A 3D Printed Composite Scaffold Loaded with Clodronate to Regenerate Osteoporotic Bone: In Vitro Characterization

Additive manufacturing (AM) is changing our current approach to the clinical treatment of bone diseases, providing new opportunities to fabricate customized, complex 3D structures with bioactive materials. Among several AM techniques, the BioCell Printing is an advanced, integrated system for material manufacture, sterilization, direct cell seeding and growth, which allows for the production of high-resolution micro-architectures. This work proposes the use of the BioCell Printing to fabricate polymer-based scaffolds reinforced with ceramics and loaded with bisphosphonates for the treatment of osteoporotic bone fractures. In particular, biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) was blended with hydroxyapatite particles and clodronate, a bisphosphonate with known efficacy against several bone diseases. The scaffolds' morphology was investigated by means of Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and micro-Computed Tomography (micro-CT) while Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) revealed the scaffolds' elemental composition. A thermal characterization of the composites was accomplished by Thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). The mechanical performance of printed scaffolds was investigated under static compression and compared against that of native human bone. The designed 3D scaffolds promoted the attachment and proliferation of human MSCs. In addition, the presence of clodronate supported cell differentiation, as demonstrated by the normalized alkaline phosphatase activity. The obtained results show that the BioCell Printing can easily be employed to generate 3D constructs with pre-defined internal/external shapes capable of acting as a temporary physical template for regeneration of cancellous bone tissues.

Thermally Stable and Antimicrobial Active Poly(Catechin) Obtained by Reaction with a Cross-Linking Agent

(+)-Catechin is a flavonoid with valuable antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, found in significant amounts in green tea leaves. Polymeric forms of catechin have been obtained by enzymatic reaction, photopolymerization, and polycondensation in designed processes. However, so far, poly(catechin) has not been received in the cross-linking reaction. Reactions with the cross-linking compound allowed for the preparation of antibacterial and antioxidant materials based on quercetin and rutin. The aim of the research was to obtain, for the first time, poly(catechin) by reaction with glycerol diglycide ether cross-linking compound. The polymeric form of (+)-catechin was confirmed using FTIR and UV-Vis spectroscopy. In addition, thermal analysis (TG and DSC) of the polymeric catechin was performed. The antioxidant and antibacterial activity of poly (flavonoid) was also analyzed. Poly(catechin) was characterized by greater resistance to oxidation, better thermal stability and the ability to reduce transition metal ions than (+)-catechin. In addition, the polymeric catechin had an antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus stronger than the monomer, and an antifungal activity against Aspergillus niger comparable to that of (+)-catechin. The material made on the basis of (+)-catechin can potentially be used as a pro-ecological stabilizer and functional additive, e.g., for polymeric materials as well as dressing materials in medicine.

Inclusion of Hydroxycinnamic Acids in Methylated Cyclodextrins: Host-Guest Interactions and Effects on Guest Thermal Stability

There is ongoing interest in exploiting the antioxidant activity and other medicinal properties of natural monophenolic/polyphenolic compounds, but their generally low aqueous solubility limits their applications. Numerous studies have been undertaken to solubilize such compounds via supramolecular derivatization with co-crystal formation with biocompatible coformer molecules and cyclodextrin (CD) complexation being two successful approaches. In this study, eight new crystalline products obtained by complexation between methylated cyclodextrins and the bioactive phenolic acids (ferulic, hydroferulic, caffeic, and p-coumaric acids) were investigated using thermal analysis (hot stage microscopy, thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry) and X-ray diffraction. All of the complexes crystallized as ternary systems containing the host CD, a phenolic acid guest, and water. On heating each complex, the primary thermal events were dehydration and liberation of the respective phenolic acid component, the mass loss for the latter step enabling determination of the host-guest stoichiometry. Systematic examination of the X-ray crystal structures of the eight complexes enabled their classification according to the extent of inclusion of each guest molecule within the cavity of its respective CD molecule. This revealed three CD inclusion compounds with full guest encapsulation, three with partial guest inclusion, and two that belong to the rare class of ‘non-inclusion’ compounds.

