Search Results (82)

Background/Objectives: Pathological tooth loss resulting from poor oral hygiene or systemic diseases can lead to partial edentulism, affecting patients both psychologically and physically. These consequences include facial height reduction, temporomandibular dysfunction, and impaired phonetics and mastication. Immediate complete dentures are often an effective provisional solution during the transition to full edentulism; however, establishing the occlusal plane can be challenging when remaining teeth prevent a conventional wax try-in. This clinical case aims to present a qualitative clinical case study of a single patient, illustrating the use of the Broadrick Occlusal Plane Analyzer (BOPA) for the establishment of an occlusal plane in harmony with the anterior and condylar guidance. Methods: A 51-year-old male patient presented to the Department of Prosthodontics at the School of Dentistry, Autonomous University of Guadalajara, with partial edentulism, periodontal disease, and generalized Grade III tooth mobility. Immediate maxillary and mandibular complete dentures were selected as the treatment of choice. Due to the presence of remaining teeth that hindered clinical determination of the occlusal plane, the BOPA was used during the denture design process. Results: Anatomical landmarks were combined with BOPA tracing to establish an occlusal plane harmonious with anterior and condylar guidance. The center of the curve was modified to accommodate anatomic variability in anteroposterior reference points. Conclusions: The use of the Broadrick Occlusal Plane Analyzer facilitated the accurate determination of the occlusal plane for the fabrication of immediate complete dentures in a patient where clinical assessment was limited. This modification allowed the establishment of a bilateral balanced occlusal scheme, contributing to functional and acceptable provisional oral rehabilitation during postoperative alveolar healing. Full article

As a key medium in industry, lubricating oil plays a significant role in reducing friction, cooling sealing and transmitting power, which directly affects equipment life and energy efficiency. Traditional mineral-based lubricating oils rely on non-renewable petroleum, and they have high energy consumption and poor biodegradability (<30%) during the production process. They can easily cause lasting pollution after leakage and have a high carbon footprint throughout their life cycle, making it difficult to meet the “double carbon” goal. Bio-based lubricating oil uses renewable resources such as cottonseed oil and waste grease as raw materials. This material offers three significant advantages: sustainable sourcing, environmental friendliness, and adjustable performance. Its biodegradation rate is over 80%, and it reduces carbon emissions by 50–90%. Moreover, we can control its properties through processes like hydrogenation, isomerization, and transesterification to ensure it complies with ISO 6743 and other relevant standards. However, natural oils and fats have regular molecular structure, high freezing point (usually > −10 °C), and easy precipitation of wax crystals at low temperature, which restricts their industrial application. In recent years, a series of modification studies have been carried out around “pour point depression-viscosity preservation”. Catalytic isomerization can reduce the freezing point to −42 °C while maintaining a high viscosity index. Epoxidation–ring-opening modification introduces branched chains or ether bonds, taking into account low-temperature fluidity and oxidation stability. The deep dewaxing-isomerization dewaxing process improves the base oil yield, and the freezing point drops by 30 °C. The synergistic addition of polymer pour point depressant and nanomaterials can further reduce the freezing point by 10–15 °C and improve the cryogenic pumping performance. The life cycle assessment shows that using the “zero crude oil” route of waste oil and green hydrogen, the carbon emission per ton of lubricating oil is only 0.32 t, and the cost gradually approaches the level of imported synthetic esters. In the future, with the help of biorefinery integration, enzyme catalytic modification and AI molecular design, it is expected to realize high-performance, low-cost, near-zero-carbon lubrication solutions and promote the green transformation of industry. Full article

In contrast to the typically electrically conductive nanocarbon systems, boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) are particularly attractive for the fabrication of polymers that require high thermal conductivity while maintaining electrical insulation. However, their tendency to aggregate and the weak interfacial interaction with the polymer matrix limit their effectiveness in enhancing thermal conductivity. To address these challenges, BNNSs can be chemically modified to improve dispersion and compatibility within the matrix. Nonetheless, the inherent chemical inertness of boron nitride poses a significant obstacle to functionalization. In this work, we demonstrate the successful covalent modification of BNNSs using three different silane coupling agents: (3-aminopropyl)dimethylmethoxysilane, (3-aminopropyl)diethoxymethylsilane, and (3-aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane. FT-IR, SEM/EDX, and WAXS confirm the successful functionalization and reveal that the number of alkoxy groups in the silane strongly influences siloxane network formation and the extent of surface coverage on BNNSs. Full article

