Improvement of the Conductivity of Silver Nanowire Film by Adding Silver Nano-Particles

The change of conductivity and transparency of silver nanowire （AgNW） films by adding silver nano-particles （AgNPs） onto their surface is studied. The results show that the conductivity of the AgNW film is greatly improved with its sheet resistance reduced about 78. 7% to 51.9Ω/sq, and there is no obvious reduction of the transmittance. Further studies show that there is a self-assembling process pushing the AgNPs to concentrate at the intersecting points between AgNWs to weld them, which would reduce the intersection resistance between the AgNWs. This self-assembling behavior is led by the surface interactivities among the dispersing liquid of AgNPs, the surface of the substrate and AgNWs when the dispersing liquid is drying.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Mg-3Sn-1Ca reinforced with AlN nano-particles

Microstructural evolution and strengthening mechanisms of Mg-3Sn-1Ca based alloys with additions of different amounts of Al N nanoparticles were investigated.It was found that with increasing the amount of AlN nano-particles the grain size decreases obviously.The existence of AlN nano-particles could refine the primary crystal phases CaMgSn,which provided more heterogeneous nucleation sites for the formation of magnesium.Moreover,such nano-particles could also restrict the grain growth during solidification.After adding AlN nano-particles,both the tensile properties at room temperature and high temperature 250℃and the hardness are largely improved.The improvement of strength is attributed to grain refinement and second phase refinement.

Low Temperature Formation of Silver and Silver-Copper Alloy Nano-Particles Using Plasma Enhanced Hydrogenation and Their Optical Properties

In this paper, a novel method of producing nanoparticles at low temperatures using hydrogen bombardment of thin films, deposited on glass substrates, is introduced. Silver nanoparticles were obtained by this method in our Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition system. Optical and morphological characteristics of these nanoparticles were extensively studied for various conditions of plasma treatment, such as plasma power density, temperature, duration of hydrogen bombardment, thickness of the initial thin metallic film etc. In addition, Ag-Cu alloy nanoparticles on glass substrates were also achieved. The process of nanoparticle formation in this method shows that several kinds of metals and semiconductors nanoparticles can be obtained using this approach. Scanning Electron Microscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy and Transmission Electron Microscopy were used to analyze the nanostructures.

U-Pb dating of monazite in the Bainiuchang silver polymetallic deposit,Yunnan Province,and its limitation on Mesozoic mineralization

1.Objective The Gejiu-Bozhushan-Laojunshan tin-tungsten polymetallic metallogenic belt is located in southeastern Yunnan.It is bounded by the Mile-Shizong Fault and the Yangzi Plate to the north and west,respectively,while the Honghe Fault represents its southwestern boundary.It is adjacent to the Ailaoshan Fault,and extends to Guangxi and Vietnam to the southeast(Fig.1a;Liu JP et al.,2021).

Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Aqueous Orange and Lemon Peel Extract and Evaluation of Their Antimicrobial Properties

Green synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using aqueous extracts of orange and lemon peels, as a reducing agent, and silver nitrate salts as a source of silver ions is a promising field of research due to the versatility of biomedical applications of metal nanoparticles. In this paper, AgNPs were synthetized at different reaction parameters such as the type and concentration of the extracts, metal salt concentration, temperature, speed stirring, and pH. The antibacterial properties of the obtained silver nanoparticles against E. coli, as well as the physical and chemical characteristics of the synthesized silver nanoparticles, were investigated. UV-Vis spectroscopy was used to confirm the formation of AgNPs. In addition to green biogenic synthesis, chemical synthesis of silver nanoparticles was also carried out. The optimal temperature for extraction was 65˚C, while for the synthesis of AgNPs was 35˚C. The synthesis is carried out in an acidic environment (pH = 4.7 orange and pH = 3.8 lemon), neutral (pH = 7) and alkaline (pH = 10), then for different concentrations of silver nitrate solution (0.5 mM - 1 mM), optimal time duration of the reaction was 60 min and optimal stirring speed rotation was 250 rpm on the magnetic stirrer. The physical properties of the synthesized silver nanoparticles (conductivity, density and refractive index) were also studied, and the passage of laser light through the obtained solution and distilled water was compared. Positive inhibitory effect on the growth of new Escherichia coli colonies have shown AgNPs synthesized at a basic pH value and at a 0.1 mM AgNO3 using orange or lemon peel extract, while for a 0.5 mM AgNO3 using lemon peel extract.

