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Because of its inherent properties, the use of thermoplastic composites is expanding in a number of industries, including aerospace, rail transportation, and wind power generation. However, the development of 2D and 3D reinforced thermoplastic composite structures is hampered by the high viscosity and poor wetting of thermoplastic matrices, resulting in their application being mainly limited to nonload‐bearing components. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the technology and current applications of thermoplastic composites, covering materials, preform structures, manufacturing methods, process parameters, performance, and applications. It also provides an outlook on their future development. Highlights: Thermoplastic composite has economic and environmental benefits.Summarized the current technology and application of thermoplastic composites.The manufacturing difficulty is the thermoplastic polymers wet fibers.One promising approach to the issue is prepreg technology.Prepreg technology make 3D thermoplastic composites become possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal additive manufacturing has significantly evolved since the 1990s, achieving a market valuation of USD 6.36 billion in 2022, with an anticipated compound annual growth rate of 24.2% from 2023 to 2030. While powder-bed-based methods like powder bed fusion and binder jetting dominate the market due to their high accuracy and resolution, they face challenges such as lengthy build times, excessive costs, and safety concerns. Non-powder-bed-based techniques, including direct energy deposition, material extrusion, and sheet lamination, offer advantages such as larger build sizes and lower energy consumption but also encounter issues like residual stress and poor surface finish. The existing reviews of non-powder-bed-based metal additive manufacturing are restricted to one technical branch or one specific material. This survey investigates and analyzes each non-powder-bed-based technique in terms of its manufacturing method, materials, product quality, and summary for easy understanding and comparison. Innovative designs and research status are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the growing concern about climate issues and the urgent need to reduce carbon emissions, hydrogen has attracted increasing attention as a clean and renewable vehicle energy source. However, the storage of flammable hydrogen gas is a major challenge, and it restricts the commercialisation of fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs). This paper provides a comprehensive review of common on-board hydrogen storage tanks, possible failure mechanisms and typical manufacturing methods as well as their future development trends. There are generally five types of hydrogen tanks according to different materials used, with only Type III (metallic liner wrapped with composite) and Type IV (polymeric liner wrapped with composite) tanks being used for vehicles. The metallic liner of Type III tank is generally made from aluminium alloys and the associated common manufacturing methods such as roll forming, deep drawing and ironing, and backward extrusion are reviewed and compared. In particular, backward extrusion is a method that can produce near net-shape cylindrical liners without the requirement of welding, and its tool designs and the microstructural evolution of aluminium alloys during the process are analysed. With the improvement and innovation on extrusion tool designs, the extrusion force, which is one of the most demanding issues in the process, can be reduced significantly. As a result, larger liners can be produced using currently available equipment at a lower cost.

Metal additive manufacturing has significantly evolved since the 1990s, achieving a market valuation of USD 6.36 billion in 2022, with an anticipated compound annual growth rate of 24.2% from 2023 to 2030. While powder-bed-based methods like powder bed fusion and binder jetting dominate the market due to their high accuracy and resolution, they face challenges such as lengthy build times, excessive costs, and safety concerns. Non-powder-bed-based techniques, including direct energy deposition, material extrusion, and sheet lamination, offer advantages such as larger build sizes and lower energy consumption but also encounter issues like residual stress and poor surface finish. The existing reviews of non-powder-bed-based metal additive manufacturing are restricted to one technical branch or one specific material. This survey investigates and analyzes each non-powder-bed-based technique in terms of its manufacturing method, materials, product quality, and summary for easy understanding and comparison. Innovative designs and research status are included.

