Tribological behavior of different films on Ti-6Al-4V alloy prepared by plasma-based ion implantation

The tribological behaviors of TiN coating and TiN+TiC+Ti(C, N)/diamond like carbon (DLC), TiN/DLC, TiC/DLC multilayers on Ti 6Al 4V alloy prepared by plasma based ion implantation (PBII) were compared. Under the test conditions of counterbody AISI 52100, load 1 N and speed 0.05 m/s, the tribological properties of the alloy are improved by these films in the order of TiN, TiC/DLC, TiN/DLC and TiN+TiC+Ti(C,N)/DLC. Tribological behavior is affected by the conditions of surface modification and triboexperiments. The appearance of “peaks” in the wear dynamic resistance profiles may be due or correspond to the process of formation and breaking apart of transition films. The breakthrough of the DLC coated samples may start from partially wearing out, and end with joining piece dilamination. There are transition films on all counterbodies AISI 52100. When AISI 52100 counterbody is changed to Ti 6Al 4V, the wear of most modified samples is changed from only disc to both disc and ball abrasive dominated.

Structure and tribological properties of modified layer on 2024 aluminum alloy by plasma-based ion implantation with nitrogen/titanium/carbon

aluminum alloy was implanted with nitrogen then titanium finally carbon by plasma-based ion implantatio to form a gradient layer. The structure and tribological properties of the layer were investigated. Its composition profiles and chemical states were analyzed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy(XPS). The surface carbon layer was analyzed by Raman spectrum. The appearances were observed by atomic force microscope (AFM). The surface hardness was measured with the mechanical property microprobe. The dry wear tests against GCr15 steel ball at various sliding loads were performed with a ball-on-disk wear tester in ambient environment. The results show that the thickness of the modified layer is 1 200 nm, the carbon layer is a smooth and compact diamond-like carbon(DLC) films, and the carbon-titanium interface is broadened due to carbon ions implantation, resulting in a good composition and structure transition between DLC films and titanium layer. Surface hardness is improved markedly, with a slow and uniform change. Tribological properties are improved greatly although they reduce with the increase of sliding loads because the modified layer becomes thin rapidly.

Thiocyanate Ion Selective Solid Contact Electrode Based on Mn Complex of N,N'-BIs-(4-Phenylazosalicylidene)-O-Phenylene Diamine Ionophore

A thiocyanate ion selective poly(aniline) solid contact electrode based on manganese complex of N,N’-bis-(4-phenylazosalicylidene)-o-phenylene diamine ionophore was successfully developed. The electrode exhibits a good linear response of 58.1 mV/decade (at 20?C ± 0.2?C, r2 = 0.998) with in the concentration range of 1 × 10–1.0 ~ 1 × 10–5.8 M thiocyanate solution. The composition of this electrode was: ionophore 0.040, polyvinylchloride 0.300, dibutylphthalate 0.660 (mass). This dibutylphthalate plasticizer provides the best response characteristics. The electrode shows good selectivity for thiocyanate ion in comparison with any other anions and is suitable for use with aqueous solutions of pH 4.0 ~ 6.0. The standard deviations of the measured emf difference were ±1.70 and ±2.01 mV for thiocyanate sample solutions of 1.0 × 10–2 M and 1.0 × 10–3 M, respectively. The stabilization time was less than 170 sec. and response time was less than 17 sec.

Composition and Structure of Ti-6Al-4V Alloy Plasma-based Ion Implanted with Nitrogen

The composition and structure of Ti 6Al 4V alloy plasma based ion implanted with nitrogen was investigated.The nitrogen depth distribution shows more antiballistic with distribution peak heightened with increased implantation time(dose),and more like a parabola at the low implantation pulse voltage.When implantation pulse voltage is increased,the implantation depth increased with the nitrogen distribution peak being deepened,widened and lowered somewhat.TiN,TiN+Ti 2N,or Ti 2N second phases were formed in the implanted layer.The relative percentage of nitrogen content in the form of TiN increases when going deeper into the implanted(TiN formed) layer.The increase of implantation pulse width and/or time is favourable for the formation of TiN rather than Ti 2N.It is unfavourable for formation of any nitrides when implantation pulse voltage is decreased to 30kV or less.Tiny crystalline particles (made mainly of Ti 2N and a smaller percentage of TiO 2 phases) of regular shapes such as triangle and tetragon, etc .(about 20 nm) are found distrbuted dispersively in the near surface region of samples implanted at the high implantation pulse voltage (75kV).

