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Plastic recycling, waste minimization such as process outfall valorization promotes a circular economy. Herein, food trays have been produced in the moulded pulp thermoforming process. To this end, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) outfall has been dispersed in water via Poly vinyl alcohol (PVA) addition in a Northern Bleached Softwood Kraft Pulp (NBSKP) slurry. Samples physical and mechanical properties have been evaluated. With an increasing HDPE content, parts air permeability was drastically reduced to a minimum of 2.4 ± 0.8 mL min−1. In addition, water and grease hold out properties have been increased with minimum water Cobb1800 value of 10.9 ± 5.4 gm−2 and oil Cobb1800 value of 13.18 ± 6.5 gm−2. Samples with high HDPE content demonstrated hydrophobic surface with water contact angle value above 90°. HDPE melting and binding to wood pulp fibers was monitored by SEM images. Regarding the mechanical properties, HDPE induced plastic deformation with a reduced Young modulus by 17 %. Moreover, the addition of HDPE increased wet strength by 81 %. However, the produced food tray composites with high HDPE content demonstrated low repulpability index. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE) fibers were stabilized by ultraviolet ray (UV) irradiation, which provided a new treatment method for fabricating carbon fiber precursors. LLDPE chips were blended with a photo-initiator 4-chlorobenzophenone (4-CBP) and a crosslinker 1,2-polybutadiene (1,2-PB) to obtain spun particles, and then they were melt spun into the fibers. Then, UV irradiation of the as-spun fibers was performed to obtain precursors. An orthogonal experimental design investigated the effects of the ingredient ratio LLDPE:1,2-PB and UV irradiation time on the fiber gelation. The results show that the factor's order of influence was: ingredient ratio > UV irradiation time. The fiber gelation reaches a maximum of 67.51% at a dosage ratio of LLDPE:1, 2-PB of 97:2, and a UV irradiation time of 30 min. The UV irradiation introduced the crosslinking structure of LLDPE fibers, and the melting temperature of UV-XLPE fibers shifts toward lower temperatures, and the crystal size of the fibers decreased with increasing UV irradiation time. However, longer irradiation time does not beneficially affect the gelation degree. The low cost and feasible crosslinking method in this study offer the possibility of wide application of low-cost polyethylene-based carbon fibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of algae loading on the properties of PBAT/algae bio‐composites produced through a melt extrusion process. The integration of algae as a filler demonstrated a reinforcing effect on the PBAT matrix, leading to an increase in modulus with higher algae loading. Concurrently, the tensile strength and maximum tensile strain of PBAT decreased with an increase in algae content. The thermal stability of PBAT was affected by adding algae, resulting in bio‐composites exhibiting an intermediate behavior compared with their neat precursors. The optimal formulation is achieved with 20 wt.% of algae incorporated into the PBAT matrix. The produced PBAT/algae bio‐composites, demonstrated versatile applications across a wide range of products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber-based technologies are widely used in various industries, but their use in pharmaceuticals remains limited. While melt extrusion is a standard method for producing medical fibers such as sutures, it is rarely used for pharmaceutical fiber-based dosage forms. The EsoCap system is a notable exception, using a melt-extruded water-soluble filament as the drug release trigger mechanism. The challenge of producing drug-loaded fibers, particularly due to the use of spinning oils, and the processing of the fibers are addressed in this work using other approaches. The aim of this study was to develop processes for the production and processing of pharmaceutical fibers for targeted drug delivery. Fibers loaded with polyvinyl alcohol and fluorescein sodium as a model drug were successfully prepared by a continuous melt extrusion process and directly spun. These fibers exhibited uniform surface smoothness and consistent tensile strength. In addition, the fibers were further processed into tubular dosage forms using a modified knitting machine and demonstrated rapid drug release in a flow cell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study investigated the effect of different polymers and manufacturing methods (hot melt extrusion, HME, and spray drying, SD) on the solid state, stability and pharmaceutical performance of amorphous solid dispersions. In the present manuscript, a combination of different binary amorphous solid dispersions containing 20% and 30% of drug loadings were prepared using SD and HME. The developed solid-state properties of the dispersions were evaluated using small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and modulated differential scanning calorimetry (mDSC). The molecular interaction between the active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and polymers were investigated via infrared (IR) and Raman spectroscopy. The in vitro release profile of the solid dispersions was also evaluated to compare the rate and extend of drug dissolution as a function of method of preparation. Thereafter, the effect of accelerated stability conditions on the physicochemical properties of the solid dispersions were also evaluated. The results demonstrated higher stability of Soluplus® (SOL) polymer-based solid dispersions as compared to hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC)-based solid dispersions. Moreover, the stability of the solid dispersions was found to be higher in the case of API having high glass transition temperature (Tg) and demonstrated higher interaction with the polymeric groups. Interestingly, the stability of the melt-extruded dispersions was found to be slightly higher as compared to the SD formulations. However, the down-processing of melt-extruded strands plays critical role in inducing the API crystal nuclei formation. In summary, the findings strongly indicate that the particulate properties significantly influence the performance of the product. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin and piperine are plant compounds known for their health-promoting properties, but their use in the prevention or treatment of various diseases is limited by their poor solubility. To overcome this drawback, the curcumin–piperine amorphous polymer–phospholipid dispersions were prepared by hot melt extrusion technology. X-ray powder diffraction indicated the formation of amorphous systems. Differential scanning calorimetry confirmed amorphization and provided information on the good miscibility of the active compound–polymer–phospholipid dispersions. Owing to Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, the intermolecular interactions in systems were investigated. In the biopharmaceutical properties assessment, the improvement in solubility as well as the maintenance of the supersaturation state were confirmed. Moreover, PAMPA models simulating the gastrointestinal tract and blood-brain barrier showed enhanced permeability of active compounds presented in dispersions compared to the crystalline form of individual compounds. The presented paper suggests that polymer–phospholipid dispersions advantageously impact the bioaccessibility of poorly soluble active compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a growing need to address waste generated from Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) 3D printing activities. This study explores the mechanical recycling of waste polylactic acid (PLA) accumulated from failed 3D printing operations and PLA biocomposite filaments containing nanocellulose fibres. FFF 3D printable filaments were produced via melt mixing and extrusion of virgin PLA containing varying amounts of waste PLA. The chemical, thermal and thermomechanical characterisation of each specimen was evaluated using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), simultaneous thermal analysis (SDT), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and uniaxial tensile analysis (UTA). A desktop FFF 3D printer was used to fabricate UTA and DMA test specimens. The thermal stability of the filament specimens containing waste derived from the failed 3D prints were comparable with that of the commercial filaments. However, a 11% decrease in the onset of thermal degradation is observed for the filament containing waste biocomposites. The specimens containing waste PLA exhibited higher crystallinity and storage modulus. UTA results revealed similar tensile strength and % elongation, except for the specimen containing 50% waste PLA which exhibited a 29% decrease in tensile strength. This work successfully demonstrates mechanical recycling as a viable waste management strategy for waste materials generated during FFF 3D printing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Magnetic phase transition and magnetocaloric effect in the amorphous Gd52Fe28B20 alloy are exhaustively explored. The melt spinning technique was employed to produce the amorphous alloy. Considering the Landau theory and Banerjee criterion, the nature of the magnetic phase transition (MPT) follows a second order MPT at the Curie temperature (TC) from ferromagnetic to paramagnetic states. The Maxwell thermodynamic relation was used to calculate the maximum isothermal entropy change (− ∆SM). This alloy exhibits wide peaks in entropy versus temperature curves, which is advantageous for enhancing the relative cooling power (RCP). The RCP of Gd52Fe28B20 was found to be ~ 190 J kg−1 (at TC = 260 K, µ0H = 2 T), the value similar to that obtained in pure Gd (at TC = 293 K, µ0H = 2 T). Additionally, we provide a phenomenological model related to the theoretical assessment of the magnetocaloric effect. The dependence of theoretical parameters on temperature and magnetic field was established through rigorous analysis. The accuracy of these theoretical predictions was assessed by comparing them to experimental results. Consequently, this alloy is appropriate for use near the ordering temperature of 260 K, which bodes well for the development of novel magnetic refrigerants for active cooling applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The facile characterization of isothermal microphase separation kinetics in polyamide 6 (PA6)‐based thermoplastic elastomers (TPAE‐6) has long posed a challenge for the development of suitable melt spinning processes. In this study, this challenge is addressed through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. It is assumed that the enthalpy changes of TPAE‐6 during the isothermal process are a linear superposition of enthalpy changes associated with microphase separation and crystallization of PA6 in hard phases, resembling that of TPAE‐6 without soft segments (TPAE‐6‐0). The study reveals that, as the concentration of soft segments in TPAE‐6 increases, the accelerated dynamics of phase separation become stronger than the dilution of soft segments to PA6 segments during isothermal process, resulting in an increase in the microphase separation rate of TPAE‐6. Furthermore, despite microphase separation, the overall crystallization rate of TPAE‐6 decreases with rising isothermal temperature and varies with increasing soft segment content at different temperatures. Additionally, the crystallization mode of TPAE‐6 follows two‐dimensional, three‐dimensional, or a combination of both crystal growth mechanisms, accompanied by a heterogeneous nucleation mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The phase selection and microstructure evolution inside rapidly solidified Ti62Ni38 alloy have been theoretically predicted by a typical nucleation theory and experimentally confirmed by both the arc melting and melt spinning techniques. For the arc melted samples with a diameter greater than 3.3 mm, direct nucleation phenomenon of metastable peritectic Ti2Ni phase occurred due to the stronger nucleation ability of Ti2Ni phase in the sample bottom region with a relatively high undercooling, whereas peritectic solidification microstructures with directional growth characteristics formed in the other regions of the sample with a slight undercooling. Once the diameter of the arc melted sample reduced below 3.3 mm, the sample bottom region with a substantially undercooled state was still occupied by the metastable peritectic Ti2Ni phase owing to its stronger nucleation ability, the middle region was mainly characterized by the metastable coupled growth between primary TiNi phase and peritectic Ti2Ni phase because of the comparable nucleation abilities for constituted phases at moderate undercoolings, whereas the other regions with a relatively small undercoolings appeared as peritectic solidification microstructures. Moreover, the phase transitions in different regions of the arc melted sample have been demonstrated by a high-speed CCD. For the atomized alloy droplets under the melt spinning condition, with the reduction in droplet size, peritectic solidification microstructures evolved into metastable coupled growth microstructures. Based on the calculations of the temperature field for arc melted sample and atomized droplets, it was found that both the temperature distinction and the cooling rate difference between the droplet center and the droplet surface were much smaller in contrast with those arc melted samples, which leaded to the appearance of only sole solidification mode in one