In this paper, a combined modification method using thermal modification and wax impregnation was investigated. The advantage of this method is that the two modification steps are completed in one step. Two different wood species, beech (Fagus sylvatica) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), were investigated. The effects of the treatments were tested regarding the wax uptake, mass loss, density, equilibrium moisture content, swelling, water contact angle, strength properties, and durability. Through the synergistic effect of the combined modification, it was possible to significantly improve the dimensional stability and decrease the hygroscopicity and equilibrium moisture content, while swelling anisotropy was not affected. It was proven that the wax uptake during this method is highly dependent on the treatment temperature, resulting in a large density increase. The treatment resulted in an obvious color change as well. Bending strength was not affected by the combined treatment, while impact bending, compression strength, and Brinell hardness were improved. High durability was observed after the combined modification method, indicating that lower treatment temperatures are enough to efficiently protect the wood. Full article

With rising global temperatures and increasing sustainability demands, the need for advanced pavement solutions has never been greater. This study breaks new ground by integrating phase change materials (PCMs), including paraffin-based wax (Rubitherm RT55), hydrated salt (Climator Salt S10), and fatty acid (lauric acid), as binder modifiers within warm mix asphalt (WMA) mixtures. Moving beyond the traditional focus on binder-only modifications, this research utilizes recycled cigarette filters (CFs) as a dual-purpose fiber additive, directly reinforcing the asphalt mixture while simultaneously transforming a major urban waste stream into valuable infrastructure. The performance of the developed WMA mixture has been evaluated in terms of stiffness behavior using an Indirect Tensile Strength Modulus (ITSM) test, permanent deformation using a static creep strain test, and rutting resistance using the Hamburg wheel-track test. Laboratory tests demonstrated that the incorporation of PCMs and recycled CFs into WMA mixtures led to remarkable improvements in stiffness, deformation resistance, and rutting performance. Modified mixes consistently outperformed the control, achieving up to 15% higher stiffness after 7 days of curing, 36% lower creep strain after 4000 s, and 64% reduction in rut depth at 20,000 passes. Cost–benefit analysis and service life prediction show that, despite costing USD 0.71 more per square meter with 5 cm thickness, the modified WMA mixture delivers much greater durability and rutting resistance, extending service life to 19–29 years compared to 10–15 years for the control. This highlights the value of these modifications for durable, sustainable pavements. Full article

In response to the growing demand for improving the nutritional profile of widely consumed products, such as cookies, there has been an increasing interest in fat replacers that preserve sensory attributes and have a more positive health effect. Among the novel fat replacement strategies, the incorporation of bigels into food formulations has been studied; however, the impact of Arabic gum hydrogel-based bigels on microstructural properties and their correlation with the texture and quality of bakery products remains underexplored. In this study, cookies were formulated using a plant-based bigel (canola oil-carnauba wax oleogel mixed with Arabic gum hydrogel) as a fat substitute, and their microstructural, textural, and quality parameters were compared with those of commercial butter-based cookies. Compared to butter (firmness of 29,102 g, spreadability of 59,624 g∙s, and adhesiveness of 2282 g), bigel exhibited a softer (firmness of 576 g), more spreadable (spreadability of 457 g∙s), and less adhesive texture (adhesiveness of 136 g), while its rheological properties showed similar behavior but at a lower magnitude. Bigel exhibited high thermal stability and good elastic and thixotropic behaviors, indicating reversible structural breakdown and recovery. Cookies prepared with bigels instead of butter exhibited a similar proximate composition, with a slight increase in lipid content (11.7%). The physical dimensions and density were similar across the formulations. However, the microstructural analysis revealed differences when bigels were incorporated into cookies, reducing porosity (55%) and increasing the mean pore size (1781 µm); in contrast, mean wall thickness remained unaffected. Despite these structural modifications, the potential of bigels as viable and nutritionally enhanced substitutes for conventional fats in bakery products was demonstrated. Full article

