Two-component Blend Research Articles

Physico-Chemical Characterization of Encapsulated Fennel Essential Oil under the Influence of Spray-Drying Conditions

In this study, fennel essential oil (EO) was spray-dried, varying the wall material type (two-component blends of maltodextrin (MD), β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and gum arabic (GA)), the wall material ratio (1:1, 1:3 and 3:1) and the drying temperature (120, 160 and 200 °C). A total of 27 powders were analyzed for their moisture content, solubility, hygroscopicity, bulk density and particle size, while powder recovery and oil retention were determined in terms of encapsulation efficiency. The morphology and chemical composition of the powder obtained under optimal conditions were additionally analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The results showed that all of the powders had generally good properties, exhibiting a low moisture content, high powder recovery and high oil retention. A 1:3 MD:GA mixture and a drying temperature of 200 °C were found to be optimal for the spray-drying of fennel EO, producing a powder with a low moisture content (3.25%) and high solubility (56.10%), while achieving a high powder recovery (72.66%) and oil retention (72.11%). The chemical profiles of the initial and encapsulated fennel EO showed quantitative differences without qualitative changes, with an average 24.2% decrease in the volatiles in the encapsulated EO. Finally, spray-drying proved to be a successful tool for the stabilization of fennel EO, at the same time expanding the possibilities for its further use.

Research on the Performance Parameters of a Compression-Ignition Engine Fueled by Blends of Diesel Fuel, Rapeseed Methyl Ester and Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil

This research compares the air pollution (CO, CO2, HC, NOx, smoke), energy (brake-specific fuel consumption, thermal efficiency) and noise indicators of a compression ignition engine fueled by first-generation biodiesel (rapeseed methyl ester (RME)) and second-generation biodiesel (hydrogenated vegetable oils (HVO)), or conventional (fossil) diesel fuel blends. The concentration of first- and second-generation biodiesel in two-component blends with diesel fuel was up to 15% and 30% (RME15, RME30, HVO15, and HVO30); for comparison, the three-component blend of diesel fuel, HVO and RME (RME15–HVO15) was considered. The fuels’ physical and chemical properties were tested in a specialized laboratory, and the engine load conditions were ensured by the engine brake stand. Referring to ship power plants with constant-speed engines, detailed research was carried out in one speed mode (n = 2000 rpm). Studies have shown that two-component fuel blends with HVO are superior to conventional diesel fuel and two-component blends with RME in almost all cases. The HVO in fuel blends reduced fuel consumption up to 1.8%, while the thermal efficiency was close to that of fossil diesel fuel. In addition, a reduction in pollutants was observed: CO by ~12.5–25.0%; HC by ~5.0–12.0%; NOx by ~6.5%; smokiness by ~11–18% (two-component blend) and up to ~29% (three-component blend). The CO2 and noise characteristics were close to those of fossil diesel fuel; however, the trend of reduced smoke emission was clearly seen. A fundamental obstacle to the wide use of HVO can be seen, however, which is the price, which is 25–90% (depending on the EU country) higher than the price of conventional (fossil) diesel fuel.

Development of a pheromone monitoring system for the goosefoot groundling moth, Scrobipalpa atriplicella (von Röslerstamm) in quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa (Willdenow)

The goosefoot groundling moth, Scrobipalpa atriplicella, (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is a serious pest of quinoa, Chenopodium quinoa, in North America and Europe. Previous studies found male S. atriplicella were attracted to a generic pheromone lure containing (Z)-5-dodecenyl acetate. Here, we identified further candidate sex pheromone components from female pheromone glands using gas chromatography-electroantennographic detection. We confirmed (Z)-5-dodecenyl acetate to be an antennally active compound, and identified a previously unidentified minor component, (E)-5-dodecenyl acetate. Field tests confirmed males were most attracted to a two-component blend in a 95:5 ratio of (Z)-5-dodecenyl acetate to (E)-5-dodecenyl acetate. We found that the 95:5 major to minor ratio captured more S. atriplicella moths and the lowest number of non-target noctuid moths compared to other ratios tested. The number of S. atriplicella captured varied with trap type, but not the two heights tested (0.5 and 1 m), however, we recommend pheromone-baited wing traps deployed at either at 0.5 or 1 m heights to reduce the possibility of trap saturation with sticky traps with smaller surface areas. These findings allow for future development of a pheromone-based monitoring program for this significant pest of quinoa in Canada.

Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis Gn., Lepidoptera: Crambidae): Attraction to a bisexual lure and comparison of performance with synthetic sex pheromone

AbstractHost plant-derived semiochemicals are becoming the most promising attractants to lure corn borers to traps in the field. Following success with the European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis), a two-component blend bisexual lure (phenylacetaldehyde and 2-(4-methoxyphenyl)ethanol) of the host plant odor was tested in wind tunnel and field trapping experiments on the Asian corn borer (Ostrinia furnacalis) (ACB). To be able to compare the lure's performance with synthetic pheromone, a new route for the sex pheromone components (Z)-12-tetradecenyl acetate and (E)-12-tetradecenyl acetate was also developed, and the biological activity of the products was confirmed. The bisexual lure attracted both males and females of ACB in laboratory wind tunnel, and also in the field. Field trapping results indicated that traps with the bisexual lure attracted somewhat more ACB (both sexes) than pheromone baited traps, but this indication needs further confirmation. Traps baited with the bisexual lure may offer a new tool for monitoring ACB for practical purposes.

Identification of the Sex Pheromone of the Pink Grass Worm, Tmetolophota atristriga, Reveals Possible Population Differences in Male Response to Sex Pheromone

The pink grass worm, Tmetolophota atristriga (Walker), is an endemic New Zealand noctuid moth species that is abundant throughout the North and South Islands. The larvae are minor defoliators of agricultural pasture. We investigated the sex pheromone of this species. Analysis of extract of the female sex pheromone gland identified six compounds: two monounsaturated compounds, (Z)-11-hexadecenal (Z11-16:Ald) and (Z)-11-hexadecenyl acetate (Z11-16:Ac), three saturated compounds, hexadecanal (16:Ald), hexadecyl acetate (16:Ac) and octadecan-1-ol (18:OH), and a triene hydrocarbon, (3Z,6Z,9Z)-tricosatriene (Z3Z6Z9-23:Hy). Several field-trapping experiments testing combinations of the six compounds were conducted. Results suggested that males of two different populations of T. atristriga responded differently to different blends of the compounds. Males of one population responded equally to a two-component blend as to other blends, including the one with all six compounds. By contrast, males of the second population responded only to the six-component blend or a ternary blend of Z11-16:Ald, Z11-16:Ac and Z3Z6Z9-23:Hy. In experiments testing different doses of Z11-16:Ald and Z11-16:Ac in a binary or a six-component blend, a 1 mg dose of the binary blend gave the greatest male catch for both populations. This is the second sex pheromone identification of a New Zealand species of Noctuidae and is the first reported occurrence of Z3Z6Z9-23:Hy as a sex pheromone component of any noctuid species.

Study of vegetable oils and their blends using infrared reflectance spectroscopy and refractometry

The present study aims to perform a comparative analysis of vegetable oils and their two-component blends using infrared spectroscopy and refractometry. The study was conducted in Almaty (Kazakhstan) in 2020. Three samples of 44 vegetable oils and their blends made from two components were examined. Fractometry and infrared spectroscopy were used to investigate the properties of blended vegetable oils. To this end, the fatty acid fraction (in percentage), iodine number, and index of refraction (IOR) were calculated. Afterward, the spectrograms obtained for the blends were analyzed. It was found that the difference between the intensities of weak bands and the band expansion of 722 cm−1 indicates greater expressiveness. When low-intensity bands (1653 cm−1) become more distinct due to vibrations of double carbon bonds (C-bonds), the level of unsaturated fatty acids in the blend increases as well.

