Differential scanning calorimetry analysis of crystal structure transformation in spray-dried particles consisting of ammonium nitrate,potassium nitrate,and a polymer

Ammonium nitrate (AN) is an affordable oxidant; however, it undergoes crystal structure transformations accompanied by a change in volume at comparatively low temperatures (approx. 30, 80, and 125 °C) and exhibits high hygroscopicity. Both these properties are particularly problematic for the industrial application of AN. In a previous study, we prepared spray-dried particles comprising three components: AN, potassium nitrate (PN) as a phase stabilizer, and a polymer (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol, carboxymethylcellulose salt, and styrene-butadiene latex), which was confirmed to provide effective moisture proofing. In the present study, the crystal transformation behavior of AN/PN/Polymer particles is investigated by observing their thermal behavior by differential scanning calorimetry. The results reveal that phase-stabilized AN can be successfully prepared by the addition of PN. In addition, an intriguing possibility was identified in that carboxymethylcellulose ammonium salt and polyvinyl alcohol, which were both added as polymer components for moisture proofing, also acted as phase stabilizers for AN crystal transformation.     

Brownian dynamics simulation for suspensions of oblong-particles under shear flow

Computer simulations of the shear flow for the suspensions of oblong-particles were performed using nonequilibrium Brownian Dynamics (BD). The model particle is a rigid body made up of linearly connected spheres with the interparticle potential of a repulsive Lennard-Jones potential. The length-over-width ratios of the oblong-particles used in the present calculations are 5/3 and 3. In the concentrated suspensions high orientation is easily induced by shear at low shear rates. The systems of the oblong-particles exhibit the structural transition that causes the significant change in the rheological properties at high shear rates. Furthermore, the dependence of the length-over-width ratio of the particle is examined. Received: 16 June 1997 Accepted: 3 February 1998     

Melanin Synthesis Inhibition Activity of Compounds Isolated from Bamboo Shoot Skin (Phyllostachys pubescens)

This study targets the evaluation of melanin synthesis inhibition activity of the bamboo shoot skin as agro-waste. The total methanolic extract of bamboo peel extract was evaluated for its skin protective effects via measuring its melanin inhibitory activity and its suppression activity on the expression of tyrosinase mRNA levels. Results showed that bamboo peel extract has a good ability for the inhibition of melanin synthesis so further studies were performed for the isolation of its constituents. Twelve compounds have been isolated from the shoot skin of Phyllostachys pubescens. Their structures were elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic methods. The melanin inhibition potential of the isolates was tested with their collagen-production-promoting activity for the determination of active principles. Results showed that Betulinic acid, tachioside, and 1,2-dilinolenin significantly suppressed melanin production per cell compared to control. Triacontanol, tricin, and (+)-lyoniresinol 9′-O-glucoside also tended to decrease melanin production per cell. These findings indicated that the skin of bamboo shoots, a significant agricultural waste, is a useful natural source for further research on its potential for aging problems such hyperpigmentation and cognitive function impairment.