Search Results (50)

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in digital, power and energy storage fields due to their high capacity and high cycle life advantages. This paper systematically screens the formulation system and designs a high-efficiency production line that can effectively improve production efficiency, reduce production costs, and lower energy consumption per unit product. The produced nano-silicon-enhanced graphite anode material has excellent performance. The selection of silicon raw materials, types of solvents, types of dispersants, and grinding processes is studied to investigate the influence of these four factors on the wet grinding process for preparing nano-silicon. Finally, metal silicon obtained by air flow pulverization is selected as the raw material, isopropanol is used as the solvent, FA01 (carboxylic acid type) is used as the dispersant, and a two-stage wet grinding process is adopted to prepare the nano-silicon dispersion solution. Zirconia beads of 0.5 mm and 0.2 mm size are used as the grinding media for the first and second stages, respectively, with filling rates of 80% and 90%, respectively. The final prepared nano-silicon dispersion is stable in dispersion and has a narrow particle size distribution. The nano-silicon dispersion solution and the multi-walled carbon nanotube dispersion solution are mechanically ground and mixed using a sand mill. At the same time, the multi-walled carbon nanotubes are coated with the nano-silicon. Then, artificial graphite is added for compounding. Finally, through spray drying, the Si@MWCNTs@graphite (SMG) nano-silicon-enhanced graphite negative electrode material is prepared. The SMG nano-silicon-enhanced graphite negative electrode material with a silicon content of 2% has a first Coulomb efficiency of up to 84.32%. Full article

Wet grinding is an important operation in the technological process of ceramic tile production. The properties of the slurry obtained from grinding (slip) are conditioned by the raw materials (the type and characteristics of raw material in mixture, recipes for mixture), and by the operating parameters in grinding (technical characteristics of mill, type of grinding system, mill charge, grinding media body, grinding time, etc.). The optimal selection of these influential parameters results in satisfactory properties of slip, i.e., in efficient grinding as process operation, and, consequently, in smooth and efficient realisation of subsequent operations in the process, particularly spray drying. At the end of the technological process, the final goal is to obtain a ceramic tile of satisfactory quality. Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) is an increasingly applied tool for selecting optimal technological parameters for the purpose of optimisation, problem solving and improvement of technological processes. This paper presents the application of the symmetry point of criterion—ranking alternatives by perimeter similarity (SPC-RAPS) as an MCDM hybrid method for the selection of optimal technological parameters in grinding in the ceramic tile production process. The ranking and selection of alternatives (raw materials, grinding balls and grinding time) were performed according to various criteria. In addition to the technological parameters related to the characteristics of the products from the grinding (slip), and to the technical characteristics of the final product (ceramic tiles), the criteria also included economic parameters (the market price of raw material and specific energy consumption in grinding). The developed mathematical model enabled the selection of the best alternative as a solution for this problem. Full article

Within the framework of sustainability, the parallel valorization of two challenging industrial (crude glycerol) and agricultural (olive mill wastewaters—OMWs) residues by the yeast Yarrowia lipolytica was examined. The rationale of this study was to evaluate the potential of the Y. lipolytica strain ACA-YC 5031 to produce valuable metabolites under a wide range of pH values and increasing NaCl concentrations in agro-industrial blends. OMWs were used as both microbial substrate and process water, and despite high levels of phenolic compounds in the medium and the simultaneously high initial concentrations of NaCl, appreciable quantities of dry cell weight (DCW) and metabolites were synthesized. Moreover, the growth of the strain under non-aseptic conditions was examined. The simultaneous effect of low pH (3.0) and the presence of OMWs (~2.0 g/L) notably increased the extracellular production of erythritol and the accumulation of cellular lipids (reaching Ery_max = 18.3 g/L and DCW = 38.6% w/w, respectively). In media with low pH (3.0) and high NaCl concentration (5.0% w/v), a metabolic shift towards erythritol secretion was observed (Ery_max = 27.2 g/L, with Y_Ery/Glol = 0.46 g/g). Oleic acid accumulation was enhanced by OMW presence in the medium. Full article

