Chemical Surface Treatment Research Articles

Enhanced superconducting qubit performance through ammonium fluoride etch

Abstract The performance of superconducting qubits is often limited by dissipation and two-level systems (TLS) losses. The dominant sources of these losses are believed to originate from amorphous materials and defects at interfaces and surfaces, likely as a result of fabrication processes or ambient exposure. Here, we explore a novel wet chemical surface treatment at the Josephson junction-substrate and the substrate-air interfaces by replacing a buffered oxide etch (BOE) cleaning process with one that uses hydrofluoric acid followed by aqueous ammonium fluoride. We show that the ammonium fluoride etch process results in a statistically significant improvement in median T1 by ~22% (p=0.002), and a reduction in the number of strongly-coupled TLS in the tunable frequency range. Microwave resonator measurements on samples treated with the ammonium fluoride etch after niobium deposition and etching also show ~33% lower TLS-induced loss tangent compared to the BOE treated samples. As the chemical treatment primarily modifies the Josephson junction-substrate interface and substrate-air interface, we perform targeted chemical and structural characterizations to examine materials differences at these interfaces and identify multiple microscopic changes that could contribute to decreased TLS.

Impact of easy-care and softener treatments on fabric frictional noise properties: a study on two protective fabrics

This research aimed to reduce fabric frictional noise to enhance wearing comfort, as such noise can be bothersome. This goal was achieved through chemical surface treatments, specifically cross-linker treatment and silicone softener treatment. Frictional noise from the treated fabrics was generated, recorded, and analyzed using a frictional noise generator, fast Fourier transform, and sixth-band analysis to determine the total noise level. A novel aspect of this work is the use of psychoacoustic characterization to evaluate the fabric frictional noise by calculating Zwicker’s parameters using the Brüel and Kjær application. In addition, the mechanical properties were tested using the Kawabata compression and surface testers, with data comparison achieved using Student’s t-test. The results showed that softeners are more effective than cross-linkers in reducing the total frictional noise level, loudness, and fluctuation strength. However, cross-linkers are better at reducing sharpness. Neither treatment affected the roughness of the frictional noise. In summary, both easy-care and softener treatments help reduce discomfort and produce less loud and sharp fabric frictional noise.

Synergetic effect of hybrid surface treatment on the mechanical properties of adhesively bonded AA2024-T3 joints

ABSTRACT Improving the surface properties of AA2024-T3 aluminium alloys is crucial for achieving durable and sustainable joints. For this purpose, AA2024-T3 alloys were first sandblasted at 4, 5 and 6 bar pressures using aluminium oxide and glass sphere abrasives. Then, the sandblasted samples were subjected to the chemical surface treatment resulting in a hybrid surface process. The surface properties of sandblasted and hybrid surface-treated AA2024-T3 alloys were characterised by 3D image analysis, contact angle and roughness measurement. Additionally, single-lap joints were fabricated using adhesives with low and high viscosity. The effect of changes in the viscosity of adhesives and the surface properties of the AA2024-T3 on the mechanical properties of the joints has been analysed in detail. It was found that both sandblasting and hybrid surface treatments applied to AA2024-T3 alloys caused significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the joints. AA2024-T3 alloys, which were chemically surface treated after being sandblasted with glass spheres at 6 bar pressure, were joined using low and high viscosity adhesives, and the failure load of these joints increased by approximately 110% and 68%, respectively, compared to untreated samples. In the case of aluminium oxide usage, the increase rates were determined to be 93% and 43%.

Effect of mechanical and chemical surface treatments on the repairing of milled and 3D-printed denture bases.

