Materials

Research

14 pages, 2607 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Turkevich Method for Gold Nanoparticles Synthesis to Fabrication of SiO₂@Au and TiO₂@Au Core-Shell Nanostructures

by Paulina Dobrowolska, Aleksandra Krajewska, Magdalena Gajda-Rączka, Bartosz Bartosewicz

, Piotr Nyga

and Bartłomiej J. Jankiewicz^*

Institute of Optoelectronics, Military University of Technology, Warsaw 00-908, Poland

Materials 2015, 8(6), 2849-2862; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8062849 - 26 May 2015

Cited by 61 | Viewed by 19414

Abstract

The Turkevich synthesis method of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) was adopted for direct fabrication of SiO₂@Au and TiO₂@Au core-shell nanostructures. In this method, chloroauric acid was reduced with trisodium citrate in the presence of amine-functionalized silica or titania submicroparticles. Core-shells [...] Read more.

The Turkevich synthesis method of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) was adopted for direct fabrication of SiO₂@Au and TiO₂@Au core-shell nanostructures. In this method, chloroauric acid was reduced with trisodium citrate in the presence of amine-functionalized silica or titania submicroparticles. Core-shells obtained in this way were compared to structures fabricated by mixing of Turkevich AuNPs with amine-functionalized silica or titania submicroparticles. It was found that by modification of reaction conditions of the first method, such as temperature and concentration of reagents, control over gold coverage on silicon dioxide particles has been achieved. Described method under certain conditions allows fabrication of semicontinuous gold films on the surface of silicon dioxide particles. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing use of Turkevich method to direct fabrication of TiO₂@Au core-shell nanostructures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plasmonic Materials)

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10 pages, 225 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Beverages on Viscoelastic Properties of Resin-Based Dental Composites

by Muhammad Kaleem¹, Abdul S. Khan^2,3,*, Ihtesham U. Rehman⁴ and Ferranti S. Wong³

¹ Army Medical College, National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan

² Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Biomedical Materials, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Lahore 54000, Pakistan

³ Centre for Oral Growth and Development, Institute of Dentistry, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AD, UK

⁴ Kroto Research Institute, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7HQ, UK

Materials 2015, 8(6), 2863-2872; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8062863 - 26 May 2015

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5703

Abstract

The viscoelastic properties of three commercially available resin-based composites (Filtek™ P60, Filtek™ Supreme, and Filtek™ Z250; 3M ESPE, Bracknell, UK) were measured to determine the effect of beverages on their storage moduli and damping ratios. Rectangular samples of the three hybrid composites were [...] Read more.

The viscoelastic properties of three commercially available resin-based composites (Filtek™ P60, Filtek™ Supreme, and Filtek™ Z250; 3M ESPE, Bracknell, UK) were measured to determine the effect of beverages on their storage moduli and damping ratios. Rectangular samples of the three hybrid composites were immersed in three beverages at 37 °C for 1, 7, 30, and 60 days. At each time interval, these samples were subjected to three-point bend tests in temperature mode using a Perkin Elmer DMA7 Dynamic Mechanical Analyzer (Perkin Elmer Corp., Waltham, MA, USA) to measure the storage modulus and damping ratio. The immersion time had significant influence on the viscoelastic property of composites and it was found that generally for all samples the storage modulus was reduced, whereas damping values increased with immersion time. The viscoelastic behavior of tested materials seems to be related to the pH environment, hydrophilicity and the chemical composition of composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Materials)

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17 pages, 875 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Shape Effect of Electrochemical Chloride Extraction in Structural Reinforced Concrete Elements Using a New Cement-Based Anodic System

by Jesús Carmona

, Miguel-Ángel Climent

, Carlos Antón, Guillem De Vera and Pedro Garcés^*

Civil Engineering Department, Universidad de Alicante, Ctra. San Vicente s/n, San Vicente del Raspeig 03690, Spain

Materials 2015, 8(6), 2901-2917; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8062901 - 26 May 2015

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5915

Abstract

This article shows the research carried out by the authors focused on how the shape of structural reinforced concrete elements treated with electrochemical chloride extraction can affect the efficiency of this process. Assuming the current use of different anode systems, the present study [...] Read more.

This article shows the research carried out by the authors focused on how the shape of structural reinforced concrete elements treated with electrochemical chloride extraction can affect the efficiency of this process. Assuming the current use of different anode systems, the present study considers the comparison of results between conventional anodes based on Ti-RuO₂ wire mesh and a cement-based anodic system such as a paste of graphite-cement. Reinforced concrete elements of a meter length were molded to serve as laboratory specimens, to closely represent authentic structural supports, with circular and rectangular sections. Results confirm almost equal performances for both types of anode systems when electrochemical chloride extraction is applied to isotropic structural elements. In the case of anisotropic ones, such as rectangular sections with no uniformly distributed rebar, differences in electrical flow density were detected during the treatment. Those differences were more extreme for Ti-RuO₂ mesh anode system. This particular shape effect is evidenced by obtaining the efficiencies of electrochemical chloride extraction in different points of specimens. Full article

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17 pages, 843 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Schiff Base of 3-acetyl-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-(2H)pyran-2-one and 2,2'-(ethylenedioxy)diethylamine as Potential Corrosion Inhibitor for Mild Steel in Acidic Medium

by Jonnie N. Asegbeloyin¹, Paul M. Ejikeme¹, Lukman O. Olasunkanmi^2,3, Abolanle S. Adekunle^2,3 and Eno E. Ebenso^2,*

¹ Department of Pure and Industrial Chemistry, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 40001, Enugu State, Nigeria

² Material Science Innovation and Modelling (MaSIM) Research Focus Area, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus) Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa

³ Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220005, Nigeria

Materials 2015, 8(6), 2918-2934; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8062918 - 26 May 2015

Cited by 59 | Viewed by 7153

Abstract

The corrosion inhibition activity of a newly synthesized Schiff base (SB) from 3-acetyl-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-(2H)-pyran-2-one and 2,2'-(ethylenedioxy)diethylamine was investigated on the corrosion of mild steel in 1 M HCl solution using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic techniques. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and Raman spectroscopic techniques were [...] Read more.

The corrosion inhibition activity of a newly synthesized Schiff base (SB) from 3-acetyl-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-(2H)-pyran-2-one and 2,2'-(ethylenedioxy)diethylamine was investigated on the corrosion of mild steel in 1 M HCl solution using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic techniques. Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) and Raman spectroscopic techniques were used to study the chemical interactions between SB and mild steel surface. SB was found to be a relatively good inhibitor of mild steel corrosion in 1 M HCl. The inhibition efficiency increases with increase in concentration of SB. The inhibition activity of SB was ascribed to its adsorption onto mild steel surface, through physisorption and chemisorption, and described by the Langmuir adsorption model. Quantum chemical calculations indicated the presence of atomic sites with potential nucleophilic and electrophilic characteristics with which SB can establish electronic interactions with the charged mild steel surface. Full article

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18 pages, 2339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structure Determination of Au on Pt(111) Surface: LEED, STM and DFT Study

by Katarzyna Krupski¹, Marco Moors², Paweł Jóźwik³

, Tomasz Kobiela⁴

and Aleksander Krupski^1,3,5,*

¹ Department of Physics, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK

² Peter Grünberg Institut, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Wilhelm-Johnen-Str., 52425 Jülich, Germany

³ Department of Advanced Materials and Technologies, Faculty of Advanced Technologies and Chemistry, Military University of Technology, Kaliskiego 2 Str., 00-908 Warszawa, Poland

⁴ Faculty of Chemistry, Warsaw University of Technology, ul. Noakowskiego 3, 00-664 Warsaw, Poland

⁵ Faculty of Science, SEES, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth PO1 3QL, UK

Materials 2015, 8(6), 2935-2952; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8062935 - 27 May 2015

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 16593

Abstract

Low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to investigate the atomic and electronic structure of gold deposited (between 0.8 and 1.0 monolayer) on the Pt(111) face in ultrahigh vacuum at room temperature. The [...] Read more.

Low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations have been used to investigate the atomic and electronic structure of gold deposited (between 0.8 and 1.0 monolayer) on the Pt(111) face in ultrahigh vacuum at room temperature. The analysis of LEED and STM measurements indicates two-dimensional growth of the first Au monolayer. Change of the measured surface lattice constant equal to 2.80 Å after Au adsorption was not observed. Based on DFT, the distance between the nearest atoms in the case of bare Pt(111) and Au/Pt(111) surface is equal to 2.83 Å, which gives 1% difference in comparison with STM values. The first and second interlayer spacing of the clean Pt(111) surface are expanded by +0.87% and contracted by −0.43%, respectively. The adsorption energy of the Au atom on the Pt(111) surface is dependent on the adsorption position, and there is a preference for a hollow fcc site. For the Au/Pt(111) surface, the top interlayer spacing is expanded by +2.16% with respect to the ideal bulk value. Changes in the electronic properties of the Au/Pt(111) system below the Fermi level connected to the interaction of Au atoms with Pt(111) surface are observed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Intermetallic Alloys: Fabrication, Properties and Applications)

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41 pages, 965 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bone Replacement Materials and Techniques Used for Achieving Vertical Alveolar Bone Augmentation

by Zeeshan Sheikh^1,*, Corneliu Sima² and Michael Glogauer¹

¹ Matrix Dynamics Group, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto, Room 221, Fitzgerald Building, 150 College Street, Toronto, ON M5S 3E2, Canada

² Department of Applied Oral Sciences, The Forsyth Institute, 245 First Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA

Materials 2015, 8(6), 2953-2993; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8062953 - 27 May 2015

Cited by 163 | Viewed by 25832

Abstract

Alveolar bone augmentation in vertical dimension remains the holy grail of periodontal tissue engineering. Successful dental implant placement for restoration of edentulous sites depends on the quality and quantity of alveolar bone available in all spatial dimensions. There are several surgical techniques used [...] Read more.

Alveolar bone augmentation in vertical dimension remains the holy grail of periodontal tissue engineering. Successful dental implant placement for restoration of edentulous sites depends on the quality and quantity of alveolar bone available in all spatial dimensions. There are several surgical techniques used alone or in combination with natural or synthetic graft materials to achieve vertical alveolar bone augmentation. While continuously improving surgical techniques combined with the use of auto- or allografts provide the most predictable clinical outcomes, their success often depends on the status of recipient tissues. The morbidity associated with donor sites for auto-grafts makes these techniques less appealing to both patients and clinicians. New developments in material sciences offer a range of synthetic replacements for natural grafts to address the shortcoming of a second surgical site and relatively high resorption rates. This narrative review focuses on existing techniques, natural tissues and synthetic biomaterials commonly used to achieve vertical bone height gain in order to successfully restore edentulous ridges with implant-supported prostheses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Bone Substitute Materials)

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18 pages, 5140 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Composites of Graphene Oxide with Metal or Semimetal Nanoparticles and Their Effect on Pathogenic Microorganisms

by Lukas Richtera^1,2

, Dagmar Chudobova^1,2, Kristyna Cihalova^1,2, Monika Kremplova^1,2, Vedran Milosavljevic^1,2, Pavel Kopel^1,2

, Iva Blazkova^1,2, David Hynek^1,2, Vojtech Adam^1,2 and Rene Kizek^1,2,*

¹ Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Agronomy, Mendel University in Brno, Zemedelska 1, CZ-613 00 Brno, Czech Republic

² Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Technicka 3058/10, CZ-616 00 Brno, Czech Republic

Materials 2015, 8(6), 2994-3011; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8062994 - 27 May 2015

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 7753

Abstract

The present experiment describes a synthesis process of composites based on graphene oxide, which was tested as a carrier for composites of metal- or metalloid-based nanoparticles (Cu, Zn, Mn, Ag, AgP, Se) and subsequently examined as an antimicrobial agent for some bacterial strains [...] Read more.

