Coal tar 5% in Zinc and Salicylic acid paste

The management of psoriasis has evolved considerably over the past 100 years. This has occurred in parallel with our understanding of the pathogenesis of this common, complex and enigmatic disease. It should be celebrated as an outstanding example of successful translational research. With precise targeting of immune pathways for the treatment of psoriasis with new biologics and small molecules has come the realisation that the most effective approach to patient management is a holistic one which encompasses the biopsychosocial nature of the disease. This involves a stratified medicine approach to identifying the best drug for an individual allied to patient education, screening for comorbidity, and regular review as both the clinical presentation and the patient's needs will change over time. Al-though there is not yet a cure for psoriasis - the whole person, systems approach to patient management, that is in part dependent on early intervention, should help to ensure an optimal outcome.

Abstract licence: CC BY-NC

The demand for high-performance graphite continues to increase, particularly for applications such as batteries, metallurgy, and thermal management. This has driven the development of more energy-efficient synthesis technologies. This literature review discusses recent developments in pyrolysis-based catalytic graphitization methods utilizing two widely available aromatic carbon precursors: petroleum coke and coal tar pitch. The main focus includes the catalyst type used (Fe, Ni, Co, Mo, alkali/alkaline earth, B, Si), the application method (salt impregnation, mechanical mixing, or in-situ mineralization), and process configurations such as pitch pre-oxidation, heating rate, N2/Ar inert atmosphere, process temperature (800–1600°C), and residence time. Structural and performance parameters of the graphite products studied include d002 value, crystalline dimension (Lc/La), Raman ID/IG ratio, electrical conductivity, material strength, and final product yield. The study shows that transition metals are effective in lowering the graphitization temperature compared to uncatalyzed methods. The process involves a dissolution and precipitation mechanism through the formation of metastable carbides, which can reduce the d002 value to 0.335–0.339 nm while increasing the graphitic domains. Meanwhile, alkali and alkaline earth cations accelerate the reordering of aromatic rings but can trigger gasification, which reduces product yield. Boron also plays a role in increasing the regularity of the crystal lattice and reducing structural defects. Intrinsic characteristics of the precursor, such as sulfur, nitrogen, and ash content in petroleum coke, as well as the formation of mesophases and QI fractions in pitch, can affect the effectiveness of the catalyst or even inhibit its activity. Therefore, the need for pretreatment and purification is crucial.This approach faces several key challenges, such as balancing energy efficiency with final product purity. Acid protection to remove residual metals, technological scalability issues, and safety aspects are also important concerns. Optimal parameters identified include the use of 3–7 wt% catalyst, gradual heating, pre-oxidation of pitch before pyrolysis, and a process duration of 1–3 hours, which have shown promising results. However, further research is needed to address aspects such as multiscale mechanistic modeling, control of feedstock heterogeneity, continuous reactor design, catalyst recycling, and product lifecycle sustainability analysis. Overall, this catalytic graphitization method shows great potential for producing high-performance graphite at lower process temperatures. This technology has important implications for the manufacture of battery anodes, conductive composite materials, and refractories in large-scale, sustainability-oriented industries.

Abstract licence: CC BY