Rheological Tests Research Articles

Chemo-rheological deterioration of bitumen due to UV ageing: correlations between accelerated UV ageing tests and 1-year outdoor exposure

Predicting the performance of asphalt roads after several years of service is complex due to multiple weather events that can contribute to road ageing. This study investigates the correlation between an accelerated ultraviolet (UV) ageing test and the ageing of polymer-modified binders after 1 year spent in outdoor conditions. The impact of natural ageing on several bituminous binders was investigated by rheological and chemical analyses. Plastomer-modified (ethylene vinyl acetate) bitumen seemed to be the most affected by environmental ageing as evaluated through rheological and chemical testing. Elastomer-modified (styrene butadiene styrene) bitumen appeared to be the most resistant to environmental ageing as expressed by non-load related cracking resistance and relaxation properties as well as low oxidation levels. The natural ageing test confirmed the results obtained via the accelerated UV ageing test considering the Glover-Rowe parameter (average R2 = 0.89). The 30-day accelerated UV test was estimated to fasten natural ageing of conventional and plastomer-modified bitumen by more than 10 times and up to 5 times for elastomer-modified bitumen compared to long-term outdoor exposure. If used with a suitable weather dataset, accelerated UV ageing is a promising method to predict the environmental-related ageing of conventional unmodified bitumen; however, adjustments are required for polymer-modified binders.

Effects of pH, kappa‐carrageenan concentration and storage time on the textural and rheological properties of pea protein emulsion‐gels

SummaryThis study examined the rheological and textural properties of gels produced through emulsion gelation using pea protein isolate (PPI). Emulsions were prepared with varying PPI concentrations (2%–10%) and 0.25 oil fraction, followed by heat treatment. Higher PPI concentrations improved encapsulation efficiency (EE), but heat slightly reduced it, though EE remained above 90%. Droplet size decreased with higher PPI. The emulsion was then gelled with different kappa‐carrageenan (KC) concentrations (1%–2%) and pH levels (4–7). Gel hardness increased with KC content, while adhesiveness decreased. Springiness, cohesiveness and water‐holding capacity (WHC) rose with pH and KC, while meltability decreased. Rheological tests showed stronger gels with higher KC and lower pH. Storage time generally increased gel strength, except at pH 4. This work highlights the interplay between PPI, KC, pH and storage time in shaping the properties of pea protein‐based emulsions and gels.

UV aging resistance improvement of SBS modified asphalt binder by organic layered double hydroxide and naphthenic oil: Its preparation, properties and mechanism

To enhance the UV aging resistance of SBS modified asphalt, LDHs and naphthenic oil were selected to modify it compositely. Firstly, organic treatment for LDHs was carried out through the combination of surface modification method and intercalation modification method to improve its compatibility with asphalt, and effectiveness of organic treatment was evaluated through the microscopic testing methods. Then, organic LDHs/SBS modified asphalt binders were developed by melt blending method, on this basis, appropriate naphthenic oil was added for composite modification. Subsequently, the conventional physical properties, storage stability and rheological properties tests were carried out to evaluate the comprehensive properties of the prepared modified asphalt containing LDHs and naphthenic oil. On this basis, TOPSIS method was conducted for multi-index optimization to determine the optimal dosages of LDHs and naphthenic oil. Finally, UV aging resistance of the developed modified asphalt was also evaluated, and reaction mechanism was explored with FTIR and FM. Test results show that stearic acid (SA) was successfully absorbed on the surface of LDHs, and -SO32- in ultraviolet light absorber (UVT) has successfully entered the interlayer galleries of LDHs, thus achieving the organic treatment for LDHs. Organic LDHs can significantly improve the high temperature properties and storage stability of SBS modified asphalt, and naphthenic oil can also improve the storage stability of SBS modified asphalt at the proper dosage. In addition, the two modifiers can both effectively improve the UV aging resistance of SBS modified asphalt. Based on the multi-index optimization results, it is recommended that the optimal dosages of LDHs and naphthenic oil are 2 % and 2.5 %, respectively, and at this conditions, comprehensive properties of the prepared modified asphalt can achieve the best. Microstructure characterization tests results reveal that LDHs and naphthenic oil are only simply dispersed in asphalt and do not cause the structural damage of SBS modified asphalt. Meanwhile, the special layered structure of LDHs can hinder the mobility of asphalt molecular chains, which enhances the interaction force between asphalt molecular chains and SBS modifier molecular chains, thus improving the road properties of SBS modified asphalt.

