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[Display omitted] Regulating electromagnetic parameters and thus improving impedance matching characteristics by multi-component design is regarded as a prospective approach to obtain highly efficient electromagnetic wave absorption materials. Whereas, it is still challenging to fabricate microwave absorbers with strong absorption capacity and durability in harsh conditions. Based on the above considerations, three-dimensional porous multi-functional manganese oxide/nickel/carbon microspheres had been designed and prepared through a combined approach of facile solvothermal reactions and subsequent carbonization processes. The textural characteristic examinations demonstrated that, numerous manganese oxide and Ni nanoparticles of 15–20 nm in diameter were well dispersed in the carbon-based microspheres of approximately 0.8–1 μm in size. Microwave absorption property evaluation indicated that the minimum reflection loss reached up to −53.6 dB at 9.5 GHz, and effective absorption bandwidth of 3.7 GHz was achieved at matching thickness of merely 2.0 mm. The electromagnetic wave attenuation mechanisms analysis displayed that excellent impedance matching and various dissipation pathways, including magnetic loss, interfacial and dipole polarization relaxation synergistically contributed to the high microwave absorption performances of the porous composites. Radar cross-sectional simulation and photothermal measurements verified that the materials were supposed to have promising foregrounds in complicated circumstances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Advanced thermal-insulation materials for human use in high-temperature and ultra-low-temperature environments have received extensive attention. However, facile synthesis of aerogels with excellent mechanical and thermal properties via freeze-drying or electrospinning alone is still challenging. We hypothesized that a polyimide aerogel with high mechanical strength and good thermal-insulation performance and suitability for various applications at high and low temperatures could be prepared facilely using a simple and novel preparation strategy that combines electrospinning, freeze-drying, and in situ thermal crosslinking. Polyamideimide (PAI) nanofibers loaded with bismaleimide (BMI) were electrospun and dispersed into a polyamic acid aqueous solution. PAI/BMI-nanofiber-reinforced polyimide (IBNR-PI) aerogels with an interpenetrating network structure were prepared by freeze-drying and heat treatment. The IBNR-PI aerogels possessed extremely low volume density (26 mg cm−3) and high porosity (94.92%). Most importantly, they showed high tensile strength and good compressive fatigue resistance with plastic deformation of only 7% after 1000 compression cycles. The aerogels also showed a significantly low thermal conductivity (30.06 mW m−1 K−1) and excellent thermal insulation over a wide temperature range. Thus, the IBNR-PI aerogels are excellent candidates for thermal-insulation materials at high and low temperatures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huangjing polysaccharides (HJP) have been shown to have many functions, however little was known about HJP on starch properties. This study investigated the effects of HJP from raw Huangjing (RHJP), high pressure steamed Huangjing (HPSHJP) and nine steamed and nine solarized Huangjing (NNHJP) on the properties of sweet potato starch (SPS). Results showed that HJP reduced setback viscosity (SB) of SPS. HJP decreased hardness, cohesiveness and chewiness, but increased the springiness of SPS gels. RHJP decreased tan δ of the starch gel but HPSHJP and NNHJP were less effective at higher frequencies. HJP increased the solubility but decreased the swelling power of SPS. Starch gel with HJPs showed a denser structure as observed by scanning electron microscopy. HJP decreased the relative crystallinity (RC) of the starch gel where HPSHJP was more effective than RHJP and NNHJP. HJP increased the degree of order (DO) while decreased the degree of double helix (DD) of SPS gels where RHJP was more effective than HPSHJP. Furthermore, HJP decreased the gelatinization enthalpy (ΔH) values of SPS with HPSHJP and NNHJP more effective. In conclusion, HJP could potentially improve the properties of SPS based foods but the changes of HJP after food processing require further investigation. • Steaming and solarization reduced the Mw of Huangjing polysaccharides (HJP). • HJP inhibited the short-term retrogradation of sweet potato starch (SPS). • HJP improved the texture and reduced the relative crystallinity of SPS gel. • HJP reduced the degree of double helix but increased the degree of order of SPS gel. • HJP decreased the gelatinization enthalpy values of SPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • HPE-GO has been prepared as an efficient and all-purpose modifier for epoxy resin. • HER provides strong interfacial bonding between GO and epoxy matrix. • HPE-GO/EP composites exhibit superior mechanical and thermal properties. Despite great efforts have been made on epoxy resins modification, development of additives that can be used to efficiently and universally modify epoxy composites remains a challenging task. Herein, graphene oxide (GO) sheets were covalently linked with hyperbranched epoxy resin (HBPEE-epoxy) to form HBPEE-epoxy functionalized GO (HPE-GO), which was then incorporated into epoxy resin (EP) matrix to achieve efficient and all-purpose enhancement of the properties of EPs. Compared with unmodified GO sheets, the functionalized HPE-GO sheets were better dispersed and exhibited better interfacial compatibility with the epoxy matrix, and consequently, the mechanical and thermal properties of HPE-GO/EP composites improved significantly compared to unmodified GO/EP composites. The tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, and fracture toughness (K IC) of EP composites containing 0.5 wt% HPE-GO increased by 65.0%, 36.2%, 259.1%, and 178.9%, respectively, compared with those for the neat EP. The storage modulus (E '), glass transition temperature (T g), and thermal stability (T 5%) also showed modest improvements. Furthermore, the HPE-GO/EP composites exhibited optimal thermal conductivities and thermal expansion properties, while maintaining higher volume resistivities compared with GO/EP composites. The results of this study support that HPE-GO is a promising, all-purpose modifier for EPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is of great significance to study the nucleation mechanism of Si and P elements in the Fe 2 Mo-Laves phase to control their precipitation and improve the strength of steel. Based on the first-principles calculations, the effects of Si and P elements on the stability of Fe 2 Mo were studied. The addition of Si and P greatly increases the possibility of its formation in steel. When the Si and P concentrations are 37.5 %, the formation energy is the lowest. Si and P elements improve the stress deformation resistance and the stiffness of Laves phase, which makes Laves phase more stable in high-temperature environment. The addition of Si and P significantly improves the kinetic stability of Fe 2 Mo, but the improvement effect of P is not as good as that of Si. This study provides theoretical guidance for controlling the precipitation of the Fe 2 Mo-Laves phase in practical production. The addition of Si and P greatly increases the possibility of its formation in steel. The addition of Si and P significantly improves the kinetic stability of Fe 2 Mo, but the improvement effect of P is not as good as that of Si. [Display omitted] • Si and P elements have stronger interaction with Mo by replacing Fe in Fe 2 Mo phase. • When the Si and P concentrations are 37.5 %, the formation energy is the lowest. • The doping of Si and P elements improves the mechanical properties and thermal stability of Fe 2 Mo phase. • The improvement effect of Si doping on the kinetic stability of Fe 2 Mo is better than that of P. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FeAl 2 O 4 is considered as a potential material to produce solar thermochemical hydrogen. However, its temperature and pressure dependant thermodynamic properties have not yet been well explored. In this work, first-principles calculations have been applied to investigate the structural, mechanical, electronic and thermodynamic properties of FeAl 2 O 4. The temperature and pressure-dependent thermal expansion coefficient and Grüneisen parameter have been calculated, leading to the calculation of molar heat capacity, c p = 5.50907 + 0.39378 T-202345.44153 T-2-94039T2 at 0 GPa. Change in Gibb's energy can be calculated at a given temperature and pressure during the reduction and oxidation cycle to computationally assess the suitability of FeAl 2 O 4 , as a catalyst for thermochemical water splitting. This approach may be further extended using suitable substitution and subsequent compositional variation of Fe and Al atoms, to explore more efficient catalyst. The molar heat capacity of FeAl 2 O 4 can be calculated using DFT c p = c v (1 + αγT) where α is thermal expansion coefficient and γ is the Gruneisen Parameter which can be further used for compositional optimization for water splitting application. [Display omitted] • The thermal properties of hercynite have been calculated for the first time in a temperature (0-1800 K) and a pressure (0-40 GPa) range. • The computed thermal expansion coefficient and Grüneisen parameters have been used for computation of molar heat capacity, c p. • The expressions of the c p may be used to computationally evaluate the suitability of Hercynite as potential redox-mediator. • Using compositional variation of Fe and Al atoms, more efficient catalysts may be explored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Heat capacities of six fatty acids are reported for the first time from (1.9 to 370) K. • Phase transition parameters of these fatty acids are determined. • Thermal stability and conductivity of these fatty acids are evaluated. • Thermodynamic functions of these fatty acids are calculated from (0 to 370) K. Fatty acids are commonly used as phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage due to their high latent heat, non-toxicity, and biocompatibility. However, the thermodynamic properties of fatty acids have not been systematically studied, especially for their heat capacity data over a wide temperature range. This limitation greatly restricts their practical applications in designing and constructing fatty acids based PCMs and corresponding thermal management techniques. Herein, the heat capacities of a series of fatty acids (octanoic acid, decanoic acid, dodecanoic acid, tetradecanoic acid, hexadecanoic acid, and octadecanoic acid) have been measured using a