Theoretical and experimental study of phase optimization of tapping mode atomic force microscope

Phase image in tapping-mode atomic force microscope (TM-AFM) results from various dissipations in a microcantilever system. The phases mainly reflect the tip-sample contact dissipations which allow the nanoscale characteristics to be distinguished from each other. In this work, two factors affecting the phase and phase contrast are analyzed. It is concluded from the theoretical and experimental results that the phases and phase contrasts in the TM-AFM are related to the excitation frequency and energy dissipation of the system. For a two-component blend, it is theoretically and experimentally proven that there exists an optimal excitation frequency for maximizing the phase contrast. Therefore, selecting the optimal excitation frequency can potentially improve the phase contrast results. In addition, only the key dissipation between the tip and sample is found to accurately reflect the sample properties. Meanwhile, the background dissipation can potentially reduce the contrasts of the phase images and even mask or distort the effective information in the phase images. In order to address the aforementioned issues, a self-excited method is adopted in this study in order to eliminate the effects of the background dissipation on the phases. Subsequently, the real phase information of the samples is successfully obtained. It is shown in this study that the eliminating of the background dissipation can effectively improve the phase contrast results and the real phase information of the samples is accurately reflected. These results are of great significance in optimizing the phases of two-component samples and multi-component samples in atomic force microscope.

Primary interactions of biomass components during fast pyrolysis

Fast pyrolysis is an industrially attractive method to produce fuels and chemicals from biomass; however, to gain better control over the process, the reactions and interactions between the components and decomposition products need elucidation. This study investigated primary reactions during fast pyrolysis of biomass. Pyrolysis of the three main biomass components (cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin) and their blends was carried out with a micro-pyrolyser connected to a Gas Chromatograph-Mass Spectrometer/Flame Ionisation Detector (GC–MS/FID). The blends of the individual components were prepared in similar proportions to that of native biomass (birchwood) and were pyrolysed at 600 °C for 2 s. The results showed that the two-component blends decrease the production of saccharides to a large extent. This was especially noticeable for levoglucosan when cellulose was mixed with either hemicellulose or lignin. Similarly, in the presence of cellulose, the formation of phenolic compounds from lignin was inhibited by 62 %. However, no differences were found in yields of the main products for the xylan-lignin blend compared to those from the individual components. The yields of volatile products from the cellulose-xylan blend were promoted for a majority of the product categories and were most pronounced for the aldehydes. Furthermore, while the formation of the phenols and saccharides was slightly inhibited for the three-component blend, the aldehydes, ketones and furans showed an increased production compared to the weighed sum of products expected, based on the pyrolysis of the individual components. The native biomass showed a similar trend as the three-component blend in all product categories except for the saccharides, which were inhibited to a large extent. This study provides a better understanding of the interactions occurring between different components during fast pyrolysis of biomass.

Experimental Characterization of Flame Structure and Soot Volume Fraction of Premixed Kerosene Jet A-1 and Surrogate Flames

Modeling the chemical reactions and soot processes in kerosene flames is important to support the design of future generations of low-emission aircraft engines. To develop and validate these models, detailed experimental data from model flames with well-defined boundary conditions are needed. Currently, only few data from experiments with real aircraft engine fuels are available. This paper presents measurements of temperature, species and soot volume fraction profiles in premixed, flat flames using Jet A-1 kerosene and a two-component surrogate blend. Measurements were performed using a combination of TDLAS, GC and laser extinction. The results show that the flame structure in terms of temperature and species profiles of the kerosene and surrogate flames are very similar but differ greatly in the resulting soot volume fractions. Furthermore, the study shows that the available chemical mechanisms can correctly predict the temperature profiles of the flames but show significant differences from the experimentally observed species profiles. The differences in the sooting tendency of the kerosene and the surrogate are further investigated using detailed chemical mechanisms.

LAB-SCALE TESTS OF INCOHERENT ROCK REINFORCEMENT USING TWO-COMPONENT POLYMER BLENDS

The study addresses improvement of physical and mechanical properties of incoherent sediments by means of their chemical reinforcement using two-component resins. The lab-scale testing data on reinforcement of fine-grained quartz sand using two-component activated mineral and polyurethane resin blends are presented. Resins were injected by two ways on the tests. The first method was sequential injection of the polymer blend components in rock samples. The second method was injection of finished polymer blends. The two-component activated mineral and polyurethane resin blends ensure more effective reinforcement of incoherent sediment rocks as against foamed polyurethane blends. The uniaxial compression strength of reinforced fine-grained sand is 2.5-3 times higher in case of sequential injection of the components than in injection of finished mixtures. The elasticity modulus of the reinforced samples is 5.5-6 times higher in sequential injection than in injection of finished blends. The test results are useful for selection and optimization of injection method for two-component polymer blends in stabilization of broken rocks and in water-proofing of underground excavations.

