Test Cell Research Articles

Objective texture evaluation of cosmetic sericite powders mixed with oil using constant-volume shear cell tester

Although sensory evaluation is often used to evaluate cosmetic powder textures, such evaluations are problematic because they are subjective and depend on human senses. Consequently, an objective evaluation is highly desired. We therefore report herein the use of a constant-volume shear tester to objectively evaluate the physical properties of a cosmetic powder. The goal of the study is to detect the differences in the physical properties of powders, which is done by applying a constant-volume shear test to oil-wet powders of differing textures mixed with dimethicone or squalane. Differences between dimethicone and squalane mixtures appear in the stress relaxation ratio (softness), the shear cohesion (moist feeling), the internal friction coefficient for friction (for normal stress of <10 kPa) between powder beds (smoothness), and the dynamic friction coefficient for friction between powder beds. Although the oils presented a similar degree of the powder yield locus, the shape of the powder yield locus indicates the state of the powder beds. The results of the study show that constant-volume shear testing can be used to objectively evaluate oil-wet powder textures.

Amine grafted graphene oxide embedded in polyamide membranes for simultaneous removal of oil, metals, and salts from oily water

As a result of the economic growth and the emergence of industrialization in most economies, water purification has gained increased significance. The nanocomposite nanofiltration membranes can remove salts, hydrocarbons, and environmental pollutants. However, the surface wettability of the membrane materials is crucial since they are utilized to separate emulsified oil/water mixtures. In this study, the polyvinylidene fluoride support membrane was successfully modified to a hydrophilic state in this instance via dip single-step coating by modifying graphene oxide (GO) with (3-aminophenyltriethoxysilane)-trimesic acid-melamine (GO-APTES-TA-MM) polyamide. The separation efficiency and antifouling properties were evaluated by analyzing the flux using a membrane cell tester machine. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to confirm the morphology of the membrane and EDX was employed to characterize the modified membrane before and after separation testing. The membrane shows good rejection of organic pollutants including pentane, isooctane, toluene, and hexadecane, attaining a removal of >90 % of heavy metals such as strontium, lead, and cobalt, and 86 % rejection of salt ions SO42−, and 42 % for Mg2+. According to the findings, the membrane can be a good choice for simultaneous treatment of wastewater containing a mixture of metal ions, hydrocarbons, and salt mixes from oily water.

Hybrid Organic-Inorganic ZnO/PCBM Electron Transport Layer with Organic Lead Halide Perovskite Solar Cell Materials CH3NH3PbIX2, X is Cl or I

An experimental investigation has been undertaken to explore a variety of properties of organic perovskite solar cells (OPSCs) that are distinct in their photovoltaic response. In this study, OPSCs were constructed using zinc oxide, ZnO and [6,6]-phenylC[Formula: see text]-acid methyl ester, PCBM, as electron transfer materials (ETM), poly(3-hexylthiophene), P3HT, as hole transport material (HTM), and CH3NH3PbIX2 as a photosensitizer, where X is either Cl or I. The structural and optical characteristics of the ETM and HTM layers and the perovskite materials of OPSCs were investigated. The [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] curves of each solar cell prepared in OPSCs were measured using an integrated cell tester. This comprises a photovoltaic [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] measurement system and a solar simulation system. As a result of these results, the OPSC’s performance is evaluated. The calculations in this work suggest that the highest power conversion efficiency (PCE = 6.31%) was achieved in photovoltaic devices using CH3NH3PbI3 as the effective absorber layer and ZnO with PCBM as the ETM layer. At a light intensity of 100 mW/cm2, each OPSC cell was performed. Under the same conditions, the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] curves were evaluated for each OPSC device. By improving the selection of organic and inorganic active materials in the ETM layer, OPSC performance may be improved.