Ensuring a strong bond between chairside autopolymerized acrylic resin to denture base is essential for denture repair and reline procedures. However, there is no established protocol to enhance bond strength between autopolymerizing resin and computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) denture base materials. The purpose of this study was to determine shear bond strength of CAD-CAM denture bases and autopolymerizing acrylic resin after mechanical and chemical surface treatments compared with heat-polymerized acrylic resin. Heat-polymerized, milled, and 3-dimensional (3D) printed denture bases were divided into 4 surface treatment protocols: none (control), airborne-particle abrasion (APA), tetrahydrofuran, and Vitacoll application. Autopolymerizing acrylic resin cylinders were bonded to denture surface. Shear bond strength and failure modes were determined after thermocycling. Denture base surfaces were assessed for surface roughness, surface morphology, and microhardness before and after surface treatment. Data was analyzed using two-way ANOVA and multiple comparison tests. The results showed that APA significantly increased shear bond strength and surface roughness of all denture base materials. Tetrahydrofuran and Vitacoll application improved shear bond strength of heat-polymerized acrylic resin, but did not reach the level achieved by APA. Conversely, tetrahydrofuran application improved bond strength of 3D-printed denture to the level of APA. Tetrahydrofuran and Vitacoll application significantly reduced denture base hardness, compared with control and APA. In conclusion, mechanical surface treatment using APA enhances the adhesion of autopolymerizing acrylic resin to heat-polymerized and CAD-CAM denture bases. Tetrahydrofuran and Vitacoll chemical surface treatment improved adhesion to heat-polymerized acrylic resin, with only tetrahydrofuran enhancing bond strength of 3D-printed denture to the level of APA. Without surface treatment, the highest bond strength was shown in 3D-printed denture base material.

A dual-mechanism pretreatment idea for improving the derived Raman spectrum for (micro)plastic analysis

ABSTRACT Raman spectroscopy is an effective tool for microplastic analysis, but its performance can be limited by weak signals and surface interference. This study aims to enhance derived Raman spectra through chemical surface treatments. Fresh and biofouled plastic debris samples, including polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET), were treated overnight with various chemical solutions: 30% H2O2, 5% NaOCl, 5% HCl, and a sequential treatment of 5% HCl followed by 5% NaOCl (HCl:NaOCl). Stereo microscope examinations revealed that single-solution treatments removed some stains but left others behind, while complete stain removal was achieved with the HCl:NaOCl treatment. The control samples exhibited a high fluorescence issue, but oxidation pretreatment effectively reduced this, with 5% NaOCl outperforming 30% H2O2. Despite eliminating fluorescence, residual stains still obscured peak signals. In contrast, the sequential HCl:NaOCl treatment removed almost visible stain, resulting in very clean surfaces, minimal background signals, and significantly higher S/N ratios for peak signals. This study demonstrates that dual-mechanism pretreatments – combining acid dissolution and oxidation – are far more effective than single treatments, benefiting applications that require clean plastic samples for subsequent operations.

Evaluation of the Bond Strength of Acrylic Teeth to Denture Base after Various Chemical Surface Treatments: An In Vitro Study.

The purpose of the present study was to assess the bonding capacity and efficacy of acrylic teeth to denture bases following two different chemical surface treatments. A two-metal mold measuring 35 mm in length and 12 mm in diameter was created specifically for the investigation in order to standardize the wax pattern-based tooth attachment at 45°. Following standard protocol, 75 wax cylinder specimens were flasked, dewaxed, and surface treatment of teeth was done as follows with 25 samples in each group-group I: control group, group II: monomethyl methacrylate monomer group, group III: acetone group. The curing process was completed following the packing of the denture base material. The samples' shear bond strength was assessed using a universal testing machine. Every sample was taken out when it fractured, and the shear load (Newton, N) was noted. The significance of the variation in applied shear load was assessed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc ANOVA Tukey's honestly significant difference (HSD) test at the 5% level of significance. The maximum shear bond strength was found in the samples treated with acetone (183.21 ± 0.06) followed by samples treated with monomethyl methacrylate monomer (171.64 ± 0.12) and the control group (149.32 ± 0.04). A statistically significant difference was found between the different groups (p < 0.001). In conclusion, according to the current study's findings, acetone chemical surface treatment of acrylic teeth produced the strongest bond when compared with the control group and monomethyl methacrylate monomer. In prosthodontic practice, artificial teeth regularly de-bond and separate from the denture base. A weak interface is produced when certain clinical conditions, such as ridge prominence, cause excessive cutting of the acrylic teeth and base. Where the denture base polymer meets the teeth's highly cross-linked matrix, it de-bonds adhesively. Therefore, the bonding between the acrylic teeth and the denture base material can be improved by the chemical surface treatment. How to cite this article: Chaudhuri NG, Lahiri B, Francis NT, et al. Evaluation of the Bond Strength of Acrylic Teeth to Denture Base after Various Chemical Surface Treatments: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(6):514-517.