The Roles of Key Electrolytes in Balancing Blood Acid-Base and Nutrient in Broiler Chickens Reared under Tropical Conditions

The loss of electrolyte balance in diets of broiler chickens has resulted in a serious distur-bance of blood acid-base balance, coupled with elevated body temperature. The body losses carbon dioxide (CO2) and bicarbonate (HCO3), resulting in respiratory alkalosis or acidosis. Under tropical conditions of high environmental temperatures, the balance of electrolytes in feeds must be set much higher as to maintain equal metabolic and digestive efficiency. However, information on the ideal dietary electrolyte balance (DEB) that could effectively correct acid-base imbalance in broiler chickens under severe heat stress condition is scanty. Therefore, the effects of varying electrolyte balance in diets on haematology, blood glucose and serum inorganic elements were assessed in broiler chickens at starter (0 - 21 d) and finisher (22 - 35 d) phases, under temperature-humidity index of 24.97 - 35.19. One day-old Arbor Acre chicks (n = 300) were procured and randomly allotted to diets supplemented with potassium chloride and sodium bicarbonate, to balance monovalent ions (sodium, potassium and chloride) at 210 (T1), 240 (T2), 270 (T3), 300 (T4), 330 (T5) and 360 (T6) mEq/kg DEB, in a completely randomised design. On days 21 and 35, blood (5 mL) samples were collected from birds in each replicate whose weights were closest to the mean class weight for haematology and serum biochemical indices using standard procedures. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA at α = 0.05. Different levels of DEB did not significantly affect (P > 0.05) haematology and blood glucose at starter phase. However, at finisher phase, heterophil: lymphocyte of birds on 270 and 240 mEq/kg DEB were lower (P < 0.05) compared to other dietary treatments. Blood acid-base balance was relatively enhanced in birds on aggregate DEB level of 360 mEq/kg with reduced chloride ion and relatively lower incidence of hemodilution with respect to high haemoglobin levels as this level is advantageous in balancing blood acid to base ratio in broiler chickens reared under severe environmental temperatures higher than 43?C ± 5?C as against some previous opinions that did not take into consideration, the inherent dietary electrolyte balance in feedstuff, other functional mono or divalent ions, and the severity of environmental factors.

Anthraquinone derivative as high-performance anode material for sodium-ion batteries using ether-based electrolytes

Organic materials, especially the carbonyl compounds, are promising anode materials for room temperature sodium-ion batteries owing to their high reversible capacity, structural diversity as well as eco-friendly synthesis from bio-mass. Herein, we report a novel anthraquinone derivative, C_(14)H_6 O_4 Na_2 composited with carbon nanotube(C_(14)H_6 O_4 Na_2-CNT), used as an anode material for sodium-ion batteries in etherbased electrolyte. The C_(14)H_6 O_4 Na_2-CNT electrode delivers a reversible capacity of 173 mAh g^(-1) and an ultra-high initial Coulombic efficiency of 98% at the rate of 0.1 C. The capacity retention is 82% after 50 cycles at 0.2 C and a good rate capability is displayed at 2 C.Furthermore, the average Na insertion voltage of 1.27 V vs. Na^+/Na makes it a unique and safety battery material, which would avoid Na plating and formation of solid electrolyte interface. Our contribution provides new insights for designing developed organic anode materials with high initial Coulombic efficiency and improved safety capability for sodium-ion batteries.