Updates of the removable biological shielding blocks inside of the test cell, part of the test systems of IFMIF-DONES

The International Fusion Materials Irradiation Facility - DEMO Oriented Neutron Source (IFMIF-DONES) is a facility which is designed under the framework of the EU fusion roadmap. It is going to be an essential irradiation facility for testing and qualifying candidate materials under severe irradiation conditions of a neutron field having an neutron irradiation effect on materials like the one expected in a commercial fusion power reactor. The material specimens are irradiated in a containment structure named Test Cell (TC), which is part of the Test Systems (TS).The first protecting „barrier” against irradiation affecting the surrounding of the TC, are the Removable Biological Shielding Blocks (RBSBs). These ∼9 m height, ∼80 tons elements, which are formed by stainless steel liners filled with heavy concrete, need to be remotely handled as after the first experiments they will get dose rates above the hands-on limit. Irradiation will also result in a large nuclear heat power deposited in the shielding blocks, therefore needs to be actively water cooled by a system of embedded pipes to control the temperature.In this paper the updated design of the RBSBs is described, including the latest achievements and proposals for feasible manufacturing, lifting and positioning possibilities of the blocks inside of the TC respecting the given tolerances.

Multi-Flanges for Intensive Cell Development and Lct Forlarge Cell and Stack Evaluation

Two new test benches have been developed at Fiaxell. One is the multi-Flanges allowing to test 4cells in one run. All the functionalities of the Open flanges, such as integrated steamer, real or idealcondition testing, ceramic housing on air side, gas processing are kept apart short stacking.The second test rig is the LCT for Large Cell Tester. It has been designed for cell dimensionstarting from 90 X 90 mm and ending with the size of 130 mm X 170 mm. Again all the OpenFlanges functionalities are kept. The LCT is no delivered for short stack of maximum 3 cells. In thesecond part of 2022, heat exchanger made with proper material will be ready for market. It willallows to test up to 30 cells. Figure 1

Ultrasonic Spray Deposited CdS-GO Composite Films for Solar Cell Applications

In the present study, the synthesis and characterization of cadmium sulfide (CdS) and graphene oxide (GO) composite films are investigated. These films have the potential to be utilized in solar cell applications due to their unique optical and electric properties. A chemical bath deposition was used to prepare the CdS thin films, while the hammer method was used to synthesize GO sheets. In this comparative study, spray deposition was used to prepare CdS-GO composite films with different ratios of CdS to GO. The spray deposition method used in this study offers a simple and cost-effective way to prepare large-area films for practical applications. The structural, and optical, properties of the composite films were characterized using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy measurements. The results show that the CdS-GO composite films exhibit enhanced optical properties as compared to the pure CdS films. The band gap energy of the composite films decreased with increasing GO content, indicating improved optical properties. These findings suggest that CdS-GO composite films have the potential for use in solar cell applications. I-V characteristics were obtained using a solar cell tester kit to analyse the applications of fabricated conducting films in the field of solar cells.

Comparative Evaluation of the Powder and Tableting Properties of Regular and Direct Compression Hypromellose from Different Vendors.

Hypromellose, a widely used polymer in the pharmaceutical industry, is available in several grades, depending on the percentage of substitution of the methoxyl and hydroxypropyl groups and molecular weight, and in various functional forms (e.g., suitable for direct compression tableting). These differences can affect their physicomechanical properties, and so this study aims to characterise the particle size and mechanical properties of HPMC K100M polymer grades from four different vendors. Eight polymers (CR and DC grades) were analysed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy automated image analysis particle characterisation to examine the powder's particle morphology and particle size distribution. Bulk density, tapped density, and true density of the materials were also analysed. Flow was determined using a shear cell tester. Flat-faced polymer compacts were made at five different compression forces and the mechanical properties of the compacts were evaluated to give an indication of the powder's capacity to form a tablet with desirable strength under specific pressures. The results indicated that the CR grades of the polymers displayed a smaller particle size and better mechanical properties compared to the DC grade HPMC K100M polymers. The DC grades, however, had better flow properties than their CR counterparts. The results also suggested some similarities and differences between some of the polymers from the different vendors despite the similarity in substitution level, reminding the user that care and consideration should be given when substitution is required.

