Materials

1212 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Rheological Characterization as an Alternative Method to Indentation for Determining the Setting Time of Restorative and Endodontic Cements

by William N. Ha, Timothy M. Nicholson, Bill Kahler and Laurence J. Walsh

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1451; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121451 - 20 Dec 2017

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3719

Abstract

This study explored an alternative approach using rheology to assess setting time. The following cements were tested: ProRoot^® MTA (Dentsply, Tulsa, OK, USA), Biodentine^® (Septodont, Saint Maur des Fosses, France), Fuji VII^®, FujiVII^® EP, and Fuji IX^® [...] Read more.

This study explored an alternative approach using rheology to assess setting time. The following cements were tested: ProRoot^® MTA (Dentsply, Tulsa, OK, USA), Biodentine^® (Septodont, Saint Maur des Fosses, France), Fuji VII^®, FujiVII^® EP, and Fuji IX^® (from GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan), RealSeal SE™ Sealer (SybronEndo, Amersfoort, The Netherlands), AH 26^® and AH Plus (both from Dentsply DeTrey, Konstanz, Germany). Freshly mixed cements were placed into a strain-controlled rheometer (1 rad·s⁻¹ with an applied strain of 0.01%). From measurements of elastic modulus over time, the time taken to reach 90% of the plateau elastic modulus (designated as the setting time) was determined for each cement. In increasing order, the setting times were as follows: Fuji VII EP 3.3 min, Fuji VII 3.6 min, Fuji IX 3.7 min, ProRoot MTA 5.1 min, Biodentine 15.9 min, RealSeal 22.2 min, AH Plus 5933 min, and AH 26 5067 min. However, ProRoot MTA did not yield reliable results. The time to reach the 90% plateau elastic modulus correlates well with the setting time of glass ionomer cements and Biodentine. Using this approach gives much longer setting times for endodontic sealers than previously recognized. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Biomaterials 2017)

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24683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Wearable Textile 2D Touchpad Sensor Based on Screen-Printing Technology

by Josue Ferri, Jose Vicente Lidón-Roger, Jorge Moreno, Gabriel Martinez and Eduardo Garcia-Breijo

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1450; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121450 - 20 Dec 2017

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 8206

Abstract

Among many of the designs used in the detection of 2D gestures for portable technology, the touchpad is one of the most complex and with more functions to implement. Its development has undergone a great push due to its use in displays, but [...] Read more.

Among many of the designs used in the detection of 2D gestures for portable technology, the touchpad is one of the most complex and with more functions to implement. Its development has undergone a great push due to its use in displays, but it is not widely used with other technologies. Its application on textiles could allow a wide range of applications in the field of medicine, sports, etc. Obtaining a flexible, robust touchpad with good response and low cost is one of the objectives of this work. A textile touchpad based on a diamond pattern design using screen printing technology has been developed. This technology is widely used in the textile industry and therefore does not require heavy investments. The developed prototypes were analyzed using a particular controller for projected capacitive technologies (pro-cap), which is the most used in gesture detection. Two different designs were used to obtain the best configuration, obtaining a good result in both cases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stretchable and Flexible Electronic Materials & Devices)

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Graphical abstract

7822 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hard Chrome-Coated and Fullerene-Doped Metal Surfaces in Orthopedic Bearings

by Robert Sonntag, Katja Feige, Claudia Beatriz Dos Santos and Jan Philippe Kretzer

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1449; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121449 - 20 Dec 2017

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5847

Abstract

Metal-on-metal bearings for total hip replacements have been introduced as an alternative to polyethylene in young and more active patients. These have, however, been shown to be prone to implant malpositioning and have been limited by some specific design features. In that context, [...] Read more.

Metal-on-metal bearings for total hip replacements have been introduced as an alternative to polyethylene in young and more active patients. These have, however, been shown to be prone to implant malpositioning and have been limited by some specific design features. In that context, coatings present an option to increase wear resistance by keeping the high fracture strength of the metal substrate. A custom-made electroplating setup was designed for the coating of CoCr substrates using (a) an industrial standard chromium electrolyte; (b) a custom-made hexavalent chromium (Cr⁶⁺) electrolyte with a reduced chromium trioxide (CrO₃) content, both without solid additives and (c) with the addition of fullerene (C₆₀) nanoparticles; and (d) a trivalent chromium (Cr³⁺) electrolyte with C₆₀ addition. All coatings showed an increase in microhardness compared with the metal substrate. Trivalent coatings were thinner (10 µm) than the hexavalent coatings (23–40 µm) and resulted in increased roughness and crack density. Wear was found to be reduced for the hexavalent chromium coatings by 70–84% compared with the CoCr–CoCr reference bearing while the trivalent chromium coating even increased wear by more than 300%. The addition of fullerenes to the electrolyte did not show any further tribological effect. Full article

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3942 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Electrospun PVA/Bentonite Nanocomposites Mats for Drug Delivery

by Mariola Ferrández-Rives, Ángela Aurora Beltrán-Osuna, José Antonio Gómez-Tejedor and José Luis Gómez Ribelles

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1448; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121448 - 20 Dec 2017

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 5237

Abstract

Electrospun mats and films of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel are produced for drug delivery. To provide mechanical consistency to the gel a reinforcement by nanoclays is introduced in the polymer matrix. Four different suspensions of nanoparticles in the polymer solution are prepared in [...] Read more.

