Preparation of ultrafine silver powder using ascorbic acid as reducing agent and its application in MLCI

The preparation of ultrafine silver powder with chemical reduction method was investigated. Ascorbic acid was employed as reducing agent. Reaction of AgNO₃ with ascorbic acid gives polyhedron monodispersed ultrafine silver powder. Effect of reaction temperature on particles was studied. The average congeris sizes (D₅₀) reduces linearly from 3.1 μm to 1.0 μm as the reaction temperature increases from 20 °C to 60 °C. The silver powder having excellent dispersibility and different size was prepared through different pH value or different dosage surfactant. The TG/DTA of silver was discussed with thermal analyzer. As-prepared silver powder was applied in ferrite multi-layer chip inductor (MLCI). The silver end termination has high adhesion strength, excellent solderability and solder leaching resistance behavior.     

Silver nanoparticle-loaded chitosan–starch based films: Fabrication and evaluation of tensile,barrier and antimicrobial properties

The fabrication of silver nanoparticles was accomplished by γ-ray irradiation reduction of silver nitrate in a chitosan solution. The obtained nanoparticles were stable in the solution for more than six months, and showed the characteristic surface plasmon band at 411 nm as well as a positively charged surface with 40.4 ± 2.0 mV. The silver nanoparticles presented a spherical shape with an average size of 20–25 nm, as observed by TEM. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against E. coli, S. aureus and B. cereus of the silver nanoparticles dispersed in the γ-ray irradiated chitosan solution was 5.64 µg/mL. The silver nanoparticle-loaded chitosan–starch based films were prepared by a solution casting method. The incorporation of silver nanoparticles led to a slight improvement of the tensile and oxygen gas barrier properties of the polysaccharide-based films, with diminished water vapor/moisture barrier properties. In addition, silver nanoparticle-loaded films exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity against E. coli, S. aureus and B. cereus. The results suggest that silver nanoparticle-loaded chitosan–starch based films can be feasibly used as antimicrobial materials for food packaging and/or biomedical applications.     

Modification of algae with zinc,copper and silver ions for usage as natural composite for antibacterial applications

Nanometer sized metal particles are used in many applications as antimicrobial materials. However in public discussion nanoparticular materials are a matter of concern due to potential health risks. Hence there is a certain demand for alternative antimicrobial acting materials. For this, the aim of this work is to realize an antimicrobial active material based on the release of metal ions from a natural depot. By this, the use of elemental metal particles or metal oxide particles in nanometer or micrometer scale is avoided. As natural depot four different algae materials (gained from Ascophyllum nodosum, Fucus vesicolosus, Spirulina platensis and Nannochloropsis) are used and loaded by bioabsorption with metal ions Ag⁺, Cu^2 + and Zn^2 +. The amount of metal bound by biosorption differs strongly in the range of 0.8 to 5.4 mg/g and depends on type of investigated algae material and type of metal ion. For most samples a smaller release of biosorbed Ag⁺ and Cu^2 + is observed compared to a strong release of Zn^2 +. The antibacterial activity of the prepared composites is investigated with Escherichia coli. Algae material without biosorbed metal has only a small effect on E. coli. Also by modification of algae with Zn^2 + only a small antibacterial property can be observed. Only with biosorption of Ag⁺, the algae materials gain a strong bactericidal effect, even in case of a small amount of released silver ions. These silver modified algae materials can be used as highly effective bactericidal composites which may be used in future applications for the production of antimicrobial textiles, papers or polymer materials.     

Synthesis of silver/poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) hybride nanocomposite

This paper presents a method for the preparation of silver nano-particles in poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) as a medium has been performed successfully. A golden solution in its UV–vis absorption spectrum showed surface plasmon resonance absorption bands between 410 and 425 nm in solutions and at about 461 nm in a transparent film. The Ag/PDDA nano-composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurement, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). XRD showed the fcc crystal structure of the bulk Ag with particles of <22 nm in size similar to that is observed by TEM and PDDA is crucial to the formation of such silver nano-composite. SEM indicated uniform distribution of particles in the film. TGA confirmed enhanced thermal stability of the polymer.     

Poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) modification of activated carbon for copper ions removal

Poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) functionalization of rice husk-based activated carbon was prepared and its application in the removal of copper ions was investigated. The structural properties of the resulting composite material were characterized by means of N₂ adsorption/desorption, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The obtained composite is observed to hold a relatively large pore diameter of 3.8 nm and high surface area of 789 m² g^?1 with 12 wt% of PDMAEMA coated, which is significant for its use as adsorbent. The ability of the composite material for removing Cu²⁺ from aqueous solution was studied by batch experiments. The adsorption data obeyed the Langmuir isotherms, which revealed that 1 g of the prepared material could adsorb 31.46 mg of Cu²⁺ from its aqueous solution. The PDMAEMA functionalized activated carbon is expected to be used as an efficient adsorbent for removing other heavy metal ions and dyes in water.     

