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Materials, Volume 7, Issue 3 (March 2014) – 50 articles , Pages 1444-2394

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608 KiB  
Article
Tensile Properties and Fracture Behavior of Aluminum Alloy Foam Fabricated from Die Castings without Using Blowing Agent by Friction Stir Processing Route
by Yoshihiko Hangai, Hiroto Kamada, Takao Utsunomiya, Soichiro Kitahara, Osamu Kuwazuru and Nobuhiro Yoshikawa
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2382-2394; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032382 - 21 Mar 2014
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 8198
Abstract
Al foam has been used in a wide range of applications owing to its light weight, high energy absorption and high sound insulation. One of the promising processes for fabricating Al foam involves the use of a foamable precursor. In this study, ADC12 [...] Read more.
Al foam has been used in a wide range of applications owing to its light weight, high energy absorption and high sound insulation. One of the promising processes for fabricating Al foam involves the use of a foamable precursor. In this study, ADC12 Al foams with porosities of 67%–78% were fabricated from Al alloy die castings without using a blowing agent by the friction stir processing route. The pore structure and tensile properties of the ADC12 foams were investigated and compared with those of commercially available ALPORAS. From X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT) observations of the pore structure of ADC12 foams, it was found that they have smaller pores with a narrower distribution than those in ALPORAS. Tensile tests on the ADC12 foams indicated that as their porosity increased, the tensile strength and tensile strain decreased, with strong relation between the porosity, tensile strength, and tensile strain. ADC12 foams exhibited brittle fracture, whereas ALPORAS exhibited ductile fracture, which is due to the nature of the Al alloy used as the base material of the foams. By image-based finite element (FE) analysis using X-ray CT images corresponding to the tensile tests on ADC12 foams, it was shown that the fracture path of ADC12 foams observed in tensile tests and the regions of high stress obtained from FE analysis correspond to each other. Therefore, it is considered that the fracture behavior of ADC12 foams in relation to their pore structure distribution can be investigated by image-based FE analysis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Light Alloys and Their Applications)
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398 KiB  
Article
Electrical Characteristics of the Uniaxial-Strained nMOSFET with a Fluorinated HfO2/SiON Gate Stack
by Yung-Yu Chen
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2370-2381; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032370 - 20 Mar 2014
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 7005
Abstract
The channel fluorine implantation (CFI) process was integrated with the Si3N4 contact etch stop layer (SiN CESL) uniaxial-strained n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (nMOSFET) with the hafnium oxide/silicon oxynitride (HfO2/SiON) gate stack. The SiN CESL process clearly improves basic [...] Read more.
The channel fluorine implantation (CFI) process was integrated with the Si3N4 contact etch stop layer (SiN CESL) uniaxial-strained n-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (nMOSFET) with the hafnium oxide/silicon oxynitride (HfO2/SiON) gate stack. The SiN CESL process clearly improves basic electrical performance, due to induced uniaxial tensile strain within the channel. However, further integrating of the CFI process with the SiN CESL-strained nMOSFET exhibits nearly identical transconductance, subthreshold swing, drain current, gate leakage and breakdown voltage, which indicates that the strain effect is not affected by the fluorine incorporation. Moreover, hydrogen will diffuse toward the interface during the SiN deposition, then passivate dangling bonds to form weak Si-H bonds, which is detrimental for channel hot electron stress (CHES). Before hydrogen diffusion, fluorine can be used to terminate oxygen vacancies and dangling bonds, which can create stronger Hf-F and Si-F bonds to resist consequent stress. Accordingly, the reliability of constant voltage stress (CVS) and CHES for the SiN CESL uniaxial-strained nMOSFET can be further improved by the fluorinated HfO2/SiON using the CFI process. Nevertheless, the nMOSFET with either the SiN CESL or CFI process exhibits less charge detrapping, which means that a greater part of stress-induced charges would remain in the gate stack after nitrogen (SiN CESL) or fluorine (CFI) incorporation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-k Materials and Devices)
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722 KiB  
Article
Fabricating Nanoporous Silica Structure on D-Fibres through Room Temperature Self-Assembly
by John Canning, Lucas Moura, Lachlan Lindoy, Kevin Cook, Maxwell J. Crossley, Yanhua Luo, Gang-Ding Peng, Lars Glavind, George Huyang, Masood Naqshbandi, Martin Kristensen, Cicero Martelli and Graham Town
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2356-2369; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032356 - 19 Mar 2014
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 6934
Abstract
The room temperature deposition of self-assembling silica nanoparticles onto D-shaped optical fibres (“D-fibre”), drawn from milled preforms fabricated by modified chemical vapour deposition (MCVD), is studied. Vertical dip-and-withdraw produces tapered layers, with one end thicker (surface coverage >0.85) than the other, whilst horizontal [...] Read more.
The room temperature deposition of self-assembling silica nanoparticles onto D-shaped optical fibres (“D-fibre”), drawn from milled preforms fabricated by modified chemical vapour deposition (MCVD), is studied. Vertical dip-and-withdraw produces tapered layers, with one end thicker (surface coverage >0.85) than the other, whilst horizontal dip-and-withdraw produces much more uniform layers over the core region. The propagation of induced fracturing over the core region during drying is overcome using a simple protrusion of the inner cladding. Thick coatings are discernible through thin film interference colouring, but thinner coatings require scanning electron microscopy (SEM) imaging. Here, we show that fluorescence imaging, using Rhodamine B, in this example, can provide some qualitative and speedy assessment of coverage. Full article
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1362 KiB  
Article
Highly Dispersed Nickel-Containing Mesoporous Silica with Superior Stability in Carbon Dioxide Reforming of Methane: The Effect of Anchoring
by Wenjia Cai, Lin Ye, Li Zhang, Yuanhang Ren, Bin Yue, Xueying Chen and Heyong He
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2340-2355; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032340 - 19 Mar 2014
Cited by 61 | Viewed by 10787
Abstract
A series of nickel-containing mesoporous silica samples (Ni-SiO2) with different nickel content (3.1%–13.2%) were synthesized by the evaporation-induced self-assembly method. Their catalytic activity was tested in carbon dioxide reforming of methane. The characterization results revealed that the catalysts, e.g., 6.7%Ni-SiO2 [...] Read more.