Preparation and performance characterization of waterborne epoxy resin modified asphalt emulsion for tack coat

In order to eliminate the possible drawbacks of waterborne epoxy resin (WER) generated by the phase inversion method and the chemical modification method, this study prepared WER using a novel method, i.e., epoxy resin was introduced into the molecular structure of aqueous acrylic resin; after the combination of epoxy resin and the aqueous dispersion process, the aqueous epoxy acrylic resin can be prepared. Waterborne epoxy resin modified emulsified asphalt (WEREA) was then prepared for the application of a tack coat material. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) test was conducted to explore the possible reactions between the compositions. A rheology test, direct tension test, pull-off bonding test, and oblique shear test were also conducted. Results indicated that in the FTIR test, a new peak around 1732 cm−1 was formed due to the reaction between the carboxyl functional group in WER and the amino group in curing agent to form an ester bond. The incorporation of WER led to an elevation in the complex modulus and a simultaneous reduction in the phase angle of WEREA. When the temperature was larger than 60 °C, the phase angle showed a decreased trend, indicating the material became less viscous due to the increased temperature, illustrating thermosetting characteristics of epoxy resin. As the content of waterborne epoxy resin (WER) increased, there was an observed decrease in the direct tensile rate, coupled with a concurrent increase in direct tensile strength. When the ratio of emulsified asphalt and WER was 1:0.6, the tensile strength of WEREA increased by 811% in contrast to the specimen without the inclusion of WER. There existed different optimal WER contents for the pull-off strength tests conducted on different substrates. For asphalt concrete substrate and steel slab substrate, the optimum ratio of emulsified asphalt to WER + curing agent was 1:0.4, and 1:0.8 was the optimum ratio for the cement concrete substrate. When the ratio between emulsified asphalt and the combination of WER along with the curing agent was 1:0.4 (WEREA-4), the oblique shear strength obtained the maximum value, which was increased by 18.7% in contrast to WEREA-0.

Nanocomposite formulations of titanium dioxide and algal biomass: A rheological characterization for topical cosmetics and dermal applications

This study investigates rheological properties of novel, algae-based nanocomposites developed for potential use in dermal applications. The purpose of this investigation is to develop a highly tunable, biocompatible cosmetic base formulation and demonstrate how rheology relates to spreadability in its application. It was hypothesized that Spirulina biomass could be used in conjunction with titania (TiO2) nanoparticles and crosslinking and binding agents of calcium and/or citric acid to form nanocomposite materials with highly tunable rheological characteristics in absence of chemical surfactants. In this study, Arthrospira platensis (Spirulina) biomass, titanium (IV) dioxide, calcium chloride, and citric acid are used to develop a formulation that is then tested for a wide range of rheological characteristics and sensory-related properties. The rheological tests include amplitude sweep, frequency sweep, viscosity flow curve, 3-interval strain oscillatory thixotropy, and creep – recovery. Additionally, yield stress, complex viscosity, zero-shear viscosity, and power law indices were determined. The sensory-related properties that are discussed include formulation pH, static load spreadability, and dynamic shearing spreadability. After completing the investigation, it was concluded that the surfactant-free formulations were highly tunable, in terms of viscosity, rigidity, and thixotropy.

Precision 3D printing of chitosan-bioactive glass inks: Rheological optimization for enhanced shape fidelity in tissue engineering scaffolds

3D printing technology in tissue engineering applications provides several advantages for scaffold development, especially with natural materials, such as chitosan, which provides a biomimetic environment for cellular growth. However, chitosan hydrogel-based inks still show poor printing fidelity. In this article, we overcame this challenge by incorporating bioactive glasses (BG) nanoparticles (up to 5 wt%) into the chitosan hydrogel. The resulting inks were characterized by rheological tests, while their processability was evaluated through measurements of shape fidelity. An indirect cytotoxicity assay was also conducted to evaluate the cell viability of the printed scaffolds. The results indicated that adding BG nanoparticles to the chitosan-based ink modified its rheological properties and improved its shape-fidelity during 3D printing, which we suggest are consequences of hydrogen bonds established between the glass and the chitosan chains. Also, cytotoxicity assessment demonstrated that the resulting scaffold exhibits high cell viability. In conclusion, the proposed composite ink has optimized rheological properties for 3D printing and is promising for applications in tissue engineering.

