Search Results (70)

Solid–liquid phase-change materials (PCMs) have attracted considerable attention in heat energy storage due to their appropriate phase-transition temperatures and high thermal storage density. The primary issues that need to be addressed in the wide application of traditional PCMs are easy leakage during solid–liquid phase transitions, low thermal conductivity, and poor energy conversion function. The heat transfer properties of PCMs can be improved by compounding with carbon materials. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are widely used in PCMs for heat storage because of their high thermal conductivity, strong electrical conductivity, and high chemical stability. This study investigates the thermal properties of 1-octadecanol (OD) modified with different diameters and amounts of CNTs using the melt blending method and the ultrasonic dispersion method. The aim is to enhance thermal conductivity while minimizing latent heat loss. The physical phase, microstructure, phase-change temperature, phase-transition enthalpy, thermal stability, and thermal conductivity of the OD/CNTs CPCMs were systematically studied using XRD, FTIR, SEM, DSC, and Hot Disk. Moreover, the heat charging and releasing performance of the OD/CNTs CPCMs was investigated through heat charging and releasing experiments, and the relationship among the composition–structure–performance of the CPCMs was established. Full article

The objective of the current research is to investigate the role of Neusilin US2 as a porous carrier for improving the drug loading and stability of Ezetimibe (EZB) by hot melt extrusion (HME). The amorphous solid dispersions (ASDs) were developed from 10–40% of drug loading using Kollidon VA 64 (Copovidone) as a polymer matrix and Neusilin US2 as a porous carrier. The solid-state characterization of EZB was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The formulation blends were characterized for flow properties, and CTC (compressibility, tabletability, compactibility) profile. The in-vitro drug release profiles were studied in 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.2). The incorporation of Neusilin US2 has facilitated the development of ASDs up to 40% of drug loading. The CTC profile has demonstrated excellent tabletability for the ternary (EZB, copovidone and Neusilin) dispersions over binary dispersion (EZB and copovidone) formulations. The tablet formulations with binary (20%) and ternary (30% and 40%) dispersions have demonstrated complete dissolution of the drug in 30 min in 0.1 N HCl (pH 1.2). The incorporation of copovidone has prevented the recrystallization of the drug in the solution state. Upon storage of formulations at accelerated conditions, the stability of ternary dispersion tablets was preserved attributing to the entrapment of the drug within Neusilin pores thereby inhibiting molecular mobility. Based on the observations, the current research concludes that it is feasible to incorporate Neusilin US2 to improve the drug loading and stability of ASD systems. Full article

The immiscibility of thermoplastic starch (TPS) and polybutylene succinate (PBS) complicates the thermal processing of these materials. This study provides the first comparative assessment of two compatibilizers with differing reaction mechanisms, Joncryl^® ADR 4468 and epoxidized linseed oil (ELO), for the optimization of biobased TPS/PBS blends. A total of 13 batches, varying in compatibilizer and blend composition, were processed via hot melt extrusion and injection molding to produce pellets. Blends were analyzed using tensile and impact testing, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), rheology, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The findings suggest that both compatibilizers can improve the compatibility of these blends, as evidenced by higher glass transition temperatures (T_g) compared to the reference batch (100-0-N/A). Joncryl^® ADR 4468 batches exhibit superior tensile strength and Young’s moduli, while ELO batches demonstrate greater elongation at break. The enhanced processability observed in Joncryl^® ADR 4468 is attributed to the increased polymer chain entanglement and molecular weight, whereas ELO facilitates greater chain mobility due to its plasticizing effect. These differences arise from the distinct mechanisms of action: Joncryl^® ADR 4468 promotes chain extension and crosslinking, whereas ELO mainly enhances flexibility through plasticization. Overall, this study provides a comparative assessment of these compatibilizers in TPS/PBS blends, laying the groundwork for future investigations into optimizing compatibilizer concentration and blend composition. Full article