A series of nickel-containing mesoporous silica samples (Ni-SiO2) with different nickel content (3.1%–13.2%) were synthesized by the evaporation-induced self-assembly method. Their catalytic activity was tested in carbon dioxide reforming of methane. The characterization results revealed that the catalysts, e.g., 6.7%Ni-SiO2, with highly dispersed small nickel particles, exhibited excellent catalytic activity and long-term stability. The metallic nickel particle size was significantly affected by the metal anchoring effect between metallic nickel particles and unreduced nickel ions in the silica matrix. A strong anchoring effect was suggested to account for the remaining of small Ni particle size and the improved catalytic performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Mesoporous Materials)
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1482 KiB  
Review
Germanium Based Field-Effect Transistors: Challenges and Opportunities
by Patrick S. Goley and Mantu K. Hudait
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2301-2339; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032301 - 19 Mar 2014
Cited by 133 | Viewed by 13082
Abstract
The performance of strained silicon (Si) as the channel material for today’s metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors may be reaching a plateau. New channel materials with high carrier mobility are being investigated as alternatives and have the potential to unlock an era of ultra-low-power and [...] Read more.
The performance of strained silicon (Si) as the channel material for today’s metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors may be reaching a plateau. New channel materials with high carrier mobility are being investigated as alternatives and have the potential to unlock an era of ultra-low-power and high-speed microelectronic devices. Chief among these new materials is germanium (Ge). This work reviews the two major remaining challenges that Ge based devices must overcome if they are to replace Si as the channel material, namely, heterogeneous integration of Ge on Si substrates, and developing a suitable gate stack. Next, Ge is compared to compound III-V materials in terms of p-channel device performance to review how it became the first choice for PMOS devices. Different Ge device architectures, including surface channel and quantum well configurations, are reviewed. Finally, state-of-the-art Ge device results and future prospects are also discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-k Materials and Devices 2014)
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998 KiB  
Review
Influence of Molecular Conformations and Microstructure on the Optoelectronic Properties of Conjugated Polymers
by Ioan Botiz and Natalie Stingelin
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2273-2300; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032273 - 19 Mar 2014
Cited by 94 | Viewed by 12846
Abstract
It is increasingly obvious that the molecular conformations and the long-range arrangement that conjugated polymers can adopt under various experimental conditions in bulk, solutions or thin films, significantly impact their resulting optoelectronic properties. As a consequence, the functionalities and efficiencies of resulting organic [...] Read more.
It is increasingly obvious that the molecular conformations and the long-range arrangement that conjugated polymers can adopt under various experimental conditions in bulk, solutions or thin films, significantly impact their resulting optoelectronic properties. As a consequence, the functionalities and efficiencies of resulting organic devices, such as field-effect transistors, light-emitting diodes, or photovoltaic cells, also dramatically change due to the close structure/property relationship. A range of structure/optoelectronic properties relationships have been investigated over the last few years using various experimental and theoretical methods, and, further, interesting correlations are continuously revealed by the scientific community. In this review, we discuss the latest findings related to the structure/optoelectronic properties interrelationships that exist in organic devices fabricated with conjugated polymers in terms of charge mobility, absorption, photoluminescence, as well as photovoltaic properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conjugated Polymers)
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406 KiB  
Article
Investigation of the Process Conditions for Hydrogen Production by Steam Reforming of Glycerol over Ni/Al2O3 Catalyst Using Response Surface Methodology (RSM)
by Ali Ebshish, Zahira Yaakob, Yun Hin Taufiq-Yap and Ahmed Bshish
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2257-2272; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032257 - 19 Mar 2014
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 5788
Abstract
In this work; a response surface methodology (RSM) was implemented to investigate the process variables in a hydrogen production system. The effects of five independent variables; namely the temperature (X1); the flow rate (X2); the catalyst weight (X3 [...] Read more.
In this work; a response surface methodology (RSM) was implemented to investigate the process variables in a hydrogen production system. The effects of five independent variables; namely the temperature (X1); the flow rate (X2); the catalyst weight (X3); the catalyst loading (X4) and the glycerol-water molar ratio (X5) on the H2 yield (Y1) and the conversion of glycerol to gaseous products (Y2) were explored. Using multiple regression analysis; the experimental results of the H2 yield and the glycerol conversion to gases were fit to quadratic polynomial models. The proposed mathematical models have correlated the dependent factors well within the limits that were being examined. The best values of the process variables were a temperature of approximately 600 °C; a feed flow rate of 0.05 mL/min; a catalyst weight of 0.2 g; a catalyst loading of 20% and a glycerol-water molar ratio of approximately 12; where the H2 yield was predicted to be 57.6% and the conversion of glycerol was predicted to be 75%. To validate the proposed models; statistical analysis using a two-sample t-test was performed; and the results showed that the models could predict the responses satisfactorily within the limits of the variables that were studied. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Energy Materials)
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501 KiB  
Article
Interaction of Heavy Metal Ions with Carbon and Iron Based Particles
by Dana Fialova, Monika Kremplova, Lukas Melichar, Pavel Kopel, David Hynek, Vojtech Adam and Rene Kizek
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2242-2256; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032242 - 18 Mar 2014
Cited by 29 | Viewed by 7765
Abstract
Due to the rapid development of industry and associated production of toxic waste, especially heavy metals, there is a great interest in creating and upgrading new sorption materials to remove these pollutants from the environment. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of [...] Read more.