Synthesis of carboxyl group functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane for fabricating ultrastable foams driven by high temperature and salinity

Aqueous foams are thermodynamically unstable systems, and their instability increases with temperature and salinity. In this study, we successfully synthesized an amphiphilic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane, POSS-NH2-BTCA, featuring phenyl and carboxyl groups, through a substitution reaction. Highly stable foams were prepared under temperatures conditions ranging from 50 to 90 °C and salinity levels between 20 and 80 g/L. Rheological tests and scanning electron microscopy analysis show that the interactions between divalent ions and carboxyl groups improve the film strength. However, the half-life of the drainage only increased from 38 s to 55 s. Therefore, the enhancement in foam stability is believed to be caused by the inhibition of coarsening and coalescence rather than the suppression of drainage. The strategy for fabricating amphiphilic nanoparticles can serve as a reference for designing new foam stabilizers for high temperature and salinity conditions.

Relationship between coking properties measured by automatic Sapozhnikov plastometer with other measurements

ABSTRACT A Sapozhnikov plastometer is equipment that is commonly used, particularly in Asia, for measuring the contraction of the coal bed as well as the plastic layer thickness during the coking process. The relationship between the Sapozhnikov contraction X and the maximum plastic layer thickness Y values and other thermal rheology testing techniques is not fully understood. It leads to difficulties in the interpretation of data using different thermal rheology properties measurement techniques. In this work, a series of coal samples were analyzed in parallel using the automatic Sapozhnikov plastometer, the Gieseler plastometer, and the Ruhr dilatometer. The measurement results were compared to assist in the interpretation of data generated using different coal thermal rheology property measurement techniques. The Sapozhnikov X results are found not comparable due to the difference in sample particle size and testing conditions for component coals with the wide range of maximum mean reflectance (Ro), but a significant linear correlation on the contraction/expansion behavior between Sapozhnikov and Ruhr dilatation test is observed for experimental coal blends Ro between 1.00 and 1.20. Sapozhnikov Y results are linearly related to the melting range from both the Gieseler plastometer and the Ruhr dilatometer for all the experimental single coals and coal blends.

A novel approach to simultaneously modulate the processability and thermal performance of phthalonitrile resin through the strategic use of thioether bonds

Phthalonitrile (PN) resin is renowned for its absence of small molecule release during curing, high processing stability, and exceptional thermal stability, positioning it favorably in the realm of high-temperature resin applications. However, its narrow processing window and high melting point present challenges to its development and practical use. To address these limitations, this work synthesized PN prepolymers 4,4′-bis (sulfonylbiphenyl) thiophtalonitrile (BSPS) and 4,4′-bis(carbonylbiphenyl) thiophtalonitrile (BSPC) by introducing thioether bonds as a substitute for ether bonds, aiming to expand the prepolymers' processing window. Meanwhile, building upon the oxidation process of thioether to sulfone observed in pharmaceutical production, the potential for in-situ oxidation of thioether bonds during the curing of phthalonitrile prepolymers was investigated. A comprehensive analysis of the curing behavior, viscosity changes, and thermal stability was conducted using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), rheological analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The DSC and rheological test results reveal that the experimental group prepolymers BSPS and BSPC exhibit lower melting points (BSPS 179 °C; BSPC 180 °C) and broader processing windows (BSPS 52 °C; BSPC 79 °C) than blank. Additionally, the thermal performance of resins show improvement over the blank, with BSPS achieving a decomposition temperature of up to 530 °C (Td5%). XPS analysis of the curing process confirmed that the enhanced thermal stability is attributable to the partial oxidation of thioether bonds into stable sulfone groups. This innovative structural approach allows for satisfactory processing performance in the initial stage, followed by a spontaneous transformation into a more robust and thermo-resistant structure post-shaping. This finding carries significant implications for the development of a balanced phthalonitrile system that harmonizes processing ease with superior thermal endurance.

Microneedle System Coated with Hydrogels Containing Protoporphyrin IX for Potential Application in Pharmaceutical Technology.

