Porous calcium alginate–gelatin interpenetrated matrix and its biomineralization potential

Artificial bone composites exhibit distinctive features by comparison to natural tissues, due to a lack of self-organization and intimate interaction apatite-matrix. This explains the need of “bio-inspired materials”, in which hydroxyapatite grows in contact with self-assembling natural polymers. The present work investigates the function of a rational design in the hydroxyapatite-forming potential of a common biopolymer. Gelatin modified through intrinsic interactions with calcium alginate led through freeze-drying to porous hydrogels, whose architecture, constitutive features and chemistry were investigated with respect to their role on biomineralization. The apatite-forming ability was enhanced by the porosity of the materials, while the presence of alginate-reinforced Gel elastic chains, definitely favored this phenomenon. Depending on the concentration, polysaccharide chains act as “ionic pumps” enhancing the biomineralization. The mineralization-promoting effect of the peptide-polysaccharide network strictly depends on the hydrogels structural, compositional and morphological features derived from the interaction between the above mentioned two components.     

Synthesis and growth mechanism of NbC–SiC micro/nanowire by carbothermal reduction

Abstract

NbC–SiC micro/nanowires (MNWs) with NbC content varying from 5 to 20 mol.-% were synthesised at 1600–1800°C via carbothermal reduction utilising silica sol, niobium pentoxide powder and carbon black as starting materials. The synthesis process and growth mechanism of NbC–SiC system were investigated. Results show that the morphology of the synthesised products mainly appears as curve shaped microwires or nanowires. The crystalline consists of both SiC and NbC phases which doped with each other by substitution and interstitial reactions in solid solution. NbC–SiC MNWs were developed by vapour–liquid–solid mechanism according to the existence of liquid droplet phase in the tip at reaction temperature. β-SiC twin crystal growing along [112] direction was formed in the stem, and NbC polycrystal was dissociated from Nb–Si liquid phase. The varied concentration of Nb and Si in the Nb–Si liquid phase could be a significant reason for the curved growth of NbC–SiC MNWs.     

Characterization of a solid solution of Cu in Al—Cu—SiCp metal matrix composites processed by spray atomization and co-deposition

The effect of silicon carbide particulate (SiCp) reinforcement on the formation of a solid solution of copper (Cu) in Al–Cu alloys during spray atomization and co-deposition is investigated. The extent of Cu solid solubility in sample compositions of Al–1.3, 5.9 and 18.3 wt% Cu and Al–1.5, 5.9 and 19.4 wt% Cu+6 vol% SiCp was characterized using X-ray diffraction scanning electron microscopy, (SEM) microanalysis and high resolution electron microscope techniques. The copper content retained in the -Al solid solution in Al-alloys both with and without SiCp additions was determined by initially deriving the lattice parameter (a) values of the samples by X-ray diffraction and the copper content in the solid solution was determined using a plot of a versus copper content previously, reported in the literature. Results of SEM microanalyses performed on the above alloys in regions of -Al solid solution showed a good agreement on the amount of Cu retained in solid solution with values determined by X-ray diffraction especially for alloys containing small amounts of Cu. High resolution electron microscopy images of the matrix and the matrix/SiCp interface were employed in order to determine values of the interplanar spacing (d) for the -Al solid solution and to correlate these values using the plot of lattice parameter as a function of copper content retained in solid solution. The results were in good agreement with those determined by the scanning electron microscopy microanalyses.     

Nano-sized α and β-TCP powders prepared by high temperature flame spray pyrolysis

Nano-sized α-TCP powders with spherical shape and non-aggregation characteristics were directly prepared by high temperature flame spray pyrolysis from the mixed spray solution of water and ethyl alcohol. The α-TCP powders prepared from the aqueous spray solution without ethyl alcohol had a bimodal size distribution with nanometer and micron sizes. Nano-sized and monodisperse α-TCP powders were prepared when the volume ratio (ethyl alcohol/distilled water, V/V) in the mixed solvent was of 40/60. The mean size of the nano-sized α-TCP powders was 32 nm. The composition ratio of calcium and phosphorous components of the nano-sized α-TCP powders was 1.49. The mean size of the spherical-like powders post-treated at a temperature of 600 °C was 57 nm. The mean size of the powders increased with increasing the post-treatment temperatures. The phase of α-TCP powders prepared by flame spray pyrolysis did not change at post-treatment temperatures below 700 °C. On the other hand, the powders post-treated at temperatures of 800 and 900 °C had single β phase of TCP.     

