Amount Of Filler Research Articles

Evaluation of mechanical properties and ion-releasing of 3D printing resins containing S-PRG filler: A preliminary study.

This study aimed to evaluate ionic release, flexural strength and water absorption of UDMA resins containing 0-30 wt% surface pre-reacted glass-ionomer (S-PRG) filler fabricated by a DLP 3D printer. Release of Al, B, Na, Sr and F ions were measured by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and an ion meter. Flexural strength test and water absorption measurements were performed according to the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 4049 standard and ISO 1567 standard, respectively. Sr ions were released the most, followed by F, B, Na and Al ions. The highest flexural strength was recorded with the S-PRG filler amount 0 wt%, followed by the S-PRG filler amounts 30, 20 and 10 wt%. Water absorption after one week was below the 32 µg/mm3 mark specified by ISO 1567. The release of ions was confirmed using UDMA-based photopolymerized resin containing S-PRG filler. Furthermore, the results suggest that this resin could be used for provisional restoration.

Improving the thermophysical properties of polymer composites

To improve the thermophysical properties of polymer composites, their physicochemical modification was carried out by introducing a microdispersed filler of synthesised aluminium-copper charge into the epoxy resin. Based on the dynamics of thermophysical properties depending on the amount of filler in the synthesised aluminium-copper charge, the optimal content of the additive in the epoxy compound was determined, which is 2...2.5 mass%. The introduction of filler into the epoxy oligomer ensures the production of composites with maximum values of thermal properties. The mechanism of formation of a heterogeneous structure of composites in the presence of microdispersed filler is substantiated. There are three structural levels that are formed after the polymerisation of the material: micro-, meso- and macrostructure. It is shown that in the formation of heterogeneous composites, there is a hierarchical combination of structural levels, and the dominant influence of one of them is determined by the nature and content of the filler. It is substantiated that the structure and properties of the composites are determined by the course of structure formation processes: within a single level, between different levels in a cluster, and between clusters.

The Influence of the Solid Phase on the Properties of Foam Concrete

An overview of literary sources related to the formation and development of the technology of aerated concrete is given. It is shown and systematized in which directions scientific research aimed at improving their functional properties was conducted. It is noted that almost all researchers associate the dependence of the properties of porous concrete with the character of their porosity. The conducted analysis allowed the authors to hypothesize that the properties of aerated concrete are exclusively determined by the nature of the distribution of the solid phase, that is, by the nature of its structure. Determination of the influence of the solid phase and its nature on the properties of aerated concrete is devoted to experimental studies. They were conducted in two stages. At the first, when applying physical modeling, the effect of the total porosity and water consumption of the dry mixture on the change in the nature of the solid phase of the model was studied. Internal interfaces between structural elements are taken as characteristics of the solid phase - their total length and width. It is shown that the water consumption of the mixture has different effects on materials with a dense and porous structure. At the next stage of experimental research, the influence of the water consumption of the mortar mixture on its strength (strength of the matrix material) and the strength of foam concrete was studied. The initial rheological conditions of the formation of the structure were changed by changing the size and amount of filler, changing the amount of liquid and plasticizing additives. The results of the experiments confirmed that the initial rheological conditions have different effects on the materials of dense and porous structure. Under certain conditions, in materials with a porous structure (in foam concrete), an increase in the water-solid ratio leads to an increase in the strength of concrete. Which indicates that with such water consumption, more favorable conditions are created for the formation of a porous structure, which is reproduced on the character of the solid phase. The given results confirm the given hypothesis and can be used in the synthesis of new building materials, including with the use of artificial intelligence.