combined relaxation, adiabatic, and differential scanning calorimetry techniques over a temperature range from 1.9 K to 380 K. The corresponding thermodynamic functions and phase transition thermodynamic parameters have been calculated based on heat capacity data fitting. Additionally, the thermal stability and thermal conductivity of these fatty acids have also been determined using a thermogravimetric analysis instrument and a thermal constant analyzer, respectively. These obtained thermodynamic properties can provide crucial fundamental information for the study and application of fatty acid PCMs and related thermal energy storage techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) are associated with various health benefits, such as enhanced insulin sensitivity and reduced appetite. The study explored the potential of combining dry or solvent fractionation with short-path distillation (SPD) to obtain milk fat (MF) fractions enriched in MCFA. By using only SPD, a 2-fold increase in MCFA and an 18-fold increase in α-tocopherol in distillates was obtained compared to native MF. The distillate has a lower melting temperature than does MF. Pre-fractionation processes before SPD did not lead to an additional increase in MCFA. The study demonstrates the potential of SPD to produce MF fraction (distillate) with significant enrichment in MCFA, differed thermal behavior, and increased α-tocopherol content while keeping the FA composition and thermal properties of the remaining fraction (retentate) similar to MF as only 10% of the milk fat have been removed. • Article highlights. • SPD efficiently produces milk fat fraction enriched in SCFA, MCFA, and vitamin E. • Combining dry and solvent fractionation yields no further enrichment in MCFA. • Fractionation and SPD significantly impact MF's thermal behavior. • Distillate fraction's thermal behavior was unchanged by combining SPD and fractionation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research aimed to evaluate the effects of freeze-drying (FD), hot air drying (HAD), hot air drying combined with baking (HADB) on the color, antioxidant activity, thermal and pasting properties, as well as volatile compounds of whole lotus root powders (WLRPs). The highest browning degree and antioxidant activity of WLRP was obtained by HAD at 80 °C for 6 h. The gelatinization temperatures of the FD sample were higher than those of the HAD and HADB samples. WLRP prepared by HADB at 120 °C for 5 min had the highest trough and final viscosities. Furthermore, headspace-gas chromatography-ion mobility spectrometry (HS-GC-IMS) analysis showed that 125 and 97 volatile compounds were identified from WLRPs in dried and hydrated states, respectively. The types of identified compounds were the most in dried HADB, followed by dried HAD and FD, which were also affected by the drying temperature and time. The hydration treatment led to an increase in the detected compounds from the FD sample and a decrease in those from the HAD and HADB samples. These observations indicated that the quality of WLRPs depended on the drying technique and conditions, which could be useful for selecting an appropriate drying method to prepare desirable WLRPs products. • Hot air drying at 80 °C for 6 h resulted in the highest antioxidant activity of product. • Sample obtained by hot air drying combined with baking had the most volatile compounds. • Hydration treatment increased the volatile compounds detected in freeze-drying sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing trend to ameliorate local flour sources to substitute wheat flour. Sorghum grain's nutritional profile is comparable to that of wheat but it is gluten-free and can be consumed by celiac patients. They can be used to provide much-needed healthy alternatives to the grain industry. Hammer, burr, and ball mills were utilized for polished raw and parboiled sorghum flour production to study the effect of various milling techniques on sorghum flour properties. The physico-chemical, functional, rheological, and structural attributes of the different milled white sorghum flours were analyzed. The highest recovery of sorghum flour was from the ball mill 97.46 ± 0.48% and 97.43 ± 0.26% for raw and microwave parboiled sorghum flour, respectively. The particle size of the flour samples produced by the hammer mill have lower geometric mean diameters (raw - 64.26 ± 1.26 μm, and microwave parboiled - 108.93 ± 1.92 μm) than those obtained using other mills. Considering that, particle size is a major determinant of quality. While porosity increased, bulk and true density decreased at higher particle. There is a less significant difference in proximate composition among the samples. The crystallinity value of raw samples follows the order ball mill (BA) (34.08%) > burr mill (BU) (31.54) > hammer mill (HM) (28.96%), and microwave parboiled samples follow the order parboiled ball mill (PBA) (13.58%) > parboiled burr (PBU) (12.86%) > parboiled hammer (PHM) (11.25%). The thermal, and pasting characteristics of the polished raw and microwave-parboiled white sorghum flours were considerably influenced by the type of mills. [Display omitted] • The flour samples produced by the hammer mill were finer. • Milling yield followed the increasing order as burr mill < hammer mill < ball mill. • Thermal properties were increased in parboiled flour compared to raw. • Hammer mill samples show more loss of crystallinity compared to other mills. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite lanthanum chromate (LaCrO 3) has been widely investigated for applications as functional material, its properties can be finely tuned through doping. This study explores the effect of Al3+ doping on the structure and electrical properties of La 0.9 Sr 0.1 Cr 1- x Al x O 3 ceramics. Our findings reveal that Al3+ doping significantly influences the consistency of grain size and electrical transport properties of these ceramics. As x increases, the grain size decreases and obtains its minimum at x = 0.5. Compared to the undoped La 0.9 Sr 0.1 CrO 3 , Al3+ doping significantly reduces the resistivity. For x = 0.3, the resistivity obtains its minimum 142.60 Ω cm at −75 °C, while the B -value is reduced to 405 K. These results demonstrate the potential of Al3+ doping in enhancing the thermal sensing properties of LaCrO 3 ceramics and understanding of semiconductor behavior for electron device applications. Al3+ doping in La 0.9 Sr 0.1 CrO 3 ceramics reduces grain size and lowers resistivity, thereby increasing their potential for thermistor and semiconductor applications. [Display omitted] •Sr and Al co-doping alters LaCrO 3 ceramics, enabling thermistor functionality for temperature control. •Study reveals conduction via Cr3+ – Cr4+ small-polaron hopping and grain boundary effects. •Al3+ doping reduces grain size, while Sr–Al co-doping distorts octahedral structures. •Resistivity changes attributed to Cr element retention, promoting polaron hopping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] It remains urgent challenges to adopt suitable strategies to consume unwanted microwave pollution emitted by high-tech electronic devices satisfactorily. Confronted with narrow effective absorption bandwidth (EAB) and high filler loading bottlenecks of MXene-Based microwave absorber, herein, we employ Lewis molten salt etching approach to both exfoliate Ti 3 AlCN powders into Ti 3 CNCl 2 suspension and intercalate ferromagnetic composition into interlamination simultaneously. By utilizing the crosslinking effect of dopamine, the Ti 3 CNCl 2 are anchored on the surfaces of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets, constructing interconnecting microstructure. Both the 3D conductive network and the modification of MXene manifest crucial impacts on enhancing microwave absorption performance of the resulting ultra-lightweight reduced GO (RGO)-based aerogel. The minimum intensity of reflection loss achieves −62.62 dB with the absorber mass loading of 0.7 wt%. Remarkably, more than 90% of the incident microwave is qualified to be absorbed over the whole Ku band. The EAB is broadened while tailoring the thickness to 3 mm, ranging from 10.2 to 18 GHz. Besides, the aerogel presents valuable thermal insulation properties. Our methodology of synthesizing MXene/RGO aerogel not only provides promising insights into microstructural construction but also endows the possibility for integrating thermal insulation property towards next-generation high-performance microwave absorption devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The lack of a simple, fast and efficient method for protein delivery is limiting the widespread application of in-cell experiments, which are crucial for understanding the cellular function. We present here an innovative strategy to deliver proteins into both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, exploiting thermal vesiculation. This method allows to internalize substantial amounts of proteins, with different molecular weight and conformation, without compromising the structural properties and cell viability. Characterizing proteins in a physiological environment is essential as the environment can dramatically affect the conformation and dynamics of biomolecules as shown by in-cell EPR spectra vs those acquired in buffer solution. Considering its versatility, this method opens the possibility to scientists to study proteins directly in living cells through a wide range of techniques. • Novel protein delivery method for living prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. • Fast and simple protocol for protein delivery. • Protocol exploiting thermal vesiculation properties of cells. • In cell cw-EPR experiments in living prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of hot air-infrared drying methods, including inlet air temperature, air velocity, and infrared power, are investigated on physical (color indices Δ L ∗, Δ a ∗, and Δ b ∗, shrinkage, and unit density), mechanical (resistance to penetration), chemical (concentration of vitamin C and lycopene content), and thermal (effective moisture diffusivity coefficient) properties of compressed tablets made of tomato powder. The drying processes of the samples were investigated at five temperature levels of 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 °C, five infrared power levels of 0 (without infrared), 500, 1000, 1500, and 2000W, and five inlet airflow velocity levels of 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5 m/s. Statistical analysis of the obtained data and optimization of the drying process was performed using the response surface methodology. The results showed that in hot air-infrared drying, with increasing the inlet air temperature, the concentration of vitamin C in tomato tablets decreased, and the