In vitro performance of a biodegradable zinc alloy adjustable-loop cortical suspension fixation for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

Anterior cruciate ligament(ACL)injuries of the knee are one of the most common and serious athletic injuries.The widely used cortical suspension fixation buttons for ligament reconstruction are permanent implants,particularly those made from conventional steel or titanium alloys.In this study,a biodegradable Zn-0.45Mn-0.2Mg(ZMM42)alloy with the yield strength of 300.4 MPa and tensile strength of 329.8 MPa was prepared through hot extrusion.The use of zinc alloys in the preparation of cortical suspension fixation buttons was proposed for the first time.After 35 d of immersion in simulated body fluids,the ZMM42 alloy fixation buttons were degraded at a rate of 44μm/a,and the fixation strength was retained(379.55 N)in the traction loops.Simultaneously,the ZMM42 alloy fixation buttons exhibited an increase in MC3T3-E1 cell viability and high antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.These results reveal the potential of biodegradable zinc alloys for use as ligament reconstruction materials and for developing diverse zinc alloy cortical suspension fixation devices.

Stable anode-free zinc-ion batteries enabled by alloy network-modulated zinc deposition interface

Newly-proposed anode-free zinc-ion batteries(ZIBs)are promising to remarkably enhance the energy density of ZIBs,but are restricted by the unfavorable zinc deposition interface that causes poor cycling stability.Herein,we report a Cu-Zn alloy network-modulated zinc deposition interface to achieve stable anode-free ZIBs.The alloy network can not only stabilize the zinc deposition interface by suppressing 2D diffusion and corrosion reactions but also enhance zinc plating/stripping kinetics by accelerating zinc desolvation and nucleation processes.Consequently,the alloy network-modulated zinc deposition interface realizes high coulombic efficiency of 99.2%and high stability.As proof,Zn//Zn symmetric cells with the alloy network-modulated zinc deposition interface present long operation lifetimes of 1900 h at 1 m A/cm^(2)and 1200 h at 5 m A/cm^(2),significantly superior to Zn//Zn symmetric cells with unmodified zinc deposition interface(whose operation lifetime is shorter than 50 h),and meanwhile,Zn3V3O8cathodebased ZIBs with the alloy network-modified zinc anodes show notably enhanced rate capability and cycling performance than ZIBs with bare zinc anodes.As expected,the alloy network-modulated zinc deposition interface enables anode-free ZIBs with Zn3V3O8cathodes to deliver superior cycling stability,better than most currently-reported anode-free ZIBs.This work provides new thinking in constructing high-performance anode-free ZIBs and promotes the development of ZIBs.

Effectiveness Evaluation Study of Self-made Zinc Alloy Sacrificial Anode under Chloride Salt Erosion Environment

To investigate the effectiveness of self-made zinc alloy sacrificial anode material for the protection of reinforcement in concrete under chlorine salt erosion environment,salt solution immersion corrosion and electromigration accelerated corrosion tests were used to evaluate the effectiveness of self-made zinc alloy anode with the help of relevant cathodic protection guidelines and evaluation criteria for the corrosion of reinforcement in concrete.The results showed that the protection was effective because the potential of the zinc alloy anode protection steel bar in the salt solution satis?ed the“-780 mV(SCE)”validity criterion.The self-corrosion potential(E_(corr))of the sacri?cial anode protection steel in concrete was greater than-276 mV,and the protective current density of the zinc alloy anode was 1-3μA·cm^(-2),which met the standards of EN12696-2000,further indicating that the self-made zinc alloy sacri?cial anode had a good protection combining with the polarization resistance and the appearance of the corroded surface of the steel in concrete.The microscopic morphology of the corroded surface and the composition of the corrosion products indicates that the mortar of the self-made zinc alloy anode has a lower pH than the imported anodes,so the long-term protection of the selfmade zinc alloy sacri?cial anode needs to be further improved.

Wear Evaluation of Copper-Nickel-Aluminum Alloys under Extreme Conditions

Cu-Ni-Al alloys at different concentrations were obtained using a high frequency induction melting unit, keeping a balance in the nominal compositions. Light alloys are important to be used in industrial applications. Aluminum additions result in a positive hardness increment of the ternary alloys in comparison with the binary Cu-Ni alloys. Generalized wear mechanisms of the alloys with low aluminum content are basically type abrasive, while samples with 5 and 10 at.% Al present an oxidative-adhesive wear mechanism. Wear results have indicated that aluminum addition affects positively the wear resistance, mainly in samples with high aluminum content product of the creation during the test of different oxides corresponding to the elements present in the alloys.