Processability and Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Polylactide/Polyhydroxybutyrate (PLA/PHB) Bioblends.

This work considers the application of eco-friendly, biodegradable materials based on polylactide (PLA) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), instead of conventional polymeric materials, in order to prevent further environmental endangerment by accumulation of synthetic petro-materials. This new approach to the topic is focused on analyzing the processing properties of blends without incorporating any additives that could have a harmful impact on human organisms, including the endocrine system. The main aim of the research was to find the best PLA/PHB ratio to obtain materials with desirable mechanical, processing and application properties. Therefore, two-component polymer blends were prepared by mixing different mass ratios of PLA and PHB (100/0, 50/10, 50/20, 40/30, 50/50, 30/40, 20/50, 10/50 and 0/100 mass ratio) using an extrusion process. The prepared blends were analyzed in terms of thermal and mechanical properties as well as miscibility and surface characteristics. Taking into account the test results, the PLA/PHB blend with a 50/10 ratio turned out to be most suitable in terms of mechanical and processing properties. This blend has the potential to become a bio-based and simultaneously biodegradable material safe for human health dedicated for the packaging industry.

Описание степени усиления нанокомпозитов полимер/углеродные нанотрубки: предел "термита"

For the description of properties of nanocomposites polyurethane/carbon nanotube the model of two-component random blends in limit of “termite” (random superconductive network) was used. This model is correct and gives precise enough quantitative description of reinforcement degree of the considered nanocomposites. For receiving of precise description of the indicated characteristic it is necessary to consider the structure of carbon nanotubes as ring-like formations and critical index in “termite” limit is defined by fractal dimension of these formations. The proposed model allows to elucidate the criterion of creation of high-modulus nanocomposites of this class.

Microencapsulation of Olive Leaf Extract by Spray Drying

The aim of this research was to obtain a high value powder of olive leaf extract (OLE) rich in polyphenols by spray drying. Since carrier, polyphenols/carrier ratio, and inlet temperature could have an impact on process yield and polyphenol retention, to define the most promising drying conditions for OLE experiment with gallic acid model solutions (GAS) was conducted. Influence of carrier type (maltodextrin, inulin, gum arabic, and their two-component blends), polyphenols/carrier ratio, and temperature on process yield of spray dried GAS was examined, and for each carrier the most promising temperature and ratio were selected. Optimal temperature for all GAS samples was 150 °C, and optimal gallic acid/carrier ratio for samples with inulin or gum arabic was 3:1, while for all other combinations it was 5:1. In OLE powder produced under these conditions, polyphenol content and physical properties (rehydration, bulk density) were determined. Mixture of maltodextrin and gum arabic resulted in the highest OLE product yield (54.48%) and the highest polyphenol retention (56.50%) obtaining good physical properties (bulk density=0.31 g ml–1, rehydration time=98 s), while use of inulin resulted in the lowest yield (32.71%), polyphenol retention (28.24%), bulk density (0.25 g ml–1), and the highest rehydration time (140 s).

Effect of lure age and blend on sex pheromone trap catches of the mirid Sahlbergella singularis on cacao in Ghana

Mirids, Sahlbergella singularis and Distantiella theobroma (Heteroptera: Miridae), are the main cacao pests in West Africa. Females of both species produce sex pheromones composed of hexyl (R)-3-((E)-2-butenoyl)-butyrate and hexyl (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate, the major and minor components, respectively. Lures composed of 1000:500 μg blends of the two components pre-aged for 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks in a gauze-walled insectary were compared with fresh lures in a field experiment in Ghana. Lures were replaced monthly. A total of 272 S. singularis, all male, was caught. Fresh lures and those pre-aged for 2 and 4 weeks caught similar numbers in a month while lures pre-aged for 8 and 12 weeks caught 34% and 26%, respectively, than fresh lures (83). The attractiveness of five different pheromone blends were compared in a 15-month field trapping experiment. A total of 701 S. singularis, all male, was caught. The highest numbers were caught in traps releasing both components with no significant difference among 1000:50, 1000:500 and 1000:1000 μg blends. Traps releasing hexyl (R)-3-((E)-2-butenoyl)-butyrate alone caught over 98% fewer individuals than two-component blends, and those releasing hexyl (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate alone caught similarly low numbers to unbaited controls. We recommend that 2:1 blend lures, renewed at least every two months are used for mass-trapping cacao mirids. The results are discussed in relation to previously published mirid pheromone blend optimisation and longevity studies.