lycopene content of tomato tablets increased. The optimum point for drying tomato tablets was obtained at an air temperature of 40 °C, air velocity of 2.5 m/s, and infrared power of 876.5 W. The highest percentage of vitamin C degradation occurred during the drying process of tomato slices at 50 °C. The results showed that drying at lower temperatures increased the desirability index of the model obtained from the response surface method. • Compressed tablets made of tomato powder were studied. • Effects of hot air-infrared drying method on tablet production was studied. • Physical, mechanical, chemical and thermal properties of tablets were considered. • Tomato tablet making from powder was optimised. • The highest percentage of vitamin C degradation occurred during the drying process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structure, rheology and other physicochemical properties of dilute aqueous dispersions of sodium oleate (NaOL) are well known. This paper is the first report in which a moderately concentrated (13% w/w) dispersion of NaOL in water is investigated. In fact, at this concentration the phase and rheology behavior of the surfactant remarkably deviates from those of its dilute solutions in water and a significant effect is imparted by the addition of potassium chloride. The structural, thermal and rheological properties of a 13% w/w dispersion of NaOL in water were investigated by cryo-TEM, rheology, and DSC experiments with and without the addition of potassium chloride. The system is comprised of elongated wormlike micelles that turn into a gel-like more disordered viscous material upon addition of small amounts of KCl (4% w/w). This paper illustrates the multifaceted behavior of sodium oleate dispersions at intermediate concentrations that depends on the presence of other cosolutes (such as KCl). The results show that viscoelastic aqueous dispersions of NaOL are excellent candidates for the preparation of stimuli-responsive green materials to be used in a number of different applications. We also discuss the genesis of wormlike micelles (WLMs) in terms of the general theory of self-assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The leading hemisphere of Saturn's synchronous moon Iapetus is covered by a low-albedo material, contrasting with its bright trailing hemisphere. This dichotomy is also apparent in radar and microwave radiometry observations, which are sensitive to the properties of the near subsurface. To better understand the regional properties of Iapetus and their variations with depth, we assemble the microwave spectra of its leading and trailing hemispheres. Pre-existing data are combined with new millimetric and centimetric observations acquired with the IRAM 30-meter dish, IRAM NOEMA interferometer, and VLA interferometer. These data, interpreted with the help of a model with vertically uniform thermal properties, reveal complex variations in structure and/or composition with depth on the leading side. Meanwhile, the trailing side emissivity is found to be especially low at all observed frequencies, indicating efficient scattering processes on subsurface structures, as observed on Saturn's other icy moons. We also report the first observations of Saturn's retrograde moon Phoebe at these frequencies, which has an emissivity higher than that of the trailing hemisphere of Iapetus and similar to its dark leading side, consistent with the theory that Phoebe is the source of the dark material on Iapetus. • The microwave spectra of the Iapetus leading and trailing sides have been assembled. • Radiotelescope observations of Iapetus with VLA, NIKA2/30 m, and NOEMA are described. • The trailing side shows low emissivity, similar to Saturn's other icy moons. • The leading side spectral slopes indicate vertical composition/structure variations. • VLA observations of Phoebe show emissivities similar to that of Iapetus leading side. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exploring the diversity of materials and improving their usage in real-time applications is very important. Here, the organic piperazine para-nitrophenol (PPNP) single crystals were successfully grown using methanol and mixed solvent (methanol 50%-water 50%) by slow evaporation technique at room temperature. Single and poly-crystal XRD, UV–visible, and FT-IR/Raman studies revealed that the PPNP compound is monoclinic centro-symmetric (CS) with low cutoff wavelength and various functional groups. Fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed that the intense peak was observed in the red region. Hirshfeld surface analysis, fingerprint plot and framework explore the strength of the synthesized compounds' intermolecular interactions. The melting point of grown crystals was about 114 °C by thermo-gravimetric and differential thermal (TG-DTA) analyses. A chemical etching study was carried out on the grown crystal. Nd: YAG laser beam was used to evaluate the laser damage value of the crystal. The dielectric constant (ε ՛) and dielectric loss (ε ՛՛) of crystals have been studied as a function of frequency and temperatures. The PPNP has a third harmonic generation active crystal structure and exhibits featured absorption and fluorescent properties. A Z-scan technique characterized the improved third-order optical nonlinear properties of the crystal. It is a promising aspirant in optoelectronic devices as it enhancement the linear and nonlinear, encouraging results of organic PPNP. [Display omitted] • The organic piperazine para-nitrophenol (PPNP) single crystal has been synthesized, and the crystal structure has been confirmed. • Hirshfeld surface analyses report on PPNPs to investigate the role of the organic base in structure propagation. • PPNP dielectric response at high frequency exhibits an enhanced role with a linear characteristic compatible with NLO device applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroscopic and microscopic food structural characteristics play an important role in product's technological properties and nutritional attributes. The effects of macroscopic (pasta shape, PS) and microscopic (flour particles, FP) structural attributes were independently investigated in gluten-free (GF) chickpea-corn-rice short pasta (50% chickpea) considering cooking quality, physicochemical attributes, thermal properties, in vitro digestibility of starch (IVSD) and protein (IVPD). Different PS (rigatoni, fusilli, fusilli piccolo, caserecce, gnocchetti sardi) and different chickpea FP (conventional, precooked, fine, coarse) were considered. With regards to PS effect, rigatoni-shaped pasta differed significantly from other PS having the longest cooking time, a harder and less adhesive texture, the highest gelatinization enthalpy, the lowest IVPD, and higher resistant starch content. The chickpea FP modulated the flour pasting properties and slightly impacted both pasta cooking quality and nutritional characteristics regarding IVSD and IVPD. This work suggested that pasta structural attributes, especially PS, can modify pasta cooking quality, physicochemical, and nutritional characteristics and should, therefore, be considered in rational product design to provide food products with desired properties. • Macro- and micro-structural attributes affected pasta technological and nutritional properties. • Pasta shape can significantly affect gluten free pasta quality and nutritional digestibility. • Pasta flour particles shape slightly impacted pasta cooking quality and in vitro starch and protein digestibility. • Small pasta shape (fusilli piccoli) had higher in vitro protein digestibility but a lower resistant starch content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-efficiency phosphor with excellent luminescence properties and thermal stabilities is essential for phosphor-converted white light-emitting diodes (w-LEDs). Compared with red and green phosphors, near-ultraviolet excited blue phosphors with high efficiency and excellent thermal stability are still scarce, and the development of efficient blue phosphors remains challenging. NaLi 3 SiO 4 : Eu2+ (NLSO: Eu2+) is a promising narrow-band blue phosphor. In this paper, a series of Na 1-y K y Li 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+ (0.05 ≤ y ≤ 0.2) phosphors were successfully synthesized by high-temperature solid-state reaction through co-doping a small amount of K+ ions in the matrix, significantly improving their luminescence property and thermal stability. Because of the weaker electronegativity of K+ ions, the emission peaks of Na 1-y K y Li 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+ were slightly blue-shifted from 467 to 463 nm compared with those of NLSO: Eu2+. With an increase in the number of K+ ions, the luminescence intensity of the phosphors increased. When the content of the K+ ion reached 0.2, the luminescence intensity of the Na 0.8 K 0.2 Li 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+ (NKLSO: 5%Eu2+) phosphor reached its maximum. Compared to the NLSO: 5%Eu2+ phosphor, the luminescence intensity increased by approximately 300 %. At 150 °C, the luminescence intensity of NLSO: 5%Eu2+ phosphor was retained at 75.98 % compared with room temperature, while the NKLSO: 5%Eu2+ phosphor maintained a luminescence intensity of 84.36 % relative to room temperature, demonstrating excellent thermal stability. The enhanced luminescence performance of the NKLSO: Eu2+ phosphor makes it a promising high-efficiency blue phosphor for phosphor-converted w-LEDs. Through co-doping a small amount of K+ ions into the NaLi 3 SiO 4 : Eu2+, significantly improving the luminescence property and thermal stability. [Display omitted] • A series of Na 1-y K y Li 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+ (0.05 ≤ y ≤ 0.2) phosphors were successfully synthesized through co-doping K+ ions in the matrix. The weaker electronegativity of K+ ions makes it easier for Eu3+ to be reduced to Eu2+. • In luminescence properties, when the content of the K+ ion reached 0.2, the luminescence intensity of the Na 0.8 K 0.2 Li 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+ phosphor reached its maximum. Compared to the NaLi 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+ phosphor, the luminescence intensity increased by approximately 300 %. • The Na 0.8 K 0.2 Li 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+ exhibited superior thermal stability compared to NaLi 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+. The luminescent intensity of NaLi 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+ at 150 °C remains 75.98 % of the room temperature intensity, while the luminescent intensity of Na 0.8 K 0.2 Li 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+ is significantly increased to 84.36 %. • The narrowband blue phosphor Na 0.8 K 0.2 Li 3 SiO 