Multi-scale finite element analysis for tension and ballistic penetration damage characterizations of 2D triaxially braided composite

The multi-scale finite element model is presented to analyze tension and ballistic penetration damage characterizations of 2D triaxially braided composite (2DTBC). At the mesoscopic level, the damage of fiber tows is initiated with 3D Hashin criteria, and the damage initiation of pure matrix is predicted by the modified von Mises. The progressive degradation scheme and energy dissipation method are adopted to capture softening behaviors of tow and matrix. The macro-scale damage model is established by maximum-stress criteria and exponential damage evolution. To simulate interface debonding and inter-ply delamination, a triangle traction–separation law is adopted in each scale. Both scale damage models are verified with available experimental results. Based on numerical predictions, the stress–strain responses and damage developments of 2DTBC under axial and transverse tension loading are studied. For ballistic penetration loading, the meso-scale damage mechanisms of 2DTBC are predicted using 1/4 model, 1/2 model, 1-layer model, 2-layer model and 3-layer model. Then, effects of different model and impactor radius on damage modes are analyzed. Additionally, the macro-scale ballistic penetration behaviors of 2DTBC are simulated and compared with experiment. The prediction results for tension and penetration correlate well with experiment results. Both tension and penetration damage characterizations for tow, matrix within tow, pure matrix, interface and inter-ply delamination are revealed. A comparison of penetration damage between meso- and macro-scale presents a similar crack mechanism between two scales.     

Insight from in situ microscopy into which precipitate morphology can enable high strength in magnesium alloys

Magnesium alloys, while boasting light weight, suffer from a major drawback in their relatively low strength. Identifying the microstructural features that are most effective in strengthening is therefore a pressing challenge. Deformation twinning often mediates plastic yielding in magnesium alloys. Unfortunately, due to the complexity involved in the twinning mechanism and twin-precipitate interactions, the optimal precipitate morphology that can best impede twinning has yet to be singled out. Based on the understanding of twinning mechanism in magnesium alloys, here we propose that the lamellar precipitates or the network of plate-shaped precipitates are most effective in suppressing deformation twinning. This has been verified through quantitative in situ tests inside a transmission electron microscope on a series of magnesium alloys containing precipitates with different morphology. The insight gained is expected to have general implications for strengthening strategies and alloy design.     

Improved dispersion of attapulgite nanorods in polymer with graphene oxide nanosheets

To improve the dispersion stability of rod-like attapulgite (ATT) in polymers, a small amount of graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets were employed as a supporter to fix ATT before introducing into polymer. The ATT nanorods were found attached tightly and dispersed uniformly on the GO nanosheets from TEM images of GO-ATT hybrids. The dispersion stability of ATT in water was also improved after being attached on GO nanosheets due to the abundant hydrophilic groups of GO, which was paramount for introducing them into polymers through water blending method. Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) was then chosen to be reinforced by these GO-supported ATT via water blending method. Compared to the heavy aggregation of neat ATT in PVA, a homogeneous distribution of ATT nanorods in the matrix was achieved by introducing them in the form of GO-ATT, indicating a favorable assisted dispersion effect of GO nanosheets for ATT. Furthermore, PVA/GO-ATT nanocomposites containing only 2 wt% GO-ATT exhibited a significantly increase of 41.4 and 83.6 % in tensile strength and storage modulus, respectively.     

Stability of pharmaceutical salts in solid oral dosage forms

Using pharmaceutical salts in solid dosage forms can raise stability concerns, especially salt dissociation which can adversely affect the product performance. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the salt instability encountered in solid-state formulations is imperative to ensure the product quality. The present article uses the fundamental theory of acid base, ionic equilibrium, relationship of pH and solubility as a starting point to illustrate and interpret the salt formation and salt disproportionation in pharmaceutical systems. The criteria of selecting the optimal salt form and the underlying theory of salt formation and disproportionation are reviewed in detail. Factors influencing salt stability in solid dosage forms are scrutinized and discussed with the case studies. In addition, both commonly used and innovative strategies for preventing salt dissociations in formulation, on storage and during manufacturing will be suggested herein. This article will provide formulation scientists and manufacturing engineers an insight into the mechanisms of salt disproportionation and salt formation, which can help them to avoid and solve the instability issues of pharmaceutical salts in the product design.     