Zirconia, also known as zirconium dioxide ZrO₂, is well known for its good mechanical properties, like its inertness, good wear resistance, high temperature resistance and good strength. To enhance the mechanical properties of many materials, a technique known as transformation toughening is widely used today. This research focuses on achieving an optimized composition of zirconia and alumina Al₂O₃ to achieve zirconia-toughened alumina ZTA with a maximum density and other mechanical properties using a cost-effective and time-efficient approach. Doing so will make it possible to make more and more use of this valuable ceramic. The curing of zirconia and alumina samples with 3d—printing resins in silicone dies was performed so that we could obtain the optimum ratio of the resin and ZTA powder that would produce the most desirable results and properties. For 3d printing, ZTA samples with 19% zirconia ZrO₂ were used with alumina at two different temperatures (i.e., Sample 1, consisting of three pellets weighing 5–6 g, was sintered at 1500 °C, and Sample 2, also containing three pellets weighing 5 g (approx.), was sintered at 1600 °C). The green-state preparation of these samples (Sample 1 and Sample 2) was performed using milling media of WC balls/ethanol and a milling ratio of 1:3, and a milling time of 4 h 100 rpm was used while drying at 80 °C for 5.5 h. The relative density (70%) and Vickers hardness (14–17 GPa) were obtained for Al₂O₃/ZrO₂/MgO samples. Mechanical properties like hardness and strength strongly depend on the holding time, the rate of the temperature increase while sintering and the sintering temperature itself. Full article

Olive mill wastewater (OMW) is a phenol-rich effluent with high organic load, posing significant environmental disposal challenges in the Mediterranean countries. This study evaluated the bioremediation and valorization potential of OMW by eleven edible and/or medicinal fungal strains (Agrocybe cylindracea, Lentinula edodes, Pleurotus sapidus, Pleurotus sajor-caju, Flammulina velutipes, Ganoderma adspersum, Tuber aestivum and Tuber mesentericum). Firstly, screening for mycelial growth on agar media with commercial glucose and OMW (concentrations from 0 to 50%, v/v) revealed a strain-specific tolerance to phenolic toxicity. Although all tested strains could grow on OMW-based media, G. adspersum, T. mesentericum and T. aestivum presented the highest mycelial growth rates (Kr), exceeding 10 mm/day at elevated OMW levels (50%, v/v). Based on screening outcomes, seven strains were selected for further evaluation under static liquid fermentations in media with 15 and 35% (v/v) OMW. Growth kinetics, substrate consumption, phenolic removal, decolorization capacity, intracellular polysaccharide (IPS) and total lipid content were assessed. Tuber spp. and G. adspersum exhibited the highest tolerance to phenolic compounds, producing biomass exceeding 15 g/L at 35%, v/v OMW. Maximum IPS production reached up to 46.23% (w/w), while lipid content exceeded 15% (w/w) of dry biomass in F. velutipes and T. mesentericum, indicating an oleaginous microorganism-like behavior. Phenolic removal surpassed 80% in most cases, demonstrating efficient enzymatic degradation. Decolorization efficiency varied between strains, but remained above 70% for L. edodes, G. adspersum and F. velutipes. These findings highlight the potential of edible and/or medicinal fungi to simultaneously detoxify OMW and produce biomass and high-value metabolites, supporting a sustainable, low-cost agro-industrial waste management aligning with circular bioeconomy principles. Full article

The grinding process plays a crucial role in many technological operations. However, the complexity of increasing product fineness and energy efficiency in particle size reduction poses a problem in grinding processes. This study proposes a new approach for increasing grinding efficiency under dry grinding conditions in mills with grinding media. The approach involves a complex impact on the particle, in which it is subjected to two- and one-sided actions by the grinding media in the horizontal and vertical directions, respectively. The efficiency of the approach was tested by mathematical modeling and experimentation. The difference between the theoretical and experimental results was less than 11%, indicating the reliability of the proposed model. The results indicate that the proposed approach enhances the grinding efficiency by nearly fourfold and can be applied in industrial sectors that require high product fineness. Full article

This study investigates the applicability and advantages of using additive manufacturing to moderate heat generation in dry milling. Grinding medium balls of different sizes were designed and fabricated using computer-aided design (CAD) and a stereolithographic 3D printer. Milling processes with particle size distribution and warmup measurements were employed with the printed medium balls. The results were compared with the measurements executed with conventional stainless-steel balls. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was employed to evaluate the effect of the warmup of the system during the milling process. A two-variable, three-level experimental design was used for the measurements. We selected two grinding parameters considered critical: speed and time. The effect of these two independent variables on heating was examined. The results show that if printed balls are applied with the same total mass as that of metal balls, the particle size reduction is increased. The greater the number of balls used, the greater the particle size reduction. In this process, where additively manufactured milling bodies were used, the temperature of the system increased by less than when stainless-steel balls were used. The use of 3D-printed medium balls demonstrated beneficial warmup behavior. Full article