Effect of Stainless Steel Substrate Preparation on the Adhesion Strength and Morphology of Electrophoretically Deposited Sodium Alginate Coatings

In this study, the influence of various mechanical and chemical surface treatments on the adhesion strength and surface properties of sodium alginate coatings electrophoretically deposited (EPD) on 316L stainless steel substrates was investigated. XPS and TEM results revealed the presence of oxide layers containing elements from the substrates, with thicknesses varying from 1 to 45 nm, depending on the treatment used. Most substrates exhibited high roughness and hydrophilic properties (CA with water 62.8–82.6 deg). Sodium alginate coatings with uniform morphology were deposited with the same process parameters, i.e., 5 V and 300 s. The surface topography of the coatings was closely related to that of the substrate on which they were deposited. All coatings exhibited higher hydrophilicity (CA with water 29.5–49.7 deg) compared to the substrates (CA with water 62.8–82.6 deg). The coatings on the etched and anodized substrates demonstrated the highest adhesion strength (class 4B), attributed to the very low oxide layer thickness and the specific substrate surface topography. Mechanical interlocking was identified as the primary adhesion mechanism for these coatings. This work provides insight into optimizing surface treatments for improved adhesion of sodium alginate coatings to stainless steel substrates widely used for temporary bone implants. The results obtained will also be helpful in providing high adhesion of sodium alginate-based composite coatings to steel substrates.

Novel Chemical Treatment of Porous Titanium Structures for Nanotextured Surface and Bioactive Behavior

Macroporous titanium structures are of interest in bone reconstruction because of their reduced modulus of elasticity (compared to bulk titanium), possibility of being colonized by cells, and biocompatibility. However, they are not bioactive and are not able to actively facilitate bone ingrowth or reduce bacterial adhesion. In the present research, work porous titanium scaffolds with different features (porosity 30–60 vol% and pore size 100–200 or 355–500 μm) are obtained by the space holder technique. Samples are characterized using optical microscopy, computed tomography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray diffraction. Moreover, the theoretical elastic modulus and yield strength are calculated. A patented chemical treatment, able to produce a bioactive nanotextured oxide layer, has been optimized and successfully applied, for the first time, to structures with 50 vol% porosity and 100–200 μm pore size (as the most promising for bone substitution due to the biomechanical and biofunctional balance). Bare and modified samples are characterized using field emission SEM, zeta potential measurements, and in vitro bioactivity tests (soaking in simulated body solution) to evaluate the effectiveness of the surface chemical treatment.

Mechanically stable superhydrophobic surfaces constructed by laser surface texturing and micro-arc oxidation of TC4 alloy prepared based on SLM