The goal of this study is to evaluate how the inclusion of synthetic wax, added in 0.5% increments from 1.5% to 3.5%, affects the characteristics of PMB 45/80-65 (polymer-modified bitumen) during both short-term (RTFOT) and long-term (PAV) aging processes. Tests were carried out to assess the fundamental properties of the binder, leading to the determination of the penetration index (PI) and the plasticity range (PR). The binder’s properties were examined at below-freezing operating temperatures, with creep stiffness measured using a bent beam rheometer (BBR) at −10 °C, −16° C, −22 °C, and −28 °C. The rheological properties of the asphaltenes were evaluated based on both linear and nonlinear viscoelasticity. The experimental study explored temperature effects on the rheological properties of composite materials using a DSR dynamic shear rheometer at 40 °C, 60 °C, and 80 °C over a frequency range of 0.005 to 10 Hz. The main parameters of interest were composite viscosity (η*) and zero shear viscosity (η₀). Viscoelastic parameters, including the dynamic modulus (G*) and phase shift angle (δ), were determined, and Black’s curves were used to illustrate the relationship between these parameters, where G*/sinδ was determined. The MSCR test was employed to investigate the impact of bitumen on the asphalt mixture’s resistance to permanent deformation and to assess the degree and efficacy of asphalt modification. The test measured two parameters, irreversible creep compliance (J_nr) and recovery (R), under stress levels of 0.1 kPa (LVE) and 3.2 kPa (N-LVE). The Christensen–Anderson–Marasteanu model was used to describe the bitumen behavior during binder aging, as reflected in the rheological study results. Ultimately, this study revealed that synthetic wax influences the rheological properties of PMB 45/80-65 polymer bitumen. Specifically, it mitigated the stiffness reduction in modified bitumen caused by polymer degradation during aging at an amount less than 2.5% of synthetic wax. Full article

The use of tomato plant residues (i.e., stems, leaves, etc.) as a substrate for catalytic pyrolysis of biomass was investigated. A comprehensive study was conducted to investigate the impact of catalysts on the performance of different pyrolysis fractions (i.e., gas, biosolid, waxes, and bioliquid) as well as the distribution of products within the bioliquid. The catalysts employed in this study were derived from two distinct types of zirconia. The first type was synthesized by a conventional sol-gel method, while the second type was prepared with a modified method aimed at improving the presence of mesopores. This modification involved the incorporation of Pluronic 123. These materials were designated ZrO₂ and ZrO₂P25, respectively. Both types of zirconia were used as supports for tungstophosphoric acid (H₃PW₁₂O₄₀, TPA), a heteropolyacid with a Keggin structure, in the preparation of catalysts with strong acid sites. The results demonstrated that the bioliquid yield of the non-catalytic fast pyrolysis of tomato plant waste was approximately 23% and that the obtained bioliquid contained a wide variety of molecules, which were detected and quantified by GC-MS. In the presence of the catalysts, both the bioliquid yield and the distribution of bioliquid products were substantially modified. Furthermore, the possible sugar degradation pathways leading to the formation of the molecules present in the pyrolytic bioliquids were thoroughly examined. The results obtained from this study indicate that the physicochemical characteristics of the catalysts, specifically their pore size and acidity, have a significant impact on the selectivity of the catalytic processes towards valuable molecules, including anhydro-sugars and furanic derivatives such as furfural and furfuryl alcohol. Full article

The investment casting process, also known as lost-wax casting, is widely used for producing ferrous and non-ferrous metal parts due to its excellent surface finish and dimensional accuracy. In recent years, the use of Co-Cr-Mo alloy has increased due to its high corrosion resistance, good biocompatibility, and relatively high wear resistance. Laser melting of materials has been demonstrated to refine the surface grain structure, reduce surface roughness, and improve both wear and corrosion resistance. The ability to fine-tune parameters such as laser power density and scanning speed facilitates the optimization of the treated layers’ thickness and homogeneity, thereby addressing many of the shortcomings inherent in conventional methods. This study investigates the microstructural, mechanical wear and bioactive behavior of investment-cast Co-Cr-Mo parts subjected to a Nd:YAG laser surface treatment. The effects of different processing parameters were analyzed quantitatively and comprehensively. The specimens were characterized using metallographic techniques, bioactivity evaluation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), wear testing (Pin-on-Disk), and hardness testing. Our results demonstrate that Nd:YAG laser melting significantly enhances the surface properties and maintains the dimensional accuracy of complex Co-Cr-Mo biomedical components, through microstructural refinement, increased hardness, improved wear resistance, and preserved biocompatibility. The specific combination of investment casting with precisely controlled laser surface modification represents a significant advancement for improving the longevity and performance of biomedical implants. Full article

