Search Results (40)

Low-voltage primary batteries broadly power small electronics used in health, biomedical, and wearable applications. These devices are generally more sensitive to volumetric capacity than gravimetric capacity. The current state-of-the-art button battery is Zn-Ag₂O, where contributors that limit volumetric capacity include the incorporation of inactive materials in the electrode microstructure such as gelling agents, binders, and conductive additives. Herein, cathode materials of CuO and FeS₂ will be described for small form factor coin/button cells. When paired with Li metal anodes, the operating voltage is similar to Zn-Ag₂O. The key innovation is that they will be processed into all-active-material (AAM) electrode architectures, where the electrodes will comprise only electroactive materials and pores that are filled with electrolyte during cell fabrication. The AAM architecture significantly enhanced electroactive material volume utilization, and thus volumetric capacity. FeS₂ and CuO were processed into AAM electrodes under various processing conditions, and Li-FeS₂ and Li-CuO primary batteries were fabricated and evaluated. At the cell level, volumetric capacity of 1300 mAh cm⁻³ was achieved, and in a button cell form factor 395/927, nearly 100 mAh was delivered, which compares favorably with commercially available options, which typically range from 27 to 55 mAh. Full article

The effect of mixed soy and whey protein in the matrix on properties and digestion characteristics of emulsion-filled gels was investigated. Different matrix protein concentrations (8–14%) with a composite soy and whey protein (SW) ratio of 5:5 were screened using gel hardness. The better-performing gel (13%) was selected for matrix composition studies. Soy and whey composite protein mixed at different ratios (S/W = 0/10, 3/7, 5/5, 7/3, and 10/0) was dispersed into another soy-whey (S/W = 6/4) composite emulsion and gelled thermally. Different hybrid protein ratios in the matrix can alter the textural and rheological properties and, consequently, the digestion kinetics of mixed plant-animal gel systems. The storage modulus was highest at an S/W ratio of 0/10. The hardness of gel with the S/W ratio matrix of 0/10 was 3.10 and 9.60 times higher than that of 5/5 and 10/0 (p < 0.05). The SW ratio did not affect water-holding capacity or springiness (p > 0.05). All the gels had swelling ability below 10% except SW 10/0 (around 60%). Gels with an S/W of 5/5 exhibited a lower hydrolysis degree and rate during gastric digestion, while the reverse occurred during intestinal digestion. The compact gel network might limit pepsin’s accessibility to cleavage sites. Full article

This study investigates the development of sustainable PVC-based composites filled with surface-modified wood flour for potential use in modern, energy-efficient building systems. The aim was to enhance the mechanical performance, thermal stability, and interfacial compatibility of PVC plastisols by incorporating fine- and coarse-grained coniferous wood flour modified with silane and surfactants. Composites were formulated using emulsion PVC (Vinnolit E-2059), bis(2-ethylhexyl) adipate as a plasticizer, and MARK-17 MOK as a thermal stabilizer, and were gelled under pressure at 150 °C. Their physical, mechanical, structural, and thermal characteristics were evaluated using density and hardness measurements, SEM, thermomechanical analysis, DMA, and TGA. The results demonstrated that composites containing fine-grained, silane-treated wood flour (Lignocel C-120) exhibited the most advantageous balance of stiffness, elasticity, and thermal resistance, attributable to improved polymer–wood interfacial adhesion. The findings confirm the potential of modified wood flour as an effective bio-based filler enabling the design of durable, thermally stable coating and insulating materials with reduced environmental impact. The proposed composites may serve as protective, bonding, or insulating layers in sustainable construction, supporting the development of innovative, wood-based materials for low-carbon building applications. Full article

Hydrogen peroxide is a promising oxidizer and monopropellant for space propulsion, offering a green alternative to conventional propellants. In combination with microencapsulated hydrocarbon fuels, a new type of monopropellant can be formed that unites the high specific impulse of a bipropellant with the efficient hardware of a monopropellant. However, the stabilization of these microcapsule/hydrogen peroxide mixtures is problematic as they tend to separate after a short period of time. This work uses organic gelling agents to stabilize these mixtures by creating hydrogen peroxide gels. For this, the compatibility of hydrogen peroxide with several gelling agents was investigated and found to be suitable. Next, the dispersion stability of microcapsule/gel dispersions was examined and showed no sign of destabilization over four weeks or at high accelerations at 50× g in the centrifuge, even with gelling agent concentrations as low as 0.1%. A formulation with a polyacrylic acid-based gelling agent at a concentration of 0.3% showed favorable characteristics and good processability. Together with a subsequent rheological characterization of the gels, these results are critical for the further development of the fuel-filled microcapsule/hydrogen peroxide monopropellant. The hydrogen peroxide gel formulations developed in this study could also have potential applications beyond the scope of this work. Full article