The present experiment describes a synthesis process of composites based on graphene oxide, which was tested as a carrier for composites of metal- or metalloid-based nanoparticles (Cu, Zn, Mn, Ag, AgP, Se) and subsequently examined as an antimicrobial agent for some bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). The composites were first applied at a concentration of 300 µM on all types of model organisms and their effect was observed by spectrophotometric analysis, which showed a decrease in absorbance values in comparison with the control, untreated strain. The most pronounced inhibition (87.4%) of S. aureus growth was observed after the application of graphene oxide composite with selenium nanoparticles compared to control. Moreover, the application of the composite with silver and silver phosphate nanoparticles showed the decrease of 68.8% and 56.8%, respectively. For all the tested composites, the observed antimicrobial effect was found in the range of 26% to 87.4%. Interestingly, the effects of the composites with selenium nanoparticles significantly differed in Gram-positive (G⁺) and Gram-negative (G⁻) bacteria. The effects of composites on bacterial cultures of S. aureus and MRSA, the representatives of G⁺ bacteria, increased with increasing concentrations. On the other hand, the effects of the same composites on G⁻ bacteria E. coli was observed only in the highest applied concentration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Composites)

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12 pages, 1179 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tunable Optical Nanocavity of Iron-garnet with a Buried Metal Layer

by Alexey N. Kuz'michev^1,2,*, Lars E. Kreilkamp³, Mohammad Nur-E-Alam⁴

, Evgeni Bezus^5,6

, Mikhail Vasiliev⁴

, Iliya A. Akimov^3,7, Kamal Alameh⁴, Manfred Bayer³ and Vladimir I. Belotelov^1,2

¹ Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow 119991, Russia

² Russian Quantum Center, Skolkovo, Moscow Region 143025, Russia

³ Experimentelle Physik 2, Technische Universitat Dortmund, D-44221 Dortmund, Germany

⁴ Electron Science Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia

⁵ Image Processing Systems Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 443001 Samara, Russia

⁶ Samara State Aerospace University, 443086 Samara, Russia

⁷ Ioffe Physical-Technical Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194021 Saint Petersburg, Russia

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3012-3023; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063012 - 28 May 2015

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5309

Abstract

We report on the fabrication and characterization of a novel magnetophotonic structure designed as iron garnet based magneto-optical nanoresonator cavity constrained by two noble metal mirrors. Since the iron garnet layer requires annealing at high temperatures, the fabrication process can be rather challenging. [...] Read more.

We report on the fabrication and characterization of a novel magnetophotonic structure designed as iron garnet based magneto-optical nanoresonator cavity constrained by two noble metal mirrors. Since the iron garnet layer requires annealing at high temperatures, the fabrication process can be rather challenging. Special approaches for the protection of metal layers against oxidation and morphological changes along with a special plasma-assisted polishing of the iron garnet layer surface were used to achieve a 10-fold enhancement of the Faraday rotation angle (up to 10.8\(^{\circ}/\mu\)m) within a special resonance peak of 12 nm (FWHM) linewidth at a wavelength of 772 nm, in the case of a resonator with two silver mirrors. These structures are promising for tunable nanophotonics applications, in particular, they can be used as magneto-optical (MO) metal-insulator-metal waveguides and modulators. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plasmonic Materials)

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15 pages, 6006 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Use of Gypsum as a Preventive Measure for Strength Deterioration during Curing in Class F Fly Ash Geopolymer System

by Yubin Jun

and Jae Eun Oh^*

School of Urban and Environmental Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan Metropolitan City 689-798, Korea

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3053-3067; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063053 - 29 May 2015

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 6694

Abstract

This study discusses strength deterioration during the curing process of fly ash geopolymer and the use of CaSO₄·2H₂O (gypsum) as a deterioration remedy when the ash was synthesized using a 10M NaOH and Na-silicate solution. The strength decline was [...] Read more.

This study discusses strength deterioration during the curing process of fly ash geopolymer and the use of CaSO₄·2H₂O (gypsum) as a deterioration remedy when the ash was synthesized using a 10M NaOH and Na-silicate solution. The strength decline was mainly due to the widespread formation of nanometer-sized cracks that were related to excessive Na and Si concentrations at an early age. Use of 2 wt% CaSO₄·2H₂O resulted in the best measured strength by temporarily reducing Na and Si concentrations; Na was absorbed by SO₄²⁻, up to 11% in the matrix within one day, and formed Na₂SO₄ (thenardite), which gradually dissolved over time, slowly releasing Na ions. However, more than 4% gypsum suppressed overall strength development because too many Na ions were locked into Na₂SO₄ and could not participate in geopolymerization. The addition of gypsum impeded glass dissolution and even halted the process when more than 4% gypsum was used. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Composites)

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13 pages, 1219 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Homogeneous Catalyst for the Dehydrogenation of Dimethylamine Borane Starting with Ruthenium(III) Acetylacetonate

by Ebru Ünel Barın, Mehdi Masjedi and Saim Özkar^*

Department of Chemistry, Middle East Technical University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3155-3167; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063155 - 2 Jun 2015

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6141

Abstract

The catalytic activity of ruthenium(III) acetylacetonate was investigated for the first time in the dehydrogenation of dimethylamine borane. During catalytic reaction, a new ruthenium(II) species is formed in situ from the reduction of ruthenium(III) and characterized using UV-Visible, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), ¹ [...] Read more.

The catalytic activity of ruthenium(III) acetylacetonate was investigated for the first time in the dehydrogenation of dimethylamine borane. During catalytic reaction, a new ruthenium(II) species is formed in situ from the reduction of ruthenium(III) and characterized using UV-Visible, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), ¹H NMR, and mass spectroscopy. The most likely structure suggested for the ruthenium(II) species is mer-[Ru(N₂Me₄)₃(acac)H]. Mercury poisoning experiment indicates that the catalytic dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane is homogeneous catalysis. The kinetics of the catalytic dehydrogenation of dimethylamine borane starting with Ru(acac)₃ were studied depending on the catalyst concentration, substrate concentration and temperature. The hydrogen generation was found to be first-order with respect to catalyst concentration and zero-order regarding the substrate concentration. Evaluation of the kinetic data provides the activation parameters for the dehydrogenation reaction: the activation energy E_a = 85 ± 2 kJ·mol⁻¹, the enthalpy of activation ∆H^# = 82 ± 2 kJ·mol⁻¹ and the entropy of activation; ∆S^# = −85 ± 5 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹. The ruthenium(II) catalyst formed from the reduction of ruthenium(III) acetylacetonate provides 1700 turnovers over 100 hours in hydrogen generation from the dehydrogenation of dimethylamine borane before deactivation at 60 °C. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy Materials)

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27 pages, 2623 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical Retention and Waterproof Properties of Bacterial Cellulose-Reinforced Thermoplastic Starch Biocomposites Modified with Sodium Hexametaphosphate

by Da-wei Wang^1,2, Ying-juan Xu¹, Xin Li¹, Chao-ming Huang³, Kuo-shien Huang³, Chuen-kai Wang⁴ and Jen-taut Yeh^1,3,4,*

¹ Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Advanced Organic Chemical Materials Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory for the Green Preparation and Application of Functional Materials, Faculty of Materials Science and Engineering, Hubei University, Wuhan 430062, China

² School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430073, China

³ Department of Materials Engineering, Kun Shan University, Tainan 710710, Taiwan

⁴ Graduate School of Material Science and Engineering, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei 10607, Taiwan

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3168-3194; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063168 - 2 Jun 2015

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 6764

Abstract

The waterproof and strength retention properties of bacterial cellulose (BC)-reinforced thermoplastic starch (TPS) resins were successfully improved by reacting with sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP). After modification with SHMP, the tensile strength (σ_f) and impact strength (I_s) values of initial and [...] Read more.

The waterproof and strength retention properties of bacterial cellulose (BC)-reinforced thermoplastic starch (TPS) resins were successfully improved by reacting with sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP). After modification with SHMP, the tensile strength (σ_f) and impact strength (I_s) values of initial and conditioned BC-reinforced TPS, modified with varying amounts of SHMP(TPS₁₀₀BC_0.02SHMP_x), and their blends with poly(lactic acid)((TPS₁₀₀BC_0.02SHMP_x)₇₅PLA₂₅) specimens improved significantly and reached a maximal value as SHMP content approached 10 parts per hundred parts of TPS resin (phr), while their moisture content and elongation at break (ɛ_f) was reduced to a minimal value as SHMP contents approached 10 phr. The σ_f, I_s and ɛ_f retention values of a (TPS₁₀₀BC_0.02SHMP₁₀)₇₅PLA₂₅ specimen conditioned for 56 days are 52%, 50% and 3 times its initial σ_f, I_s and ɛ_f values, respectively, which are 32.5 times, 8.9 times and 40% of those of a corresponding conditioned TPS₁₀₀BC_0.02 specimen, respectively. As evidenced by FTIR analyses of TPS₁₀₀BC_0.02SHMP_x specimens, hydroxyl groups of TPS₁₀₀BC_0.02 resins were successfully reacted with the phosphate groups of SHMP molecules. New melting endotherms and diffraction peaks of V_H-type crystals were found on DSC thermograms and WAXD patterns of TPS or TPS₁₀₀BC_0.02 specimens conditioned for 7 days, while no new melting endotherm or diffraction peak was found for TPS₁₀₀BC_0.02SHMP_x and/or (TPS₁₀₀BC_0.02SHMP_x)₇₅PLA₂₅ specimens conditioned for less than 14 and 28 days, respectively. Full article

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15 pages, 4211 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Failure Mode Analysis of Aluminium Alloy 2024-T3 in Double-Lap Bolted Joints with Single and Double Fasteners; A Numerical and Experimental Study

by Khosro Fallahnezhad, Andrew Steele and Reza H. Oskouei^*

Discipline of Mechanical Engineering, School of Computer Science, Engineering and Mathematics, Flinders University, Tonsley 5042, Australia

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3195-3209; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063195 - 3 Jun 2015

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 10330

Abstract

This paper aims to study the mechanical behaviour and failure mode of Al 2024-T3 in double-lap bolted joints. To accomplish this, the effect of geometric parameters was investigated in both configurations of single and double fasteners. Using ABAQUS/Standard, a three-dimensional finite element model [...] Read more.

This paper aims to study the mechanical behaviour and failure mode of Al 2024-T3 in double-lap bolted joints. To accomplish this, the effect of geometric parameters was investigated in both configurations of single and double fasteners. Using ABAQUS/Standard, a three-dimensional finite element model was developed and verified against the experimental results of the joints loaded in tension. In general, double bolt joints were found to have greater load carrying capacities than single bolt joints (by 40%–49%). In single bolt joints, the plate width had insignificant effect on the behaviour of the joint under tensile loading; whereas, increasing the distance of the hole from the edge, considerably enhanced the strength of the joint. In double bolt joints, changing the edge distance had almost no effect on the behaviour of the joint. However, increasing the plate width from 25.4 to 30 mm increased the load carrying capacity by 28%. This study showed that in single bolt connections, with increasing the edge distance, the failure mode can favourably shift from shear-out to bearing. Also, double bolt joints with wider plates (increased width) can beneficially shift the failure mode from net-tension to bearing. The geometric parameters were found to play an important role in controlling the failure mode so that catastrophic failure modes of net-tension and shear-out can be prevented in bolted joint. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Materials Characterization)

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11 pages, 2758 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Graft Remodeling following Transcrestal Sinus Floor Elevation via the Gel-Pressure Technique (GPT) and Pasteous Nano-Crystalline Hydroxyapatite Bone Substitute

by Bernhard Pommer^1,*, Ewald Unger², Dieter Busenlechner¹, Robert Haas¹, Georg Mailath-Pokorny¹, Rudolf Fürhauser¹ and Georg Watzek¹

¹ Academy for Oral Implantology, Lazarettgasse 19/DG, Vienna 1090, Austria

² Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, AKH-4L, Vienna 1090, Austria

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3210-3220; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063210 - 3 Jun 2015

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6020

Abstract

Bone grafting of the maxillary sinus is attempted to compensate for sinus pneumatization and permit reliable insertion of endosseous dental implants for prosthetic rehabilitation. The aim of the present clinical investigation was to study bone regeneration four months after transcrestal sinus floor elevation [...] Read more.