Waterborne polymer coated controlled release fertilizers (CRFs) are highly valued for their potential to enhance nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and reduce fertilization labor costs. However, their application in crops with long growth periods, such as rice and maize, is limited by inadequate coating strength and suboptimal hydrophobicity. Inspired by the hydrophobic and anti-fouling structure of lotus leaf cuticles, this study biomimetically modified waterborne polyacrylate-coated urea (PACU) using natural bio-wax including rice bran wax (RBW), candelilla wax (CAW), bees wax (BW) and carnauba wax (CW), along with paraffin wax (PW) as a control. The modifications significantly extended nutrient release duration by 22 d compared to unmodified PACU, with CW providing the longest duration, followed by CAW, BW, RBW, and PW. Additionally, the modification of BW, CAW, and CW exhibited superior hydrophobicity and affinity to polyacrylate coatings, while the inferior hardness and toughness of PW compromised its controlled release performance. Field trials demonstrated that CW-modified CRFs effectively controlled nutrient release in rice and maize, resulting in a 7.2% increase in rice yield and a 37.9% increase in maize yield, as well as an 18.7% improvement in NUE compared to conventional fertilizers. These findings offered a novel approach for hydrophobic modification of waterborne polymer coatings, thereby enhancing the performance and applicability of waterborne polymer coated CRFs in long-season crops. Full article

Black locust (Fabaceae family) seeds are known for their strong dormant state and are an excellent candidate for studying and developing methods to break dormancy. We investigated overcoming the dormancy using several different sources of non-thermal plasma, which, by modifying, etching, or disrupting the waxy seed coat, allowed water to penetrate the seeds and initiate germination. All plasma sources tested enhanced seed germination to varying degrees, with over 80% germination observed when using a dielectric barrier discharge, while control seeds showed no germination. Non-thermal plasma treatment significantly decreased the water contact angle of the seed surface from an initial 120° (for untreated seeds) to complete wetting when using a dielectric barrier discharge or atmospheric-pressure plasma jet. The experiments indicate two mechanisms for the modification of the waxy seed coat by a non-thermal plasma: hydrophilization of the wax surface through the binding of oxygen particles and etching of narrow channels in the wax layer, allowing water to penetrate the seed. Full article

To increase the use of agricultural residues, such as date palm fibers, for the sustainable reinforcement of biocomposites, this study investigated the incorporation of varying weight percentages of date palm microfibers (DPMF) ranging from 0 wt.% to 10 wt.% into polycaprolactone (PCL) matrix. Biocomposites were fabricated using a combination of compression molding and dry blending techniques with and without sodium hydroxide (NaOH) alkali treatment. The surface modification was found to increase the surface roughness of the fibers, removing impurities such as lignin, hemicellulose, and wax, while improving crystallinity, as evidenced by FTIR, XRD, TGA, and particle size analyses. Among the different biocomposites investigated, the results for 5 wt.% DPMF content biocomposites exhibited the highest tensile properties: approximately 20% increase in tensile strength and 164% increase in Young’s Modulus in comparison to neat PCL. The crystallinity of the matrix exhibited an increasing trend from approximately 39% for neat PCL to 43% for the 5 wt.% DPMF biocomposites. Furthermore, treated biocomposites demonstrated higher water-repellency behavior and improved thermal properties. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results indicated enhanced storage moduli for alkali-treated composites; at 35 °C, the storage modulus showed approximately 22% increase compared to the untreated DPMF biocomposites, reflecting improved stiffness and thermomechanical performances. This study highlights the potential of DPMF as an efficient, eco-friendly alternative to fossil-based conventional reinforcement for biocomposite materials’ potential for sustainable rigid packaging applications. Full article

