Sol-gel preparation, corrosion resistance and hydrophilicity of Ta-containing TiO_2 films on Ti6Al4V alloy

Ta-containing TiO2 films with Ta contents of 5%, 20%, 33% （mole fraction） were sol-gel coated on the surface roughened Ti6AI4V alloy by dip coating method for biomedical applications. The Ta-TiO2 films on 1.5 mol/L NaOH-HCI pretreated substrate are adherent, but there are cracks for the sample with 33% Ta. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy results show that Ti and Ta exist as TiP2 and Ta205 in the film, and A1 element is not detectable. X-ray diffraction and Raman scattering analyses reveal that the addition of Ta decreases crystallization of the films. Potentiodynamic polarization test in a Ca-free Hank＇s balanced solution demonstrates that the coating samples markedly improve the corrosion resistance compared with the polished sample. The addition of Ta impedes UV light-induced hydrophilic conversion of the coating samples. The sample with 20% Ta has enough film integrity and hydrophilic conversion rate, and is expected to possess good biological properties.

Sol-gel preparation and characterization of Co_3O_4 nanocrystals

A new citrate acid-hydrazine sol-gel route for preparation of Co3O4 nanoparticles has been developed. Co3O4 nanoparticles with different particle-sizes and morphology were prepared at different heat-treatment temperatures and the pure cubic nanocrystals of Co3O4 were obtained at 600℃. The synthesis process was monitored by infrared spectroscopy (IR), thermal gravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG-DTA). The structure and morphology of Co3O4 nanocrystals were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray-photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The infrared absorption bands blue-shifted with particle size decreasing, which could be attributed to increasing surface effect. XPS results showed that predominant species at surface layers of Co3O4 nanocrystals are octahedral Co (Ⅲ).

Sol-gel Preparation and Preliminary in vitro Evaluation of Fluorapatite/Hydroxyapatite Solid Solution Films

Fluorapatite/hydroxyapatite solid solution has better biological properties than other apatites, especially used as films or coatings. In this work, sol-gel preparation and in vitro behavior of fluorapatite/hydroxyapatite solid solution films on titanium alloy were investigated. Ca(NO3)2·4H2O and PO(OH)K(OEt)3-x. were selected as precursors, and hexafluorophosphoric acid (HPF6) was used as a fluorine containing reagent. The Ca and P precursors were mixed with HPF6 to keep the Ca/P molar ratio 1.67. The mixtures refluxed for 12 h were used as dipping sols for the preparation of the films. The phase of the films obtained at 600℃ was apatite. The F contents in the films increased with the concentrations of HPF6 in the dipping sols. The solid solution films were shown to have better stability than hydroxyapatite films, and a reasonably good bioactivity in the in vitro evaluation.

Sol-gel preparation and characterization of Li_(1.3)Al_(0.3)Ti_(1.7)(PO_4)_3 sintered with flux of LiBO_2

Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7（PO4）3 pellets sintered with different mole fractions of LiBO2 were prepared by sol-gel method. The structural identification, surface morphology, ionic conductivity, and activation energy of the pellets were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results show that all the Li1.3Al0.3Ti1.7（PO4）3 pellets sintered with different mole fractions of LiBO2 have similar X-ray diffraction patterns. The sintered pellet becomes denser and the boundary and comer of the particles become illegible with the increase of LiBO2. Among the Lil.3Al0.3Ti1.7（PO3）4 pellets sintered with different mole fractions of LiBO2, the one sintered with 1 mol% LiBO2 shows the highest ionic conductivity of 3.95×10^-4 S.cm^-1 and the lowest activation energy of 0.2469 eV.

Sol-Gel Preparation of Zn2 SiO4 :Mn Phosphor Layers on Silica Spheres and Their Luminescent Properties

The synthesis and luminescence properties of Zn2 SiO4: Mn phosphor layers on spherical silica spheres, i.e.,a kind of core-shell complex phosphor, Zn2SiO4: Mn@ SiO2 were described.Firstly, monodisperse silica spheres were obtained via the Stober method by the hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane(TEOS) Si ( OC2H5 ) 4 under base condition ( using NH4 OH as the catalyst).Secondly, the silica spheres were coated with a Zn2 SiO4: Mn phosphor layer by a Pechini solgel process.X-ray diffraction ( XRD), scanning electron microscope ( SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum ( EDS )and photoluminescence (PL) were employed to characterize the resulting complex phosphor.The results confirm that1000 ℃ annealed sample consists of crystalline Zn2SiO4: Mn shells and amorphous SiO2 cores.The phosphor show the green emission of Mn2+ at 521 nm corresponding 4T1 (4G) - 6 A1 (6S) transition, and the possible luminescence mechanism is proposed.