Deposition of DLC Coating on Biomedical TiNi Alloys by Plasma Based Ion Implantation to Improve Surface Properties

Diamond-like carbon （DLC） films were successfully deposited on Ti- 50.8 at% Ni using plasma based ion implantation （PBII） technique. The influence of the pulsed negative bias voltage applied to the substrate from 12 kV to 40 kV on the microstracture, nano-indentation hardness and Young＇ s modulus, the surface characteristics and corrosion resistant property as well as hemocompatibility were investigated. The experimental resalts showed that C 1 s peak depended heavily on the bias voltage. With the increase of bias voltage, the ratio of sp2 / sp3 first decreased, reaching a minimum value at 20 kV, and then increased. The DLC coating deposited at 20 kV showed the highest hardness and elastic modulus values as a result of lower sp2/sp3 ratio. The RMS values first decreased from 7.202nm（12 kV） to 5.279 nm（20 kV）, and then increased to 11.449 nm（30 kV） and 7.060 nm（ 40 kV）. The uncoated TiNi alloy showed severe pitting corrosion, due to the presence of Cl-ions in the solution. On the contrary, the DLC coated sample showed very little pitting corrosion and behaved better corrosion resistant property especially for the specimens deposited at 20 kV bias voltages. The platelet adhesion test show that the hemocompatibility of DLC coated TiNi alloy is much better than that of bare TiNi alloy, and the hemocompatibility performance of DLC coated TiNi alloy deposited at 20 kV is superior to that of other coated specimens.

Effect of target temperature on microstructure of aluminum surface layer modified by plasma based ion implantation

Aluminum (99.6% purity) was implanted with nitrogen ions to a total dose of 6×10 17 cm -2 at different temperatures (from 50 ℃ to 400 ℃) by plasma based ion implantation (PBII). The surface microstructure was investigated by glancing angle X ray diffraction (GXRD), X ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and cross sectional transmission electron microscopy (XTEM). The results of GXRD and XTEM showed that there was an amorphous layer on the outer surface, and fine dispersion of AlN precipitates was found under the amorphous layer. The size of AlN precipitates strongly depended on the target temperature, with the increase of the target temperature, the size of AlN precipitates became larger. The excess nitrogen atoms can diffuse or migrate to the lower nitrogen concentration regions by radiation enhanced diffusion. The results of XPS further indicated that it was easier to form AlN precipitates at a higher target temperature, and the depth profile of nitrogen broadened.

Plasma-based ion implantation of nitrogen into Ti-6Al-4V: effect of implantation time and pre-or post-implantation aging on nitrogen distribution and microhardness

Presents the investigation of the effect of implantation time and pre or post implantation aging on nitrogen distribution and microhardness with the following findings: the colour of the surface is modified after implantation and it gets darker with the increase of implantation time, and is not affected by pre or post implantation aging; for every implanted sample, a peak is found in the near surface region of the nitrogen concentration depth profile determined by X ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS); The position of the peak is not affected by implantation time and pre or post implantation aging used; With the increase of implantation time, the surface nitrogen concentration increases, and the peak is heightened, but the speed of heightening decreases; The surface structure formed after the implantation may be more unstable and more readily oxidized in its subsequent exposure to air; The implanted samples can be protected against oxidation by immersing them in pure alcohol; and the immersion causes the surface nitrogen concentration to increase somewhat and the surface oxygen concentration to decrease in comparison with the exposure to air. The implanted samples exhibit higher hardness improvement factor especially at low plastic penetrations. The exposure to air causes the hardness improvement factor to increase. As the implantation time is increased, the hardness improvement factor increases (but at a decreased speed). Over long implantation time can induce a softening process because the hardness improvement effects are then unable to follow the effect of strength loss.

Tribological properties of 2024 aluminum alloy plasma-based ion implanted with nitrogen then titanium

aluminum alloy was implanted with nitrogen then titanium at different titanium target sputtering currents by plasma-based ion implantation(PBII). The appearances were observed by atomic force microscope, and the surface hardness was measured with Knoop hardness tester and the mechanical property microprobe. Ball-on-disc dry wear experiments were performed under ambient air conditions, to study the tribological properties of the modified layers against GCr15 steel ball, employing various loads and a constant sliding speed. After dual modifications, surface hardness at 100 nm depth could reach to 9 GPa, increasing by about 5 times; tribological properties at lower load(e.g. 1 N) were obviously improved, with the friction coefficient(below 0.2) decreasing by over 60%, and the wear life(800 times) increasing by about 5 times. Meanwhile, with the increase of the sputtering current, the appearance is smooth, the surface hardness tends to a slow and even variation, the wear life presents a parabola-like change, and the friction coefficient and the adhesive wear degree decrease. However, tribological properties are reduced with the increase of the load due to the modified layer rapidly getting thin.

