Characterization of Thermal-Sprayed HAP and HAP/TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> Coatings for Biomedical Applications

In the present study, hydroxyapatite (HAP) coating along with HAP/TiO₂ coating has been deposited by high-velocity flame spray (HVFS) technique onto 316LSS. Titania was used as a bond coat and HAP as top coat in HAP/TiO₂ coating. The main aim of the study is to investigate the corrosion behavior of thermal spray coating of HAP and HAP/TiO₂ on steel. Electrochemical corrosion testing was carried out using potentiodynamic polarization test. The corrosion behavior of bare and as-sprayed specimens was analyzed in simulated body fluid known as Hank’s solution. As-sprayed specimens along with corroded specimens were further characterized by XRD, SEM/EDS, and x-ray mapping analysis. It was observed that the HAP/TiO₂ coating possessed higher microhardness (280 Hv) as compared to HAP coating (254 Hv). Surface roughness also got enhanced in case of HAP/TiO₂ coating (9.35 μm) as compared to pure HAP coating (7.37 μm). The porosity of the HAP coating was found to be higher than the bond coating. It was observed that the Ca/P ratio almost resembled that of the natural bone composition. The corrosion resistance of steel increased after the deposition of HAP and HAP/TiO₂ coatings. The maximum corrosion resistance was exhibited by HAP/TiO₂ coating.     

Studies on the Sliding Wear Performance of Plasma Spray Ni-20Cr and Ni3Al Coatings

Two metallic powders namely Ni-20Cr and Ni₃Al were coated on AISI 309 SS steel by shrouded plasma spray process. The wear behavior of the bare, Ni-20Cr and Ni₃Al-coated AISI 309 SS steel was investigated according to ASTM Standard G99-03 on a Pin-on-Disc Wear Test Rig. The wear tests were carried out at normal loads of 30 and 50 N with a sliding velocity of 1 m/s. Cumulative wear rate and coefficient of friction (μ) were calculated for all the cases. The worn-out surfaces were then examined by scanning electron microscopy analysis. Both the as-sprayed coatings exhibited typical splat morphology. The XRD analysis indicated the formation of Ni phase for the Ni-20Cr coating and Ni₃Al phase for the Ni₃Al coating. It has been concluded that the plasma-sprayed Ni-20Cr and Ni₃Al coatings can be useful to reduce the wear rate of AISI 309 SS steel. The coatings were found to be adherent to the substrate steel during the wear tests. The plasma-sprayed Ni₃Al coating has been recommended as a better choice to reduce the wear of AISI 309 SS steel, in comparison with the Ni-20Cr coating.     

Essential Oil of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Artemisia scoparia</Emphasis> Inhibits Plant Growth by Generating Reactive Oxygen Species and Causing Oxidative Damage

We investigated the chemical composition and phytotoxicity of the essential oil extracted from leaves of Artemisia scoparia Waldst. et Kit. (red stem wormwood, Asteraceae). GC/GC-MS analyses revealed 33 chemical constituents representing 99.83% of the oil. The oil, in general, was rich in monoterpenes that constitute 71.6%, with β-myrcene (29.27%) as the major constituent followed by (+)-limonene (13.3%), (Z)-β-ocimene (13.37%), and γ-terpinene (9.51%). The oil and β-myrcene were evaluated in a dose–response bioassay under laboratory conditions for phytotoxicity against three weeds—Avena fatua, Cyperus rotundus, and Phalaris minor. A significant reduction in germination, seedling growth, and dry matter accumulation was observed in the test weeds. At the lowest treatment of 0.07 mg/ml Artemisia oil, germination was reduced by 39%, 19%, and 10.6% in C. rotundus, P. minor, and A. fatua, respectively. However, the inhibitory effect of β-myrcene was less. In general, a dose-dependent effect was observed and the growth declined with increasing concentration. Among the three weeds, the inhibitory effect was greatest on C. rotundus, so it was selected for further studies. We explored the explanation for observed growth inhibition in terms of reactive oxygen species (ROS: lipid peroxidation, membrane integrity, and amounts of conjugated dienes and hydrogen peroxide)-induced oxidative stress. Exposure of C. rotundus to Artemisia oil or β-myrcene enhanced solute leakage, indicating membrane disintegration. There were increased levels of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide, indicating lipid peroxidation and induction of oxidative stress. We conclude that Artemisia oil inhibits plant root growth through generation of ROS-induced oxidative damage.     