Sol-gel preparation and phosphorescence property of Mn^(2+)-doped zinc boro-silicate glass thin films

Mn2＋-doped zinc borosilicate （ZBSM） glass thin films were first synthesized by sol-gel method. In the experiment, a thin gel film was depos-ited onto quartz glass substrates by dip-coating method and then heat-treated to form a Mn2＋-doped zinc borosilicate glass thin film. Long lasting phosphorescence （LLP） and photo-stimulated long lasting phosphorescence （PSLLP） were found in the film sample. According to fluorescence spectra, LLP emission spectra, and PSLLP emission spectra, both LLP and PSLLP emissions are attributed to the energy level transition of 4Eg→4A1g from Mn2＋. Both the phosphorescence intensity decay curves contain a fast decay component and another slow decay one. The thermoluminescence （TL） spectra show that the sample has two kinds of traps at least and their energy level values are about 0.8 eV and 1.02 eV, which could be estimated by the Randall and Willcins formula. The infrared absorption spectra （IR） consist of characteristic vi-bration bands of Si-O-Si, Si-O-Zn, B-O in [BO3], B-O group, and Zn-O in [ZnO4]. Moreover, image storage and logical operation of the ZBSM film were carried out successfully through an experiment analogues of optical storage.

Sol-Gel Preparation and Luminescence Properties of BaMgAl_(10)O_(17):Eu^(2+) Phosphors

The synthesis of BaMgAl10O17： Eu^2＋ （BAM） phosphors using the sol-gel method and their luminescence properties were reported. The blue-light emitting BAM was synthesized using citric acid and ethylene glycol as chelating materials. Emission of blue-light was obtained from these phosphors. The luminescent intensity increases as the temperature of heat treatment is increased, This study investigated the effects of the molar ratio of ethylene glycol to citric acid （Ф value）, with respect to the phase formation and luminescence properties of BAM. The variation of the Фvalue resulted in the change of the sol-gel reaction mechanism and the microstructures of the resultant powders. An increase in Фvalue leads to an increase in the rate of BAM phase formation. The photoluminescent intensity of the prepared phosphors increases with heating temperatures because of enhanced crystallization.

Sol-Gel Preparation of Nanoscale TiO₂/SiO₂Composite for Eliminating of Con Red Azo Dye

A new anatase/SiO2 nanocomposite was synthesized by sol-gel method at room temperature using titanium tetrachloride and tetraethylorthosilicate as raw materials. Characterization of the product was carried out by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) specific surface areas, Thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), and UV-vis absorption spectroscopy. Thermal phase transformation studies of composite were carried out up to 1100°C which showed the establishment of anatase TiO2 phase. The presence of some tetrahedral coordination of TiO2 species in SiO2 matrix was confirmed by UV-Vis study. The produced TiO2/SiO2 nanocomposite has good photocatalytic properties due to its anatase phase, existence of tetrahedral coordination of TiO2 in the SiO2 matrix and very large surface area. Furthermore, the synthesized anatase/SiO2 shows significant adsorption ability towards Congo Red (CR) azo dye in comparison with the pure commercial TiO2 which is known as Degussa, P25.

Sol-Gel Preparation of LaNiO3 and Its Physical and Chemical Properties

LaNiO3 was synthesized by sol-gel method in which lanthanum nitrate and nickel nitrate were used as start materials and citric acid was used as complex for gel formation.The precursor was dried and subsequently heated at elevated temperature to form the desired product.XRD analysis shows that pure LaNiO3 was synthesized.Electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance of the material were tested.The electrical conductivity decreases from 34.5that there are current peaks in the curve, which is the evidence of the electrochemical activity of LaNiO3.