A rapid water‐soluble calcium (WSC) extraction was evaluated as an in‐process method to quickly quantify insoluble calcium (ICa) phosphate content during cheesemaking and compare it with existing methods for finished cheese, that is cheese juice and acid–base titration. Although there were some differences in methods when evaluated using string cheese and Mozzarella, results for ICa obtained from the WSC method were consistent with the cheese juice. This WSC method was successful in measuring the ICa in curds during manufacture of Mozzarella made with varying pH values at whey drainage. Meltability of cheese correlated with ICa content at 1 month of storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of biopolymer materials in cladding presents a promising avenue for enhancing building sustainability, while addressing the limitations of conventional synthetic polymers. Cladding serves a dual purpose of protection and aesthetics for buildings, but increasing global energy consumption and environmental concerns necessitate the adoption of sustainable practices. The construction sector's substantial energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions highlight the urgent need for sustainable building materials. Conventional cladding materials often lack sustainability and environmental compatibility. Biopolymers, derived from living organisms or by-products, offer a potential solution with their biodegradability, renewability, and low embodied energy. These materials can revolutionise cladding practices by providing eco-friendly alternatives aligned with sustainable construction demands. Integrating biopolymers with synthetic polymers can enhance material biodegradability, contributing to overall degradation. Prominent biopolymers like PLA, PHAs, starch-based polymers, cellulose, PHB, and PBS exhibit biodegradability and sustainability, positioning them in the front rank for cladding applications. Despite significant research in biopolymer applications in different fields, there is limited research to identify the application and limitations of biopolymers as building cladding materials. This review paper aims to bridge the research gaps by comprehensively analysing diverse biopolymer cladding materials based on their properties and exploring their cross-domain utility, thereby highlighting their transformative role in sustainable construction practices. The expanding biopolymer market in building cladding materials underscores their potential to drive innovation, with projected growth emphasising their importance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

When functions exclude each other, embedding multiple functions in one material system is a basic challenge. To develop a competence system approach for multifunctionality to enable different applications for the improvement of quality of life and to address worldwide challenges, a basic understanding of structure-function relationships is necessary. The first demand for FGM's came from Space shuttles for high-temperature applications. The conventional materials were found inefficient in meeting this requirement. They have a variety of applications like coating, aerospace, automotive, biomaterials, cutting tools etc.; hence an attempt has been made in this research paper to review the futuristic scope of FGM considering their structure, design criteria, properties, functions and manufacturing and experimental methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orodispersible films (ODFs) are thin, mechanically strong, and flexible polymeric films that are designed to dissolve or disintegrate rapidly in the oral cavity for local and/or systemic drug delivery. This review examines various aspects of ODFs and their potential as a drug delivery system. Recent advancements, including the detailed exploration of formulation components, such as polymers and plasticizers, are briefed. The review highlights the versatility of preparation methods, particularly the solvent-casting production process, and novel 3D printing techniques that bring inherent flexibility. Three-dimensional printing technology not only diversifies active compounds but also enables a multilayer approach, effectively segregating incompatible drugs. The integration of nanoparticles into ODF formulations marks a significant breakthrough, thus enhancing the efficiency of oral drug delivery and broadening the scope of the drugs amenable to this route. This review also sheds light on the diverse in vitro evaluation methods utilized to characterize ODFs, ongoing clinical trials, approved marketed products, and recent patents, providing a comprehensive outlook of the evolving landscape of orodispersible drug delivery. Current patient-centric approaches involve developing ODFs with patient-friendly attributes, such as improved taste masking, ease of administration, and enhanced patient compliance, along with the personalization of ODF formulations to meet individual patient needs. Investigating novel functional excipients with the potential to enhance the permeation of high-molecular-weight polar drugs, fragile proteins, and oligonucleotides is crucial for rapid progress in the advancing domain of orodispersible drug delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial production today requires new improved materials to meet market demands, which leads to the production of new materials with improved properties. One kind of response to those requirements is the development of metal matrix composites (MMCs) with the aim of obtaining materials with better properties when compared to conventional metals and alloys. Nowadays, metal matrix nanocomposites (MMnCs) are being increasingly investigated due to the possibility of achieving better machinability, high fracture toughness and improved ductility when compared to conventional composites. Considering the pace of development and the huge perspective of different classes of materials, this research aims to provide insight into the mechanical properties of aluminium nanocomposites. Aluminium nanocomposites are attracting a lot of attention due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, wear resistance and low costs, when compared to matrix alloy. In this paper, an attempt is made to review other research reports and make a connection between the characteristics of the microstructure and the mechanical properties, which are dependent on the method of fabrication and type and content of reinforcement.