Preparation,electrochemical characterization and antibacterial study of polystyrene-based magnesium–strontium phosphate composite membrane

The electrochemical characterizations of polystyrene-based magnesium–strontium phosphate (MSP) composite membrane have been worked on, as a function of membrane thickness, porosity and moisture content etc. Polystyrene-based magnesium–strontium phosphate composite membrane was characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM, and antibacterial studies. The membrane was found to be crystalline in nature with uniform arrangement of particles, no sign of visible cracks and shows excellent inhibitory results against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria. The membrane potentials of inorganic membrane were measured with uni-univalent electrolytes solution using saturated calomel electrodes and followed the order LiCl > NaCl > KCl, thus, the membrane was found to be cation selective. Membrane potential data have been used to calculate transport number, mobility ratio, distribution coefficient, charge effectiveness, and also to derive the fixed-charge density which is a central parameter governing the membrane phenomena by utilizing the Teorell, Meyer, and Sievers method. The order of surface charge density for uni-univalent electrolytes solution was found to be LiCl < NaCl < KCl.     

Preparation and characterization of nanosized silver phosphate loaded hydroxyapatite by single step co-conversion process

The preparation and characterization of silver phosphate nanoparticles loaded hydroxyapatite aiming to enhance the bactericidal performance by a single step co-conversion technique using low temperature phosphorization in the presence of various silver nitrate concentration (AgNO₃, ranging 0.001–0.1 M) was performed. Characterization by using X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that hydroxyapatite and silver phosphate were the main phases in all converted samples and the microstructure comprised the distribution of spherical-shaped silver phosphate nanoparticles within the cluster of hydroxyapatite nanocrystals. Total silver content (ranging 0.09–5.6%) in the converted samples was found to increase with increasing silver nitrate content. Flexural modulus and strength of converted samples remained unchanged for samples using silver nitrate between 0.001 and 0.01 M, but decreased at greater silver nitrate concentration. Antibacterial activity of two selected samples (0.001 and 0.005 M AgNO₃) against two bacterial strains (Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus) was observed since 100% reduction of viable cells after 24 h contact was detected. Cytotoxic potential by MTT assay of sample using 0.001 M AgNO₃ was only observed at 24 h extraction, but was seen at all extraction periods (24–72 h) for sample using 0.005 M AgNO₃.     

Synthesis of hollow zirconia particles using wet bacterial templates

Hollow particles have attracted considerable attention owing to their unique properties. In this work, hollow zirconia particles were synthesized using rod-shaped gram-negative bacteria, Escherichia coli, as templates. A zirconia precursor, generated by the hydrolysis of zirconium butoxide, was deposited on the surface of the bacterial cells to form the shell of the hollow particles. The as-synthesized particles had the morphology of the bacterial templates, and were about 1.7 μm long and 0.8 μm across. The bacterial templates could be removed by calcination at 800 °C. The particles shrank on calcination to a final size of about 1.0 μm long and 0.4 μm across, with a wall thickness of about 69 nm. The specific surface area and average pore diameter were 45.7 m²/g and 1.9 nm, respectively. When fixed cells without internal water were used as templates, no hollow particles were observed; this implies that the internal water inside the cells acted as the initiator for the hydrolysis of zirconium butoxide.     

Effects of TiB2 on microstructure of nano-grained Cu–Cr–TiB2 composite powders prepared by mechanical alloying

Nano-grained CuCr25 and CuCr25–(2 wt%–10 wt%)TiB₂ composite powders were prepared by mechanical alloying method. The milled powders were characterized by SEM, FSEM, EDS, XRD, TEM and HTEM. The results indicate that average grain size of Cu, Cr and TiB₂ are less than 50 nm and each component disperses uniformly. The grain size of Cu and Cr decreased and the lattice distortion increased gradually as the TiB₂ content increased from 2 wt% to 10 wt%. The ultrafine TiB₂ particles play the role of “micro-milling balls” to compact, micro-etch, micro-frict and micro-cut with Cu and Cr so that the grain refinement and lattice strain are promoted.     