Bone grafting of the maxillary sinus is attempted to compensate for sinus pneumatization and permit reliable insertion of endosseous dental implants for prosthetic rehabilitation. The aim of the present clinical investigation was to study bone regeneration four months after transcrestal sinus floor elevation via the Gel-Pressure Technique (GPT) and application of pasteous nano-crystalline hydroxyapatite bone substitute. A total of 25 patients with deficient alveolar ridges in the posterior maxilla (mean residual bone height: 4.7 ± 1.8 mm) were subjected to 32 flapless transcrestal sinus floor augmentations and simultaneous insertion of 40 implants. Sinus membrane elevation height averaged 11.2 ± 2.7 mm and minimal vertical graft resorption of 0.1 mm was observed after four months. Radiographic bone density averaged 460 Hounsfield units in regions adjacent to the native jawbone (1 to 7 mm distance), while reduction of bone density by −7.2%, −11.3%, −14.8%, −19.6% and −22.7% was recorded in more apical regions of 8, 9, 10, 11, and ≥12 mm distance to the original sinus floor, respectively. The results suggest that graft remodeling is completed up to a distance of 7 mm within a healing period of four months after sinus augmentation using nano-crystalline hydroxyapatite bone substitute material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Bone Substitute Materials)

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17 pages, 4408 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Structural, Surface, in vitro Bacterial Adhesion and Biofilm Formation Analysis of Three Dental Restorative Composites

by Maria T. Azam¹, Abdul S. Khan^1,*, Danish Muzzafar², Rani Faryal³, Saadat A. Siddiqi¹, Riaz Ahmad⁴, Aqif A. Chauhdry¹ and Ihtesham U. Rehman⁵

¹ Interdisciplinary Research Centre in Biomedical Materials, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Lahore 54000, Pakistan

² Faculty of Dentistry, SEGi University, Kota Damansara, Petaling Jaya 47810, Malaysia

³ Department of Biosciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan

⁴ The Centre for Advanced Studies in Physics, Government College University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan

⁵ Department of Materials Science and Engineering, the Kroto Research Institute, the University of Sheffield, Sheffield S3 7HQ, UK

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3221-3237; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063221 - 3 Jun 2015

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 7649

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between dental materials and bacterial adhesion on the grounds of their chemical composition and physical properties. Three commercially available dental restorative materials (Filtek™Z350, Filtek™P90 and Spectrum^®TPH^®) were structurally analyzed and their [...] Read more.

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between dental materials and bacterial adhesion on the grounds of their chemical composition and physical properties. Three commercially available dental restorative materials (Filtek™Z350, Filtek™P90 and Spectrum^®TPH^®) were structurally analyzed and their wettability and surface roughness were evaluated by using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Contact Angle Measurement and Atomic Force Microscopy, respectively. These materials were molded into discs and tested with three bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia) for microbial attachment. The bacterial adhesion was observed at different time intervals, i.e., 0 h, 8 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, along with Colony Forming Unit Count and Optical Density measurement of the media. It was found that all materials showed a degree of conversion with time intervals, i.e., 0 h, 8 h, 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, which led to the availability of functional groups (N–H and C–H) that might promote adhesion. The trend in difference in the extent of bacterial adhesion can be related to particle size, chemical composition and surface wettability of the dental materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Materials)

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16 pages, 787 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microleakage of Different Self-Adhesive Materials for Lithium Disilicate CAD/CAM Crowns

by Ella A. Naumova^1,*, Alexander Valta², Katharina Schaper³, Wolfgang. H. Arnold¹ and Andree Piwowarczyk⁴

¹ Department of Biological and Material Sciences in Dentistry, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Alfred Herrhausenstrasse 44, 58455 Witten, Germany

² Point Dr. Prünte und Partner Bergpfad 7, 59423 Unna, Germany

³ Institute for Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, Witten/Herdecke University, Alfred Herrhausenstrasse 50, 58448 Witten, Germany

⁴ Department of Prosthodontics, Faculty of Health, Witten/Herdecke University, Alfred Herrhausenstrasse 44, 58455 Witten, Germany

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3238-3253; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063238 - 3 Jun 2015

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 6566

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the microleakage and marginal gap of various luting materials after cementing ceramic crowns. Methods: Cervical margins of human molars were designed as circular chamfers. Cementation of full-contour ceramic crowns was conducted with zinc-phosphate cement (Harvard cement), resin cement (Panavia F [...] Read more.

Objectives: To evaluate the microleakage and marginal gap of various luting materials after cementing ceramic crowns. Methods: Cervical margins of human molars were designed as circular chamfers. Cementation of full-contour ceramic crowns was conducted with zinc-phosphate cement (Harvard cement), resin cement (Panavia F 2.0) and self-adhesive resin cements (RelyX Unicem, BifixSE, MaxCem Elite, PermaCem2.0, G-Cem). Aging of specimens was performed in artificial saliva, at 37 °C for four weeks and thermocycling. The marginal gap was measured with a scanning electron microscope and silver precipitation within the microleakage. All data were compared statistically. Results: Independent of the margin preparation, the highest median value for microleakage was 320.2 μm (Harvard cement), and the lowest was 0 μm (Panavia F 2.0). The median value for enamel was 0 µm and for dentin 270.9 μm (p < 0.001), which was independent of the luting material. The marginal and absolute marginal gaps were not significantly different between the tested materials. There was no correlation between microleakage and the marginal gaps. Conclusion: Significant differences in microleakage were found between the tested luting materials (p < 0.05). Independent from the luting materials, the microleakage in dentin showed significantly higher values than in enamel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Materials)

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14 pages, 11530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Grain Boundary Evolution of Cold-Rolled FePd Alloy during Recrystallization at Disordering Temperature

by Hung-Pin Lin¹, Delphic Chen^2,3 and Jui-Chao Kuo^1,*

¹ Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Cheng-Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan

² Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan

³ Research Center for Physical Properties and Microstructure of Metals, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3254-3267; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063254 - 4 Jun 2015

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5492

Abstract

In this study, the grain boundary character and texture of 50% and 90% cold-rolled FePd alloy was investigated during recrystallization at 700 °C. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurements were performed on the rolling direction to normal direction section. Kernel average misorientation (KAM) calculated [...] Read more.

In this study, the grain boundary character and texture of 50% and 90% cold-rolled FePd alloy was investigated during recrystallization at 700 °C. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) measurements were performed on the rolling direction to normal direction section. Kernel average misorientation (KAM) calculated from EBSD measurements was employed to determine the recrystallization fraction. The Avrami exponent n of recrystallization is 1.9 and 4.9 for 50% and 90% cold rolling, respectively. The new formation of texture reveals random texture during the recrystallization process. As annealing time increased, the number of high angle boundary (HAGB) and coincidence site lattice (CSL) increased with consumption of low angle boundary (LAGB). In addition, possible transformations between different grain boundaries are observed here. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Materials Characterization)

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16 pages, 1744 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantitative Analysis of Defects at the Dentin-Post Space in Endodontically Treated Teeth

by Mariasevera Di Comite^1,*, Vito Crincoli²

, Laura Fatone², Andrea Ballini¹

, Giorgio Mori³, Biagio Rapone², Antonio Boccaccio⁴, Carmine Pappalettere⁴, Felice Roberto Grassi² and Angela Favia¹

¹ Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare, 11, Bari 70124, Italy

² Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza G. Cesare, 11, Bari 70124, Italy

³ Department of Biomedical and Experimental Sciences, University of Foggia, Viale Luigi Pinto, 1, Foggia 71122, Italy

⁴ Department of Mechanics, Mathematics and Management, Polytechnic of Bari. Viale Japigia, 182, Bari 70126, Italy

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3268-3283; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063268 - 4 Jun 2015

Cited by 50 | Viewed by 6851

Abstract

The objective of this study was to assess frequency and extension of the defects affecting the dentin-post interface after using different combinations of irrigants and sealers. The experimental work was conducted on single-rooted teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons. The specimens were divided into [...] Read more.

The objective of this study was to assess frequency and extension of the defects affecting the dentin-post interface after using different combinations of irrigants and sealers. The experimental work was conducted on single-rooted teeth extracted for orthodontic reasons. The specimens were divided into different groups, according to irrigant and endodontic cement utilized, and endodontically instrumented. After fiberglass posts cementation, cross sections were obtained at apical, middle and coronal level of the root and submitted to quantitative analyses. Different types of defects were found: bubbles, bonding defects, polymerization defect, and cement residues. The percent extension of each defect and its frequency were related to the specific irrigant/sealer combination and to the root level. Detachments of the material from dentin were found only at apical and middle levels. Chlorhexidine digluconate seems to have more beneficial effects if compared to sodium hypochlorite: samples prepared with chlorhexidine digluconate showed a higher performance, with roots including null to few defects. In detail, samples treated with chlorhexidine digluconate and Pulp Canal Sealer showed the lowest frequency and the smallest dimension of defects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Materials)

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22 pages, 1865 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Ambient Gas and Pressure on the Structuring of Hard Diamond-Like Carbon Films Synthesized by Pulsed Laser Deposition

by Andrei C. Popescu^1,*, George E. Stan², Liviu Duta¹

, Cristina Nita¹, Camelia Popescu¹, Vasile-Adrian Surdu³

, Marius-Adrian Husanu², Bogdan Bita⁴, Rudy Ghisleni⁵, Cameliu Himcinschi⁶ and Valentin Craciun¹

¹ National Institute for Lasers, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 409 Atomistilor Street, Magurele RO-077125, Romania

² National Institute of Materials Physics, 105bis Atomistilor Street, Magurele RO-077125, Romania

³ Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science, University Politehnica from Bucharest, 1–7 Gh. Polizu Street, Bucharest RO-011061, Romania

⁴ National Institute for Research and Development in Microtechnologies, 126A Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, Voluntari RO-077190, Romania

⁵ Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing, EMPA-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, 39 Feuerwerkerstrasse, Thun CH-3602, Switzerland

⁶ Institute of Theoretical Physics, TU Bergakademie Freiberg, Freiberg D-09596, Germany

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3284-3305; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063284 - 5 Jun 2015

Cited by 30 | Viewed by 8271

Abstract

Hard carbon thin films were synthesized on Si (100) and quartz substrates by the Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) technique in vacuum or methane ambient to study their suitability for applications requiring high mechanical resistance. The deposited films’ surface morphology was investigated by scanning [...] Read more.

Hard carbon thin films were synthesized on Si (100) and quartz substrates by the Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) technique in vacuum or methane ambient to study their suitability for applications requiring high mechanical resistance. The deposited films’ surface morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, crystalline status by X-ray diffraction, packing and density by X-ray reflectivity, chemical bonding by Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, adherence by “pull-out” measurements and mechanical properties by nanoindentation tests. Films synthesized in vacuum were a-C DLC type, while films synthesized in methane were categorized as a-C:H. The majority of PLD films consisted of two layers: one low density layer towards the surface and a higher density layer in contact with the substrate. The deposition gas pressure played a crucial role on films thickness, component layers thickness ratio, structure and mechanical properties. The films were smooth, amorphous and composed of a mixture of sp³-sp² carbon, with sp³ content ranging between 50% and 90%. The thickness and density of the two constituent layers of a film directly determined its mechanical properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Materials Characterization)

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10 pages, 334 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Shear-Bond Strength of Six Dental Self-Adhesive Resin Cements to Zirconia

by Si-Eun Lee, Ji-Hyeon Bae, Jae-Won Choi

, Yong-Chan Jeon, Chang-Mo Jeong, Mi-Jung Yoon and Jung-Bo Huh^*

Department of Prosthodontics, Dental Research Institute, Biomedical Research Institute, School of Dentistry, Pusan National University, Yangsan, Gyeongnam 626-770, Korea

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3306-3315; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063306 - 5 Jun 2015

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 7206

Abstract

This study compared shear bond strength (SBS) of six self-adhesive resin cements (SARC) and one resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) to zirconia before and after thermocycling. The cylinder shape (Φ 2.35 mm × 3 mm) of six SARCs (G-CEM LinkAce (GLA), Maxcem Elite [...] Read more.

