Monday: Today we began to analyze our results. First we took all of our vials with our samples in them and placed them in order from the first to the last vial. Then we took some pictures of the distribution and started our analysis. We ran each sample through the same machine that we used in order to find out the calibration curve. This took a long time because we had about 50 samples but we were able to get through it. We also had a bit of trouble transferring the results to an excel document but we asked someone for help.
Tuesday: Today we made a lot of graphs based on the data we obtained from the spreadsheet. I got pretty good at using excel during this time which was an added bonus. Let us start with the basics. The calibration curve measures reflectance as a function of wavelength for each sample concentration ranging from 0% to 100%. So we had to take one wavelength from the calibration and plot that as a function of reflectance so we could get our %dyed. In other words, we had to put reflectance in the x axis and %dyed in the y axis. Now we had to use some features in excel to make a best fit curve, that being a third degree polynomial. After that, we took the equation that was obtained from the best fit curve and made that a function of reflectance. However, this time we plugged in the experimental values instead of the calibration values and that is how we got our percent dyed in the experiment. Lastly, we plotted the %dyed as a function of time to get the RTD graph. It is easier to show than to explain in words but if you had to understand one thing, it is that using the calibration graph, we were able to get the RTD graph by plotting the %dyed as a function of time. Today we also did some extrusion. Extrusion is the process of making a tablet out of the extrudate or the product from mulling. Remember when I did that mulling experiment during my first two days of the lab? And how we got a paste? Well today we took that extrudate that we had and tried to compress it into a tablet. In order to do this, we used a carver press measured at 1000 pounds and a brand new extrusion die. In the end, this worked wonderfully.
Wednesday: Today we had to hurry up with our experiments because Dr. Ramachandran was coming back from his vacation in a few days. The results that we got from Tuesday looked quite unusual because it seemed that the particles were spending only around 20 seconds in the muller which is very less (considering the screw speed was only 85 rpm). So we decided that it would be necessary to confirm our results with another set of experiments and potentially a new method. This would ensure that there was no fault on the experimental side of things when we show the company our results. We developed a new method for the RTD experiment so that we could be 100% sure of our results. So what we did was that instead of using the liquid food coloring, we used some of our dyed powder that we made a while ago. Everything else was the same. We started our experiments with the dyed powder because whenever you do a mulling experiment, you always want to start with the dry method and then the wet method. So we finished both the powdered dye method and we also ran another liquid dye RTD just in case. Later that day, we analyzed the results and they looked quite similar to our first results.
Thursday: I found out that I will be making a powerpoint based on what I have done over the past few weeks. This powerpoint will be for a telecon that will be taking place on August 12th. Also, Dr. Panikar said that I could use this powerpoint for the exp presentation so that means I will get a lot of my work done with. We might be making a poster too which is great too because I could use that for my exp stuff. Lastly, she told me that I will be helping her write a paper on the RTD and the Extrusion which is exciting because that means my name will be in the paper.
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