Progress of material degradation: metals and polymers in deep-sea environments

Abstract Given the critical need for ocean exploration, improving the durability of materials in the deep-sea has become a paramount concern. The harshness of deep-sea, such as high pressure, variable seawater flow rates, and corrosive media, lead to premature aging and failure. This work examines the utilization of metals and polymer coatings in deep-sea applications, detailing the characteristics of the deep-sea and its influence on these materials. In particular, chloride ions in seawater pose significant hazards to metal corrosion, which is the main reason for metal failure. Then, the degradation process and the latest research advances of various materials in the deep-sea environment are summarized, and the failure mechanism of the metal/coating system in the deep-sea is analyzed. It was found that the failure of polymer coatings can be divided into three processes, and adding an appropriate amount of fillers to the coating (such as adding 0.2 % graphene to water-based polyurethane) can extend the service life of the coating. Finally, the development trend of the company in the future is predicted. It has guiding and reference significance for the study of the failure behavior of metals and polymers in the deep-sea environment.

Improving water barrier properties of starch based bioplastics by lignocellulosic biomass addition: Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial properties.

Global population growth has led to an increase in the demand for polymers, along with concerns about environmental pollution caused by solid polymers (such as consumer plastics), as well as the threat of global warming resulting from the production of polymer feedstock. Therefore, the polymer industry must develop sustainable and innovative strategies. The present study focuses on testing the potential of corn starch (CS) to produce bioplastic films and the impact of olive pits powder (OPP) addition, a natural agricultural waste material mainly containing lignocellulose, as filler on their properties. The developed bioplastic films containing starch, plasticizer, crosslinker and different amounts of OPP natural filler were prepared by casting solvent method according to a "green chemistry" process. The chemical, morphological, and thermal characterization of the prepared films was investigated using transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-rays diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The physico-chemical, optical, water and oxygen barrier properties of the developed bioplastic films were evaluated as a function of OPP concentrations. Moreover, attention was paid to evaluate their biodegradability and their antibacterial activity. The addition of OPP from 10 to 70% w/w led to an improvement of oxygen and water barrier properties (contact angle, water adsorption and moisture adsorption) due to specific interactions between starch matrix and lignocellulosic biopolymers present in OPP filler. The soil-biodegradability tests revealed that the control film was totally decomposed and the weight loss of all other films was upper than 70% after only 14days of exposure to soil. Antibacterial tests showed that the developed bioplastic films had an affective activity against both gram positive and gram negative bacteria strains.

Studies on the Enzymatic Degradation Process of Epoxy-Polyurethane Compositions Obtained with Raw Materials of Natural Origin.

Along with the development of technology and the increasing consumption of polymeric materials, which have become an integral part of man's everyday life, problems related to their disposal are arising. The presented research concentrates on the studies on the enzymatic degradation of selected epoxy-polyurethane materials filled with 2 or 5 wt.% of waste unmodified or chemically modified through mercerization wood flour. Composites, subjected to the degradation process, contained up to 60% of raw materials of natural origin. The enzymatic degradation was carried out for 28 days, in three environmental conditions, differing in the type of applied buffer, pH, process temperature, the amount, and the type of applied enzyme. In this study, the influence of two lipases was tested (specifically: lipase of microbiological origin-Rhizopus Oryzae Lipase, and one of animal origin-Porcine Pancreas Lipase). There were seven compositions tested, based on the polyaddition product of epoxidized soybean oil with bisphenol A, differing in the amount of filler and the type of modification to which wood flour was subjected before the application in the polymer composite. After enzymatic degradation, the greatest progress of biodegradation was observed at T = 30 °C, in a complex phosphate buffer with pH = 6.8, in the presence of the Porcine Pancreas enzyme. Under these conditions, a slightly smaller effect was also observed in the presence of the Rhizopus Oryzae enzyme. At the same time, the compositions containing mercerized wood flour turned out to be the most susceptible to biodegradation with the above-mentioned enzymes. After conducting the process in the full 4-week cycle numerous changes were noticed within the tested sample, such as (1) 7.0 %wt. of the overall weight loss of samples, (2) reducing the value of the static contact angle (e.g., from 116.7° before degradation to 27.2° at the end of the study), and (3) morphological appearance of the sample (sample's surface had suffered erosion noticed as smoothest roughnesses and numerous empty holes throughout its entire volume), concerning sample's condition before enzymatic degradation.

