This research is aimed to determine the best composition of composite fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) to produce a suitable substituent for bone. The applied powder was prepared by the SPS method and comprises hydroxyapatite (HA), yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), and titanium (Ti). Different percentages of components were used to fabricate the composite samples. X-ray diffraction was used to determine the structural phase of the sintered samples while field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) was employed for microstructural analysis of the specimens. The behavior of the samples was investigated during sintering. The gas release, displacements, and porosity percentage of the composite samples were also explored. Three-point bending test was utilized to determine the flexural strength whereas the hardness of the samples was determined by the Vickers method. Moreover, the CHANTIKUL method was used to evaluate the toughness of the samples. The results showed the best mechanical properties in the 90%HA-6%YSZ-4 %Ti sample.

This study evaluates M2C MXene, namely, Ti2C, V2C, Cr2C, and Nb2C, as electrode materials for insertion batteries, namely, Li-ion, Na-ion, Mg-ion, Al-ion, K-ion, Ca-ion, and Zn-ion. The evaluations are taken place in the framework of density functional theory, DFT. Structural, electrochemical, and electrical properties of the materials are calculated by various theoretical approaches, via GGA and GGA+U. Structural stability of the MXenes is confirmed, at least after passing the formation (1st) cycle. The theoretical cell voltage of the materials is estimated using Fermi and internal energy approaches. We suggest anodic role for most of the MXenes in the intercalation cells. The electrical properties are investigated using various approaches. Predicting superior electrical and structural properties of the MXenes lead us to study the voltage-range and voltage-profiles as the final metric. Subsequently, order of the evaluated MXene electrodes is reported based on their appropriateness. This paper explores into the significance of using MXenes as intercalation electrodes, and sheds light on the transformative journey of these materials, to shape the present and future battery technology.

In this study, a hybrid Al7075-nano Al2O3-TiC composite was fabricated via spark plasma sintering (SPS) using recycled machining chips. This composite includes TiC and Al2O3 additives to synergistically enhance its mechanical properties. The three-point bending strength, hardness, wear, and density of the sintered composites were measured. Key findings demonstrate that the ST6-2.5 T-1A composite (2.5 wt.

In this paper, the properties of layered dichalcogenide electrode materials Li2MnS2, Li2FeS2, Li2CoS2, and Li2NiS2, with two Li atoms per formula, are investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD). These materials deliver high theoretical capacities, exceeding that of graphite. The evaluated descriptors include structural stability, phonon dispersion, electrochemical potential, electrical conductivity, diffusion coefficient, and voltage-ranges/profiles. Unlike previous studies focused on individual compounds—especially Li2FeS2—this work provides a systematic comparative analysis of a Li2MS2 series under a unified computational framework, enabling the identification of intrinsic trade-offs among the related properties as a function of the transition metal. The theoretical voltage is assessed via Fermi and internal energy approaches, confirming the validity of the Fermi method according to available experiments for Li2FeS2. The materials exhibit promising electrical properties and rate capability, and their discharge voltage profiles and ranges indicate electrochemical suitability. Notably, the distinct theoretical voltage profiles implies that appropriately designed chargers could render them highly promising for next-generation commercial Li-ion batteries. A qualitative multi-criteria screening framework is further proposed to integrate the calculated descriptors into a unified assessment. This framework identifies Li2FeS2 as the most balanced candidate while offering a practical strategy for screening layered intercalation electrodes. Overall, all assessed dichalcogenides show considerable promise, each with its own advantages. This study paves the way for future research on layered electrode materials.