Background: Nanocrystals, a carrier-free nanotechnology, offer significant advantages for pulmonary drug delivery by enhancing the dissolution and solubility of poorly soluble drugs while maintaining favorable biological properties and low toxicity. This study aims to investigate the aerodynamic performance and stability of nanocrystal-based dry powders (NC-DPs). Methods: Nanocrystalline suspensions were produced via wet media milling and subjected to stability studies before undergoing nano spray drying. A factorial design was employed to optimize the process parameters. The influence of mannitol and leucine, individually and in combination, was evaluated in terms of aerodynamic properties (Aerodynamic Particle Sizer (APS), in silico modeling) and the physicochemical stability at room temperature (in a desiccator) and accelerated conditions (40 ± 2 °C, 75 ± 5% relative humidity). Results: APS analysis revealed that leucine-containing powders (K-NC-Ls) exhibited the smallest median (1.357 µm) and geometric mean (1.335 µm) particle sizes, enhancing dispersibility. However, in silico results indicated the highest exhaled fraction for K-NC-L, highlighting the need for optimized excipient selection. Although mannitol showed the lowest exhaled fraction, it was mainly deposited in the extra-thoracic region in silico. The mannitol/leucine combination (K-NC-ML) revealed a low exhaled fraction and high lung deposition in silico. Also, K-NC-ML demonstrated superior stability, with a 6% reduction in D[0.5] and a 5% decrease in span overtime. Furthermore, no significant changes in crystallinity, thermal behavior, drug release, or mass median aerodynamic diameter were observed under stress conditions. Conclusions: These findings confirm that combined incorporation of mannitol and leucine in NC-DP formulations enhances stability and aerodynamic performance, making it a promising approach for pulmonary drug delivery. Full article

Pulmonary drug delivery presents a promising approach for managing respiratory diseases, enabling localized drug deposition and minimizing systemic side effects. Building upon previous research, this study investigates the cytotoxicity, permeability, and stability of a novel carrier-free dry powder inhaler (DPI) formulation comprising nanosized ketoprofen (KTP) and mannitol (MNT). The formulation was prepared using wet media milling to produce KTP-nanosuspensions, followed by spray drying to achieve combined powders suitable for inhalation. Cell viability and permeability were conducted in both alveolar (A549) and bronchial (CFBE) models. Stability was assessed after storage in hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) capsules under stress conditions (40 °C, 75% RH), as per ICH guidelines. KTP showed good penetration through both models, with lower permeability through the CFBE barrier. The MNT-containing sample (F1) increased permeability by 1.4-fold in A549. All formulations had no effect on cell barrier integrity or viability after the impedance test, confirming their safety. During stability assessment, the particle size remained consistent, and the partially amorphous state of KTP was retained over time. However, moisture absorption induced surface roughening and partial agglomeration, leading to reduced fine particle fraction (FPF) and emitted fraction (EF). Despite these changes, the mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) remained stable, confirming the formulation’s continued applicability for pulmonary delivery. Future research should focus on optimizing excipient content, alternative capsule materials, and storage conditions to mitigate moisture-related issues. Hence, the findings demonstrate that the developed ketoprofen–mannitol DPI retains its quality and performance characteristics over an extended period, making it a viable option for pulmonary drug delivery. Full article