The article aims to outline the potential of treating malignant skin cancer with microneedles covered with polymer layers containing a photosensitizer-protoporphyrin IX disodium salt (PPIX). The usefulness of stereolithography (SLA), which is a form of 3D-printing technology, for the preparation of a microneedle system with protoporphyrin IX was demonstrated. The SLA method allowed for pyramid-shaped microneedles to be printed that were covered with three different 0.1% PPIX hydrogels based on sodium alginate, xanthan, and poloxamer. Rheological tests and microscopic analysis of the hydrogels were performed. Microneedles coated with two layers of poloxamer-based hydrogel containing 0.1% PPIX were subjected to release tests in Franz diffusion cells. The release profile of PPIX initially increased and then remained relatively constant. The amount of substance released after a four-hour test in three Franz cells was 0.2569 ± 0.0683 mg/cm2. Moreover, the acute toxicity of this type of microneedle was assessed using the Microtox system. The obtained results show the usefulness of further development studies on microneedles as carriers of photosensitizing agents.

A comparative study into the effect of spent coffee powder and ash on improving the mechanical properties of bitumen

Nowadays, waste and renewable materials are used to modify bitumen and asphalt, reduce costs, decrease the use of natural resources, and maintain ecological balance, and have thus received much attention. This study aimed to improve the rheological properties of bitumen and reduce spent coffee grounds' (SCG) waste by partially replacing it with SCG powder and ash. SCG powder and ash were added in percentages of 0, 1, 3, 5, and 8 wt percent of bitumen to check the properties of control and modified bitumens. Microstructural properties were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Penetration, softening point, and ductility tests were performed to check the physical properties of bitumens, along with the storage stability test. Rheological tests (viscosity, bending beam rheometer (BBR), dynamic shear rheometer (DSR), multiple stress creep and recovery (MSCR), and linear amplitude sweep (LAS) were also carried out. According to the BBR results, adding SCG powder up to −12 °C and adding SCG ash up to −6 °C increased the resistance to low temperatures. Based on DSR and MSCR results, SCG, either in the form of ash or powder, increased the resistance to rutting, and adding SCG ash improved the high temperature performance of bitumen by 1 grade. At 64 °C, adding 8 % of SCG powder increased the rutting resistance by 43 %, and adding SCG ash raised the rutting resistance by about 113 %. LAS results also showed that SCG ash outperforms SCG powder in fatigue. Although both SCG powder and ash performed well in high, moderate, and low temperatures, SCG powder performed better in cold regions, and SCG ash performed better in regions with temperate and tropical climates.

Performance Characterization of the Field Aged Asphalt Pavement Materials at Mortar Scale: Testing Method Optimization and Rheology Analysis

Performance evaluation at the asphalt mortar scale offers increased sensitivity to aging and is less affected by extraction processes comparated to asphalt mixture. Despite these benefits, there is currently a lack of standardized methods for directly processing mortar samples obtained from field mixtures. This study aims to improve and validate a manufacturing procedure for aged mortar specimens derived from field aging cores, and to evaluate the field damage level of asphalt paving materials at the mortar scale. A novel approach was developed that incorporates warm sieving, compaction, coring, and cutting to manufacture mortar specimens suitable for Dynamic Shear Rheometer (DSR) tests. This study selected mortar specimens with different service ages and conducted rheological tests, including frequency sweep tests and modified Multiple Stress Creep Recovery (MSCR) tests, to assess their rheological performance. And the significance test of all the indcies were conducted to select suitable indcies.The results show the proposed aged mortar manufacture approach can prepare eligible mortar specimens for rheology tests. The rheology test results show that several indices can distinguish different mortar types and service ages, and the indices of surface layer mortar follow a linear relationship with service age. The linear viscoelastic zone (LVE), representative shear modulus (G0), and unrecovered creep compliance at 1.6kPa (Jnr1.6) and 3.2kPa (Jnr3.2) are identified as effective indices for evaluating the behavior of field aged mortar because of their effectiveness, lower variability, and better distinction.