Electrospun mats and films of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel are produced for drug delivery. To provide mechanical consistency to the gel a reinforcement by nanoclays is introduced in the polymer matrix. Four different suspensions of nanoparticles in the polymer solution are prepared in an adequate solvent. These suspensions are subjected to an electrospinning process to produce the nanofiber mat, while films are produced by casting. The influence of the process parameters over the nanofibers microstructure is analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effectiveness of nanoclay encapsulation in the nanocomposites is tested by a thermogravimetric analysis. A crosslinking reaction in solution is carried out to prevent the dissolution of the nanocomposites in aqueous media. A model protein (bovine serum albumin, BSA) is absorbed in the nanocomposites to characterize the release kinetics in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Electrospun Materials 2018)

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4066 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Easy-Made, Economical and Efficient Carbon-Doped Amorphous TiO₂ Photocatalyst Obtained by Microwave Assisted Synthesis for the Degradation of Rhodamine B

by Adan Luna-Flores, José L. Sosa-Sánchez, Marco Antonio Morales-Sánchez, Ricardo Agustín-Serrano and J. A. Luna-López

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1447; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121447 - 20 Dec 2017

Cited by 13 | Viewed by 4074

Abstract

The search for novel materials and the development of improved processes for water purification have attracted the interest of researchers worldwide and the use of titanium dioxide in photocatalytic processes for the degradation of organic pollutants contained in water has been one of [...] Read more.

The search for novel materials and the development of improved processes for water purification have attracted the interest of researchers worldwide and the use of titanium dioxide in photocatalytic processes for the degradation of organic pollutants contained in water has been one of the benchmarks. Compared to crystalline titanium dioxide (cTiO₂), the amorphous material has the advantages of having a higher adsorption capacity and being easier to dope with metal and non-metal elements. In this work, we take advantage of these two features to improve its photocatalytic properties in the degradation of Rhodamine B. The structural characterization by XRD analysis gives evidence of its amorphous nature and the SEM micrographs portray the disc morphology of 300 nm in diameter with heterogeneous grain boundaries. The degradation of Rhodamine B tests with the amorphous TiO₂ using visible light confirm its improved catalytic activity compared to that of a commercial product, Degussa P25, which is a well-known crystalline material. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Micro-Arc Oxidation Enhances the Blood Compatibility of Ultrafine-Grained Pure Titanium

by Lin Xu, Kun Zhang, Cong Wu, Xiaochun Lei, Jianning Ding, Xingling Shi and Chuncheng Liu

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1446; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121446 - 19 Dec 2017

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4308

Abstract

Ultrafine-grained pure titanium prepared by equal-channel angular pressing has favorable mechanical performance and does not contain alloy elements that are toxic to the human body. It has potential clinical value in applications such as cardiac valve prostheses, vascular stents, and hip prostheses. To [...] Read more.

Ultrafine-grained pure titanium prepared by equal-channel angular pressing has favorable mechanical performance and does not contain alloy elements that are toxic to the human body. It has potential clinical value in applications such as cardiac valve prostheses, vascular stents, and hip prostheses. To overcome the material’s inherent thrombogenicity, surface-coating modification is a crucial pathway to enhancing blood compatibility. An electrolyte solution of sodium silicate + sodium polyphosphate + calcium acetate and the micro-arc oxidation (MAO) technique were employed for in situ oxidation of an ultrafine-grained pure titanium surface. A porous coating with anatase- and rutile-phase TiO₂ was generated and wettability and blood compatibility were examined. The results showed that, in comparison with ultrafine-grained pure titanium substrate, the MAO coating had a rougher surface, smaller contact angles for distilled water and higher surface energy. MAO modification effectively reduced the hemolysis rate; extended the dynamic coagulation time, prothrombin time (PT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT); reduced the amount of platelet adhesion and the degree of deformation; and enhanced blood compatibility. In particular, the sample with an oxidation time of 9 min possessed the highest surface energy, largest PT and APTT values, smallest hemolysis rate, less platelet adhesion, a lesser degree of deformation, and more favorable blood compatibility. The MAO method can significantly enhance the blood compatibility of ultrafine-grained pure titanium, increasing its potential for practical applications. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Visible Light Photoinitiator for 3D-Printing of Tough Methacrylate Resins

by Bernhard Steyrer, Philipp Neubauer, Robert Liska and Jürgen Stampfl

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1445; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121445 - 19 Dec 2017

Cited by 97 | Viewed by 11756

Abstract

Lithography-based additive manufacturing was introduced in the 1980s, and is still the method of choice for printing accurate plastic parts with high surface quality. Recent progress in this field has made tough photopolymer resins and cheap LED light engines available. This study presents [...] Read more.

Lithography-based additive manufacturing was introduced in the 1980s, and is still the method of choice for printing accurate plastic parts with high surface quality. Recent progress in this field has made tough photopolymer resins and cheap LED light engines available. This study presents the influence of photoinitiator selection and post-processing on the thermomechanical properties of various tough photopolymers. The influence of three photoinitiators (Ivocerin, BAPO, and TPO-L) on the double-bond conversion and mechanical properties was investigated by mid infrared spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile tests. It was found that 1.18 wt % TPO-L would provide the best overall results in terms of double-bond conversion and mechanical properties. A correlation between double-bond conversion, yield strength, and glass transition temperature was found. Elongation at break remained high after post-curing at about 80–100%, and was not influenced by higher photoinitiator concentration. Finally, functional parts with 41 MPa tensile strength, 82% elongation at break, and 112 °C glass transition temperature were printed on a 405 nm DLP (digital light processing) printer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue NextGen Materials for 3D Printing)

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5719 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Material State Awareness for Composites Part II: Precursor Damage Analysis and Quantification of Degraded Material Properties Using Quantitative Ultrasonic Image Correlation (QUIC)

by Subir Patra and Sourav Banerjee

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1444; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121444 - 18 Dec 2017

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4100

Abstract

Material state awareness of composites using conventional Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) method is limited by finding the size and the locations of the cracks and the delamination in a composite structure. To aid the progressive failure models using the slow growth criteria, the awareness [...] Read more.