Due to the rapid development of industry and associated production of toxic waste, especially heavy metals, there is a great interest in creating and upgrading new sorption materials to remove these pollutants from the environment. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of different carbon forms (graphene, expanded carbon, multi-wall nanotubes) and paramagnetic particles (Fe2O3) for adsorption of cadmium(II), lead(II), and copper(II) on its surface, with different interaction time from 1 min to 24 h. The main attention is paid to the detection of these metals using differential pulse voltammetry. Based on the obtained results, graphene and Fe2O3 are found to be good candidates for removal of heavy metals from the environment. Full article
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779 KiB  
Article
Passive Temperature Stabilization of Silicon Photonic Devices Using Liquid Crystals
by Joanna Ptasinski, Iam-Choon Khoo and Yeshaiahu Fainman
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2229-2241; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032229 - 14 Mar 2014
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7395
Abstract
In this work we explore the negative thermo-optic properties of liquid crystal claddings for passive temperature stabilization of silicon photonic integrated circuits. Photonic circuits are playing an increasing role in communications and computing, but they suffer from temperature dependent performance variation. Most existing [...] Read more.
In this work we explore the negative thermo-optic properties of liquid crystal claddings for passive temperature stabilization of silicon photonic integrated circuits. Photonic circuits are playing an increasing role in communications and computing, but they suffer from temperature dependent performance variation. Most existing techniques aimed at compensation of thermal effects rely on power hungry Joule heating. We show that integrating a liquid crystal cladding helps to minimize the effects of a temperature dependent drift. The advantage of liquid crystals lies in their high negative thermo-optic coefficients in addition to low absorption at the infrared wavelengths. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals)
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912 KiB  
Article
Cathodic Polarization Coats Titanium Based Implant Materials with Enamel Matrix Derivate (EMD)
by Matthias J. Frank, Martin S. Walter, Marina Rubert, Bernd Thiede, Marta Monjo, Janne E. Reseland, Håvard J. Haugen and Ståle Petter Lyngstadaas
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2210-2228; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032210 - 14 Mar 2014
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 7582
Abstract
The idea of a bioactive surface coating that enhances bone healing and bone growth is a strong focus of on-going research for bone implant materials. Enamel matrix derivate (EMD) is well documented to support bone regeneration and activates growth of mesenchymal tissues. Thus, [...] Read more.
The idea of a bioactive surface coating that enhances bone healing and bone growth is a strong focus of on-going research for bone implant materials. Enamel matrix derivate (EMD) is well documented to support bone regeneration and activates growth of mesenchymal tissues. Thus, it is a prime candidate for coating of existing implant surfaces. The aim of this study was to show that cathodic polarization can be used for coating commercially available implant surfaces with an immobilized but functional and bio-available surface layer of EMD. After coating, XPS revealed EMD-related bindings on the surface while SIMS showed incorporation of EMD into the surface. The hydride layer of the original surface could be activated for coating in an integrated one-step process that did not require any pre-treatment of the surface. SEM images showed nano-spheres and nano-rods on coated surfaces that were EMD-related. Moreover, the surface roughness remained unchanged after coating, as it was shown by optical profilometry. The mass peaks observed in the matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectroscopy (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis confirmed the integrity of EMD after coating. Assessment of the bioavailability suggested that the modified surfaces were active for osteoblast like MC3M3-E1 cells in showing enhanced Coll-1 gene expression and ALP activity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomaterials)
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1107 KiB  
Article
A Model for Creep and Creep Damage in the γ-Titanium Aluminide Ti-45Al-2Mn-2Nb
by William Harrison, Zakaria Abdallah and Mark Whittaker
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2194-2209; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032194 - 14 Mar 2014
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 10241
Abstract
Gamma titanium aluminides (γ-TiAl) display significantly improved high temperature mechanical properties over conventional titanium alloys. Due to their low densities, these alloys are increasingly becoming strong candidates to replace nickel-base superalloys in future gas turbine aeroengine components. To determine the safe operating life [...] Read more.
Gamma titanium aluminides (γ-TiAl) display significantly improved high temperature mechanical properties over conventional titanium alloys. Due to their low densities, these alloys are increasingly becoming strong candidates to replace nickel-base superalloys in future gas turbine aeroengine components. To determine the safe operating life of such components, a good understanding of their creep properties is essential. Of particular importance to gas turbine component design is the ability to accurately predict the rate of accumulation of creep strain to ensure that excessive deformation does not occur during the component’s service life and to quantify the effects of creep on fatigue life. The theta (θ) projection technique is an illustrative example of a creep curve method which has, in this paper, been utilised to accurately represent the creep behaviour of the γ-TiAl alloy Ti -45Al-2Mn-2Nb. Furthermore, a continuum damage approach based on the θ-projection method has also been used to represent tertiary creep damage and accurately predict creep rupture. Full article
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744 KiB  
Article
In Vitro Cytotoxicity of a Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta Alloy Doped with Different Oxygen Contents
by Tatiani Ayako Goto Donato, Luciano Henrique De Almeida, Victor Elias Arana-Chavez and Carlos Roberto Grandini
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2183-2193; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032183 - 13 Mar 2014
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 6750
Abstract
Cp-Ti is the most common material used for dental implants, but its elastic modulus is around five times higher than that of bone. Recently, promising alloys that add Nb, Ta, Zr and Mo to Ti have been developed. The mechanical properties of these [...] Read more.
Cp-Ti is the most common material used for dental implants, but its elastic modulus is around five times higher than that of bone. Recently, promising alloys that add Nb, Ta, Zr and Mo to Ti have been developed. The mechanical properties of these alloys are directly related to its microstructure and the presence of interstitial elements, such as oxygen, carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen. In this study, the in vitro cytotoxicity of Ti-35Nb-7Zr-5Ta (TNZT) alloys was analyzed in the as-received condition and after being doped with several small quantities of oxygen on a cultured osteogenic cell. The cell’s morphology was also examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The TNZT alloy presented no cytotoxic effects on osteoblastic cells in the studied conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Titanium Materials for Biomedical Application 2013)
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1957 KiB  
Review
A Review on Resistive Switching in High-k Dielectrics: A Nanoscale Point of View Using Conductive Atomic Force Microscope
by Mario Lanza
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2155-2182; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032155 - 13 Mar 2014
Cited by 221 | Viewed by 20274
Abstract
Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) structures have raised as the most promising configuration for next generation information storage, leading to great performance and fabrication-friendly Resistive Random Access Memories (RRAM). In these cells, the memory concept is no more based on the charge storage, but on tuning [...] Read more.
