XRD, and DMTA analyses were used to determine the compatibility and mechanical properties of GPPS/TPS and HIPS/TPS blends. SEM analysis revealed that TPS particle size was significantly smaller in HIPS blends than in GPPS blends, owing to lower interfacial tension and better compatibility between HIPS and TPS. According to the DMTA results, the storage modulus of both blends increased significantly, particularly at high PS concentrations. All blends had two peaks on the loss factor curve, one for each phase's glass transition. The Tg of the PS-rich phase in blends was nearly equivalent to the Tg of pure PS. On the other hand, Tg of the TPS-rich phase was unexpectedly lower than that of pure TPS. By adding a low volume of polystyrene to TPS (approximately 20 wt%), the ultimate tensile strength of TPS was increased by more than 200%. At high polystyrene concentrations (approximately 80 wt%), the blend exhibited mechanical properties comparable to pure PS.