Material state awareness of composites using conventional Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) method is limited by finding the size and the locations of the cracks and the delamination in a composite structure. To aid the progressive failure models using the slow growth criteria, the awareness of the precursor damage state and quantification of the degraded material properties is necessary, which is challenging using the current NDE methods. To quantify the material state, a new offline NDE method is reported herein. The new method named Quantitative Ultrasonic Image Correlation (QUIC) is devised, where the concept of microcontinuum mechanics is hybrid with the experimentally measured Ultrasonic wave parameters. This unique combination resulted in a parameter called Nonlocal Damage Entropy for the precursor awareness. High frequency (more than 25 MHz) scanning acoustic microscopy is employed for the proposed QUIC. Eight woven carbon-fiber-reinforced-plastic composite specimens were tested under fatigue up to 70% of their remaining useful life. During the first 30% of the life, the proposed nonlocal damage entropy is plotted to demonstrate the degradation of the material properties via awareness of the precursor damage state. Visual proofs for the precursor damage states are provided with the digital images obtained from the micro-optical microscopy, the scanning acoustic microscopy and the scanning electron microscopy. Full article

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19640 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microstructure, Pitting Corrosion Resistance and Impact Toughness of Duplex Stainless Steel Underwater Dry Hyperbaric Flux-Cored Arc Welds

by Yu Hu, Yong-Hua Shi, Xiao-Qin Shen and Zhong-Min Wang

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1443; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121443 - 18 Dec 2017

Cited by 32 | Viewed by 6712

Abstract

Duplex stainless steel multi-pass welds were made at 0.15 MPa, 0.45 MPa, and 0.75 MPa pressure, simulating underwater dry hyperbaric welding by the flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) method, with welds of normal pressure as a benchmark. The purpose of this work was to [...] Read more.

Duplex stainless steel multi-pass welds were made at 0.15 MPa, 0.45 MPa, and 0.75 MPa pressure, simulating underwater dry hyperbaric welding by the flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) method, with welds of normal pressure as a benchmark. The purpose of this work was to estimate the effect of ambient pressure on the microstructure, pitting corrosion resistance and impact toughness of the weld metal. The microstructure measurement revealed that the ferrite content in the weld metal made at 0.45 MPa is the lowest, followed by that of 0.75 MPa and 0.15 MPa. The analysis of potentiodynamic polarization tests at 30 °C and 50 °C demonstrated that the pitting corrosion resistance depends on the phases of the lower pitting resistance equivalent numbers (PREN), secondary austenite and ferrite. The weld metal made at 0.45 MPa had the best resistance to pitting corrosion at 30 °C and 50 °C with the highest PRENs of secondary austenite and ferrite. The weld metal made at 0.15 MPa displayed the lowest pitting corrosion resistance at 30 °C with the lowest PREN of secondary austenite, while the weld metal made at 0.75 MPa was the most seriously eroded after being tested at 50 °C for the lowest PREN of ferrite, with large cluster pits seen in ferrite at 50 °C. The impact tests displayed a typical ductile-brittle transition because of the body-centered cubic (BCC) structure of the ferrite when the test temperature was lowered. All the weld metals met the required value of 34 J at −40 °C according to the ASTM A923. The highest ferrite content corresponded to the worst impact toughness, but the highest toughness value did not correspond to the greatest austenite content. With the decreasing of the test temperature, the drop value of absorbed energy was correlated to the ferrite content. Additionally, in this work, the weld metal made at 0.45 MPa had the best combined properties of pitting resistance and impact toughness. Full article

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11324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of AlN/Epoxy Composites with Enhanced Thermal Conductivity

by Yonggang Xu, Chi Yang, Jun Li, Xiaojian Mao, Hailong Zhang, Song Hu and Shiwei Wang

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1442; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121442 - 18 Dec 2017

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4458

Abstract

AlN/epoxy composites with high thermal conductivity were successfully prepared by infiltrating epoxy into AlN porous ceramics which were fabricated by gelcasting of foaming method. The microstructure, mechanical, and thermal properties of the resulting composites were investigated. The compressive strengths of the AlN/epoxy composites [...] Read more.

AlN/epoxy composites with high thermal conductivity were successfully prepared by infiltrating epoxy into AlN porous ceramics which were fabricated by gelcasting of foaming method. The microstructure, mechanical, and thermal properties of the resulting composites were investigated. The compressive strengths of the AlN/epoxy composites were enhanced compared with the pure epoxy. The AlN/epoxy composites demonstrate much higher thermal conductivity, up to 19.0 W/(m·K), compared with those by the traditional particles filling method, because of continuous thermal channels formed by the walls and struts of AlN porous ceramics. This study demonstrates a potential route to manufacture epoxy-based composites with extremely high thermal conductivity. Full article

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22762 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strain Evolution in Cold-Warm Forged Steel Components Studied by Means of EBSD Technique

by Paolo Ferro, Franco Bonollo, Fabio Bassan and Filippo Berto

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1441; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121441 - 18 Dec 2017

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4352

Abstract

Electron BackScatter Diffraction (EBSD) in conjunction with Field-Emission Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEG-ESEM) has been used to evaluate the microstructural and local plastic strain evolution in different alloys (AISI 1005, AISI 304L and Duplex 2205) deformed by a single-stage cold and warm forging [...] Read more.

Electron BackScatter Diffraction (EBSD) in conjunction with Field-Emission Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy (FEG-ESEM) has been used to evaluate the microstructural and local plastic strain evolution in different alloys (AISI 1005, AISI 304L and Duplex 2205) deformed by a single-stage cold and warm forging process. The present work is aimed to describe the different behavior of the austenite and ferrite during plastic deformation as a function of different forging temperatures. Several topological EBSD maps have been measured on the deformed and undeformed states. Then, image quality factor, distributions of the grain size and misorientation have been analyzed in detail. In the austenitic stainless steel, the γ-phase has been found to harden more easily, then α-phase and γ-phase in AISI 1005 and in duplex stainless steel, sequentially. Compared to the high fraction of continuous dynamic recrystallized austenitic zones observed in stainless steels samples forged at low temperatures, the austenitic microstructure of samples forged at higher temperatures, 600–700 °C, has been found to be mainly characterized by large and elongated grains with some colonies of fine nearly-equiaxed grains attributed to discontinuous dynamic recrystallization. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Internal Nano Voids in Yttria-Stabilised Zirconia (YSZ) Powder

by Chen Barad, Gal Shekel, Michael Shandalov, Hagay Hayun, Giora Kimmel, Dror Shamir and Yaniv Gelbstein

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1440; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121440 - 18 Dec 2017

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4396

Abstract

Porous yttria-stabilised zirconia ceramics have been gaining popularity throughout the years in various fields, such as energy, environment, medicine, etc. Although yttria-stabilised zirconia is a well-studied material, voided yttria-stabilised zirconia powder particles have not been demonstrated yet, and might play an important role [...] Read more.