Flexible polydimethylsiloxane pressure sensor with micro-pyramid structures and embedded silver nanowires:A novel application in urinary flow measurement

Flexible pressure sensors are lightweight and highly sensitive,making them suitable for use in small portable devices to achieve precise measurements of tiny forces.This article introduces a low-cost and easy-fabrication strategy for piezoresistive flexible pressure sensors.By embedding silver nanowires into a polydimethylsiloxane layer with micro-pyramids on its surface,a flexible pressure sensor is created that can detect low pressure (17.3 Pa) with fast response (<20 ms) and high sensitivity (69.6 mA kPa-1).Furthermore,the pressure sensor exhibits a sensitive and stable response to a small amount of water flowing on its surface.On this basis,the flexible pressure sensor is innovatively combined with a micro-rotor to fabricate a novel urinary flow-rate meter (uroflowmeter),and results from a simulated human urination experiment show that the uroflowmeter accurately captured all the essential shape characteristics that were present in the pump-simulated urination curves.Looking ahead,this research provides a new reference for using flexible pressure sensors in urinary flow-rate monitoring.

The Influence of Tartaric Acid in the Silver Nanoparticle Synthesis Using Response Surface Methodology

Silver nanoparticles(AgNPs)synthesized using tartaric acid as a capping agent have a great impact on the reaction kinetics and contribute significantly to the stability of AgNPs.The protective layer formed by tartaric acid is an important factor that protects the silver surface and reduces potential cytotoxicity problems.These attributes are critical for assessing the compatibility of AgNPs with biological systems and making them suitable for drug delivery applications.The aim of this research is to conduct a comprehensive study of the effect of tartaric acid concentration,sonication time and temperature on the formation of silver nanoparticles.Using Response Surface Methodology(RSM)with Face-Centered Central Composite Design(FCCD),the optimization process identifies the most favorable synthesis conditions.UV-Vis spectrum regression analysis shows that AgNPs stabilized with tartaric acid are more stable than AgNPs without tartaric acid.This highlights the increased stability that tartaric acid provides in AgNP ssssynthesis.Particle size distribution analysis showed a multimodal distribution for AgNPs with tartaric acid and showed the smallest size peak with an average size of 20.53 nm.The second peak with increasing intensity shows a dominant average size of 108.8 nm accompanied by one standard deviation of 4.225 nm and a zeta potential of−11.08 mV.In contrast,AgNPs synthesized with polyvinylpyrrolidone(PVP)showed a unimodal particle distribution with an average particle size of 81.62 nm and a zeta potential of−2.96 mV.The more negative zeta potential of AgNP-tartaric acid indicates its increased stability.Evaluation of antibacterial activity showed that AgNPs stabilized with tartaric acid showed better performance against E.coli and B.subtilis bacteria compared with AgNPs-PVP.In summary,this study highlights the potential of tartaric acid in AgNP synthesis and suggests an avenue for the development of stable AgNPs with versatile applications.

Curative effect of hydrogen peroxide combined with silver ion disinfection on pelvic floor dysfunction

BACKGROUND Pelvic floor dysfunction(PFD)is related to muscle fiber tearing during childbirth,negatively impacting postpartum quality of life of parturient.Appropriate and effective intervention is necessary to promote PFD recovery.AIM To analyze the use of hydrogen peroxide and silver ion disinfection for vaginal electrodes in conjunction with comprehensive rehabilitation therapy for postpartum women with PFD.METHODS A total of 59 women with PFD who were admitted to the hospital from May 2019 to July 2022 were divided into two groups:Control group(n=27)received comprehensive rehabilitation therapy and observation group(n=32)received intervention with pelvic floor biostimulation feedback instrument in addition to comprehensive rehabilitation therapy.The vaginal electrodes were disinfected with hydrogen peroxide and silver ion before treatment.Intervention for both groups was started 6 weeks postpartum,and rehabilitation lasted for 3 months.Pelvic floor muscle voltage,pelvic floor muscle strength,vaginal muscle voltage,vaginal muscle tone,pelvic floor function,quality of life,and incidence of postpartum PFD were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Before comprehensive rehabilitation treatment,basic data and pelvic floor function were not significantly different between the two groups.After treatment,the observation group showed significant improvements in the maximum voltage and average voltage of pelvic floor muscles,contraction time of type I and type II fibers,pelvic floor muscle strength,vaginal muscle tone,vaginal muscle voltage,and quality of life(GQOLI-74 reports),compared with the control group.The observation group had lower scores on the pelvic floor distress inventory(PFDI-20)and a lower incidence of postpartum PFD,indicating the effectiveness of the pelvic floor biostimulation feedback instrument in promoting the recovery of maternal pelvic floor function.CONCLUSION The combination of the pelvic floor biostimulation feedback instrument and comprehensive rehabilitation nursing can improve pelvic floor muscle strength,promote the recovery of vaginal muscle tone,and improve pelvic floor function and quality of life.The use of hydrogen peroxide and silver ion disinfectant demonstrated favorable antibacterial efficacy and is worthy of clinical application.