Ammonia Storage in Hydrogen Bond-Rich Microporous Polymers

The fascinating structural flexibility of porous polymers is highly attractive because it can result in optimized materials with specific host-guest interactions. Nevertheless, the fundamental mechanisms responsible for controlling the weak interactions of these hydrogen bond-rich networks-essential for developing smart task-specific materials used in recognition, capture, and sequestration processes-remain unexplored. Herein, by systematically comparing performance changes between poly(amic acid) (PAA)- and polycyclic imide (PI)-based porous polymers before and after NH₃ adsorption, the role of hydrogen bonds in conformational lability and responsiveness toward guest molecules is highlighted. By combining thermal gravimetric analysis with neutron spectroscopy supported by DFT calculations, we demonstrate that PAA's chemical and physical stability is enhanced by the presence of stronger host-guest interactions. This observation also emphasizes the idea that efficient adsorption relies on having a high number of sites, upon which gas molecules can adsorb with greater affinity via strong hydrogen bonding interactions.

Preparation and Solid-State Characterization of Eltrombopag Crystal Phases

Eltrombopag, of C₂₅H₂₂N₄O₄ chemical formula, is a drug used against thrombocytopenia, marketed worldwide under different tradenames in the form of its bis-olamine salt. The free acid (CAS no. 496775-61-2) is an intermediate species used for the final drug isolation and is reported to crystallize in more than 20 distinct crystal forms, including a large number of hydrates and solvates. Their identification, and, ultimately, their quantification in industrial lots require the usage of accurately measured X-ray powder diffraction pattern, as well as the assessment of the metrical features (crystal symmetry and lattice parameters), nowadays accessible by powerful crystallographic software. Here, the complete indexing of 13 monophasic samples, prepared using literature or newly tailored crystallization methods, jointly to simultaneous thermogravimetric and calorimetric analyses and to variable temperature X-ray diffraction studies, provide a clear picture of the stability fields of the different crystal phases and their mutual interconversion processes, leading, in a few cases, to new and unexpected crystalline polymorphs or solvates of the pristine unsolvated Form I.

X-ray and Thermal Analysis of Selected Drugs Containing Acetaminophen

Studies carried out by X-ray and thermal analysis confirmed that acetaminophen (paracetamol), declared by the manufacturers as an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API), was present in all studied medicinal drugs. Positions of diffraction lines (2θ angles) of the studied drugs were consistent with standards for acetaminophen, available in the ICDD PDF database Release 2008. |Δ2θ| values were lower than 0.2°, confirming the authenticity of the studied drugs. Also, the values of interplanar distances d_hkl for the examined samples were consistent with those present in the ICDD. Presence of acetaminophen crystalising in the monoclinic system (form I) was confirmed. Various line intensities for API were observed in the obtained diffraction patterns, indicating presence of the preferred orientation of the crystallites in the examined samples. Thermal analysis of the studied substances confirmed the results obtained by X-ray analysis. Drugs containing only acetaminophen as an API have melting point close to that of pure acetaminophen. It was found that presence of other active and auxiliary substances affected the shapes and positions of endothermal peaks significantly. A broadening of endothermal peaks and their shift towards lower temperatures were observed accompanying an increase in the contents of additional substances being “impurities” in relation to the API. The results obtained by a combination of the two methods, X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetry (DSC/TGA), may be useful in determination of abnormalities which can occur in pharmaceutical preparations, e.g., for distinguishing original drugs and forged products, detection of the presence of a proper polymorphic form or too low content of the active substance in the investigated drug.

Limonene Derivative of Spherosilicate as a Polylactide Modifier for Applications in 3D Printing Technology

The first report of using limonene derivative of a spherosilicate as a modifier of polylactide used for 3D printing and injection moulding is presented. The paper presents the use of limonene-functionalized spherosilicate derivative as a functional additive. The study compared the material characteristics of polylactide modified with SS-Limonene (0.25-5.0% w/w) processed with traditional injection moulding and 3D printing (FFF, FDM). A significant improvement in the processing properties concerning rheology, inter-layer adhesion, and mechanical properties was achieved, which translated into the quality of the print and reduction of waste production. Moreover, the paper describes the elementary stages of thermal transformations of the obtained hybrid systems.