Porous yttria-stabilised zirconia ceramics have been gaining popularity throughout the years in various fields, such as energy, environment, medicine, etc. Although yttria-stabilised zirconia is a well-studied material, voided yttria-stabilised zirconia powder particles have not been demonstrated yet, and might play an important role in future technology developments. A sol-gel synthesis accompanied by a freeze-drying process is currently being proposed as a method of obtaining sponge-like nano morphology of embedded faceted voids inside yttria-stabilised zirconia particles. The results rely on a freeze-drying stage as an effective and simple method for generating nano-voided yttria-stabilised zirconia particles without the use of template-assisted additives. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

A Micro-Pressure Sensing Method Based on the Micropatterned Electrodes Filled with the Microspheres

by Jianli Cui, Binzhen Zhang, Junping Duan, Hao Guo and Jun Tang

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1439; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121439 - 18 Dec 2017

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4112

Abstract

As the core component of the sense of touch, flexible pressure sensors are critical to synchronized interactions with the surrounding environment. Here, we introduce a new type of flexible capacitive pressure sensor based on a template of electrodes, with a one-dimensional pyramid micropatterned [...] Read more.

As the core component of the sense of touch, flexible pressure sensors are critical to synchronized interactions with the surrounding environment. Here, we introduce a new type of flexible capacitive pressure sensor based on a template of electrodes, with a one-dimensional pyramid micropatterned structure on a Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate and a dielectric layer of polystyrene (PS) microspheres. The proposed sensor exhibits a stable and high sensing sensitivity of 0.741 kPa⁻¹ to capacitance, good durability over 1000 cycles, and fast response time (<150 ms). Our flexible capacitive sensor responds not only to pressure but also to bending forces. Our device can be used to monitor the location and distribution of weight pressure. The proposed capacitive pressure sensor has itself been applied foreground in lots of aspects, such as electronic skins, wearable robotics, and biomedical devices. Full article

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Open AccessArticle

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) Evaluation of the Interface between a Nanostructured Calcium-Incorporated Dental Implant Surface and the Human Bone

by Francesco Mangano, Mario Raspanti, Hassan Maghaireh and Carlo Mangano

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1438; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121438 - 17 Dec 2017

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 8672

Abstract

Purpose. The aim of this scanning electron microscope (SEM) study was to investigate the interface between the bone and a novel nanostructured calcium-incorporated dental implant surface in humans. Methods. A dental implant (Anyridge^®, Megagen Implant Co., Gyeongbuk, South Korea) [...] Read more.

Purpose. The aim of this scanning electron microscope (SEM) study was to investigate the interface between the bone and a novel nanostructured calcium-incorporated dental implant surface in humans. Methods. A dental implant (Anyridge^®, Megagen Implant Co., Gyeongbuk, South Korea) with a nanostructured calcium-incorporated surface (Xpeed^®, Megagen Implant Co., Gyeongbuk, South Korea), which had been placed a month earlier in a fully healed site of the posterior maxilla (#14) of a 48-year-old female patient, and which had been subjected to immediate functional loading, was removed after a traumatic injury. Despite the violent trauma that caused mobilization of the fixture, its surface appeared to be covered by a firmly attached, intact tissue; therefore, it was subjected to SEM examination. The implant surface of an unused nanostructured calcium-incorporated implant was also observed under SEM, as control. Results. The surface of the unused implant showed a highly-structured texture, carved by irregular, multi-scale hollows reminiscent of a fractal structure. It appeared perfectly clean and devoid of any contamination. The human specimen showed trabecular bone firmly anchored to the implant surface, bridging the screw threads and filling the spaces among them. Conclusions. Within the limits of this human histological report, the sample analyzed showed that the nanostructured calcium-incorporated surface was covered by new bone, one month after placement in the posterior maxilla, under an immediate functional loading protocol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Implant Materials)

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Open AccessArticle

Hot Deformation Behavior and Pulse Current Auxiliary Isothermal Forging of Hot Pressing Sintering TiAl Based Alloys

by Chengcheng Shi, Shaosong Jiang and Kaifeng Zhang

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1437; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121437 - 16 Dec 2017

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4107

Abstract

This paper focuses on the fabrication of as-forged Ti46.5Al2Cr1.8Nb-(W, B) alloy via pulse current auxiliary isothermal forging (PCIF). The starting material composed of near gamma (NG) microstructure was fabricated by adopting pre-alloyed powders via hot pressing sintering (HPS) at 1300 °C. Isothermal compression [...] Read more.