The Silver Economy:New Opportunities for China’s Aging Population

Developing the silver economy is not only a requirement for enhancing services for the elderly,but also an important part of achieving China's high-quality development.CHINA’s latest Central Economic Work Conference held in December 2023 emphasized the need to accelerate the improvement of a childbearing supportive policy system and develop the silver economy.As a result of the rapidly aging population in China,the silver economy has risen to an unprecedented height in China’s development strategy.From concept to action,the silver economy has become a significant part of China’s active response to such national issues as population aging,boosting domestic demands,and achieving high-quality development.

Golden Opportunities in The Silver Economy

The government work report delivered at the second session of the 14th National People’s Congress(NPC)in Beijing on March 5 stated that“a further push will be made to develop the silver economy.”Before this,on January 15,the State Council issued Opinions on Developing the Silver Economy to Enhance the Well-being of the Elderly.The first in China dedicated to supporting the“silver economy,”the document outlines goals and measures for the development of the sector.So what can be done to seize the new opportunities emerging alongside the growing aging population to advance high-quality economic development?

Miao Silver CraftingTechniques of Fenghuang County

WOMEN of the Miao ethnic group in China love silver ornaments.In ancient times,the Miao people were always traveling rather than settling down.Legend has it that Miao people reforged their valuables by placing them into furnaces and crafting them into wearable accessories,enabling them to carry their assets with them when they traveled.This tradition continues to this day.The craftsmanship of silver ornaments by the Miao was rated as one of the representative items of national intangible cultural heritage in 2006.Miao people living in Fenghuang County of Hunan Province excel in this craftsmanship.

Diversified Elderly Care Services to Promote the Silver Economy

China is striving to build an elderly-friendly society,with comfortable living facilities,convenient transportation,and accessible leisure services.THE Chinese path to modernization entails the modernization of a huge population.Part of this,as was declared at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China(CPC),means China will pursue a proactive national strategy in response to population aging,and develop elderly care programs and services.To actively respond to population aging,there is more to care than just the physical health of the elderly.Their needs are multi-level and diverse.To some extent,it’s fair to say that a society’s happiness is largely dependent on whether or not the elderly are happy.The silver economy,which meets the needs of the elderly for a better life,therefore has enormous development potentials.

Impact Analysis of Microscopic Defect Types on the Macroscopic Crack Propagation in Sintered Silver Nanoparticles

Sintered silver nanoparticles(AgNPs)arewidely used in high-power electronics due to their exceptional properties.However,the material reliability is significantly affected by various microscopic defects.In this work,the three primary micro-defect types at potential stress concentrations in sintered AgNPs are identified,categorized,and quantified.Molecular dynamics(MD)simulations are employed to observe the failure evolution of different microscopic defects.The dominant mechanisms responsible for this evolution are dislocation nucleation and dislocation motion.At the same time,this paper clarifies the quantitative relationship between the tensile strain amount and the failure mechanism transitions of the three defect types by defining key strain points.The impact of defect types on the failure process is also discussed.Furthermore,traction-separation curves extracted from microscopic defect evolutions serve as a bridge to connect the macro-scale model.The validity of the crack propagation model is confirmed through tensile tests.Finally,we thoroughly analyze how micro-defect types influence macro-crack propagation and attempt to find supporting evidence from the MD model.Our findings provide a multi-perspective reference for the reliability analysis of sintered AgNPs.

