Homogenisation Efficiency Assessed with Microstructure Analysis and Hardness Measurements in the EN AW 2011 Aluminium Alloy

When extruding the casted rods from EN AW 2011 aluminium alloys, not only their homogenized structure, but also their extrudable properties were significantly influenced by the hardness of the alloy. In this study, the object of investigations was the EN AW 2011 aluminium alloy, and the effect of homogenisation time on hardness was investigated. First, homogenisation was carried out at 520 °C for different times, imitating industrial conditions. After homogenisation, the samples were analysed by hardness measurements and further characterised by microscopy and image analysis to verify the influence of homogenisation on the resulting microstructural constituents. In addition, non-equilibrium solidification was simulated using the program Thermo-Calc and phase formation during solidification was investigated. The homogenisation process enabled more rounded shape of the Al2Cu eutectic phase, equilibrium formation of the phases, and the precipitation in the matrix, leading to a significant increase in the hardness of the EN AW 2011 aluminium alloy. The experimental data revealed a suitable homogenisation time of 4–6 h at a temperature of 520 °C, enabling optimal extrusion properties.

Recent Patents and Potential Applications of Homogenisation Techniques in Drug Delivery Systems

Background: The term homogenize means "to force or provide coalesce." Homogenisation is a process to attain homogenous particle size. The objective of homogenisation process is to use fluid force to split the fragments or tiny particles contained in the fluids into minimal dimen-sions and form a sustainable dispersion suitable for further production. Results: The present study focus on the use of the homogenisation in drug delivery system. Homogenisation process aims to achieve the particle size in micro-and nano- range as it affects the different parameters in the formulation and biopharmaceutical profile of the drug. Particle size reduction plays a crucial role in influencing drug dissolution and absorption. The reduced particle size enhances the stability and therapeutic efficacy of the drug. Homogenisa-tion technology ensures to achieve effective, clinically efficient, and targeted drug delivery with minimal side effects Conclusion: Homogenization technology is an efficient and easy method of size reduction to increase solubility, bioavailability, and stability of drug carriers. This article gives an overview of the process attributes affecting the homogenisation process, the patenting of homogeniser types, design, the geometry of valves and nozzles, and its role in drug delivery.

Characterisation of graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) prepared at scale by high-pressure homogenisation

Graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) were prepared by a high-pressure homogenisation process (HPHP) via exfoliation of bulk graphite, yielding GNP in the form of square shaped platelets with lateral dimensions on the micrometre (μm) scale and thicknesses on the nanometre (nm) scale (<200 nm).

Homogenisation of Cast Microstructures: Thermodynamic Calculation and Kinetic Simulation

This paper uses a combination of thermodynamic calculation and kinetic simulation to model the homogenisation process of cast microstructure for multi-component alloys. The approach assumes that the solute segregation profile across the half dendrite arm spacing can be scaled to the solute concentration profile during solidification as generated by a Scheil type calculation. When secondary phases dissolve during homogenisation, they are treated as an additional fraction of pseudo-eutectic to the initial solute concentration profile of the primary solution phase. The methodology is compared with the assumptions made by other authors, highlighting the significant advantages in the present treatment. Examples are drawn from a cast nickel-based superalloy.

Tropospheric water vapour above Switzerland over the last 12 years

Integrated Water vapour (IWV) has been measured since 1994 by the TROWARA microwave radiometer in Bern, Switzerland. Homogenization techniques were used to identify and correct step changes in IWV related to instrument problems. IWV from radiosonde, GPS and SPM was used in the homogenisation process as well as the IWV differences calculated between mountain and valley weather stations. The average IWV of the homogenised TROWARA time series was 14.4 mm over the 1996–2007 period, with maximum and minimum monthly average values of 22.4 mm and 8 mm occurring in August and January, respectively. A weak diurnal cycle in TROWARA IWV was detected with an amplitude of 0.32 mm, a maximum at 21:00 UT and a minimum at 11:00 UT. For 1996–2007, TROWARA trends were compared with those calculated from the Payerne radiosonde and the closest ECMWF grid point to Bern. The radiosonde midnight trend of +0.087 (standard error 0.046) mm/y was significant at the 90% level. The radiosonde trend for all measurement times, +0.098 (0.061) mm/y, and the TROWARA midday trends, 0.068 (0.043) mm/y, were significant at the 89% level. Seasonal Mann Kendall analysis revealed a significant positive trend in July of +0.19 (0.14) to +0.34 (0.25) mm/y for all three datasets. In December, the Payerne radiosonde showed a non-significant negative trend of −0.12 (0.13) mm/y, whilst ECMWF and TROWARA indicated a significant negative trend of −0.20 (0.14) and −0.36 (0.24) mm/y, respectively.

Two-Scale Finite Element Modelling of Microstructures

Modelling the constitutive behaviour of metallic materials based on their microstructural features and the micromechanical mechanisms in the framework of continuum mechanics is addressed. Deformation at the lengthscale of grains is described by crystal plasticity. The macroscopic behaviour is obtained either by a homogenisation process yielding phenomenological equations or by a submodel technique. The modelling processes for two light-weight materials, namely magnesium and titanium aluminides are presented.