Nanoporous Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose-g-poly (Sodium Acrylate)/FeCl3 Hydrogel Beads: Synthesis and Characterization

Novel sodium carboxymethyl cellulose-g-poly (sodium acrylate)/Ferric chloride (CMC-g-PNaA/FeCl3) nanoporous hydrogel beads were prepared based on the ionic cross-linking between CMC-g-PNaA and FeCl3. The structure of CMC and CMC-g-PNaA were elucidated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and the elemental composition was analyzed by energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The physicochemical properties of the CMC-g-PNaA/FeCl3 hydrogel beads were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The swelling percentage of hydrogel beads was studied at different time periods. The obtained CMC-g-PNaA/FeCl3 hydrogel beads exhibited a higher nanoporous morphology than those of CMC-g-PNaA and CMC beads. Furthermore, an AFM image of the CMC-g-PNaA/FeCl3 beads shows granule type topology. Compared to the CMC-g-PNaA (189 °C), CMC-g-PNaA/FeCl3 hydrogel beads exhibited improvement in thermal stability (199 °C). Furthermore, CMC-g-PNaA/FeCl3 hydrogel beads depicted a higher swelling percentage capacity of around 1452%, as compared to CMC-g-PNaA (1096%). Moreover, this strategy with preliminary results could be useful for the development of polysaccharide-based hybrid hydrogel beads for various potential applications.

Preparation and Characterization of Silicon-Metal Fluoride Reactive Composites

Fuel-rich composite powders combining elemental Si with the metal fluoride oxidizers BiF₃ and CoF₂ were prepared by arrested reactive milling. Reactivity of the composite powders was assessed using thermoanalytical measurements in both inert (Ar) and oxidizing (Ar/O₂) environments. Powders were ignited using an electrically heated filament; particle combustion experiments were performed in room air using a CO₂ laser as an ignition source. Both composites showed accelerated oxidation of Si when heated in oxidizing environments and ignited readily using the heated filament. Elemental Si, used as a reference, did not exhibit appreciable oxidation when heated under the same conditions and could not be ignited using either a heated filament or laser. Lower-temperature Si fluoride formation and oxidation were observed for the composites with BiF₃; respectively, the ignition temperature for these composite powders was also lower. Particle combustion experiments were successful with the Si/BiF₃ composite. The statistical distribution of the measured particle burn times was correlated with the measured particle size distribution to establish the effect of particle sizes on their burn times. The measured burn times were close to those measured for similar composites with Al and B serving as fuels.

Characterization of Polyester Nanocomposites Reinforced with Conifer Fiber Cellulose Nanocrystals

The application of cellulose nanocrystal has lately been investigated as polymer composites reinforcement owing to favorable characteristics of biodegradability and cost effectiveness as well as superior mechanical properties. In the present work novel nanocomposites of unsaturated polyester matrix reinforced with low amount of 1, 2, and 3 wt% of cellulose nanocrystals obtained from conifer fiber (CNC) were characterized. The polyester matrix and nanocomposites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), bending test, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The result showed that the addition of only 2 wt% CNC increased the nanocomposite flexural strength by 159%, the ductility by 500% and the toughness by 1420%. Fracture analyses by SEM revealed a uniform participation of the CNC in the polyester microstructure. The resistance to thermal degradation of the CNC reinforced nanocomposites was improved in more than 20 °C as compared to neat polyester. No significant changes were detected in the water absorptions and XRD pattern of the neat polyester with incorporations up to 3 wt% CNC. These results reveal that the 2 wt% CNC nanocomposite might be a promising more ductile, lightweight and cost-effective substitute for conventional glass fiber composites in engineering applications.

Durability of PS-Polyurethane Dedicated for Composite Strengthening Applications in Masonry and Concrete Structures

Polyurethane flexible joints (PUFJ) and fiber reinforced polyurethanes (FRPU) have shown great potential in the repair and protection of masonry and concrete structures. However, some questions have been raised about the durability of such solutions. The accelerated weathering and thermal stability tests carried out so far have shown the mechanical stability of PS-polyurethane in temperatures up to 100 °C and some UV-induced surface degradation. The paper reports the results from tensile tests of PS-polyurethane, used in the technologies mentioned above after being subjected to aging in different corrosive factors, a thermal analysis of unaged polymer which consists of DSC-TGA and dilatometry studies, and SEM-microscopy observation of the specimens with the indication of the elemental composition (EDS). PS-polyurethane showed low sensitivity to weathering with exposition to UV-radiation, some reactiveness to aqueous environments of a different chemical nature, and resistivity to soil and freezing in both air and water. SEM observations indicated changes in the composition of mineral fillers as the main effect of immersion in different water solutions. DSC-TGA studies showed the thermal stability of PS-polyurethane up to 200 °C and degradation proceeding in five stages. Dilatometry studies revealed that the first-degree thermal degradation over 200 °C causes a serious loss of mechanical properties.