Background/Objectives: Curcumin is well known for its great anti-inflammatory and antioxidant efficacy, representing a potential strategy for the treatment of respiratory disorders. However, several drawbacks, such as chemical instability, poor water solubility and rapid metabolism, result in low bioavailability, limiting its clinical applications. In this study, curcumin nanocrystals were incorporated into mannitol-based microparticles to obtain an inhalable dry powder. Methods: A curcumin nanosuspension was produced by wet-ball media milling and thoroughly characterized. Spray drying was then used to produce mannitol microparticles incorporating curcumin nanocrystals. In vitro release/dissolution tests were carried out in simulated lung fluids, and the aerosolization properties were evaluated using a Next-Generation Impactor (NGI, Apparatus E Ph. Eu.). Results: The incorporation of curcumin nanocrystals into mannitol-based microparticles influenced their morphological properties, such as geometric diameters, and flowability. Despite these changes, nebulization studies confirmed optimal MMAD values (<5 µm), while multi-step dissolution/release studies evidenced the influence of mannitol. Conclusions: The developed curcumin nanocrystals-loaded mannitol microparticles show promise as an inhalable treatment for respiratory diseases, combining effective aerodynamic properties with controlled drug release. Full article

Conventional dry machining (without process media) of carbon fibre composite materials (CFRP) produces tiny chips/dust particles that float in the air and cause health hazards to the machining operator. The present study investigates the effect of cutting conditions (cutting speed, feed per tooth and depth of cut) during CFRP milling on the size, shape and amount of harmful dust particles. For the present study, one type of cutting tool (CVD diamond-coated carbide) was used directly for machining CFRP. The analysis of harmful dust particles was carried out on a Tescan Mira 3 (Tescan, Brno, Czech Republic) scanning electron microscope and a Keyence VK-X 1000 (Keyence, Itasca, IL, USA) confocal microscope. The results show that with the combination of higher feed per tooth (mm) and lower cutting speed, for specific CFRP materials, the size and shape of harmful dust particles is reduced. Particles ranging in size from 2.2 to 99 μm were deposited on the filters. Smaller particles were retained on the tool body (1.7 to 40 μm). Similar particle sizes were deposited on the machine and in the work area. Full article

AISI 5140 steel is an alloy frequently used in the manufacturing and automotive industries. This steel alloy is shaped using different manufacturing methods and cooling is required during this process. This research study included the milling of AISI 5140 steel utilizing various cutting settings and cooling/lubrication procedures. For this purpose, two cutting speeds (75–100 m/min), two feed rates (0.075–0.100 mm/rev), and four cooling media (dry, MQL, flood, nanofluid) were used. Then, 5% Mo nanoparticles were added to the nanofluid cutting fluid. Machinability and power consumption analyses were carried out using the input parameters selected in light of the manufacturer’s recommendations and studies in the literature. The effects of sustainable cutting fluids and their parameters on machinability and power consumption were investigated through experiments. This study concluded that the use of nanofluid led to improvements in surface roughness, flank wear, and power consumption characteristics. It was determined that the flood environment is the most effective in reducing the cutting temperature. As a result, it is predicted that nanofluid cutting fluids can be used during machining. Full article

The damask rose (Rosa damascena Mill.) is an ornamental–medicinal plant from the Rosaceae family, and its aromatic compounds and essential oils are applied globally in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. Due to its economic value, this research aimed to establish a protocol for an efficient, rapid, and cost-effective method for in vitro shoot multiplication and rooting of the R. damascena ‘Kashan’ and ‘Hervy Azerbaijan’ genotypes. Nodal segments (as primary explants) were cultured on the Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with combinations of various plant growth regulators (PGRs) such as gibberellic acid (GA₃), 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), and indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), as well as a PGR-like substance, phloroglucinol (PG), vitamins such as ascorbic acid (AA), and activated carbon in the form of active charcoal (AC). For the establishment stage, 0.1 mg·L⁻¹ PG, 0.2 mg·L⁻¹ GA₃, and 1 mg·L⁻¹ BAP were added to the media. Secondary explants (nodal segments containing axillary buds produced from primary explants) were obtained after 30 days of in vitro culture and transferred to the proliferation media supplemented with different concentrations of BAP (0, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 mg·L⁻¹) and GA₃ (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1 mg·L⁻¹) together with 0.1 mg·L⁻¹ PG and 20 mg·L⁻¹ of AA. The rooting media were augmented with different concentrations of BAP and GA₃ with 0.1 mg·L⁻¹ of IBA, PG and 20 mg·L⁻¹ of AA and AC. The results showed that the highest regeneration coefficient (4.29 and 4.28) and the largest number of leaves (23.33–24.33) were obtained in the explants grown on the medium supplemented with 2 mg·L⁻¹ BAP and 0.4 mg·L⁻¹ GA₃ for the ‘Kashan’ and ‘Hervy Azerbaijan’ genotypes, respectively. Likewise, this PGR combination provided the shortest time until bud break (approximately 6.5 days) and root emergence (approximately 10 days) in both genotypes. The highest number of shoots (4.78 per explant) and roots (3.96) was achieved in this medium in the ‘Kashan’ rose. Stem and root lengths, as well as stem and root fresh and dry weights, were also analyzed. In most measured traits, the lowest values were found in the PGRs-free control medium. Rooted plantlets were transferred to pots filled with perlite and peat moss in a 2:1 proportion and were acclimatized to ambient greenhouse conditions with a mean 90.12% survival rate. This research contributes significantly to our understanding of Damask rose propagation and has practical implications for the cosmetic and ornamental plant industries. By offering insights into the manipulation of regeneration processes, our study opens up new possibilities for the effective production of high-quality plant material. Full article