Porous ceramics have been widely used in various fields. In this paper, porous ceramics with through-hole structures were prepared using a novel and eco-friendly gel casting method with carrageenan as the gelling agent. Especially, the idea of large size particle stacking is introduced into the gel casting process. By introducing large size alumina aggregates as raw materials, and small size micropowders as filling materials, micropores were directly formed after the green body was sintered. To tune the pore size, pore structure, gas permeability, the strength of the final porous ceramics, the components of the raw materials including the alumina aggregates, the filling materials, and sintering additives in the slurry were precisely designed. Porous Al₂O₃-based ceramics with high gas permeability, high flexural strength, and moderate porosity were finally obtained. Full article

Lost circulation has become one of the important problems restricting the speed and efficiency of oil and gas drilling and production. To address severe drilling fluid losses in high-temperature fractured formations during deep/ultra-deep well drilling, this study developed a high-temperature and high-strength gelled resin gel plugging system through optimized resin matrix selection, latent curing agent, flow regulator, filling material, etc. Comparative analysis of five thermosetting resins revealed urea-formaldehyde resin as the optimal matrix, demonstrating complete curing at 100–140 °C with a compressive strength of 9.3 MPa. An organosilicon crosslsinker-enabled water-soluble urea-formaldehyde resin achieved controlled solubility and flow–cure balance under elevated temperatures. Orthogonal experiments identified that a 10% latent curing agent increased compressive strength to 6.26 MPa while precisely regulating curing time to 2–2.5 h. Incorporating 0.5% rheological modifier imparted shear-thinning and static-thickening behaviors, synergizing pumpability with formation retention. The optimal formula (25% urea-formaldehyde resin, 10% latent curing agent, 10% high-fluid-loss filler, 0.5% rheological modifier) exhibited superior thermal stability (initial decomposition temperature 241 °C) and mechanical integrity (bearing pressure 13.95 MPa in 7 mm wedge-shaped fractures at 140 °C). Microstructural characterization confirmed interlocking crystalline layers through ether-bond crosslinking, providing critical insights for high-temperature wellbore stabilization. Full article

Background/Objectives: Inhaler devices have been developed for the effective delivery of inhaled medications used in the treatment of pulmonary diseases. However, differing operating procedures across the devices can lead to user errors and reduce treatment efficacy, especially when patients use multiple devices simultaneously. To address this, we developed a novel dry powder inhaler (DPI), combining fluticasone propionate (FP), salmeterol xinafoate (SX), and tiotropium bromide (TB) into a single device designed for bioequivalent delivery compared to existing commercial products in an animal model. Methods: The micronized FP/SX/TB-loaded capsule was prepared by sieving, blending, and filling capsules. Capsule suitability of the drugs was investigated from the comparison of the stability of drugs within various capsule formulations to that of commercial products. The particle size of the drugs was adjusted using spiral air jet milling, and the ratio of lactose hydrate carriers was optimized by comparing the aerodynamic particle size distribution (APSD) with that of commercial products. To investigate the bioequivalence of micronized FP/SX/TB-loaded DPI to commercial products, the dissolution profile of FP/SX/TB particles and pharmacokinetics in rats were evaluated and compared to commercial products. Results: Capsules with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) without a gelling agent showed superior stability of the drugs compared to commercial products. The deposition pattern was influenced by the particle size of the drugs, and fine particle mass exhibited a significant correlation with the amount of fine carrier. Micronized FP/SX/TB-loaded DPI gave a similar APSD and dissolution profile compared to the commercial products and showed dose uniformity by the DPI device. Furthermore, micronized FP/SX/TB-loaded DPI exhibited bioequivalence to commercial products, as evidenced by no significant differences in pharmacokinetic parameters following intratracheal administration in rats. Conclusions: A novel triple-combination DPI containing FP/SX/TB was successfully developed, demonstrating comparable pharmacological performance to commercial products. Optimized FP/SX/TB-loaded DPI with HPMC capsule achieved bioequivalence in rat studies, suggesting its potential for improved patient compliance and therapeutic outcomes. This novel single-device DPI offers a promising alternative for triple therapy in pulmonary diseases. Full article

