Rice husk ash (RHA) is an agrowaste byproduct resulting from the incineration of rice husks for power production; white RHA is 90 wt% or more silica, which makes it a potentially sustainable and inexpensive substitute for commercial (less “green”) silica filler. Past research on polypropylene (PP)-RHA hybrids made by melt processing has yielded modest increments in Young’s modulus, reduced yiel...

The aim of this study is to improve dissolution and bioavailability of poorly water soluble Efavirenz (Efv), a potent and selective non-nucleoside inhibitor of HIV-1 reverse transcriptase. Its effectiveness can be attributed to its long half-life (t1/2) of 52–76 h after single dose. Formulation of poorly water soluble drug for oral delivery is one of the biggest challenges. Amongst the availabl...

The aim of this study was to design, synthesize and optimize chlorpromazine hydrochloride (CPZ)-loaded, poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) based nanocapsules, intended for site specific delivery to the frontal lobe, using a novel melt-dispersion technique that is non-arduous, inexpensive and devoid of any hazardous organic solvents. Experimental trials using a central composite design were performed on ...

In the present investigation, a novel multifunctional co-processed superdisintegrants consisting of crospovidone and Kyron T-314 were fabricated by solvent evaporation method to develop melt-in-mouth tablets of metoclopramide hydrochloride with a view to enhance patient compliance by direct compression method. The simple physical blends and co-processed mixture of superdisintegrants were charac...

BACKGROUND Soluplus(®) (SP) and D-alpha-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS)-based solid dispersion (SD) formulations were developed by hot-melt extrusion (HME) to improve oral bioavailability of valsartan (VST). METHODS HME process with twin-screw configuration for generating a high shear stress was used to prepare VST SD formulations. The thermodynamic state of the drug and ...

SUPERCRITICAL CARBON DIOXIDE PROCESSING OF NANO CLAYS ANDPOLYMER/CLAY NANOCOMPOSITESbyMIHAI MANITIUAugust 2010Advisor: Rangaramanujam KannanCo-Advisor: Esin GulariMajor: Chemical EngineeringDegree: Doctor of Philosophy Effective dispersion of the fillers in a polymer matrix and improvement of polymer clayinteractions are two key challenges in the field of...

Studies have proved that increasing polymer matrices by carbon nanotubes to form structural reinforcement and electrical conductivity have significantly improved mechanical and electrical properties at very low carbon nanotubes loading. In other words, increasing polymer matrices by carbon nanotubes to form structural reinforcement can reduce friction coefficient and enhance anti-wear property....

Al2O3 ceramic reinforced with 4-wt% multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT) is plasma sprayed for improving the fracture toughness of the nanocomposite coating. Two different methodologies of CNT addition have been adopted in the powder feedstock to assist CNT dispersion in the nano-Al2O3 matrix. First, spray-dried nano-Al2O3 agglomerates are blended with 4 wt% CNT as powder-feedstock, which is subse...