In this study, composite coatings containing calcium carbonate (CC) and hydroxyapatite (HA) were fabricated on titanium substrate via a novel plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) process in particle suspensions. The approach involved synthesizing CC particles via a carbonation route, reacting them with a Na2HPO4 electrolyte, and performing PEO at a limiting voltage of 450 V in the resulting bath. The coatings prepared were similar to 25 mu m thick, porous oxide layers enriched with CC and HA, also containing rutile, anatase, perovskite, and brushite phases. As shown by corrosion tests, particle addition yielded an approximately 16-fold increase in charge transfer resistance and a corrosion potential shift of about 670 mV toward more noble values compared to bare titanium. Scratch testing revealed similar to 30 % higher adhesion and scratch resistance for CC and HA-based coatings. The surfaces were highly biocompatible, bacteriostatic, and hydrophilic, with an initial water contact angle of similar to 30 degrees, decreasing to similar to 10 degrees after 2 min. They exhibited a moderately negative surface zeta potential of -22 mV at pH 7 and demonstrated sustained calcium ion release, reaching similar to 21 mg L-1 under static conditions after 20 days and maintaining similar to 2.5 mg L-1 in PBS under dynamic conditions for 30 days. These results indicate that CC-HA particles significantly enhanced the PEO coatings' functional characteristics, making them promising candidates for next-generation biomedical implants with improved performance.

We designed and synthesized the 1-4% Ru/TiO2 system as a cost-efficient acetalization catalyst for polyol-ketone reactants without the additional acidic or organic co-solvent addition. The catalyst was characterized using EDXRF, XPS, XRD, TEM, UV-Vis/DR and TOF-SIMS techniques. The 2% Ru/TiO2 catalyst proved to be the most active in a model reaction with photo assistance, exhibiting the highest TON value of 5272. This outcome underscores the synergistic activation achieved by combining ruthenium and titania. More detailed analysis reveals a dual mechanism, wherein photocatalytic oxygen vacancy formation in TiO2 plays a crucial role. This mechanism involves the continuous vacancy feeding by the reactant oxygen. Additionally, we tested the selected cyclic ketals as the 95-octane gasoline additives as bio-additives, aligning with current legal regulations and contributing to a reduced carbon footprint.

Biodegradable materials, especially Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys, are preferred for bone implants due to their Biodegradable materials, especially Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys, are preferred for bone implants due to their compatibility with host tissue and biomechanical support. However, their rapid corrosion and vulnerability to compatibility with host tissue and biomechanical support. However, their rapid corrosion and vulnerability to structural failure, compounded by infections from antibiotic-resistant bacteria, pose significant challenges. structural failure, compounded by infections from antibiotic-resistant bacteria, pose significant challenges. Addressing these issues, we developed silicate-based composite coatings with varying CuO concentrations (1, 5, Addressing these issues, we developed silicate-based composite coatings with varying CuO concentrations (1, 5, and 7 wt%) on Mg using plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO). This study evaluated the coatings' surface charand 7 wt%) on Mg using plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO). This study evaluated the coatings' surface characteristics, degradation behavior, and optimum composition. Our analyses, including XPS and EDX, confirmed acteristics, degradation behavior, and optimum composition. Our analyses, including XPS and EDX, confirmed the presence and influence of CuO on the coatings. We observed enhanced hydroxyapatite crystallization in CuOthe presence and influence of CuO on the coatings. We observed enhanced hydroxyapatite crystallization in CuOdoped coatings, which is critical for implant biocompatibility. These coatings also showed improved corrosion doped coatings, which is critical for implant biocompatibility. These coatings also showed improved corrosion resistance and controlled ion release, likely due to silicate composition and CuO's sealing effects. Antimicrobial resistance and controlled ion release, likely due to silicate composition and CuO's sealing effects. Antimicrobial assays revealed that CuO concentration influenced bacterial and fungal adhesion, varying with microorganism assays revealed that CuO concentration influenced bacterial and fungal adhesion, varying with microorganism type. Our findings demonstrate that incorporating inert copper particles into PEO coatings alters their chemical type. Our findings demonstrate that incorporating inert copper particles into PEO coatings alters their chemical and elemental properties, enhancing bioactivity, corrosion resistance, and antimicrobial efficacy. These multiand elemental properties, enhancing bioactivity, corrosion resistance, and antimicrobial efficacy. These multifaceted improvements position our CuO-doped silicate coatings as a pioneering solution in bone implant techfaceted improvements position our CuO-doped silicate coatings as a pioneering solution in bone implant technology, potentially setting new standards for safety, efficacy, and longevity in orthopedic and dental implants. nology, potentially setting new standards for safety, efficacy, and longevity in orthopedic and dental implants.