This study compared shear bond strength (SBS) of six self-adhesive resin cements (SARC) and one resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) to zirconia before and after thermocycling. The cylinder shape (Φ 2.35 mm × 3 mm) of six SARCs (G-CEM LinkAce (GLA), Maxcem Elite (MAX), Clearfil SA Luting (CSL), PermaCem 2.0 (PM2), Rely-X U200 (RXU), Smartcem 2 (SC2)) were bonded to the top surface of the zirconia specimens with light-curing. RMGIC (Fujicem (FJC)) was bonded to the specimens with self-curing. The shear bond strength of all cemented specimens was measured with universal testing machine. Half of the specimens were thermocycled 5000 times before shear bonding strength testing. Fractured surfaces were examined with a field-emission SEM (10,000×) and analyzed by energy dispersive x-ray analysis. MAX, PM2, SC2 group without thermocycling and GLA, MAX, PM2 group with thermocycling showed adhesive failure, but GLA, CSL, RXU, FJC group without thermocycling and SLC, RXU, SC2, FJC group with thermocycling indicated cohesive failure. Within the limitation of this study, All of SARCs except MAX demonstrated higher bond strength than that of RMGIC regardless of thermocycling. Also, SARC containing MDP monomers (CSL) retained better bonds than other cements. Full article

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18 pages, 3713 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tension-Tension Fatigue Behavior of Unidirectional C/Sic Ceramic-Matrix Composite at Room Temperature and 800 °C in Air Atmosphere

by Longbiao Li

College of Civil Aviation, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics No.29, Yudao St., Nanjing 210016, China

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3316-3333; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063316 - 8 Jun 2015

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6332

Abstract

The tension-tension fatigue behavior of unidirectional C/SiC ceramic-matrix composite at room temperature and 800 °C under air has been investigated. The fatigue hysteresis modulus and fatigue hysteresis loss energy corresponding to different number of applied cycles have been analyzed. The fatigue hysteresis loops [...] Read more.

The tension-tension fatigue behavior of unidirectional C/SiC ceramic-matrix composite at room temperature and 800 °C under air has been investigated. The fatigue hysteresis modulus and fatigue hysteresis loss energy corresponding to different number of applied cycles have been analyzed. The fatigue hysteresis loops models for different interface slip cases have been derived based on the fatigue damage mechanism of fiber slipping relative to matrix in the interface debonded region upon unloading and subsequent reloading. The fiber/matrix interface shear stress has been estimated for different numbers of applied cycles. By combining the interface shear stress degradation model and fibers strength degradation model with fibers failure model, the tension-tension fatigue life S-N curves of unidirectional C/SiC composite at room temperature and 800 °C under air have been predicted. Full article

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18 pages, 836 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Two Glass Transitions Associated to Different Dynamic Disorders in the Nematic Glassy State of a Non-Symmetric Liquid Crystal Dimer Dopped with g-Alumina Nanoparticles

by Sergio Diez-Berart^1,*, David O. López¹, Josep Salud¹, José Antonio Diego², Jordi Sellarès², Beatriz Robles-Hernández³, María Rosario De la Fuente³ and María Blanca Ros⁴

¹ Grup de Propietas Físiques dels Materials (GRPFM), Departament de Física i Enginyeria Nuclear, E.T.S.E.I.B. Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Diagonal 647, Barcelona 08028, Spain

² Dielectric Materials Physics Laboratory (DILAB), Departament de Física i Enginyeria Nuclear, E.T.S.E.I.B. Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya, Colom 11, Terrassa 08222, Spain

³ Departamento de Física Aplicada II, Facultad de Ciencia y Tecnología, Universidad del País Vasco UPV-EHU, Apartado 644, Bilbao 48080, Spain

⁴ Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Aragón (ICMA), Departamento de Química Orgánica-Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Zaragoza-CSIC, Zaragoza 50009, Spain

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3334-3351; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063334 - 8 Jun 2015

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5078

Abstract

In the present work, the nematic glassy state of the non-symmetric LC dimer α-(4-cyanobiphenyl-4′-yloxy)-ω-(1-pyrenimine-benzylidene-4′-oxy) undecane is studied by means of calorimetric and dielectric measurements. The most striking result of the work is the presence of two different glass transition temperatures: one due to [...] Read more.

In the present work, the nematic glassy state of the non-symmetric LC dimer α-(4-cyanobiphenyl-4′-yloxy)-ω-(1-pyrenimine-benzylidene-4′-oxy) undecane is studied by means of calorimetric and dielectric measurements. The most striking result of the work is the presence of two different glass transition temperatures: one due to the freezing of the flip-flop motions of the bulkier unit of the dimer and the other, at a lower temperature, related to the freezing of the flip-flop and precessional motions of the cyanobiphenyl unit. This result shows the fact that glass transition is the consequence of the freezing of one or more coupled dynamic disorders and not of the disordered phase itself. In order to avoid crystallization when the bulk sample is cooled down, the LC dimer has been confined via the dispersion of γ-alumina nanoparticles, in several concentrations. Full article

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12 pages, 1150 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The pH Sensing Properties of RF Sputtered RuO₂ Thin-Film Prepared Using Different Ar/O₂ Flow Ratio

by Ali Sardarinejad^*, Devendra Kumar Maurya and Kamal Alameh

Electron Science Research Institute, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA 6027, Australia

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3352-3363; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063352 - 9 Jun 2015

Cited by 43 | Viewed by 7139

Abstract

The influence of the Ar/O₂ gas ratio during radio frequency (RF) sputtering of the RuO₂ sensing electrode on the pH sensing performance is investigated. The developed pH sensor consists in an RF sputtered ruthenium oxide thin-film sensing electrode, in conjunction with [...] Read more.

The influence of the Ar/O₂ gas ratio during radio frequency (RF) sputtering of the RuO₂ sensing electrode on the pH sensing performance is investigated. The developed pH sensor consists in an RF sputtered ruthenium oxide thin-film sensing electrode, in conjunction with an electroplated Ag/AgCl reference electrode. The performance and characterization of the developed pH sensors in terms of sensitivity, response time, stability, reversibility, and hysteresis are investigated. Experimental results show that the pH sensor exhibits super-Nernstian slopes in the range of 64.33–73.83 mV/pH for Ar/O₂ gas ratio between 10/0–7/3. In particular, the best pH sensing performance, in terms of sensitivity, response time, reversibility and hysteresis, is achieved when the Ar/O₂ gas ratio is 8/2, at which a high sensitivity, a low hysteresis and a short response time are attained simultaneously. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Chemical Sensing Applications)

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13 pages, 3989 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Study on Crack Propagation in Brittle Jointed Rock Mass Influenced by Fracture Water Pressure

by Yong Li^1,*

, Hao Zhou¹, Weishen Zhu¹, Shucai Li¹ and Jian Liu²

¹ Geotechnical & Structural Engineering Research Center, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, Shandong, China

² School of Civil Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, Shandong, China

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3364-3376; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063364 - 9 Jun 2015

Cited by 58 | Viewed by 7264

Abstract

The initiation, propagation, coalescence and failure mode of brittle jointed rock mass influenced by fissure water pressure have always been studied as a hot issue in the society of rock mechanics and engineering. In order to analyze the damage evolution process of jointed [...] Read more.

The initiation, propagation, coalescence and failure mode of brittle jointed rock mass influenced by fissure water pressure have always been studied as a hot issue in the society of rock mechanics and engineering. In order to analyze the damage evolution process of jointed rock mass under fracture water pressure, a novel numerical model on the basis of secondary development in fast Lagrangian analysis of continua (FLAC3D) is proposed to simulate the fracture development of jointed rock mass under fracture water pressure. To validate the feasibility of this numerical model, the failure process of a numerical specimen under uniaxial compression containing pre-existing fissures is simulated and compared with the results obtained from the lab experiments, and they are found to be in good agreement. Meanwhile, the propagation of cracks, variations of stress and strain, peak strength and crack initiation principles are further analyzed. It is concluded that the fissure water has a significant reducing effect on the strength and stability of the jointed rock mass. Full article

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14 pages, 6540 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Directional Solidification Microstructure of a Ni-Based Superalloy: Influence of a Weak Transverse Magnetic Field

by Xu Li¹, Jun Wang^1,2,*, Jiao Zhang¹, Yanfeng Han¹ and Xi Li³

¹ Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced High-temperature Materials and Precision Forming, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China

² State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China

³ School of Material Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200240, China

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3428-3441; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063428 - 10 Jun 2015

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 9503

Abstract

A Ni-based superalloy CMSX-6 was directionally solidified at various drawing speeds (5–20 μm·s⁻¹) and diameters (4 mm, 12 mm) under a 0.5 T weak transverse magnetic field. The results show that the application of a weak transverse magnetic field significantly modified [...] Read more.

A Ni-based superalloy CMSX-6 was directionally solidified at various drawing speeds (5–20 μm·s⁻¹) and diameters (4 mm, 12 mm) under a 0.5 T weak transverse magnetic field. The results show that the application of a weak transverse magnetic field significantly modified the solidification microstructure. It was found that if the drawing speed was lower than 10 μm·s⁻¹, the magnetic field caused extensive macro-segregation in the mushy zone, and a change in the mushy zone length. The magnetic field significantly decreases the size of γ’ and the content of γ-γ’ eutectic. The formation of macro-segregation under a weak magnetic field was attributed to the interdendritic solute transport driven by the thermoelectric magnetic convection (TEMC). The γ’ phase refinement could be attributed to a decrease in nucleation activation energy owing to the magnetic field during solid phase transformation. The change of element segregation is responsible for the content decrease of γ-γ’ eutectic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Materials Characterization)

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14 pages, 2014 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ru-N-C Hybrid Nanocomposite for Ammonia Dehydrogenation: Influence of N-doping on Catalytic Activity

by Nguyen Thi Bich Hien^1,2,†, Hyo Young Kim^1,†, Mina Jeon¹, Jin Hee Lee¹, Muhammad Ridwan^1,2, Rizcky Tamarany¹ and Chang Won Yoon^1,2,*

¹ Fuel Cell Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 136791, Korea

² Clean Energy and Chemical Engineering, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Korea

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3442-3455; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063442 - 10 Jun 2015

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 8799

Abstract

For application to ammonia dehydrogenation, novel Ru-based heterogeneous catalysts, Ru-N-C and Ru-C, were synthesized via simple pyrolysis of a mixture of RuCl₃·6H₂O and carbon black with or without dicyandiamide as a nitrogen-containing precursor at 550 °C. Characterization of the [...] Read more.

For application to ammonia dehydrogenation, novel Ru-based heterogeneous catalysts, Ru-N-C and Ru-C, were synthesized via simple pyrolysis of a mixture of RuCl₃·6H₂O and carbon black with or without dicyandiamide as a nitrogen-containing precursor at 550 °C. Characterization of the prepared Ru-N-C and Ru-C catalysts via scanning transmission electron microscopy, in conjunction with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, indicated the formation of hollow nanocomposites in which the average sizes of the Ru nanoparticles were 1.3 nm and 5.1 nm, respectively. Compared to Ru-C, the Ru-N-C nanocomposites not only proved to be highly active for ammonia dehydrogenation, giving rise to a NH₃ conversion of >99% at 550 °C, but also exhibited high durability. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy revealed that the Ru active sites in Ru-N-C were electronically perturbed by the incorporated nitrogen atoms, which increased the Ru electron density and ultimately enhanced the catalyst activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogen Storage Materials)

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11 pages, 1560 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Concept about the Regeneration of Spent Borohydrides and Used Catalysts from Green Electricity

by Cheng-Hong Liu¹ and Bing-Hung Chen^2,*

¹ Division of New Energy System, Green Energy and Eco-technology System Center, Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI)-South Campus, Tainan 73445, Taiwan

² Department of Chemical Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 70101, Taiwan

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3456-3466; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063456 - 10 Jun 2015

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7455

Abstract

Currently, the Brown-Schlesinger process is still regarded as the most common and mature method for the commercial production of sodium borohydride (NaBH₄). However, the metallic sodium, currently produced from the electrolysis of molten NaCl that is mass-produced by evaporation of seawater [...] Read more.