Alteration of cement rheological properties and setting-hardening: Novel insight into the impact of polyaluminum sulfate

The accelerator significantly influences the setting and hardening performance of shotcrete, in order to develop novel setting components, this study investigates the underlying mechanisms through which polyaluminum sulfate (PAS) facilitates the setting of cement paste. QXRD, Isothermal calorimetry, Zeta potential and Rheological test were employed to analyze the effects of PAS addition on the setting and hardening behavior, hydration kinetics, and rheological properties of cement paste. When the dosage of PAS is 10 %, the initial and final setting times are reduced by 54.39 % and 38.57 % respectively, meanwhile the compressive strength after 6 hours increases by 659.09 %. The influence of PAS on cement setting acceleration and rheological properties were analyzed using the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek (DLVO) theory and the Water Film Thickness (WFT) theory. PAS leads to an acceleration in particle aggregation rate and an increase in shear stress and plastic viscosity of the cement paste. Furthermore, the accelerated hydration effect of PAS promotes the formation of additional hydration products, strengthens the interparticle connectivity, and facilitates the formation of a rigid network. This study highlights a novel pathway for understanding the rapid setting mechanism of aluminum-based accelerators.

A novel formulation of an eco-friendly calcium nitrate-based heavy completion fluid

Calcium-nitrate-based transparent completion fluids are widely used in the oil and gas industry for well completion and stimulation operations in carbonate reservoirs. These fluids have many advantages, such as medium density, low corrosion, good temperature stability, low clay swelling, and high wettability. However, the density of calcium nitrate brine is limited by its solubility, which can be increased by the addition of alcohols. This study investigated the effects of adding different types of alcohols (G1, G2, and G3) to calcium nitrate brine on the properties and performance of the completion fluid for carbonate reservoirs. The fluid properties and performance were evaluated through a series of laboratory tests, including density measurement, corrosion test, viscosity measurement, rheology test, temperature stability test, clay swelling test, wettability test, and compatibility test. The results showed that the addition of alcohols to brine can improve or reduce the fluid density, viscosity, corrosion, temperature stability, clay swelling, wettability, and compatibility, depending on the type and amount of alcohols. The optimum fluids have been selected based on their highest density, lowest viscosity, lowest corrosion, highest temperature stability, lowest clay swelling, highest wettability change, and highest compatibility with formation fluids. The densities of the fluids CN4, CNG14, CNG24, and CNG34 were respectively 96, 101, 101.5, and 100 pounds per cubic foot (pcf). Their rates of corrosion on L80 steel were respectively 0.829, 0.589, 0.720, and 0.599 mils per year (mpy). Their apparent viscosities at 62.4 °F were respectively around 15, 120, 100, and 60 centipoise (cp). Their apparent viscosities at 176 °F were all around 10 to 25 mpy. The fluids remained clear with no evidence of suspended solid particles at 20 °F, indicating their resilience to low-temperature conditions and suitability for use in cold weather operations. The fluid CNG24 becomes cloudy at 285 °F, and the fluid CNG34 becomes cloudy from 212 °F onward, but the CN4 fluid remains clear and transparent at all temperatures. In the tested high temperatures, the effect on their pH was around the same. The fluids CN4, CNG24, and CNG34 had a lower swelling index than 5 ml per 2 g of bentonite clay. The contact angles of oil and carbonate-type thin sections after their wettabilities were affected by the fluids were also 99.5, 36.54, and 46.03°, respectively. Finally, they’re all relatively compatible with formation fluids. The best completion fluid for carbonate reservoirs was CNG24, which contained calcium nitrate and G2 alcohol. This fluid had the best overall performance and safety of the fluids tested.

Mechanical investigation of a Tandem embolization-visualization system for minimally invasive procedures

Transcatheter arterial embolization is a minimally invasive intervention process in which the blood supply to a tumor or an abnormal area of tissue is blocked. One of the most commonly used embolic agents in clinics is microsphere (MS). In order to understand the flow behavior of microspheres in arteries, it is essential to study their mechanical properties systematically. In this work, calcium-alginate MSs with varying calcium concentrations were synthesized using a coaxial airflow method. Indocyanine green (ICG) was added as a fluorescent dye. The effect of ICG concentration change on microspheres was investigated by studying morphology, imageability, rheology, and swelling behavior. Then the effect of calcium chloride concentration change on microspheres was studied by conducting rheological tests, atomic force microscopy tests, hemolysis assay, and thrombogenicity assay. Results showed that microspheres with higher ICG concentrations have longer lasting fluorescence and lower storage modulus (G′). Higher concentrations of calcium chloride led to higher G′, while the local Young's modulus obtained by AFM test was not significantly affected. The MSs with and without ICG showed good hemocompatibility and thrombogenicity.