Medicine is looking for solutions to help implant patients recover more smoothly. The porous implants promote osteointegration, thereby providing better stabilization. Introducing porosity into metallic implants enhances their biocompatibility and facilitates osteointegration. The introduction of porosity is also associated with a reduction in Young’s modulus, which reduces the risk of tissue outgrowth around the implant. However, the risk of chronic inflammation remains a concern, necessitating the development of coatings to mitigate adverse reactions. An interesting biomaterial for such modifications is chitosan, which has antimicrobial, antifungal, and osteointegration properties. In the present work, a porous titanium biomaterial was obtained by powder metallurgy, and electrophoretic deposition of chitosan coatings was used to modify its surface. This study investigated the influence of ethanol content in the deposition solution on the quality of chitosan coatings. The EPD process facilitates the control of coating thickness and morphology, with higher voltages resulting in thicker coatings and increased pore formation. Ethanol concentration in the solution affects coating quality, with higher concentrations leading to cracking and peeling. Optimal coating conditions (30 min/10 V) yield high-quality coatings, demonstrating excellent cell viability and negligible cytotoxicity. The GIXD and ATR-FTIR analysis confirmed the presence of deposited chitosan coatings on Ti substrates. The microstructure of the chitosan coatings was examined by scanning electron microscopy. Biological tests showed no cytotoxicity of the obtained materials, which allows for further research and the possibility of their use in medicine. In conclusion, EPD offers a viable method for producing chitosan-based coatings with controlled properties for biomedical applications, ensuring enhanced patient outcomes and implant performance.

Catalysis plays a critical role in the quest for sustainable automotive technology, particularly in reducing harmful emissions from vehicles. The catalysts are required to operate efficiently in dynamic and challenging environments. This study introduces innovative deNOx catalysts featuring nominal concentrations of Pd and Re nanoparticles doped on a NiMo support. The best-performing fabricated catalyst demonstrated impressive 95 % NOx conversion at 250 degrees C, significantly outperforming traditional systems and reducing ammonia slip. Integrating nickel as the support material was strategic choice to leverage novel induction heating-assisted catalytic system. This approach is particularly advantageous when starting cold engine, reducing harmful NOx emissions when the catalyst is not fully operational. Functional monolith model of car converter catalyst with similar composition was also developed. This research presents novel catalyst solution that achieves high deNOx efficiency while offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional methods. Induction heating enhances the catalyst's performance, particularly at lower temperatures, showcasing significant improvement over conventional thermal methods.

Considering the high demand for innovative solutions in medicine, a major increase in interest in biomaterials research has been noticed, with the most significant advancements in metals and their alloys. Titanium-based alloys are one of the most recognised in the scientific community but do not represent the only way to achieve optimal results. Zirconium alloys for medical applications are a novelty with significant research potential based on their outstanding properties, which may be of value for medicine. The aim of the present study was to obtain new biomedical Zr-Nb-Mo alloys with varying ratios of their respective elements—Zr and Mo—using combined powder metallurgy (PM) and arc melting (VAM) methods. The obtained samples underwent microstructure analysis using an optical microscope (OM) and a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The study of element distribution was conducted with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), whereas the phase composition was determined using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Mechanical properties were examined with a Micro Combi Tester MCT3, whereas tribological properties were assessed with a TRN Tribometer, and Ringer’s solution was used as a lubricant. Additionally, the wear tracks of the studied samples were observed using the SEM. The research results indicated that increased Mo content conduced to microstructure refinement and homogeneity. Furthermore, the higher content of this element contributed to the growth of the HVIT, HIT, and EIT parameters, together with the improvement in the tribological performance of the alloys. XRD analysis revealed that the obtained samples were multiphase, and raising the Mo addition promoted the formation of new phases, including a ternary phase—Zr0.9Nb0.66Mo1.44 (Fd3¯m). The chemical composition study showed uneven distribution of niobium and areas of uneven mutual distribution of zirconium and molybdenum.