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic triggered a surge in demand for N95 or equivalent respirators that the global supply chain was unable to satisfy. This shortage in critical equipment has inspired research that addresses the immediate problems and has accelerated the development of the next-generation filtration media and respirators. This article provides a brief review of the most recent work with regard to face respirators and filtration media. We discuss filtration efficiency of the widely utilized cloth masks. Next, the sterilization of and reuse of existing N95 respirators to extend the existing stockpile is discussed. To expand near-term supplies, optimization of current manufacturing methods, such as melt-blown processes and electrospinning, has been explored. Future manufacturing methods have been investigated to address long-term supply shortages. Novel materials with antiviral and sterilizable properties with the ability for multiple reuses have been developed and will contribute to the development of the next generation of longer lasting multi-use N95 respirators. Finally, additively manufactured respirators are reviewed, which enable a rapidly deployable source of reusable respirators that can use any filtration fabric.Graphic abstract

The development of skin substitutes aims to replace, mimic, or improve the functions of human skin, regenerate damaged skin tissue, and replace or enhance skin function. This includes artificial skin, scaffolds or devices designed for treatment, imitation, or improvement of skin function in wounds and injuries. Therefore, tremendous efforts have been made to develop functional skin substitutes. However, there is still few reports systematically discuss the relationship between the advanced function and design requirements. In this paper, we review the classification, functions, and design requirements of artificial skin or skin substitutes. Different manufacturing strategies for skin substitutes such as hydrogels, 3D/4D printing, electrospinning, microfluidics are summarized. This review also introduces currently available skin substitutes in clinical trials and on the market and the related regulatory requirements. Finally, the prospects and challenges of skin substitutes in the field of tissue engineering are discussed.

Soft robotics is an emerging field showing immense potential for biomedical applications. This review summarizes recent advancements in soft robotics for in vitro and in vivo medical contexts. Their inherent flexibility, adaptability, and biocompatibility enable diverse capabilities from surgical assistance to minimally invasive diagnosis and therapy. Intelligent stimuli-responsive materials and bioinspired designs are enhancing functionality while improving biocompatibility. Additive manufacturing techniques facilitate rapid prototyping and customization. Untethered chemical, biological, and wireless propulsion methods are overcoming previous constraints to access new sites. Meanwhile, advances in tracking modalities like computed tomography, fluorescence and ultrasound imaging enable precision localization and control enable in vivo applications. While still maturing, soft robotics promises more intelligent, less invasive technologies to improve patient care. Continuing research into biocompatibility, power supplies, biomimetics, and seamless localization will help translate soft robots into widespread clinical practice.

Fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are a class of advanced non-metallic materials featuring advantages of high strength, light weight and excellent corrosion resistance. These advantages, in conjunction with the various methods available for making curved FRP members, create a wide range of possibilities for innovating arch structures with FRP composites. However, this subject has received inadequate research attention despite the exciting prospects demonstrated by pioneer studies. This paper provides a review on this subject with the aim to build a holistic picture and engage wider research participation. The paper begins with an overview of four feasible manufacturing/forming methods (vacuum infusion, filament winding, pultrusion and active bending), with an emphasis on their capability of creating curved FRP members and potential applications in arch structures. A review is next made on previous arch projects and relevant novel concepts, which are classified into two categories (all-FRP arches and FRP-incorporating hybrid arches) with distinct functionality and targeted areas of application. On the basis of this review, directions for future development of each of the two categories are highlighted, with a number of challenges and potential solutions discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variability in milk composition and physicochemical properties impact both manufacturing process performance and the end‐use functionality of cheese. Such variability may be attributed to seasonal calving patterns, production systems, breed, weather patterns, and feed type and significantly impacts concentrations of macro‐ and microconstituents and ultimately cheese composition