Abdullah S, Abdulwahid RT. Synthesis, Optical, Thermal and Structural Characteristics of Novel Thermocleavable Polymers Based on Phthalate Esters

In this work three novel phthalate-based thermocleavable copolymers, PBTP-11, PBTDTP-11 and PFDTP-11 have been designed and synthesized. PBTP-11 and PBTDTP-11 were prepared by copolymerizing distannylated bithiophene without or with flanked thienyl groups as the electron-donor units with dibrominated secondary phthalate ester as the electron-acceptor units. PFDTP-11 was prepared by copolymerizing distannylated fluorene flanked by thienyl groups as the electron-donor moieties with dibrominated secondary phthalate ester as the electron-acceptor moieties. All polymers were prepared via the Stille polymerization. The impact of two different electron-donor units on the solubility, molecular weights, optical properties, thermal and structural properties of the resulting polymers were investigated. PFDTP-11 had the highest average molecular weight (M_n = 16,400 g mol⁻¹). The polymers had E_g in the range of 2.11–2.58 eV. After thermal treatment, the E_g of the polymers were reduced by around 0.3–0.4 eV. This significant control over bandgap is promising and opens a gate towards commercializing these copolymers in energy harvesting devices such as solar cells. TGA data showed weight loss at around 300 °C, corresponding to the elimination of the secondary ester groups. After annealing, the soluble precursor polymers were transformed into active phthalic anhydride polymers and the resulting films were completely insoluble in all solvents, which shows good stability. Powder XRD studies showed that all polymers have an amorphous nature in the solid state, and therefore can be employed as electrolytes in energy devices.

Identifying Defects in Aerospace Composite Sandwich Panels Using High-Definition Distributed Optical Fibre Sensors

Automated methods for detecting defects within composite materials are highly desirable in the drive to increase throughput, optimise repair program effectiveness and reduce component replacement. Tap-testing has traditionally been used for detecting defects but does not provide quantitative measurements, requiring secondary techniques such as ultrasound to certify components. This paper reports on an evaluation of the use of a distributed temperature measurement system—high-definition fibre optic sensing (HD-FOS)—to identify and characterise crushed core and disbond defects in carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP)-skin, aluminium-core, sandwich panels. The objective is to identify these defects in a sandwich panel by measuring the heat transfer through the panel thickness. A heater mat is used to rapidly increase the temperature of the panel with the HD-FOS sensor positioned on the top surface, measuring temperature. HD-FOS measurements are made using the Luna optical distributed sensor interrogator (ODISI) 9100 system comprising a sensor fabricated using standard single mode fibre (SMF)-20 of external diameter 250 μm, including the cladding. Results show that areas in which defects are present modulate thermal conductivity, resulting in a lower surface temperature. The resultant data are analysed to identify the length, width and type of defect. The non-invasive technique is amenable to application in challenging operational settings, offering high-resolution visualisation and defect classification.

Assembling the Puzzle of Taxifolin Polymorphism

A large amount of the current literature dedicated to solid states of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) pays special attention to polymorphism of flavonoids. Taxifolin (also known as dihydroquercetin) is an example of a typical flavonoid. Some new forms of taxifolin have been reported previously, however it is still unclear whether they represent polymorphic modifications. In this paper, we tried to answer the question about the taxifolin polymorphism. Taxifolin microtubes and taxifolin microspheres were synthesized from raw taxifolin API using several methods of crystal engineering. All forms were described with the help of spectral methods, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), and thermal analysis (TA). SEM reveals that the morphology of the solid phase is very specific for each sample. Although XRPD patterns of raw taxifolin and microtubes look similar, their TA profiles differ significantly. At the same time, raw taxifolin and microspheres have nearly identical thermograms, while XRPD shows that the former is a crystalline and the latter is an amorphous substance. Only the use of complex analyses allowed us to put the puzzle together and to confirm the polymorphism of taxifolin. This article demonstrates that taxifolin microtubes are a pseudopolymorphic modification of raw taxifolin.