Developments in engineering and medicine have allowed patients' health and quality of life to be supported by implants. Unfortunately, widely used titanium -based alloys with aluminum and vanadium are not ideal materials. The first problem is a mechanical mismatch between human bone and the implant material, and the second issue is the presence of Al or V, which are harmful for the human body and health. This article focuses on the holistic design and production of titanium -based materials with vital elements. The zoned, gradient element can exhibit better mechanical properties and improve the connection between the implant and the bone. The samples in two constructions were built with two different zones. The powders for samples were prepared using the powder metallurgy technique with sieve separation. Phillips X-ray X ' Pert diffractometer and PDF4 + database performed the phase composition analysis. The Scanning electron microscope allow the samples observation. Stereological methods assessed porosity and PAR M370 Scanning Electrochemical Workstation. The designed technology based on the powder metallurgy method allows for producing functional, two -zoned graded materials with variable porosity. The phase composition analysis confirmed partially synthesis. Additionally, the observation of the microstructure of the sintered samples revealed the presence of two permanently connected zones. Preliminary mechanical research was conducted to evaluate the potential use of the material as an implant material. The proposal to use two -zone construction of components for implants is dictated by the possibility of personalizing implants for patients, taking into account personal characteristics and needs.

We designed and synthesized the 1–4% Ru/TiO2 system as a cost-efficient catalyst for the acetalization of the polyol-ketone reactants without the additional acidic or organic cosolvent addition. A comprehensive characterization of the catalyst was performed by EDXRF, XPS, XRD, TEM, UV–Vis/DR and TOF-SIMS techniques. We elucidated the reaction mechanisms by analyzing the influence of Ru NP concentration on TiO2, reactants structure, and UV lamp power on the conversion rate, selectivity, yield, and TON values. The 2% Ru/TiO2 catalyst proved to be the most active in a model reaction with photoassistance, exhibiting the highest TON value of 5272. This outcome underscores the synergistic activation achieved through the combination of ruthenium and titania. More detailed analysis reveals a dual mechanism, wherein photocatalytic oxygen vacancy formation in TiO2 plays a crucial role. This mechanism involves the continuous vacancy feeding by the reactant oxygen, driving the progression of the reaction. The kinetics calculation identified a second-order process as the rate-determining region. Tests conducted on post-reaction mixtures using the pervaporation technique affirmed the potential use of PervapTM 4100 and PervapTM 4100HF polymer membranes for selective water separation. Additionally, we tested the selected cyclic ketals as the 95-octane gasoline additives, analyzing their impact on various parameters, such as octane number, motor octane number, induction period, and air pollutant CO, NOx emissions. The results suggest that the synthesized neutral gasoline fuel additives could serve as bio-additives, aligning with current legal regulations and contributing to a reduced carbon footprint.

The Ni-Mo alloy coatings demonstrating high catalytic activity towards hydrogen evolution reaction were electrodeposited from a eutectic solvent composed of choline chloride and propylene glycol. The resulting alloys were characterized by spherical morphology and nanometric grain size (similar to 5-15 nm). XRD analysis indicated a gradient in phase composition with varying coating thickness, revealing that the coating surface was enriched with the Mo0.20Ni0.80 intermetallic compound. The obtained Ni-Mo alloy electrodes exhibited almost 3-times lower overpotential required to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm(-2) compared to the reference Ni coating (-107 mV and -293 mV, respectively). The collected polarization and impedance data indicated that the enhancement in electrocatalytic activity was due to an increase in the real surface area of the alloy electrodes (R-f coefficient increased almost 9-times for Ni-Mo coatings compared to Ni coating). The electrocatalytic activity of the Ni-Mo alloy electrodes increased after successive CV cycles, attributed to changes in their surface composition (increase in current density by approx. 26% after 25 CV cycles).