In this paper, a superhydrophobic surface was prepared on the surface of Ti–6Al–4V (TC4) alloy prepared by selective laser melting (SLM), and the water contact angle (WCA) was 156.8°. The laser surface texturing (LST) and chemical modification treatments were combined with a micro-arc oxidation (MAO) treatment to improve the mechanical durability of the superhydrophobic surface. The surface morphology, wettability, wear resistance, and abrasion resistance of the composite coatings were analyzed, and the mechanism of abrasion resistance on superhydrophobic surfaces was discussed. The superhydrophobic surface that was prepared withstood abrasion under 600 # sandpaper at a pressure of 2.9 kPa and a movement distance of 1020 cm. In addition, the prepared superhydrophobic surface showed better wear resistance and friction reduction in friction experiment, exhibiting more stable coefficient of friction (COF) curve, lower COF value, and narrower abrasion marks. The results show that the prepared composite coatings not only exhibit superhydrophobicity, but also good mechanical stability, which effectively improves the mechanical property of superhydrophobic sample and significantly prolongs its service life in harsh environments. This study provided a new idea and preparation method for the preparation of mechanically stabilized superhydrophobic surface.

Analysis of Water Absorption on the Young’s Modulus and Damping of Sponge Gourd (Luffa cylindrica) Composites

ABSTRACT Composites reinforced with lignocellulosic fibers are attracting attention for use in several applications. This fact is directly linked to the advantages of using renewable lignocellulosic fibers. However, due to their cellulose-based structure, lignocellulosic fibers easily absorb water, which can affect the behavior of the composites. Surface treatments are used to reduce the hydrophilicity of fibers, but common surface treatments use chemicals, compromising the green approach of using lignocellulosic fibers. This work compares the water absorption behavior of sponge gourd-epoxy matrix composites with untreated and surface treated fibers. The effect of these treatments on the variation of the Young’s modulus and damping factor of the composites during the immersion time in distilled and salt water was also evaluated using the nondestructive impulse excitation test. In addition to the commonly used surface treatments (mercerization and acetylation), hornification has also been used to reduce the use of chemicals. The results obtained show that hornification is a competitive approach to reduce the water absorption of composites, being an interesting alternative to chemical surface treatments. A relationship was established between the amount of water absorbed and the variation in Young’s modulus and damping factor. Both properties stabilized when the water absorption saturation value was reached.

Enhancement of YBCO superconductivity by chemical surface treatment

Even though high-temperature superconductivity in cuprates has been studied for almost 40 years, it remains one of the most puzzling topics in modern physics. It is well known that most of its electrical properties strongly depend on doping and superconducting current is conducted through the CuO2 layers. From a scientific and technological perspective, YBa2Cu3O7−x (YBCO) poses significant challenges due to its low chemical stability, leading to potential alterations in its properties when exposed to various gasses, solvents, and solutions. In our study, we investigated the effects of various solvents on the metal-to-superconductor transition (MST) of YBCO. Additionally, we explored the potential to enhance the MST through exposure to solvents, along with proposing mechanisms to explain this enhancement.

Physical and thermomechanical characterization of unidirectional Helicteres isora fiber-reinforced polylactic acid bio-composites

Identifying novel cellulose fiber bio-composites has become a vital initiative in the exploration of sustainable materials due to increased global concern for the environment. This growing focus on eco-friendly materials has gathered significant attention in recent years. The current investigation deals with one such material, Helicteres isora reinforced Polylactic acid composites. Surface chemical treatment of fiber is one of the most effective methods to modify the hydrophilic fiber to increase its compatibility with the polymer matrix. Sodium hydroxide was used as a pre-treatment chemical to remove any impurities from the fiber surface. Pre-treated fibers were treated with Methacryl silane and Potassium permanganate solution to chemically modify the fiber surface. Density, void content and water absorption behavior of the composites were analyzed as per the standard procedure. Tensile and flexural tests were conducted to evaluate the mechanical strength, modulus, and flexibility of the unidirectional composites. Thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses were performed to investigate the thermal stability, melting behavior and degradation profiles of prepared composites. A study of failure mechanisms and morphology of the fractured surface through photographs and SEM images revealed fiber splitting and delamination as the dominant reasons behind the failure of composites under tensile loading. Silane-treated Helicteres isora fiber-reinforced Polylactic acid composite exhibited lower water absorption and higher tensile strength than its counterparts. Untreated fiber composite showed maximum flexural strength among the tested composites. By collectively evaluating the results of the tests and properties of the composites, silane-treated fiber-reinforced Polylactic acid composites stands out as the most favorable choice.