atomized droplet. The theoretical predictions of phase selection and microstructure evolution were in good agreement with the experimental observations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The extremely low melt flowability of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is the primary obstacle to its melt processing. Particularly in melt spinning processes, the extremely high molecular weight of UHMWPE and the density of entangled molecular chains severely limit its production efficiency and monofilament performance. This study investigates the effect of flow modifiers on the melt spinning process of UHMWPE/HDPE blends, focusing on CaSt2, PEG, and CaSt2/silicone powder composite additives, and their impact on the standard tensile samples and monofilament tensile properties of UHMWPE/HDPE. The mechanism of additive influence on the tensile properties of UHMWPE/HDPE blends is analyzed through tensile strength testing, thermal analysis, and microscopic morphology observation. The results show that in standard tensile samples, CaSt2 or CaSt2/silicone powder composite additives can enhance the crystallinity of the blend, thereby improving its tensile strength. Conversely, adding PEG significantly reduces the crystallinity and tensile strength of the blend. The maximum tensile strength of CaSt2‐modified UHMWPE/HDPE monofilament is 1236.61 MPa. This enhancement is attributed to the lubricating effect of CaSt2, which simultaneously assists the molecular chains in the amorphous region, and the reorientation of the stress‐induced molten lamellar structure under tension, greatly promoting the formation of straight‐chain crystals in the monofilament. During hot drawing, PEG inhibits the formation of straight‐chain crystals in the monofilament, resulting in a 3.06% decrease in maximum crystallinity compared with standard tensile samples. When CaSt2 is combined with silicone powder, the additives tend to aggregate during hot drawing, and these larger aggregate particles hinder the orientation of molecular chains along the drawing direction, resulting in a 30.75% decrease in maximum tensile strength of the monofilament compared with the standard tensile samples. Highlights: The tensile property of UHMWPE/HDPE blends modified with additives was discussed.Analytical techniques including DSC, SEM, and tensile strength tests were used.The maximum tensile strength of the monofilament can reach up to 1236.61 MPa.UHMWPE/HDPE/CaSt2 = 60/40/0.5 exhibits the best tensile property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The self-made COPET/CaCO3 masterbatch and PET masterbatch were used to modify the traditional PET fiber through melt spinning. The process parameters for preparing COPET/CaCO3/PET porous fiber by alkali and acid treatment were optimized using single factor control variable method, and the fiber properties were tested and characterized. The results show that when the NaOH mass fraction is 4% and the HCL mass fraction is 3%, the fibers have good apparent morphology and pore structure. Under the optimal treatment conditions, the fiber contains uniformly distributed pores, and the pore size is concentrated between 15 nm and 54 nm. The fracture strength, linear density, specific surface area, and melting temperature of the fibers are 1.29 cN/dtex, 4.84 dtex, and 5.527 3 m²/g, respectively, and 253.85 °C, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The PBT-poly(trimethylene glycol)(PO3G)-based elastomer was synthesized through meticulous design of molecular structure and polymerization processes. Subsequently, PBT-PO3G elastic filaments were fabricated via a melt spinning process, utilizing PO3G elastomer with a mass fraction of 20% and 30% as raw materials. Comparative analysis with PBTPTMG elastomer and elastic filaments incorporating poly(tetrahydrofuran) (PTMG) with a mass fraction of 30% was conducted to investigate the influence of the odd carbon soft chain segment's structure on the thermodynamic properties of PBT-based elastomers and elastic filaments. Results indicate that the soft phase comprising odd carbon chains exhibits limited crystallization, contributing to enhanced resilience in PBT-based elastomer and elastic filaments. Notably, under a drafting factor of 2.5, the PBT-PO3G elastic filaments with PO3G mass fraction of 30% displays a strength of 1.25 cN/dtex and a 93% recovery rate after 10 cycles of cyclic drawing at a fixed elongation of 10%. The results provide reference for the application of poly (ether ester) in the field of elastic fiber. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights Carbon fiber reinforced thermoplastics (CFRTPs) demonstrate promising applications in engineering sectors, and the interfacial interaction between CFs and the matrix plays a significant role in determining the properties of CFRPs. This work attempted to study the influence of sizing agent on the properties of polyphenylene sulfide/CF (PPS/CF) composites with an aim to fabricate PPS/CF composites with enhanced mechanical properties. The results showed that the use of 2 wt% boron phenolic resin as the sizing agent favored the formation of a uniform interfacial layer on the surface of CFs. Contact angle tests revealed that corresponding sized CFs exhibited the smallest contact angle and the highest surface energy among the studied systems. As a result, the sizing agents acted as a protective layer for CFs during melt processing process, which mitigated the damage to the CFs. The average length of CFs was longer after melt extrusion process which was vital for achieving high mechanical performance of PPS/CF composites. Coating sizing agent protected CFs from being fractured during melt processing. Applying 2 wt% BPR sizing agent yielded the best interfacial performance. The tensile strength and Yong's modulus of PPS/CFB2 reached as high as 155.9 and 7618.21 MPa. The tensile fracture mode between BPR‐treated CFs and PPS was cohesive damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalyst‐free, radical‐based reactive processing is used to transform low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) into polyethylene covalent adaptable networks (PE CANs) using a dialkylamino disulfide crosslinker, BiTEMPS methacrylate (BTMA). Two versions of BTMA are used, BTMA‐S2, with nearly exclusively disulfide bridges, and BTMA‐Sn, with a mixture of oligosulfide bridges, to produce S2 PE CAN and Sn PE CAN, respectively. The two PE CANs exhibit identical crosslink densities, but the S2 PE CAN manifests faster stress relaxation, with average relaxation times ∼4.5 times shorter than those of Sn PE CAN over a 130 to 160 °C temperature range. The more rapid dynamics of the S2 PE CAN translate into a shorter compression‐molding reprocessing time at 160 °C of only 5 min (vs 30 min for the Sn PE CAN) to achieve full recovery of