Improving pressure ulcer care in intensive care units:Evaluating the impact of bundled care and silver nanoparticle dressings

BACKGROUND Pressure ulcer(PU)are prevalent among critically ill trauma patients,posing substantial risks.Bundled care strategies and silver nanoparticle dressings offer potential solutions,yet their combined effectiveness and impact on patient satisfaction remain insufficiently investigated.AIM To assess the impact of bundled care along with silver nanoparticle dressing on PUs management and family satisfaction in critically ill trauma patients.METHODS A total of 98 critically ill trauma patients with PUs in intensive care unit(ICU)were included in this study.Patients were randomly assigned to either the control group(conventional care with silver nanoparticle dressing,n=49)or the intervention group(bundled care with silver nanoparticle dressing,n=49).The PU Scale for Healing(PUSH)tool was used to monitor changes in status of pressure injuries over time.Assessments were conducted at various time points:Baseline(day 0)and subsequent assessments on day 3,day 6,day 9,and day 12.Family satisfaction was assessed using the Family Satisfaction ICU 24 ques-tionnaire.RESULTS No significant differences in baseline characteristics were observed between the two groups.In the intervention group,there were significant reductions in total PUSH scores over the assessment period.Specifically,surface area,exudate,and tissue type parameters all showed significant improvements compared to the control group.Family satisfaction with care and decision-making was notably higher in the intervention group.Overall family satisfaction was significantly better in the intervention group.CONCLUSION Bundled care in combination with silver nanoparticle dressings effectively alleviated PUs and enhances family satisfaction in critically ill trauma patients.This approach holds promise for improving PUs management in the ICU,benefiting both patients and their families.

Antimicrobial Activity, Structural, Crystallographic and Thermal Characteristics of Alpha-Titanium Phosphate Promoted by Silver Ions

The recent global spread of the pandemic underscores the necessity of seeking new materials effective against microorganisms. Nanotechnology offers avenues for developing multifunctional materials. In this study, alpha-titanium phosphate (α-TiP) nanoparticles were synthesized and treated with silver salt to enhance their antimicrobial properties. The physicochemical characteristics and antimicrobial activity were evaluated. It was revealed by X-ray diffraction analysis that the structural integrity of α-TiP was influenced by ethylenediamine and silver ions. Distinct degradation profiles for each chemical modification were shown by thermogravimetric analysis. Infrared spectroscopy detected shifts and new absorption peaks in the spectra depending on the type of modification. Energy dispersive spectroscopy confirmed the disaggregation of α-TiP galleries following the addition of silver salt, which increased their effectiveness against microorganisms. Notably, only the sample treated with silver ions exhibited antimicrobial action. Antimicrobial activity was tested against the bacteria of medical importance Escherichia coli, Salmonella Enteritidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Listeria momocytogenes and the yeast Candida albicans. All microorganisms were inhibited by sample containing silver. Minor inhibition was observed against the Gram-positive bacteria L. monocytogenes and Bacillus cereus, while the greatest inhibition occurred against the fungus (yeast) C. albicans. The results revealed a potential application of the nanoparticles for control of microorganisms in public health.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles with Clerodendron phlomoides Leave Extract:Particle Morphology,Antimicrobial Potential and Application

Silver nanoparticles are versatile nanomaterials that have found numerous applications in various fields.The use of plant extract for the synthesis of silver is a green and sustainable approach.Clerodendron phlomoides leaves extract has been found to contain various phytochemicals,such as phenols,flavonoids,tannins,and alkaloids,which possess reducing and stabilizing properties that can aid the production of silver particles.In this paper,morphological and topographical analyses were performed on silver nanoparticles.The biosynthesized silver nanoparticles showed antimicrobial potential against wound pathogens.SEM and TEM micrographs revealed that the particles were sphere and nanosized,which makes them suitable for various biomedical applications.