Underwater measurements of flowability by angle of repose, Hausner ratio and Jenike shear cell

Flowability is important for characterizing particulate materials. Some simple measurements, such as the Hausner ratio and angle of repose, are used to compare materials, and more sophisticated devices, such as the Jenike shear cell and ring shear tester, are used for design purposes. However, these devices are only used for measurements in air; thus, underwater operations lack such measurements and design models based on flowability measurements. This work shows that flowability can be measured underwater by simple modifications to the apparatuses. Although underwater flowability was found to be much smaller than that in air owing to negligible cohesive forces, such an approach enables the adoption of models developed for systems in air for underwater system design. In addition, more in-depth research on particulate material structure and flow by eliminating van der Waals forces can be conducted.

Characteristics and electrochemical performances of nickel@nano‐silicon/carbon nanofibers composites as anode materials for lithium secondary batteries

AbstractSi is a next‐generation ideal anode material for Li‐ion batteries (LIBs) because of its high‐theoretical capacity (4200 mAh/g) and natural abundance. However, severe volume expansion and unstable solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film formation during lithiation/delithiation, and poor electron conductivity have significantly restricted the commercial application of Si. In this study, transition metal‐coated Si was synthesized and used as the anode material of LIBs. The transition metal salt of Ni was dissolved in an aqueous solution and used to coat the metal surface of Si nanoparticles. The coating was achieved by dropwise addition of metal solutions into Si dispersions. Thereafter, carbon nanofibers (CNFs) were grown on the transition metal‐coated Si nanoparticles via chemical vapor deposition method. The morphologies, compositions, and crystal quality of transition metal@Si/CNFs composites were characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The electrochemical characteristics of the hybrid anodes were investigated using a coin cell and battery tester. Voltage profile measurements at 0.1 A/g of 0.02 M‐Ni@Si/CNFs composite showed satisfactory initial Coulombic efficiency of 85.6%; 0.01 M‐Ni@Si/CNFs composite exhibited high initial capacity of 1300.9 mAh/g retained to 828.4 mAh/g after 100 cycles, corresponding to 63.7% capacity retention. Even at high current densities, the 0.02 M‐Ni@Si/CNFs composite delivered 342.78 mAh/g of capacity at 5 A/g. This work realizes a Si‐based hybrid anode from Ni‐coated Si catalyst used for direct CNFs synthesis with a stable SEI layer, superior initial Coulombic efficiency with satisfactory cycle and rate performance suitable for commercialized advanced battery applications.

Organo-Lead Halide Perovskite Materials CH3NH3PbI2X, X is I, Br, or Cl, in Solar Cell Applications

The optoelectronic response of organic perovskite solar cells (OPSCs) exhibits a variety of unique and distinguishing characteristics. In this study, OPSCs with photosensitizers, CH3NH3PbI2X, where X is I, Br, or Cl, are created using TiO2 as the electron transport material (ETM) and CuO as the hole transport material (HTM). The perovskite materials’ structural and optical characteristics, as well as the OPSCs’ ETM layers, are investigated. Next, the OPSC’s performance is evaluated. The integrated cell tester, which includes the I-V photovoltaic measurements system and the solar simulation system, was used to measure the I-V curves of the OPSCs. The photovoltaic devices with MAPbI3 as an efficient absorption layer had the best power conversion efficiency [Formula: see text]. Measurements of the OPSC’s performance were tested at 100[Formula: see text]mW/cm2 of light intensity.

Composite-fabric-based structure-integrated energy storage system

A structure-battery-integrated energy storage system based on carbon and glass fabrics is introduced in this study. The carbon fabric current collector and glass fabric separator extend from the electrode area to the surrounding structure. This system provides stable and high electrochemical performance under the mechanical loading of the composite structural battery. A thermoplastic tape melted into the fabrics separates the battery and structural parts to prevent penetration of epoxy into the battery part during autoclave molding and leakage of liquid electrolyte. Furthermore, a stainless-steel film blocks moisture penetration in the direction of the thickness. The electrochemical characteristics and mechanical stability of the structural battery were evaluated using a galvanic cell tester. The initial capacity of the structural battery was approximately 125 mAh/gLFP, and it exhibited steady cycling characteristics with a capacity of 110 mAh/gLFP for up to 50 charging/discharging cycles. The structure-integrated battery exhibited an energy density of over 25 Wh/kgstr, stable electrochemical performance, and load-bearing characteristics even when some of the battery components were subjected to tensile strain beyond the 1% level.