crosslink density. Both PE CANs are melt‐extrudable and exhibit full recovery within experimental uncertainty of crosslink density after extrusion. Both PE CANs are self‐healable, with a crack fully repaired and the original tensile properties restored after 30 min for the S2 PE CAN or 60 min for the Sn PE CAN at a temperature slightly above the LDPE melting point and without the assistance of external forces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reported herein is a continuous one‐step melt extrusion approach for high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) vitrimers. A grafting agent and a coagent were used to produce high‐performing vitrimers. Maleic anhydride (MA) served as a reactive agent to facilitate crosslinking, while dimethyl maleate (DM) acted as a grafting enhancer by reducing the surface energy of HDPE grafted with MA. For comparison, MA alone was also tested as a grafting agent. The vitrimers obtained displayed superior mechanical properties compared with HDPE. The storage modulus, as well as crystallinity, were determined for the HDPE vitrimers. These vitrimers are reprocessable, thus supporting recycling efforts despite their crosslinked nature, owing to very fast relaxation due to low activation energy for the transesterification reaction. Consequently, these vitrimers are not only recyclable but also exhibit enhanced thermal and mechanical properties compared with conventional HDPE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document titled "Bayesian chronological analyses consistent with synchronous age of 12,835-12,735 Cal B.P. for Younger Dryas Boundary on four continents" discusses the limitations and challenges of radiocarbon and optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating methods. It emphasizes the importance of integrating dating methods with other stratigraphic information and using Bayesian analysis to improve accuracy. The document provides information on various sites that have been studied in relation to the Younger Dryas Boundary (YDB) event, including their location, proxies found, and age estimates. It also discusses the evidence of impact-related proxies found at these sites, supporting the hypothesis of a cosmic impact event around 12,800 years ago. The document includes age models, chronological information, and statistical data for specific sites, as well as references to related research. [Extracted from the article]

Due to their eco‐friendly and functional attributes, the development of stain‐resistant poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibers offers a multitude of benefits, including enhanced sustainability, ease of maintenance and expanded application fields. To investigate the feasibility of facile fabrication of stain‐resistant poly(lactic acid) (PLA) fibers, hydrophobic PLA fibers were produced using a scalable melt spinning technique employing silicone powder as the hydrophobic functional material. The influence of silicone powder content on the morphology and crystal structure of PLA fibers was investigated using different length scale characterization methods, including scanning electron microscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. The relationships between the mechanical performance, hydrophobicity, and structure of the PLA fibers were established. The results showed that the synergistic effect of the micro/nanoconvex structure on the fiber surface created by silicon dioxide (SiO2) in silicone powder and the low surface energy of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) can considerably improve the hydrophobic functionality of the fibers. Compared with that of PLA fibers, the contact angle of hydrophobic PLA fibers increases from 67.3° to 87.6° with the addition of 3 wt% silicone powder. Furthermore, although silicone powder may accelerate PLA crystallization nucleation, it does not increase the crystallite size. When the silicone powder content is increased to 4 wt%, the mesophase fraction of the hydrophobic PLA fibers increases from 9.3% to 13.7%. This is the primary structural factor that allows the fiber to maintain its good tenacity. The tenacity of these hydrophobic PLA fibers is approximately 4.5 cN/dtex, which has excellent practical value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We applied computing-as-a-service to the unattended system-agnostic miscibility prediction of the pharmaceutical surfactants, Vitamin E TPGS and Tween 80, with Copovidone VA64 polymer at temperature relevant for the pharmaceutical hot melt extrusion process. The computations were performed in lieu of running exhaustive hot melt extrusion experiments to identify surfactant-polymer miscibility limits. The computing scheme involved a massively parallelized architecture for molecular dynamics and free energy perturbation from which binodal, spinodal, and mechanical mixture critical points were detected on molar Gibbs free energy profiles at 180 °C. We established tight agreement between the computed stability (miscibility) limits of 9.0 and 10.0 wt% vs. the experimental 7 and 9 wt% for the Vitamin E TPGS and Tween 80 systems, respectively, and identified different destabilizing mechanisms applicable to each system. This paradigm supports that computational stability prediction may serve as a physically meaningful, resource-efficient, and operationally sensible digital twin to experimental screening tests of pharmaceutical systems. This approach is also relevant to amorphous solid dispersion drug delivery systems, as it can identify critical stability points of active pharmaceutical ingredient/excipient mixtures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parallel micropillars of quasicrystal approximants are fabricated in Al20Si20Mn20Fe20Ga20 high-entropy alloy via melt spinning, and their micromorphology is observed by scanning electron microscopy. Unlike the traditional quasicrystal system where the crystal structure of the decagonal prism is decagonal quasicrystal, the crystal structure of micropillars reported here is identified as the orthorhombic (1/0, 2/1) quasicrystal approximant (a = 0.73 nm, b = 1.23 nm, c = 2.24 nm) through transmission electron microscopy. The cross-section structure of the micropillars consists of multiple twinned (1/0, 2/1) approximant domains or alternating splicing of (1/0, 2/1) and defective (1/0, 2/1) quasicrystal approximants. The thermal stability and the microstructure evolutions of micropillars after being heat treated are also investigated. Meanwhile, the nanomechanical properties of micropillars are characterized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyamide-6 (PA6), or nylon-6, is a widely used low-cost polymer material for various applications. Manufacturing PA6 into fibers involves a spinning process which orients the polymer chains into a semicrystalline