This paper focuses on the fabrication of as-forged Ti46.5Al2Cr1.8Nb-(W, B) alloy via pulse current auxiliary isothermal forging (PCIF). The starting material composed of near gamma (NG) microstructure was fabricated by adopting pre-alloyed powders via hot pressing sintering (HPS) at 1300 °C. Isothermal compression tests were conducted at a strain rate range of 0.001–0.1 s⁻¹ and a temperature range of 1125–1275 °C to establish the constitutive model and processing map. The optimal hot deformation parameters were successfully determined (in a strain rate range of 10⁻³–2.5 × 10⁻³ s⁻¹ and temperature range of 1130–1180 °C) based on the hot processing map and microstructure observation. Accordingly, an as-forged TiAl based alloy without cracks was successfully fabricated by PCIF processing at 1175 °C with a nominal strain rate of 10⁻³ s⁻¹. Microstructure observation indicated that complete dynamic recrystallization (DRX) and phase transformation of γ→α₂ occurred during the PCIF process. The elongation of as-forged alloy was 136%, possessing a good secondary hot workability, while the sintered alloy was only 66% when tested at 900 °C with a strain rate of 2 × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Materials Characterization)

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5935 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Material State Awareness for Composites Part I: Precursor Damage Analysis Using Ultrasonic Guided Coda Wave Interferometry (CWI)

by Subir Patra and Sourav Banerjee

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1436; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121436 - 16 Dec 2017

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4914

Abstract

Detection of precursor damage followed by the quantification of the degraded material properties could lead to more accurate progressive failure models for composite materials. However, such information is not readily available. In composite materials, the precursor damages—for example matrix cracking, microcracks, voids, interlaminar [...] Read more.

Detection of precursor damage followed by the quantification of the degraded material properties could lead to more accurate progressive failure models for composite materials. However, such information is not readily available. In composite materials, the precursor damages—for example matrix cracking, microcracks, voids, interlaminar pre-delamination crack joining matrix cracks, fiber micro-buckling, local fiber breakage, local debonding, etc.—are insensitive to the low-frequency ultrasonic guided-wave-based online nondestructive evaluation (NDE) or Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) (~100–~500 kHz) systems. Overcoming this barrier, in this article, an online ultrasonic technique is proposed using the coda part of the guided wave signal, which is often neglected. Although the first-arrival wave packets that contain the fundamental guided Lamb wave modes are unaltered, the coda wave packets however carry significant information about the precursor events with predictable phase shifts. The Taylor-series-based modified Coda Wave Interferometry (CWI) technique is proposed to quantify the stretch parameter to compensate the phase shifts in the coda wave as a result of precursor damage in composites. The CWI analysis was performed on five woven composite-fiber-reinforced-laminate specimens, and the precursor events were identified. Next, the precursor damage states were verified using high-frequency Scanning Acoustic Microscopy (SAM) and optical microscopy imaging. Full article

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2677 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Activity of Au/NiO Nanohybrids for the Reductive Amination of Benzyl Alcohol

by Carine E. Chan-Thaw, Lidia E. Chinchilla, Felipe Juan Sanchez Trujillo, Nikolaos Dimitratos, Gianluigi A. Botton, Laura Prati and Alberto Villa

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1435; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121435 - 16 Dec 2017

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5550

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles were prepared by sol immobilization (Au_SI) or deposition precipitation (Au_DP), then deposited on NiO and commercial TiO₂ (P25). The Au/NiO catalysts showed higher activity and yield to the secondary amine, compared to Au/TiO₂ catalysts, when [...] Read more.

Gold nanoparticles were prepared by sol immobilization (Au_SI) or deposition precipitation (Au_DP), then deposited on NiO and commercial TiO₂ (P25). The Au/NiO catalysts showed higher activity and yield to the secondary amine, compared to Au/TiO₂ catalysts, when tested for the reductive amination of benzyl alcohol with isopropylamine. We attribute this result to a synergistic effect between Au and NiO. Moreover, as a result of the protective effect of the polyvinyl alcohol used in the sol immobilization synthesis, the gold nanoparticles on NiO demonstrate an increased resistance to structural changes during the reaction. This effect results in enhanced catalytic efficiency in terms of activity, and better stability against deactivation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polyoxometalate and Nanohybrid Materials)

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18116 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development and Assessment of a 3D-Printed Scaffold with rhBMP-2 for an Implant Surgical Guide Stent and Bone Graft Material: A Pilot Animal Study

by Ji Cheol Bae, Jin-Ju Lee, Jin-Hyung Shim, Keun-Ho Park, Jeong-Seok Lee, Eun-Bin Bae, Jae-Won Choi and Jung-Bo Huh

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1434; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121434 - 16 Dec 2017

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6821

Abstract

In this study, a new concept of a 3D-printed scaffold was introduced for the accurate placement of an implant and the application of a recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2)-loaded bone graft. This preliminary study was conducted using two adult beagles to evaluate [...] Read more.

In this study, a new concept of a 3D-printed scaffold was introduced for the accurate placement of an implant and the application of a recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2)-loaded bone graft. This preliminary study was conducted using two adult beagles to evaluate the 3D-printed polycaprolactone (PCL)/β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP)/bone decellularized extracellular matrix (bdECM) scaffold conjugated with rhBMP-2 for the simultaneous use as an implant surgical guide stent and bone graft material that promotes new bone growth. Teeth were extracted from the mandible of the beagle model and scanned by computed tomography (CT) to fabricate a customized scaffold that would fit the bone defect. After positioning the implant guide scaffold, the implant was placed and rhBMP-2 was injected into the scaffold of the experimental group. The two beagles were sacrificed after three months. The specimen block was obtained and scanned by micro-CT. Histological analysis showed that the control and experimental groups had similar new bone volume (NBV, %) but the experimental group with BMP exhibited a significantly higher bone-to-implant contact ratio (BIC, %). Within the limitations of this preliminary study, a 3D-printed scaffold conjugated with rhBMP-2 can be used simultaneously as an implant surgical guide and a bone graft in a large bone defect site. Further large-scale studies will be needed to confirm these results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Dental Implant Materials)

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7383 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigation of Flat Clinching Process Combined with Material Forming Technology for Aluminum Alloy

by Chao Chen, Shengdun Zhao, Xiaolan Han, Yongfei Wang and Xuzhe Zhao

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1433; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121433 - 15 Dec 2017

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 4409

Abstract

In recent years, the use of aluminum alloy has tended to increase for building lightweight automobiles to reduce their automotive weight, which is helpful to save energy and protect the environment. In order to join aluminum alloy, a flat-clinching process combined with material [...] Read more.