The utilization of piezoelectric materials in bone implants is appealing due to the inherent piezoelectric property of natural bone. The intrinsic electrical characteristics of piezoelectric biomaterials enhance antibacterial activities, biocompatibility, and bioactivity properties. This study delves into investigating the antibacterial properties, biocompatibility, and bioactivity of three-component biocomposites: sodium potassium niobate (KNN)-barium titanate (BT)-hydroxyapatite (HA). The combination of sodium potassium niobate and barium titanate, possessing suitable piezoelectric properties, with hydroxyapatite, known for its favorable biological properties, enhances the requisite properties for a bone implant. Among the various compositions studied, the combination comprising 70 wt% of the piezoelectric component (KNN-BT) and 30 wt% hydroxyapatite, labeled as 30HKB, emerged as the most optimal blend in terms of density, morphotropic phase boundary, and other biological tests conducted. Following polarization, the antibacterial efficacy of 30HKB against S. aureus bacteria cells increased by 61 %. Furthermore, the growth and adhesion of MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cells suggest enhanced biocompatibility of the 30HKB composite attributed to surface polarization. The surface charges generated by polarization facilitated the absorption of Ca2+ ions, as well as the interaction of HPO4- and OH- ions with the precipitated Ca2+ ions, leading to the formation of the CaP layer. Hence, polarized piezoelectric ceramics exhibit heightened bioactivity compared to their non-polarized counterparts.

This paper evaluates Titanium-based MXenes, namely Ti2C, Ti2N, Ti3C2, Ti3N2, Ti4C3, and Ti4N3, with general formula of Tin+1Xn (X = C and N, n = 1, 2, 3), for implication as electrodes for Li-ion batteries. Comprehensive theoretical assessments are carried out using various approaches, via GGA and GGA + U, in the framework of density functional theory (DFT). Structural, electrochemical, electrical properties, and voltage- ranges/profiles are investigated. The relaxed structures, before and after delithiation, are reported, confirming structural stability of the considered MXene electrodes. The theoretical voltage is estimated by two approaches, namely Fermi and internal energies. The calculations suggest the better anodic characteristic for the nitrides. Evaluating the electrical properties (DOS diagrams) indicates that all the considered MXenes have high electrical conductivity and rate-capability. As the final metric, voltage-range and voltage-profile of the evaluated MXene electrodes are investigated. On this basis, descending order of the appropriate materials is reported. The conclusions suggest that the nitride MXenes deserve more experimental attention. This paper delves into the significance of using MXenes as intercalation electrodes, and sheds light on the transformative journey of Ti-based MXenes.

In this study, sulfur extracted from gas industry waste was utilized as an adsorbent for mercury ions (Hg²⁺) in aqueous solutions. To enhance its adsorption capacity, a mechanical wet grinding process using a water–alcohol medium was employed to reduce particle size and increase surface area. Compared to dry grinding, the wet method significantly improved performance. BET analysis revealed an increase in specific surface area from 3.1 m²/g (untreated sulfur) to 26.7 m²/g after wet milling. BJH analysis showed the development of uniform micro- and mesopores in the 1–10 nm range, ideal for heavy metal adsorption. XRD and FTIR confirmed the preservation of sulfur’s crystalline structure and the formation of S–S bonds, while SEM images reveald nanoparticles ranging from 30–100 nm. Batch adsorption experiments demonstrated an increase in mercury ion removal efficiency from 45% (raw sulfur) to 91% (wet-milled sulfur), and the adsorption capacity rose from 12 mg/g to 26 mg/g. These results confirm that wet grinding in a water–alcohol system is an effective strategy for enhancing the physicochemical properties and adsorption performance of sulfur for mercury remediation.