Designing a species-selective lure based on microbial volatiles to target Lobesia botrana

Sustainable, low impact control methods, including mating disruption and microbial insecticides against L. botrana have been available for decades. Yet, successful implementation has been restricted to only a few grapevine districts in the world. A limiting factor is the lack of a female attractant to either monitor or control the damaging sex. Volatile attractants for both female and male insects can be used to assess when L. botrana populations exceed economic thresholds, and to decrease the use of synthetic pesticides within both conventional and pheromone programs. Rather than using host-plant volatiles, which are readily masked by background volatiles released by the main crop, we tested the attractiveness of volatiles that signify microbial breakdown and more likely stand out against the background odour. A two-component blend of 2-phenylethanol (2-PET) and acetic acid (AA) caught significant numbers of both sexes. Catches increased with AA and, to a minimal extent, 2-PET loads. However, a higher load of 2-PET also increased bycatches, especially of Lepidoptera and Neuroptera. Major (ethanol, ethyl acetate, 3-methyl-1-butanol) or minor (esters, aldehydes, alcohols and a ketone) fermentation volatiles, did surprisingly not improve the attraction of L. botrana compared to the binary blend of 2-PET and AA alone, but strongly increased bycatches. The most attractive lure may thus not be the best choice in terms of specificity. We suggest that future research papers always disclose all bycatches to permit evaluation of lures in terms of sustainability.

Monitoring and discrimination of Pandemis moths in apple orchards using semiochemicals, wing pattern morphology and DNA barcoding

Non-pheromonal insect attractants of plant and microbial origin are often classified as kairomones. They differ from moth pheromones in that they can attract both sexes of several insect species. Kairomones are nowadays the object of several studies, due to their promising properties for monitoring and selective control of agricultural pests. Here we report on field trapping experiments carried out in apple orchards to quantify the response of the two leafroller species Pandemis heparana (Denis & Schiffermuller) and Pandemis cerasana (Hübner) to potential kairomones (acetic acid (AA), 2-phenyl ethanol (2-PET), pear ester (PE) and benzyl cyanide (BC)) in apple orchards. Specimens of the two species were sexed and classified to the species level using a morphological key based on wing traits. DNA barcoding was used to validate the discrimination between the two species through the morphological key. A two-component blend of AA and 2-PET was effective in catching significant numbers of females of P. heparana and P. cerasana. The addition of PE increased male but not female catches of only P. heparana. For P. heparana blends containing AA and BC with or without PE caught significantly fewer males and females than blends with PET and the AA/BC combination was as effective as PET releasing blends in trapping P. cerasana females. Morphological identification of Pandemis by wing pattern was in agreement with the DNA barcoding in the majority of cases. Additional studies are now required to establish an economic threshold to correlate moth catches with fruit damage and to the possibility that attract and kill based on the identified kairomones can be used to reduce damage.

PRODUCTION OF FOAMED HEAT INSULATION MATERIALS FROM COPPER ORE MILL TAILINGS

This paper focuses on ecological and environmental management problems involving the industrial wastes. The paper proposes the production method for foamed materials on made from copper ore tailings. The goal of the study is to evaluate the industrial waste applications in the production of heat-insulating materials. The chemical composition of wastes and its high dispersion indicates to its potential use in the frit synthesis without complete melting of the mixture. Frit is synthesized from a two-component blend consisting of 80 % waste and 20 % caustic ash. The synthesis temperature does not exceed 900 °С which is a better alternative to the conventional glassmaking temperature of 1500 °С. It is shown that the optimum porous, uniform structure with the average pore size is not over 1 mm forms in samples prepared at a foaming temperature of 850 °С followed by a 10-minute curing. The resulting materials has a density of 250 kg/m3 and increased strength up to 1.7 MPa.