and quality. This article reviews technological approaches (e.g., milk standardisation protocols and calcium addition), and predictive strategies (e.g., predictive models for coagulation and curd cutting time, in‐line sensors), used to mitigate the effects of seasonal changes in milk composition and their impact on process efficacy and functionality in Cheddar cheese manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyses data for chemical composition, manufacturing and processing methods for promising heat-resistant alloys based upon orthorhombic titanium intermetallic Ti2AlNb (O-alloys) developed within Russia and abroad. Phase diagrams typical for alloys based upon Ti–Al–Nb and general data for the phases formed in these alloys are provided. Concepts of aluminum and niobium equivalents used for multicomponent alloys are considered. The effect of alloying elements on a combination of mechanical properties of O-alloys, alloying principles, and compositions of the alloys developed are summarized. Characteristics of phase transformations occurring within alloys during heat treatment, including continuous heating and isothermal treatment, are provided. Typical microstructures of the alloys are presented; processing methods for their production and the influence of structural parameters on a combination of properties are described. Methods for manufacturing and processing routes of O-alloys are presented, which provide a good set of properties at room and elevated temperatures, as well as possible operating temperatures for refractory use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doenjang and ganjang are traditional, Korean fermented foods. They are manufactured by fermenting jangs, either through the traditional natural fermentation, using straw, or the commercial inoculating starter cultures. However, both Bacillus cereus and aflatoxins have been detected in jangs, compromising their safety. Aflatoxins have been detected on numerous occasions. However, studies are yet to be conducted on whether these safety issues differ depending on the manufacturing method. In this study, we evaluated whether the manufacturing methods of doenjang and ganjang alter their safety. Samples of traditional and commercial doenjang and ganjang were analyzed for aflatoxin and B. cereus contamination. Microbiome taxonomic profiling was performed to assess microbial composition. The experimental methodology involved sample collection from various stages of production, including the use of starter cultures and natural fermentation processes. Aflatoxin levels were determined using regulatory limits, and B. cereus content was evaluated against specific thresholds. Aflatoxins were detected in both traditional and commercial doenjang and ganjang, with either the total aflatoxin (15 μg/kg) or aflatoxin B1 (10 μg/kg) exceeding the regulatory limits. However, ochratoxin A was not detected in any of the samples. B. cereus was detected in some samples, within the regulatory limit (4 log CFU/g), and was not influenced by the manufacturing method. Analysis at the production stage showed that aflatoxin increased alongside the fermentation time in traditional doenjang. However, in ganjang, no significant differences were associated with the fermentation period. When using starter cultures, the fermentation period did not affect the toxin level in both foods. Both methods showed lower aflatoxin content in the initial doenjang and ganjang samples than in meju. B. cereus was not detected in either method, as its content decreased over the fermentation period. Microbiome taxonomic profiling confirmed that even when using starter cultures, B. cereus was not a dominant species and was considerably affected by the environment. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas, pathogenic in nature, were detected in products manufactured using the traditional method; hence, the potential risk of this method was higher than that of the commercial method. The experimental methodology employed in this study contributes to understanding the microbial composition and toxin contamination levels in doenjang and ganjang, contributing to the overall knowledge of their safety and quality control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe-based biodegradable materials as next-generation bone implants attract considerable attentions due to outstanding mechanical properties and favorable biocompatibility. However, their too slow degradation to match bone growth is a dilemma which urgently needs to be solved and thus is given special attentions in this review. Analyses and countermeasures to increase degradation rates of Fe-based materials are summarized. Meanwhile, detailed effects of accelerating degradation on biocompatibility and mechanical properties are also discussed. Subsequently, efforts about manufacturing mechanisms and methods of Fe-based biodegradable materials are consolidated and presented. Moreover, future outlook for Fe-based biodegradable materials is proposed. This review provides critical and valid information for development and breakthrough of Fe-based biodegradable materials toward orthopaedic applications.