In recent years, the use of aluminum alloy has tended to increase for building lightweight automobiles to reduce their automotive weight, which is helpful to save energy and protect the environment. In order to join aluminum alloy, a flat-clinching process combined with material forming technology was investigated to join aluminum alloy sheets using an experimental and a numerical method. Al1060 was chosen as the material of the sheet, and DEFORM-2D software was used to build the numerical model. After the numerical model was validated by the experimental results, the influences of punch diameter and holder force on the materials deforming behavior of the clinched joint were analyzed using the numerical model. Then, the material flow, joining ability, and joining quality were investigated to assess the clinched joint. The results showed that an increase in punch diameter could give rise to an increase in neck thickness and interlocking length, while an increase in blank holder force induced a decrease in interlocking length and an increase in neck thickness. The joining quality could be increased by increasing the forming force. It can be concluded that a clinched joint has better joining quality for joining light-weight sheets onto automotive structures. Full article

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

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4076 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of UV-Ozone Treatment on Sensing Behaviours of EGFETs with Al₂O₃ Sensing Film

by Cuiling Sun, Ruixue Zeng, Junkai Zhang, Zhi-Jun Qiu and Dongping Wu

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1432; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121432 - 15 Dec 2017

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5545

Abstract

The effects of UV-ozone (UVO) treatment on the sensing behaviours of extended-gate field-effect transistors (EGFETs) that use Al₂O₃ as the sensing film have been investigated. The Al₂O₃ sensing films are UVO-treated with various duration times and the [...] Read more.

The effects of UV-ozone (UVO) treatment on the sensing behaviours of extended-gate field-effect transistors (EGFETs) that use Al₂O₃ as the sensing film have been investigated. The Al₂O₃ sensing films are UVO-treated with various duration times and the corresponding EGFET sensing behaviours, such as sensitivity, hysteresis, and long-term stability, are electrically evaluated under various measurement conditions. Physical analysis is also performed to characterize the surface conditions of the UVO-treated sensing films using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. It is found that UVO treatment effectively reduces the buried sites in the Al₂O₃ sensing film and subsequently results in reduced hysteresis and improved long-term stability of EGFET. Meanwhile, the observed slightly smoother Al₂O₃ film surface post UVO treatment corresponds to decreased surface sites and slightly reduced pH sensitivity of the Al₂O₃ film. The sensitivity degradation is found to be monotonically correlated with the UVO treatment time. A treatment time of 10 min is found to yield an excellent performance trade-off: clearly improved long-term stability and reduced hysteresis at the cost of negligible sensitivity reduction. These results suggest that UVO treatment is a simple and facile method to improve the overall sensing performance of the EGFETs with an Al₂O₃ sensing film. Full article

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2451 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nanoscale Phase Evolution during Continuum Decomposition of Fe-Cr Alloys

by Yongsheng Li, Lihui Zhu, Chengwei Liu and Shujing Shi

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1431; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121431 - 15 Dec 2017

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3431

Abstract

The continuum decomposition of the Fe-Cr alloys from initial phase separation to steady-state coarsening with concentrations varying from 25 at % Cr and 30 at % Cr to 33 at % Cr aged at 750 K was studied by utilizing three-dimensional phase-field simulations. [...] Read more.

The continuum decomposition of the Fe-Cr alloys from initial phase separation to steady-state coarsening with concentrations varying from 25 at % Cr and 30 at % Cr to 33 at % Cr aged at 750 K was studied by utilizing three-dimensional phase-field simulations. The dynamic stages of separation of nanoscale Cr-enriched α′ phase were distinguished by the evolution of the volume fraction, particle number density and the average particle radius of the α′ phase. The stage of steady-state coarsening was characterized with an equilibrium volume fraction and decreasing particle number density. The coarsening rate constant by linear fitting of the cube of average radius and aging time shows an increase with the increasing Cr concentration. The time exponents decrease from the growth and coarsening stage to the steady-state coarsening stage and show a dependence on the particles number density at different concentrations. The quantitative evolutions of α′ phase via nucleation growth and spinodal decomposition are theoretically helpful for understanding the microstructure evolution with aging time in Fe-Cr alloys. Full article

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5001 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Two-Dimensional Fluorescence Difference Spectroscopy of ZnO and Mg Composites in the Detection of Physiological Protein and RNA Interactions

by Amanda Hoffman, Xiaotong Wu, Jianjie Wang, Amanda Brodeur, Rintu Thomas, Ravindra Thakkar, Halena Hadi, Garry P. Glaspell, Molly Duszynski, Adam Wanekaya and Robert K. DeLong

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1430; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121430 - 15 Dec 2017

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4012

Abstract

Two-dimensional fluorescence difference spectroscopy (2-D FDS) was used to determine the unique spectral signatures of zinc oxide (ZnO), magnesium oxide (MgO), and 5% magnesium zinc oxide nanocomposite (5% Mg/ZnO) and was then used to demonstrate the change in spectral signature that occurs when [...] Read more.

Two-dimensional fluorescence difference spectroscopy (2-D FDS) was used to determine the unique spectral signatures of zinc oxide (ZnO), magnesium oxide (MgO), and 5% magnesium zinc oxide nanocomposite (5% Mg/ZnO) and was then used to demonstrate the change in spectral signature that occurs when physiologically important proteins, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and ribonuclease A (RNase A), interact with ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). When RNase A is bound to 5% Mg/ZnO, the intensity is quenched, while the intensity is magnified and a significant shift is seen when torula yeast RNA (TYRNA) is bound to RNase A and 5% Mg/ZnO. The intensity of 5% Mg/ZnO is quenched also when thrombin and thrombin aptamer are bound to the nanocomposite. These data indicate that RNA–protein interaction can occur unimpeded on the surface of NPs, which was confirmed by gel electrophoresis, and importantly that the change in fluorescence excitation, emission, and intensity shown by 2-D FDS may indicate specificity of biomolecular interactions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zinc Oxide Nanostructures: Synthesis and Characterization)

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11331 KiB

Open AccessReview

Potential of Bioactive Glasses for Cardiac and Pulmonary Tissue Engineering

by Saeid Kargozar, Sepideh Hamzehlou and Francesco Baino

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1429; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121429 - 15 Dec 2017

Cited by 66 | Viewed by 7358

Abstract

Repair and regeneration of disorders affecting cardiac and pulmonary tissues through tissue-engineering-based approaches is currently of particular interest. On this matter, different families of bioactive glasses (BGs) have recently been given much consideration with respect to treating refractory diseases of these tissues, such [...] Read more.