structure. The most economical spinning process for PA6 fibers is melt extrusion. When stretching the produced fibers to high strains, the PA6 fibers transition the metastable γ phase back into the stable α phase. The effects of these large stretches on mechanical properties have not been explored after the stretch has been released. In this study, the effects on mechanical properties were studied by stretching the PA6 fibers from 10 to 50% tensile strain and subsequently releasing the fibers. The stretched fibers were characterized by X-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy to determine the changes to the crystal structure and surface roughness. The stretched fibers were then tensile tested to failure and the tensile properties were examined. The stress-strain curves on the post-stretched PA6 fibers showed clear softening in the fibers with lower initial moduli after 30% stretching. These results may hold a clue to softening of fibers in applications with repeated loading and have implications for mechanical stability and fatigue of this polymeric material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impact of shot peening on SS347 tube has been investigated using MagStrics, a magnetostrictive sensing (MsS) device comprising of rapidly quenched ribbon as sensor element. Two tubes of SS347 have been considered in pre- and post-shot peened state. Annealed ribbon as sensor element showed enhanced MsS signal. Using the annealed ribbon as sensor element, the MsS signal amplitude in shot peened tube was found to be distinctly different from un-peened sample. This was associated to magnetic phase evolutions in the pipe internal surface due to shot peening. Such phenomena have been endorsed through SEM–EDX compositional analysis and correlated through simulations using COMSOL Multiphysics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Excellent soft magnetic properties of the amorphous and nanocrystalline alloys are attributed to their unique microstructure. In this work, Fe73.5Si13.5-xNb3Cu1B9Px (x = 0, 3.5, 7, 10 at. %) amorphous ribbons have been fabricated using the melt spinning technique. The effect of annealing temperature (475 ~ 600 ℃) on the microstructure and soft magnetic properties have been studied. According to the results, the thermal stability of FeSiNbCuBP amorphous alloys was improved by the partial substitution of Si by P. Moreover, it was found that the grain growth of α-Fe (Si) phase can be restrained by the appropriate amount of P addition and result to a grain refinement of the alloys during annealing. Base on refinement grain size (9 nm) and optimal crystallization volume fraction (47%), Fe73.5Si10Nb3Cu1B9P3.5 nanocrystalline alloy with low coercivity of 0.02 A/m and high effective permeability of 3.22 × 104 was developed after annealed at 525 ℃. Besides, we propose that the migration of free electrons from P to Fe could diminish the saturation magnetization of these alloys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various experimental methods are used to examine the effect of cooling rate on the magnetic properties of magnetic materials, such as melt spinning at different wheel speeds. To shed light on these experimental studies as a theoretical study, we used a mixed spin (1, 3/2) Ising system on a square lattice under an oscillating magnetic field within the path probability method. It is very advantageous to use the path probability method in such studies, because it explains the dynamic magnetic phase behaviors and dynamic hysteresis curves of the system depending on all system parameters, and one of the coupling parameters ( k 2 ) arising in this method corresponds to the wheel speed (rate constant) in the melt spinning method. In this study, dynamic hysteresis curves of a magnetic material were obtained for different k 2 parameters as well as other system parameters, namely reduced temperature, crystal field interaction, and angular frequency. In some magnetic materials, hard and soft magnetic hysteresis loop behaviors and single and multiple hysteresis loop behaviors have been obtained, which have been reported theoretically as well as experimentally. The results shed light on experimental workers who were unable to reach higher wheel speeds using the melt-spinning method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Casting speed, casting temperature and secondary cooling water flow rate are the main process parameters affecting the DC casting process. These parameters significantly influence the flow and temperature fields during casting, which are crucial for the quality of the ingot and can determine the success or failure of the casting operation. Numerical simulation, with the advantages of low cost, rapid execution, and visualized results, is an important method to study and optimize the DC casting process. In the present work, a simulation model of DC casting 2024 aluminum alloy was established, and the reliability of the model was verified. Then, the influence of casting parameters on flow field and temperature field was studied in detail by numerical simulation method. Results show that with the increase of casting speed, the melt flow becomes faster, the depths of slurry zone and mushy zone increase, and the variation of slurry zone depth is greater than that of mushy zone. With an increase in casting temperature, the melt flow rate increases, the depth of the slurry zone becomes shallower, and the depth of the mushy zone experiences only minor changes. The simulation results further indicate that the increase of the flow rate of the secondary cooling water slightly reduces the depths of both slurry and mushy zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fiber lithium‐ion batteries (FLIBs) hold great promise for powering wearable electronics. However, their practical application is hindered by limited cycle and calendar life, primarily due to the loss of active Li caused by water vapor permeation through the encapsulation layer. To address this challenge, a low‐permeability and high‐flexibility tetrafluoroethylene hexafluoropropylene copolymer (FEP) tube is presented to continuously encapsulate FLIBs by melting extrusion method. Owing to the inherent hydrophobicity of fluorine resins and appropriate crystallinity of the polymer matrix, FEP tubes exhibited significantly low vapor permeability, with a water vapor transmittance rate (WVTR) of 0.3 mg·day−1·pkg−1, 15 times lower than that of the nylon 12 tubes (4.6 mg·day−1·pkg−1). Leveraging the low permeability and elastic modulus of FEP tubes, FLIBs demonstrate a capacity retention of 80.05% after 180 cycles and exceptional flexibility with a capacity retention of 98.32% after 10 000 bending cycles, showcasing superior performance compared to the conventional polymer tubes (for example, the capacity of PP‐FLIBs declined