4 : 5%Eu2+ is a potential candidate for n-UV excited w-LEDs applications because of its excellent luminescence properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The influence of polydextrose or plant proteins blend, as a drying aid in freeze-dried açaí pulp, was evaluated regarding stability by vapor sorption isotherms at 20 °C in a water activity range of 0.1–0.95, obtained by vapor sorption analyzer and by saturated salt solutions, and the enthalpic properties were obtained by differential scanning calorimetry. The experimental isotherms data presented a good fit to the Peleg and Guggenheim-Anderson-de Boer (GAB) equations, açaí powder with polydextrose presented a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) type III, while the açaí powder without and with a plant proteins blend, type II. The freeze-dried açaí powders showed two endothermic peaks between −15 °C and 10 °C, probably related to linoleic and oleic fatty acids fusion. Fusion enthalpies of these peaks were lower when a carrier agent was used, which could be explained by a lower lipids content (25.0 J/g and 3.5 J/g for powder without the carrier and 12.0 J/g and 1.5 J/g for powder with plant proteins blend). The glass transition temperatures were between 49 °C and 58 °C, depending on the water activity, for powder without carriers and from 45 °C to 54 °C for the one with proteins. • The glass transition temperature between 49 °C and 58 °C for açaí powder without carriers. • The glass transition temperature between 45 °C and 54 °C for açaí powder with plant proteins blend. • Polydextrose as a drying aid reduced glass transition temperature with water activity increased. • Adsorption isotherms of freeze-dried açaí with polydextrose were BET type III. • Adsorption isotherms of freeze-dried açaí with plant protein blend was BET type II. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface temperature measurements of airless bodies provide an opportunity to estimate regolith thermal properties via inverse modeling. However, thermal models involve many unknown parameters. Here an ensemble of thermal model calculations is applied to lunar nighttime surface temperatures in order to constrain the mean particle size of near-surface regolith materials. We find that many parameter combinations can produce the same surface temperatures, but a likely apparent grain size can be inferred without ad-hoc assumptions for other parameter values as long as grain size is among the leading causes for geographic variations in temperature. • Ensemble of thermal model calculations is matched to lunar nighttime temperatures. • Many parameter combinations produce the same surface temperatures. • Relative grain size can be inferred without ad-hoc assumptions for other parameters. • Ensemble approach is successful and efficient for this type of inverse problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study proposes and implements inverse methods to estimate fluid-to-particulate heat transfer coefficient (h fp) of liquid-particulate solution (sweet potato puree and chickpea) during aseptic processing. The other physical and thermal properties of food were computed using forward techniques. A statistical analysis was conducted to assess the accuracy of the estimated results and performance of the inverse method. The inverse technique successfully estimated the h fp with a good correlation with simulated and predicted temperature of the centre of the fastest moving solid particle, zero mean and uncorrelated errors in residuals, higher scaled sensitivity coefficient, and consistent sequential estimation curve. The good fitting between the simulated experimental and the estimated results confirms the robustness of the proposed inverse method in estimating accurate h fp to achieve sufficient lethality of the liquid-particulate food product. The study can be useful in facilitating the optimisation of the carrier fluid rheological specifications, the design of the processing equipment, and the process settings for the commercial aseptic system. • Inverse method was used to estimate fluid-to-particulate heat transfer coefficient. • Forward techniques were used to simulate the experimental temperatures. • Accurate h fp estimation is critical to achieve sufficient lethality. • h fp estimation showed a good fitting between estimated and simulated results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the phase change behavior and thermal properties of cryoprotective agents (CPAs) in biological solutions is essential for enhancing the success of cryopreservation and biobanking. In this study, the phase change behavior and thermal properties of normal saline added with trehalose or l -proline were investigated using differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and cryomicroscope during freezing and warming. The addition of trehalose or l -proline can eliminate the eutectic formation in normal saline. Trehalose had significantly lower latent heat release than l -proline does at a high concentration of 1 M (P < 0.05), while unfrozen water content of trehalose is significantly lower than that of l -proline at all the concentrations (P < 0.05). It was also found that addition of 0.2 M, 0.3 M and 1 M trehalose can achieve partial vitrification in normal saline and that the glass transition temperature rises along with the increase in concentrations of trehalose. However, no vitrification was observed in normal saline with l -proline at any concentrations. Besides, rates of ice crystal growth in normal saline added with trehalose are slower than those in normal saline with l -proline at the same concentrations. These results suggest that both trehalose and l -proline can act as CPAs by avoiding eutectic formation and inhibiting ice formation in normal saline for cell cryopreservation. It could be useful for CPA selection and designing in the future. • The phase change behavior and thermal properties of trehalose and l -proline in physiological saline solutions during freezing and warming are studied by differential scanning calorimeter and cryomicroscope using pre-nucleating method. • Normal saline with high concentration of trehalose release less heat during freezing compared to that with same molar concentration of l -proline, while the unfrozen water content in l -proline-NaCl solution is higher than that in trehalose-NaCl solution, which is related to the calculation method. • Clear images of single ice crystal growth in physiological saline solutions with CPAs were obtained in this study. The ice growth rate in trehalose solutions was slower compared to that in l -proline solutions within the same concentrations (P < 0.5). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding structure-property relationships is critical for the development of new drug delivery systems. This study investigates the properties of Pluronic smart hydrogel formulations for future use as injectable controlled drug carriers. The smart hydrogels promise to enhance patient compliance, decrease side effects and reduce dose and frequency. Pharmaceutically, these systems are attractive due to their unique sol-gel phase transition in the body, biocompatibility, safety and injectability as solutions before transforming into gel matrices at body temperature. We quantify the structural changes of F127 systems under controlled temperature after flow, as experienced during real bodily injection. Empirical formulae combining the coupled thermal and shear dependency are produced to aid future application of these systems. Induced structural transitions measured in-situ by small angle x-ray and neutron scattering reveal mixed oriented structures that can be exploited to tailor the drug release profile. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Compression of water + acetamide mixture were measured. • Measurements were performed at pressures to 100 MPa and temperatures from 278.15 to 323.15 K. • Molar isothermal compression and isobaric expansion of the mixture were evaluated. The density ρ at atmospheric pressure and compression ratios k = Δ V / V o of the {water (1) + acetamide (2)} mixture in the range of temperature from 278.15 K to 323.15 K (278.15, 288.15, 298.15, 308.15, 323.15), pressures from 10 to 100 MPa (10, 25, 50, 75 and 100) and in a wide range of compositions (maximum mole fraction of acetamide (AA) x 2 = 0.3875) were measured in the work. The partial molar volumes of both components V ¯ 1 and V ¯ 2 in the mixture, molar isothermal compression K T , m , molar isobaric thermal expansion E P , m , isochoric coefficient of thermal pressure β V , and internal pressure of the mixture P int were calculated. The volume characteristics for an infinitely dilute AA solution in water: limiting partial molar volumes V ¯ 2 ∞ , limiting partial molar isothermal compression K ¯ T ,2 ∞ , and limiting partial molar isobar expansion E ¯ P ,2 ∞ were calculated. The obtained results are discussed from the standpoint of interactions of solute-solvent and solute-solute. The obtained results are discussed in terms of solute-solvent and solute-solute interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the RE-Ru-Al systems, in the region with high content of rare earth elements a number of isostructural compounds RE 10 RuAl 3 (RE = Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm) were identified. The structures of the obtained compounds belong to ordered variant of anti -Co 2 Al 5 -type with a hexagonal cell, space group P 6 3 / mmc (No. 194), Pearson symbol hP 28 , Z = 2, the cell parameters a = 9.5901(19) Å, c = 9.6504(17) Å (Gd); a = 9.5029(17) Å, c = 9.5746(20) Å (Tb); a = 9.4761(17) Å, c = 9.5544(13) Å (Dy); a = 9.4235(9) Å, c = 9.5132(7) Å (Ho); a = 9.3967(6) Å, c = 9.4761(5) Å (Er); a = 9.3589(12) Å, c = 9.4277(10) Å (Tm). All compounds were synthesized by arc-melting the stoichiometric quantities of elementary components. The structures were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis of a single crystal and refined by the Rietveld method from powder X-ray diffraction patterns. In the structure of the compound Ho 10 RuAl 3 one of the three holmium sites - Ho3 - was mixed with Al, which is reflected in the composition of the intermetallide: compound with Ho shows a small deviation from composition RE 10 RuAl 3 and an adequate formula of the compound is Ho 10‒x RuAl 3+x (x = 0.07). The crystal structure of the compounds can be represented as rows of trigonal prisms with rare earth atoms at the vertices, centered by ruthenium atoms, alternating with a pair of empty octahedra of rare earth atoms along the direction c of the unit cell. Rows of prisms and octahedrons separate distorted icosahedrons RE[Al 6 RE 6 ] with a rare earth atom in the center, connected by common triangular faces. All obtained compounds have a congruent melting pattern. [Display omitted] • Six novel ternary intermetallic compounds RE 10 RuAl 3 (RE = Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm) were prepared. • Two fundamentally different ways of describing the crystal structure of the obtained compounds were considered. • Compound Ho 10 RuAl 3 is characterized by a mixed occupancy of one of the holmium sites by aluminum and holmium atoms. • Intermetallic compounds RE 10 RuAl 3 (RE = Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm) melt congruently. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two alkaline earth metal-containing thiophosphate compounds, BaAg 7 (PS 4) 3 and SrAg 7 (PS 4) 3 , were synthesized via the homovalent substitution of Pb2+ in PbAg 7 (PS 4) 3 by Ba2+ and Sr2+, respectively. The space group of BaAg 7 (PS 4) 3 (P 2 1 / c) and SrAg 7 (PS 4) 3 (P 6 3 / m) is the same as the low- and high-temperature phases of PbAg 7 (PS 4) 3 , respectively. The two compounds exhibit structural similarity and possess three-dimensional honeycomb-shaped architectures. These honeycomb structures are arranged in a layered fashion via hexagonal rings, which arise from the sharing of edges or vertices between [AgS 4 ] and [PS 4 ] tetrahedral, accommodating discrete entities of Ba2+ and Sr2+ cations. BaAg 7 (PS 4) 3 melts congruently with a melting point of 760 °C and a solidification point of 675 °C, while the melting behaviour of SrAg 7 (PS 4) 3 was incongruently and thermally stable up to 689 °C under vacuum of 1 × 10−3 Pa. Moreover, the band gaps of BaAg 7 (PS 4) 3 (2.69 eV) and SrAg 7 (PS 4) 3 (2.85 eV) have a significant enlargement compared to PbAg 7 (PS 4) 3 (2.09 eV). The combination of d10 cation Ag+ with second-order Jahn-Teller distortion and alkaline earth metals cation enriches the system of new metal thiophosphates and provides ideas for exploring other functional materials. Two new phosphorothioates, BaAg 7 (PS 4) 3 and SrAg 7 (PS 4) 3 , were prepared by the homovalent substitution of PbAg 7 (PS 4) 3 , and their space groups corresponded to the low-temperature and high-temperature phases of PbAg 7 (PS 4) 3 , respectively. [Display omitted] • Two new thiophosphates BaAg 7 (PS 4) 3 and SrAg 7 (PS 4) 3 were prepared by the homovalent substitution of PbAg 7 (PS 4) 3. • The space group of BaAg 7 (PS 4) 3 and SrAg 7 (PS 4) 3 corresponds to the low- and high-temperature phases of PbAg 7 (PS 4) 3. • The band gaps of BaAg 7 (PS 4) 3 (2.69 eV) and SrAg 7 (PS 4) 3 (2.85 eV) are compared with PbAg 7 (PS 4) 3 (2.09 eV). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the problem of heat dissipation of electronic materials, the traditional heat dissipation technology cannot meet the current demand. The existing liquid-cooled thermal fluid has poor thermal conductivity, which limits its application. Among the methods to improve the thermal conductivity of nanofluids, selecting materials with high thermal conductivity as dispersants is a very effective method. Herein, we report the preparation of an oxygen-doped rod-shaped boron nitride (BN–O). Oxygen-doped rod-shaped boron nitride has a suitable aspect ratio to form an effective thermal conductivity network, which effectively improves the thermal conductivity of the matrix material. In addition, the hydroxyl groups formed after functionalization of the BN-O hydroxyl groups, can form van der Waals forces between the molecules of the water-ethylene glycol solution. This allows the thermally conductive filler to be stably present in the matrix material, thereby increasing the thermal conductivity. Thus BN-O has good thermal conductivity and dispersion, while the morphology of BN-O is regulated by the boron-to-nitrogen ratio of the reactants. Under the same reaction conditions, the BN has a rod-shaped morphology for a boron-to-nitrogen ratio close to 1. Notably, the test results show that the thermal conductivity of the water-ethylene glycol matrix is 0.43W/m·K. After adding the same amount of BN-1, BN-2, BN-3, BN-4, BN-O-1, BN-O-2, BN-O-3, and BN-O-4 as thermally conductive fillers, the thermal conductivity are 0.68 W/m·K, 0.61 W/m·K, 0.5 W/m·K, 0.52 W/m·K, 0.97 W/m·K, 0.81 W/m·K, 0.76 W/m·K, and 0.77 W/m·K, respectively. The thermal conductivity is increased by 56.69%, 41.48%, 16.27%, 20.93%, 122.23%, 87.15%, 75.48%, and 77.56% with the addition of thermally conductive filler compared with the matrix. Therefore, oxygen-doped rod-shaped boron nitride can be a competitive candidate for high thermal conductivity additives in water-based. Oxygen-doped rod-shaped boron nitride, with its suitable aspect ratio and hydroxyl group that improves compatibility in solution, dramatically improves the thermal conductivity of the matrix material. By adding oxygen-doped rod-shaped boron nitride, the thermal conductivity of the matrix material has increased from 0.43 W/m·K to 0.97 W/m·K, an increase of 122.23%. [Display omitted] • The morphology of BN-O is regulated by the boron-to-nitrogen ratio of the reactants. • Oxygen-doped rod BN (BN–O) was successfully synthesized by hydroxyl functionalization. • The thermal conductivity of BN-O in water-ethylene glycol was 0.97 W/m·k. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Thermal properties of three organic PCMs is investigated by DSC for energy storage. • Enthalpy-Temperature plots of the PCMs are presented. • Effect of sample mass and heating rate on transition temperature range is determined. • Thermal stability of the PCMs is observed during 150 thermal cycles. The involvement of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) in energy storage systems leads to more sustainable and efficient use of energy. Medium operating temperature (melting point 100–400 °C) find various applications in industrial waste heat recovery and hybrid compressed air - thermal energy storage systems. However, there is still a lack of detailed knowledge in terms of their thermal storage properties that hinders them from being more integrated in industry. In this study, thermal properties such as melting point, enthalpy and heat capacity of three medium temperature PCMs were characterized using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The enthalpy-temperature graph for each PCM is presented that contains key information on sensible and latent heat contribution in the total energy storage. The selected organic PCMs are adipic acid with two different purities 99%, 99.5%, and its chemical equivalent PureTemp151® with a melting point of (150.5 ± 0.5 °C) and a latent heat of (230 ± 10 J/g). Furthermore, the effect of heating rate and sample mass in DSC procedures on transition temperatures and enthalpy were evaluated. Finally, thermal performance of PCMs was quantified through 150 cycles of melting and solidification. The tested PCMs show a significant storage capacity and good thermal stability with less than 10 % enthalpy loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was proposed to improve the taste of ready-to-eat rice by suitable organic acid addition with brown rice as the raw material and to investigate the effects of multiple frequency ultrasound combined with glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) on the physicochemical properties of brown rice grains under different treatment conditions, which included the moisture content, appearance, texture profile analysis (TPA) and microstructure of brown rice. This study showed that 2.2 g/100 mL GDL can reduce brown rice's pH < 4.6. Sensory evaluation revealed that its sour taste was similar to that of the control group (without acid), while it complied with the product specification for acidified canned food. The soaking brown rice for 30 min showed 23.3 g/100 mL moisture content, but the soaking process combined with multiple frequency (40/80 kHz) ultrasound at 200, 400, and 600 W enhanced the moisture content to 23.7–25.6 g/100 mL. This heat moisture treatment (HMT) improved the brown rice starch's modified thermal properties and texture while the optimal condition of 25.6 g/100 mL moisture content with multiple frequency ultrasound 400 W combined with 2.2 g/100 mL GDL was satisfactory for producing ready-to-eat brown rice with appearance integrity, improved brightness, and chewiness without unpleasant sourness. • Glucono-δ-lactone is an optional additive for producing ready-to-eat brown rice. • The novel method was developed by combining multiple food processing techniques. • Application and process improvement of low-acid canning product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

New fluoride compound (NH 4) 2 KZrF 7 with the elpasolite structure (sp. gr. Fm -3 m) was synthesized by partial cationic substitution in (NH 4) 3 ZrF 7 cryolite. Due to small difference in ionic radii of K+ and NH 4 +, non-equivalent crystallographic positions 8 c and 4 b are occupied by both cations. Investigations of thermal, optical and structural properties in a wide range of temperature revealed two phase transitions Fm -3 m ↔ P 4 2 / ncm ↔ P 4 2 / nmc of the first order. The results obtained are discussed in comparison with the data for the previously studied related cryolite (NH 4) 3 ZrF 7 Crystal structure of (NH4)2KZrF7 which undergoes two close phase transitions. Image 1 • New fluoride elpasolite (NH 4) 2 KZrF 7 (sp. gr. Fm -3 m) was synthesized. • Non-equivalent crystallographic positions 8 c and 4 b are occupied by both cations. • K+.→NH 4 + substitution in (NH 4) 3 ZrF 7 decreases temperature stability of Fm -3 m phase. • Two phase transitions were found in (NH 4) 2 KZrF 7 instead of six in (NH 4) 3 ZrF 7. • (NH 4) 2 KZrF 7 shows significant decrease in anomalous entropy compared to (NH 4) 3 ZrF 7. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single crystals of manganese pyro -arsenite [systematic name: dimanganese(II) pentaoxidodiarsenate(III)], Mn 2 As 2 O 5 , were grown under hydrothermal conditions. Mn 2 As 2 O 5 adopts a novel structure type as revealed by single crystal X-ray diffraction from a crystal twinned by pseudo-merohedry. The crystal structure comprises of five independent MnII sites (two located on inversion centres, three in general sites) and two pairs of [As 2 O 5 ]4- pyro -anions made up from corner-sharing trigonal-pyramidal [AsO 3 ] units in general positions. Four of the five MnII sites exhibit distorted octahedral [MnO 6 ] coordination polyhedra whereas one has five oxygen ligands in a distorted square-pyramidal environment. The manganese-oxygen polyhedra and [As 2 O 5 ]4- pyro -anions share corners and edges under formation of a three-dimensional network with channels extending along [001]. The 4 s 2 electron lone pairs at the AsIII atoms are stereochemically active and point into the centre of the channels. Results of Raman spectroscopic studies are in agreement with the structural features of the pyro -arsenite anion. Magnetic susceptibility measurements on a powder sample confirm all Mn atoms to be in oxidation state ​+ ​II. An antiferromagnetic ordering below 14.3 ​K occurs that most likely points to a magnetic structure supporting a weak ferromagnetic component ('weak ferromagnetism'). Experimental conditions for preparation of Mn 2 As 2 O 5. Image 1 • Preparation of the first pyro -arsenite of a 3 d metal. • Crystal structure determination of Mn 2 As 2 O 5 from a twinned crystal. • Antiferromagnetic ordering below 14.3 K most likely points to a magnetic structure supporting a weak ferromagnetic component. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave assisted drying methods, namely, microwave freeze drying (MFD) and microwave vacuum drying (MVD) were applied to dehydrate Chinese yam, with hot air drying (HA), freeze drying (FD) as contrast. The effects of drying methods on physico-chemical, functional, pasting, thermal and rheological properties as well as microstructure were evaluated. Resulted showed that the physico-chemical properties (e.g. content of polysaccharide, protein, total starch and apparent amylose content as well as bulk density, color) of yam flours were significantly affected by drying method. Functionally, the highest water binding capacity but lowest solubility was achieved by FD samples. The differences in thermal properties were presumed to be affected by protein retention to some extent. MFD flours presented the highest peak viscosity and final viscosity, while lower trend of retrogradation than that of FD flours. Rheological measurement demonstrated that all tested yam doughs exhibited solid-like behavior but variant intensity. Yam doughs produced by microwave assisted drying methods showed more solid-like property in cold paste (25 and 40 °C) as compared to that of FD as well as HA. Furthermore, the surface damage of yam starch granules was found in microwave assisted drying methods. These observations provided a deep understanding of the characteristics of Chinese yam flour affected by different drying methods, which would be conducive to their applications in food industry. • Best hydration was found in microwave freeze dried flour. • Microwave freeze dried flour can be used as thickener in food industry. • The highest long- and short-range order of starch was found in hot air dried flour. • Surface damage of starch granules was found in microwave assisted drying methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Critical properties, heat capacities, thermal diffusivities of levulinic acid and n-alkyl levulinates were measured. • Esters studied were from methyl to butyl levulinate. • Data on heat capacity and thermal diffusivity cover the temperature range from 303.15 to 373.15 K at atmospheric pressure. • Levulinic acid is a platform molecule in the process of conversion of biomass into fuels. • Alkyl levulinates are used as oxygenate additives for diesel and gasoline fuels. The critical temperatures, pressures, heat capacities, and thermal diffusivities of levulinic acid and methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl levulinates have been measured. Experimental critical constants of levulinic acid and alkyl levulinates have been compared with those calculated using the group contribution methods of Wilson/Jasperson, Lydersen, Constantinou/Gani, and Marrero/Gani. The temperature dependencies of heat capacities and thermal diffusivities have been approximated by a third-order and a first-order polynomial, respectively. The coefficients of these polynomials have been given. Experimental heat capacities have been compared with those estimated by the methods of Kolska et al. and Dvorkin et al. Using the experimental data, the thermal conductivities of alkyl levulinates have been calculated. These data have been compared to those calculated by the methods of Latini et al. and Sastri. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerogels derived from pre-polymerized vinyl trimethoxy silane (VTMS) precursor with nano-size particles are known to exhibit outstanding mechanical and insulation properties. However, the density reduction has been limited by the poor connectivity. This paper presents an innovative technology to generate a new class of VTMS-based hybrid silica aerogels that possess outstanding non-particulate, reticulated structure and superior properties. This technology relies on spinodal decomposition instead of conventionally exploited binodal decomposition, which leads to a particulate structure. This new aerogel technology has significantly increased the void fraction of the pre-polymerized VTMS-based aerogel, which could not be achieved previously using binodal decomposition. The increased void fraction in the form of nano-pores with an average pore size of 21.75 nm nullifies the gas thermal conductivity effectively. Another consequence of the non-particulate structure is decreased processing time by removing the aging step. These improvements are due to the non-particulate structure's increased connectivity produced by spinodal decomposition. This novel structure was then compared to a particulate counterpart aerogel of the same material derived from the conventional binodal decomposition of the pre-polymerized VTMS precursor. To further decrease the processing cost, a lower molecular-weight polymeric precursor was synthesized under milder polymerization conditions. The effects of the polymeric precursor's molecular weight on the mechanical and thermal properties of the aerogel created via spinodal decomposition were also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of different stabilization treatments on the functional properties of rice bran (RB). This work also determined the molecular and thermal properties of stabilized RB. RB was stabilized by conventional oven and microwave (MW) oven. Three different oven temperature (120, 140 and 160 °C) and three different MW power (600, 700 and 800 W) were used for stabilization. Stabilization procedures significantly affected the antioxidant activity, phenolic profile and protein fractions of RB. The antioxidant activities of the RB increased significantly with the stabilization. Microwave-based (MW) stabilization decreased the amount of albumin-globulins and prolamins (p < 0.05) and it did not change the amount of glutelins (p > 0.05). Conversely, the stabilization with conventional oven significantly increased the amount of albumin-globulins and prolamins and it significantly decreased the amount of glutelins. The results obtained from Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra, showed that stabilization changed the intensity and location of some bands. The best method to reduce the lipase activity and to improve the functional properties of RB was MW based treatment. Also, thermal decomposition was delayed by MW based stabilization. Consequently, it was revealed that MW based treatment was short-term and effective method to stabilize of RB. • Stabilization was increased the antioxidant activities of the rice bran. • Thermal decomposition was delayed by microwave based stabilization. • The best method to reduce the lipase activity of RB was microwave based treatment. • Microwave based treatment was effective method to stabilize of rice bran. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • [N 111 C 3 MIM][N(CN) 2 ] 2 was synthesized and characterized. • Heat capacity and thermal stability were experimentally determined. • Densities and viscosity of [N 111 C 3 MIM][N(CN) 2 ] 2 mixtures with IPA were measured. • Excess properties were calculated. • Nature of interactions between [N 111 C 3 MIM][N(CN) 2 ] 2 and IPA were discussed. Abstract A novel asymmetrical gemini ionic liquid, 1-(3-(trimethylammonio)prop-1-yl)-3-methylimidazolium bis(dicyanamide) ([N 111 C 3 MIM][N(CN) 2 ] 2), was synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR. Thermal stability of [N 111 C 3 MIM][N(CN) 2 ] 2 was investigated through thermogravimetric analysis under pure nitrogen atmosphere. Heat capacity of pure [N 111 C 3 MIM][N(CN) 2 ] 2 was measured using differential scanning calorimetry in the temperature range 298.15–423.15 K and enthalpy H T -H 298.15K , and entropy S T -S 298.15K were obtained. Densities and viscosities were measured for the binary system of [N 111 C 3 MIM][N(CN) 2 ] 2 and isopropanol (IPA) over the entire range of mole fractions at various temperatures from 283.15 to 333.15 K under the pressure of 0.101 MPa. Moreover, the excess molar volumes (V m E) and the viscosity deviations (Δ η) for the binary mixtures were determined and well fitted to the Redlich−Kister polynomials. The negative values of V m E and Δ η result from strong self-association and weak hydrogen bonding interaction between the molecules of [N 111 C 3 MIM][N(CN) 2 ] 2 and IPA. Excess Gibbs energy of activation (Δ G *E) of viscous flow for the present binary mixtures were also calculated. Results have been discussed in terms of molecular interactions and structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The aim of this study was to investigate the thermal properties of bambangan kernel fat (BKF) and palm stearin (PS) blends and their possibility as cocoa butter alternatives. The triglycerides, thermal behaviors, and crystal morphology of the BKF and PS blends were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and polarized light microscope (PLM). All the blends had three main triglycerides; namely, 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoyl-glycerol, 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-3-stearoyl-glycerol, and 1,3-distearoyl-2-oleoyl-glycerol. The melting onset temperatures decreased for both non-stabilized (−8.81 to −16.80 °C) and stabilized fat blends (−14.04 to −22.16 °C), whereas the melting offset temperatures shifted toward high temperatures for both non-stabilized (35.94–50.21 °C) and stabilized fat blends (48.35–53.16 °C) with PS. The crystallization onset temperatures increased for both non-stabilized (14.66–23.78 °C) and stabilized fat blends (15.46–26.89 °C), whereas the offset temperatures decreased with the addition of PS for non-stabilized (−15.68 to −22.02 °C) and stabilized fat blends (−15.73 to −22.38 °C). The stabilized fat blends showed higher melting and crystallization peak temperatures than non-stabilized fat blends. In the study of crystal morphology, the fat blends showed small spherulites with the diameter of 10–100 μm. Highlights • Melting onset decreased for non-stabilized and stabilized fat blends with PS. • Melting offset shifted toward high temperatures for blends with PS. • Crystallization onset temperatures increased while offset decreased with PS. • Stabilized blends showed highest melting and crystallization than non-stabilized. • Blends showed small spherulites with the diameter of 10–100 