Microcrystalline wax (MW) is widely used in combination with n-paraffin wax to control the hardness and texture of stick cosmetics; however, the molecular factors governing its dual hardening and softening effects remain unclear. In this study, a commercially available MW was fractionated into four components with different melting points based on solvent solubility. The fractions exhibited narrow melting ranges and distinct single-wax hardness, decreasing stepwise with decreasing melting point. Oil gels were prepared by blending each fraction with three n-paraffin waxes of different melting points, and gel hardness and crystal morphology were systematically evaluated.

Higher-melting MW fractions enhanced gel hardness at lower addition levels, whereas lower-melting fractions required higher blending ratios and resulted in lower maximum hardness. Hardness enhancement was most pronounced when the melting points of the MW fraction and n-paraffin wax were close, indicating that melting-point proximity is a key factor governing gel reinforcement. Crystal-size analysis and scanning electron microscopy revealed that hardness enhancement was generally accompanied by refinement of plate-like n-paraffin wax crystals and morphological changes consistent with suppressed crystal growth.

These findings demonstrate that the molecular composition and melting characteristics of MW critically influence oil-gel structure and mechanical properties. The results provide mechanistic insight into hardness modulation in n-paraffin wax systems and offer practical guidelines for designing stick formulations with controlled firmness and texture.

A research study was conducted on a fluorescent chemosensor that combines fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) using [10]cycloparaphenylene ([10]CPP) and 2-(4-(N,N-diphenylamino)phenyltryptanthrin (T2PhNPh₂). [10]CPP has garnered attention as a host for specific molecules due to its diverse light absorption and emission behavior, which stems from its unique π-conjugated ring structure. Additionally, T2PhNPh₂ has been identified as an AIE dye. The results of the study demonstrated that, in the presence of T2PhNPh₂, the blue fluorescence of [10]CPP was quenched (FRET-on). Upon aggregation, the orange fluorescence of T2PhNPh₂ was exhibited (FRET-on and AIE). Subsequent addition of fullerene C₆₀ (C₆₀) led to the quenching of the orange fluorescence of T2PhNPh₂ (FRET-off). This observation unveiled a phenomenon of emission behavior that exhibited responsiveness to the ambient environment of the molecules.

This study aims to improve the grinding efficiency of ball mills through the design and evaluation of grinding media shapes. Using numerical analysis based on spherical harmonics, an optimized non-spherical media shape, termed OPTIPSE, was identified to efficiently trap ground materials. Laboratory-scale ball mill experiments demonstrated that OPTIPSE achieved a grinding efficiency approximately 7-16% higher than that of conventional spherical media. These results indicate the potential of media shape optimization as an effective approach to enhance grinding performance. Future work will focus on validation under industrial operating conditions and further development of high-performance media design methods.

In recent years, international regulations governing chemical substances have become increasingly sophisticated, resulting in a significant rise in compliance burdens for multinational companies. This study examines the chemical substance registration systems in China, South Korea, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Using five comparative dimensions—(1) scope of obligations, (2) data requirements, (3) exemptions for research and development (R&D) uses, (4) exemptions for polymers, and (5) definitions of articles and impurities—the institutional characteristics of each jurisdiction are systematically analyzed, along with their implications for corporate practice and compliance strategies.

The analysis shows that China, South Korea, and Taiwan have adopted REACH-type regulatory frameworks influenced by the EU REACH Regulation, incorporating mechanisms such as the use of local representatives and risk-based data submission requirements. In contrast, the Philippines operates a unique system characterized by comprehensive evaluation based on the inherent risks of substances, regardless of the quantity handled.

These findings suggest that, for companies seeking to manage chemical substances efficiently and lawfully within the Asian region, it is essential to establish an integrated risk management framework and develop compliance strategies that consider cross-jurisdictional regulatory differences and future regulatory harmonization.