Ballistic Performance of Ramie Fabric Reinforcing Graphene Oxide-Incorporated Epoxy Matrix Composite

Graphene oxide (GO) incorporation in natural fiber composites has recently defined a novel class of materials with enhanced properties for applications, including ballistic armors. In the present work, the performance of a 0.5 vol % GO-incorporated epoxy matrix composite reinforced with 30 vol % fabric made of ramie fibers was investigated by stand-alone ballistic tests against the threat of a 0.22 lead projectile. Composite characterization was also performed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis and X-ray diffraction. Ballistic tests disclosed an absorbed energy of 130 J, which is higher than those reported for other natural fabrics epoxy composite, 74–97 J, as well as plain Kevlar (synthetic aramid fabric), 100 J, with the same thickness. This is attributed to the improved adhesion between the ramie fabric and the composite matrix due to the GO—incorporated epoxy. The onset of thermal degradation above 300 °C indicates a relatively higher working temperature as compared to common natural fiber polymer composites. DSC peaks show a low amount of heat absorbed or release due to glass transition endothermic (113–121 °C) and volatile release exothermic (~132 °C) events. The 1030 cm⁻¹ prominent FTIR band, associated with GO bands between epoxy chains and graphene oxide groups, suggested an effective distribution of GO throughout the composite matrix. As expected, XRD of the 30 vol % ramie fabric-reinforced GO-incorporated epoxy matrix composite confirmed the displacement of the (0 0 1) peak of GO by 8° due to intercalation of epoxy chains into the spacing between GO layers. By improving the adhesion to the ramie fabric and enhancing the thermal stability of the epoxy matrix, as well as by superior absorption energy from projectile penetration, the GO may contribute to the composite effective ballistic performance.

Physicochemical Insight into Coordination Systems Obtained from Copper(II) Bromoacetate and 1,10-Phenanthroline

Two different coordination compounds of copper were synthesized from the same building blocks (1,10-phenanthroline, bromoacetate anions, and copper cations). The synthesis parameters were carefully designed and evaluated to allow the change of the resulting compounds molecular structure, i.e., formation of mononuclear (bromoacetato-O,O')(bromoacetato-O)aqua(1,10-phenanthroline-N,N')copper(II) and dinuclear (μ-bromido-1:2κ²)bis(μ-bromoacetato-1κO,2κO')bis(1,10-phenanthroline-N,N')dicopper(II) bromoacetate bromoacetic acid solvate. The crystal, molecular and supramolecular structures of the studied compounds were determined and evaluated in Hirshfeld analysis. The UV-Vis-IR absorption and thermal properties were studied and discussed. For the explicit determination of the influence of compounds structure on radiation absorption in UV-Vis range, density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory calculations were performed.

Difference in Strength Development between Cement-Treated Sand and Mortar with Various Cement Types and Curing Temperatures

To improve the strength of cement-treated sand effectively, the use of various cement types was investigated at different curing temperatures and compared with the results obtained from similar mortars at higher cement contents. The compressive strengths of cement-treated sand specimens that contained high early-strength Portland cement (HPC) cured at elevated and normal temperatures were found to be higher than those of specimens that contained ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and moderate heat Portland cement at both early and later ages. At 3 days, the compressive strength of the HPC-treated sand specimen, normalized with respect to that of the OPC under normal conditions, is nearly twice the corresponding value for the HPC mortar specimens with water-to-cement ratio of 50%. At 28 days, the normalized value for HPC-treated sand is approximately 1.5 times higher than that of mortar, with a value of 50%. This indicates that the use of HPC contributed more to the strength development of the cement-treated sand than to that of the mortar, and the effects of HPC at an early age were higher than those at a later age. These trends were explained by the larger quantity of chemically bound water observed in the specimens that contained HPC, as a result of their greater alite contents and porosities, in cement-treated sand. The findings of this study can be used to ensure the desired strength development of cement-treated soils by considering both the curing temperature and cement type. Furthermore, they suggested a novel method for producing a high internal temperature for promoting the strength development of cement-treated soils.

Hydrophobic Shape-Memory Biocomposites from Tung-Oil-Based Bioresin and Onion-Skin-Derived Nanocellulose Networks

The fabrication of smart biocomposites from sustainable resources that could replace today’s petroleum-derived polymer materials is a growing field of research. Here, we report preparation of novel biocomposites using nanocellulose networks extracted from food residue (onion skin) and a vegetable oil-based bioresin. The resin was synthesized via the Diels-Alder reaction between furfuryl methacrylate and tung oil at various ratios of the components. The onion-skin-extracted cellulose nanofiber and cellulose nanocrystal networks were then impregnated with the resins yielding biocomposites that exhibited improved mechanical strength and higher storage modulus values. The properties of the resins, as well as biocomposites, were affected by the resin compositions. A 190–240-fold increase in mechanical strength was observed in the cellulose nanofiber (CNF) and cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-reinforced biocomposites with low furfuryl methacrylate content. The biocomposites exhibited interesting shape-memory behavior with 80–96% shape recovery being observed after 7 creep cycles.