Integrated Design of the Vacuum and Safety Barrier between the Lithium and Test Systems of IFMIF-DONES

The international fusion materials irradiation facility-DEMO-oriented neutron source (IFMIF-DONES) is a facility that is designed under the framework of the EU fusion roadmap. It is going to be an essential irradiation facility for testing and qualifying candidate materials under severe irradiation conditions of a neutron field having an energy spectrum like the one present in a fusion power reactor. The material specimens are irradiated in a containment structure named the test cell (TC), which is part of the test systems (TS). The TC also houses a part of the other major system (lithium system, LS), which provides the liquid lithium for the reaction through a piping system. At a point, the lithium piping needs to exit the TS, but the primary safety boundary must be continuous around these penetrations. Therefore, a special barrier, called the test systems–lithium systems interface cell (TLIC), has been developed around the piping system to provide a safety-approved and remotely maintainable vacuum boundary envelope. In this paper, the integrated design development of the TLIC is described, consisting of the design development according to the RCC-MRx code, the remote-handling (RH) needs, and the procedures and safety-related special needs of the design.

Experimental investigation of parameters influencing battery life cycle of lithium-ion batteries at ambient cell surface temperature

Lithium-ion batteries and their usage have been dominating the industry for a decade. However, it has been found through the years that Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC), and Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) battery cells are widely preferred over the other types of cylindrical lithium-ion cells. The performance of NMC and LFP battery cells are compared experimentally using a 5 V 6A 8CH Cell tester, by studying the Ah charged and discharged, Wh charged and discharges as well as temperature variation in the charging and discharging cycles. 18650 NMC and LFP cells were set up, wherein 40 experimental trials were performed at the as per the voltage and cell chemistry at using a Constant Current Constant Voltage charging scheme. The aim was to determine the value of capacity degradation, its trend for both cells, and the predicted cycle life of these cells. The voltage parameters for LFP were (3.2 V to 2.5 V), Charging at 3.2 V, and discharging at 2.5 V, similarly for NMC it was (3.6 V to 2.8 V), charging at 3.6 V to 2.8 V respectively. A thorough analysis for 40 cycles for NMC and LFP wherein temperature variation and capacity degradation for cycles after 5 intervals has been explained in the report. Also, the Capacity degraded during the process was fit using a regression model, from which it was concluded which of the batteries has a greater cycle life.

Influence of moisture content on die filling of pharmaceutical powders

Flow performance of pharmaceutical powders dictates various manufacturing processes, such as blending, filling and tableting, and is determined by not only material properties but also environmental conditions, such as relative humidity and temperature. In this study, the effect of moisture content on flow performance of two commonly used pharmaceutical excipients (mannitol and dicalcium phosphate anhydrous) during die filling was investigated. A rotary die filling system was employed and the die filling efficiency was assessed using the concept of critical filling velocity. Powder flowability was also characterised using a dynamic flow tester and a shear cell tester. It was found that, with increasing moisture content, the flow parameters, including the basic flow energy, the average pressure drop and the cohesion, increased first and then decreased from a maximum at 50% relative humidity (RH). For both mannitol and dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA), when the relative humidity is high (say >50%) and the cohesion due to the formation of liquid bridges dominates, the critical filling velocity increases as the moisture content increases. While at a low relative humidity (e.g. 15%), a strong electrostatic attraction between particles was observed, which has a significant impact on the flow properties and the die filling performance of the powders.

Comparative studies of powder flow predictions using milligrams of powder for identifying powder flow issues

Characterising powder flowability can be challenging when sample quantity is insufficient for a conventional shear cell test, especially in the pharmaceutical industry, where the cost of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) used is expensive at an early stage in the drug product development. A previous study demonstrated that powder flowability could be predicted based on powder physical properties and cohesiveness using a small quantity of powder samples (50 mg), but it remained an open question regarding the accuracy of the prediction compared to that measured using industry-standard shear cell testers and its potential to substitute the existing testers.In this study, 16 pharmaceutical powders were selected for a detailed comparative study of the predictive model. The flowability of the powders was predicted using a Bond number and given consolidation stresses, σ1, coupled with the model, where the Bond number represents powder cohesiveness. Compared to the measurements using a Powder Flow Tester (Brookfield) and an FT4 (Freeman Technology) Powder Rheometer shear cell tester, the results showed a good agreement between the predictions and the measurements (<22 % difference) from the two shear cell testers with different consolidation stresses, especially for cohesive materials. The model correctly predicts the class of flowability for 14 and 12 of the 16 powders for the PFT and the FT4, respectively. The study demonstrated that the prediction method of powder flowability using a small sample (50 mg) could substitute a standard shear cell test (>15 g) if the available amount of sample is small.