Determining the debris flow yield strength of weathered soils: a case study of the Miryang debris flow in the Republic of Korea

Debris flow hazards are often interpreted through back-calculated simulation analysis or empirical methods. The mobility of a debris flow is greatly influenced by mechanical and hydrological parameters. The strength parameters play important roles in the debris flow initiation and flow stages. In particular, the rheological parameters of yield strength and plastic viscosity directly affect the debris flow runout distance and velocity. One of the most important parameters to consider when evaluating debris flow hazards is the shear strength. This strength is called the residual shear strength in the failure stage and the yield strength in the post-failure stage. The residual shear strength obtained from ring shear tests can be related to the initiation of mass movements; the yield strength obtained from rheological tests can be related to the mobilization of debris flows. The residual shear stresses obtained from ring shear tests of weathered soils typically range between 10 and 100 kPa and strongly depend on the normal stress and shear velocity. When progressive slope failure (i.e., strain-softening behavior) occurs at a relatively shallow slope depth (e.g., < 1 m), the soil strength ranges from approximately 5–10 kPa. If the liquid limit state (i.e., solid‒liquid transition) is reached, the shear strength of the soil is approximately 2 kPa. Once the soil fails and mixes with ambient water along the slip surface, the yield strength decreases dramatically, resulting in high mobilization. A suggestion on how strength parameters can be applied to estimate debris flow mobility is presented by considering the 2011 Miryang debris flow, which occurred in weathered soil deposits in Miryang city, Republic of Korea. The best approach for debris flow yield strength estimation would be to consider the residual shear strength in the initiation stage, the yield strength in the flow stage, and the reduction in yield strength with the entrainment effect of the flow in the rapid fluidization stage.

In-situ upgrading of Egyptian heavy crude oil using matrix polymer carboxyl methyl cellulose/silicate graphene oxide nanocomposites

This study delves into catalytic aquathermolysis to enhance the economic viability of heavy oil production by in-situ upgrading technique. It is known that introducing nanocatalysts would promote the aquathermolysis reaction. Therefore, in this study, the effect of matrix polymer carboxyl methyl cellulose/silicate graphene oxide nanocomposites (CSG1 and CSG2) in the catalytic aquathermolysis of Egyptian heavy crude oil was studied. Characterization techniques including Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were used to evaluate the structure of the synthesized nanocomposites. Results reveal CSG2 has higher crystallinity and superior dispersion compared to CSG1, and both exhibited a good stability in aqueous suspensions. CSG2 enriched with graphene oxide, demonstrates superior thermal stability, suitable for high-temperature applications such as catalytic aquathermolysis process. Single factor and orthogonal tests were used to assess the catalytic aquathermolysis performance of the prepared nanoparticles. The obtained results revealed that the optimum conditions to use CSG1 and CSG2 are 40% water concentration, 225 °C temperature, and 0.5 wt% catalyst percentage. Where, CSG2 showed better viscosity reduction (82%) compared to CSG1 (62%), highlighting its superior performance in reducing the viscosity of heavy oil. Numerical results from SARA analysis, gas chromatography, and rheological testing confirmed the catalytic aquathermolysis's efficacy in targeting asphaltene macromolecules and producing lighter hydrocarbon fractions.

Optimization of crude rotenone oil extraction from birbira plant (Milletia ferruginea) seed by Soxhlet and maceration methods