Engineered Nanoplatelets for Targeted Delivery of Plasminogen Activators to Reverse Thrombus in Multiple Mouse Thrombosis Models

Rapid cut-off of blood supply in diseases involving thrombosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, the current thrombolysis strategies offer limited results due to the therapeutics' short half-lives, low targeting ability, and unexpected bleeding complications. Inspired by the innate roles of platelets in hemostasis and pathological thrombus, platelet membrane-camouflaged polymeric nanoparticles (nanoplatelets) are developed for targeting delivery of the thrombolytic drug, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA), to local thrombus sites. The tailor-designed nanoplatelets efficiently accumulate at the thrombi in pulmonary embolism and mesenteric arterial thrombosis model mice, eliciting a significantly enhanced thrombolysis activity compared to free rt-PA. In addition, the nanoplatelets exhibit improved therapeutic efficacy over free rt-PA in an ischemic stroke model. Analysis of in vivo coagulation indicators suggests the nanoplatelets might possess a low risk of bleeding complications. The hybrid biomimetic nanoplatelets described offer a promising solution to improve the efficacy and reduce the bleeding risk of thrombolytic therapy in a broad spectrum of thrombosis diseases.     

A Graphdiyne Oxide-Based Iron Sponge with Photothermally Enhanced Tumor-Specific Fenton Chemistry

Fenton reaction-mediated oncotherapy is an emerging strategy which uses iron ions to catalytically convert endogenous hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl radicals, the most reactive oxygen species found in biology, for efficient cancer therapy. However, Fenton reaction efficiency in tumor tissue is typically limited due to restrictive conditions. One strategy to overcome this obstacle is to increase the temperature specifically at the tumor site. Herein, a tumor-targeting iron sponge (TTIS) nanocomposite based on graphdiyne oxide, which has a high affinity for iron is described. TTIS can accumulate in tumor tissue by decoration with a tumor-targeting polymer to enable tumor photoacoustic and magnetic resonance imaging. With its excellent photothermal conversion efficiency (37.5%), TTIS is an efficient photothermal therapy (PTT) agent. Moreover, the heat produced in the process of PTT can accelerate the release of iron ions from TTIS and simultaneously enhance the efficiency of the Fenton reaction, thus achieving a combined PTT and Fenton reaction-mediated cancer therapy. This work introduces a graphdiyne oxide-based iron sponge that exerts an enhanced antitumor effect through PTT and Fenton chemistry.     

An Antioxidant Enzyme Therapeutic for COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has taken a significant toll on people worldwide, and there are currently no specific antivirus drugs or vaccines. Herein it is a therapeutic based on catalase, an antioxidant enzyme that can effectively breakdown hydrogen peroxide and minimize the downstream reactive oxygen species, which are excessively produced resulting from the infection and inflammatory process, is reported. Catalase assists to regulate production of cytokines, protect oxidative injury, and repress replication of SARS-CoV-2, as demonstrated in human leukocytes and alveolar epithelial cells, and rhesus macaques, without noticeable toxicity. Such a therapeutic can be readily manufactured at low cost as a potential treatment for COVID-19.     

甜菜碱改性聚乙烯胺在活性染料染色中的作用及影响

通过1-（3-二甲氨基丙基）-3-乙基碳二亚胺盐酸盐（EDC）/N-羟基琥珀酰亚胺（NHS）接枝法使用甜菜碱对聚乙烯胺进行化学接枝,并固定在棉纤维上使其阳离子化,解决了传统染色过程中大量使用无机盐造成的水污染问题。与传统使用无机盐上染法相比,由于棉纤维阳离子化增加了染料与纤维之间的亲和力,该方法上染率由40.8%提高至78.0%,匀染性和染色牢度均得到提升,染色废水的化学需氧量(COD_cr)由1267 mg/L降低至221 mg/L。方法操作简单效果优良,符合当前绿色生产的理念,可以被广泛应用于棉纤维材料的染色。     

Effect of Tantalum ion doping on the structure and electrical properties of Bi3Ti1.5W0.5O9-Bi4Ti3O12 intergrowth bismuth-layered ceramics

Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Electronics - Bi7Ti4.5-xTaxW0.5O21 (BTW-BIT-xTa, x?=?0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.30) intergrowth bismuth-layered ceramics were fabricated...