Repair and regeneration of disorders affecting cardiac and pulmonary tissues through tissue-engineering-based approaches is currently of particular interest. On this matter, different families of bioactive glasses (BGs) have recently been given much consideration with respect to treating refractory diseases of these tissues, such as myocardial infarction. The inherent properties of BGs, including their ability to bond to hard and soft tissues, to stimulate angiogenesis, and to elicit antimicrobial effects, along with their excellent biocompatibility, support these newly proposed strategies. Moreover, BGs can also act as a bioactive reinforcing phase to finely tune the mechanical properties of polymer-based constructs used to repair the damaged cardiac and pulmonary tissues. In the present study, we evaluated the potential of different forms of BGs, alone or in combination with other materials (e.g., polymers), in regards to repair and regenerate injured tissues of cardiac and pulmonary systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioactive Glasses 2017)

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Open AccessReview

Landscape of Research Areas for Zeolites and Metal-Organic Frameworks Using Computational Classification Based on Citation Networks

by Takaya Ogawa, Kenta Iyoki, Tomohiro Fukushima and Yuya Kajikawa

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1428; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121428 - 14 Dec 2017

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5542

Abstract

The field of porous materials is widely spreading nowadays, and researchers need to read tremendous numbers of papers to obtain a “bird’s eye” view of a given research area. However, it is difficult for researchers to obtain an objective database based on statistical [...] Read more.

The field of porous materials is widely spreading nowadays, and researchers need to read tremendous numbers of papers to obtain a “bird’s eye” view of a given research area. However, it is difficult for researchers to obtain an objective database based on statistical data without any relation to subjective knowledge related to individual research interests. Here, citation network analysis was applied for a comparative analysis of the research areas for zeolites and metal-organic frameworks as examples for porous materials. The statistical and objective data contributed to the analysis of: (1) the computational screening of research areas; (2) classification of research stages to a certain domain; (3) “well-cited” research areas; and (4) research area preferences of specific countries. Moreover, we proposed a methodology to assist researchers to gain potential research ideas by reviewing related research areas, which is based on the detection of unfocused ideas in one area but focused in the other area by a bibliometric approach. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Porous Materials)

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643 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Molecular Mechanisms of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle-Induced Genotoxicity

by Agmal Scherzad, Till Meyer, Norbert Kleinsasser and Stephan Hackenberg

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1427; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121427 - 14 Dec 2017

Cited by 64 | Viewed by 5983

Abstract

Background: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are among the most frequently applied nanomaterials in consumer products. Evidence exists regarding the cytotoxic effects of ZnO NPs in mammalian cells; however, knowledge about the potential genotoxicity of ZnO NPs is rare, and results presented in [...] Read more.

Background: Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are among the most frequently applied nanomaterials in consumer products. Evidence exists regarding the cytotoxic effects of ZnO NPs in mammalian cells; however, knowledge about the potential genotoxicity of ZnO NPs is rare, and results presented in the current literature are inconsistent. Objectives: The aim of this review is to summarize the existing data regarding the DNA damage that ZnO NPs induce, and focus on the possible molecular mechanisms underlying genotoxic events. Methods: Electronic literature databases were systematically searched for studies that report on the genotoxicity of ZnO NPs. Results: Several methods and different endpoints demonstrate the genotoxic potential of ZnO NPs. Most publications describe in vitro assessments of the oxidative DNA damage triggered by dissoluted Zn²⁺ ions. Most genotoxicological investigations of ZnO NPs address acute exposure situations. Conclusion: Existing evidence indicates that ZnO NPs possibly have the potential to damage DNA. However, there is a lack of long-term exposure experiments that clarify the intracellular bioaccumulation of ZnO NPs and the possible mechanisms of DNA repair and cell survival. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Zinc Oxide Nanostructures: Synthesis and Characterization)

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1936 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Acoustic Anomalies and Fast Relaxation Dynamics of Amorphous Progesterone as Revealed by Brillouin Light Scattering

by Tae Hyun Kim, Hyojong Yoo and Jae-Hyeon Ko

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1426; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121426 - 14 Dec 2017

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3745

Abstract

The amorphous state of pharmaceuticals has attracted much attention due to its high bioavailability and other advantages. The stability of the amorphous state in relation with the local molecular mobility is important from both fundamental and practical points of view. The acoustic properties [...] Read more.

The amorphous state of pharmaceuticals has attracted much attention due to its high bioavailability and other advantages. The stability of the amorphous state in relation with the local molecular mobility is important from both fundamental and practical points of view. The acoustic properties of amorphous progesterone, one of the representative steroid hormones, were investigated by using a Brillouin inelastic light scattering technique. The Brillouin spectrum of the longitudinal acoustic mode exhibited distinct changes at the glass transition and the cold-crystallization temperatures. The acoustic dispersions of the longitudinal sound velocity and the acoustic absorption coefficient were attributed to the fast and possibly the secondary relaxation processes in the glassy and supercooled liquid states, while the structural relaxation process was considered as the dominant origin for the significant acoustic damping observed even in the liquid phase. The persisting acoustic dispersion in the liquid state was attributed to the single-molecule nature of the progesterone which does not exhibit hydrogen bonds in the condensed states. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Characterization of Amorphous Materials)

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5883 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Microstructure of Nanocrystalline TiB₂ Films Prepared by Chemical Vapor Deposition

by Xiaoxiao Huang, Shuchen Sun, Ganfeng Tu, Shuaidan Lu, Kuanhe Li and Xiaoping Zhu

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1425; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121425 - 13 Dec 2017

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3851

Abstract

Nanocrystalline titanium diboride (TiB₂) ceramics films were prepared on a high purity graphite substrate via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The substrate was synthesized by a gas mixture of TiCl₄, BCl₃, and H₂ under 1000 °C and [...] Read more.