by 20.68% after 30 cycles). This work presents a general and efficient strategy for continuously encapsulating FLIBs, effectively extending their cycle and calendar lifetime of FLIBs, thereby enhancing their practical viability for wearable electronic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural chitin/CaCO3 (ChCC) complex derived from crab shell was modified and used to fabricate an organic/inorganic complex filler to enhance the optical and mechanical properties of polylactic acid (PLA) biocomposite. Crab shell was treated with NaOH to remove proteins and pulverized to produce ChCC microparticles having flake-like shape. The presence of CaCO3 in ChCC enhanced the hydrophobicity of the microparticles after treatment with fatty acids. The ChCC-filled PLA composite films prepared via melt extrusion displayed good optical properties without harsh discoloration (ΔE of 0.9%). In contrast, the film filled only with chitin showed high ΔE of 15% at same filler content, which is not commonly observed in biopolymer-filled biocomposites. Also, the ChCC-filled film exhibited higher mechanical properties, with an 8% increase in tensile strength compared to PLA, while the chitin-filled film showed a decreased tensile strength of 6% than PLA, which was attributed to the improved compatibility between the hydrophobic ChCC and the PLA matrix. The inexpensive preparation of ChCC and its application as a biocomposite filler is an attractive use of crab shell waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, polyethylene (PE) was used as the raw material, and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA), modified nano-CaCO3 and bagasse fiber(BF) were used as the composite fillers, and the nano-CaCO3/BF/PHA/PE composites were prepared by melt extrusion and injection molding. The effects of the optimal ratios of PHA, modified nano-CaCO3 and BF and their contents on the internal structure and properties of the composites were investigated by mechanical property tests, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and other characterization methods. The results show that with 5% PHA, 5% BF, and 5% nano-CaCO3, the mechanical properties of the composites were optimal at 12.9 MPa, and the maximum thermal decomposition temperature of the nano-CaCO3/BF/PHA/PE composites reached 437 °C at this ratio, which was higher than the thermal decomposition temperature (453 °C) of the composites before modification. The study provides ideas for the green development of degradable polymer materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enhancing food preservation and safety using environmentally friendly techniques is urgently needed. The aim of this study was to develop food packaging films using biodegradable poly-L-lactic acid (PLA) as biopolymer and carvacrol (CV) essential oil as an antioxidant/antibacterial agent for the replacement of chemical additives. CV was adsorbed onto natural zeolite (NZ) via a new vacuum adsorption method. The novel nanohybrid CV@NZ with a high CV content contained 61.7%wt. CV. Pure NZ and the CV@NZ nanohybrid were successfully dispersed in a PLA/triethyl citrate (TEC) matrix via a melt extrusion process to obtain PLA/TEC/xCV@NZ and PLA/TEC/xNZ nanocomposite films with 5, 10, and 15%wt CV@NZ or pure NZ content. The optimum resulting film PLA/TEC/10CV@NZ contained 10%wt. CV@NZ and exhibited self-healable properties, 22% higher tensile strength, 40% higher elongation at break, 45% higher water barrier, and 40% higher oxygen barrier than the pure PLA/TEC matrix. This film also had a high CV release content, high CV control release rate as well as 2.15 mg/L half maximal effective concentration (EC50) and 0.27 mm and 0.16 mm inhibition zones against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enterica ssp. enterica serovar Typhimurium, respectively. This film not only succeeded in extending the shelf life of fresh minced pork, as shown by the total viable count measurements in four days but also prevented the lipid oxidation of fresh minced pork and provided higher nutritional values of the minced meat, as revealed by the heme iron content determination. It also had much better and acceptable sensory characteristics than the commercial packaging paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic recycling facilities deal with single‐ and mixed‐stream plastic waste. Clean single‐stream waste is sold as clean flake, or the flake is converted to pellets for material handling. The flake conversion process uses a conventional melt‐phase extruder to convert extruded filaments that are cooled and then pelletized. Friction extrusion (FE), a solid phase processing technique that has successfully extruded metal and metal matrix composites with desired properties, has never been utilized to address its ability to process plastic wastes. In this study, FE was performed on single‐stream low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and single‐stream polypropylene (PP). Consolidated filaments of 2.5 mm diameter were extruded from different polymers. The energy efficiency of FE was estimated based on extrusion rates. A potentially 50%–80% reduction in energy cost was calculated for FE compared to the conventional melt extrusion process. Thermal properties of pellets and extruded filaments were measured to evaluate the effects of FE process on the molecular and morphological structures of LDPE and PP. The thermal properties of PP before and after FE were not significantly changed. For LDPE, the melting and crystallization temperatures increased by 3 and 7°C while the degree of crystallinity decreased by 3%, probably associated with side chain realignment under shearing. Highlights: Direct extruded polyolefin into filaments without melting via friction extrusion.Estimated over 50% energy reduction compared melt extrusion process.This novel mechanical process does not degrade polyolefin material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The preparation and characterization of composite materials composed of polypropylene (PP) as the base mixed with halloysite nanotubes (HNT) at various weight percentages (0.5, 1.5, and 3 wt.%) using a melt extrusion method operated at a temperature between 190 °C and 200 °C is described. The impact of the addition of the HNT filler on the PP nanocomposites was investigated based on the thermal and mechanical properties. The thermal characterization was conducted by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Significant increases in the rheological properties were observed with the addition of a high content of HNTs. The water absorption decreased with increasing HNT. The SEM micrographs showed that the HNT fillers were homogeneously dispersed throughout the entire PP matrix. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication of a biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL)/hydroxyapatite (HAp) scaffold prepared from local waste blue crab shells (Portunus pelagicus) by melt spinning method was investigated. The effect of different KH2PO4 concentrations on the physico‐chemical properties of HAp is evaluated. Furthermore, the influence of PCL/HAp ratios on mechanical strength and particle size distribution is reported. The formation of HAp is confirmed by Infrared (IR) spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The biocompatibility of the PCL/HAp composites was evaluated using MTT assay and mechanical tests. The results reveal that the increase in KH2PO4 concentration contributed to the higher yield of HAp. However, the crystal and particle sizes are relatively invariable. SEM micrograph shows that the HAp introduction into PCL improves the material's porosity. Moreover, adding 10 % HAp into the PCL matrix significantly improved the mechanical strength of the filament compared to commercial PCL. MTT assay exhibits above 90 % cell viability, implying that the prepared PCL/HAp composite is non‐toxic and biocompatible with artificial bone replacement. After all, this study demonstrates that PCL/HAp filament derived from local blue crab waste is highly promising as a bone scaffolding material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A type of blending films ba,sed on poly (butylene adipate-arterephthalate) (PBAT) and poly(lactic-fo-butane-diol itaconate) (PLBI) were prepared at different ma,s,s ratio,s through melt extrusion using a twin-screw extruder. The effect of PLBI content on the thermal performance, mechanical propertie,s, and ga,s permeability of the blending film,s wa,s inve,stigated. The modified atmossphere packaging (MAP),sy,stem wa,s de,signed on the ba,si,s of the ga,s permeability of material and the re,spiratory characteri,stic,s of sstrawberry. Thi,s MAP,sy,stem wa,s used for a,strawberry-pre,serving experiment. The results indicated that the blended films achieved favorable mechanical properties at a PLBI content of 15 wt%. Through adjusting the blending ratio, the CO2/O2 penetration ratio of the blending film,s wa,s reduced from 10. 57 to about 3-7. Simultaneously, the water retention capacity of the blending film,s wa,s enhanced. Thi,s make,s the blending filmss more ssuitable for air-adjusted fruit and vegetable packaging. Thi,s packaging,sy,stem can be used to extend the shelf life of strawberries up to 21 days under low-temperature storage conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-layer glue-free composite filmss ba,sed on a PP/EVA/ela,stomer blending,sy,stem were prepared through melt blending and ca,st co-extrusion using EVA a,s an adhe,sive layer and different easterners a,s a compatibilizer for the PP core layer and adhesive layer. The resultant blending system was analyzed by means of mechanical tessts, rheological tessts, and sscanning electron microsscopy, and the propertiess of the compossite filmss were inve,stigated. The ressuta indicated that there wa,s an optimal bonding effect on paper when using the EVA containing 18 wt% vinyl acetate. The PBE easterner exhibited a more ssignificant improvement in the mechanical properties* than POE. The glass transition temperature of PP and EVA increased gradually with an increase in the PBE content, and meanwhile the curvature of Cole-Cole also increased gradually, indicating that the compatibility between PP and EVA became better and better. When the content of PBE in the EVA adhesive layer was; 30 wt%, the tensile sstrength of the composite films; reached a maximum value of 29 MPa. The adhesive strength of the composite films with paper reached at maximum value of 9 N/15 mm at a PBE content of 20 wt%. The core layer and adhesive layer cannot be peeled off for the compossite filmss at a PBE content of 25 wt%. The compossite filmss are robust without delamination in thiss ca,se. The optimal loading of PBE in the adhe,sive layer wa,s determined to be 25 wt%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A multifunctional epoxy polymer wass used ass a chain extender for poly (butylene ssuccinate-co-terephthalate) (PBST), and the effects of chain extension condition on the propertiess of PBST/Talc (talcum powder) blendss were in-vesstigated during the melt-phasse reactive extrusion processss. The chain extender dossage, reaction temperature, and sscrew rotational sspeed were sstudied ass main factorss. The primary influence factors and their interactions were identified through an analyssiss of variance. The ressultss indicated that the influence of chain extender dossage iss mosst ssignificant, followed with a reaction temperature, whereass the influence of sscrew sspeed iss lessss. The melting and crysstallization temperaturess of PBST decreassed with an increasse in the chain extender dossage, and meanwhile its molecular weight, melt visscossity, and thermal sstability increassed. The modified PBST compounds* pressented an increasse in the breaking sitresis; but a decreasse in the breaking sstrain with an increasse in the chain extender dossage. Ressponsse ssurface analyssiss indicated that the optimal chain extenssion condition wass a chain extender dossage of 0. 66 %, a reaction temperature of 200 °C, and a sscrew sspeed of,300 r/min. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Al–Mg alloys offer a compelling combination of high tensile strength and low density, yet conventional high-Mg alloying often yields dense Al3Mg2 precipitates that compromise processability and ductility. To address this challenge, this work combined melt spinning and hot extrusion to achieve a supersaturated matrix and fine-grain structure in Al–Mg alloys with high-Mg content. The produced Al–9 Mg alloy exhibited exceptional tensile strength (~ 388 MPa) and elongation (~ 31%), surpassing Al–6 Mg and Al–12 Mg alloys. It is revealed that the high-Mg solute concentration contributes significantly to solid solution strengthening, reduces stacking fault energy to facilitate recrystallization and grain refinement, and, most crucially, augments strain-hardening ability. This augmentation delays localized deformation, alleviates stress concentration and enhances strength and ductility concurrently. The novel process holds the potential to overcome challenges associated with conventional alloying and paves the way for developing high-performance alloys with exceptional strength-ductility synergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metallic alloys often form phases--known as solid solutions--in which chemical elements are spread out on the same crystal lattice in an almost random manner. The tendency of certain chemical motifs to be more common than others is known as chemical short-range order (SRO), and it has received substantial consideration in alloys with multiple chemical elements present