An ionic liquid supported CeO_2 nanoparticles-carbon nanotubes composite-enhanced electrochemical DNA-based sensor for the detection of Pb^(2+)

An electrochemical sensor incorporating a signal enhancement for the determination of lead （II） ions （Pb2＋） was designed on the basis of the thrombin-binding aptamer （TBA） as a molecular recog- nition element and ionic liquid supported cerium oxide （CeO2） nanoparticles-carbon nanotubes compo- site modification. The composite comprises nanoparticles CeO2, multi-waU carbon nanotubes （MWNTs） and hydrophobic room temperature ionic liquid （RTIL） 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate （EMIMBF4）. The electrochemical sensors were fabricated by immersing the CeOa-MWNTs-EMIMBF4 modified glassy carbon electrode （GCE） into the solution of TBA probe. In the presence of Pb2＋, the TBA probe could form stable G-quartet structure by the specific binding interactions between Pb2＋ and TBA. The TBA-bound Pb2＋ can be electrochemically reduced, which provides a readout signal for quantitative detection of Pb2＋. The reduction peak current is linearly related to the concentration of Pb2＋ from 1.0 ＊ 10-8 M to 1.0 ＊ 105 M with a detection limit of 5 ＊ 109 M. This work demonstrates that the CeOz-MWNTs-EMIMBF4 nanocomposite modified GCE provides a promising platform for immobi- lizing the TBA probe and enhancing the sensitivity of the DNA-based sensors.

Purification process of coal-based coke powder as anode for Li-ion batteries

A process of purification of coal-based coke powder as anode for Li-ion batteries was attempted. The process started with the treatment of coke powder with dilute hydrofluoric acid solution, followed by united-acid-leaching using sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid. The effects of altering the hydrofluoric acid addition, hydrofluoric acid concentration, contact time, temperature and acid type were investigated. A minimum ash content of 0.35% was obtained when proper conditions were applied. The electrochemical performance of purified coke powder shows greatly improved electrochemical performance. The as-purified coke powder presented an initial reversible capacity of 257.4 mAh/g and a retention rate of 95% after 50 cycles. The proposed purification process paves a way to prepare a promising anode material with good performance with low cost of coke powder for Li-ion batteries.

Separation of Inorganic Anions Using Methacrylate-Based Monolithic Column Modified with Trimethylamine in Ion Chromatography Capillary System

Methacrylate-based monolithic column was prepared in fused-silica capillary (80 ′ 0.32 mm i.d.) by in situ polymerizetion reaction using glycidyl methacrylate as monomer;ethylene dimethacrylate as crosslinker;1-propanol, 1,4-butanediol, and water as porogenic solvents. The monolith matrix was modified with trimethylamine to create strong anion exchanger via ring opening reaction of epoxy groups. The morphology of the monolithic column was studied by using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). This column had good mechanical stability and permeability. The effects of various mobile phases for separation of inorganic anions were investigated. Iodate, bromate, nitrite, bromide, and nitrate were separated within 11 min using100 mMpotassium chloride as mobile phase and detected at 210 nm. This method showed good precision of retention time, acceptable linearity and good sensitivity. Under the optimum condition, the RSD of the retention time was in the range of 1.09%-1.75% (n = 6). The calibration curve showed linear relationships between the peak area and the concentration. The limits of detection (LOD) and the limits of quantitation (LOQ) were between 0.08-0.18 mM and 0.26-0.61 mM, respectively. This method was applied to the determination of inorganic anions in tap water and ground water samples.