Effect of Cement Substitution with Mineral Fillers on NOx Air-Purification Efficiency and Photocatalytic Reaction Selectivity of Nano-TiO2-Modified Cementitious Composites.

This research investigated the properties of photocatalytic cementitious composites, including their air-purification efficiency. A method of characterizing the removal of airborne pollutants (nitrogen oxides), simulating the actual NOx concentration and irradiation conditions in Warsaw, Poland, in the autumn/winter season was established. The study analyzed the impact of changes in the composition of cement mortars-partial substitution of the binder with mineral fillers-on the properties of the external photoactive surface of the composite. The designed experimental plan included both quantitative and qualitative variables (type and amount of fillers used). It was found that the photocatalytic performance of the composite was correlated with its pore total content and pore size distribution-the higher the content of mineral fillers, the lower the porosity and the less effective its photocatalytic properties. The selectivity of the photocatalytic NOx reactions also deteriorated as the content of the mineral fillers increased. The study confirmed the validity of increasing the binder content in cementitious composites to enhance their photocatalytic performance.

Study on the Properties and Mechanism of m‐FACs/f‐Fe3O4/Epoxy Wear‐Resistant Magnetic Coating

ABSTRACTIn view of the wear problem of key parts of magnetic fluid seal device, epoxy resin (EP) composite coatings reinforced with Fe3O4 and fly ash cenospheres (FACs) were fabricated successfully. The structural and morphological features of the fillers and the composite coatings were characterized by Fourier transform infrared and scanning electron microscopy. CFT‐I material surface performance comprehensive tester was used to investigate the tribological behaviors of the as‐prepared composite coatings. Vibrating sample magnetometer was used to investigate the coatings' magnetic property. The formation mechanism of the composite coating was analyzed by the infrared spectrum results combined with molecular dynamics simulations. The results demonstrated that adding a certain amount of double fillers will have a synergistic effect, and its mechanical properties are better than those of single fillers. The tribological property of the m‐FACs/f‐Fe3O4/EP composite coatings was optimal under magnetic fluid friction, which is about an order of magnitude lower than the wear rate under dry friction. The saturation magnetization of the m‐FACs/f‐Fe3O4/EP composite coating is 2.77 emu/g, and the magnetic susceptibility reaches 4.64 × 10−4 m3/kg. Therefore, the m‐FACs/f‐Fe3O4/EP composite coating will be expected to solve the wear problem of equipment components in complex environments of magnetic field and friction.

Experimental Investigation of Indirect Tensile Strength of Hot Mix Asphalt with Varying Hydrated Lime Content at Low Temperatures and Prediction with Soft-Computing Models

If asphalt pavements are exposed to cold weather conditions and high humidity for long periods of time, cracking of the pavement is an inevitable consequence. In such cases, it would be a good decision to focus on the filler material, which plays an important role in the performance variation in the hot asphalt mixtures used in the pavement. Although the use of hydrated lime as a filler material in hot asphalt mixtures is a common method frequently recommended to eliminate the adverse effects of low temperature and to keep moisture sensitivity under control in asphalt pavements, the sensitivity of the quantities of the material cannot be ignored. Therefore, in this study, an amount of filler in the mixture was replaced with hydrated lime (HL) filler additive at different rates of 0%, 1%, 2%, 3% and 4%. These asphalt briquettes, designed according to the Marshall method, have optimum asphalt contents for samples with specified HL content. In this study, where the temperature effect was examined at five different levels of −10 °C, −5 °C, 0 °C, 5 °C and 25 °C, the samples were produced in two different groups, conditioned and unconditioned, in order to examine the effect of water. The indirect tensile strength (ITS) test was applied on the produced samples. Experimental study showed that HL additive strengthened the material at low temperatures and made it more resistant to cold weather conditions and humidity. In the second part of the study, two different prediction models with varying configurations were introduced using nonlinear regression and feed-forward neural networks (FFNNs) and the best prediction performance among these was investigated. Examination of the performance measures of the prediction models indicated that ITS can be accurately predicted using both methods. As a result of comparing the developed models with the experimental data, the model provides significant contributions to the evaluation of the relationship between the ITS values obtained with the specified conditioning, temperature changes and HL contents.