in large concentrations due to their extreme configurational complexity (e.g., high-entropy alloys). SRO renders solid solutions "slightly less random than completely random," which is a physically intuitive picture, but not easily quantifiable due to the sheer number of possible chemical motifs and their subtle spatial distribution on the lattice. Here, we present a multiscale method to predict and quantify the SRO state of an alloy with atomic resolution, incorporating machine learning techniques to bridge the gap between electronic-structure calculations and the characteristic length scale of SRO. The result is an approach capable of predicting SRO length scale in agreement with experimental measurements while comprehensively correlating SRO with fundamental quantities such as local lattice distortions. This work advances the quantitative understanding of solid-solution phases, paving the way for the rigorous incorporation of SRO length scales into predictive mechanical and thermodynamic models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biodegradable biopolymers such as polylactic acid and polybutylene succinate are sustainable alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics. However, the factors affecting their degradation must be characterized in detail to enable successful utilization. Here we compared the extruder dwell time at three different melt-spinning scales and its influence on the degradation of both polymers. The melt temperature was the same for all three processes, but the shear stress and dwell time were key differences, with the latter being the easiest to measure. Accelerated degradation tests, including quick weathering and disintegration, were used to evaluate the influence of dwell time on the structural, mechanical, and thermal properties of the resulting fibers. We found that longer dwell times accelerated degradation. Quick weathering by UV pre-exposure before the disintegration trial, however, had a more significant effect than dwell time, indicating that degradation studies with virgin material in a laboratory-scale setting only show the theoretical behavior of a product in the laboratory. A weathered fiber from an industrial-scale spinning line more accurately predicts the behavior of a product placed on the market before ending up in the environment. This highlights the importance of optimizing process parameters such as the dwell time to adapt the degradability of biopolymers for specific applications and environmental requirements. By gaining a deeper insight into the relationship between manufacturing processes and fiber degradability, products can be adapted to meet suitable performance criteria for different applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polyamide composites with varying filler concentrations are prepared using the hot melt extrusion method, employing polyamide 56/6 (PA56/6) and modified talc as fillers. Initially, the thermal characteristics of PA56/6 composites (PA56/6‐talc) are examined through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), encompassing parameters such as melting temperature, crystallinity, and decomposition temperature. The hydrophilicity and barrier properties of PA56/6‐talc are assessed using an optical contact angle meter, a water vapor transmission rate tester, and an oxygen transmission rate tester. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of PA56/6‐talc are also scrutinized. The results indicate that PA56/6 exhibits superior hydrophobic, barrier, and mechanical properties, thereby demonstrating its immense potential in garment fabrics and packaging materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The challenging melt processing of ultrahigh‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) melt spinning hinders its efficiency and quality, which can be improved by processing aids that enhance its flowability. Building upon modifications of UHMWPE with high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), this article studies the effects of CaSt2, polyethylene glycol (PEG), silicone powder, and their compound additives on the processing performance of UHMWPE/HDPE blends. The modification effects and mechanisms are studied by analyzing processing torque, melt flow rate, viscoelastic activation energy, and rheological performance. The research results indicate that 1 wt% PEG significantly improves the processing flowability of UHMWPE/HDPE blends, and PEG mainly plays an internal lubrication role on the molecular chains of the blends. The combination of 0.5 wt% CaSt2 and 0.5 wt% silicone powder exhibits a synergistic effect of internal and external lubrication on the UHMWPE/HDPE blends melt processing, further improving the processing performance of UHMWPE/HDPE blends. Compared with unmodified blends, the maximum screw speed for obtaining qualified as‐spun filaments of UHMWPE/HDPE blends modified with CaSt2/silicone powder compound additives increases from 5 to 20 rpm, which means that the critical shear rate of the modified UHMWPE/HDPE blend melt processing is significantly improved. Meanwhile, the processing torque decreases by about 22%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, 3D networks were printed using the fused deposition modeling (FDM) technique. The purpose was investigate the printability of graphene oxide (GO)‐based composites for potential bone tissue engineering applications. Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) filaments containing GO and amine functionalized GO (N‐GO) were produced by melt extrusion and employed to print 3D networks. The cytotoxicity, morphological, rheological, and thermal behavior of the samples were compared. The morphological, rheological, and wettability analyses indicated an improvement in dispersion of GO throughout the matrix of PLA when GO was amine functionalized. The viscoelastic and flow properties, as determined by rheology, indicated that printed PLA samples containing freeze‐dried GO had lower viscosity than other composites, with a viscosity of 59.4 (Pa s), a decrease of nine times when compared with pure PLA, while the PLA containing N‐GO presented an improved viscoelastic interaction. PLA contact angle (108°) decreased by 87° and 84° for N‐GO and GO, respectively. The thermal analyses depicted that the incorporation of freeze‐dried GO and N‐GO had no effect on the crystallinity or thermal transitions of PLA matrix, maintaining its thermal stability. Finally, the cytotoxicity analysis indicated that the composites were not toxic throughout the cell culture assay and were found to promote cell viability, especially for the PLA/N‐GO network. Thus, these results revealed a vast horizon toward the use of GO/biodegradable polymers as platforms to print 3D networks to be applied as scaffolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]