The extraction of active compounds from plant materials is one of the most critical processes in the commercial development of natural products for pharmaceutical, herbicide or pesticide production. The focus of this study was extraction of crude rotenone oil (CRO) from Birbira plant (Milletia ferruginea) seed. The extraction was done using maceration anda Soxhlet extractor using organic solvents, such as ethanol, hexane, and chloroform. For the efficient extraction of crude rotenone oil from Birbira plant seed the effect of parameters, such as extraction method, solvent type, extraction time and size of crushed Birbira seed were investigated. Based on the experimental results obtained Soxhlet extraction method was more efficient (41.6% CRO yield) compared to the maceration extraction method (25.1 % CRO yield). The extraction results for both Soxhlet and maceration methods indicated that chloroform is more efficient compared to ethanol and hexane solvents. On the other hand, the effects of crashed seed size and extraction time on the % CRO yield were also investigated. The results showed that medium size (0.1–0.35 mm) for both Soxhlet and maceration extraction was the optimum size leading to the highest % CRO yield compared to fine and coarse ground seed size. The highest % CRO yield was obtained during 4 to 5 h of Soxhlet extraction and 25 to 30 h of maceration extraction method. Therefore, the Soxhlet extraction method is the fastest and efficient method for the extraction of CRO from plant materials. The characterization of Birbira seed powder and CRO was done with FTIR and Rheology test equipment. The FTIR result revealed that CRO is composed of aliphatic, olefin, polyphenol and alcohol functional groups, in which polyphenol functional groups are the most essential flavonoid components available in crude rotenone oil.

Enhancing impact resistance in E‐glass fabric composites through shear thickening fluids and functionalized polyethylene glycol

AbstractIn this study, we delved into innovative strategies to make neat E‐glass fabrics (NGFs) more impact‐ and tensile‐resistant by using shear‐thickening fluids (STFs). To achieve this goal, the polyethylene glycol (PEG) in STFs has been modified. Subsequently, the STF‐impregnated fabric composites were prepared from unmodified PEG and functionally modified PEGs using malonic and tartaric acids, V/S/GF, M/S/GF, and T/S/GF composites, respectively. Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis was conducted to confirm the chemical modification of PEGs. The rheological tests showed a significant improvement in the peak viscosity of modified STFs compared with virgin STF. Dynamic rheological analysis also studied media‐particle interaction, revealing improved media‐particle interaction in STFs due to abundant H‐bonding. In addition, a series of experimental tests, namely compressive impact resistance and strip tensile strength tests, have been conducted to investigate the effect of STF modification on the NGF. The results revealed notable improvements in tensile strength and energy dissipation in the T/S/GF and M/S/GF composites compared with V/S/GF and NGF. Importantly, this improvement extended to the impact performance of single, triple, and quintuple layers. Notably, we found that the peak load of 5 T/S/GF was 37.71%, 18.57%, and 11.87% lower than that of 5NGF, 5 V/S/GF, and 5 M/S/GF, respectively. The idea that made these improvements possible came from PEG functionalization, which helps hydrogen bonds form between the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium, leading to higher viscosity. This, in turn, increases inter‐yarn friction, effectively enhancing the spring‐like properties of T/S/GF and M/S/GF compared with V/S/GF. A two‐step artificial intelligence regression analysis underpinned these findings, elucidating the interplay of molecular mechanisms in high‐performance fabric composites.

Development of in situ forming autologous fibrin scaffold incorporating synthetic teriparatide peptide for bone tissue engineering.

This study investigates the potential of an in-situ forming scaffold using a fibrin-based scaffold derived from autologous plasma combined with Synthetic Teriparatide (TP) for bone regeneration application. TP is known for its bone formation stimulation but has limited clinical use due to side effects. This autologous delivery system aims to provide precise, controlled, localized, and long-term release of TP for accelerating bone regeneration. Fibrinogen from autologous plasma was extracted using ethanol, and thrombin was precipitated with ammonium sulfate to create the fibrin scaffold. Characterization of fibrinogen was done through FTIR, SDS-Page, porosity, SEM, degradation, and rheology tests. Viability was assessed by MTT in five groups with different concentrations of TP in fibrin scaffold (50, 100, and 150 µl/ml), fibrin alone, and a control group against HEK and Wharton's jelly cells. The release profile of different concentrations of TP in the fibrin scaffold was also examined. The formation time of the fibrin scaffold was 4 ± 0.2 s. The highest Infrared absorption for fibrinogen was confirmed. Rheology assessment revealed a higher elastic modulus than the viscous modulus. The created fibrin scaffold displayed a consistent three-dimensional microstructure with an interconnected porous network. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated good biocompatibility and enhanced cell growth with different concentrations of TP in the fibrin scaffold. The TP release increased with higher concentrations, peaking at an average of 61% over 54 h. Autologous plasma-derived fibrin scaffolds incorporating TP exhibit satisfactory release within the scaffold and hold promise as a versatile bone filler for clinical use, facilitating osteoregeneration.