Impact of surface chemical treatment in surgical regenerative treatment of ligature-induced peri-implantitis: A canine study.

Implant surface decontamination is a critical step in peri-implantitis treatment. The aim of this study was to assess the effect chemotherapeutic agents have on reosseointegration after treatment on ligature-inducted peri-implantitis. Six male canines had 36 implants placed and ligatures were placed around them for 28 weeks to establish peri-implantitis. The peri-implant defects were randomly treated by 1 of 3 methods: 0.12% chlorhexidine (CHX test group), 1.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl test group), or saline (Control group). Sites treated with NaOCl and CHX were grafted with autogenous bone, and all sites then either received a collagen membrane or not. Histology sections were obtained at 6 months postsurgery to assess percentage of reosseointegration. Thirty-five implants were analyzed (CHX: 13; NaOCl: 14; Control:8). NaOCl-treated sites demonstrated reosseointegration with direct bone-to-implant-contact on the previously contaminated surfaces (42% mean reosseointegration), which was significantly higher than Controls (p<0.05). Correspondingly, clinical improvement was noted with a significant reduction in probing depth from 5.50±1.24mm at baseline to 4.46±1.70mm at 6-months postsurgery (p=0.006). CHX-treated sites demonstrated a nonsignificant reosseointegration of 26% (p>0.05); however, in the majority of cases, the new bone growth was at a distance from the implant surface without contact. Probing depths did not improve in the CHX group. The use of membrane did not influence reosseointegration or probing depths (all p>0.05). Titanium implants with peri-implantitis have the capacity to reosseointegrate following regenerative surgery. However, treatment response is contingent upon the chemotherapeutic agent selection. Additional chemical treatment with 1.5% NaOCl lead to the most favorable results in terms of changes in defect depth and percentage of reosseointegration as compared to CHX, which may hinder reosseointegration.

Comparative Analysis of Nickel Adsorption by Natural Sisal Fiber and Treated with Citric Acid

Introduction: Removing nickel from wastewater is complex and costly, requiring research into alternatives with technical and economic solutions. An alternative would be the use of plant biomass. In the Northeast region of Brazil, one of these alternatives, with a large cultivation area, is sisal (Agave Sisaliana), which may have greater yields for this purpose through surface chemical treatment with citric acid, which inserts carboxylic groups into the structure of the plant fiber. Thus, the objective was to analyze the ability to remove nickel in solution by sisal fibers. Methodology: For this purpose, part of the sisal fibers was cut into 0.5 cm, washed and dried; initially treated with NaOH (0.1 mol/L); washed with distilled water and treated with citric acid (1.2 mol/L). The fibers were identified by FTIR; XRD; XRF and SEM. Adsorption tests were carried out with nickel solution for the parameters: kinetics, balance, influence of pH and adsorbent mass. Results: The XRF analysis demonstrated a greater presence of NiO adhered to the treated fiber (55.74%); FTIR confirmed the presence of non-ionized carbonyl in the region from 1700 to 1750 cm-1; the adsorption kinetic test demonstrated greater effectiveness of the treated fiber &gt; 80%; an ideal adsorbent mass was observed to be 0.1g; the ideal pH for removal was 5.0 while the equilibrium test has the best Languimuir isotherm, the uncontrolled fiber obtained R2 = 0.9810 and the controlled fiber R2 = 0.9643. Conclusion: Therefore, it was observed that the treatment of sisal fiber with citric acid increases the removal efficiency of nickel ion in aqueous solution, presenting itself as a low-cost and widely available material.

Electro-osmotic Flow Generation via a Sticky Ion Action.