Structural and electrochemical characterization of layered 0.3Li2MnO3·0.7LiMn0.35−x/3Ni0.5−x/3Co0.15−x/3CrxO2 cathode synthesized by spray drying

Cr doped 0.3Li₂MnO₃·0.7LiMn_0.35−x/3Ni_0.5−x/3Co_0.15−x/3Cr_xO₂ (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06) as a cathode material for Li-ion battery has been successfully synthesized by spray drying and subsequent calcination. The effects of Cr dopant on the structural and electrochemical properties of this material have been investigated by XRD, SEM, EDS, charge–discharge measurements, Ac impedance spectroscopy as well as cyclic voltammetry. These results demonstrated that the element Cr distributed uniformly in these materials. With the Cr content increasing, lattice parameters a and c decrease and less Li ion locates in transition metal site. Among the synthesized Cr-doped materials, when x = 0.04, this material shows the best electrochemical properties. Between 2.5 and 4.8 V (vs. Li/Li⁺), the initial discharge capacities of the materials increased from 143 to 168 mA h g⁻¹ at a constant current density of 250 mA g⁻¹. After 50 cycles, the capacity retention of the materials raised from 83% to 93%.     

Microstructural characterisation and thermal stability of in situ TiB2/60Si–Al composite synthesised by displacement reactions and spray forming

Abstract

A novel in situ reactive technique has been employed for preparing 2·0 wt-%TiB₂/60Si–Al composite. The kinetic equations and the Arrhenius type equation were applied to compute the coarsening rate constant and the activation energy for grain growth for the composite when it was heated at semisolid state for partial remelting. Experimental results have shown that the in situ TiB₂ particles can refine effectively the primary Si phase and restrain the Si phase growth. The cubic coarsening rate constant for the composite was computed to be in the range of 75–148 μm³ min^?1 at temperatures in the range of 600–700°C, which was much less than that for the 60Si–Al alloy (1323–4523 μm³ min^?1). The value of activation energy for grain growth for the composite was about twice of that for the 60Si–Al alloy. The composite exhibited a higher thermal stability than that of the 60Si–Al alloy, suggesting that the in situ TiB₂ particles can effectively pin the grain boundaries and arrest the migration of liquid film in the semisolid state of the composite.     

Pulse and direct electrodeposition of Ni–Co/micro and nanosized SiO2 particles

Ni–Co/SiO₂ composite coating was electrodeposited on the steel substrate. The coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The microhardness of the composite coatings was studied by variation of the electroplating parameters, such as the pulse current (PC) and direct current (DC) electrodeposition methods, deposition temperature, electrolyte pH, concentration of surfactants, sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Zeta potential of SiO₂ particles measurements was performed with various pH, SDS, and CTAB concentrations. The data depict that the hardness of Ni–Co/SiO₂ nanocomposite coatings manufactured by PC electrodeposition increases with the increase of bath temperature, pH, SDS, and CTAB concentration up to 50°C, 4.6, 0.3, and 0.2?g/L, respectively. Beyond mentioned optimum values, the microhardness of nanocomposite coating decreases. Using DC method led to reduce the microhardness. Utilizing SiO₂ microparticles instead of SiO₂ nanoparticles for reinforcing resulted in declining the microhardness. The friction coefficient and wear results demonstrated that using PC method and nanosized particles led to reduce the friction coefficient and increase the resistance to wear. Anodic polarization results illustrated that using SiO₂ nanoparticles and PC method to prepare coating caused corrosion resistance of coating in a 3.5?wt% NaCl solution to enhance.     

Degradation of DCE and TCE by Fe–Ni nanoparticles immobilised polysulphone matrix

The reduction of dichloroethane (DCE) and trichloroethylene (TCE) by bimetallic iron–nickel (Fe–Ni) nanoparticles has been studied in this study. The reduction mechanism involves hydrodechlorination at the iron–nickel interface. The Fe–Ni nanoparticles have been synthesised by the chemical reduction method and immobilised on to a polysulphone matrix. The as-synthesised nanoparticles and Fe–Ni immobilied polysulphone support have been characterised to establish the particle size of the nanoparticles, which are of the order of 36–41?nm, and the physical characteristics of the immobilised support. Batch experiments have been performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to study the degradation of DCE and TCE. The studies have shown that the bimetallic system is quite effective in the dechlorination of DCE and TCE. Also, the stability of the nanoparticles in the matrix has been explored with respect to its suitability for use in the degradation of chlorinated hydrocarbons.     

