Bands renormalization and superconductivity in the strongly correlated Hubbard model using composite operators method.

We use the composite operator method (COM) to analyze the strongly correlated repulsive Hubbard model, investigating the effect of nearest-neighbor hoppings up to fourth order on a square lattice. We consider two sets of self-consistent equations, one enforcing the Pauli principle and the other imposing charge-charge, spin-spin, and pair-pair correlations using a decoupling scheme developed by Roth (1969Phys. Rev.184451-9). We extract three distinct solutions from these equations: COM1 and COM2 by imposing the Pauli principle and one from Roth decoupling. An overview of the method studying the validity of particle-hole symmetry and the Luttinger theorem for each solution is presented. Additionally, we extend the initial basis to study superconductivity, concluding that it is induced by the Van Hove singularity. Finally, we include higher-order hoppings using realistic estimates for tight binding parameters and compare our results with ARPES measurements on cuprates.

An innovative carrier for the formulation of amorphous solid dispersion by hot-melt extrusion with no further downstream processes: a case study with indomethacin.

The aim of this work was to study the possibility to use SepitrapTM as a carrier for the formulation of amorphous solid dispersions by HME (hot melt extrusion) processing aiming solubility enhancement of poorly water-soluble drugs. SepitrapTM is a microencapsulated powder solubilizer designed to simplify the manufacture of drugs in oral solid forms, not yet tested for this purpose. The performance of SepitrapTM was evaluated in HME processing for amorphous solid dispersions of poorly-water soluble drugs with indomethacin as a model drug. The study was conducted using a twin-screw extruder, two compositions of SepitrapTM and different loads of indomethacin, demonstrating that SepitrapTM could represent a new range of carriers for amorphous solid dispersions for HME processing, reducing necessary downstream steps such as grinding.

Trace metal partitioning in caustic calcined magnesia produced from natural magnesite.

Caustic calcined magnesia from natural magnesite has been widely employed as a source of magnesium. This mineral, depending on the origin, may contain heavy metals and metalloids that can exceed the regulatory limits in some applications. In most cases, heavy metals and metalloids form solid solutions with the mineral phases of the main impurities, or even magnesium oxide itself, replacing other ions in the crystal lattice. Compared with magnesium oxide, most of these impurities such as silica and silicates are much more chemically stable even in concentrated mineral acids under normal temperature and pressure conditions. In this study, the partitioning of the trace metals was monitored using a sequential extraction procedure (SEP), and their potential solubility was determined using the pH-static leaching test. Only a small fraction of magnesium oxide derived from heavily calcined magnesia is soluble in slightly acidic media. The release of the trace metals and metalloids contained in the soluble fractions was less than 40% as determined by total digestion. It can be concluded that SEP is more accurate than total chemical digestion for setting the maximum limits of the undesirable trace metals.

A possible recycling method for high grade steels EAFD in polymer composites.

This work evaluates the feasibility of incorporating electric arc furnace dust (EAFD), as filler in a polymer matrix, to obtain a moldable heavyweight sheet, useful for acoustic insulation in automotive industry. For this purpose EAFD from a steel factory that manufactures high quality steels, was characterized and different formulations of composites were prepared. Physical and mechanical properties, as well as fire behaviour were tested and compared with a polymer composite compounded with common mineral fillers. Optimum formulation with 25% EAFD fulfils the RoHs Directive used by automotive industry to regulate heavy metals content. Leaching test was also performed on prepared composites to classify the material after use.

Optimization of phosphate removal in anodizing aluminium wastewater.

The wastewater produced after brightening and anodizing aluminium has high concentrations of phosphates and sulphates. The addition of MgO in a first physico-chemical wastewater treatment step makes the selective recovery of phosphates in the form of magnesium phosphates feasible, which may be reused as fertilizer. The proposed wastewater treatment process allows manufacturers to reduce more than 70% of the volume of the precipitate in the sedimentation reactor and more than 50% of the weight of the final disposal sludge. In this study, the use of an alternative low-grade MgO (LG-MgO) as a source of magnesium, which is cheaper than pure MgO, is investigated. The phosphate concentration and pH of the treated wastewater is controlled by the formation and precipitation of newberyite or bobierrite as a function of the magnesium source added. According to experimental data, a reaction mechanism is proposed. Although LG-MgO reacts more slowly than pure MgO and it is necessary to add 3-4 times the stoichiometric amount, this procedure has considerable economic and technical advantages.