Antibacterial effects of silver-doped hydroxyapatite thin films sputter deposited on titanium

Since many orthopedic implants fail as a result of loosening, wear, and inflammation caused by repeated loading on the joints, coatings such as hydroxyapatite (HAp) on titanium with a unique topography have been shown to improve the interface between the implant and the natural tissue. Another serious problem with long-term or ideally permanent implants is infection. It is important to prevent initial bacterial colonization as existing colonies have the potential to become encased in an extracellular matrix polymer (biofilm) that is resistant to antibacterial agents. In this study, plasma-based ion implantation was used to examine the effects of pre-etching on plain titanium. Topographical changes to the titanium samples were examined and compared via scanning electron microscopy. Hydroxyapatite and silver-doped hydroxyapatite thin films were then sputter deposited on titanium substrates etched at ? 700 eV. For silver-doped films, two concentrations of silver (~ 0.5 wt.% and ~ 1.5 wt.%) were used. Silver concentrations in the film were determined using energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Hydroxyapatite film thicknesses were determined by measuring the surface profile using contact profilometry. Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa adhesion studies were performed on plain titanium, titanium coated with hydroxyapatite, titanium coated with ~ 0.5 wt.% silver-doped hydroxyapatite, and titanium coated with ~ 1.5 wt.% silver-doped hydroxyapatite. Results indicate that less bacteria adhered to surfaces containing hydroxyapatite and silver; further, as the hydroxyapatite films delaminated, silver ions were released which killed bacteria in suspension.     

Damping behavior and acoustic performance of polyurethane/lead zirconate titanate ceramic composites

0–3 Type PU-based lead zirconate titanate ceramic (PZT) composites are prepared by in situ polymerization method, this PU/PZT composite material has excellent sound absorption property at low frequencies because of damping property and piezoelectric property. The dispersion of PZT particles in PU matrix, dielectric loss tangent (tan δ), dynamic storage modulus (E′), dynamic loss modulus (E″), and the acoustic absorption coefficient (α) of PU/PZT composites are studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and two-microphone impedance tube, respectively. The results indicate that the modified PZT particles dispersed well in PU matrix with the content of 30 wt%; the tan δ, E′ and E″ are 0.62, 3.75 GPa and 6.05 GPa, respectively, when the composite with 30 wt% of polarizing PZT; the acoustic absorption coefficient is found to increase with an increase of PZT content, and the average acoustic absorption coefficient is 0.32 at low frequencies from 125 to 500 Hz.     

Micromechanisms of fatigue crack growth in cast aluminium piston alloys

The fatigue crack growth behaviour in as-cast and hot isostatically pressed (HIP) model cast aluminium piston alloys with hypoeutectic Si compositions of 6.9 wt% and 0.67 wt% has been investigated. The HIP alloys showed slightly improved fatigue crack growth resistance. Analysis of the crack path profiles and fracture surfaces showed that the crack tends to avoid Si and intermetallic particles at low ΔK levels up to a mid-ΔK of ∼7 MPa√m. However, some particles do fail ahead of the crack tip to facilitate crack advance due to the interconnected microstructure of these alloys. At higher levels of ΔK, the crack increasingly seeks out Si and intermetallic particles up to a ΔK of ∼9 MPa√m after which the crack preferentially propagates through intermetallic particles in the 0.67 wt%Si alloy or Si and intermetallics in the 6.9 wt%Si alloys. It was also observed that crack interaction with intermetallics caused crack deflections that led to roughness-induced crack closure and possibly oxide-induced crack closure at low to mid-ΔK. However, crack closure appears unimportant at high ΔK due to the large crack openings and evidenced by the fast crack growth rates observed.     

Antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles stabilized on tannin-grafted collagen fiber

Bayberry tannin (BT), a typical plant polyphenol, was grafted on collagen fiber (CF) in different mass ratios. Subsequently, the BT-grafted CF (BT-CF) was used as carrier and stabilizer to prepare BT-CF stabilized silver nanoparticles (BT-CF-AgNPs). Scanning Electron Microscopy image of BT-CF-AgNPs showed that the BT-CF-AgNPs was in ordered fibrous state. X-ray Diffraction patterns and Transmission Electron Microscopy images offered evidence that the Ag nanoparticles were well dispersed on BT-CF. Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) investigations revealed that the Ag NPs were stabilized by the phenolic hydroxyls and quinones of BT on CF through electron donation/acception interaction. Antibacterial experiments demonstrated that BT-CF-AgNPs exhibited high antibacterial activity. When cell suspensions of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus (10⁴–10⁵ cfu/mL) were contacted with BT_0.19-CF-AgNPs (mass ratio of BT to CF = 0.19, conc. of Ag = 8 μg/mL) at 310 K under constant shaking, the number of cells went down to zero within 2 h. In addition, the minimal inhibitory concentration of BT_0.19-CF-AgNPs against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Penicillium glaucum and Saccharomyces cerevisiae was 2 μg/mL, 4 μg/mL, 6 μg/mL and 12 μg/mL Ag, respectively. During recycling use, the antibacterial activity of BT_0.19-CF-AgNPs against Escherichia coli can last for 5 cycles. These facts suggest that BT-CF-AgNPs can be used as a new and effective antibacterial agent.     