Currently, the Brown-Schlesinger process is still regarded as the most common and mature method for the commercial production of sodium borohydride (NaBH₄). However, the metallic sodium, currently produced from the electrolysis of molten NaCl that is mass-produced by evaporation of seawater or brine, is probably the most costly raw material. Recently, several reports have demonstrated the feasibility of utilizing green electricity such as offshore wind power to produce metallic sodium through electrolysis of seawater. Based on this concept, we have made improvements and modified our previously proposed life cycle of sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) and ammonia borane (NH₃BH₃), in order to further reduce costs in the conventional Brown-Schlesinger process. In summary, the revision in the concept combining the regeneration of the spent borohydrides and the used catalysts with the green electricity is reflected in (1) that metallic sodium could be produced from NaCl of high purity obtained from the conversion of the byproduct in the synthesis of NH₃BH₃ to devoid the complicated purification procedures if produced from seawater; and (2) that the recycling and the regeneration processes of the spent NaBH₄ and NH₃BH₃ as well as the used catalysts could be simultaneously carried out and combined with the proposed life cycle of borohydrides. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogen Storage Materials)

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12 pages, 4003 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Boron Doping on Cellular Discontinuous Precipitation for Age-Hardenable Cu–Ti Alloys

by Satoshi Semboshi^1,2,*, Jun Ikeda², Akihiro Iwase², Takayuki Takasugi² and Shigeru Suzuki³

¹ Kansai Center, Institute for Materials Research, Tohoku University, Gakuen-cho 1-1, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan

² Department of Materials Science, Osaka Prefecture University, Gakuen-cho 1-1, Naka-ku, Sakai, Osaka 599-8531, Japan

³ Institute of Multidisciplinary Research for Advanced Materials, Tohoku University, Katahira 2-1-1, Aoba-ku, Sendai 9577-8531, Japan

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3467-3478; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063467 - 11 Jun 2015

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 6797

Abstract

The effects of boron doping on the microstructural evolution and mechanical and electrical properties of age-hardenable Cu–4Ti (at.%) alloys are investigated. In the quenched Cu–4Ti–0.03B (at.%) alloy, elemental B (boron) is preferentially segregated at the grain boundaries of the supersaturated solid-solution phase. The [...] Read more.

The effects of boron doping on the microstructural evolution and mechanical and electrical properties of age-hardenable Cu–4Ti (at.%) alloys are investigated. In the quenched Cu–4Ti–0.03B (at.%) alloy, elemental B (boron) is preferentially segregated at the grain boundaries of the supersaturated solid-solution phase. The aging behavior of the B-doped alloy is mostly similar to that of conventional age-hardenable Cu–Ti alloys. In the early stage of aging at 450 °C, metastable β′-Cu₄Ti with fine needle-shaped precipitates continuously form in the matrix phase. Cellular discontinuous precipitates composed of the stable β-Cu₄Ti and solid-solution laminates are then formed and grown at the grain boundaries. However, the volume fraction of the discontinuous precipitates is lower in the Cu–4Ti–0.03B alloy than the Cu–4Ti alloy, particularly in the over-aging period of 72–120 h. The suppression of the formation of discontinuous precipitates eventually results in improvement of the hardness and tensile strength. It should be noted that minor B doping of Cu–Ti alloys also effectively enhances the elongation to fracture, which should be attributed to segregation of B at the grain boundaries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Manufacturing Processes and Systems)

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12 pages, 1973 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanical and Thermal Dehydrogenation of the Mechano-Chemically Synthesized Calcium Alanate (Ca(AlH₄)₂) and Lithium Chloride (LiCl) Composite

by Robert A. Varin^1,*, Ewelina E. Kościuczyk² and Tomasz Czujko²

¹ Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering, University of Waterloo, 200 University Ave., Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada

² Department of Advanced Materials and Technologies, Military University of Technology, PL-00-908 Warsaw, ul. S. Kaliskiego 2, Poland

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3479-3490; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063479 - 12 Jun 2015

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5853

Abstract

LiAlH₄ and CaCl₂ were employed for mechano-chemical activation synthesis (MCAS) of Ca(AlH₄)₂ and LiCl hydride composite. After short ball milling time, their X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks are clearly observed. After ball milling for a longer duration than 0.5 [...] Read more.

LiAlH₄ and CaCl₂ were employed for mechano-chemical activation synthesis (MCAS) of Ca(AlH₄)₂ and LiCl hydride composite. After short ball milling time, their X-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks are clearly observed. After ball milling for a longer duration than 0.5 h, the CaAlH₅ diffraction peaks are observed which indicates that Ca(AlH₄)₂ starts decomposing during ball milling into CaAlH₅+Al+1.5H₂. It is estimated that less than 1 wt % H₂ was mechanically dehydrogenated in association with decomposition reaction. After 2.5 h of ball milling, no Ca(AlH₄)₂ diffraction peaks were observed on XRD patterns which suggests that Ca(AlH₄)₂ was decomposed. Thermal behavior of ball milled powders, which was investigated by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), indicates that a certain fraction of Ca(AlH₄)₂ could have been disordered/amorphized during ball milling being undetectable by XRD. The apparent activation energy for the decomposition of Ca(AlH₄)₂ and CaAlH₅ equals 135 kJ/mol and 183 kJ/mol, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogen Storage Materials)

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17 pages, 2347 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Catalytically Enhanced Hydrogen Sorption in Mg-MgH₂ by Coupling Vanadium-Based Catalyst and Carbon Nanotubes

by Atikah Kadri^1,2, Yi Jia^1,3, Zhigang Chen¹ and Xiangdong Yao^3,*

¹ Centre of Excellence for Functional Nanomaterials, the University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, QLD 4067, Australia

² Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Shah Alam, Selangor 40000, Malaysia

³ Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC), Griffith University, Nathan, Brisbane, QLD 4111, Australia

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3491-3507; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063491 - 12 Jun 2015

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 7109

Abstract

Mg (MgH₂)-based composites, using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and pre-synthesized vanadium-based complex (VCat) as the catalysts, were prepared by high-energy ball milling technique. The synergistic effect of coupling CNTs and VCat in MgH₂ was observed for an ultra-fast absorption rate of [...] Read more.

Mg (MgH₂)-based composites, using carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and pre-synthesized vanadium-based complex (VCat) as the catalysts, were prepared by high-energy ball milling technique. The synergistic effect of coupling CNTs and VCat in MgH₂ was observed for an ultra-fast absorption rate of 6.50 wt. % of hydrogen per minute and 6.50 wt. % of hydrogen release in 10 min at 200 °C and 300 °C, respectively. The temperature programmed desorption (TPD) results reveal that coupling VCat and CNTs reduces both peak and onset temperatures by more than 60 °C and 114 °C, respectively. In addition, the presence of both VCat and CNTs reduces the enthalpy and entropy of desorption of about 7 kJ/mol H₂ and 11 J/mol H₂·K, respectively, as compared to those of the commercial MgH₂, which ascribe to the decrease of desorption temperature. From the study of the effect of CNTs milling time, it is shown that partially destroyed CNTs (shorter milling time) are better to enhance the hydrogen sorption performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Hydrogen Storage Materials)

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11 pages, 1600 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Highly Stretchable, Biocompatible, Striated Substrate Made from Fugitive Glue

by Wei Li^1,†, Tomas Lucioni^1,†, Xinyi Guo¹, Amanda Smelser² and Martin Guthold^1,*

¹ Department of Physics, Wake Forest University, 7507 Reynolda Station, Winston-Salem, NC 27109, USA

² Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3508-3518; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063508 - 15 Jun 2015

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6274

Abstract

We developed a novel substrate made from fugitive glue (styrenic block copolymer) that can be used to analyze the effects of large strains on biological samples. The substrate has the following attributes: (1) It is easy to make from inexpensive components; (2) It [...] Read more.

We developed a novel substrate made from fugitive glue (styrenic block copolymer) that can be used to analyze the effects of large strains on biological samples. The substrate has the following attributes: (1) It is easy to make from inexpensive components; (2) It is transparent and can be used in optical microscopy; (3) It is extremely stretchable as it can be stretched up to 700% strain; (4) It can be micro-molded, for example we created micro-ridges that are 6 μm high and 13 μm wide; (5) It is adhesive to biological fibers (we tested fibrin fibers), and can be used to uniformly stretch those fibers; (6) It is non-toxic to cells (we tested human mammary epithelial cells); (7) It can tolerate various salt concentrations up to 5 M NaCl and low (pH 0) and high (pH 14) pH values. Stretching of this extraordinary stretchable substrate is relatively uniform and thus, can be used to test multiple cells or fibers in parallel under the same conditions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanics of Biomaterials)

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13 pages, 1262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Role of Interphase in the Mechanical Behavior of Silica/Epoxy Resin Nanocomposites

by Yi Hua¹, Linxia Gu^1,2, Sundaralingam Premaraj³ and Xiaodong Zhang^4,*

¹ Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lincoln, NE 68588-0656, USA

² Nebraska Center for Materials and Nanoscience, Lincoln, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, NE 68588-0656, USA

³ Department of Growth & Development, University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Dentistry, Lincoln, NE 68583-0750, USA

⁴ Key Laboratory of Education Ministry for Modern Design and Rotor-Bearing System, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3519-3531; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063519 - 16 Jun 2015

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 6593

Abstract

A nanoscale representative volume element has been developed to investigate the effect of interphase geometry and property on the mechanical behavior of silica/epoxy resin nanocomposites. The role of interphase–matrix bonding was also examined. Results suggested that interphase modulus and interfacial bonding conditions had [...] Read more.

A nanoscale representative volume element has been developed to investigate the effect of interphase geometry and property on the mechanical behavior of silica/epoxy resin nanocomposites. The role of interphase–matrix bonding was also examined. Results suggested that interphase modulus and interfacial bonding conditions had significant influence on the effective stiffness of nanocomposites, while its sensitivities with respect to both the thickness and the gradient property of the interphase was minimal. The stiffer interphase demonstrated a higher load-sharing capacity, which also increased the stress distribution uniformity within the resin nanocomposites. Under the condition of imperfect interfacial bonding, the effective stiffness of nanocomposites was much lower, which was in good agreement with the documented experimental observations. This work could shed some light on the design and manufacturing of resin nanocomposites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Materials)

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12 pages, 2259 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Preparation of Advanced Carbon Anode Materials from Mesocarbon Microbeads for Use in High C-Rate Lithium Ion Batteries

by Ming-Dar Fang^1,2, Tsung-Han Ho¹, Jui-Pin Yen², Yu-Run Lin², Jin-Long Hong³, She-Huang Wu⁴ and Jiin-Jiang Jow^1,*

¹ Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Applied Sciences, Kaohsiung 80778, Taiwan

² China Steel Chemical Corporation, Kaohsiung 80245, Taiwan

³ Department of Materials and Optoelectronic Science, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung 80424, Taiwan

⁴ Department of Materials Engineering, Tatung University, Taipei 80104, Taiwan

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3550-3561; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063550 - 17 Jun 2015

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 9475

Abstract

Mesophase soft carbon (MSC) and mesophase graphite (SMG), for use in comparative studies of high C-rate Lithium Ion Battery (LIB) anodes, were made by heating mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) at 1300 °C and 3000 °C; respectively. The crystalline structures and morphologies of the MSC, [...] Read more.