High corrosion and wear resistant electroless Ni–P gradient coatings on aviation aluminum alloy parts

A Ni–P alloy gradient coating consisting of multiple electroless Ni–P layers with various phosphorus contents was prepared on the aviation aluminum alloy. Several characterization and electrochemical techniques were used to characterize the different Ni–P coatings’ morphologies, phase structures, elemental compositions, and corrosion protection. The gradient coating showed good adhesion and high corrosion and wear resistance, enabling the application of aluminum alloy in harsh environments. The results showed that the double zinc immersion was vital in obtaining excellent adhesion (81.2 N). The optimal coating was not peeled and shredded even after bending tests with angles higher than 90°and was not corroded visually after 500 h of neutral salt spray test at 35℃. The high corrosion resistance was attributed to the misaligning of these micro defects in the three different nickel alloy layers and the amorphous structure of the high P content in the outer layer. These findings guide the exploration of functional gradient coatings that meet the high application requirement of aluminum alloy parts in complicated and harsh aviation environments.

Microstructure and Performances of Nanocrystalline Zinc-nickel Alloy Coatings

Nanocrystalline zinc-nickel alloy coatings were deposited from an alkaline zincate bath contained an organic additive that can reduce polarization and a complexing agent. SEM and TEM observations and XRD analysis were performed to examine the microstructure and phase composition of the coatings. The nickel content in deposits is 12.0-14.7% and the coating is consisted of single nanocrystalline y-phase structure (Ni5Zn2i), with grain average grain size about 15nm. The nanocrystalline zinc-nickel alloy coatings have better corrosion resistance, less bnttleness and higher microhardness than the conventional zinc coatings.

Electroplating zinc transition layer for electroless nickel plating on AM60 magnesium alloys

Electroplating zinc coating as transition layer of electroless nickel plating on AM60 magnesium alloys was investigated. The zinc film can be deposited in a pyrophosphate bath at 50-60℃under current density of 0.5-1.5 A/dm2. A new fore treatment technology was applied by acid cleaning with a solution containing molybdate and phosphorous acid, by alkaline cleaning in a bath containing molybdate and sodium hydroxide. The subsequent electroless plating was carried out in nickel sulfate bath. The SEM observation shows that the deposition is uniform and compact. The polarization curve measurements show that the corrosion potential of the zinc plating in 3.5% NaCl is about -1.3 V(vs SCE) which is noble than that of magnesium substrate. The zinc electroplating can be applied as the pretreatment process for electroless nickel plating on magnesium alloys.

Effects of heat treatment on mechanical properties of ODS nickel-based superalloy sheets prepared by EB-PVD

A Y2O3 dispersion strengthened nickel-based superalloy sheet（0.15 mm thick） was prepared by electron beam physical vapor deposition（EB-PVD） technology.Different heat treatments were used to improve the mechanical properties of the alloy sheet.Differential thermal analysis（DTA） was used to examine the thermal stability of the as-deposited sheet.Element contents,phase composition and microstructure investigations on as-deposited and heat treated specimens were performed by X-ray fluorescence spectrometer（XRF）,X-ray diffraction（XRD） and scanning electron microscopy（SEM）.Tensile tests were conducted at room temperature on specimens as-deposited and heat treated.The results show that the as-deposited sheet is composed of equiaxed grains on the substrate side and columnar grains on the evaporation side.The as-deposited sheet shows poor ductility due to micropores between columnar grains.The strength and ductility can be improved effectively by annealing at 800°C for 3 h.For samples treated at 1100°C,the strength drops down due to the precipitates of Y3Al5O12（YAG）.

Nickel release rate of 18KW gold alloy for ornaments

Nickel is widely used as a bleaching element in white gold alloys, but it is a potential allergen. In this paper, a popular 18 KW gold alloy, often called ＂safe nickel,＂ was chosen as the experimental material; its nickel release rates under six different processing conditions were evaluated according to the EN1811 standard. The results reveal that both the surface processing method and heat treatment technology significantly affect the nickel release rate. A coarse surface releases more nickel ions than a smooth surface. The sample normalized at 700 ~C in the single region has a lower nickel release rate than the one treated at 550 ~C in the two-phase phase region, while high temperature normalizing at 800 ~C will accelerate it. All the measured nickel release rates of the experimental material under various processing conditions exceed the permitted threshold value in the Nickel Directive, which indicates that there exists the potential risk of nickel- induced allergy when it is used to make jewelries, espe- cially for piercing types.