Dry separation of particulate iron ore using density-segregation in a gas–solid fluidized bed

A gas–solid fluidized bed has been used to separate particulate iron ore (+250–500 μm in size) by segregating the particles by density. The ore particles were put into a cylindrical column of inner diameter of 100 mm and bed height of 50 mm, and were fluidized at a given air velocity u₀/u_mf = 1.2–3.2 for 10 min. u₀ and u_mf are the superficial air velocity and the minimum fluidization air velocity, respectively. The bulk density of the ore particles after fluidization was measured as a function of height through the bed in 5 mm increments (the 50 mm height was divided into 10 layers) to investigate the density-segregation. The size of the particles in each of the 10 layers was also measured to investigate size-segregation. It was found that both density-segregation and size-segregation occurred as a function of height through the bed after fluidization at u₀/u_mf = 2.0. However, the segregation did not occur near the bottom of the bed for lower u₀/u_mf and did not occur near the top of the bed for larger u₀/u_mf. The origin of the segregation-dependence on the air velocity was discussed considering the air bubbles size and the fluidizing intensity at upper and lower sections of the bed. The Fe content of the 10 layers at u₀/u_mf = 2.0 was measured to calculate the Fe-grade and Fe-recovery. The ore-recovery was also calculated using the weight of ore particles as a function of height through the bed. The feed Fe-grade (before separation) was 52.1 wt%. If the ore particles in the bottom half of the bed were regarded as the product, the Fe-grade was 59.0 wt%, and the Fe-recovery and the ore-recovery were 68.5 wt% and 60.5 wt%, respectively.     

New type of protective hybrid and nanocomposite hybrid coatings containing silver and copper with an excellent antibacterial effect especially against MRSA

Epidemics spread many types of pathogenic bacterial strains, especially strains of MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), which are being increasingly reported in many geographical areas [1]. This is becoming to be a serious global problem, particularly in hospitals. Not only are antibiotics proving to be increasingly ineffective but also the bacteria responsible for more than 70% of hospital-acquired bacterial infections are resistant to at least one of the drugs commonly used to treat them. In this study, hybrid coating A1 and nanocomposite hybrid coating A2 based on TMSPM (3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate, MMA (methyl methacrylate), TEOS (tetraethyl orthosilicate) and IPTI (titanium isopropoxide) containing silver and copper ions with or without nanoparticles of titanium dioxide were prepared by the sol–gel method. They were deposited on glass, poly(methyl methacrylate) and cotton using dip-coating or spin-coating, and then cured at 150 °C for 3 h or, in the case of poly(methyl methacrylate), at 100 °C for 4.5 h. The morphology and microstructure of these hybrid coatings were examined by SEM. The abrasion resistance was tested using a washability tester and found to depend heavily on the curing temperature. Seven types of bacterial strains were used to determine the profile of antibacterial activity, namely Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus — MRSA (CCM 4223), MRSA-2 (CCM 7112), Acinetobacter baumanii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Proteus vulgaris (according to ALE-G18, CSNI). All the samples were tested by irradiating with either a UV-A or a daylight fluorescent lamp. All types of hybrid coating A1 and nanocomposite hybrid coating A2 were found to possess an excellent antibacterial effect, including against the pathogenic bacterial strains of MRSA, which present a dangerous threat on a global scale.     

Preparation and characterization of Mn2O3/TiO2 nanomaterials synthesized by combination of CVC and impregnation method with different Mn loading concentration

TiO₂ nanomaterials were synthesized by a chemical vapor condensation and loaded with 2–10 wt% manganese by impregnation. Thermally treated particles were characterized by XRD and EXAFS. Particles with 5 wt% Mn content showed the most dispersed Mn components in the supported TiO₂ with the lowest crystallinity. BET and HR-TEM showed that their surface area and pore volume increased to 299.5 m² g^?1 and 0.329 cm³ g^?1, respectively. TPR and XPS showed these particles to have higher oxygen mobility and redox properties than commercial P25 similarly prepared and loaded with 5 wt% Mn₂O₃. They also had greater amounts of Mn³⁺ groups on their surfaces. 5 wt% manganese loaded TiO₂ particles fabricated by CVC and impregnation are expected to have broad applicability.     

