Technology

In this article we take an introductory look at work carried out by TU Clausthal to develop an improved understanding of the mechanisms of enhanced oil recovery (EOR) by polymer flooding, and the relevance of fluid rheology. Example data illustrates the insight that rheology provides and its application in optimizing fluid performance.

In particular, this article demonstrates the correlation between molecular changes (Raman Spectroscopy) and microstructural evolution of rheological properties (DLS, DLS-optical microrheology) for the first time for surfactant-based wormlike micellar system. Whereby, Raman Spectroscopy provides information about the molecular structure and DLS-microrheology characterizes viscoelastic properties, the combination of data delivered allows for a deeper understanding of the molecular changes underlying the viscoelastic ones. The study illustrates the utility of the combined DLS, DLS-optical microrheology and Raman Spectroscopy in providing new molecular structural insights into the self-assembly process in complex fluids.

Emily Hilder, Director, Future Industries Institute (FII), University of South Australia

This article explains how an inline probe was used to monitor a granulation at three different scales to confirm that, in each case, the granules produced were the same size, and more importantly produced tablets of identical quality as quantified by hardness.

The particle size of the fat droplets present in dairy and other food emulsions is important in defining properties such as flavor release, mouth feel and emulsion stability. Thus, a knowledge of the particle size is critical in defining the functionality and taste of different food emulsion products. Here we show how laser diffraction can be used to measure and understand the changes in size that occur during production and storage of dairy products. This in turn can lead to a better understanding of how product formulation and performance are linked.

Quantifying Nanoparticle Concentration and Size to Optimize Filtration Processes

A team from Sao Paolo made a roadworm glow green using site-directed mutagenesis of luciferase

10 reasons for polymer characterization scientists. Gel-permeation chromatography (GPC) is an essential tool for the characterization of polymers. It allows polymer scientists to tailor a polymer’s properties to its end use requirements by controlling its molecular properties, since the two are inextricably linked.

Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA) has found use in a variety of investigations researching the toxicity and environmental impact of nanoparticles. Here we discuss various publications in which NTA has been used to measure particle size and concentration of nanomaterials in waste water.

On more reproducible and productive analytical workflows in the beverage industry.