Distinctive electrochemical performance of novel Fe-based Li-rich cathode material prepared by molten salt method for lithium-ion batteries

For constructing next-generation lithium-ion batteries with advanced performances,pursuit of highcapacity Li-rich cathodes has caused considerable attention.So far,the low discharge specific capacity and serious capacity fading are strangling the development of Fe-based Li-rich materials.To activate the extra-capacity of Fe-based Li-rich cathode materials,a facile molten salt method is exploited using an alkaline mixture of LiOH–LiNO3–Li2O2 in this work.The prepared Li1.09(Fe0.2Ni0.3Mn0.5)0.91O2 material yields high discharge specific capacity and good cycling stability.The discharge specific capacity shows an upward tendency at 0.1 C.After 60 cycles,a high reversible specific capacity of ~250 m Ah g-1is delivered.The redox of Fe3+/Fe4+and Mn3+/Mn4+are gradually activated during cycling.Notably,the redox reaction of Fe2+/Fe3+can be observed reversibly below 2 V,which is quite different from the material prepared by a traditional co-precipitation method.The stable morphology of fine nanoparticles(100–300 nm)is considered benefiting for the distinctive electrochemical performances of Li1.09(Fe0.2Ni0.3Mn0.5)0.91O2.This study demonstrates that molten salt method is an inexpensive and effective approach to activate the extra capacity of Fe-based Li-rich cathode material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries.

All boron-based 2D material as anode material in Li-ion batteries

To design the high-energy-density Li-ion batteries, the anode materials with high specific capacity haveattracted much attention. In this work, we adopt the first principles calculations to investigate the pos-sibility of a new two dimensional boron material, named Be, as anode material for Li-ion batteries. Thecalculated results show that the maximum theoretical specific capacity of Bc is 1653mAh g-1 （LiBl.s）.Additionally, the energy barriers of Li ion and Li vacancy diffusion are 330 meV and 110 meV, respec-tively, which imply fast charge and discharge ability for B6 as an anode material. The theoretical findingsreported in this work suggest that BG is a potential candidate as anode material of high-energy-density Li-ion batteries.

Clinical Evaluation of an Oral Electrolyte Solution Formulated Based on Strong Ion Difference (SID) and Using Propionate as the Organic Anion in the Treatment of Neonatal Diarrheic Calves with Strong Ion Acidosis

Background: It is postulated that the concentrations of the major strong ions (Na, K, and Cl) in oral electrolyte solutions play a major role in clinical efficacy of these solutions for rehydration and corrections of metabolic acid base derangements. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to test prospectively the efficacy of an OES (OESexp) formulated based on concentration of strong ion difference (SID) and propionate in a group of calves with naturally occurring neonatal diarrhea and clinically detectable dehydration and acid base abnormalities. Animals: Ten client owned calves of varying breeds, 2 - 22 days old, presented to a veterinary teaching hospital with a history of naturally occurring acute undifferentiated diarrhea, progressive depression and dehydration for treatment. Methods: Clinical and laboratory parameters were measured pre and post two oral electrolyte treatments to assess efficacy of the experimental OES to correct clinical and clinico pathological parameters. For the clinical trial the calves served as their own controls. For control of safety of medication 4 normal calves were force fed 4 L of OESexp and followed over a 24 hour period. Results: All calves had severe diarrhea and metabolic acidosis. The metabolic acidosis observed in the plasma of these calves and reflected by pH, HCO3- SID and base deficit was corrected significantly towards reference ranges (p < 0.05) with two 2 L feedings 12 hours apart. Dehydration was significantly corrected and all calves were discharged 1 - 3 days post admission. Conclusion and Clinical Importance: The use of SID is a valid approach when formulating oral electrolytes solutions for use in calves with acute diarrhea and metabolic derangement. Sodium propionate is valid substitute for commonly used sodium base equivalents in North America in oral electrolyte solutions.

Preliminary Studies on Base Substitutions and Repair of DNA Mismatch Damage Stimulated by Low Energy N^+ Ion Beam Implantation in Escherichia coli

Ever since the low energy N+ ion beam has been accepted that the mutation effects of ionizing radiation are attributed mainly to direct or indirect damage to DNA. Evidences based on naked DNA irradiation in support of a mutation spectrum appears to be consistent, but direct proof of such results in vivo are limited. Using mutS, dam and/or dcm defective Eschericha coli imitator strains, an preliminary experimental system on induction of in vivo mutation spectra of low energy N+ ion beam has been established in this study. It was observed that the mutation rates of rifampicin resistance induced by N+ implantation were quite high, ranging from 9.2 x 10~8 to 4.9× 10~5 at the dosage of 5.2×1014 ions/cm2. Strains all had more than 90-fold higher mutation rate than its spontaneous mutation rate determined by this method. It reveals that base substitutions involve in induction of mutation of low energy nitrogen ion beam implantation. The mutation rates of mutator strains were nearly 500-fold (GM2929), 400-fold (GM5864) and 6-fold larger than that of AB1157. The GM2929 and GM5864 both lose the ability of repair DNA mismatch damage by virtue of both dam and dcm pathways defective (GM2929) or failing to assemble the repair complex (GM5864) respectively. It may explain the both strains had a similar higher mutation rate than GM124 did. It indicated that DNA cytosine methylase might play an important role in mismatch repair of DNA damage induced by N+ implantation. The further related research were also discussed.