Surgical and Non-Surgical Approach for Tear Trough Correction: Fat Repositioning Versus Hyaluronic Acid Fillers.

Objective: This paper compares two popular techniques for tear trough correction-fat repositioning and hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers-highlighting their efficacy, safety profiles, patient satisfaction, and associated complications. Methods: A narrative review of 20 studies comparing fat repositioning and HA fillers was conducted, focusing on parameters such as duration of results, volume restoration, complication rates, and patient satisfaction. Results: Fat repositioning provides long-lasting results but carries higher surgical risks compared with HA fillers. The transconjunctival approach is suitable for patients with minimal skin excess. The supraperiosteal plane allows for a quicker procedure and, despite postoperative edema and temporary irregular contouring, shows no difference in final cosmetic outcomes compared with other planes. Internal fixation reduces the risk of fat relapse and skin scarring but carries the risk of suboptimal positioning. HA fillers offer immediate, minimally invasive results but require periodic maintenance. The use of a cannula reduces the risk of vascular occlusion. Combining a high G' filler for the midface with a low G' with low hydrophilicity for the tear trough reduces the amount of filler needed and prolongs the results. Both surgical and non-surgical methods are effective, depending on patient needs and anatomical considerations. Conclusions: Fat repositioning is ideal for patients seeking long-term correction and are willing to undergo surgery, while HA fillers suit those preferring non-invasive treatments with customizable, short-term effects. Both techniques have pros and cons that must be matched to patient goals and conditions.

Optimization of Starch-Based Bioplastic from Sweet Potato using Box-Behnken Design with Plasticizer and Filler for Reduced Water Absorption

Plastic is a ubiquitous material used in a wide range of applications, but its disposal has become a significant environmental concern. Bioplastics, which offer several advantages over conventional plastics, including a smaller carbon footprint, greater biodegradability, and adaptability, are being explored as a potential alternative. Among the bioplastics, starch-based polymers have gained significant attention due to their natural abundance, biocompatibility, low cost, and renewability. In this study, a starch-based bioplastic was developed using glycerol and sorbitol as plasticizers and wood dust as a filler through the casting method. Starch was extracted from sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). The optimal conditions for preparing the bioplastic with minimum water adsorption were determined using a three-level Box-Behnken design. The amount of starch, plasticizer, and filler were the key parameters for this study. The percentage of water absorption was determined by immersing the prepared bioplastic in distilled water for 24 hours and weighing it. The result of the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy of extracted starch showed a similar observation peak pattern when compared to the FTIR spectrum of commercial starch. The linear response model produced a good coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.8237), indicating that the chosen parameters implicitly affect the percentage of water absorption. The prediction percentage of water absorption after optimization is 20.069 with a desirability value of 0.806. This study shows that the response surface approach helps in determining the optimum conditions for the minimum percentage of water adsorption from starch-based bioplastic.

Copper selenide as a facile nanomaterial for triboelectric nanogenerator: Self-powered Braille code keyboard

The development of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) for sustainable energy harvesting has garnered significant interest, especially in integrating advanced materials to enhance device performance and exploring applications. Herein, the present study investigates the use of copper selenide (Cu2Se) as a robust material for TENGs fabrication. Cu2Se nanorods are synthesized using a facile hydrothermal method and subsequently embedded in a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix to form a nanocomposite, which is then utilized as tribopositive film. The procured Cu2Se and nanocomposites with varying filler quantities (0.1, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 wt%) are analyzed using powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, dielectric measurements, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy to evaluate their structural, morphological, dielectric, and optical properties, and their impact on TENG performance. Interestingly, the device with 0.2 wt% Cu2Se generated peak-to-peak voltage and current of 394.35 V and 83.45 µA respectively, which is about 2.5- and 41-times higher output compared to pristine PVA-TENG. Integrating Cu2Se as filler enhances charge generation, transfer, and retention, due to increased surface roughness, and ability to facilitate better charge separation within the polymer matrix leading to more efficient energy conversion in TENGs. In practical demonstration, the optimized PVA@ Cu2Se-TENG is employed as a self-powered Braille keyboard to generate electrical signals from mechanical interactions, offering a promising solution for energy-efficient, user-friendly Braille technology. Thus, the current study highlights the synergistic effects of integrating Cu2Se with polymer, resulting in enhanced triboelectric performance for innovative energy harvesting applications and self-powered sensory devices.

