Rheological properties of powder blend for extrusion of ceramic-polymer filament used in 3D printing

The article presents the results of comparative studies of the rheological properties of the ceramic polymer blend of polylactide (PLA) filled with 50 %vol alumina to evaluate the possibility of obtaining extruded filament for 3D printing.

Increased Bioavailability of β-Alanine by a Novel Controlled-Release Powder Blend Compared to a Slow-Release Tablet

Background: β-Alanine is a sport supplement with increasing popularity due to its consistent ability to improve physical performance, with the downside of requiring several weeks of supplementation as imposed to the maximum daily and single dose tolerated without side effects (i.e., paresthesia). To date, the only alternative to overcome this problem has been use of a sustained-release tablet, while powders are the most commonly used format to deliver several grams of amino acids in a single dose. In this study we assessed the bioavailability, pharmacokinetics and paresthesia effect of β-alanine after administration in a novel controlled-released powder blend (test) versus a sustained-release tablet (reference). Methods: Twelve subjects (25.6 ± 3.2 y, 50% female) participated in a randomized, single-blind, crossover study. Each participant was administered orally the test (β-alanine 8 g, l-histidine 300 mg, carnosine 100 mg) or the reference product (10 tablets to reach β-alanine 8 g, Zinc 20 mg) with a 1-week washout period. β-Alanine plasma concentrations (0–8 h) were determined by LC-MS/MS and model-independent pharmacokinetic analysis was carried out. Paresthesia intensity was evaluated using a Visual Analog Score (VAS) and the categorical Intensity Sensory Score (ISS). Results: The CMAX and AUC0→∞ increased 1.6- and 2.1-fold (both p < 0.001) in the test product, respectively, which yielded 2.1-fold higher bioavailability; Ka decreased in the test (0.0199 ± 0.0107 min−1) versus the reference (0.0299 ± 0.0121 min−1) product (p = 0.0834) as well as V/F and Cl/F (both p < 0.001); MRT0→last increased in the test (143 ± 19 min) versus reference (128 ± 16 min) formulation (p = 0.0449); t1/2 remained similar (test: 63.5 ± 8.7 min, reference: 68.9 ± 9.8 min). Paresthesia EMAX increased 1.7-fold using the VAS (p = 0.086) and the ISS (p = 0.009). AUEC increased 1.9-fold with the VAS (p = 0.107) and the ISS (p = 0.019) reflecting scale intrinsic differences. Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic analysis showed a clockwise hysteresis loop without prediction ability between CMAX, AUC0→∞ and EMAX or AUEC. No side effects were reported (except paresthesia). Conclusions: The novel controlled-release powder blend shows 100% higher bioavailability of β-alanine, opening a new paradigm that shifts from chronic to short or mid-term supplementation strategies to increase carnosine stores in sports nutrition.

Investigation of Plantago ovata Husk as Pharmaceutical Excipient for Solid Dosage Form (Orodispersible Tablets)

The objective of the study was to investigate the suitability of the Plantago ovata (PO) husk as a pharmaceutical excipient. Various phytoconstituents of the husk were determined according to the standard test procedures. The Plantago ovata husk was evaluated for various pharmaceutical parameters related to flow, swelling index, and compressibility index. Orodispersible tablets (ODTs) were prepared, containing different concentrations (2.5, 3, 5, 7.5, 10, and 15% w / w ) of the Plantago ovata husk. Before compression, all the formulations were evaluated for their flow. Compressed ODTs were evaluated for physical characteristics (physical appearance, weight and weight variation, thickness, and moisture content), mechanical strength (crushing strength, specific crushing strength, tensile strength, and friability), disintegration behavior (disintegration time and oral disintegration time), drug content, and in vitro drug release. Phytochemical evaluation of the Plantago ovata husk confirmed the presence of various phytoconstituents like alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, and phenols. SEM photograph of the Plantago ovata husk showed that it has a fibrous structure, with a porous and rough surface. The Plantago ovata husk had a high swelling index (380%) which decreased by pulverization (310%). Precompression evaluation of the powder blend for all the formulations of ODTs showed good flow properties, indicating that the Plantago ovata husk improved the rheological characteristics of the powder blend. Compressed ODTs had good mechanical strength, and their friability was within the official limits (<1%). Best disintegration was observed with formulation F-6 containing 10% w / w of the Plantago ovata husk. It is concluded that the Plantago ovata husk can be used as a disintegrant in the formulation of ODTs.

Fabricating Homogeneous FeCoCrNi High-Entropy Alloys via SLM In Situ Alloying

Selective laser melting (SLM) in situ alloying is an effective way to design and fabricate novel materials in which the elemental powder is adopted as the raw material and micro-areas of elemental powder blend are alloyed synchronously in the forming process of selective laser melting (SLM). The pre-alloying process of preparation of raw material powder can be left out, and a batch of bulk samples can be prepared via the technology combined with quantitative powder mixing and feeding. The technique can be applied to high-throughput sample preparation to efficiently obtain a microstructure and performance data for material design. In the present work, bulk equiatomic FeCoCrNi high-entropy alloys with different processing parameters were fabricated via laser in situ alloying. Finite element simulation and CALPHAD calculation were used to determine the appropriate SLM and post-heating parameters. SEM (scanning electron microscope), EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction), and mechanical testing were used to characterize the composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties of as-printed and post-heat-treated samples. The experimental results show that the composition deviation of laser in situ alloying samples could be controlled within 20 wt %. The crystal structure of as-printed samples is a single-phase face-centered cubic (FCC), which is the same as those prepared by the traditional method. The mechanical properties of the samples prepared by laser in situ alloying with elemental powder blend are comparable to those prepared by pre-alloying powder and much higher than those prepared by the traditional method (arc melting). As-printed samples can get a homogeneous microstructure under the optimal laser in situ alloying process combined with post-heat treatment at 1200 °C for 20 h.

Turbine Blade Tip Repair by Laser Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing Using a Rene 142–MERL 72 Powder Blend

Laser directed energy deposition (LDED) was used with a powder blend comprising 75 wt.% Rene 142 and 25 wt.% of Merl 72 (4275M72) for turbine blade tip repair applications. Sound samples could be deposited at ambient temperature on Haynes 230. The microstructural analyses showed the presence of fine gamma prime precipitates in the as-deposited samples, while after aging, the alloy possessed around 40 vol.% with a bimodal precipitate size distribution. Also, the alloy contained Ta-Hf-W carbides in different sizes and shapes. Tensile testing from room temperature up to 1366 K was performed. The 4275M72 deposits possessed higher tensile properties compared to Rene 80 in this temperature range but lower elongations at the elevated temperatures. The creep properties of 4275M72 samples at 1255 K were superior to Rene 80. Also, the oxidation resistance of deposited 4275M72 was similar to Rene 142. The combination of high mechanical properties, creep behavior, and oxidation resistance of LDEDed 4275M72 makes it a suitable alloy for tip repair of turbine blades.