Metal-Insulator-Metal (MIM) structures have raised as the most promising configuration for next generation information storage, leading to great performance and fabrication-friendly Resistive Random Access Memories (RRAM). In these cells, the memory concept is no more based on the charge storage, but on tuning the electrical resistance of the insulating layer by applying electrical stresses to reach a high resistive state (HRS or “0”) and a low resistive state (LRS or “1”), which makes the memory point. Some high-k dielectrics show this unusual property and in the last years high-k based RRAM have been extensively analyzed, especially at the device level. However, as resistance switching (in the most promising cells) is a local phenomenon that takes place in areas of ~100 nm2, the use of characterization tools with high lateral spatial resolution is necessary. In this paper the status of resistive switching in high-k materials is reviewed from a nanoscale point of view by means of conductive atomic force microscope analyses. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue High-k Materials and Devices 2014)
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1148 KiB  
Article
Self-Healing Capability of Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composites for Recovery of Watertightness and Mechanical Properties
by Tomoya Nishiwaki, Sukmin Kwon, Daisuke Homma, Makoto Yamada and Hirozo Mihashi
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2141-2154; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032141 - 13 Mar 2014
Cited by 71 | Viewed by 9949
Abstract
Various types of fiber reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs) were experimentally studied to evaluate their self-healing capabilities regarding their watertightness and mechanical properties. Cracks were induced in the FRCC specimens during a tensile loading test, and the specimens were then immersed in static water [...] Read more.
Various types of fiber reinforced cementitious composites (FRCCs) were experimentally studied to evaluate their self-healing capabilities regarding their watertightness and mechanical properties. Cracks were induced in the FRCC specimens during a tensile loading test, and the specimens were then immersed in static water for self-healing. By water permeability and reloading tests, it was determined that the FRCCs containing synthetic fiber and cracks of width within a certain range (<0.1 mm) exhibited good self-healing capabilities regarding their watertightness. Particularly, the high polarity of the synthetic fiber (polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)) series and hybrid fiber reinforcing (polyethylene (PE) and steel code (SC)) series showed high recovery ratio. Moreover, these series also showed high potential of self-healing of mechanical properties. It was confirmed that recovery of mechanical property could be obtained only in case when crack width was sufficiently narrow, both the visible surface cracks and the very fine cracks around the bridging of the SC fibers. Recovery of the bond strength by filling of the very fine cracks around the bridging fibers enhanced the recovery of the mechanical property. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Self-healing Concrete)
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1036 KiB  
Article
Selective Interaction of a Cationic Polyfluorene with Model Lipid Membranes: Anionic versus Zwitterionic Lipids
by Zehra Kahveci, María José Martínez-Tomé, Rocío Esquembre, Ricardo Mallavia and C. Reyes Mateo
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2120-2140; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032120 - 13 Mar 2014
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7621
Abstract
This paper explores the interaction mechanism between the conjugated polyelectrolyte {[9,9-bis(6'-N,N,N-trimethylammonium)hexyl]fluorene-phenylene}bromide (HTMA-PFP) and model lipid membranes. The study was carried out using different biophysical techniques, mainly fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy. Results show that despite the preferential interaction of HTMA-PFP with anionic lipids, HTMA-PFP [...] Read more.
This paper explores the interaction mechanism between the conjugated polyelectrolyte {[9,9-bis(6'-N,N,N-trimethylammonium)hexyl]fluorene-phenylene}bromide (HTMA-PFP) and model lipid membranes. The study was carried out using different biophysical techniques, mainly fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy. Results show that despite the preferential interaction of HTMA-PFP with anionic lipids, HTMA-PFP shows affinity for zwitterionic lipids; although the interaction mechanism is different as well as HTMA-PFP’s final membrane location. Whilst the polyelectrolyte is embedded within the lipid bilayer in the anionic membrane, it remains close to the surface, forming aggregates that are sensitive to the physical state of the lipid bilayer in the zwitterionic system. The different interaction mechanism is reflected in the polyelectrolyte fluorescence spectrum, since the maximum shifts to longer wavelengths in the zwitterionic system. The intrinsic fluorescence of HTMA-PFP was used to visualize the interaction between polymer and vesicles via fluorescence microscopy, thanks to its high quantum yield and photostability. This technique allows the selectivity of the polyelectrolyte and higher affinity for anionic membranes to be observed. The results confirmed the appropriateness of using HTMA-PFP as a membrane fluorescent marker and suggest that, given its different behaviour towards anionic and zwitterionic membranes, HTMA-PFP could be used for selective recognition and imaging of bacteria over mammalian cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conjugated Polymers)
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673 KiB  
Article
Cartilage Tissue Engineering with Silk Fibroin Scaffolds Fabricated by Indirect Additive Manufacturing Technology
by Chih-Hao Chen, Jolene Mei-Jun Liu, Chee-Kai Chua, Siaw-Meng Chou, Victor Bong-Hang Shyu and Jyh-Ping Chen
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2104-2119; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032104 - 13 Mar 2014
Cited by 57 | Viewed by 10241
Abstract
Advanced tissue engineering (TE) technology based on additive manufacturing (AM) can fabricate scaffolds with a three-dimensional (3D) environment suitable for cartilage regeneration. Specifically, AM technology may allow the incorporation of complex architectural features. The present study involves the fabrication of 3D TE scaffolds [...] Read more.