In a comprehensive study, effects of casting methods such as gravity sand casting, squeeze casting and composite casting in semi-solid state and casting variables (i.e., cooling rate, stirring speed and shear forces) on the microstructure, porosity formation and mechanical properties of A356–SiC nanocomposites were investigated thoroughly. First, a step-like sample was used to make the sand casting samples to study the effects of different cooling rates that each step experienced on the properties of nanocomposite, where squeeze casting and composite casting samples were produced in a metallic mold. Once the samples were produced and prepared for the studies, grain size, shape factor, dendritic and globular microstructure, amount of eutectic phase and mechanism of porosity formation, mechanical properties and fracture surface of the samples were analyzed precisely and discussed. In addition, the effects of stirring forces, time and temperature, used in the squeeze casting and the compo-casting methods, on the morphology of the dendritic arms of aluminum matrix composites were investigated and compared with the microstructure of castings produced by conventional gravity casting. It was discovered that switching from the gravity sand casting process to the squeeze casting process delivers a less dendritic and more refined microstructure in the nanocomposite. However, composite castings produced in the semi-solid state by applying high stirring shear forces for 80 s produce the finest and the most globular and spherical microstructure. This optimized globularization condition provides desired microstructure and mechanical properties for this type of nanocomposite. The dominant failure mechanism in the composite casting samples produced in semi-solid state was ductile, where it was a mix of ductile/brittle for the squeeze casting and brittle for the sand casting samples. Finally, the effects of globularization temperature on the nucleation and growth of primary α grains were studied.

This research examines the thermal behavior and sintering characteristics of hydroxyapatite (HAp) composites with yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and titanium using the spark plasma sintering (SPS) method. This study uses simultaneous thermal analysis (STA) to investigate the decomposition behavior of composites. During the sintering process, data on displacement, temperature, time, and current were recorded. A key challenge encountered was the fracture and crushing of the samples after the sintering process. The results show that the decomposition temperature of pure HAp (sample 0-100) occurs around 800 °C. In contrast, adding 4% titanium and 6% YSZ to the sample composition increases the decomposition temperature above 1000 °C. A further increase in YSZ content, up to 31%, leads to a decomposition temperature of approximately 1000 °C. These findings show that the presence of titanium and its conversion to TiO2, together with YSZ, increases the stability of the composite materials and thus reduces HAp decomposition and affects the thermal behavior of the sintered samples.

Mercury is one of the most dangerous environmental pollutants due to its stability in the environment and bioaccumulation in the food chain. Regarding the adverse effects of mercury on human health and environment, huge efforts have been made throughout the world to reduce its undesirable impacts. Mercury is one of the main components of the low-consumption and fluorescent lamps. Recovery of Hg-containing fluorescent lamps is of crucial significance in the developed countries. The glass parts of the used fluorescent lamps are among the dangerous wastes whose Hg content should be reduced to the lowest possible level according to the global standards. In this research, a definite amount of glass parts of the fluorescent lamps was washed with a definite volume of deionized water to separate and minimize their Hg content. To enhance the leaching efficiency and extract the mercury content, the mixture was stirred. Then parameters such as the ratio of glass to deionized water (S/L), stirring time, temperature, and pH were changed to achieve the highest Hg extraction. The highest Hg extraction (98%) was achieved at S/L = 0.1, stirring time of 12 h, temperature of 60℃, pH = 1 (using a combination of HCl and phosphoric acid 5% with the ratio of 1:4). The results confirmed a decline in the Hg content of the glass by decrementing pH in an acidic environment. The resultant glass wastes can be classified as non-dangerous wastes.

Layered structures attracts attention as the intercalation host structures. MAX-phases are a family of ternary layered carbides and nitrides, with general formula Mn+1AXn. By etching the A parameter out of MAX-phase layers, MXene uses as electrode material in different intercalation batteries. In the present work, we use noble approaches for density functional theory (DFT) calculations to evaluate Ti3C2 MXene as an intercalation electrode for Li-ion, Na-ion, Mg-ion, Al-ion, K-ion, Ca-ion, and Zn-ion batteries. The evaluated electrode materials are Ti3LiC2, Ti3NaC2, Ti3MgC2, Ti3AlC2, Ti3KC2, Ti3CaC2, and Ti3ZnC2, respectively. The structural, electrical, electrochemical, and bonding properties of the Ti3C2-MXene with and without the intercalating ion are studied. Two deintercalated structures are investigated, called 1st and 2nd deintercalated structures. Consequently, we conclude that Ti3C2 MXene is a superior electrode material for the intercalation batteries at least regarding to its structural (2nd deint. st.) and electrical properties. However, Ca, K, and Na -ion cells may have a problem for their 1st (de)intercalation cycle. This study helps future investigations for MXene electrode materials. Also, it provides an appropriate methodology to study analogous materials.