Effects of Mono-, Di-, and Tri-Saccharides on the Stability and Crystallization of Amorphous Sucrose.

Amorphous sucrose is a component of many food products but is prone to crystallize over time, thereby altering product quality and limiting shelf-life. A systematic investigation was conducted to determine the effects of two monosaccharides (glucose and fructose), five disaccharides (lactose, maltose, trehalose, isomaltulose, and cellobiose), and two trisaccharides (maltotriose and raffinose) on the stability of amorphous sucrose in lyophilized two-component sucrose-saccharide blends exposed to different relative humidity (RH) and temperature environmental conditions relevant for food product storage. Analyses included X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, microscopy, and moisture content determination, as well as crystal structure overlays. All lyophiles were initially amorphous, but during storage the presence of an additional saccharide tended to delay sucrose crystallization. All samples remained amorphous when stored at 11% and 23% RH at 22 °C, but increasing the RH to 33% RH and/or increasing the temperature to 40°C resulted in variations in crystallization onset times. Monosaccharide additives were less effective sucrose crystallization inhibitors relative to di- and tri-saccharides. Within the group of di- and tri-saccharides, effectiveness depended on the specific saccharide added, and no clear trends were observed with saccharide molecular weight and other commonly studied factors such as system glass transition temperature. Molecular level interactions, as evident in crystal structure overlays of the added saccharides and sucrose and morphological differences in crystals formed, appeared to contribute to the effectiveness of a di- or tri-saccharide in delaying sucrose crystallization. In conclusion, several di- and tri-saccharides show promise for use as additives to delay the crystallization kinetics of amorphous sucrose during storage at moderate temperatures and low RH conditions. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Amorphous sucrose is desirable in a variety of food products, wherein crystallization can be problematic for texture and shelf-life. This study documents how different mono-, di-, and tri-saccharides influence the crystallization of sucrose. Monosaccharide additives were less effective sucrose crystallization inhibitors relative to di- and tri-saccharides. These findings increase the understanding of how different mono-, di-, and tri-saccharide structures and their solid-state properties influence the crystallization of amorphous sucrose and show that several di- and tri-saccharides have potential for use as sucrose crystallization inhibitors.

Microtextural analysis of coke from single and binary blend and its impact on coke quality

ABSTRACTCoke microtexture and microstructure is a function of feed coal composition and carbonisation process. If the process remains constant, the composition plays a vital role in developing the microtexture and microstructure which also reflects the coke quality. Knowledge of the influence of coal composition and characteristics on coke quality is a must for formulating a coal blend for coke making. To better understand how the coal transforms into coke requires the ability to correlate the microtextural and microstructural features to coal properties. Petrography is an important tool for comparing the feed coal and corresponding coke. In the present study, cokes manufactured from single coals and two-component blends under similar coking conditions were studied under the microscope to provide valuable information to coke makers. Not only the rank and quantification of macerals but also the association of macerals and minerals play an important role. Also the size and type of inertinite affect the coke quality. Micro-cracking, crack lengths and fissures identify the zone of weakness, whereas microtexture of cell walls suggests the strength-controlling parameters of coke. Pictorial concept followed in the present study is given below:

Solar cells: Now in a rainbow of colors

Solar panels have increasingly been appearing on buildings and homes in the past few years. But their popularity could grow even more if these electricity-generating devices offered architects and designers a broader palette of color options than the standard monotone blue and black. A rainbow of options for windows, facades, and other parts of buildings may soon be on the way thanks to an advance in polymer solar cells. Yale University researchers report that by adding varying amounts of an organic dye to the two-component polymer blend typically used in these types of cells, they can finely tune the color of the devices from blue-green to purple. The dye not only controls a cell’s color but also transfers energy between the cell’s electron-donating and electron-accepting polymer components, playing an active role in device performance (Nano Energy 2017, DOI: 10.1016/j.nanoen.2017.05.032). Researchers have previously devised strategies for coloring solar cells, for example,