Unlike the hot-melting processing of thermoplastic plastics, the processing of starch-based material relies on the addition of solvents, resulting in their low productivity, hindering large-scale industrialized production. A strategy to realize the high production efficiency of starch-based material, an environmentally friendly modification process without waste liquid generation, was designed to prepare a hot-melting starch (HMS) that can be repeatedly hot melted. Ball milling, enzymatic digestion, and deep eutectic solvent (DES) plasticization modification were combined to prepare the HMS. Ball milling destroyed the starch’s particles and the crystallinity, exposing the hydroxyl group, which allowed amylase to achieve enzymatic hydrolysis more easily. After enzymatic hydrolysis, the molecular chains of modified starch were shortened and the entanglement of molecular chains was reduced, which promoted the slip of molecular chains. The plasticization of DES, which promoted by the broken starch particles and the destroyed crystal structure, formed stronger hydrogen bonds and facilitated hot melting. Furthermore, due to the excellent hot-melting properties, HMS can be combined with sisal fiber and polycaprolactone (PCL) under solvent-free conditions. The tensile strength of HMS/sisal fiber/PCL was increased by 109%; meanwhile, the water contact angle was stabilized at 104°, when the blending ratio of hot-melting starch was 67.5% compared with HMS. Full article

As the severe environmental impacts of plastic pollution demand determined action, the European Union (EU) has included recycling at the core of its policies. Consequently, evolving jurisdiction now aims to achieve a recycling rate of 65% for non-PET plastic bottles by 2040. However, the widespread use of post-consumer high-density polyethylene (rPE-HD) recyclates in household chemical containers is still limited by PP contamination, poor mechanical properties, and low environmental stress cracking resistance (ESCR). Although previous studies have explored the improvement of regranulate properties through additives, few have examined whether reducing the variety of extrusion blow-moulded PE-HD packaging could offer similar benefits. Therefore, two sorted fractions of rPE-HD hollow bodies were processed into regranulates under industrial conditions, including hot washing, extrusion, and deodorisation. Subsequently, both materials underwent comprehensive characterisation regarding their composition and performance. The opaque material, which was sourced from milk bottles in the UK, exhibited greater homogeneity with minor impurities, leading to improved ductility and melt strain hardening at moderate strain rates compared to the mixed material stream, which contained approximately 2.5% PP contamination. However, both rPE-HD recyclates exhibited similar short-term creep behaviour, relatively low strain hardening moduli, and were almost devoid of inorganic particles. Considering the sum of the investigated properties, melt blending with suitable virgin material is likely one of the most effective options to maximise regranulate utilisation in hollow bodies, followed by recycling-oriented packaging design (e.g., for efficient sorting), and the employment of advanced sorting technology. Full article

The iron and steel industry, as a major energy consumer, was critically required to enhance operational efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions. Conventional blast furnace processing of vanadium–titanium magnetite (VTM) in China had been associated with persistent challenges, including suboptimal TiO₂ recovery rates (<50%) and elevated carbon intensity (the optimal temperature range for TiO₂ recovery lies within 1400–1500 °C). Shaft furnace technology has emerged as a low-carbon alternative, offering accelerated reduction kinetics, operational flexibility, and reduced environmental impact. This study evaluated the low-carbon PLCsmelt process for VTM smelting through energy–mass balance modeling, comparing two gas-recycling configurations. The process integrates a pre-reduction shaft furnace and a melting furnace, where oxidized pellets are initially reduced to direct reduced iron (DRI) before being smelted into hot metal. In Route 1, CO₂ emissions of 472.59 Nm³/tHM were generated by pre-reduction gas (1600 Nm³/tHM, 64.73% CO, and 27.17% CO₂) and melting furnace top gas (93.98% CO). Route 2 incorporated hydrogen-rich gas through the blending of coke oven gas with recycled streams, achieving a 56.8% reduction in CO₂ emissions (204.20 Nm³/tHM) and altering the pre-reduction top gas composition to 24.88% CO and 40.30% H₂. Elevating the pre-reduction gas flow in Route 2 resulted in increased CO concentrations in the reducing gas (34.56% to 37.47%) and top gas (21.89% to 26.49%), while gas distribution rebalancing reduced melting furnace top gas flow from 261.03 to 221.93 Nm³/tHM. The results demonstrated that the PLCsmelt process significantly lowered carbon emissions without compromising metallurgical efficiency (CO₂ decreased about 74.48% compared with traditional blast furnace which was 800 Nm³/tHM), offering a viable pathway for sustainable VTM utilization. Full article

Poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) is a promising degradable polymer for replacing non-degradable traditional plastics to mitigate pollution. However, its low softening temperature and poor hardness impede its application. Herein, PBAT and stereocomplex polylactide (sc-PLA) blends were fabricated through a melt-blending process to balance the heat resistance and mechanical strength of PBAT in this research. The effects of the PLA content and hot embossing temperature on the blend properties were comprehensively investigated. The results demonstrate that the sc-crystal content in the PBAT/sc-PLA blend increased by 493% as the PLA content rose from 10% to 30%. The blend with 15% PLLA and 15% PDLA, hot embossed at 190 °C, exhibited the highest sc-PLA crystallinity of 23.3% and the largest fraction of sc-crystallites at 66%, leading to the optimal comprehensive performance. Its Vicat softening temperature (VST) reached 92.2 °C, and a nonlinear increase trend in accordance with the power-law model between VST and the mass ratio of sc-crystal was obtained. Compared with the mechanical properties of neat PBAT, a maximum tensile yield stress of 9.7 MPa and a Young’s modulus of 82.5 MPa were achieved and improved approximately by 107% and 361%, respectively. This research offers an effective strategy for synergistically enhancing the heat resistance and mechanical strength of PBAT. Full article

Mangosteen seed fat (MSF), a novel tropical seed fat, predominantly comprises 1,3-distearoyl-2-linoleoyl-glycerol (StLSt) and 1,3-distearoyl-2-oleoyl-glycerol (StOSt). The fat was blended with cocoa butter (CB) in proportions of 5%, 25% and 60% in the present study, and the binary blends achieved acceptable miscibility. It was indicated that StLSt could be mixed well with the symmetrical monounsaturated triacylglycerols in CB, especially StOSt, 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-3-stearoyl-glycerol (POSt) and 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycerol (POP). Although the solid fat contents of the binary blends gradually decreased with the addition of MSF, which resulted from low-melting triacylglycerols in MSF, the well-compatible fat matrix contributed to keeping their desirable melting behaviors and hardness at hot temperatures. A chocolate fat bloom test showed that replacing CB with 25–60% MSF improved fat-bloom-resistant stabilities effectively. The effective steric hindrance of StLSt crystals may improve fat compatibilities and further delay liquid–oil migration and recrystallization in chocolates during temperature fluctuations. Full article