Lifetime Prediction Methods for Degradable Polymeric Materials-A Short Review

The determination of the secure working life of polymeric materials is essential for their successful application in the packaging, medicine, engineering and consumer goods industries. An understanding of the chemical and physical changes in the structure of different polymers when exposed to long-term external factors (e.g., heat, ozone, oxygen, UV radiation, light radiation, chemical substances, water vapour) has provided a model for examining their ultimate lifetime by not only stabilization of the polymer, but also accelerating the degradation reactions. This paper presents an overview of the latest accounts on the impact of the most common environmental factors on the degradation processes of polymeric materials, and some examples of shelf life of rubber products are given. Additionally, the methods of lifetime prediction of degradable polymers using accelerated ageing tests and methods for extrapolation of data from induced thermal degradation are described: the Arrhenius model, time-temperature superposition (TTSP), the Williams-Landel-Ferry (WLF) model and 5 isoconversional approaches: Friedman's, Ozawa-Flynn-Wall (OFW), the OFW method corrected by N. Sbirrazzuoli et al., the Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose (KAS) algorithm, and the advanced isoconversional method by S. Vyazovkin. Examples of applications in recent years are given.

Polymerization Kinetics of Cyanate Ester Confined to Hydrophilic Nanopores of Silica Colloidal Crystals with Different Surface-Grafted Groups

This study investigates the kinetics of confined polymerization of bisphenol E cyanate ester in the nanopores of the three types of silica colloidal crystals that differ in the concentration and acidity of the surface-grafted proton-donor groups. In all three types of pores, the polymerization has released less heat and demonstrated a very similar significant acceleration as compared to the bulk process. Isoconversional kinetic analysis of the differential scanning calorimetry measurements has revealed that the confinement causes not only a dramatic change in the Arrhenius parameters, but also in the reaction model of the polymerization process. The obtained results have been explained by the active role of the silica surface that can adsorb the residual phenols and immobilize intermediate iminocarbonate products by reaction of the monomer molecules with the surface silanols. The observed acceleration has been quantified by introducing a new isoconversional-isothermal acceleration factor Zα,T that affords comparing the process rates at respectively identical conversions and temperatures. In accord with this factor, the confined polymerization is 15-30 times faster than that in bulk.

Investigation of the Critical Behavior, Magnetocaloric Effect and Hyperfine Structure in the Fe72Nb8B20 Powders

Microstructure as well as magnetic, thermal and magnetocaloric properties of the mechanically alloyed Fe72Nb8B20 powders have been investigated by means of Mössbauer spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and magnetic measurements. The Mössbauer spectrometry results showed the formation of nanostructured Fe(B) and Fe(Nb) solid solutions, Fe2B boride, and an amorphous phase. The endothermic and exothermic peaks that are observed in the DSC curves might be related to the Curie temperature, and the crystallization of the amorphous phase, respectively. The critical exponent values around the magnetic phase transition of the amorphous phase (TC = 480 K), are deduced from the modified Arrott plots, Kouvel-Fisher curves and critical isotherm examination. The calculated values (β = 0.457 ± 0.012, γ = 0.863 ± 0.136 and δ = 3.090 ± 0.004) are near to those of the mean field model, revealing a dominating role of magnetic order arising due to long-range ferromagnetic interactions, as the critical exponents are mean-field-like. The maximum entropy change and the refrigerant capacity values are 1.45 J/kg·K and 239 J/kg, respectively, under a magnetic field of 5 T.

Comparison between Branded and Generic Furosemide 40 mg Tablets Using Thermal Gravimetric Analysis and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy

Background and Purpose

There has been a long-standing belief that generic drugs are of lower value in comparison to their branded name counterparts. They are in particular under scrutiny due to their low market price. Even though the reduction in costs is largely based on skipping expensive preclinical studies and clinical trials for generic drugs, the purity and quality of the raw materials in the production of generic drugs is debatable. Thus, the objective of the study was to analyze and assess the quality comparability of generic furosemide 40 mg (FSD) tablets to branded product available in the market.