Advanced tissue engineering (TE) technology based on additive manufacturing (AM) can fabricate scaffolds with a three-dimensional (3D) environment suitable for cartilage regeneration. Specifically, AM technology may allow the incorporation of complex architectural features. The present study involves the fabrication of 3D TE scaffolds by an indirect AM approach using silk fibroin (SF). From scanning electron microscopic observations, the presence of micro-pores and interconnected channels within the scaffold could be verified, resulting in a TE scaffold with both micro- and macro-structural features. The intrinsic properties, such as the chemical structure and thermal characteristics of SF, were preserved after the indirect AM manufacturing process. In vitro cell culture within the SF scaffold using porcine articular chondrocytes showed a steady increase in cell numbers up to Day 14. The specific production (per cell basis) of the cartilage-specific extracellular matrix component (collagen Type II) was enhanced with culture time up to 12 weeks, indicating the re-differentiation of chondrocytes within the scaffold. Subcutaneous implantation of the scaffold-chondrocyte constructs in nude mice also confirmed the formation of ectopic cartilage by histological examination and immunostaining. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomaterials)
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1015 KiB  
Article
A Technology Platform to Test the Efficacy of Purification of Alginate
by Genaro A. Paredes-Juarez, Bart J. De Haan, Marijke M. Faas and Paul De Vos
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2087-2103; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032087 - 12 Mar 2014
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 7083
Abstract
Alginates are widely used in tissue engineering technologies, e.g., in cell encapsulation, in drug delivery and various immobilization procedures. The success rates of these studies are highly variable due to different degrees of tissue response. A cause for this variation in success is, [...] Read more.
Alginates are widely used in tissue engineering technologies, e.g., in cell encapsulation, in drug delivery and various immobilization procedures. The success rates of these studies are highly variable due to different degrees of tissue response. A cause for this variation in success is, among other factors, its content of inflammatory components. There is an urgent need for a technology to test the inflammatory capacity of alginates. Recently, it has been shown that pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) in alginate are potent immunostimulatories. In this article, we present the design and evaluation of a technology platform to assess (i) the immunostimulatory capacity of alginate or its contaminants, (ii) where in the purification process PAMPs are removed, and (iii) which Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and ligands are involved. A THP1 cell-line expressing pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) and the co-signaling molecules CD14 and MD2 was used to assess immune activation of alginates during the different steps of purification of alginate. To determine if this activation was mediated by TLRs, a THP1-defMyD88 cell-line was applied. This cell-line possesses a non-functional MyD88 coupling protein, necessary for activating NF-κB via TLRs. To identify the specific TLRs being activated by the PAMPs, we use different human embryonic kidney (HEK) cell-line that expresses only one specific TLR. Finally, specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) were applied to identify the specific PAMP. By applying this three-step procedure, we can screen alginate in a manner, which is both labor and cost efficient. The efficacy of the platform was evaluated with an alginate that did not pass our quality control. We demonstrate that this alginate was immunostimulatory, even after purification due to reintroduction of the TLR5 activating flagellin. In addition, we tested two commercially available purified alginates. Our experiments show that these commercial alginates contained peptidoglycan, lipoteichoic acid, flagellin, and even lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The platform presented here can be used to evaluate the efficacy of purification procedures in removing PAMPs from alginates in a cost-efficient manner. Full article
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926 KiB  
Article
Low Concentration Fe-Doped Alumina Catalysts Using Sol-Gel and Impregnation Methods: The Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Performance during the Combustion of Trichloroethylene
by Carolina Solis Maldonado, Javier Rivera De la Rosa, Carlos J. Lucio-Ortiz, Aracely Hernández-Ramírez, Felipe F. Castillón Barraza and Jaime S. Valente
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2062-2086; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032062 - 12 Mar 2014
Cited by 52 | Viewed by 9571
Abstract
The role of iron in two modes of integration into alumina catalysts was studied at 0.39 wt% Fe and tested in trichloroethylene combustion. One modified alumina was synthesized using the sol-gel method with Fe added in situ during hydrolysis; another modification was performed [...] Read more.
The role of iron in two modes of integration into alumina catalysts was studied at 0.39 wt% Fe and tested in trichloroethylene combustion. One modified alumina was synthesized using the sol-gel method with Fe added in situ during hydrolysis; another modification was performed using calcined alumina, prepared using the sol-gel method and impregnated with Fe. Several characterization techniques were used to study the level of Fe modification in the γ-Al2O3 phase formed and to correlate the catalytic properties during trichloroethylene (TCE) combustion. The introduction of Fe in situ during the sol-gel process influenced the crystallite size, and three iron species were generated, namely, magnetite, maghemite and hematite. The impregnated Fe-alumina formed hematite and maghemite, which were highly dispersed on the γ-Al2O3 surface. The X-ray photoelectron spectra (XPS), FT-IR and Mössbauer spectroscopy analyses revealed how Fe interacted with the γ-Al2O3 lattice in both catalysts. The impregnated Fe-catalyst showed the best catalytic performance compared to the catalyst that was Fe-doped in situ by the sol-gel method; both had better catalytic activity than pure alumina. This difference in activity was correlated with the accessibility of the reactants to the hematite iron species on the surface. The chlorine poisoning for all three catalysts was less than 1.8%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Materials Characterization)
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912 KiB  
Review
Emerging Applications of Liquid Crystals Based on Nanotechnology
by Jung Inn Sohn, Woong-Ki Hong, Su Seok Choi, Harry J. Coles, Mark E. Welland, Seung Nam Cha and Jong Min Kim
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2044-2061; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032044 - 11 Mar 2014
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 9217
Abstract
Diverse functionalities of liquid crystals (LCs) offer enormous opportunities for their potential use in advanced mobile and smart displays, as well as novel non-display applications. Here, we present snapshots of the research carried out on emerging applications of LCs ranging from electronics to [...] Read more.
