Quantitative contributions of solution atoms, precipitates and deformation to microstructures and properties of Al-Sc-Zr alloys

In order to investigate the effects of solid solution atoms, precipitated particles and cold deformation on the microstructures and properties of Al-Sc-Zr alloys, the Al-Sc-Zr alloys prepared by continuous rheo-extrusion were treated by thermomechanical treatment, analyzed for conductivity and mechanical properties by tensile and microhardness testing, and characterized using optical microscope, TEM and STEM. A mathematical model was established to quantitatively characterize the contribution of solid solution atoms, precipitates and cold deformation to the conductivity of the alloy. The results show that the strength of Al alloy can be significantly improved by solid solution, aging and cold deformation, and the quantitative impacts of solution atoms, precipitates and cold deformation on the conductivity of Al alloy are 10.5%(IACS), 2.3%(IACS) and 0.5%(IACS), respectively. Aging and cold deformation treatments are the keys to obtain high-strength and high-conductivity aluminum alloy wires.

One-dimensional microstructure-assisted intradermal and intracellular delivery

The advancement in the materials manufacturing at micrometer and nanometer scales has already enabled numerous applications in electronics, optics, chemistry, biology and medicine. Biomedical devices carrying micro-/nanostructures are currently being widely used in drug delivery, drug release, biosensing and therapy. New clinical methods for disease diagnosis and treatments are being developed enabled by nanotech no logy. One-dimensional (ID) structures are playi ng an importa nt role in the direct drug delivery both in vivo and ex vivo among various micro-/nanostructures. Here, in this paper, we reviewed recent progresses made on next-generation intradermal and intracellular delivery strategies and applications with focus on ID microstructure-based approaches.

Preparation and properties of Ni-W-P-TiO_(2)nanocomposite coatings developed by a sol-enhanced electroplating method

Several Ni-W-P-TiO_(2) nanocomposite coatings were developed by the sol-enhanced electroplating method. The phase and elemental compositions of coatings were determined, and the surface and cross-section morphology were characterized. The mechanical and corrosion performance were systematically tested. The results revealed the addition of 5 ml·L^(-1) TiO_(2) sol caused a compact coating surface,while higher concentrations of TiO_(2) reduced the coating thickness and led to the inferior surface microstructure. The comparison in physiochemical properties of prepared coatings confirmed the superior performance of the Ni-W-P-TiO_(2) nanocomposite coating at 5 ml·L^(-1) TiO_(2) sol addition. Under this condition, the best mechanical properties were achieved when abrasive wear was the dominating wearresistance mechanism, and the best corrosion resistance was obtained due to its smooth and compact surface microstructure.

Nanomaterials for treating cardiovascular diseases:A review

Nanomaterials such as nanostructured surfaces,nanoparticles,and nanocomposites represent new viable sources for future therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases.The special properties of nanomaterials such as their intrinsic physiochemical properties,surface energy and surface topographies could actively enhance desirable cellular responses within the cardiovascular system,projecting a growing potential for clinical translation.Recent progress on nanomaterials opened up new opportunities for treating cardiovascular diseases.Successful translation of nanomaterials into cardiovascular applications requires a comprehensive understanding of both nanomaterials and biomedicine,and,thus,it is critical to stress current advancements on both sides.In this review,the authors introduced crucial fabrication techniques for promising nanomaterials for cardiovascular applications.This review highlighted the key elements to consider for their fabrication,properties and applications.The important concerns relevant to cardiovascular nanomaterials,such as cellular responses to nanomaterials and the toxicity of nanomaterials,are also discussed.This review provided an overview of necessary knowledge and key concerns on nanomaterials specific for treating cardiovascular diseases,from the perspectives of both material science and biomedicine.

A portable device for studying the effects of fluid flow on degradation properties of biomaterials inside cell incubators

A portable device was designed and constructed for studying the properties of biomaterials in physiologically relevant fluids under controllable flow conditions that closely simulate fluid flow inside the body.The device can fit entirely inside a cell incubator;and,thus,it can be used directly under standard cell culture conditions.An impedance-driven pump was built in the sterile flow loop to control the flow rates of fluids,which made the device small and portable for easy deployment in the incubator.To demonstrate the device functions,magnesium(Mg)as a representative biodegradable material was tested in the flow device for immersion degradation under flow versus static conditions,while the flow module was placed inside a standard cell incubator.The flow rate was controlled at 0.1760.06 ml/s for this study;and,the flow rate is adjustable through the controller module outside of incubators for simulating the flow rates in the ranges of blood flow in human artery(0.050.43 ml/s)and vein(0.020.08 ml/s).Degradation of Mg under flow versus static conditions was characterized by measuring the changes of sample mass and thickness,and Mg2t ion concentrations in the immersion media.Surface chemistry and morphology of Mg after immersion under flow versus static conditions were compared.The portable impedance-driven flow device is easy to fit inside an incubator and much smaller than a peristaltic pump,providing a valuable solution for studying biomaterials and implants(e.g.vascular or ureteral stents)in body fluids under flow versus static conditions with or without cells.