Evidence for Base Substitutions and Repair of DNA Mismatch Damage Induced by Low Energy N^+ Ion Beam Implantation in E. coli

Ever since the low energy N + ion beam has been accepted, the mutations of ionizing radiation are attributable mainly to avoidance of DNA damages repair. Evidences based on in vivo proof results are limited. Using the E.coli wild type and mutator strains, the mutant frequencies suggest that base substitutions in rpoB gene are induced by the N + implantation. A highly conserved region is selected to get the direct evidence for base substitutions by sequence of the high fidelity PCR amplification products in mutants. Most of the mutants (90.9%, 40/44) have at least one base substitution in the amplification region. The evidences for CG to TA (55%, 22/40), AT to GC (20%, 8/40) and TA to CG (5%, 2/40) transitions are identified. The transversions are AT to TA (15%, 6/40) and GC to CG (5%, 2/40). It is suggested that DNA cytosine methylase might play an important role in mismatch repair of DNA damage induced by N + implantation by analysis of the mutant frequencies of mutator strains.

Simultaneous identification and quantification of tetrodotoxin in fresh pufferfish and pufferfish-based products using immunoaffinity columns and liquid chromatography/quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometry

In this study,we established a comprehensive method for simultaneous identification and quantification of tetrodotoxin(TTX) in fresh pufferfish tissues and pufferfish-based products using liquid chromatography/quadrupole-linear ion trap mass spectrometry(LC-QqLIT-MS).TTX was extracted by 1% acetic acid-methanol,and most of the lipids were then removed by freezing lipid precipitation,followed by purification and concentration using irnmunoaffinity columns(IACs).Matrix effects were substantially reduced due to the high specificity of the IACs,and thus,background interference was avoided.Quantitation analysis was therefore performed using an external calibration curve with standards prepared in mobile phase.The method was evaluated by fortifying samples at 1,10,and 100 ng/g,respectively,and the recoveries ranged from 75.8%-107%,with a relative standard deviation of less than 15%.The TTX calibration curves were linear over the range of 1-1 000 ng/L,with a detection limit of 0.3 ng/g and a quantification limit of 1 ng/g.Using this method,samples can be further analyzed using an informationdependent acquisition(IDA) experiment,in the positive mode,from a single liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry injection,which can provide an extra level of confirmation by matching the full product ion spectra acquired for a standard sample with those from an enhanced product ion(EPI) library.The scheduled multiple reaction monitoring method enabled TTX to be screened for,and TTX was positively identified using the IDA and EPI spectra.This method was successfully applied to analyze a total of 206 samples of fresh pufferfish tissues and pufferfish-based products.The results from this study show that the proposed method can be used to quantify and identify TTX in a single run with excellent sensitivity and reproducibility,and is suitable for the analysis of complex matrix pufferfish samples.

The Uptake of Copper(II) Ions by Chelating Schiff Base Derived from 4-Aminoantipyrine and 2-Methoxybenzaldehyde

The Schiff base, 4-[(2-methoxybenzylidene)amino]-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1H-pyrizol-3(2H)-one (SB), was used for the first time to adsorb copper(II) ions in aqueous solution. Various parameters such as initial pH, agitation period and different initial concentration of copper(II) ions which influenced the adsorption capacity were investigated. The equilibrium adsorption data for copper(II) ions were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevish isotherm models. The maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of SB as obtained from Langmuir isotherm was 5.64 mg/g. Kinetic data correlated well with the pseudo second-order kinetic model indicating that chemical adsorption was the rate limiting step.