Selective transport of ions through nanometer-sized pores is fundamental to cell biology and central to many technological processes such as water desalination and electrical energy storage. Conventional methods for generating ion selectivity include placement of fixed electrical charges at the inner surface of a nanopore through either point mutations in a protein pore or chemical treatment of a solid-state nanopore surface, with each nanopore type requiring a custom approach. Here, we describe a general method for transforming a nanoscale pore into a highly selective, anion-conducting channel capable of generating a giant electro-osmotic effect. Our molecular dynamics simulations and reverse potential measurements show that exposure of a biological nanopore to high concentrations of guanidinium chloride renders the nanopore surface positively charged due to transient binding of guanidinium cations to the protein surface. A comparison of four biological nanopores reveals the relationship between ion selectivity, nanopore shape, composition of the nanopore surface, and electro-osmotic flow. Guanidinium ions are also found to produce anion selectivity and a giant electro-osmotic flow in solid-state nanopores via the same mechanism. Our sticky-ion approach to generate electro-osmotic flow can have numerous applications in controlling molecular transport at the nanoscale and for detection, identification, and sequencing of individual proteins.

The Effect of Different Chemical Surface Treatments on the Bond Strength of Resin-Matrix Ceramic Repaired with Resin Composite.

This study investigates the effect of different chemical surface treatment protocols with different functional monomers of universal adhesives on the shear bond strength between resin-matrix ceramic and resin composite. Eighty resin-matrix ceramics (Shofu block HC) were built and designed into eight groups of ten specimens and surface treated with HC primer (HC) and/or three universal adhesives (single bond universal [SBU], Scotchbond universal plus [SBP], and Tetric N-bond universal [TNU]) assigning follows; group 1, nonsurface treated; group 2, HC; group 3, SBU; group 4, HC + SBU; group 5, SBP; group 6, HC + SBP; group 7, TNU; group 8, HC + TNU. A template was put on the specimen center, and then pushed packable resin composite. Mechanical testing machinery was used to examine the samples' shear bond strength (SBS) values. To examine failure patterns, the debonded specimen surfaces were examined by a stereomicroscope. The one-way analysis of variance method was used to evaluate the data, and the Tukey's test was used to determine the significant level (p < 0.05). The highest SBS was obtained in group 6 (39.25 ± 1.65 MPa). Group 1 (4.15 ± 0.54 MPa) had the lowest SBS. Group 6 exhibited the highest percentage of cohesive failure patterns (70%). High SBS values were frequently correlated with the surface treatment groups and the cohesive failure patterns. The application of HC primer prior to the universal adhesive is an alternative protocol for enhancing the repair bond strength between resin-matrix ceramic and resin composite interfaces. Moreover, the application of HC primer prior to the SBP is the best strategy for resin-matrix ceramic and resin composite repairs.

Lithium Silicate-Based Glass Ceramics in Dentistry: A Narrative Review

Considering the rapid evolution of lithium silicate-based glass ceramics (LSCs) in dentistry, this review paper aims to present an updated overview of the recently introduced commercial novel LSCs. The clinical and in vitro English-language literature relating to the microstructure, manufacturing, strengthening, properties, surface treatments and clinical performance of LSC materials was obtained through an electronic search. Findings from relevant articles were extracted and summarised for this manuscript. There is considerable evidence supporting the mechanical and aesthetic competency of LSC variants, namely zirconia-reinforced lithium silicates and lithium–aluminium disilicates. Nonetheless, the literature assessing the biocompatibility and cytotoxicity of novel LSCs is scarce. An exploration of the chemical, mechanical and chemo-mechanical intaglio surface treatments—alternative to hydrofluoric acid etching—revealed promising adhesion performance for acid neutralisation and plasma treatment. The subtractive manufacturing methods of partially crystallised and fully crystallised LSC blocks and the additive manufacturing modalities pertaining to the fabrication of LSC dental restorations are addressed, wherein that challenges that could be encountered upon implementing novel additive manufacturing approaches using LSC print materials are highlighted. Furthermore, the short-term clinical performance of zirconia-reinforced lithium silicates and lithium–aluminium disilicates is demonstrated to be comparable to that of lithium disilicate ceramics and reveals promising potential for their long-term clinical performance.