Diverse functionalities of liquid crystals (LCs) offer enormous opportunities for their potential use in advanced mobile and smart displays, as well as novel non-display applications. Here, we present snapshots of the research carried out on emerging applications of LCs ranging from electronics to holography and self-powered systems. In addition, we will show our recent results focused on the development of new LC applications, such as programmable transistors, a transparent and active-type two-dimensional optical array and self-powered display systems based on LCs, and will briefly discuss their novel concepts and basic operating principles. Our research will give insights not only into comprehensively understanding technical and scientific applications of LCs, but also developing new discoveries of other LC-based devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Liquid Crystals)
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684 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Chemical Properties of π-Conjugated Polymers Containing Indigo Unit in the Main Chain
by Hiroki Fukumoto, Hisashi Nakajima, Takahiro Kojima and Takakazu Yamamoto
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2030-2043; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032030 - 11 Mar 2014
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 7839
Abstract
π-Conjugated polymers based on indigo unit were prepared. Dehalogenative polycondensation of N-hexyl-6,6'-dibromoindigo with a zerovalent nickel complex gave a homopolymer, P(HexI), in 77% yield. Copolymer of N-hexyl-indigo and pyridine, P(HexI-Py), was also prepared in 50% yield. P(HexI) showed good [...] Read more.
π-Conjugated polymers based on indigo unit were prepared. Dehalogenative polycondensation of N-hexyl-6,6'-dibromoindigo with a zerovalent nickel complex gave a homopolymer, P(HexI), in 77% yield. Copolymer of N-hexyl-indigo and pyridine, P(HexI-Py), was also prepared in 50% yield. P(HexI) showed good solubility in organic solvents, whereas P(HexI-Py) was only soluble in acids such as HCOOH. The weight-average molecular weights (Mw) of P(HexI) and P(HexI-Py) were determined to be 10,000 and 40,000, respectively, by a light scattering method. Pd-catalyzed polycondensation between 6,6'-dibromoindigo with N-BOC (BOC = t-butoxycarbonyl) substituents and a diboronic compound of 9,9-dioctylfluorene afforded the corresponding alternating copolymer, P(BOCI-Flu), as a deep red solid in 98% yield. P(BOCI-Flu) was soluble in N-methyl-2-pyrroridone and showed an Mw of 29,000 in GPC analysis. Treatment of P(BOCI-Flu) with CF3COOH smoothly led to a BOC-deprotection reaction to give an insoluble deep green polymer, P(I-Flu), in a quantitative yield. Diffuse reflectance spectra of powdery P(BOCI-Flu) and P(I-Flu) showed peaks at about 580 nm and 630 nm, respectively, which are thought to originate from the indigo unit. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Conjugated Polymers)
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1254 KiB  
Article
Formation of Nanocones on Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite by Oxygen Plasma
by Alenka Vesel, Kristina Eleršič, Martina Modic, Ita Junkar and Miran Mozetič
Materials 2014, 7(3), 2014-2029; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7032014 - 11 Mar 2014
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6787
Abstract
Improvement in hemocompatibility of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) by formation of nanostructured surface by oxygen plasma treatment is reported. We have showed that by appropriate fine tuning of plasma and discharge parameters we are able to create nanostructured surface which is densely [...] Read more.
Improvement in hemocompatibility of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) by formation of nanostructured surface by oxygen plasma treatment is reported. We have showed that by appropriate fine tuning of plasma and discharge parameters we are able to create nanostructured surface which is densely covered with nanocones. The size of the nanocones strongly depended on treatment time. The optimal results in terms of material hemocompatibility were obtained after treatment with oxygen plasma for 15 s, when both the nanotopography and wettability were the most favorable, since marked reduction in adhesion and activation of platelets was observed on this surface. At prolonged treatment times, the rich surface topography was lost and thus also its antithrombogenic properties. Chemical composition of the surface was always more or less the same, regardless of its morphology and height of the nanocones. Namely, on all plasma treated samples, only a few atomic percent of oxygen was found, meaning that plasma caused mostly etching, leading to changes in the surface morphology. This indicates that the main preventing mechanism against platelets adhesion was the right surface morphology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomaterials)
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1016 KiB  
Article
Metallocene Based Polyolefin Nanocomposites
by Walter Kaminsky
Materials 2014, 7(3), 1995-2013; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7031995 - 10 Mar 2014
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 7513
Abstract
One of the most efficient and versatile ways to synthesize polyolefin nanocomposites is the in-situ polymerization of olefins in the presence of nano particles by metallocene catalysts. Metallocene/methylaluminoxane (MAO) catalysts are soluble in hydrocarbons and therefore they can be absorbed perfectly in solution [...] Read more.
One of the most efficient and versatile ways to synthesize polyolefin nanocomposites is the in-situ polymerization of olefins in the presence of nano particles by metallocene catalysts. Metallocene/methylaluminoxane (MAO) catalysts are soluble in hydrocarbons and therefore they can be absorbed perfectly in solution onto the surface of particles or fibers and after addition of ethene or propene they can then catalyze a polyolefin film on the surface. Metallocene/MAO and other single site catalysts allow the synthesis of polymers with a precisely defined microstructure, tacticity, and stereoregularity as well as new copolymers with superior properties such as film clarity, high tensile strength and lower content of extractables. The polymer properties can be enlarged by the incorporation of nanofillers. The resulting polyethylene or polypropylene nanocomposites give a tremendous boost to the physical and chemical properties such as dramatically improved stiffness, high gas barrier properties, significant flame retardancy, and high crystallization rates. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites of Polymers and Inorganic Particles 2013)
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1317 KiB  
Article
Synthesis and Characterization of Superconducting Ca1xNaxFFeAs
by Klaus K. Wolff, Larysa Shlyk, Markus Bischoff, Eva Rose, Rainer Niewa and Thomas Schleid
Materials 2014, 7(3), 1984-1994; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7031984 - 07 Mar 2014
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5314
Abstract
A representative of the fluoride-containing iron pnictide high-temperature superconductors, namely CaFFeAs, was doped with sodium up to the composition Ca0.86Na0.14FFeAs for the first time. Single crystals with an edge length in the range of 0.1 – 2.0 mm were [...] Read more.