Mesophase soft carbon (MSC) and mesophase graphite (SMG), for use in comparative studies of high C-rate Lithium Ion Battery (LIB) anodes, were made by heating mesocarbon microbeads (MCMB) at 1300 °C and 3000 °C; respectively. The crystalline structures and morphologies of the MSC, SMG, and commercial hard carbon (HC) were investigated by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Additionally, their electrochemical properties, when used as anode materials in LIBs, were also investigated. The results show that MSC has a superior charging rate capability compared to SMG and HC. This is attributed to MSC having a more extensive interlayer spacing than SMG, and a greater number of favorably-oriented pathways when compared to HC. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from ICETI2014)

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22 pages, 661 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A New Predictive Model of Centerline Segregation in Continuous Cast Steel Slabs by Using Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines Approach

by Paulino José García Nieto^1,*

, Victor Manuel González Suárez², Juan Carlos Álvarez Antón²

, Ricardo Mayo Bayón², José Ángel Sirgo Blanco² and Ana María Díaz Fernández³

¹ Department of Mathematics, University of Oviedo, Oviedo 33007, Spain

² Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Oviedo, Gijón 33204, Spain

³ Finishing Department, ArcelorMittal España, Avilés 33400, Spain

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3562-3583; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063562 - 17 Jun 2015

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 10999

Abstract

The aim of this study was to obtain a predictive model able to perform an early detection of central segregation severity in continuous cast steel slabs. Segregation in steel cast products is an internal defect that can be very harmful when slabs are [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to obtain a predictive model able to perform an early detection of central segregation severity in continuous cast steel slabs. Segregation in steel cast products is an internal defect that can be very harmful when slabs are rolled in heavy plate mills. In this research work, the central segregation was studied with success using the data mining methodology based on multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS) technique. For this purpose, the most important physical-chemical parameters are considered. The results of the present study are two-fold. In the first place, the significance of each physical-chemical variable on the segregation is presented through the model. Second, a model for forecasting segregation is obtained. Regression with optimal hyperparameters was performed and coefficients of determination equal to 0.93 for continuity factor estimation and 0.95 for average width were obtained when the MARS technique was applied to the experimental dataset, respectively. The agreement between experimental data and the model confirmed the good performance of the latter. Full article

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23 pages, 4032 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomimetic Coating on Porous Alumina for Tissue Engineering: Characterisation by Cell Culture and Confocal Microscopy

by Elizabeth Kolos^* and Andrew J Ruys

Biomedical Engineering, AMME J07, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3584-3606; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063584 - 17 Jun 2015

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 7674

Abstract

In this study porous alumina samples were prepared and then coated using the biomimetic coating technique using a five times Simulated Body Fluid (5.0SBF) as the growth solution. A coating was achieved after pre-treatment with concentrated acid. From elemental analysis, the coating contained [...] Read more.

In this study porous alumina samples were prepared and then coated using the biomimetic coating technique using a five times Simulated Body Fluid (5.0SBF) as the growth solution. A coating was achieved after pre-treatment with concentrated acid. From elemental analysis, the coating contained calcium and phosphorous, but also sodium and chlorine. Halite was identified by XRD, a sodium chloride phase. Sintering was done to remove the halite phase. Once halite was burnt off, the calcium phosphate crystals were not covered with halite and, therefore, the apatite phases can be clearly observed. Cell culturing showed sufficient cell attachment to the less porous alumina, Sample B, that has more calcium phosphate growth, while the porous alumina, Sample A, with minimal calcium phosphate growth attained very little cell attachment. This is likely due to the contribution that calcium phosphate plays in the attachment of bone-like cells to a bioinert ceramic such as alumina. These results were repeated on both SEM and confocal microscopy analysis. Confocal microscopy was a novel characterisation approach which gave useful information and was a visual aid. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioceramics)

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26 pages, 1679 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Adsorption, Thermodynamic and Quantum Chemical Studies of 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium Based Ionic Liquids as Corrosion Inhibitors for Mild Steel in HCl

by Motsie E. Mashuga^1,2, Lukman O. Olasunkanmi^1,2,3, Abolanle S. Adekunle^1,2,3, Sasikumar Yesudass¹, Mwadham M. Kabanda^1,2 and Eno E. Ebenso^1,2,*

¹ Department of Chemistry, School of Mathematics and Physical Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus) Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa

² Material Science Innovation and Modelling (MaSIM) Research Focus Area, Faculty of Agriculture, Science and Technology, North-West University (Mafikeng Campus) Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho 2735, South Africa

³ Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife 220005, Nigeria

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3607-3632; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063607 - 17 Jun 2015

Cited by 106 | Viewed by 8716

Abstract

The inhibition of mild steel corrosion in 1 M HCl solution by some ionic liquids (ILs) namely, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate [HMIM][TfO], 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [HMIM][BF₄], 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [HMIM][PF₆], and 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide [HMIM][I] was investigated using electrochemical measurements, spectroscopic analyses and quantum [...] Read more.

The inhibition of mild steel corrosion in 1 M HCl solution by some ionic liquids (ILs) namely, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium trifluoromethanesulfonate [HMIM][TfO], 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate [HMIM][BF₄], 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate [HMIM][PF₆], and 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide [HMIM][I] was investigated using electrochemical measurements, spectroscopic analyses and quantum chemical calculations. All the ILs showed appreciably high inhibition efficiency. At 303 K, the results of electrochemical measurements indicated that the studied ILs are mixed-type inhibitors. The adsorption studies showed that all the four ILs adsorb spontaneously on steel surface with [HMIM][TfO], [HMIM][BF₄] and [HMIM][I] obeying Langmuir adsorption isotherm, while [HMIM][PF₆] conformed better with Temkin adsorption isotherm. Spectroscopic analyses suggested the formation of Fe/ILs complexes. Some quantum chemical parameters were calculated to corroborate experimental results. Full article

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15 pages, 813 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Photocatalytic Membrane Reactor for the Removal of C.I. Disperse Red 73

by Valentina Buscio¹

, Stephan Brosillon², Julie Mendret², Martí Crespi¹ and Carmen Gutiérrez-Bouzán^1,*

¹ Institut d'Investigació Tèxtil i Cooperació Industrial de Terrassa (INTEXTER), Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya-BarcelonaTech (UPC). C/Colom 15, Terrassa 08222, Spain

² Institut Européen des Membranes (IEM), UMR Université Montpellier 2 Place E. Bataillon, Montpellier F-34095, France

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3633-3647; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063633 - 18 Jun 2015

Cited by 44 | Viewed by 7787

Abstract

After the dyeing process, part of the dyes used to color textile materials are not fixed into the substrate and are discharged into wastewater as residual dyes. In this study, a heterogeneous photocatalytic process combined with microfiltration has been investigated for the removal [...] Read more.

After the dyeing process, part of the dyes used to color textile materials are not fixed into the substrate and are discharged into wastewater as residual dyes. In this study, a heterogeneous photocatalytic process combined with microfiltration has been investigated for the removal of C.I. Disperse Red 73 from synthetic textile effluents. The titanium dioxide (TiO₂) Aeroxide P25 was selected as photocatalyst. The photocatalytic treatment achieved between 60% and 90% of dye degradation and up to 98% chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal. The influence of different parameters on photocatalytic degradation was studied: pH, initial photocatalyst loading, and dye concentration. The best conditions for dye degradation were pH 4, an initial dye concentration of 50 mg·L⁻¹, and a TiO₂ loading of 2 g·L⁻¹. The photocatalytic membrane treatment provided a high quality permeate, which can be reused. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Developments in Organic Dyes and Pigments)

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23 pages, 6621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Plasmonic Light Trapping in Thin-Film Solar Cells: Impact of Modeling on Performance Prediction

by Alberto Micco¹, Marco Pisco¹

, Armando Ricciardi¹

, Lucia V. Mercaldo², Iurie Usatii², Vera La Ferrara², Paola Delli Veneri², Antonello Cutolo¹ and Andrea Cusano^1,*

¹ Division of Optoelectronics, Engineering Department, University of Sannio, Benevento 82100, Italy

² ENEA–Portici Research Center, Portici 80055, Italy

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3648-3670; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063648 - 18 Jun 2015

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6208

Abstract

We present a comparative study on numerical models used to predict the absorption enhancement in thin-film solar cells due to the presence of structured back-reflectors exciting, at specific wavelengths, hybrid plasmonic-photonic resonances. To evaluate the effectiveness of the analyzed models, they have been [...] Read more.

We present a comparative study on numerical models used to predict the absorption enhancement in thin-film solar cells due to the presence of structured back-reflectors exciting, at specific wavelengths, hybrid plasmonic-photonic resonances. To evaluate the effectiveness of the analyzed models, they have been applied in a case study: starting from a U-shaped textured glass thin-film, µc-Si:H solar cells have been successfully fabricated. The fabricated cells, with different intrinsic layer thicknesses, have been morphologically, optically and electrically characterized. The experimental results have been successively compared with the numerical predictions. We have found that, in contrast to basic models based on the underlying schematics of the cell, numerical models taking into account the real morphology of the fabricated device, are able to effectively predict the cells performances in terms of both optical absorption and short-circuit current values. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plasmonic Materials)

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14 pages, 1584 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Modification of a Tetrafunctional Epoxy and Its Curing Reaction

by Mingming Yu^*, Bin Feng^†, Wang Xie^†, Lin Fang^†, Hong Li^†, Liqi Liu^†, Musu Ren^†, Jinliang Sun^†, Jiabao Zhang^† and Hefeng Hu^†

¹ Research Center for Composite Materials, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200072, China

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3671-3684; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063671 - 18 Jun 2015

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6745

Abstract

Recent experimental results showed that the T_g of cured resin scarcely decreased and the impact strength of resins increased by over 50% when a tetrafunctional epoxy named N,N,N',N'-tetraglycidyl-4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether (TGDDE) was introduced to an appropriate [...] Read more.

Recent experimental results showed that the T_g of cured resin scarcely decreased and the impact strength of resins increased by over 50% when a tetrafunctional epoxy named N,N,N',N'-tetraglycidyl-4,4'-diaminodiphenyl ether (TGDDE) was introduced to an appropriate flexible chain from a dimer fatty acid (DFA). In order to understand the reason for this phenomenon, the modification and the chemical structure of the prepolymer together with the curing reaction and the viscoelasticity of the cured resins were studied in detail in the present work. The results indicated that the modification would help the prepolymer improve its molecular mobility. As a result, the resins could be further cured, resulting in the cross-linking density increasing. This is because the curing efficiency was increased, but the tetrafunctional epoxy was not cured completely due to its large steric hindrance. Moreover, the flexibility of some parts of the networks was improved, which was beneficial for the toughness of the cured resins. Therefore, the toughness of the tetrafunctional resin was improved with little influence on the thermal properties when the epoxies were modified with an appropriate content of DFA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from ICETI2014)

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16 pages, 952 KiB

Open AccessArticle

3D Printable Biophotopolymers for in Vivo Bone Regeneration

by Guenter Russmueller^1,*, Robert Liska², Juergen Stampfl³

, Christian Heller³, Andreas Mautner², Karin Macfelda⁴, Barbara Kapeller⁴, Roman Lieber⁴, Agnes Haider¹, Kathrin Mika¹, Christian Schopper¹, Christos Perisanidis¹, Rudolf Seemann¹ and Doris Moser¹

¹ Department of Cranio-, Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria

² Division of Macromolecular Chemistry, Institute of Applied Synthetic Chemistry, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria

³ Institute of Materials Science and Technology, Vienna University of Technology, Getreidemarkt 9, 1060 Vienna, Austria

⁴ Department of Biomedical Research, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3685-3700; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063685 - 19 Jun 2015

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 7546

Abstract

The present study investigated two novel biophotopolymer classes that are chemically based on non-toxic poly (vinyl alcohol). These vinylesters and vinylcarbonates were compared to standard acrylates in vitro on MC3T3-E1 cells and in vivo in a small animal model. In vitro, both [...] Read more.