Soy protein isolate (SPI) possesses potential gelling properties, making it suitable for gel-based applications. However, the gel network stability and mechanical properties of SPI are relatively poor and can be improved through modifications or by combining it with other polymers, such as Konjac Glucomannan (KGM). Combining SPI with KGM can overcome the poor gel network stability and mechanical properties of SPI, but it reduces the water-absorbing capacity of the gel network after drying, which affects the quality characteristics of plant-based protein rehydrated foods and limits the economic feasibility of soy protein foods. In this study, SPI and KGM are the main research objects. By using the alkali method to construct SPI/KGM dry gels with good gel properties, the influence of different ultrasonic powers on the rehydration kinetics and performance changes of SPI/KGM dry gels is examined. The speed and state of water entering the pores are simulated by constructing different pore-size capillary filling models, and the rehydration mechanism of the gel is elucidated. This study provides research ideas and a theoretical basis for the application of ultrasonic wave technology in the study of dry product rehydration performance. Full article

This paper investigates the flow performance and mechanical properties of underground gelled filling materials made from potash mine tailings, using lime as a gel. It demonstrates the feasibility of using lime as a gel, potash mine tailings as aggregate, and replacing water with potash mine tailings to create filling materials that meet design requirements for flow and compressive strength. The role of lime in the hardening process is explored through X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and infrared analysis. Results show that hydration products vary with lime dosage. With 9% lime (L9), the products are primarily ghiaraite (CaCl₂·4H₂O) and carnallite (KMgCl₃·6H₂O); with 5% lime (L5), tachyhydrite (CaMg₂Cl₆·12H₂O) predominates, along with minor amounts of antarcticite (CaCl₂·6H₂O) and korshunovskite (Mg₂Cl(OH)₃·4H₂O); and with 2.6% lime (L2.6), the products include tachyhydrite, ghiaraite, bischofite (MgCl₂·6H₂O), and korshunovskite. These hydration products form a dense, interwoven structure, enhancing the strength of the filling material. This study offers a theoretical foundation for using lime gel as a filling material in potash mining, with significant implications for sustainable mining practices. Full article

Gummy formulations are defined as gradually or slowly released solid oral dosage forms. Risperidone is an atypical antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia and autism-related irritability. This study presents the development of visually appealing, patient-tailored medicated gummies that act as a novel pharmaceutical form of Risperidone for pediatrics. In this study, two gummy bases were used, one containing Glucomannan and the other containing Gelatin as a gelling agent, where these gummy bases were loaded with coated Risperidone pellets with a controlled release layer. The final products were evaluated for their pH, viscosity, content uniformity, drug content, and dissolution profile. Both formulas showed proper rheology and met content and weight uniformity standards. The release rates for F1 and F2 in the acidic media were 25% and 11%, respectively, after 2 h. At the same time, a full-release profile for Risperidone was noticed in both formulae at pH 6.8 where the release lasts for 24 h. It can be concluded that the chewable semi-solid dosages (gummies) filled with coated pellets are suitable for pediatric patients since pediatrics have drug-related problems which can be solved using high gastro-resistance coated pellets, which also shows a proper release profile for the drug. Full article

The main purpose of this research is to develop a solid waste-based cementitious material (SWC) instead of cement for solidifying a large amount of marine soft soil with high water content and low bearing capacity in coastal areas. This aims to solve the problems encountered in the practical application of cement soil, such as slow strength growth and poor durability. The SWC includes ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), dust ash (DA), and activated cinder powder (ACP), with admixtures of naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensate (NS) and compound salt early strength agent (SA). Both the 7 d and 28 d compressive strength values of the SWC formulations G4 and G7 are about twice as strong as those of cement soil (GC), even when mixed with seawater. Immersion tests revealed that stabilized soil had superior resistance to seawater corrosion compared to cement soil. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis explained that the main hydration products in cement soil are C-S-H and CH, while in stabilized soil, SWC generates a large amount of C-A-S-H with gelling properties and AFt with filling properties. These hydration products have better effects on strength and seawater erosion resistance. Full article