μm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract We present a new method for the determination of the surface properties of airless bodies from measurements of the emitted infrared flux. Our approach uses machine learning techniques to train, validate, and test a neural network representation of the thermophysical behavior of the atmosphereless body given shape model, illumination and observational geometry of the remote sensors. The networks are trained on a dataset of thermal simulations of the emitted infrared flux for different values of surface rock abundance, roughness, and values of the thermal inertia of the regolith and of the rock components. These surrogate models are then employed to retrieve the surface thermal properties by Markov Chain Monte Carlo Bayesian inversion of observed infrared fluxes. We apply the method to the inversion of simulated infrared fluxes of asteroid (101195) Bennu – according to a geometry of observations similar to those planned for NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission – and infrared observations of asteroid (25143) Itokawa. In both cases, the surface properties of the asteroid – such as surface roughness, thermal inertia of the regolith and rock component, and relative rock abundance – are retrieved; the contribution from the regolith and rock components are well separated. For the case of Itokawa, we retrieve a rock abundance of about 85% for pebbles larger than the diurnal skin depth, which is about 2 cm. The thermal inertia of the rock is found to be lower than the expected value for LL chondrites, indicating that the rocks on Itokawa could be fractured. The average thermal inertia of the surface is around 750 J s−1/2 K−1 m−2 and the measurement of thermal inertia of the regolith corresponds to an average regolith particle diameter of about 10 mm, consistently with in situ measurements as well as results from previous studies. Highlights • Thermophysical simulations can be streamlined in neural-network response functions. • Neural nets can quickly predict infrared fluxes from surface properties of asteroids. • Bayesian inference using neural nets allow retrieving rock abundance of the surface. • Inversion of fluxes of (25143) Itokawa gives results consistent with previous works. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Sonication assisted isoelectric precipitation protein extraction was investigated, to determine the effect of sonication pretreatment (20 KHz, 2 s pulse on and 1 s pulse off for 30 min) on the physico-chemical, surface and thermal properties of date palm pollen concentrate. Concentrates obtained only by isoelectric precipitation and with the addition of sonication pretreatment were compared on the basis of their structure and their functional properties. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were observed in surface properties, where sonicated sample exhibited a better capacity of reducing the surface tension at pH 7 even at low protein concentration (0.5 g/100 mL) reaching 40.7 mN/m. It was also deduced that thermal properties are strongly influenced by the sonication treatment since the temperature and enthalpy of protein's denaturation decreased significantly (P < 0.05). These differences were attributed to the induced modifications in protein's structure caused by sonication. Deductions align with what has been observed in the scanning electron microscopy that showed sonication leads to the modification of protein's structure. Highlights • The sonication pretreatment contributed in improving protein recovery by almost 90%. • The sonication pretreatment caused a decrease in hydrophobic amino acids. • The structural modifications resulted in decreasing the solubility and the thermal stability. • Pollen protein concentrate obtained after the sonication pretreatment is more surface active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • A static-bomb calorimeter was used for energies of combustion determinations. • High temperature Calvet microcalorimetry was used for enthalpies of vaporization determination. • Gas phase energies of formation of ethyl 2- and 3-aminobenzoates were determined. • Gas phase enthalpies of formation were estimated using the G4 composite method. Abstract Calorimetric experiments performed for ethyl 2-aminobenzoate and ethyl 3-aminobenzoate allowed the determination of their standard (p ° = 0.1 MPa) molar enthalpies of formation, in the gaseous phase, at T = 298.15 K. The techniques used were static bomb combustion calorimetry and high temperature Calvet microcalorimetry, which enabled the determination of the standard molar enthalpies of formation in the liquid phase, and the standard molar enthalpies of vaporization, at T = 298.15 K, of the above aminobenzoates. In addition, computational calculations, through the G4 composite method, were performed to estimate the enthalpies of formation in the gas phase of the title compounds. Boltzmann weighted averages were performed over sets of stable conformers of each compound, using Gibbs energy to compute population weights. The ethyl 2-aminobenzoate presents an intramolecular hydrogen bond, which was confirmed through topological analyses of the electron density. Furthermore, the energetic effect caused from exchanging the position of the amino substituent was evaluated, and was also compared with similar compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights • Transitions and critical phenomena in 2-propanol and 2-propanol + TiO 2 nanofluid. • Caloric property behavior of the nanofluid was contrasted with base fluid 2-propanol. • A discontinuity was not observed for the nanofluid in the limit of finite volume. • The influence of nanofluid instability on the critical behavior was observed experimentally. Abstract Thermodynamic properties (isochoric heat capacity, critical and phase transition temperatures, pressure and thermal-pressure coefficient) of a nanofluid (2-propanol + TiO 2) were experimentally studied near the critical point of the pure base fluid (2-propanol). Measurements were made using a high-temperature, high-pressure, nearly constant-volume adiabatic piezo-calorimeter that was designed for simultaneous measurements of caloric (C V V T) and density (PVT) properties of fluids along the near-critical isochores as a function of temperature in the two-phase and single-phase regions. The standard uncertainty of the density, temperature, pressure, thermal-pressure coefficient, and heat capacity measurements is estimated to be 0.1%, 0.02 K, 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5%, respectively. The measurements were made along a selected near-critical isochore of 282.68 kg·m−3 for a concentration of 0.132 mass fraction of TiO 2 in the temperature range from (314 to 511) K. The measured C V and critical temperature data were interpreted in terms of finite-size scaling theory of critical phenomena for fluids confined in the finite-size media. The influence of finite size on the thermodynamic properties of the near- and supercritical fluid has been studied, along with thermal instability of the nanofluid (2-propanol + TiO 2) at high temperatures (around 500 K). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Freeze–thaw cycles can degrade the structural and thermal properties of gluten. We used near-isogenic lines NIL1 (Bx6+By8) and NIL2 (Bx14 + By15) to study the effects of freeze–thaw cycles on the structural and thermal properties of gluten for high molecular weight glutenin subunit (HMW-GS) variants at the Glu-B1 locus. After several freeze–thaw cycles, the increases in the frozen water content, surface hydrophobicity, β-sheets, intermolecular β-sheets, and peak temperature (T p) were significantly lower for NIL2 than NIL1, and the reductions in the amount of disulfide bonds (S S), α-helix, thermal enthalpy (ΔH), and degradation temperature (T d) were also lower for NIL2 than NIL1. Furthermore, our results showed that the protein weight loss was independent of the composition of HMW-GS. Therefore, the effects of freeze–thaw cycles on the gluten structure and thermal properties of NIL2 with superior subunits were less than those for NIL1, and thus NIL2 is more suitable for making frozen dough than NIL1. • Conformation of gluten with Glu- 1Bd was affected more by frozen storage. • Frozen storage affected thermal stability of HMW-GS gluten alleles differently. • Deterioration of frozen gluten was related to the composition of HMW-GS. • Flour with Glu- 1Bh is more suitable for making frozen dough than that with Glu- 1Bd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quality characteristics of parboiled rice pre-treated by ultra-high pressures (UHP, 100–600 MPa) were investigated in this study. The LF-NMR results and morphologies of parboiled rice grain showed that UHP treatment promoted uniform distribution of water in rice grain and effectively eliminated "white-core" grain. The total colour difference (ΔE *) increased with increasing treatment pressures. DSC results showed that onset gelatinization temperature (T o) of rice flour was increased after soaking but decreased after UHP treatment. And the degree of starch gelatinization (DSG) presented an increase at 100 and 200 MPa, but opposite trends were found at 200–600 MPa. Scanning electron microscopic images showed that the morphology of starch in rice changed a little after UHP treatment but lost polygonal shape after steaming. RVA results showed that the viscosity of rice flour increased after soaking and whether rice flour or parboiled rice flour's viscosity decreased with increasing pressures. • UHP Ultra-high pressure technology is used in the production of parboiled rice to improve rice quality. • "White-core" grain is diminished in parboiled rice pre-treated by UHP treatment. • UHP treatment increased degree of starch gelatinization in parboiled rice. • LF-NMR was used to investigate the distribution of water during soaking, UHP treatment, and steaming process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract SnSe crystals were reported to possess extraordinary thermoelectric performance, while the polycrystals were less marked due to the inferior carrier and phonon transport properties. Herein, we fully take advantage of the complex band structure and strong point scattering via alloying SnS. The carrier concentration and Seebeck coefficient were synergistically optimized via activating multiple valance bands and enlarging band effective mass, which contribute to a maximum power factor ∼7.53 μWcm−1K−2 at 793 K. Meanwhile, the lattice thermal conductivity was greatly reduced to ∼0.92 Wm−1K−1 due to the effective phonon scattering from point defects, as well demonstrated by the Callaway model. Combining a high power factor with low thermal conductivity, relatively high ZT of 1.2 at 793 K was obtained in