This work investigated the structure, microstructure, and ferroelectric and dielectric behavior of (Pb0.97Ba0.03)(Zr0.98Ti0.02)1−xSnxO3 (PBZT_xSn) solid solution with variable tin content in the range x = 0.00–0.08. Synthesis was carried out using the powder calcination method, and sintering was carried out using the hot-pressing method. For all the PBZT_xSn samples at room temperature, X-ray diffractograms confirmed the presence of an orthorhombic (OR) crystal structure with space group Pnnm, and the microstructure is characterized by densely packed and properly shaped grains with an average size of 1.36 µm to 1.73 µm. At room temperature, PBZT_xSn materials have low permittivity values ε′ ranging from 265 to 275, whereas, at the ferroelectric–paraelectric phase transition temperature (RE–C), the permittivity is high (from 8923 to 12,141). The increase in the tin dopant in PBZT_xSn lowers permittivity and dielectric loss and changes the scope of occurrence of phase transitions. The occurring dispersion of the dielectric constant and dielectric loss at low frequencies, related to the Maxwell–Wagner behavior, decreases with increasing tin content in the composition of PBZT_xSn. Temperature studies of the dielectric and ferroelectric properties revealed anomalies related to the phase transitions occurring in the PBZT_xSn material. With increasing temperature in PBZT_xSn, phase transitions occur from orthorhombic (OR) to rhombohedral (RE) and cubic (C). The cooling cycle shifts the temperatures of the phase transitions towards lower temperatures. The test results were confirmed by XRD Rietveld analysis at different temperatures. The beneficial dielectric and ferroelectric properties suggest that the PBZT_xSn materials are suitable for micromechatronic applications as pulse capacitors or actuator elements.

There is an urgent need to alleviate the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases. The presented work includes the use of electrochemical polymerization (CV) to obtain active polypyrrole layers with incorporated molecules of a neurological drug substance—amantadine hydrochloride. The obtained films were characterized chemically, structurally, and functionally in terms of their use as a drug delivery systems which are neurologically active. FTIR spectra were recorded to identify the incorporation of drug substances into the matrix. The obtained results showed that amantadine and heparin were embedded to the polypyrrole matrix. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to examine the morphology of the films. The films deposited on the steel substrate showed a compact, smooth structure, where there was no visible organized structure. After release, the film became corrugated. Adhesive tests were conducted with the cross-cut Test Method B to determine the mechanical properties, and the results showed that amantadine improves adhesion for steel substrates. The films were potentially stimulated by chronoamperometry, and UV-Vis spectra were registered to calculate the concentration of AMA in the solution after release. The release curves indicate a 95% efficiency of AMA release over the studied time period and protocol. Later, antibacterial properties were tested. The proposed system was able to provide a daily dose of drugs that ensures a therapeutic effect. This is a significant step towards developing systems capable of delivering a wider range of doses, potentially in line with the full spectrum recommended for therapeutic efficacy. The antibacterial properties of the material allows it to be considered as a material with antibacterial potential in the presence of the Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) strain. The percentage reduction ratio indicates a 90–100% reduction of bacteria in the suspension.

This paper presents the results of tribological tests on WE43 and WE54 magnesium alloys with rare earth metals performed in linear reciprocating motion for four different material couples (AISI 316-L steel, silicon nitride—Si3N4, WC tungsten carbide, and zirconium dioxide—ZrO2). Additionally, magnesium alloys were subjected to a complex heat treatment consisting of precipitation hardening combined with a deep cryogenic treatment. The study presents the effect of deep cryogenic treatment combined with precipitation hardening on the tribological properties of WE43 and WE54 alloys. Tribological tests revealed the most advantageous results for the magnesium alloy—AISI 316-L steel friction node. For both alloys tested after heat treatment, a nearly 2-fold reduction in specific wear rate has been achieved. Furthermore, microscopic examinations of the wear track areas and wear products were performed, and the wear mechanisms and types of wear products occurring in linear reciprocating friction were determined. Wear measurements were taken using the 3D profilometric method and compared with the results obtained from calculations performed in accordance with ASTM G133 and ASTM D7755, which were modified to improve the accuracy of the calculation results (the number of measured profiles was increased from four to eight). Appropriately selected calculation methods allow for obtaining reliable tribological test results and enabling the verification of both the most advantageous heat treatment variant and material couple, which results in an increase in the durability of the tested alloys.