Nanocrystalline titanium diboride (TiB₂) ceramics films were prepared on a high purity graphite substrate via chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The substrate was synthesized by a gas mixture of TiCl₄, BCl₃, and H₂ under 1000 °C and 10 Pa. Properties and microstructures of TiB₂ films were also examined. The as-deposited TiB₂ films had a nano-sized grain structure and the grain size was around 60 nm, which was determined by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Further research found that a gas flow ratio of TiCl₄/BCl₃ had an influence on the film properties and microstructures. The analyzed results illustrated that the grain size of the TiB₂ film obtained with a TiCl₄/BCl₃ gas flow ratio of 1, was larger than the grain size of the as-prepared TiB₂ film prepared with a stoichiometric TiCl₄/BCl₃ gas flow ratio of 0.5. In addition, the films deposited faster at excessive TiCl₄. However, under the condition of different TiCl₄/BCl₃ gas flow ratios, all of the as-prepared TiB₂ films have a preferential orientation growth in the (100) direction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Thin Films and Interfaces)

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Open AccessArticle

Multiscale Analyses of Surface Failure Mechanism of Single-Crystal Silicon during Micro-Milling Process

by Jinxuan Bai, Qingshun Bai and Zhen Tong

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1424; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121424 - 13 Dec 2017

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5600

Abstract

This article presents an experimental investigation on ductile-mode micro-milling of monocrystalline silicon using polycrystalline diamond (PCD) end mills. Experimental results indicate that the irregular fluctuation of cutting force always induces machined surface failure, even in ductile mode. The internal mechanism has not been [...] Read more.

This article presents an experimental investigation on ductile-mode micro-milling of monocrystalline silicon using polycrystalline diamond (PCD) end mills. Experimental results indicate that the irregular fluctuation of cutting force always induces machined surface failure, even in ductile mode. The internal mechanism has not been investigated so far. The multiscale discrete dislocation plasticity framework was used to predict the dislocation structure and strain evolution under the discontinuous cutting process. The results showed that a mass of dislocations can be generated and affected in silicon crystal. The dislocation density, multiplication rate, and microstructure strongly depend on the milling conditions. In particular, transient impulse load can provide a great potential for material strength by forming dislocations entanglement structure. The continuous irregular cutting process can induce persistent slip bands (PSBs) in substrate surface, which would result in stress concentration and inhomogeneous deformation within grains. Full article

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

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2579 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fracture Assessment of PEEK under Static Loading by Means of the Local Strain Energy Density

by Mirco Peron, Nima Razavi, Jan Torgersen and Filippo Berto

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1423; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121423 - 13 Dec 2017

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3807

Abstract

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has gained interest in many industrial applications due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent heat tolerance and high corrosion resistance. Stress concentrators such as notches and geometrical discontinuities are present in many such components necessitating the reliable assessment of notch sensitivity [...] Read more.

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) has gained interest in many industrial applications due to its high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent heat tolerance and high corrosion resistance. Stress concentrators such as notches and geometrical discontinuities are present in many such components necessitating the reliable assessment of notch sensitivity of PEEK in monotonic tension. Here we evaluate the applicability of the strain energy density (SED) approach for the assessment of the fracture strength of experimentally tested notched geometries subject to corrosion. The fracture behavior of neat, circumferentially razor-grooved dog-bone specimens and circumferentially U-notched specimens with different notch radii can be predicted with a discrepancy lower than ±10%. Reliable predictions are shown on two previously published datasets employing both computed and published mechanical properties as inputs for the SED calculations. This report presents the first successful application of SED for PEEK as well as the successful prediction of tensile behavior in corrosive environments. This opens the road towards future applications of PEEK in fields its compliant use is of growing popularity. Full article

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3653 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

LaAlO₃:Mn⁴⁺ as Near-Infrared Emitting Persistent Luminescence Phosphor for Medical Imaging: A Charge Compensation Study

by Jiaren Du, Olivier Q. De Clercq, Katleen Korthout and Dirk Poelman

Materials 2017, 10(12), 1422; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma10121422 - 12 Dec 2017

Cited by 64 | Viewed by 7731

Abstract

Mn⁴⁺-activated phosphors are emerging as a novel class of deep red/near-infrared emitting persistent luminescence materials for medical imaging as a promising alternative to Cr³⁺-doped nanomaterials. Currently, it remains a challenge to improve the afterglow and photoluminescence properties of these [...] Read more.

Mn⁴⁺-activated phosphors are emerging as a novel class of deep red/near-infrared emitting persistent luminescence materials for medical imaging as a promising alternative to Cr³⁺-doped nanomaterials. Currently, it remains a challenge to improve the afterglow and photoluminescence properties of these phosphors through a traditional high-temperature solid-state reaction method in air. Herein we propose a charge compensation strategy for enhancing the photoluminescence and afterglow performance of Mn⁴⁺-activated LaAlO₃ phosphors. LaAlO₃:Mn⁴⁺ (LAO:Mn⁴⁺) was synthesized by high-temperature solid-state reaction in air. The charge compensation strategies for LaAlO₃:Mn⁴⁺ phosphors were systematically discussed. Interestingly, Cl⁻/Na⁺/Ca²⁺/Sr²⁺/Ba²⁺/Ge⁴⁺ co-dopants were all found to be beneficial for enhancing LaAlO₃:Mn⁴⁺ luminescence and afterglow intensity. This strategy shows great promise and opens up new avenues for the exploration of more promising near-infrared emitting long persistent phosphors for medical imaging. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Materials Science in Belgium 2017)

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