Background: Circulating CD71+ red blood cells (RBCs) have been reported to play an immunomodulatory role in vivo, which may contribute to adverse donor–recipient sex‐mismatched transfusion outcomes. However, it is not clear how CD71+ RBC quantity in red cell concentrates (RCCs) is affected by manufacturing methods and donor factors such as donor sex, donor age, pre‐donation hemoglobin (Hb), venous Hb (Hbv) levels, and donation frequency. Methods: We determined CD71+ RBCs and Hb levels in whole blood (WB) from healthy donors (42 male/38 female). Using small‐scale red cell filtration (RCF) and whole blood filtration (WBF) methods, leukoreduced RCCs were processed from WB samples (n = 6) and the CD71+ RBCs were determined at days 1, 7, and 28. We examined uni‐ and multivariate associations among CD71+ RBCs, donor factors, and manufacturing method. Results: Male donors had a higher CD71+ RBC concentration than females (p <.001), especially male donors aged 17–50 years with 1 or 2 WB donations over the previous 12 months. Donors with a Hbv above 155 g/L had a higher CD71+ RBC concentration than an Hbv level below 140 g/L (p <.05). There was a positive correlation between pre‐donation Hb and CD71+ RBC concentration (Pearson r = 0.41). WBF RCCs had a higher total number of CD71+ RBCs than RCF‐produced RCCs on day 1 (p <.05). Discussion: RCCs have variable numbers of CD71+ RBCs. This makes understanding the impact of donor factors and manufacturing methods on the immunomodulatory effect of CD71+ RBCs critical in exploring donor–recipient sex‐mismatched transfusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The future of drug delivery holds great promise for orally dispersible dose formulations, which make application simple since no water requirement as compared to conventional solid dosage forms which requires significant volumes of fluids for administration. The objective for development of ODF provides a substitute for pills, syrups, and tablets in treating vomiting as well as nausea, particularly in children. On the basis of transdermal patch delivery system, a novel oral films drug delivery has been introduced. Fast dissolving films disintegrates quickly when come in contact with salivary secretion in the oral mucosa and released the drug fast approximately within 3 mins. ODFs are of different types, like sustained or controlled release, oral patches and fast dissolving films. They can be manufactured using a variety of method including solvent and semi solid casting, hot melt and solid dispersion extrusion, spray drying and rolling. Among them solvent casting method is the most employed method. ODFs comprises of active ingredient, polymer, plasticizer and additives like surfactants, sweetening and coloring agents. ODFs preparation requires hydrophilic polymer which provides quick dissolution in the oral cavity. Hydrophilic polymer act as base for ODFs formulation as they impart mouth feel and mechanical properties of the ODFs also dependent of polymer type. Oral thin-film provide fast drug dissolution precise dosage in a portable, safe, and handy manner that doesn't required water or any special equipment. This review article comprises of different methods for ODFs preparations, ODFs ingredients, ODFs benefits and drawbacks and their packaging.

Orodispersible films (ODFs) are thin, mechanically strong, and flexible polymeric films that are designed to dissolve or disintegrate rapidly in the oral cavity for local and/or systemic drug delivery. This review examines various aspects of ODFs and their potential as a drug delivery system. Recent advancements, including the detailed exploration of formulation components, such as polymers and plasticizers, are briefed. The review highlights the versatility of preparation methods, particularly the solvent-casting production process, and novel 3D printing techniques that bring inherent flexibility. Three-dimensional printing technology not only diversifies active compounds but also enables a multilayer approach, effectively segregating incompatible drugs. The integration of nanoparticles into ODF formulations marks a significant breakthrough, thus enhancing the efficiency of oral drug delivery and broadening the scope of the drugs amenable to this route. This review also sheds light on the diverse in vitro evaluation methods utilized to characterize ODFs, ongoing clinical trials, approved marketed products, and recent patents, providing a comprehensive outlook of the evolving landscape of orodispersible drug delivery. Current patient-centric approaches involve developing ODFs with patient-friendly attributes, such as improved taste masking, ease of administration, and enhanced patient compliance, along with the personalization of ODF formulations to meet individual patient needs. Investigating novel functional excipients with the potential to enhance the permeation of high-molecular-weight polar drugs, fragile proteins, and oligonucleotides is crucial for rapid progress in the advancing domain of orodispersible drug delivery.