The present study investigated two novel biophotopolymer classes that are chemically based on non-toxic poly (vinyl alcohol). These vinylesters and vinylcarbonates were compared to standard acrylates in vitro on MC3T3-E1 cells and in vivo in a small animal model. In vitro, both vinylester and vinylcarbonate monomers showed about tenfold less cytotoxicity when compared to acrylates (IC₅₀: 2.922 mM and 2.392 mM vs. 0.201 mM) and at least threefold higher alkaline phosphatase activity (17.038 and 18.836 vs. 5.795, measured at [10 mM]). In vivo, polymerized 3D cellular structures were implanted into the distal femoral condyle of 16 New Zealand White Rabbits and were observed for periods from 4 to 12 weeks. New bone formation and bone to implant contact was evaluated by histomorphometry at end of observation. Vinylesters showed similar rates of new bone formation but significantly less (p = 0.002) bone to implant contact, when compared to acrylates. In contrast, the implantation of vinylcarbonate based biophotopolymers led to significantly higher rates of newly formed bone (p < 0.001) and bone to implant contact (p < 0.001). Additionally, distinct signs of polymer degradation could be observed in vinylesters and vinylcarbonates by histology. We conclude, that vinylesters and vinylcarbonates are promising new biophotopolymers, that outmatch available poly(lactic acid) and (meth)acrylate based materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel Bone Substitute Materials)

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13 pages, 4314 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanism of Filling and Feeding of Thin-Walled Structures during Gravity Casting

by Faguo Li^1,2, Jiao Zhang^1,2,*, Fenggang Bian³, Yanan Fu³, Yanling Xue³, Fucheng Yin⁴, Yu Xie⁵, Yi Xu⁶ and Baode Sun^1,2,*

¹ State Key Laboratory of Metal Matrix Composites, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China

² Shanghai Key Lab of Advanced High-temperature Materials and Precision Forming, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China

³ Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Shanghai 215600, China

⁴ School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xiangtan University, Xiangtan 411105, China

⁵ University of Michigan-Shanghai Jiao Tong University Joint Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China

⁶ School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3701-3713; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063701 - 19 Jun 2015

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6175

Abstract

The filling and feeding of thin-walled structures in metal castings pose significant difficulties in manufacturing aerospace structural materials. Samples containing 2 mm and 5 mm thin-walled structures were designed to study the kinetics of filling. The microstructural evolution of the solidification of thin-walled [...] Read more.

The filling and feeding of thin-walled structures in metal castings pose significant difficulties in manufacturing aerospace structural materials. Samples containing 2 mm and 5 mm thin-walled structures were designed to study the kinetics of filling. The microstructural evolution of the solidification of thin-walled structures was studied with synchrotron X-radiation imaging. The formation of dendritic networks and the isotherm profiles of samples of different thickness were examined. The experimental results showed solidification microstructures of 2 mm and 5 mm thin-walled parts containing elongated equiaxed grains and normal equiaxed grains, respectively. The filling and feeding abilities of thin-walled parts were found to depend more on the wall thickness than on the pouring temperature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Manufacturing Processes and Systems)

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18 pages, 631 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Properties of Cement Mortar by Use of Hot-Melt Polyamides as Substitute for Fine Aggregate

by Xiongzhou Yuan^1,2, Weiting Xu^1,*, Wei Sun³, Feng Xing^1,2 and Weilun Wang¹

¹ Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Durability for Marine Civil Engineering, College of Civil Engineering, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen 518060, Guangdong, China

² Shenzhen Institute of Information Technology, Shenzhen 518172, Guangdong, China

³ School of Materials Science and Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing 211189, Jiangsu, China

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3714-3731; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063714 - 19 Jun 2015

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6410

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental study on use of hot-melt polyamide (HMP) to prepare mortar specimens with improved crack healing and engineering properties. The role of HMP in the crack repairing of cement mortar subjected to several rounds of heat treatment was investigated. [...] Read more.

This paper presents an experimental study on use of hot-melt polyamide (HMP) to prepare mortar specimens with improved crack healing and engineering properties. The role of HMP in the crack repairing of cement mortar subjected to several rounds of heat treatment was investigated. Compatibility between HMP and hydraulic cement was investigated through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) technology. Mortar specimens were prepared using standard cement mortar mixes with HMP at 1%, 3% and 5% (by volume) for fine aggregate substitute. After curing for 28 days, HMP specimens were subjected to heating at temperature of 160 °C for one, two, and three days and then natural cooling down to ambient temperature. Mechanical and durability properties of the heated HMP mortars were evaluated and compared with those of the corresponding mortars without heating. The microscopic observation of the interfacial transition zone (ITZ) of HMP mortar was conducted through environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM). Results reveal that incorporation of HMP improves the workability of the HMP/cement binder while leading to decrease in compressive strength and durability. The heated HMP mortars after exposure to heating for one, two, and three days exhibit no obvious change in compressive strength while presenting notable increase in flexural strength and durability compared with the corresponding mortars without heating. The XRD, FTIR and ESEM analyses indicate that no obvious chemical reaction occurs between HMP and hydraulic cement, and thus the self-repairing for interfacial micro-crack in HMP/cement composite system is ascribed to the physical adhesion of HMP to cement matrix rather than the chemical bonding between them. Full article

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22 pages, 1962 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Seismic Experimental Study on New-Type Composite Exterior Wallboard with Integrated Structural Function and Insulation

by Shaochun Ma¹

and Nan Jiang^1,2,*

¹ School of Civil Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China

² Key Laboratory of Coastal Civil Engineering Structure and Safety, Tianjin University, Ministry of Education, Tianjin 300072, China

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3732-3753; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063732 - 19 Jun 2015

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5686

Abstract

In order to evaluate the seismic performance of new-type composite exterior wallboard, a total of six exterior and interior wallboards were incorporated in the experiment of seismic performance. Seismic performance such as the stress process, damage mode, hysteresis and skeleton curve, load-carrying and [...] Read more.

In order to evaluate the seismic performance of new-type composite exterior wallboard, a total of six exterior and interior wallboards were incorporated in the experiment of seismic performance. Seismic performance such as the stress process, damage mode, hysteresis and skeleton curve, load-carrying and ductility coefficient, damping and energy dissipation, stiffness degradation as well as material strain of the exterior wallboards were analyzed with emphasis and compared with interior wallboards. Results of the experiment and analysis showed that both interior and exterior wallboards exhibited outstanding seismic performance. Due to the existence of insulation layer and externally bonded single gypsum board, the capacity of elastoplastic deformation and seismic energy dissipation of the exterior wallboards was improved and each seismic performance indicator of the exterior wallboards outperformed the interior wallboards. Full article

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13 pages, 1193 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Revealing New Structural Insights from Surfactant Micelles through DLS, Microrheology and Raman Spectroscopy

by Samiul Amin^1,*, Steven Blake¹, Rachel C. Kennel² and E. Neil Lewis¹

¹ Malvern Instruments, 7221 Lee Deforest Drive, Suite 300, Columbia, MD 21046, USA

² Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Delaware, 150 Academy St., Newark, DE 19716, USA

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3754-3766; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063754 - 19 Jun 2015

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 8408

Abstract

The correlation between molecular changes and microstructural evolution of rheological properties has been demonstrated for the first time in a mixed anionic/zwitterionic surfactant-based wormlike micellar system. Utilizing a novel combination of DLS-microrheology and Raman Spectroscopy, the effect of electrostatic screening on these properties [...] Read more.

The correlation between molecular changes and microstructural evolution of rheological properties has been demonstrated for the first time in a mixed anionic/zwitterionic surfactant-based wormlike micellar system. Utilizing a novel combination of DLS-microrheology and Raman Spectroscopy, the effect of electrostatic screening on these properties of anionic (SLES) and zwitterionic (CapB) surfactant mixtures was studied by modulating the NaCl concentration. As Raman Spectroscopy delivers information about the molecular structure and DLS-microrheology characterizes viscoelastic properties, the combination of data delivered allows for a deeper understanding of the molecular changes underlying the viscoelastic ones. The high frequency viscoelastic response obtained through DLS-microrheology has shown the persistence of the Maxwell fluid response for low viscosity solutions at high NaCl concentrations. The intensity of the Raman band at 170 cm⁻¹ exhibits very strong correlation with the viscosity variation. As this Raman band is assigned to hydrogen bonding, its variation with NaCl concentration additionally indicates differences in water structuring due to potential microstructural differences at low and high NaCl concentrations. The microstructural differences at low and high NaCl concentrations are further corroborated by persistence of a slow mode at the higher NaCl concentrations as seen through DLS measurements. The study illustrates the utility of the combined DLS, DLS-optical microrheology and Raman Spectroscopy in providing new molecular structural insights into the self-assembly process in complex fluids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Materials Characterization)

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9 pages, 832 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Liquid- and Gas-Phase Diffusion of Ferrocene in Thin Films of Metal-Organic Frameworks

by Wencai Zhou, Christof Wöll

and Lars Heinke^*

Institut für Funktionelle Grenzflächen (IFG), Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT), Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen 76344, Germany

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3767-3775; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063767 - 19 Jun 2015

Cited by 34 | Viewed by 8433

Abstract

The mass transfer of the guest molecules in nanoporous host materials, in particular in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), is among the crucial features of their applications. By using thin surface-mounted MOF films in combination with a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), the diffusion of ferrocene [...] Read more.

The mass transfer of the guest molecules in nanoporous host materials, in particular in metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), is among the crucial features of their applications. By using thin surface-mounted MOF films in combination with a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), the diffusion of ferrocene vapor and of ethanolic and hexanic ferrocene solution in HKUST-1 was investigated. For the first time, liquid- and gas-phase diffusion in MOFs was compared directly in the identical sample. The diffusion coefficients are in the same order of magnitude (~10⁻¹⁶ m²·s⁻¹), whereas the diffusion coefficient of ferrocene in the empty framework is roughly 3-times smaller than in the MOF which is filled with ethanol or n-hexane. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diffusion under Confinement in Nanopores)

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15 pages, 929 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microstructural Study on Molten Marks of Fire-Causing Copper Wires

by Kuan-Heng Liu, Yung-Hui Shih, Guo-Ju Chen^* and Jaw-Min Chou^*

Department of Materials Science and Engineering, I-Shou University, No.1, Sec. 1, Syuecheng Rd., Dashu Dist., Kaohsiung City 84001, Taiwan

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3776-3790; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063776 - 22 Jun 2015

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 6891

Abstract

Although electrical fires constitute the greatest percentage of the main causes of building fires, the critical evidence used by fire investigators to identify electrical fires is not always convincing to the general public. In this study, we scrutinized the microstructures of fire-causing copper [...] Read more.

Although electrical fires constitute the greatest percentage of the main causes of building fires, the critical evidence used by fire investigators to identify electrical fires is not always convincing to the general public. In this study, we scrutinized the microstructures of fire-causing copper wires and simulated the external environmental conditions required for the formation of fire-causing arc beads. Our metallographic investigation revealed that the primary thermal dendrites of copper at the fire-causing arc bead grew parallel to one another, but in the opposite direction to the heat flow. We determined the relationships of the undercooling (∆T₀), the growth velocity (ν), and the primary spacing (λ) of the dendrites with respect to the electrical wire’s diameter. Accordingly, fire investigators can now identify fire-causing arc beads in terms of these metallographic characteristics, thereby providing clear scientific evidence for litigant judgments of electrical fires. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Materials Characterization)

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Review

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14 pages, 216 KiB

Open AccessReview

Methods for Biomimetic Mineralisation of Human Enamel: A Systematic Review

by Chris Ying Cao¹, May Lei Mei¹, Quan-li Li², Edward Chin Man Lo¹

and Chun Hung Chu^1,*

^† These authors contributed equally to this work.

¹ Faculty of Dentistry, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China

² Stomatological Hospital and College, Anhui Medical University, Key Lab. of Oral Diseases Research of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China

Materials 2015, 8(6), 2873-2886; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8062873 - 26 May 2015

Cited by 47 | Viewed by 8994

Abstract

Biomimetic mineralisation is an alternative restorative methodology that imitates the natural process of mineralisation. We aimed to systematically review the laboratory methods on the biomimetic mineralisation of demineralised enamel. A search in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ISI Web of Science databases was performed. [...] Read more.