Fabrication and evaluation of biomimetic scaffolds by using collagen–alginate fibrillar gels for potential tissue engineering applications

Pore architecture and its stable functionality under cell culturing of three dimensional (3D) scaffolds are of great importance for tissue engineering purposes. In this study, alginate was incorporated with collagen to fabricate collagen–alginate composite scaffolds with different collagen/alginate ratios by lyophilizing the respective composite gels formed via collagen fibrillogenesis in vitro and then chemically crosslinking. The effects of alginate amount and crosslinking treatment on pore architecture, swelling behavior, enzymatic degradation and tensile property of composite scaffolds were systematically investigated. The relevant results indicated that the present strategy was simple but efficient to fabricate highly interconnected strong biomimetic 3D scaffolds with nanofibrous surface. NIH3T3 cells were used as a model cell to evaluate the cytocompatibility, attachment to the nanofibrous surface and porous architectural stability in terms of cell proliferation and infiltration within the crosslinked scaffolds. Compared with the mechanically weakest crosslinked collagen sponges, the cell-cultured composite scaffolds presented a good porous architecture, thus permitting cell proliferation on the top surface as well as infiltration into the inner part of 3D composite scaffolds. These composite scaffolds with pore size ranging from 150 to 300 μm, over 90% porosity, tuned biodegradability and water-uptake capability are promising for tissue engineering applications.     

Microstructure and properties of the Si3N4/silica aerogel composites fabricated by the sol–gel method via ambient pressure drying

Si₃N₄ particle reinforced silica aerogel composites have been fabricated by the sol–gel method via ambient pressure drying. The microstructure and mechanical, thermal insulation and dielectric properties of the composites were investigated. The effect of the Si₃N₄ content on the microstructure and properties were also clarified. The results indicate that the obtained mesoporous composites exhibit low thermal conductivity (0.024–0.072 Wm^− 1 K^− 1), low dielectric constant (1.55–1.85) and low loss tangent (0.005–0.007). As the Si₃N₄ content increased from 5 to 20 vol.%, the compressive strength and the flexural strength of the composites increased from 3.21 to 12.05 MPa and from 0.36 to 2.45 MPa, respectively. The obtained composites exhibit considerable promise in wave transparency and thermal insulation functional integration applications.     

AC plasma induced modifications in β-In2S3 thin films prepared by spray pyrolysis

β-In₂S₃ thin films, deposited by spray pyrolysis, were treated in N₂ and air plasmas at 240 and 400 Pa. X-ray diffraction, SEM, and EDS analysis, and optical and electrical studies have been used to characterize the as-prepared and plasma treated thin films. The post-deposition plasma treatments affect the morphology and the optoelectronic properties of the In₂S₃ thin films. The In₂S₃ thin films treated with N₂ plasma at 240 Pa showed an optical band gap, E_g, of 2.16 eV and an electrical conductivity of 2 × 10^− 2 (Ω cm)^− 1.     

Synthesis and adsorption of montmoriilonite/sodium alginate graft poly （acrylic acid） superabsorbent composite

以过硫酸胺（APS）为引发剂,N,N-亚甲基双丙烯酰胺（MBA）为交联剂,采用插层聚合法制备了蒙脱土／海藻酸钠接枝丙烯酸（MMT／SA—g—PAA）高吸水性复合物。通过红外光谱（FT—IR）、扫描电镜（SEM）、热重分析（TGA）对MMT／SA—g—PAA的结构和性能进行了表征。研究了MMT／SA-g—PAA对重金属离子的吸附性能,结果表明室温下MMT／SA—g-PAA对Pb2＋、Cu2＋、Ni2＋的最大吸附量分别为968．9、231．0及236．Omg／g,其中对Pb2＋和Cu计的吸附符合Langmuir吸附模型,而对Ni2＋的吸附符合Freundlich吸附模型。     

Tuning the Trade-Off between Ethane/Ethylene Selectivity and Adsorption Capacity within Isoreticular Microporous Metal−Organic Frameworks by Linker Fine-Fluorination

The pore dimension and surface property directly dictate the transport of guests, endowing diverse gas selective adsorptions to porous materials. It is highly relevant to construct metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) with designable functional groups that can achieve feasible pore regulation to improve their separation performances. However, the role of functionalization in different positions or degrees within framework on the separation of light hydrocarbon has rarely been emphasized. In this context, four isoreticular MOFs (TKL-104−107) bearing dissimilar fluorination are rationally screened out and afforded intriguing differences in the adsorption behavior of C₂H₆ and C₂H₄. Ortho-fluoridation of carboxyl allows TKL-105−107 to exhibit enhanced structural stabilities, impressive C₂H₆ adsorption capacities (>125 cm³ g⁻¹) and desirable inverse selectivities (C₂H₆ over C₂H₄). The more modified ortho-fluorine group and meta-fluorine group of carboxyl have improved the C₂H₆/C₂H₄ selectivity and adsorption capacity, respectively, and the C₂H₆/C₂H₄ separation potential can be well optimized via linker fine-fluorination. Meanwhile, dynamic breakthrough experiments proved that TKL-105−107 can be used as highly efficient C₂H₆-selective adsorbents for C₂H₄ purification. This work highlights that the purposeful functionalization of pore surfaces facilitates the assembly of highly efficient MOF adsorbents for specific gas separation.     

