Effect of D-Mannitol on the Microstructure and Rheology of Non-Aqueous Carbopol Microgels

D-mannitol is a common polyol that is used as additive in pharmaceutical and personal care product formulations. We investigated its effect on the microstructure and rheology of novel non-aqueous Carbopol dispersions employing traditional and time-resolved rheological analysis. We considered two types of sample, (i) fresh (i.e., mannitol completely dissolved in solution) and aged (i.e., visible in crystalline form). The analysis of the intracycle rheological transitions that were observed for different samples revealed that, when completely dissolved in solution, mannitol does not alter the rheological behaviour of the Carbopol dispersions. This highlights that the chemical similarity of the additive with the molecules of the surrounding solvent allows preserving the swollen dimension and interparticle interactions of the Carbopol molecules. Conversely, when crystals are present, a hierarchical structure forms, consisting of a small dispersed phase (Carbopol) agglomerated around a big dispersed phase (crystals). In keeping with this microstructural picture, as the concentration of Carbopol reduces, the local dynamics of the crystals gradually start to control the integrity of the microstructure. Rheologically, this results in a higher elasticity of the suspensions at infinitesimal deformations, but a fragile yielding process at intermediate strains.

Keeping it simple: A higher-yielding process for manufacturing dendritic cells

An optimized protocol using a hollow-fiber bioreactor produces a complete dose of dendritic cell–based immunotherapies in a single batch.

One-step synthesis of pyridines and dihydropyridines in a continuous flow microwave reactor

The Bohlmann–Rahtz pyridine synthesis and the Hantzsch dihydropyridine synthesis can be carried out in a microwave flow reactor or using a conductive heating flow platform for the continuous processing of material. In the Bohlmann–Rahtz reaction, the use of a Brønsted acid catalyst allows Michael addition and cyclodehydration to be carried out in a single step without isolation of intermediates to give the corresponding trisubstituted pyridine as a single regioisomer in good yield. Furthermore, 3-substituted propargyl aldehydes undergo Hantzsch dihydropyridine synthesis in preference to Bohlmann–Rahtz reaction in a very high yielding process that is readily transferred to continuous flow processing.

Seismic Behaviors of an Upper Deck Type Steel Arch Bridge

The static and dynamic behavior of an upper deck type steel arch bridge was demonstrated. During the static analysis, both material and geometric nonlinear was considered based on finite element (FE) method. In-plane fault displacement case and out-off-plane fault displacement case were compared. During dynamic analysis, the model was modified and simplified firstly, and then the natural modals and the characteristics of the mode shape were analyzed. Both the in-plane seismic input case and out-off-plane seismic input case were analyzed. The different yielding process of members including main ribs, chord and columns were represented, and the possible damaged parts of the bridge were analyzed either.

The Effect of Precipitate Configuration on the Strain Hardening Behavior of Al-Mg-Si Alloy Sheet

The microstructure especially the size, shape, number and distribution of precipitate, together with the strain hardening exponent n value at different strain range during plastic deformation of the Al-0.9Mg-1.0Si-0.7Cu-0.6Mn alloy sheet, subjected to different heat treatment were investigated. The results showed that the strain hardening exponent n values of Al-0.9Mg-1.0Si-0.7Cu-0.6Mn alloy sheet at any different strain range are different from each other, which is in agreement with the result that the relationship between true strain and true stress of polycrystalline alloy sheet during tensile test does not fully meet the Hollomon formula. The continuous strain hardening exponent nc defined in this paper essentially represents the approximate liner strain hardening effect during the total calculating strain range, while the stage strain hardening exponent ns defined in the paper can objectively indicate the counteraction of the micro strain hardening with the micro strain softening of alloy sheet during plastic deforming. When the precipitate in the matrix of alloy sheet can be cut by dislocation, the alloy sheet has the weakest strain hardening effect at the beginning of yielding process. Otherwise, the alloy sheet has the most prominent strain hardening effect at the beginning of yielding process when the precipitate in the matrix can be bowed bypass operation of dislocation. Gridded precipites is of no advantage to the glide and multiplication of dislocation of alloy sheet.