Preliminary finite element analysis of the stainless-steel liner of the maintainable test cell concept of IFMIF-DONES

• New maintainable design concept in fusion related facility. • Preliminary mechanical finite element analysis of an unusual shaped vacuum vessel. • Pareto front tradespace study for stiffening structure optimal variants. The main purpose of IFMIF-DONES facility is to provide a neutron source for irradiating small specimens and producing experimental data of material properties for the construction of DEMO fusion power plant. The Test Cell (TC) of the DONES is a confined and well-shielded room, where the strong irradiation environment is created. The biological shielding of the TC mainly consists of several meters thick concrete walls and shielding plugs, and a stainless-steel liner. The TC liner and the concrete walls are actively cooled by water because of the high volumetric heating coming from nuclear reactions. Although, the TC is designed to be fully functional for the complete life span of the facility, still there is a very low probability of defect of the TC biological shielding due to their exposure of intense neutron and gamma irradiation. Therefore, the original TC configuration, which was a monolithic approach, had to be revised. Due to this reason, at the end of 2019 the project team has changed the TC concept from the monolithic design to the so-called Maintainable TC Concept (MTCC) design, which allows a maintenance possibility in case of unexpected damage.

Design intelligent solar cell tester system based on microcontroller with handling robot

Design intelligent solar cell tester system based on microcontroller with handling robot

Design intelligent solar cell tester system based on microcontroller with handling robot

Design intelligent solar cell tester system based on microcontroller with handling robot

A new method for assessing powder flowability based on physical properties and cohesiveness of particles using a small quantity of samples

Characterising powder flowability can be a challenge if only a small quantity of samples is available, e.g. pharmaceutical formulations. The paper focuses on a new method for assessing powder flowability based on physical properties and cohesiveness of particles using a few grams of powders. The technique applies Bond number to represent powder cohesiveness, which detects particle adhesion at median particle size using a mechanical surface energy tester developed at the Wolfson Centre. To establish the method, correlations between the Bond numbers and the flow functions of several powders measured on a shear cell tester have been explored empirically. With the correlations, a prediction model has been developed not only for powder flow functions but also for other flow properties such as compressibility, internal friction angles and true friction angles. This investigation has been undertaken using a wide range of materials from free-flowing to very cohesive for the method establishment and a group of different types of materials for a blind validation of the method. The methodology shows promising results for powder flowability prediction and other flow properties such as compressibility and internal friction angles. The validation results show a good agreement against the results measured using a shear cell tester.

Thermal-hydraulic simulation of IFMIF-DONES Test Cell atmosphere

The test cell (TC) serves as irradiation chamber in the IFMIF-DONES facility, which aims to irradiate material samples with a highly energetic deuterium-lithium based neutron source to contribute to the development of candidate materials to be used in the first wall components of future fusion reactors. The TC provides space for several sub-systems and their components and it is filled with helium on sub-atmospheric pressure during normal operation. The internal components as well as the wall of the TC are exposed to volumetric heat load coming from the radiation and some of them have active heating/cooling. The internal flow of the atmosphere induced by natural convection and the various thermal state of the components consists of a complex, thermally strongly coupled system. An integrated Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation has been developed in OpenFOAM solver, in order to provide a consistent approach for the design of the heating/cooling sub-systems of the TC components, as well as to estimate the heat load on the passively cooled structures. Additionally, such an integrated solution gives better understanding and consistency check of the separate sub-systems simulations. The purpose of this paper is to describe the current status of this simulation model, as well as analyzing the thermal condition of the TC during normal operation, considering that the different part and sub-systems have different level of design maturity.