Sol-Gel Preparation of Graphite/TiO_2 Composite Particles and Their Electrorheological Effect

Graphite/TiO2 composite particles were obtained by sol-gel technique in this paper. The structure and characteristic of the composite particles are analyzed by XRD, SEM and TG-DTA. The electrorheological properties of the ER fluid containing the particles were measured by a Couette-type rheometer under shear rates of 1-136 s-1 and AC electric fields of 0-3 kV/mm. The experimental results show that the leaking current density of the ER fluid is higher than that of pure titanium dioxide particles dispersed in damping oil. The shear yield stress of the ER fluid increases with increasing electric field and exhibits a typical Bingham flow behavior. The suspension demonstrates an excellent ER performance (τ/τo=1200) compared with conventional ER fluids (τ/τ0 ≤500). The sedimentation of the ER fluid is improved obviously due to the coating effect of the particles.

Sol-Gel Preparation and Phase Transition of RE Orthoborates

The rare earth berate YBO3 synthesized by sol-gel technique was found to be in two phases. However, the low-svmmetry form of YBO3 which was found also in some other rare earth (Sm, Eu, Gd) berates has a much different dependence on the preparing conditions, The photoluminescent spectra indicate that there are more than two sites for Eu3+ in the sol-gel prepared polycrystalline YBO3:Eu with low-symmetry.

Sol-gel Preparation Copper-cadmium Halide DopedPhotochromic Glass Coating on Plate Glass

Copper-cadmium halide doped photochromic glass coating on plate glass has been prepared by a sol-gel process. The sample shows reversible photochromic effect. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and infrared (IR) spectrum investigations indicate that the photochromic phase of tile coating is CuBr_xCl_(1-x), solid solution, and that the structure network of the coating is connected with the bonds of Si-O-Si, Si-O-B and Si-O-Al.

Sol-Gel Preparation of TiO2/SiO2 Nanocomposites and Their Application in Self- cleaning Textiles

The present study involves the preparation of TiO 2/ SiO 2nanocrystals and their application in self-cleaning wool-polyester fabrics.The TiO 2/ SiO 2nanocrystals were successfully synthesized and deposited onto wool-polyester fabrics using the low-temperature sol-gel technique.The as-prepared nanocomposites and the nanocomposites coated samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction( XRD) and scanning electron microscopy( SEM),respectively.The XRD and SEM results showed that the single-phase anatase nanocrystallites were formed and loaded on the fabric surface successfully.The photocatalytic activities of TiO 2-coated and TiO 2/ SiO 2-coated wool-polyester fabrics were measured by studying photodegradation of methylene blue dye.Comparison of the photocatalytic activity of the coated samples reveals superiority of TiO 2/ SiO 2modified sample with respect to that of pure TiO 2modified sample.Our observations indicate that by applying this technique to the fabrics,self-cleaning materials can be designed for practical application.

Characterization, preparation, and reuse of metallic powders for laser powder bed fusion: a review

Laser powder bed fusion(L-PBF) has attracted significant attention in both the industry and academic fields since its inception, providing unprecedented advantages to fabricate complex-shaped metallic components. The printing quality and performance of L-PBF alloys are infuenced by numerous variables consisting of feedstock powders, manufacturing process,and post-treatment. As the starting materials, metallic powders play a critical role in infuencing the fabrication cost, printing consistency, and properties. Given their deterministic roles, the present review aims to retrospect the recent progress on metallic powders for L-PBF including characterization, preparation, and reuse. The powder characterization mainly serves for printing consistency while powder preparation and reuse are introduced to reduce the fabrication costs.Various powder characterization and preparation methods are presented in the beginning by analyzing the measurement principles, advantages, and limitations. Subsequently, the effect of powder reuse on the powder characteristics and mechanical performance of L-PBF parts is analyzed, focusing on steels, nickel-based superalloys, titanium and titanium alloys, and aluminum alloys. The evolution trends of powders and L-PBF parts vary depending on specific alloy systems, which makes the proposal of a unified reuse protocol infeasible. Finally,perspectives are presented to cater to the increased applications of L-PBF technologies for future investigations. The present state-of-the-art work can pave the way for the broad industrial applications of L-PBF by enhancing printing consistency and reducing the total costs from the perspective of powders.

On-spot preparation of EDTA solution for the treatment of band keratopathy:a case report

Dear Editor,We report a case of band keratopathy who experienced several ocular surgeries,secondary uveitis and glaucoma which eventually led to severe band keratopathy.We use commonly-used vacuum blood collection tubes with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid dipotassium salt(EDTA-K2)to prepare chelation solution on-spot to remove the calcium deposits on the corneal surface.It is proved to be relatively safety,efficacy,cost-effective.