Impact of ZrO2 Content on the Formation of Sr-Enriched Phosphates in Al2O3/ZrO2 Nanocomposites for Bone Tissue Engineering.

This study investigates the profound impact of the ZrO2 inclusion volume on the characteristics of Al2O3/ZrO2 nanocomposites, particularly influencing the formation of calcium phosphates on the surface. This research, aimed at advancing tissue engineering, prepared nanocomposites with 5, 10, and 15 vol% ZrO2, subjecting them to chemical surface treatment for enhanced calcium phosphate deposition sites. Biomimetic coating with Sr-enriched simulated body fluid (SBF) further enhanced the bioactivity of nanocomposites. While the ZrO2 concentration heightened the oxygen availability on nanocomposite surfaces, the quantity of Sr-containing phosphate was comparatively less influenced than the formation of calcium phosphate phases. Notably, the coated nanocomposites exhibited a high cell viability and no toxicity, signifying their potential in bone tissue engineering. Overall, these findings contribute to the development of regenerative biomaterials, holding promise for enhancing bone regeneration therapies.

Correlating Graphite Surface with Interphase for Fast‐Charging and Low‐Temperature Operation

AbstractThe properties of graphite surface can not only affect the interaction between graphite and electrolyte but also induce the formation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) film. Herein, the graphite surface is purposely treated to incorporate oxygen‐containing functional groups, which facilitates a desired Li2CO3‐rich SEI with high ionic conductivity and good mechanical stability. The modified graphite electrodes exhibit significant enhancement in electrochemical performance during rapid charging at the rate of 15 C, where an impressive capacity of 225 mAh g−1 is still maintained, corresponding to a capacity retention of 60.8%. Moreover, the modified electrodes showcase outstanding performance under wide temperature ranging from −50 to +65 °C, with an amazing capacity retention of 97.6% under −20 °C, the conceivable capacity of 105 mAh g−1 at −50 °C as well as excellent stability at both −20 °C and +65 °C. These findings offer valuable insights into the design of a thin and robust Li2CO3‐rich SEI layer via a facile chemical treatment of the graphite surface.

Effect of post-processing and variation of the building angle of Ti-6Al-4 V disks obtained by selective laser melting: A comparison of physical, chemical and mechanical properties to machined disks

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is driving the development of dental implants with freedom of design, material savings, and predictable properties. The modification of a single parameter, and post-processing treatments affects the final macro and microstructure. The aim was to evaluate the effect of changing the building angle, using the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) technique, on the physical, chemical, and mechanical properties and to compare them with sanded manufacturing surfaces and machined surfaces, with and without chemical surface treatment. There were 8 groups of Ti-6Al-4 V discs (Ø 10 mm×2 mm), classified as machined (M), machined with acid-alkali treatment (TM), SLM 0° (AM0), SLM 0° with sanding (SAM0), SLM 45° (AM45), SLM 45° with sanding (SAM45), SLM 90° (AM90), and SLM 90° with sanding (SAM90). The tests used were Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), roughness, wettability, surface free energy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Vickers hardness. The normality of the data was checked using the Shapiro-Wilk test followed by Kruskal-Wallis and ANOVA, with Dunn and Tukey post-tests, with a significance level of 5%. SEM revealed angle dependence in the number of unmelted powder particles and topographical heterogeneity, and EDS reported the elemental composition of the base alloy. AM90 showed the highest wettability among the manufactured groups, and the chemical surface treatment increased the wettability of the machined sample (p<0.001). In the roughness analysis, the higher the building angle, the higher the surface roughness . Sanding provided homogeneity in roughness, wettability, surface free energy, and microhardness. It was concluded that the production routes, change in angle, sanding and surface treatment affect the macro and microstructure of titanium surfaces. Changing the building angle influenced all of the topographical characteristics of the material, a parameter that can be changed and improved that is important for determining properties.