Multigrain bars can contain ingredients recommended in daily diets, which are nutritious and beneficial to human health; without white sugar, "harmful" fats, and synthetic additives. This review describes the current nutritional trends in the consumption of snacks and characterizes the most important groups of raw materials for the composition of bars. Many plant materials can be used for the production of multigrain bars, including cereals and their products, oilseeds, nuts, fruit, vegetables, and plant waste, which are primarily a source of fiber, but also other compounds with antioxidant properties. The binding component may be honey, malt extract, fruit or vegetable juice, or purée. Attention was paid to the microbiological quality of the raw materials and their influence on the sensory characteristics of the bars. The pro-health and technological role of fiber is emphasized. In addition to providing nutritionally balanced snacks, these raw materials can be used to shape sensory properties such as color, flavor, aroma, and texture. The most important methods of making bars are indicated. In addition to the common extrusion and baking processes, the use of different drying methods to produce multigrain bars in combination with a wide recipe range can help expand the market for multigrain snack bars. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of membranes and microfluidic systems has been applied in areas such as bioscience, environmental and analytical chemistry, and in the past time research into the integration of membrane mass transfer control functions into microfluidic devices has shown a significant growth trend. The multiple uses of membrane-based microfluidic systems have been demonstrated in published reports. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of the development process in this field, starting with the basic terminology of microfluidic and membrane processes and outlining membrane-based microfluidic platforms that combine the two, followed by a classification of membrane integration on a chip based on the preparation methods used to combine the two. Three membrane functions that membranes can perform in microfluidic systems are then discussed; they are separation and enrichment of substances, immobilization and culturing of cells, and fluid control of pumps and valves. Finally, several possible research directions and related issues for membrane-based microfluidic platforms are presented, providing a deeper reference for future research combining membranes with microfluidic platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doenjang and ganjang are traditional, Korean fermented foods. They are manufactured by fermenting jangs, either through the traditional natural fermentation, using straw, or the commercial inoculating starter cultures. However, both Bacillus cereus and aflatoxins have been detected in jangs, compromising their safety. Aflatoxins have been detected on numerous occasions. However, studies are yet to be conducted on whether these safety issues differ depending on the manufacturing method. In this study, we evaluated whether the manufacturing methods of doenjang and ganjang alter their safety. Samples of traditional and commercial doenjang and ganjang were analyzed for aflatoxin and B. cereus contamination. Microbiome taxonomic profiling was performed to assess microbial composition. The experimental methodology involved sample collection from various stages of production, including the use of starter cultures and natural fermentation processes. Aflatoxin levels were determined using regulatory limits, and B. cereus content was evaluated against specific thresholds. Aflatoxins were detected in both traditional and commercial doenjang and ganjang, with either the total aflatoxin (15 μg/kg) or aflatoxin B1 (10 μg/kg) exceeding the regulatory limits. However, ochratoxin A was not detected in any of the samples. B. cereus was detected in some samples, within the regulatory limit (4 log CFU/g), and was not influenced by the manufacturing method. Analysis at the production stage showed that aflatoxin increased alongside the fermentation time in traditional doenjang. However, in ganjang, no significant differences were associated with the fermentation period. When using starter cultures, the fermentation period did not affect the toxin level in both foods. Both methods showed lower aflatoxin content in the initial doenjang and ganjang samples than in meju. B. cereus was not detected in either method, as its content decreased over the fermentation period. Microbiome taxonomic profiling confirmed that even when using starter cultures, B. cereus was not a dominant species and was considerably affected by the environment. Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas, pathogenic in nature, were detected in products manufactured using the traditional method; hence, the potential risk of this method was higher than that of the commercial method. The experimental methodology employed in this study contributes to understanding the microbial composition and toxin contamination levels in doenjang and ganjang, contributing to the overall knowledge of their safety and quality control.