Dental implants have become a routine, affordable, and highly reliable technology to replace tooth loss. In this regard, titanium and its alloys are the metals of choice for the manufacture of dental implants because they are chemically inert and biocompatible. However, for special cohorts of patients, there is still a need for improvements, specifically to increase the ability of implants to integrate into the bone and gum tissues and to prevent bacterial infections that can subsequently lead to peri-implantitis and implant failures. Therefore, titanium implants require sophisticated approaches to improve their postoperative healing and long-term stability. Such treatments range from sandblasting to calcium phosphate coating, fluoride application, ultraviolet irradiation, and anodization to increase the bioactivity of the surface. Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) has gained popularity as a method for modifying metal surfaces and delivering the desired mechanical and chemical properties. The outcome of PEO treatment depends on the electrochemical parameters and composition of the bath electrolyte. In this study, we investigated how complexing agents affect the PEO surfaces and found that nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) can be used to develop efficient PEO protocols. The PEO surfaces generated with NTA in combination with sources of calcium and phosphorus were shown to increase the corrosion resistance of the titanium substrate. They also support cell proliferation and reduce bacterial colonization and, hence, lead to a reduction in failed implants and repeated surgeries. Moreover, NTA is an ecologically favorable chelating agent. These features are necessary for the biomedical industry to be able to contribute to the sustainability of the public healthcare system. Therefore, NTA is proposed to be used as a component of the PEO bath electrolyte to obtain bioactive surface layers with properties desired for next-generation dental implants.

This paper examines the optimal aging temperature of WE43 alloy that has undergone precipitation hardening in conjunction with deep cryogenic treatment. The microstructure and phase composition were investigated, a microanalysis of the chemical composition was performed, and instrumental indentation tests were performed to determine the parameters of the micro-mechanical properties of the alloy after different heat treatment variants. It has been proven that a decrease in the aging temperature from 250 °C to 225 °C and the introduction of a deep cryogenic treatment lead to favorable changes in the microstructure of the alloy (reduction in grain size, increase in the number, and change in the type of β-phase precipitates). The changes in the alloy structure achieved by lowering the aging temperature contribute to the improvement of the micromechanical properties of the test material. The most advantageous results were recorded for an alloy subjected to solution treatment and aged at 225 °C for 24 h with deep cryogenic treatment: a 30% increase in hardness, a 10% increase in Young’s modulus, an improvement in elastic properties, and increased resistance to deformation of the alloy were shown compared to the initial (as-received) state. Raising the aging temperature to 250 °C leads to a phenomenon known as alloy overaging for both alloys after classical precipitation hardening and after deep cryogenic treatment. The results indicate the significant effectiveness of the proposed heat treatment in improving the service life of the Mg-Y-Nd-Zr (WE43) alloy.

Electroactive polypyrrole is widely used in diverse directions with application ability strongly dependent on the morphology of the material. In the current work we studied material derived by chemical method based on the template methodology with methyl orange (MO) as a structure guiding agent. We focused on the low content of the dye to trace its templating ability. Spectroscopic characteristics confirmed the successful polymerization while the presence of dye diminished the conjugation length in the group of MO-based polymers. Surface morphology of material dependent firmly on the amount of the supplied dye - increasing content of the dye provoked a decrease in the diameter of the forming tubes accompanied by a mutual increase in their number. Roentgenographic analysis allowed to detect the presence of two phases within the material of amorphous and crystalline nature. The organization provoked by the presence of MO was confirmed with the changes in the parameters like the increase in d-value of inter-planar spacing and the interchain separation length. At the same time, the action of dye led to an increase in the total degree of crystallinity. The results provide clear direction that the templating ability of MO is confirmed even at a low concentration of dye still, its impact on the properties of the material is complex.