Microstructure and Oxidation Behaviors of Nano-particles Strengthened NiCoCrAlY Cladded Coatings on Superalloys

Nano-particles which can largely improve the microstructure and oxidation resistance of materials are often used as a strengthening component in metal matrix composites. However, few studies were reported on its application in the bond coat of duplex structure thermal barrier coating（TBC）. Three kinds of NiCoCrAlY coatings strengthened by different nano-particles with the same addition （1%, mass fraction） were prepared by the laser cladding technique on Ni-based superalloy substrates, aiming to study the effects of the nano-particles on microstructure and oxidation resistance of NiCoCrAlY coatings （the bond coat of the duplex structure thermal barrier coatings）. Scanning electron microscope （SEM）, X-ray diffractometer（XRD） and thermogravimetry were employed to investigate their morphologies, phases and cyclic oxidation behaviors in atmosphere at 1 050℃, compared with the coating without nano-particles. With the addition of nano-particles, the growth pattern of the grains at the interface changed from epitaxial growth to non-epitaxial growth or part-epitaxial growth; slender dendrites were broken and cellularized; cracks and pores were restrained; and the oxidation weight-gain and the stripping resistance of the oxide scale were improved as well. Among the three kinds of nano-particles, the SiC nano-particles showed the most improvement on microstructure, while the CeO2 nano-particles were insufficient, but its effects on the oxidation resistance are the same as those of the SiC nano-particles. Based on the discussions of the influence mechanism, it is believed that CeO2 nano-particles would show better improvement than SiC nano-particles if the proper amount is added and the proper preparation technique of micro-nanometer composite powders is adopted, with the synergistic action of nanometer effect and reactive element effect.

Surface tension of lithium bromide aqueous solution/ammonia with additives and nano-particles

In order to investigate the effect of additives and nano-particle on the surface tensions of lithium bromide(Li Br) aqueous solution/ammonia, many experiments were carried out based on Wilhelmy plate method. Firstly, the surface tension of Li Br aqueous solution with 1-octanol was measured and then the comparison between the measured results and previous experimental results was given to verify the measuring accuracy. Some new additives, such as cationic surfactants cetyltrimethyl ammonium chloride(CTAC), and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide(CTAB) were chosen in the experiments. The experimental results show that CTAC and CTAB can obviously reduce the surface tension of Li Br aqueous solution/ammonia. In addition, it is found that nano-particles cannot remarkably decrease the surface tension of Li Br aqueous solution/ammonia. However, the mixed addition of additives and nano-particles can remarkably affect the surface tension of Li Br aqueous solution/ammonia. That is to say, additives play more important role in reducing the surface tension of Li Br aqueous solution/ammonia. But nano-particles may enhance the heat transfer in the absorption refrigeration process.

Influence of SiO_2 nano-particles on microstructures and properties of Ni-W-P/CeO_2-SiO_2 composites prepared by pulse electrodeposition

Ni-W-P base composites containing CeO2 and SiO2 nano-particles were prepared on common carbon steel surface by pulse co-deposition of Ni,W,P,CeO2 and SiO2 nano-particles.The influence of SiO2 concentrations in bath on microstructures and properties of Ni-W-P/CeO2-SiO2 composites was studied,and the characteristics were assessed by chemical compositions,element distribution,surface morphologies,deposition rate and microhardness.The results indicate that when SiO2 concentration in bath is controlled at 20 g/L,the composites possess the fastest deposition rate,the highest microhardness,compact microstructures,smaller crystallite sizes and uniform distribution of W,P,Ce and Si within Ni-W-P matrix metal.Increasing SiO2 concentration in bath from 10 to 20 g/L leads to the refinement in grain size and the inhomogeneity of microstructures.While when SiO2 concentration is increased to 30 g/L,the crystallite sizes increase again and some bosses with nodulation shape appear on the surface of composites.

Preparation and Characterization of Fe3O4 Magnetic Nano-particles by ^（60）Co γ-ray Irradiation

By using a new method, ^60Co γ-ray irradiation, Fe3O4 magnetic nano-particles were successfully synthesized at room temperature under ambient pressure. The structure, morphology and magnetic properties of these nanoparticles were characterized by X-ray diffraction （XRD）, transmission electron microscope （TEM） and vibrating sample magnetometer （VSM）, respectively. The radiation formation mechanism was also discussed. The results show that the absorbed dose can greatly influence the structure, morphology and magnetic properties of the products. XRD and TEM studies show that the product prepared by γ-ray irradiation （10 kGy） is pure FesO4 phase and the mean diameter of these nano-particles is about 21 nm. The Fe3O4 nano-particles synthesized by γ-ray irradiation （10 kGy） are mainly in small cubic shape and the size uniformity of these particles is good.