There is a lot of controversy surrounding biochar at the moment because of its conflicting impacts on the environment. This means that a deeper insight into their characteristics must be gained. Within this study, Platanus orientalis L. (POL) leaf biomass was utilized as the feedstock for producing biochar (POLBC) via pyrolysis at three distinct temperatures: 500, 550, and 600 °C. Using a number of methods of analysis as X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH), adsorption–desorption isotherm and yield, pH, the Potential difference caused by biochar dispersion at neutral pH (PDBD) measurements, the impact of pyrolysis temperature on the chemical and physical properties of the synthesized biochars was investigated. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) were conducted on the feedstock, while field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), elemental mapping, and pH point of zero charge (pHpzc) analyses were performed on the optimized biochar (POLBC550). According to the results of this research, while the pyrolysis temperature rises, yield decreases while pH and PDBD of the biochar increase. The EDS analysis indicates that the O/C atomic ratio for POLBC550 was 0.32. Additionally, the TGA analysis indicates a weight loss of 89.3

There has been a good deal of research on improving the corrosion behavior of magnesium (Mg) by polycaprolactone (PCL) coating, albeit with destroying bioactivity and hydrophilicity. The adhesion of a polymeric layer to the surface of the metal is also a knotty problem. On the other hand, the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) process is a new method that can create thin films with desirable adhesion to the surface of the implants although these films could hardly control the degradation of Mg. In this research, a multifunctional nanocomposite coating showing significant adhesion to the surface of the substrate has been fabricated that can enhance not only the corrosion but also the bioactivity of Mg-based biomaterials. It can also improve their biological, antibacterial, and osteogenesis properties. The fabrication process of this multifunctional composite coating with these desirable features can be broadly separated into three main stages beginning with synthesizing strontium (Sr) and copper (Cu) doped bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGNs), applying micro-arc oxidation (MAO) nanocomposite coating on the surface of pure Mg, and finally sealing the pores of MAO layer by PCL with BGNs containing Sr and Cu at concentrations of 5, 10, and 15 wt

This paper presents the synthesis of nano hydroxyapatite using deposition process and eggshell as a cost-effective starting material. This study investigates its potential as an effective adsorbent for heavy metals. Various analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), surface area measurement (BET), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), were used to characterize the composition. The main objective was to evaluate the suitability of the synthesized hydroxyapatite as a heavy metal adsorbent in aqueous solutions. The results of this research showed that hydroxyapatite, which has a particle size in the range of nanometers and a specific area of 150 square meters per gram, and has the necessary properties for absorption, was successfully processed. The results showed that the prepared samples had a uniform mesopore distribution between 2 and 3 nm and 6 and 20 nm.

In the present study, ZrO2 based composites were synthesized in-situ and sintered by the novel RSPS-assisted carbothermal reduction of ZrSiO4 (Z) in the presence of graphite (G) and Activated Carbon (AC). The RSPS process was performed using a vacuum furnace at different temperatures of 1400-1600 degrees C for 5-15 min under an external pressure of 30 MPa. The thermodynamic analysis was conducted on the synthesis process by FactSage software. The microstructure development and mechanical properties of RSPS-ed ZrO2-based composites were investigated. The Phase evolution and phase content, as functions of temperature, were characterized using x-ray diffraction and FESEM/EDS analysis. The XRD studies showed that all primary ZrSiO4 was decomposed into ZrO2, ZrC, SiC, and SiO2 phases. The unreacted graphite or activated carbon was also identified in the samples. Finally, the hardness and flexural strength of the composites were examined by Vickers hardness and 3-point bending strength tests. The results indicate that the SPS-ed ZrSiO4 + Activated Carbon composite (ZAS-3) has the best mechanical properties. A density of 2.87 +/- 0.05 g/Cm3, an open porosity of 0.02%, a bending strength of 132.4 +/- 11.2 MPa and a hardness of 9.86 +/- 1.1 GPa were estimated for the SPS-ed ZrSiO4 + Activated Carbon mixture of powders at 1600 degrees C.