Recent innovations in materials technology upsurge the use of Al2O3 and SiC based composites in aerospace, automotive, defence, transportation, and sporting industries. The reinforcements like Al, Ni, Cr, Gr, TiB2, ZrB2, MgO, HfB2, CNTs, B4C, Y2O3, GFRP and metal alloys are improving the elevated temperature thermal stability, corrosion resistance, wear resistance, fracture toughness, tensile strength, solar absorbance, fracture strength, flexural strength and crack healing ability respectively. The manufacturing methods like hot isostatic pressing, hot pressing, spark plasma sintering, electro stir forging process the Al2O3-SiC based material with a temperature range of 1400 °C–2000 °C and a pressure range of 2–100 Mpa to make the material suitable for ultra-high temperature applications. Reinforcements, the shape of the reinforcements, processing methods, processing routes, heat treatment methods, and surface finishing techniques are the prime factors that influence the strength, durability, reliability, and structural integrity of any material at ambient as well as elevated temperature. Especially, reinforcements and the manufacturing methods are playing a vital role in property enhancement of Al2O3 and SiC based composites. In this paper, a close review of various reinforcements, manufacturing techniques, behavioural enhancements, respective mechanisms, applications, and futuristic scope of Aluminium oxide-Silicon carbide based composites are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, transdermal drug delivery based on microneedles (MNs) technology has received extensive attention, which offers a safer and painless alternative to hypodermic needle injections. They can pierce the stratum corneum and deliver drugs to the epidermis and dermis‐structures of skin, showing prominent properties such as minimally invasiveness, bypassing first‐pass metabolism, and can be self‐administered. A range of materials has been used to fabricate MNs, such as silicon, metal, glass, and polymers. Among them, polymer MNs have gained increasing attention from pharmaceutical and cosmetic companies as one of the promising drug delivery methods. MN products have recently become available on the market, and some of them are under evaluation for efficacy and safety. This paper focuses on the current state of polymer MNs in drug transdermal delivery. The materials and methods for the fabrication of polymer MNs and their drug administration are described. The recent progress of polymer MNs for treatment of cancer, vaccine delivery, blood glucose regulation, androgenetic alopecia, obesity, tissue healing, myocardial infarction, and gout are reviewed. The challenges of MNs technology are summarized and the future development trend of MNs is also prospected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The date fruit, a nourishing food appreciated worldwide, plays an important role in producing countries’ economic and political aspects. Date palms provide numerous products, including date syrup, alcohol, vinegar, date powder, and sugar. This review was undertaken to summarize information about the common date-derived products, the manufacturing methods used, and the leading countries in the date-derived industry. Additionally, the review highlights the future challenges in developing the date industry. The difficulties that accompanied the preparation of this review included the scarcity of modern and reliable information, especially the statistics related to date-derived products from leading countries involved in this industry. This may be due to the incompleteness of such information or the lack of interest in publishing them in reliable scientific sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The requirements for compressors in refrigeration industry become more demanding each year. Requirements regarding efficiency, durability, and also the possibility / demand of dry running machines are the main driving factors. So far, the majority of compressors are mainly manufactured out of cast iron, aluminum, steel, and other metals (not including sealing elements), which lead to high costs as well as weights. The scope of this work includes a demonstration of new manufacturing methods and material choices for small-scale compressors as well as a possible transfer to even larger machines. A detailed look on the potential of different material classes and compounds will be presented. The paper also takes into consideration if the new materials have to be used for lubricated compressors or if there is even a possibility for an operation without any oil. Thermodynamic and strength limits will be pointed out as well as the potential to substitute the nowadays used metals-based components by lightweight materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cermets are ceramic–metal composites with a relatively high content of ceramic phases ranging from 15 to 85 vol %. It is shown that, if in the 20th century cermets have been considered mainly composites of high-temperature carbide, oxide, nitride, boride, and silicide-based ceramic phases with iron-group metallic phases, then in the 21st century the concept of cermets has significantly expanded owing to the appearance of composites made of ceramic and metal phases with lower melting points, including sulfides and MAX phases, as well as light and low-melting metals (Al, Mg, Cu, Ag, Pb, and Sn). In connection with this, cermets have begun to be considered not only as tooling and heat- and wear-resistant heavy structural materials, but also as light, strong structural materials for the production of vehicles and functional materials for different purposes. However, cermets are quite often characterized by disadvantages such as a tendency to brittle destruction, the difficulty of achieving uniformity and reproducibility of a structure, and the detection of defects therein, as well as the high production cost of such materials. All this makes it necessary to further development them; conduct studies on improving the composition, structure, and properties of cermets; search for new applications; develop novel methods for manufacturing cermets; and reduce production costs. Different methods for manufacturing cermets are discussed, including solid-phase, liquid-phase, gas-phase, and in situ methods. Methods of infiltration with metal melts, the effect of wetting, and the conditions for the implementation of spontaneous infiltration are considered in more detail. The results of the application of self-propagating high-temperature synthesis (SHS) are also described in detail, including a novel method for manufacturing cermets based on the use of the SHS of a porous ceramic framework followed by spontaneous infiltration with a molten metal proposed by the authors of this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of tomodensitometry in Archaeology allows to image the internal and external structure of an artefact. The non-destructive nature and the accuracy of this technique opens new perspectives in the archaeological field, allowing, among others, to define and understand the « chaine opératoire » and characterize the materials used, study their degradation, and better understand the taphonomy of an archaeological excavation. Yet, tomodensitometry allowed to recognize the different types of forms applied to metals, to characterize inclusions or the input of other material during recycling or handling. Its application on ceramic or glass has revealed manufacturing methods, weaknesses in the structures, different pasta or temper used. In short, this method provides quantitative and qualitative parameters of the materials used and their environment.

