Viscoelastic properties of nanosilica-filled polypropylene in the molten state: Effect of particle size

Hypotheses concerning structuring of extruded meat analogs

In this paper, we review the physicochemical phenomena occurring during the structuring processes in the manufacturing of plant-based meat analogs via high-moisture-extrusion (HME). After the initial discussion on the input materials, we discuss the hypotheses behind the physics of the functional tasks that can be defined for HME. For these hypotheses, we have taken a broader view than only the scientific literature on plant-based meat analogs but incorporated also literature from soft matter physics and patent literature. Many of these hypotheses remain to be proven. Hence, we hope that this overview will inspire researchers to fill the still-open knowledge gaps concerning the multiscale structure of meat analogs.

Poloxamer modified florfenicol instant microparticles for improved oral bioavailability

Surfactants can improve the hydrophobicity of poorly water-soluble drugs and increase the stability of microparticles by reducing surface tension. This study describes that surfactant-engineered florfenicol instant microparticles (FIMs) increase bioavailability through a micellar solubilization mechanism. The FIMs were prepared by a modified emulsification method, and the optimal prescription was obtained by a combination of single factor investigation and response surface methodology. The microparticles prepared in this study reduce the polymer materials while increasing the drug content. FIM has a smaller particle size and modification of poloxamer, resulting in better solubility and higher bioavailability. The in vitro solubility of FIM is 1.43 times higher than that of the bulk drug, and the dissolution equilibrium can be achieved in 10 minutes. Compared with florfenicol, FIM showed a decrease in T_max in the plasma concentration curve, with a peak concentration of 1.43 times and an area of 1.41 times. Considering the advantages of in vitro/in vivo performance and ease of preparation, FIMs may have great application prospects in pharmacy research.

Thermoplastic vulcanizates based on waste truck tire rubber and copolyester blends reinforced with carbon black

Devulcanized rubber (DR) was prepared from waste truck tire rubber via thermo-chemical devulcanization process. Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) based on blending of DR and copolyester (DR/COPE) were prepared. Effects of carbon black loading on microstructure, mechanical properties and elastomeric behaviors of dynamically cured DR/COPE blends were investigated. It was found that increasing of the carbon black loadings leads to transformation from co-continuous phase structure to dispersion of smaller vulcanized rubber domains in the COPE matrix. Furthermore, the carbon black was well dispersed in the DR/COPE matrix up to 10 wt% and then the aggregates slightly occurred with increasing of carbon black loadings. In addition, dynamic experiments proved that a progressive non-linear behavior was more pronounced with increasing of carbon black loadings. Also, tan δ_max of the DR phase decreases with increasing carbon black concentration indicating mainly localization of filler in rubber phase. Moreover, it was found that increases of CB loadings resulted in increase of tensile strength and hardness while the elongation at break was slightly decreased. Additionally, the rate of stress relaxations was found to be increased with increasing CB loadings.