Electrolytic Ni–Re alloy coatings were obtained in galvanostatic conditions from nickel–rhenium baths with different contents of ammonium rhenate(vii) (0.5, 1.25, 2.5 and 5 g·L−1). The surface morphology, chemical, and phase composition of the obtained materials were determined. The coatings’ corrosion resistance tests were carried out in a 5% NaCl solution. Based on the tests, it was found that the highest corrosion resistance characterizes the coating with the highest rhenium content (37%). This material can be recommended for practical use as a protective coating. The density of the deposited Ni–37Re alloy was determined, and its specific surface area was assessed. The melting point, hardness, and electrical conductivity were also determined.

A patient’s body accepting a bone implant depends not only on the biomaterial used, but also on its surface, which allows it to properly interact with bone cells. Therefore, research has focused on improving the bioactive and tribological properties of titanium and its alloys. Commercially pure titanium (cp-Ti) is widely used as a biomedical material. However, it is characterized by unsuitable tribological properties. In this work, yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) was deposited on a cp-Ti substrate via plasma spray–physical vapor deposition (PS-PVD). The structural characteristics were determined using X-ray analysis (XRD). Additionally, the lattice parameters of each phase were determined using Rietveld’s method. High-resolution scanning microscopy (HR-SEM) showed a typical column structure of coatings that can be used with PS-PVD. Depending on the process parameters, the coatings differed in thickness in the range of 2.4–9.0 µm. The surface roughness also varied. The samples were subjected to nano-indenter testing. A slight change in hardness after deposition of the coating was observed, in addition to a significant decrease in the Young’s modulus. The Young’s modulus in relation to the metallic substrate was reduced to 58 or 78 GPa depending on the parameters of the spray-coating process.

The paper investigates changes in the structure, microhardness, and sclerometrical and tribological properties of a Mg-Y-Nd alloy under the influence of deep cryogenic treatment (DCT) in combination with heat treatment. The solution treatment was carried out at 545 °C for 8 h, aging was carried out at 250 °C for 24 h, and the deep cryogenic treatment applied at different treatment stages was performed at −196 °C. Tests showed a significant increase in the number of β-phase precipitates identified as Mg46.1Y6.25RE3.45 in the alloy subjected to DCT after solution treatment followed by aging. In addition, an approximately 20% reduction of the grain size was observed. Changes in the structure in the precipitation process strengthened the alloy and resulted in an increase of its hardness. At the same time, sclerometric tests allowed the micromechanism of wear and the coefficient of resistance to abrasive wear to be determined. Tribological tests showed a three-fold reduction in the volumetric wear and a considerable reduction of the friction coefficient, with the main mechanism observed during friction being abrasive wear. The most favorable properties of the alloy were obtained after precipitation hardening combined with DCT, resulting in a large increase in resistance to abrasive wear. Additionally, the formation of deep scratches in the examined material was reduced. The introduction of sub-zero treatment reduces the precipitation hardening time, and the results obtained indicate that the service life of the Mg-Y-Nd alloy can be extended.

One method of creating a brass coating is through electrodeposition, which is most often completed in cyanide galvanic baths. Due to their toxicity, many investigations focused on the development of more environmentally friendly alternatives. The purpose of the study was to explore a new generation of non-aqueous cyanide-free baths based on 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate ionic liquids. The study involved the formation of copper, zinc, and brass coatings. The influence of the bath composition, cathodic current density, and temperature was determined. The obtained coatings were characterized in terms of their morphology, chemical composition, phase composition, roughness, and corrosion resistance. It was found that the structure of the obtained coatings is strongly dependent on the process parameters. The three main structure types observed were as follows: fine-grained, porous, and olive-like. To the best knowledge of the authors, it is the first time the olive-like structure was observed in the case of an electrodeposited coating. The Cu-Zn coatings consisted of 19–96 at. % copper and exhibited relatively good corrosion resistance. A significant improvement of corrosion properties was found in the case of copper and brass coatings with the olive-like structure.