Common Artifacts and Remedies in Histological Preparations

The importance of the accuracy of preparing biological specimen as histological sections that can be examined under a microscope lies in reflecting a true image of the tissue that includes all its components, which are used in scientific research or for the purpose of diagnosing various diseases of the body. Despite this, some cellular structures within the tissue may suffer from some alterations that result from the appearance of defects during any stage of preparing these microscopic sections, which alter or interfere with the precise cellular structures and morphology that constitute the tissue and thus give a different image for tissue features and cause confusion in the work histopathologist in the diagnosis. There are several reasons that can cause a misdiagnosis of the sample that occurs during the surgical separation process or after separation during the stages of microscopic preparation techniques from fixation stage, tissue processing, embedding or microtomy, staining until mounting procedures. The constant need to identify these defects and their causes in addition to try to reduce them is one of the biggest challenges evident in pathology laboratories. Therefore, this study aims to review the most common defects that occur in any stage of tissue processing, with an explanation of their causes and appropriate ways to avoid them.

Enhancing vertically stacked skin display compactness via discrete layer preparation

The discrete preparation of functional layers followed by lamination for all-organic active-matrix organic light-emitting diodes enables an ultrahigh aperture ratio and reliable conformability,promising significant potential for nextgeneration skin-like displays.

Preparation and Thermal Stability of AlMoON Based Solar Selective Absorption Coating

AlMoON based solar selective absorption coatings were deposited on stainless steel substrate by magnetron sputtering.The coatings included infrared reflection layer Mo,absorption layer AlMoN,absorption layer AlMoON and antireflection layer AlMoO from bottom to top.The surface of the deposited coatings is flat without obvious defects.The absorptivity and emissivity are 0.896 and 0.09,respectively,and the quality factor is 9.96.After heat treatment at 500℃-36 h,the surface roughness of the coating increases,a small number of cracks and other defects appear,and the broken part is still attached to the coating surface.A certain degree of element diffusion occurs in the coatings,resulting in the decline of the optical properties of the coatings.The absorptivity and emissivity are 0.883 and 0.131,respectively,the quality factor is 7.06,and the PC value is 0.0335.The coatings do not fail under this condition and have certain thermal stability.

Preparation of FeCoNi medium entropy alloy from Fe^(3+)-Co^(2+)-Ni^(2+)solution system

In recent years,medium entropy alloys have become a research hotspot due to their excellent physical and chemical performances.By controlling reasonable elemental composition and processing parameters,the medium entropy alloys can exhibit similar properties to high entropy alloys and have lower costs.In this paper,a FeCoNi medium entropy alloy precursor was prepared via sol-gel and coprecipitation methods,respectively,and FeCoNi medium entropy alloys were prepared by carbothermal and hydrogen reduction.The phases and magnetic properties of FeCoNi medium entropy alloy were investigated.Results showed that FeCoNi medium entropy alloy was produced by carbothermal and hydrogen reduction at 1500℃.Some carbon was detected in the FeCoNi medium entropy alloy prepared by carbothermal reduction.The alloy prepared by hydrogen reduction was uniform and showed a relatively high purity.Moreover,the hydrogen reduction product exhibited better saturation magnetization and lower coercivity.

Research Progress of Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy

Colorectal cancer ranks third in the global cancer data in 2020. Colorectal scope is the most effective method to diagnose colorectal diseases such as benign and malignant colorectal tumors. The poor quality of intestinal preparation causes an increased rate of missed diagnosis of colorectal tumors, reduces the rate of cecal intubation for colorectal examination, increases the discomfort, and reduces the compliance of re-examination. Therefore, we should try our best to improve the quality of intestinal preparation. This study reviewed the latest advances related to the preoperative preparation for colonoscopy. Recent research shows that smartphone apps can provide more detailed education and guidance on bowel preparation;Pre-packaged foods are more suitable as a way to eat before colonoscopy. The use of smaller doses, better taste of cathartic agents, and some auxiliary measures, combined with the patient’s situation to provide personalized intestinal preparation measures to improve the quality of intestinal preparation. Starting from the quality of colonoscopy bowel preparation, continuous improvement of patients’ tolerance to bowel preparation, continuous improvement of bowel preparation plan based on individual factors’ needs, and better communication with examined subjects by using existing scientific information technology, may be the hot spot of colonoscopy bowel preparation research in the next few years.