Methyl acrylate/1‐octene copolymers: Lewis acid‐mediated polymerization

Copolymerization of methyl acrylate (MA) with 1‐octene (1‐Oct) was conducted in the presence of free radical initiator, 2,2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionitrile) (AIBN) using heterogeneous Lewis acid, acidic alumina. The polymers obtained were transparent and highly viscous liquids. The copolymer composition calculated from ¹H NMR showed alkene incorporation in the range of 10–61%. The monomodal nature of chromatographic curves corresponding to the molecular weight distribution in gel permeation chromatography (GPC) further confirmed that the polymers obtained are true copolymers. The number–average molecular weights (M_n) of the copolymers were in the range of 1.1 × 10⁴–1.6 × 10⁴ with polydispersity index of 1.75–2.29. The effects of varying the acidic alumina amount, time of polymerization, and monomer infeed on the incorporation of 1‐Oct in the polymer chain were studied. Increased 1‐Oct infeed led to its higher inclusion in the copolymer chain as elucidated by NMR. DEPT‐135 NMR spectral analysis was used to explicate the nature of arrangement of monomer sequences in the copolymer chain. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Study of the biodegradation behavior of soy protein‐grafted polyethylene by the soil burial method

In this article, we report on the biodegradation of soy‐protein‐grafted polyethylene, which was successfully synthesized by a graft copolymerization method with benzoyl peroxide as the radical initiator. The biodegradation behavior of the grafted polyethylene was ascertained by a soil burial test. The weight‐loss percentage was measured as a function of the number of days, and it was observed that the percentage weight loss increased with increasing number of days. To further substantiate the degradation, microanalysis of the soil containing the samples was carried out. An increase in microorganism colonies was observed with increasing number of days. The hydrolysis of the samples taken from the soil after a specified number of days also corroborated the findings and revealed a continuous loss of weight. The effect of the degradation of the grafted samples on the growth of plants (wheat and soybean) was studied, and we observed that the products of degradation were not harmful to the growth of the plants. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Pretreatments of natural fibers and their application as reinforcing material in polymer composites—A review

In recent years, natural fibers reinforced composites have received much attention because of their lightweight, nonabrasive, combustible, nontoxic, low cost and biodegradable properties. Among the various natural fibers; flax, bamboo, sisal, hemp, ramie, jute, and wood fibers are of particular interest. A lot of research work has been performed all over the world on the use of natural fibers as a reinforcing material for the preparation of various types of composites. However, lack of good interfacial adhesion, low melting point, and poor resistance towards moisture make the use of natural fiber reinforced composites less attractive. Pretreatments of the natural fiber can clean the fiber surface, chemically modify the surface, stop the moisture absorption process, and increase the surface roughness. Among the various pretreatment techniques, graft copolymerization and plasma treatment are the best methods for surface modification of natural fibers. Graft copolymers of natural fibers with vinyl monomers provide better adhesion between matrix and fiber. In the present article, the use of pretreated natural fibers in polymer matrix‐based composites has been reviewed. Effect of surface modification of natural fibers on the properties of fibers and fiber reinforced polymer composites has also been discussed. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

High Temperature Sliding Wear of Spray-Formed Solid-Lubricated Aluminum Matrix Composites

The present work describes the tribological study of the aluminum metal matrix composite manufactured by the spray atomization and deposition technique. The immiscible element Sn is added in the Al-Si alloy in different proportion to see its effect on wear behavior. The economical mineral zircon sand (8 vol.%) of size range 63-90 μm has been used as ceramic reinforcement. The microstructural features showed that Sn and reinforced particles were homogeneously dispersed in the matrix phase. The wear experiments were conducted at high temperature on pin-on-disk wear testing machine. The wear debris and worn surfaces are analyzed with the help of scanning electron microscope equipped with energy-dispersive spectroscopy facility. The Al-Si-10Sn/ZrSiO₄ composite offers higher wear resistance as compared to base alloy and other composites irrespective of the high temperature conditions of wear tests.     

Effect of Additives on the Activation Energy for Sintering of Silicon Carbide

The combined-stage sintering model was used to determine the activation energy, Q , of sintering for selected SiC-based materials. SiC densified with a liquid (1.65 wt% Al) had an activation energy of 842±79 kJ/mol, a value between those for a silicon carbide densified with 1 wt% C and 0.25 wt% B₄C ( Q =643±37 kJ/mol) and one densified with 2.5 wt% AlN ( Q =1022±122 kJ/mol), compositions which have no liquid phase below 1850°C. The SiC with Al additive began densification by 1500°C and the densification curve was offset by approximately 100°C compared with the other two materials below 1850°C. The choice and amount of additives not only affect densification and activation energy, but also influence microstructure and fracture mode, allowing engineering of mechanical properties.     

Inhibition of HIV-1 by a peptide ligand of the genomic RNA packaging signal Psi

The interaction of the nucleocapsid NCp7 of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Gag polyprotein with the RNA packaging signal Psi ensures specific encapsidation of the dimeric full length viral genome into nascent virus particles. Being an essential step in the HIV-1 replication cycle, specific genome encapsidation represents a promising target for therapeutic intervention. We previously selected peptides binding to HIV-1 Psi-RNA or stem loops (SL) thereof by phage display. Herein, we describe synthesis of peptide variants of the consensus HWWPWW motif on membrane supports to optimize Psi-RNA binding. The optimized peptide, psi-pepB, was characterized in detail with respect to its conformation and binding properties for the SL3 of the Psi packaging signal by NMR and tryptophan fluorescence quenching. Functional analysis revealed that psi-pepB caused a strong reduction of virus release by infected cells as monitored by reduced transduction efficiencies, capsid p24 antigen levels, and electron microscopy. Thus, this peptide shows antiviral activity and could serve as a lead compound to develop new drugs targeting HIV-1.