In recent years, with the increasing patient population, the need for complex and patient-centric medications has increased enormously. Traditional manufacturing techniques such as direct blending, high shear granulation, and dry granulation can be used to develop simple solid oral medications. However, it is well known that “one size fits all” is not true for pharmaceutical medicines. Depending on the age, sex, and disease state, each patient might need a different dose, combination of medicines, and drug release pattern from the medications. By employing traditional practices, developing patient-centric medications remains challenging and unaddressed. Over the last few years, much research has been conducted exploring various additive manufacturing techniques for developing on-demand, complex, and patient-centric medications. Among all the techniques, nozzle-based additive manufacturing platforms such as pressure-assisted microsyringe (PAM) and fused deposition modeling (FDM) have been investigated thoroughly to develop various medications. Both nozzle-based techniques involve the application of thermal energy. However, PAM can also be operated under ambient conditions to process semi-solid materials. Nozzle-based techniques can also be paired with the hot melt extrusion (HME) process for establishing a continuous manufacturing platform by employing various in-line process analytical technology (PAT) tools for monitoring critical process parameters (CPPs) and critical material attributes (CMAs) for delivering safe, efficacious, and quality medications to the patient population without compromising critical quality attributes (CQAs). This review covers an in-depth discussion of various critical parameters and their influence on product quality, along with a note on the continuous manufacturing process, quality by design, and future perspectives. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study evaluates the efficacy of twin screw melt granulation (TSMG), and hot-melt extrusion (HME) techniques in enhancing the solubility and dissolution of simvastatin (SIM), a poorly water-soluble drug with low bioavailability. Additionally, the study explores the impact of binary polymer blends on the drug’s miscibility, solubility, and in vitro release profile. Methods: SIM was processed with various polymeric combinations at a 30% w/w drug load, and a 1:1 ratio of binary polymer blends, including Soluplus^® (SOP), Kollidon^® K12 (K12), Kollidon^® VA64 (KVA), and Kollicoat^® IR (KIR). The solid dispersions were characterized using modulated differential scanning calorimetry (M-DSC), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Dissolution studies compared the developed formulations against a marketed product. Results: The SIM-SOP/KIR blend showed the highest solubility (34 µg/mL), achieving an approximately 5.5-fold enhancement over the pure drug. Dissolution studies showed that SIM-SOP/KIR formulations had significantly higher release profiles than the physical mixture (PM) and pure drug (p < 0.01). Additionally, their release was similar to a marketed formulation, with 100% drug release within 30 min. In contrast, the SIM-K12/KIR formulation exhibited strong miscibility, but limited solubility and slower release rates, suggesting that high miscibility does not necessarily correlate with improved solubility. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the effectiveness of TSMG, and HME as effective continuous manufacturing technologies for improving the therapeutic efficacy of poorly water-soluble drugs. It also emphasizes the complexity of polymer–drug interactions and the necessity of carefully selecting compatible polymers to optimize the quality and performance of pharmaceutical formulations. Full article

The introduction of Diels–Alder (D-A) bonds into epoxy resins is a promising pathway to convert these unrecyclable materials into sustainable materials. However, D-A bonds make epoxy resins extremely brittle materials and hinder their practical usability. Nonetheless, the reversibility of D-A bonds allows the transition of the material to a de-crosslinked network formed by separated oligomers that can melt above 90–100 °C. This means that D-A epoxy resins can be reprocessed after being cured like thermoplastics. In the present work, a thermoset blend is made by adding spent epoxy particles to a D-A epoxy resin to increase its thermal and mechanical properties and to evaluate a possible reuse of conventional thermoset wastes. The application of hot-pressing to a mixture of epoxy particles and powder of cured D-A epoxy creates a material in which the interaction of the particles with the D-A resin increases the thermal resistance of the material and prevents the D-A epoxy from melting at high temperatures. In addition, the flexural strength is increased by 80% and the chemical resistance against organic solvents is also improved. Full article

This research work dives into the complexity of hot-melt extrusion (HME) and its influence on drug stability, focusing on solid dispersions containing 30% of glibenclamide and three 50:50 polymer blends. The polymers used in the study are Ethocel Standard 10 Premium, Kollidon SR and Affinisol HPMC HME 4M. Glibenclamide solid dispersions are characterized using thermal analyses (thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry), X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. This study reveals the transformation of glibenclamide into impurity A during the HME process using mass spectrometry and TGA. Thus, it enables the quantification of the extent of degradation. Furthermore, this work shows how polymer–polymer blend matrices exert an impact on process parameters, the active pharmaceutical ingredient’s physical state, and drug release behavior. In vitro dissolution studies show that the polymeric matrices investigated provide extended drug release (over 24 h), mainly dictated by the polymer’s chemical nature. This paper highlights how glibenclamide is degraded during HME and how polymer selection crucially affects the sustained release dynamics. Full article