Abstract Rapid advancement in drug discovery process is leading to a number of potential new drug candidates having excellent drug efficacy but limited aqueous solubility. By virtue of the submicron particle size and distinct physicochemical properties, nanosuspension has the potential ability to tackle many formulation and drug delivery issues typically associated with poorly water and lipid soluble drugs. Conventional size reduction equipment such as media mill and high-pressure homogenizers and formulation approaches such as precipitation, emulsion-solvent evaporation, solvent diffusion and microemulsion techniques can be successfully implemented to prepare and scale-up nanosuspensions. Maintaining the stability in solution as well as in solid state, resuspendability without aggregation are the key factors to be considered for the successful production and scale-up of nanosuspensions. Due to the considerable enhancement of bioavailability, adaptability for surface modification and mucoadhesion for drug targeting have significantly expanded the scope of this novel formulation strategy. The application of nanosuspensions in different drug delivery systems such as oral, ocular, brain, topical, buccal, nasal and transdermal routes are currently undergoing extensive research. Oral drug delivery of nanosuspension with receptor mediated endocytosis has the promising ability to resolve most permeability limited absorption and hepatic first-pass metabolism related issues adversely affecting bioavailability. Advancement of enabling technologies such as nanosuspension can solve many formulation challenges currently faced among protein and peptide-based pharmaceuticals.

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Bulk Mn52Al46C2 in τ-phase was prepared by vacuum induction melting and used as precursor for the production bulk permanent magnets by suction casting and hot-extrusion. Part of the precursor alloy was mechanically milled into a τ-phase powder and used as precursor for production of samples by electron beam melting, hot-compaction and high pressure torsion processes. The microstructure and magnetic properties of all samples were investigated and correlated. It was found that the mechanical deformation enhances coercivity, up to 0.58 T, while the absence of this strain is beneficial for magnetization. Among the observed techniques, hot extrusion and high pressure torsion have shown promising possibilities to further develop Mn-Al-C as permanent magnets. However, it should be taken into account the challenges related to design a proper processing window for hot extrusion and the limitation of HPT regarding the absence of texture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Auxetic mechanical metamaterials (AMMs), as an exciting paradigm of metamaterials, have attracted increasing attention due to their interesting mechanical properties (e.g. negative Poisson's ratio), as well as the emergence of advanced manufacturing technology (e.g. 3D printing). Although various reviews on AMMs, their structures, properties, and applications, have existed, it still lacks a comprehensive review in terms of manufacturing methods. Herein, the latest progress in AMMs is extensively reviewed, including AMMs' structures, characteristics, manufacturing methods, and applications. In addition, the current challenges and future works of AMMs are concluded and discussed. This Review aims to serve as a collection of knowledge that supplies more comprehensive understanding and inspiration to support further developments of AMMs from the perspective of design and manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present short review of manufacturing techniques of metal matrix composites (MMCs), aluminium and magnesium MMCs are reviewed in terms of their application and properties. Additionally, the various manufacturing techniques are elaborated to develop the MMCs. It is found that the global demand of MMCs is increasing year by year due to their major application in most of the industries. The application of MMCs in various industries are based on the desired properties of end component. The desired properties of MMCs can be achieved with the shape and type of reinforcing materials along with their physical conditions. Additionally, the selection of manufacturing method is also an important factor to achieve desired properties. Therefore, the various section of present manuscript compiles the details about A and Mg MMCs and their methods of manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]