Biomimetic mineralisation is an alternative restorative methodology that imitates the natural process of mineralisation. We aimed to systematically review the laboratory methods on the biomimetic mineralisation of demineralised enamel. A search in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and ISI Web of Science databases was performed. Clinical trials, reviews, non-English articles, animal teeth, non-tooth substrates, and irrelevant studies were excluded. After screening the titles and abstracts of initially searched articles, 20 papers remained for full-text analysis. Eight articles were identified from the references of the remaining papers. A total of 28 studies were included in this systematic review. We found that protein or protein analogues were used to mimic the function of natural protein in 23 studies. Bioactive components inspired by mussel, an agarose hydrogel model, a glycerine-enriched gelatine technique, and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, were also used for biomimetic mineralisation of enamel. These laboratory studies reported success in the biomimetic mineralisation of enamel. Potential further research on the biomimetic mineralisation of enamel was discussed. Full article

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14 pages, 802 KiB

Open AccessReview

Biofilm and Dental Biomaterials

by Marit Øilo^1,* and Vidar Bakken²

¹ Department of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Aarstadveien 19, Bergen NO-5009, Norway

² Department of Clinical Science, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 65, The Laboratory Building, Bergen NO-5021, Norway

Materials 2015, 8(6), 2887-2900; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8062887 - 26 May 2015

Cited by 76 | Viewed by 17383

Abstract

All treatment involving the use of biomaterials in the body can affect the host in positive or negative ways. The microbiological environment in the oral cavity is affected by the composition and shape of the biomaterials used for oral restorations. This may impair [...] Read more.

All treatment involving the use of biomaterials in the body can affect the host in positive or negative ways. The microbiological environment in the oral cavity is affected by the composition and shape of the biomaterials used for oral restorations. This may impair the patients’ oral health and sometimes their general health as well. Many factors determine the composition of the microbiota and the formation of biofilm in relation to biomaterials such as, surface roughness, surface energy and chemical composition, This paper aims to give an overview of the scientific literature regarding the association between the chemical, mechanical and physical properties of dental biomaterials and oral biofilm formation, with emphasis on current research and future perspectives. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Materials)

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29 pages, 3229 KiB

Open AccessReview

Review of Recent Progress of Plasmonic Materials and Nano-Structures for Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering

by Alan X. Wang^1,* and Xianming Kong²

¹ School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA

² Department of Forest Products Technology, School of Chemical Technology, Aalto University, P.O. Box 16300, FI-00076 Aalto, Finland

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3024-3052; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063024 - 28 May 2015

Cited by 221 | Viewed by 15623

Abstract

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has demonstrated single-molecule sensitivity and is becoming intensively investigated due to its significant potential in chemical and biomedical applications. SERS sensing is highly dependent on the substrate, where excitation of the localized surface plasmons (LSPs) enhances the Raman scattering [...] Read more.

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) has demonstrated single-molecule sensitivity and is becoming intensively investigated due to its significant potential in chemical and biomedical applications. SERS sensing is highly dependent on the substrate, where excitation of the localized surface plasmons (LSPs) enhances the Raman scattering signals of proximate analyte molecules. This paper reviews research progress of SERS substrates based on both plasmonic materials and nano-photonic structures. We first discuss basic plasmonic materials, such as metallic nanoparticles and nano-rods prepared by conventional bottom-up chemical synthesis processes. Then, we review rationally-designed plasmonic nano-structures created by top-down approaches or fine-controlled synthesis with high-density hot-spots to provide large SERS enhancement factors (EFs). Finally, we discuss the research progress of hybrid SERS substrates through the integration of plasmonic nano-structures with other nano-photonic devices, such as photonic crystals, bio-enabled nanomaterials, guided-wave systems, micro-fluidics and graphene. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plasmonic Materials)

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33 pages, 5493 KiB

Open AccessReview

Carbon Nanotropes: A Contemporary Paradigm in Drug Delivery

by Avinash C. Tripathi¹, Shubhini A. Saraf²

and Shailendra K. Saraf^1,*

¹ Division of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Babu Banarasi Das Northern India Institute of Technology, BBD City, Faizabad Road, Chinhut, Lucknow 226028, U.P., India

² Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Lucknow 226025, U.P., India

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3068-3100; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063068 - 29 May 2015

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 10308

Abstract

Discovery of fullerenes and other nanosized carbon allotropes has opened a vast new field of possibilities in nanotechnology and has become one of the most promising research areas. Carbon nanomaterials have drawn interest as carriers of biologically pertinent molecules due to their distinctive [...] Read more.

Discovery of fullerenes and other nanosized carbon allotropes has opened a vast new field of possibilities in nanotechnology and has become one of the most promising research areas. Carbon nanomaterials have drawn interest as carriers of biologically pertinent molecules due to their distinctive physical, chemical and physiological properties. We have assigned the nomenclature “Carbon Nanotropes” to the nanosized carbon allotropes. Carbon nanotropes such as fullerenes, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphenes, have exhibited wide applicability in drug delivery, owing to their small size and biological activity. The nanotherapeutics/diagnostics will allow a deeper understanding of human ills including cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, genetic disorders and various other complications. Recently, nanomaterials with multiple functions, such as drug carrier, MRI, optical imaging, photothermal therapy, etc., have become more and more popular in the domain of cancer and other areas of research. This review is an endeavor to bring together the usefulness of the carbon nanomaterials in the field of drug delivery. The last section of the review encompasses the recent patents granted on carbon nanotropes at United State Patent Trademark Office (USPTO) in the related field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biomaterials)

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27 pages, 2085 KiB

Open AccessReview

Photoluminescent ZnO Nanoparticles and Their Biological Applications

by Zheng-Yong Zhang^1,2 and Huan-Ming Xiong^1,*

¹ Department of Chemistry, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China

² School of Management Science & Engineering, Nanjing University of Finance & Economics, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu, China

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3101-3127; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063101 - 29 May 2015

Cited by 215 | Viewed by 16956

Abstract

During the past decades, numerous achievements concerning luminescent zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have been reported due to their improved luminescence and good biocompatibility. The photoluminescence of ZnO NPs usually contains two parts, the exciton-related ultraviolet (UV) emission and the defect-related visible emission. [...] Read more.

During the past decades, numerous achievements concerning luminescent zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) have been reported due to their improved luminescence and good biocompatibility. The photoluminescence of ZnO NPs usually contains two parts, the exciton-related ultraviolet (UV) emission and the defect-related visible emission. With respect to the visible emission, many routes have been developed to synthesize and functionalize ZnO NPs for the applications in detecting metal ions and biomolecules, biological fluorescence imaging, nonlinear multiphoton imaging, and fluorescence lifetime imaging. As the biological applications of ZnO NPs develop rapidly, the toxicity of ZnO NPs has attracted more and more attention because ZnO can produce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) and release Zn²⁺ ions. Just as a coin has two sides, both the drug delivery and the antibacterial effects of ZnO NPs become attractive at the same time. Hence, in this review, we will focus on the progress in the synthetic methods, luminescent properties, and biological applications of ZnO NPs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Luminescent Materials and Devices)

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27 pages, 3228 KiB

Open AccessReview

Optical Properties and Plasmonic Performance of Titanium Nitride

by Panos Patsalas^1,*, Nikolaos Kalfagiannis² and Spyros Kassavetis^1,3

¹ Department of Physics, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki GR-54124, Greece

² School of Science and Technology, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham NG11 8NS, UK

³ Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Ioannina, Ioannina GR-45110, Greece

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3128-3154; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063128 - 29 May 2015

Cited by 316 | Viewed by 42839

Abstract

Titanium nitride (TiN) is one of the most well-established engineering materials nowadays. TiN can overcome most of the drawbacks of palsmonic metals due to its high electron conductivity and mobility, high melting point and due to the compatibility of its growth with Complementary [...] Read more.

Titanium nitride (TiN) is one of the most well-established engineering materials nowadays. TiN can overcome most of the drawbacks of palsmonic metals due to its high electron conductivity and mobility, high melting point and due to the compatibility of its growth with Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) technology. In this work, we review the dielectric function spectra of TiN and we evaluate the plasmonic performance of TiN by calculating (i) the Surface Plasmon Polariton (SPP) dispersion relations and (ii) the Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance (LSPR) band of TiN nanoparticles, and we demonstrate a significant plasmonic performance of TiN. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plasmonic Materials)

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51 pages, 4037 KiB

Open AccessReview

Nanocomposites Based on Thermoplastic Polymers and Functional Nanofiller for Sensor Applications

by Serena Coiai¹, Elisa Passaglia^1,*

, Andrea Pucci²

and Giacomo Ruggeri²

¹ Istituto di Chimica dei Composti Organo Metallici (ICCOM), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, UOS Pisa, Via G. Moruzzi 1, Pisa 56124, Italy

² Dipartimento di Chimica e Chimica Industriale, Università di Pisa, Moruzzi 13, Pisa 56124, Italy

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3377-3427; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063377 - 10 Jun 2015

Cited by 74 | Viewed by 12413

Abstract

Thermoplastic polymers like polyolefins, polyesters, polyamide, and styrene polymers are the most representative commodity plastics thanks to their cost-efficient manufacturing processes, excellent thermomechanical properties and their good environmental compatibility, including easy recycling. In the last few decades much effort has been devoted worldwide [...] Read more.

Thermoplastic polymers like polyolefins, polyesters, polyamide, and styrene polymers are the most representative commodity plastics thanks to their cost-efficient manufacturing processes, excellent thermomechanical properties and their good environmental compatibility, including easy recycling. In the last few decades much effort has been devoted worldwide to extend the applications of such materials by conferring on them new properties through mixing and blending with different additives. In this latter context, nanocomposites have recently offered new exciting possibilities. This review discusses the successful use of nanostructured dispersed substrates in designing new stimuli-responsive nanocomposites; in particular, it provides an updated description of the synthetic routes to prepare nanostructured systems having the typical properties of thermoplastic polymers (continuous matrix), but showing enhanced optical, conductive, and thermal features dependent on the dispersion topology. The controlled nanodispersion of functional labeled clays, noble metal nanoparticles and carbon nanotubes is here evidenced to play a key role in producing hybrid thermoplastic materials that have been used in the design of devices, such as NLO devices, chemiresistors, temperature and deformation sensors. Full article

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18 pages, 465 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Use of Quaternary Ammonium to Combat Dental Caries

by Yang Ge^1,2, Suping Wang^1,2, Xuedong Zhou^1,2, Haohao Wang^1,2, Hockin H. K. Xu³ and Lei Cheng^1,2,*

¹ State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China

² Department of Operative Dentistry and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610000, China

³ Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering Division, Department of Endodontics, Prosthodontics and Operative Dentistry, University of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3532-3549; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063532 - 17 Jun 2015

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 9391

Abstract

Resin composites and adhesives are increasingly popular in dental restorations, but secondary caries is one of the main reasons for restoration failure. Quaternary ammonium monomers (QAMs) have an anti-microbial effect and are widely used in many fields. Since the concept of the immobilized [...] Read more.

Resin composites and adhesives are increasingly popular in dental restorations, but secondary caries is one of the main reasons for restoration failure. Quaternary ammonium monomers (QAMs) have an anti-microbial effect and are widely used in many fields. Since the concept of the immobilized antibacterial effect was put forward, dental restorations containing QAMs have been studied to reduce secondary caries. Previous studies have been struggling to develop novel anti-caries materials which might have triple benefits: good mechanical properties, antibacterial effects and remineralization potentials. Different kinds of QAMs have been proven to be effective in inhibiting the growth and metabolism of biofilms. Combination of QAMs and other nanoparticles in resin composites and adhesives could enhance their anti-caries capability. Therefore, QAMs are promising to show significant impact on the future of restorative and preventive dentistry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Materials)

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Other

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2 pages, 283 KiB

Open AccessCorrection

Correction: Long-Term Soft Denture Lining Materials. Materials 2014, 7(8), 5816-5842

by Grzegorz Chladek^1,*, Jarosław Żmudzki¹ and Jacek Kasperski²

¹ Division of Materials Processing Technology, Institute of Engineering Materials and Biomaterials, Silesian University of Technology, ul. Konarskiego 18a, Gliwice 44-100, Poland

² Department of Prosthetic Dentistry, Medical University of Silesia, pl. Akademicki 17, Bytom 41-902, Poland

Materials 2015, 8(6), 3791-3792; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma8063791 - 23 Jun 2015

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3767

Abstract

In the published manuscript “Long-Term Soft Denture Lining Materials. Materials 2014, 7(8), 5816-5842” [1] we detected that in three places reference numbers were inserted incorrectly due to an error in the editing. [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biomaterials)

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