Shape deformation and texture development of consolidated Ca α-SiAlON ceramics prepared by hot-forging

Consolidated Ca α-SiAlON ceramics with gradually varying microstructure and property was prepared by hot-forging. The shape deformation as well as texture development of the sample during forging was studied in detail. It was found that the forging process promoted the growth of elongated α-SiAlON grains and enhanced their preferred orientation with the longitude perpendicular to the pressing force. The strong texture offered the hot-forged sample an increased fracture toughness of 7.9 MPa m^1/2, which was primarily attributed to the pull-out and debonding behaviors of elongated grains.     

Fabrication and characterization of bioactive composite coatings on Mg–Zn–Ca alloy by MAO/sol–gel

High corrosion rate and accumulation of hydrogen gas upon degradation impede magnesium alloys’ clinical application as implants. In this work, micro-arc oxidation (MAO) was used to fabricate a porous coating on magnesium alloys as an intermediate layer to enhance the bonding strength of propolis layer. Then the composite coatings were fabricated using sol–gel method by dipping sample into the solution containing propolis and polylactic acid at 40°C. The corrosion resistance of the samples was determined based on potentiodynamic polarization experiments and immersion tests. Biocompatibility was designed by observing the attachment and growth of wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJCs) on substrates with MAO coating and substrates with composite coatings. The results showed that, compared with that of Mg–Zn–Ca alloy, the corrosion current density of the samples with composite coatings decreased from 5.37 × 10⁻⁵ to 1.10 × 10⁻⁶ A/cm² and the corrosion potential increased by 240 mV. Composite coatings exhibit homogeneous corrosion behavior and can promote WJCs cell adhesion and proliferation. In the meantime, pH value was relatively stable during the immersion tests, which may be significant for cellular survival. In conclusion, our results indicate that composite coatings on Mg–Zn–Ca alloy fabricated by MAO/sol–gel method provide a new type bioactive material.     

Microstructure and polarisation behaviour of TiN–TiB2 matrix coating prepared by reactive plasma spraying

Abstract

Two TiN–TiB₂ matrix coatings were prepared by reactive plasma spraying with two spraying powders (Ti+B₄C+Cr, Ti+B₄C). Their microstructure, phases, microhardness and polarisation behaviours in 3·5 wt-% NaCl solution have been investigated by SEM, XRD, hardness tester and electrochemical analyser. The thermodynamics analysis for reactive plasma spraying was discussed and the effect of addition of Cr on adiabatic temperature of TiB₂ forming reaction was also analysed. The thermodynamics analysis shows that the reaction temperature during reactive spraying process is >2030 K. To satisfy the criterion of self-propagating high temperature TiB₂ forming reaction, the addition of Cr should be >192·6 wt-% of the total weight of Ti and B₄C. The experimental results show that the addition of Cr decreases the stress in the coating so as to the cracks of coating at the expense of microhardness, yet the microhardness of both two coatings is a high value. The corrosion resistance of TiN–TiB₂ matrix coating was greatly improved. The anodic polarisation curve of TiN–TiB₂ coating includes a narrow activation zone and a broad passivation zone, which indicates the stability of coating is very excellent. The addition of Cr increases the corrosion potential of coating, yet an overpassivation zone appears, which is due to the breakage of passivation film.     

Core–shell-structure Ag–BaTiO3 composite nanopowders prepared directly by flame spray pyrolysis

Core–shell-structure Ag–BaTiO₃ composite nanopowders are prepared directly by flame spray pyrolysis. The single-crystalline Ag was located in the core part of the composite powder, and the Ba and Ti components are uniformly distributed in the shell part. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the Ag–BaTiO₃ composite powders have the main crystal peaks of Ag and broad peaks at around 28°. The Ag–BaTiO₃ pellets with low Ag contents (below 20 wt%) have a dense structure and fine grain size. Abnormal grain growth of the Ag(30 wt%)–BaTiO₃ pellets occurs even at a low sintering temperature of 1000 °C. The Ag–BaTiO₃ pellet had a mixed crystal structure of BaTiO₃ and Ag phases. Silver is uniformly distributed in the BaTiO₃ matrix without phase separation. The dielectric constants of the BaTiO₃, Ag(10 wt%)–BaTiO₃, and Ag(30 wt%)–BaTiO₃ pellets are 830, 2130, and 4680, respectively.