polycrystalline Sn 0.98 Na 0.02 Se 0.9 S 0.1. Our work demonstrates that alloying is simple yet effective approach for enhancing thermoelectric performance for polycrystalline SnSe, and SnSe system is one of promising thermoelectric candidates. Graphical abstract SnSe crystals possess excellent thermoelectric performance and motivate us to enhance the thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline SnSe. Here, through band structure modification and strong point scattering in polycrystalline SnSe with Na doping and SnS alloying, we achieved a maximum ZT of ∼1.2 at 793 K in Sn 0.98 Na 0.02 Se 0.9 S 0.1 and theoretical prediction demonstrated higher thermoelectric performance with an optimum carrier concentration. Image 1 Highlights • Power factor of p -type polycrystalline SnSe was improved to ∼7.53 μWcm−1K−2 at 793 K through SnS alloying. • Lattice thermal conductivity of p -type polycrystalline SnSe was reduced to ∼0.92 Wm−1K−1 through SnS alloying. • ZT max of p -type polycrystalline SnSe was enhanced from ∼0.6 to ∼1.2 through SnS alloying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Recently, silver chalcogenides have attracted great attention due to their potential application for room temperature power generation and local cooling. In this work, we report the thermoelectric properties and thermal stability of bulk Ag 2 Se with nano-Cu 2 Se inclusions ((Ag 2 Se) 1-x (Cu 2 Se) x where x = 0, 0.02 and 0.05). Ag 2 Se samples were prepared via melting, annealing and the nanocomposite was prepared by ball milling this material with required amount of nano-Cu 2 Se; finally, the samples were consolidated by spark plasma sintering. High temperature and low temperature transport properties were assessed by the measurements of the Seebeck coefficient, electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity, and Hall coefficient. The phase composition and microstructure were explored by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, while the thermal stability of samples was investigated via heating microscopy and heat capacity measurement. Room temperature PXRD and SEM indicated that two separate phases of Ag 2 Se and Cu 2 Se form in nano-Cu 2 Se included composites. Heating microscopy and the heat capacity measurement indicate that the thermal stability of Ag 2 Se is enhanced with increasing nano-Cu 2 Se inclusions. The sign of the Seebeck coefficient, in agreement with the Hall coefficient, shows that electrons are the dominant carriers in all samples. The electrical conductivity of the samples increases and the Seebeck coefficient decreases with increasing amount of the nano-Cu 2 Se inclusion, likely due to augmented carrier concentration. Despite the larger electrical conductivity, the thermal conductivity is suppressed with nano-Cu 2 Se inclusions. A high power factor and reduced thermal conductivity lead to a maximum ZT value of 0.45 at 875 K for (Ag 2 Se) 1-x (nano-Cu 2 Se) x sample where x is 0.05. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Low and hightemperature TE properties and thermal stability of (Ag 2 Se) 1-x (nano-Cu 2 Se) x compounds where x = 0, 0.02 and 0.05 were investigated. • Electrical conductivity was enhanced, thermal conductivity was suppressed with nano grained Cu 2 Se inclusion. • SEM-EDX and PXRD patterns confirm two main phases of Ag 2 Se and Cu 2 Se in nano inclusion samples. • Heating microscopy and heat capacity measurements show that thermal stability of Ag 2 Se increases with nano Cu 2 Se inclusion. • The maximum ZT value of 0.5 were obtained at 875 K in (Ag 2 Se) 0.95 (nano-Cu 2 Se) 0.05 compound. • Structural and transport data show that nano grained Cu 2 Se improve the thermal stability and thermoelectric properties of Ag 2 Se. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) from the city of Boa Esperança, Minas Gerais, Brazil, was used to produce refuse-derived fuel (RDF). The MSW contains residues from human society, including product packaging, bottles, batteries, organic waste, fines, textiles, health textiles, plastics, glass, and metals, among others. The following protocol was performed during the conversion of MSW to RDF: (i) the raw MSW was placed in a silo and sent to a primary crusher using a metal conveyor belt, which reduced the particle size to 80 mm; (ii) the biomass was transferred to a selective waste collection platform by a rubber conveyor belt, and the recyclable waste, metals, and glasses were separated manually; (iii) residual metals were removed by a magnetic separator; (iv) the waste was transferred to a secondary crusher which reduced the particle size to 60 mm; (v) the waste passed through an airborne separator to remove materials with high density, such as glass, stones, and organic materials, using a metallic conveyor belt; (vi) the particle size was reduced to 40 mm by a tertiary crusher; (vii) the aluminium was separated from the non-metallic materials (plastic, paper, rubber, etc.) using an eddy current separator; (viii) the particle size was reduced to 25 mm using a quaternary crusher; (ix) the MSW was introduced into a rotary dryer using a metal conveyor belt, where the moisture content was reduced to close to 15 wt%, which required thermal energy equivalent to 186 kWh; (x) the RDF was used in a thermochemical reactor and 4148 kWh of thermal energy was produced. In addition, the MSW and RDF were analysed, and the elemental composition and combustion characteristics were determined. Based on these results, the protocol evaluated was found to be effective in the conversion of MSW to RDF, which can be used as a source of renewable fuel. Graphical abstract Image 1 Highlights • Development of a solid waste processing line at an industrial scale. • 55 ton day−1 of MSW with up to 50 wt% moisture was processed. • MSW was efficiently converted to RDF. • RDF production was 30 ton day−1 with an average moisture content of 17 ± 8 wt%. • RDF with an average LHV of 14.6 ± 1.3 MJ kg−1 was produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Abstract Printable Nano carbon colloidal ink has fascinated great attention due to their exceptional potential for large-scale application for powering wearable electronic devices. Though, it is challenging to incorporate various characteristics together such as mechanical stability, solution printability, conductivity, electrocatalytic activity, and heat generating properties in the flexible fabric based electrode system. In this research the development of printable composites made with woven/nonwoven fabrics printed with multiwall carbon nanotubes for flexible and wearable heating system and cathodes for dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC), respectively. We report a printable carbon ink of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) synthesized by globular protein serum bovine albumin (BSA). BSA is amino-rich dispersant used to disperse MWCNT and generate tubular porous carbon matrix. High loading ratio of BSA increases the dispersing power of MWCNT and increased porosity of CNT matrix. The proposed Organic Nanocarbon ink (Organic NC) serve the pathways for electron transport leading to higher heat dissipation as the well high conductivity and electrocatalytic activity. It was interesting to reveal that different kinds of woven and nonwoven fabrics displayed exceptional thermal properties when DC voltage was applied. The heat generating properties were highly dependent on the type of fabric and conductive ink uptake. Our proposed Organic NC printed fabric system exhibited superior conductivity with 15–20 Ω resistivity and lower charge transfer resistance R CT = 2.69 Ω, demonstrated an 8% power conversion efficiency of DSSC. The proposed research paves the ways for solution printable high performance woven and nonwoven conductive and thermoelectric materials for wearable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A quick and effective technology to anneal the UV inscribed fiber Bragg grating by arc discharge scanning was proposed. • The heat-treated method has potential application in high temperature measurement. • The influence of electrode discharge on the spectral characteristics of FBGs were studied. To develop a quick and effective technology to anneal the UV inscribed fiber Bragg grating, a heat-treatment method carried out by arc discharge scanning was studied. The spectral degeneration of UV-inscribed FBG under arc discharge was investigated. It is found that the transmission spectrum intensity was reduced, the 3 dB bandwidth is narrowed and the central wavelength was blue-shifted. Increasing the number of scanning, the transmission spectrum intensity, 3 dB bandwidth and central wavelength of the FBG change slowly until finally they remain unchanged. The similar annealing process was also carried out for femtosecond laser inscribed FBG. It was found that the spectrum remains unchanging after heat-treatment. For the stable thermal property, femtosecond laser inscribed FBG was used to investigate the spectrum response of arc discharge. The discharge leads to the non-uniform temperature field on the FBG, resulting in significant chirp broadening which can be used to approximate calculate the temperature gradient on the FBG. The heat-treated method have potential applications in annealing FBG and transient high temperature measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The thawing characteristics, initial thawing mechanism and post-thawing quality of lightly salted, frozen pork tenderloin following the use of high-voltage electrostatic fields (HVEFs) were investigated in this study. The thawing rate increased with increasing salt concentrations for pork thawed by a −10 kV or −15 kV HVEF. Thermal property values of pork changed with increasing salt concentration (0–6%). HVEFs could enhance salt diffusion during the thawing process. The pork tenderloin thawed using HVEFs had significantly less drip loss (P < 0.05) than occurred during air thawing, which was also proven by the myosin denaturation enthalpy (−0.05 ± 0.03 J/g for the air-thawed samples and −0.24 ± 0.03 for the −10 kV HVEF-thawed samples). Additionally, there is apparent sample grouping with respect to the thawing methods between 30 ms–100 ms after PCA analysis. Thawing with −10 kV and −15 kV HVEFs resulted in a 0.5 log reduction in the number of Pseudomonas in the pork tenderloin compared with the number in the air-thawed group at day 0. Highlights • Thawing rates were accelerated with increasing salt concentration. • The corona wind, thermal conductivity and salt ions migration were considered for quick thawing. • The use of HVEFs (e.g. −15 kV) could enhance salt diffusion during the thawing process. • HVEF thawing was superior to air thawing for maintaining the WHC of salted pork. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]