Background: Pazopanib hydrochloride (PZB) is a protein kinase inhibitor approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration and European agencies for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma and other renal malignancies. However, it exhibits poor aqueous solubility and inconsistent oral drug absorption. In this regard, the current research work entails the development and evaluation of the extrudates of pazopanib hydrochloride by the hot-melt extrusion (HME) technique for solubility enhancement and augmenting oral bioavailability. Results: Solid dispersion of the drug was prepared using polymers such as Kollidon VA64, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), Eudragit EPO, and Affinisol 15LV in a 1:2 ratio by the HME process through a lab-scale 18 mm extruder. Systematic optimization of the formulation variables was carried out with the help of custom screening design (JMP Software by SAS, Version 14.0) to study the impact of polymer type and plasticizer level on the quality of extrudate processability by measuring the torque value, appearance, and disintegration time as the responses. The polymer blends containing Kollidon VA64 and Affinisol 15LV resulted in respective clear transparent extrudates, while Eudragit EPO and HPMC extrudates were found to be opaque white and brownish, respectively. Furthermore, evaluation of the impact of process parameters such as screw rpm and barrel temperature was measured using a definitive screening design on the extrude appearance, torque, disintegration time, and dissolution profile. Based on the statistical outcomes, it can be concluded that barrel temperature has a significant impact on torque, disintegration time, and dissolution at 30 min, while screw speed has an insignificant impact on the response variables. Affinisol extrudates showed less moisture uptake and faster dissolution in comparison to Kollidon VA64 extrudates. Affinisol extrudates were evaluated for polymorphic stability up to a 3-month accelerated condition and found no recrystallization. PZB–Extrudates using the Affinisol polymer (Test formulation A) revealed significantly higher bioavailability (AUC) in comparison to the free Pazopanib drug and marketed formulation. Full article

The co-administration of curcumin and hesperetin might be beneficial in terms of neuroprotective activity; therefore, in this study, we attempted to develop a fixed-dose formulation comprising these two compounds in an amorphous state. The aim of obtaining an amorphous state was to overcome the limitations of the low solubility of the active compounds. First, we assessed the possibility of using popular sweeteners (erythritol, xylitol, and sorbitol) as plasticizers to reduce the glass transition temperature of PVP K30 to prepare the polymer–excipient blends, which allowed the preparation of amorphous solid dispersions via hot-melt extrusion at a temperature below the original glass transition of PVP K30. Erythritol proved to be the superior plasticizer. Then, we focused on the development of fixed-dose amorphous solid dispersions of curcumin and hesperetin. Powder X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis confirmed the amorphous character of dispersions, whereas infrared spectroscopy helped to assess the presence of intermolecular interactions. The amorphous state of the produced dispersions was maintained for 6 months, as shown in a stability study. Pharmaceutical parameters such as dissolution rate, solubility, and in vitro permeability through artificial membranes were evaluated. The best improvement in these features was noted for the dispersion, which contained 15% of the total content of the active compounds with erythritol used as the plasticizer. Full article

To enrich the properties of polylactic acid (PLA)-based composite films and improve the base degradability, in this study, a certain amount of poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) was added to PLA-based composite films, and PLA/PPC-based composite films were prepared by melt blending and hot-press molding. The effects of the introduction of PPC on the composite films were analyzed through in-depth studies on mechanical properties, water vapor and oxygen transmission rates, thermal analysis, compost degradability, and bacterial inhibition properties of the composite films. When the introduction ratio coefficient of PPC was 30%, the tensile strength of the composite film increased by 19.68%, the water vapor transmission coefficient decreased by 14.43%, and the oxygen transmission coefficient decreased by 18.31% compared to that of the composite film without PPC, the cold crystallization temperature of the composite film increased gradually from 96.9 °C to 104.8 °C, and PPC improved the crystallization ability of composite film. The degradation rate of the composite film with PPC increased significantly compared to the previous one, and the degradation rate increased with the increase in the PPC content. The degradation rate was 49.85% and 46.22% faster on average than that of the composite film without PPC when the degradation was carried out over 40 and 80 days; the composite film had certain inhibition, and the maximum diameter of the inhibition circle was 2.42 cm. This study provides a strategy for the development of PLA-based biodegradable laminates, which can promote the application of PLA-based laminates in food packaging. Full article