Hot air-assisted radio frequency (HARF) is considered a rapid heating process. In order to improve the circular economy of agricultural byproducts, this study used different proportions of HARF stabilized rice bran (R) from milling rice, HARF dried ginseng residue (G) from ultrasonic extraction, and peanut residue (P) from HARF roasting and oil extraction as the Hericium erinaceus solid-state fermented media. Then, the whitening effects of water extracts from media and fermented products were analyzed. First, the surface temperature of 1 kg rice bran exceeded 90 °C after 3 min of 5 kW HARF heating, effectively deactivating lipase. The combinations of 1 kg of rice bran with 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 kg of ginseng residue (85% moisture content) were dried using 5 kW HARF. Each of the drying rates was about 27 g/min, and the drying periods were 14, 30, 46, and 62 min, respectively, which were used to reduce the moisture content below 10%. Compared to traditional air drying for ginseng residue, HARF drying may save up to 96% of time and 91% of energy consumption. Then, the ratio of dried R, G, and P was 4:1:1, mixed with 45% moisture as solid-state media for Hericium erinaceus and 5 weeks of cultivation at 25 °C. In comparison to the control group, the water extracts at 100 µg/mL from media R4G1, R4G1P1, and fermented HER4G1P1 products exhibited tyrosinase inhibition of 29.7%, 52.4%, and 50.7%, respectively. These extracts also reduced the relative melanin area of 78 hpf zebrafish embryos by 21.57%, 40.20%, and 58.03%, respectively. Therefore, HARF can quickly dry agricultural byproducts as media for Hericium erinaceus solid-state fermentation while also providing a significant whitening effect for cosmetic applications. Full article

Pulmonary inflammations such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis are widespread and can be fatal, especially when they are characterized by abnormal mucus accumulation. Inhaled corticosteroids are commonly used for lung inflammations despite their considerable side effects. By utilizing particle engineering techniques, a combined dry powder inhaler (DPI) comprising nanosized ketoprofen-embedded mannitol-coated microparticles was developed. A nanoembedded microparticle system means a novel advance in pulmonary delivery by enhancing local pulmonary deposition while avoiding clearance mechanisms. Ketoprofen, a poorly water-soluble anti-inflammatory drug, was dispersed in the stabilizer solution and then homogenized by ultraturrax. Following this, a ketoprofen-containing nanosuspension was produced by wet-media milling. Furthermore, co-spray drying was conducted with L-leucine (dispersity enhancer) and mannitol (coating and mucuactive agent). Particle size, morphology, dissolution, permeation, viscosity, in vitro and in silico deposition, cytotoxicity, and anti-inflammatory effect were investigated. The particle size of the ketoprofen-containing nanosuspension was ~230 nm. SEM images of the spray-dried powder displayed wrinkled, coated, and nearly spherical particles with a final size of ~2 µm (nano-in-micro), which is optimal for pulmonary delivery. The mannitol-containing samples decreased the viscosity of 10% mucin solution. The results of the mass median aerodynamic diameter (2.4–4.5 µm), fine particle fraction (56–71%), permeation (five-fold enhancement), and dissolution (80% release in 5 min) confirmed that the system is ideal for local inhalation. All samples showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect and decreased IL-6 on the LPS-treated U937 cell line with low cytotoxicity. Hence, developing an innovative combined DPI comprising ketoprofen and mannitol by employing a nano-in-micro approach is a potential treatment for lung inflammations. Full article