Three types of thermal barrier coatings, namely NiCrAlY/YSZ double-layer, NiCrAlY/YSZ/mullite three-layer and NiCrAlY/YSZ/gradient of YSZ and mullite coatings, were deposited on a nickel-base superalloy using a plasma spray method. Hot corrosion studies of the plasma-sprayed thermal barrier coatings were conducted in 45wt% Na 2 SO 4 + 55 wt% V 2 O 5 molten salt at 1050 °C. Microstructure and morphology of the coatings were examined and compared by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The addition of mullite in thermal barrier coating results in the mullite phase reacting with corrosive salt and oxygen to form NaAlSiO 4 phase. In addition to this phase, alumina (Al 2 O 3 ) and Na 2 O phases are also formed. The presence of alumina phase (Al 2 O 3 ) along with Na 2 O leads to formation of NaAlO 2 . A dense layer of NaAlO 2 can increase the resistance to hot corrosion of the coating compared to YSZ coating.

Desalination and removing elements such as calcium from aqueous solutions is very important to improve water quality. In this study, bentonite/nano y-alumina composites were utilized as a low-cost adsorbent for calcium removal from aqueous solutions. To investigate the adsorption process, several experiments were conducted, including initial calcium concentration, adsorbent dosage, pH, contact time, and the y-alumina content in the composite. Increasing y-alumina amounts in the composite by more than 1% had the reverse effect due to agglomeration. The increase in specific surface area for bentonite-1wt%y-alumina compared to bentonite is mainly due to the addition of y-alumina. The calcium adsorption capasity increased from 0.5 mg/g to 1.15 mg/g when the initial ion concentration was raised from 60 ppm to 100 ppm. The adsorption capacity of 1.15 mg/g and removal % of 23 with were obtained for optimal initial concentration of 100 ppm, adsorbent dosage of 20 g.l-1, and composite percentage of bentonite/1 wt% y-alumina. The adsorption mechanism was studied by the Langmuir, Freundlich, and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm models, and the adsorption data was fitted better by the Freundlich model. The Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherm revealed the physical nature of the adsorption. Conclusively, the bentonite-1wt% y-alumina nanocomposite had better results than the raw bentonite. (c) 2023 The Korean Society of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) bioactive ceramic materials have been used as coatings on implants engaged in the fields of orthopedics due to their supreme properties, which develop effective healing of the repair site. In this study, hydroxyapatite-tricalcium phosphate functional gradient coating (FGC) coatings applied on Ti-6Al-4 V are investigated. The layer consists of plasma-sprayed HAp, HAp+ 50

Thanks to developments in prophylactic antibiotics in recent decades, the risk of wound infection in orthopedic surgeries decreased significantly. Different local antibiotic delivery methods are employed to reduce hard and soft tissue-related infection. This research is aimed at studying the efficacy of a brand-new biodegradable, cip-rofloxacin (CP)-loaded with various amounts of Gelatin (GE) (5 and 10 wt%), sealed the pores and cracks of magnesium oxide -titanium dioxide (MgO-TiO2) nanocomposite film fabricated by Micro-Arc Oxidation (MAO) process on the surface of pure Mg implant. The results indicated that both synthesized GE-CP coatings on the surface of MgO-TiO2 films are biocompatible and antibacterial (with rate of 99.99%) although the corrosion resistance of the coating containing 10 wt% of GE is more than doubled that of the composite coating comprising 5 wt% of GE, and the release of CP from MgO-TiO2/10 GE-CP coating was more slowly. It can be, therefore, concluded that magnesium (Mg) implants with this composite coating containing 10 wt% of GE could be potentially used for bone regeneration applications.