A representative of the fluoride-containing iron pnictide high-temperature superconductors, namely CaFFeAs, was doped with sodium up to the composition Ca0.86Na0.14FFeAs for the first time. Single crystals with an edge length in the range of 0.1 – 2.0 mm were obtained via solid-state and flux syntheses, respectively. The composition of the crystals was verified by means of single crystal X-ray diffractometry and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Measurements of the electrical resistivity, as well as the magnetization on a crystal of Ca0.89Na0.11FFeAs both show a transition to the superconducting state on cooling to 34.5 K. Investigations of the upper critical fields reveal an anisotropy ratio of about five. The lattice parameters and molar volumes increase with rising sodium content. This effect is clearly observable for the c-axis and the volume, whereas the increase of the a-axis is rather minor. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Materials Characterization)
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833 KiB  
Article
All-Carbon Electrode Consisting of Carbon Nanotubes on Graphite Foil for Flexible Electrochemical Applications
by Je-Hwang Ryu, Gi-Ja Lee, Wan-Sun Kim, Han-Eol Lim, Mallory Mativenga, Kyu-Chang Park and Hun-Kuk Park
Materials 2014, 7(3), 1975-1983; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7031975 - 07 Mar 2014
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 7770
Abstract
We demonstrate the fabrication of an all-carbon electrode by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition for use in flexible electrochemical applications. The electrode is composed of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes that are grown directly on a flexible graphite foil. Being all-carbon, the simple fabrication process [...] Read more.
We demonstrate the fabrication of an all-carbon electrode by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition for use in flexible electrochemical applications. The electrode is composed of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes that are grown directly on a flexible graphite foil. Being all-carbon, the simple fabrication process and the excellent electrochemical characteristics present an approach through which high-performance, highly-stable and cost-effective electrochemical applications can be achieved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Biomaterials)
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1507 KiB  
Article
In vitro and in vivo Biocompatibility of Alginate Dialdehyde/Gelatin Hydrogels with and without Nanoscaled Bioactive Glass for Bone Tissue Engineering Applications
by Ulrike Rottensteiner, Bapi Sarker, Dominik Heusinger, Diana Dafinova, Subha N. Rath, Justus P. Beier, Ulrich Kneser, Raymund E. Horch, Rainer Detsch, Aldo R. Boccaccini and Andreas Arkudas
Materials 2014, 7(3), 1957-1974; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7031957 - 06 Mar 2014
Cited by 100 | Viewed by 11449
Abstract
In addition to good mechanical properties needed for three-dimensional tissue engineering, the combination of alginate dialdehyde, gelatin and nano-scaled bioactive glass (45S5) is supposed to combine excellent cellular adhesion, proliferation and differentiation properties, good biocompatibility and predictable degradation rates. The goal of this [...] Read more.
In addition to good mechanical properties needed for three-dimensional tissue engineering, the combination of alginate dialdehyde, gelatin and nano-scaled bioactive glass (45S5) is supposed to combine excellent cellular adhesion, proliferation and differentiation properties, good biocompatibility and predictable degradation rates. The goal of this study was to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility as a first step on the way to its use as a scaffold in bone tissue engineering. In vitro evaluation showed good cell adherence and proliferation of bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells seeded on covalently crosslinked alginate dialdehyde-gelatin (ADA-GEL) hydrogel films with and without 0.1% nano-Bioglass® (nBG). Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)- and mitochondrial activity significantly increased in both ADA-GEL and ADA-GEL-nBG groups compared to alginate. However, addition of 0.1% nBG seemed to have slight cytotoxic effect compared to ADA-GEL. In vivo implantation did not produce a significant inflammatory reaction, and ongoing degradation could be seen after four weeks. Ongoing vascularization was detected after four weeks. The good biocompatibility encourages future studies using ADA-GEL and nBG for bone tissue engineering application. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biocompatibility of Materials 2013)
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1066 KiB  
Review
Advanced Ceramics from Preceramic Polymers Modified at the Nano-Scale: A Review
by Enrico Bernardo, Laura Fiocco, Giulio Parcianello, Enrico Storti and Paolo Colombo
Materials 2014, 7(3), 1927-1956; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7031927 - 06 Mar 2014
Cited by 138 | Viewed by 14556
Abstract
Preceramic polymers, i.e., polymers that are converted into ceramics upon heat treatment, have been successfully used for almost 40 years to give advanced ceramics, especially belonging to the ternary SiCO and SiCN systems or to the quaternary SiBCN system. One of their [...] Read more.
Preceramic polymers, i.e., polymers that are converted into ceramics upon heat treatment, have been successfully used for almost 40 years to give advanced ceramics, especially belonging to the ternary SiCO and SiCN systems or to the quaternary SiBCN system. One of their main advantages is the possibility of combining the shaping and synthesis of ceramics: components can be shaped at the precursor stage by conventional plastic-forming techniques, such as spinning, blowing, injection molding, warm pressing and resin transfer molding, and then converted into ceramics by treatments typically above 800 °C. The extension of the approach to a wider range of ceramic compositions and applications, both structural and thermo-structural (refractory components, thermal barrier coatings) or functional (bioactive ceramics, luminescent materials), mainly relies on modifications of the polymers at the nano-scale, i.e., on the introduction of nano-sized fillers and/or chemical additives, leading to nano-structured ceramic components upon thermal conversion. Fillers and additives may react with the main ceramic residue of the polymer, leading to ceramics of significant engineering interest (such as silicates and SiAlONs), or cause the formation of secondary phases, significantly affecting the functionalities of the polymer-derived matrix. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites of Polymers and Inorganic Particles 2013)
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1283 KiB  
Article
Transformation-Induced Relaxation and Stress Recovery of TiNi Shape Memory Alloy
by Kohei Takeda, Ryosuke Matsui, Hisaaki Tobushi and Elzbieta A. Pieczyska
Materials 2014, 7(3), 1912-1926; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7031912 - 06 Mar 2014
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5779
Abstract
The transformation-induced stress relaxation and stress recovery of TiNi shape memory alloy (SMA) in stress-controlled subloop loading were investigated based on the local variation in temperature and transformation band on the surface of the tape in the tension test. The results obtained are [...] Read more.