The present study aimed to investigate the properties of calcium-rich soy protein isolate (SPI) gels (14% SPI; 100 mM CaCl₂), the effects of incorporating different concentrations locust bean gum (LBG) (0.1–0.3%, w/v) to the systems and the stability of the obtained gels. Also, the incorporation of solid lipid microparticles (SLMs) was tested as an alternative strategy to improve the system’s stability and, therefore, potential to be applied as a product prototype. The gels were evaluated regarding their visual aspect, rheological properties, water-holding capacities (WHCs) and microstructural organizations. The CaCl₂-induced gels were self-supported but presented low WHC (40.0% ± 2.2) which was improved by LBG incorporation. The obtained mixed system, however, presented low stability, with high syneresis after 10 days of storage, due to microstructural compaction. The gels’ stability was improved by SLM incorporation, which decreased the gelled matrices’ compaction and syneresis for more than 20 days. Even though the rheological properties of the emulsion-filled gels (EFGs) were very altered due to the ageing process (which may affect the sensory perception of a future food originated from this EFG), the incorporation of SLMs increased the systems potential to be applied as a calcium-rich product prototype. Full article

In order to improve the plugging performance of high-temperature and high-salt oil reservoir plugging agents, this paper utilizes a copolymer composed of acrylamide and 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (AM/AMPS) as the polymer, polyethyleneimine as the cross-linking agent, and nylon fiber as the stabilizer to develop a high-temperature- and high-salt-resistant gel system. This study analyzed and evaluated the temperature resistance, salt resistance and blocking performance of the gel system. The evaluation results show that the gel-forming strength of this gel system can reach an H level, and it has good thermal stability at the high temperature of 130 °C. At the high salinity of 240,720 mg/L, the syneresis rate remains below 2.5%, and the gel-forming time is greater than 15 h; the higher the temperature, the shorter the gelling time. The results of our sand-filled pipe-plugging experiment show that the gel system can adapt to sand-filled pipes with different levels of permeability, and reaching a plugging rate of 94%. Full article

The low-permeability argillaceous rock mass is an unfavorable geological body commonly found in the construction process of underground engineering conditions such as roadways and tunnels. Due to the compact structure and low permeability of the rock mass, grouting with conventional materials cannot effectively seal the micro-cracks of the rock mass. Based on the low efficiency of high-pressure grouting of nano-silica sol, this paper preliminarily explores the regularities and mechanism of grouting and pore sealing of low-permeability rock mass under the action of silica sol imbibition from the aspects of gelling properties of silica sol, core pore structure, imbibition law, and pore sealing characteristics. The results show the following: (1) The increase in particle size during the gel process reduced the injectability and wettability of the silica sol. The imbibition properties of silica sol were time-varying, and the deterioration inflection points of injectability and wettability appeared at 10 h and 9 h, respectively. (2) Catalyst, temperature, gel process, and rock mass permeability will affect the law of core imbibition, and the injectability and capillary force of the grouting material and rock mass will jointly affect the imbibition process of silica sol. (3) Silica sol imbibition changed the pore size distribution of the core, the pore volume above 50 nm decreased, and the pore volume below 50 nm increased. Silica sol has multiple effects such as filling, adsorption, and percolation in the imbibition process of the micro-pores of rock mass, and the adsorption and percolation of silica are related to the nano micro-pores. Full article

The present study investigated the potential use of blackmouth catshark (Galeus melastomus) skins for gelatin production by employing a combined alkaline and acidic process. The yield of dry gelatin was relatively high (13.95%), showing a high protein content (87.80%), but low moisture (10.64%), ash (1.34%) and lipid (0.03%) contents, on a wet weight basis. Fish skin gelatin showed better color properties (>L*, <+b* values) than porcine skin gelatin and exhibited similar gel strength (315.4 g) and higher viscosity (5.90 cP) than the latter (p < 0.05). Although the electrophoretic study revealed that fish skin gelatin was degraded to a lesser extent than its mammalian counterpart, the resulting fish skin gelatin gels melted at a significantly lower temperature (T_m = 21.5 °C), whereas the reverse process (i.e., gelling) also occurred at a lower temperature (T_s = 10.6 °C) and required more time (t_s = 29.5 min) compared to porcine skin gelatin gels (T_m = 30.4 °C, T_s = 19.4 °C and t_s = 20.7 min). These differences were attributed to the different imino acid content, which was greater in mammalian gelatin (p < 0.05). The results suggested that the skins from blackmouth catshark can be potentially used as an alternative raw material for gelatin production, which will fill the needs of more diverse cultures that do not consume pork- or cow-related products. Full article