Preparation and thermomechanical properties of Ag-PVA nanocomposite films

Metal–polymer hybrid nanocomposites have been prepared from an aqueous solution of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and silver nitrate (AgNO₃). The silver nanoparticles were generated in PVA matrix by the reduction of silver ions with PVA molecule at 60–70 °C over magnetic stirrer. UV–vis analysis, X-ray diffraction studies, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and current–voltage analysis were used to characterize the nanocomposite films prepared. The X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that silver metal is present in face centered cubic (fcc) crystal structure. Average crystallite size of silver nanocrystal is 19 nm, which increases to 22 nm on annealing the film at 150 °C in air. This result is in good agreement with the result obtained from TEM. The UV–vis spectrum shows a single peak at 433 nm, arising from the surface plasmon absorption of silver nanocolloids. This result clearly indicates that silver nanoparticles are embedded in PVA. An improvement of mechanical properties (storage modulus) was also noticed due to a modification of PVA up to 0.5 wt% of silver content. The current–voltage (I–V) characteristic of nanocomposite films shows increase in current drawn with increasing Ag-content in the films.     

Antibacterial activity of SiO2/hydroxypropyl cellulose hybrid materials containing silver nanoparticles

Silica hybrid materials containing tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) as SiO₂ precursor, hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) as an organic compound with incorporation of silver were prepared, and their structure and surface morphology were examined by FTIR measurements and SEM. The quantity of organic substance was 5 wt.% and the silver concentration varied from 0.5 to 2.5 wt.%. It is suggested that the main structural units build an amorphous network of synthesized hybrids from depolymerized [SiO₄] tetrahedra giving strong bands at 1050 and 790 cm^? 1. The surface morphology changed from smooth to rough with the increasing amount of silver. The possible antibacterial behavior of the hybrid materials was also studied. The results indicate pronounced antibacterial performance against Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis. Highest antibacterial activity was detected against B. subtilis. The increase of silver concentration up to 2.5 wt.% Ag leads to stronger antibacterial effects with both strains.     

Bactericidal polyurethane foam mattresses: Microbiological characterization and effectiveness

The antimicrobial compounds 2.4.4.″-tricloro-2″ hydroxydiphenyl ether (triclosan), 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one (isothiazolone) and bis(2-pyridylthio)zinc 1,1′-dioxide (zinc pyrithione) were incorporated into polyurethane foam matrixes. Concentrations of 0.20 wt.%, 0.50 wt.% and 1.00 wt.% of each biocide compound were used, and the infection reduction capacity was evaluated for different types of bacteria. The microbiological tests with polyurethane foams were performed with agar diffusion tests using the pour plate technique and analyzing the colony formation units (CFU) as a function of time. In preliminary tests, the micro-organisms Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella choleraesuis and Staphylococcus aureus were used. Tests in vitro showed that polyurethane foam containing zinc pyrithione gave the best performance. Genotoxicity tests were conducted to evaluate if the use of zinc pyrithione in the polyurethane causes harm to human users. Microbiological tests were also performed on the surfaces of mattresses that were produced with polyurethane foam to verify their antimicrobial properties. The significant decrease in the number of micro-organisms within the foam showed the effectiveness of the zinc pyrithione as an antimicrobial, while the genotoxicity tests demonstrated the absence of collateral effects for the users.     

Preparation and characterization of biocompatible carbon electrodes

Electron transfer in microbial fuel cell and biosensors could be facilitated through high conductive materials with enhanced active surface area and appropriate redox potential suited to microbial metabolism. In the first strategy based on bulk doping, graphite/epoxy composite electrode (GECE) bulk was modified with six types of metal ion which were prepared through a wet impregnation procedure. In the second strategy, immobilization of redox dye on carbon cloth and graphite sheet was carried out using N,N′-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide for surface modification. Crystallinity, morphology, surface chemistry and electrochemical properties of all modified electrodes were investigated. Influence of redox behavior of electrodes suited to microbial metabolism and conducive to biofilm formation have been examined. It was observed that the Fe³⁺ doped GECE surfaces exhibited significantly high biofilm formation of 1.10(±0.18) × 10⁷ CFU/cm² as compared to other dopants. The microbial growth on the carbon cloth electrode and carbon fiber reinforced plate were found to be less (2.6(±0.97) × 10⁴, 4.8(±1.8) × 10³ CFU/cm² respectively) compared to GECEs.