Materials and Methods

Quality control tests, in vitro drug release assessments, and thermal analysis investigations for both analog products of FSD were performed. Various physical parameters related to the tablet quality, such as hardness, weight variation, and friability tests, were examined. In vitro drug release behavior evaluations were conducted according to United States Pharmacopeia (USP) specifications and guidelines, whereas thermal analysis was carried out using thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and tablets were further evaluated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.

Results

The results indicated a significant variation between the two products in terms of hardness, weight variation, and friability. This could be correlated to variation appeared in thermal and spectroscopic spectra between the two products using TGA and FTIR. Drug release of FSD was slightly different between both products following incubation in different pH media (1.2, 3.0, and 6.5; 120 min), however, this was in accordance with USP dissolution requirements as < 80% of drug release was obtained within the first 30 min from each product.

Conclusion

This study is a useful example for the independent investigations using thermal and spectroscopic analysis to confirm potential hidden variations between generic and branded products that could not be obtained by the bioequivalence studies.

Crystal structures and phase transitions of imidazolium hypodiphosphates

Two imidazolium hypodiphosphates, (C₃H₅N₂)(H₃P₂O₆) (I) and (C₃H₅N₂)₂(H₂P₂O₆) (II), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. In both metal-free organic-inorganic hybrids (I) and (II), the hypodiphosphate mono- and dianions, (H₃P₂O₆)^- and (H₂P₂O₆)^2-, form hydrogen-bonded frameworks of different types, to which the organic cations are linked via N-H...O and C-H...O hydrogen bonds. The purity of the compounds was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction. Differential scanning calorimetry of compound (I) revealed two structural phase transitions: continuous at 311.8 K [cooling/heating; from high-temperature phase (HTP) to room-temperature phase (RTP)] and a discontinuous one at 287.9/289.2 K [RTP → low-temperature phase (LTP)]. Compound (I) is characterized in a wide temperature range by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction methods. Crystal structures of high- and low-temperature phases are determined, which show orthorhombic (HTP, Pnna, No. 52) → monoclinic (LTP, P2₁/n11, No. 14, a-axis doubled) structural change on cooling with an intermediate incommensurately modulated phase (RTP). Dynamic properties of polycrystalline (I) were studied by means of dielectric spectroscopy. The dielectric behaviour is explained by the motion of imidazolium cations.

On the Physicochemical Characteristics and Applications of an "Undesirable" Pyrenean Thorny Cushion Dwarf: Echinospartum horridum (Vahl) Roth

Small evergreen shrubs of the family Fabaceae represent a large proportion of current Mediterranean mountain vegetation. Their low pastoral value and tendency for encroachment makes these plants undesirable. In this paper, the thermal and chemical characteristics of Echinospartum horridum, a thorny cushion-shaped dwarf shrub native to the French Central Massif and the Pyrenees (particularly dominant in the shrublands of the Pyrenees), have been analyzed with a view to its valorization. Although the higher and lower heating values of the biomass from E. horridum met the ISO 17225-2:2014 requirements for its use in pellets, the ash content was slightly above the upper limit, so it would not comply with the normative for its acceptable use as a fuel. Nevertheless, the presence of high added-value flavonoids and lignans in its extracts, which are receiving increasing recent interest as efficient anti-tumor drugs and antivirals, may open the door to the valorization of this shrub for pharmacological applications.

Research on Temperature Field Distribution in a Frame Mold during Autoclave Process

The success of an autoclave process is related to the temperature characteristics of the mold. An inhomogeneous temperature field in the mold affects the quality of composite parts, which may lead to residual stress, voids, and other manufacturing defects of composite parts. In order to meet high-quality production demands, the temperature field in a mold should be investigated precisely. The temperature distribution in a large frame mold is critically evaluated in this work. Then, a method to control the temperature distribution in a large frame mold is proposed. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model of the autoclave process is developed to predict the temperature evolution of the large frame mold. The model is validated by experimental results, which shows good agreement with a relative difference of 5.92%. The validated CFD model is then applied to analyze the temperature distribution characters in the mold with different control conditions. The results show that the temperature difference decreases by 13.3% when the mold placement angle is changed from 180 to 168°.