As a crucial post-translational modification (PTM), protein ubiquitination mediates the breakdown of particular proteins, which plays a pivotal role in a large number of biological processes including plant growth, development, and stress response. The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) consists of ubiquitin (Ub), ubiquitinase, deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB), and 26S proteasome mediates more than 80% of protein degradation for protein turnover in plants. For the ubiquitinases, including ubiquitin-activating enzyme (E1), ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme (E2), and ubiquitin ligase (E3), the FBK (F-box Kelch repeat protein) is an essential component of multi-subunit E3 ligase SCF (Skp1-Cullin 1-F-box) involved in the specific recognition of target proteins in the UPS. Many FBK genes have been identified in different plant species, which regulates plant growth and development through affecting endogenous phytohormones as well as plant tolerance to various biotic and abiotic stresses associated with changes in secondary metabolites such as phenylpropanoid, phenolic acid, flavonoid, lignin, wax, etc. The review summarizes the significance of the ubiquitination modification of protein, the role of UPS in protein degradation, and the possible function of FBK genes involved in plant growth, development, secondary metabolism, and stress response, which provides a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the mechanism of ubiquitination and potential function of FBKs in plant species. Full article

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) exhibits excellent shape memory properties but suffers from brittleness and a high glass transition temperature (T_g), limiting its utility in flexible and durable applications. This study explored the modification of PLA properties through the incorporation of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), varying in both content (5–20 wt%) and molecular weight (4000–12,000 g/mol), to enhance its suitability for specific applications, such as medical splints. The PLA/PEG blend, containing 15 wt% PEG and with a molecular weight of 12,000 g/mol, exhibited superior shape fixity (99.27%) and recovery (95.77%) in shape memory tests conducted at a programming temperature (T_p) of 45 °C and a recovery temperature (T_r) of 60 °C. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis provided insights into the thermal mechanisms driving shape memory behavior of the PLA/PEG blend. The addition of PEG to the PLA blend resulted in a reduction in T_g and an increase in crystallinity, thereby facilitating enhanced chain mobility and structural reorganization. These thermal changes enhanced the shape fixity and recovery of the PLA/PEG blend. Synchrotron wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) was further employed to elucidate the microstructural evolution of PLA/PEG blends during the shape memory process. Upon stretching, the PLA/PEG chains aligned predominantly along the tensile direction, reflecting strain-induced orientation. During recovery, the PLA/PEG chains underwent isotropic relaxation, reorganizing into their original configurations. This structural reorganization highlighted the critical role of chain mobility and alignment in driving the shape memory behavior of PLA/PEG blends, enabling them to effectively return to their initial shape. Mechanical testing confirmed that increasing PEG content and molecular weight enhanced elongation at break and impact strength, balancing flexibility and strength. These findings demonstrated that PLA/PEG blends, especially with 15 wt% PEG at 12,000 g/mol, offer an optimal combination of shape memory performance and mechanical properties, positioning them as promising candidates for customizable and biodegradable medical applications. Full article

This study aims to enhance the mechanical properties of hot-waxed wood by incorporating microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), thereby addressing the issue of inadequate surface durability. We investigated the effects of varying mass fractions (0%, 5%, 10%, 15%) of MCC on multiple surface properties of hot-waxed wood modified with natural wax and maleic anhydride-ethyl acetate copolymer-grafted Fischer-Tropsch wax. These properties encompass adhesion, hardness, abrasion resistance, impact resistance, surface roughness, gloss, and hydrophobicity. To gain deeper insights into the reinforcing role of MCC, analytical techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) were employed to comprehensively characterize the chemical structure, crystalline structure, and surface morphology of the samples. The results reveal that, upon the addition of 5% MCC, the hot-waxed wood treated with modified Fischer-Tropsch wax demonstrates a 41% increase in surface adhesive strength, an improvement in hardness from 2H to 3H, a reduction in surface impact resistance from grade 5 to grade 2, and a 72% decrease in wear mass. Additionally, it exhibits enhanced surface hydrophobicity and thermal stability, while preserving its decorative appearance. These findings endorse the use of MCC in hot-waxed wood, offering significant potential in fields like wooden architecture, indoor wooden decorative panels, and furniture. Full article