Effect of surface preparation on corrosion properties and nickel release of a NiTi alloy

Surface preparation is potentially important to the corrosion and biomedical properties of NiTi shape memory alloys. The effect of surface preparation on corrosion properties and nickel release of a Ti-56 wt.%Ni alloy has been studied. Surface of the NiTi coupons were prepared by four methods, namely, chemical etching, electropolishing, mechanical polishing and oxidizing, and then examined by corrosion test system. Furthermore, the Ni ion releases from NiTi samples with different surface preparations dipped in 1% HCl solution were analysed. Compared with the surface after chemical treatment, mechanical polishing and thermal oxidation, electropolished surface has better corrosion resistance and less nickel release for not only its lower surface roughness, but also the composition and property of its surface film.

The microscopic mechanical performance for nonuniform welded joint of nickel-based alloy with nanoindentation

To quantify the nonuniform micromechanical performance of welded joint,the load-displacement curves by nanoindentation test were introduced to examine different zones including base metal,coarse grained heat affected zone,partially melted zone,weld metal near the fusion boundary and weld metal center.The results showed that the strengthening effect of weld metal was more obvious than that of heat affected zone for nickel based welded joint and especially in coarse grained heat affected zone,the hardening resulted from overheating was not apparent.Nickel based weld metal with high content of alloying elements which were often segregated at interdendritic regions or precipitated in grain interior under nonequilibrium solidification contributed to the characteristics that differ from conventional low alloy steel welded joint.

Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of friction stir-welded C71000 copper–nickel alloy and 304 austenitic stainless steel

Dissimilar joints comprised of copper–nickel and steel alloys are a challenge for manufacturers in modern industries, as these metals are not thermomechanically or chemically well matched. The present study investigated the effects of tool rotational speed and linear speed on the microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir-welded C71000 copper–nickel and 340 stainless steel alloys using a tungsten carbide tool with a cylindrical pin. The results indicated that a rotational-to-linear speed ratio of 12.5 r/mm did not cause any macro defects, whereas some tunneling defects and longitudinal cracks were found at other ratios that were lower and higher. Furthermore, chromium carbide was formed on the grain boundaries of the 304 stainless steel near the shoulder zone and inside the joint zone, directing carbon and chromium penetration toward the grain boundaries. Tensile strength and elongation percentages were 84% and 65% of the corresponding values in the copper–nickel base metal, respectively.

MICROSTRUCTURES OF A NOVEL HIGH STRENGTH AND WEAR-RESISTING ZINC ALLOY

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Urinary levels of nickel and chromium associated with dental restoration by nickel-chromium based alloys

This paper aims to investigate if the dental restoration of nickel-chromium based alloy(Ni-Cr) leads to the enhanced excretions of Ni and Cr in urine.Seven hundred and ninety-five patients in a dental hospital had single or multiple Ni-Cr alloy restoration recently and 198 controls were recruited to collect information on dental restoration by questionnaire and clinical examination.Urinary concentrations of Ni and Cr from each subject were measure by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry.Compared to the control group,the urinary level of Ni was significantly higher in the patient group of < 1 month of the restoration duration,among which higher Ni excretions were found in those with either a higher number of teeth replaced by dental alloys or a higher index of metal crown not covered with the porcelain.Urinary levels of Cr were significantly higher in the three patient groups of <1,1 to <3 and 3 to <6 months,especially in those with a higher metal crown exposure index.Linear curve estimations showed better relationships between urinary Ni and Cr in patients within 6-month groups.Our data suggested significant increased excretions of urinary Ni and Cr after dental restoration.Potential short- and long-term effects of Ni-Cr alloy restoration need to be investigated.

Scavenging Action of Zinc and Green Tea Polyphenol on Cisplatin and Nickel Induced Nitric Oxide Generation and Lipid Peroxidation in Rats

Objective Toxic metal ions have been implicated in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO). Metallothionines (MT) and plant flavonoids have been reported in the intervention against oxidative damage. We investigated the effect of zinc induced MT and green tea polyphenol (GTP) in reducing the oxidative responses induced by nickel and platinum. Methods Zinc (10 mg/kg b. wt, sc) was administered to rats twice at a gap of 24hrs and GTP (10 mg/100 mL in drinking water) was fed ad libitum for 8 days. Nickel chloride (150 umol/kgb.wt, ip) and cisplatin (50 mmol/kg b.wt, sc) was administered to rats 24 h after Zn or GTP pre-treatment. Animals of all the groups were sacrificed 16 hrs after treatment and biochemical markers for toxicity were monitored. Results Zinc or GTP pre-treatment caused significant protection against nickel or cisplatin enhanced mortality in rats, and reduction in lipid peroxidation and NO. Conclusion It is proposed that inhibition of ROS and NO by GTP and zinc may prove useful as a selective pharmacological agent in the amelioration of metal toxicity.