The transformation-induced stress relaxation and stress recovery of TiNi shape memory alloy (SMA) in stress-controlled subloop loading were investigated based on the local variation in temperature and transformation band on the surface of the tape in the tension test. The results obtained are summarized as follows. (1) In the loading process, temperature increases due to the exothermic martensitic transformation (MT) until the holding strain and thereafter temperature decreases while holding the strain constant, resulting in stress relaxation due to the MT; (2) In the unloading process, temperature decreases due to the endothermic reverse transformation until the holding strain and thereafter temperature increases while holding the strain constant, resulting in stress recovery due to the reverse transformation; (3) Stress varies markedly in the initial stage followed by gradual change while holding the strain constant; (4) If the stress rate is high until the holding strain in the loading and unloading processes, both stress relaxation and stress recovery are large; (5) It is important to take into account this behavior in the design of SMA elements, since the force of SMA elements varies even if the atmospheric temperature is kept constant. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shape Memory Materials)
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538 KiB  
Article
Nanocomposites Polarizing by Absorption: Dichroism in the Near-Infrared Region (NIR)
by Lorenz Bonderer, Dirk I. Uhlenhaut, Paul Smith and Walter Caseri
Materials 2014, 7(3), 1899-1911; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7031899 - 05 Mar 2014
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6412
Abstract
We describe the preparation of nanocomposites which exhibit dichroism in the near infrared region (NIR). These materials consist of crosslinked poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and gold nanoparticles, coated with 1-dodecanethiol or tert-tetradecanethiol. The alkanethiols improve dispersibility of the gold particles, and accordingly composites were [...] Read more.
We describe the preparation of nanocomposites which exhibit dichroism in the near infrared region (NIR). These materials consist of crosslinked poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) and gold nanoparticles, coated with 1-dodecanethiol or tert-tetradecanethiol. The alkanethiols improve dispersibility of the gold particles, and accordingly composites were manufactured by diffusion of the particles into swollen self-supporting PDMS elastomer films. After drying, the films were exposed to solvents for one minute, stretched in wet state, dried again and annealed. This procedure led to formation of oriented linear gold particle assemblies within stretched polymer. If the aspect ratio of the particle assemblies is high, the absorption of polarized light in the NIR region is expected to depend on the angle between the polarization plane and the orientation direction of the particle assemblies, and this was observed to be the case. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanocomposites of Polymers and Inorganic Particles 2013)
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519 KiB  
Article
Sorptive Uptake Studies of an Aryl-Arsenical with Iron Oxide Composites on an Activated Carbon Support
by Jae H. Kwon, Lee D. Wilson and Ramaswami Sammynaiken
Materials 2014, 7(3), 1880-1898; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7031880 - 05 Mar 2014
Cited by 34 | Viewed by 7618
Abstract
Sorption uptake kinetics and equilibrium studies for 4-hydroxy-3-nitrobenzene arsonic acid (roxarsone) was evaluated with synthetic magnetite (Mag-P), commercial magnetite (Mag-C), magnetite 10%, 19%, and 32% composite material (CM-10, -19, -32) that contains granular activated carbon (GAC), and synthetic goethite at pH 7.00 in [...] Read more.
Sorption uptake kinetics and equilibrium studies for 4-hydroxy-3-nitrobenzene arsonic acid (roxarsone) was evaluated with synthetic magnetite (Mag-P), commercial magnetite (Mag-C), magnetite 10%, 19%, and 32% composite material (CM-10, -19, -32) that contains granular activated carbon (GAC), and synthetic goethite at pH 7.00 in water at 21 °C for 24 h. GAC showed the highest sorptive removal of roxarsone and the relative uptake for each sorbent material with roxarsone are listed in descending order as follows: GAC (471 mg/g) > goethite (418 mg/g) > CM-10 (377 mg/g) CM-19 (254 mg/g) > CM-32 (227 mg/g) > Mag-P (132 mg/g) > Mag-C (29.5 mg/g). The As (V) moiety of roxarsone is adsorbed onto the surface of the iron oxide/oxyhydrate and is inferred as inner-sphere surface complexes; monodentate-mononuclear, bidentate-mononuclear, and bidentate-binuclear depending on the protolytic speciation of roxarsone. The phenyl ring of roxarsone provides the primary driving force for the sorptive interaction with the graphene surface of GAC and its composites. Thus, magnetite composites are proposed as multi-purpose adsorbents for the co-removal of inorganic and organic arsenicals due to the presence of graphenic and iron oxide active adsorption sites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Composites)
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1124 KiB  
Article
Surface Characterization of Retrieved Metal-on-Metal Total Hip Implants from Patients with Adverse Reaction to Metal Debris
by Maria Burbano, Robert Russell, Michael Huo, Robert Welch, Diana Roy and Danieli C. Rodrigues
Materials 2014, 7(3), 1866-1879; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma7031866 - 04 Mar 2014
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 6675
Abstract
The use of metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip implants has decreased recently due to reports of high failure rates and adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR). It has been hypothesized that wear metal debris released from CoCr bearing surfaces may provoke delayed hypersensitivity reactions. The [...] Read more.
The use of metal-on-metal (MoM) total hip implants has decreased recently due to reports of high failure rates and adverse local tissue reaction (ALTR). It has been hypothesized that wear metal debris released from CoCr bearing surfaces may provoke delayed hypersensitivity reactions. The goal of this study is to evaluate the microscopic bearing surface characteristics of implants revised due to evidence of ALTR. The bearing surface of each head and cup was analyzed using multiple microscopy techniques for characterization of the surface features. The presence of severe mechanical scratching was a common characteristic found in all of the implants evaluated. Mechanical factors seemed to be the prevalent failure mode related to the appearance of ALTR with this particular set of retrieved implants. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Advanced Materials Characterization)
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