DENDRITE REFINING AND EUTECTIC TRANSFORMATION BEHAVIOR OF NICKEL-BASE SINGLE CRYSTAL (NBSC) SUPERALLOY

Because of the low temperature gradient and growth rate, the microstructure of the conventional single crystal superalloy made by HRS processing is coarse dendrite with well developed sidebranches and has serious segregation. With the help of the high tem

Isothermal corrosion Fe_3Si alloy in liquid zinc

The isothermal corrosion testing, microscopic examination and the performance of Fe3Si alloy as materials of construction for bath hardware in continuous hot-dipping lines were studied. The corrosion of Fe3Si alloy in molten zinc was controlled by attacking the grain boundaries preferentially. Aluminum reacted with iron of Fe3Si alloy firstly while the samples were immersed in molten zinc, although aluminum contents in the molten zinc were very low. The phase of reaction product was thought to be Fe2Al5. The corrosion rate of the Fe3Si alloy in molten zinc was determined to be approximately 2.9×10^-3 mm/h, therefore the liquid zinc corrosion resistance of Fe3Si alloy was very weak.

Mechanism of Nickel-Aluminium Alloy Electroplating

The effect of operating conditions on the aluminium content of Ni-Al alloy deposit and the catalytic function of NaF on electrodeposition in the nonaqueous solution containing aluminium are investigated.The results indicate that the plated aluminuim content will be increased with the rise of current density in a given range.When the current density is 2.5A/dm 2,nickle aluminium alloy containing 13.1 wt% aluminium will be deposited.The plated aluminium content will be increased by 2wt% as 0.1mol/L NaF is added to the bath.

Recovery of nickel,cobalt,copper and zinc in sulphate and chloride solutions using synergistic solvent extraction

A number of synergistic solvent extraction(SSX) systems have been developed to recover nickel,cobalt,zinc and copper from sulphuric and chloride leach solutions by the solvent extraction team of CSIRO,Australia.These include(1) Versatic 10/CLX50 system for the separation of Ni from Ca in sulphate solutions,(2) Versatic 10/4PC system for the separation of Ni and Co from Mn/Mg/Ca in sulphate solutions,(3) Cyanex 471X/HRJ-4277 system for the separation of Zn from Cd in sulphate solutions,(4) Versatic 10/LIX63 system for the separation of Co from Mn/Mg/Ca in sulphate solutions,(5) Versatic 10/LIX63/TBP system for separation of Ni and Co from Mn/Mg/Ca in sulphate solutions,(6) Versatic 10/LIX63 system for the separation of cobalt from nickel in sulphate solutions by difference in kinetics,(7) Cyanex 272/LIX84 system for the separation of Cu/Fe/Zn from Ni/Co in sulphate solutions,(8) Versatic 10/LIX63/TBP system to recover Cu/Ni from strong chloride solutions,and(9) Versatic10/LIX63 system to separate Cu from Fe in strong chloride solutions.The synergistic effect on metal separation and efficiency is presented and possible industrial applications are demonstrated.The chemical stability of selected SSX systems is also reported.

New approach for assessing the weldability of precipitation-strengthened nickel-base superalloys

A new procedure was proposed for evaluating the weldability of nickel-base superalloys. The theory is on the basis of two microstructural patterns. In pattern I, the weld microstructure exhibits severe alloying segregation, many low-melting eutectic structures, and low weldability. The weld requires a weaker etchant and a shorter time for etching. In pattern Ⅱ, the weld microstructure displays less alloying segregation, low quantity of eutectic structures, and high weldability. The weld needs a stronger etchant and a longer time for etching. Five superalloys containing different amounts of Nb and Ti were designed to verify the patterns. After welding operations, the welds were etched by four etchants with different corrosivities. The weldability was determined by TG-DSC measurements. The metallography and weldability results confirmed the theoretic patterns. Finally, the etchant corrosivity and etching time were proposed as new criteria to evaluate the weldability of nickel-base superalloys.