Sewage sludge ash as filler in asphalt mastic: Low-temperature towards high-temperature performance

The sewage sludge ash (SSA) is characterized as a by-product used in the pavement industry to mitigate the environmental risks, enhance the landfill capacity and conserve the non-renewable resources. This research utilized SSA as a filler substitute in asphalt mastic, and its performance-based properties from low towards high temperatures were evaluated. For this goal, the physical and chemical properties of SSA and rock powder (used as base filler) were determined using BET surface area measurement, X-ray fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy tests. The performance of base and SSA-modified asphalt mastics in four filler/bitumen weight ratios (0.6, 0.8, 1, and 1.2) was investigated using dynamic shear rheometer, multiple stress creep and recovery, linear amplitude sweep, and bending beam rheometer tests across a wide temperature range. The results indicate that SSA has a higher specific surface area, better bitumen absorption, and lower density compared to the base filler. Additionally, unlike the acidic nature of the base filler, SSA possesses strong basic properties, leading to a stronger chemical bond with bitumen and enhanced resistance to aging, particularly at high temperatures. Moreover, the lower density of SSA escalates the amount of filler per unit volume of the SSA-modified asphalt mastic, leading to the increased stiffness and elasticity. This trend improves resistance to permanent deformation and cracking at medium temperatures, although it has an adverse effect on performance of mastic at low temperatures. Moreover, due to the improved performance of SSA-modified asphalt mastic, this study can contribute to the sustainable development of the pavement industry.

From nano to macro in graphene-polymer nanocomposites: A new methodology for conductivity prediction

A two-step approach is proposed to forecast the conductivity of graphene polymer composites using simple models reflecting the tunneling mechanism and interphase part. Firstly, graphene and the adjacent interphase are presumed as figurative particles, and their conductivity is estimated. In the second stage, the conductivity of the nanocomposite containing figurative particles is predicted, considering the tunneling size between adjacent particles. The advanced methodology is used to forecast the conductivity for real examples. Additionally, the implications of all terms on the nanocomposite conductivity are assessed and explained. The estimations of conductivity acceptably agree with the measured data, which justifies the predictability of the suggested methodology. Thick interphase and short tunnels produce desirable conductivity, because they positively influence the net dimensions and tunneling resistance. Among the studied parameters, the thicknesses of graphene nanosheets and interphase have the highest impacts on the nanocomposite conductivity. The highest conductivity of nanocomposite as 7 S/m is obtained by the thickest interphase (ti = 10 nm) and the thinnest nanosheets (t = 1 nm), while t > 2 nm or ti < 5.5 nm cannot improve the conductivity. Furthermore, graphene volume fraction of 0.03 with the graphene diameter of 4 μm maximizes the nanocomposite conductivity to 3 S/m, but less filler amount and shorter nanosheets weaken the conductivity of nanocomposites.

Early Biological Response to Poly(ε-Caprolactone)/Alumina-Toughened Zirconia Composites Obtained by 3D Printing for Peri-Implant Application.

The improvement of the mucosal sealing around the implant represents a challenge, one that prompted research into novel materials. To this purpose, a printable poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)-based composite loaded with alumina-toughened zirconia (ATZ) at increasing rates of 10, 20, and 40 wt.% was prepared, using a solvent casting method with chloroform. Disks were produced by 3D printing; surface roughness, free energy and optical contact angle were measured. Oral fibroblasts (PF) and epithelial cell (SG) tests were utilized to determine the biocompatibility of the materials through cell viability assay and adhesion and spreading evaluations. The highest level of ATZ resulted in an increase in the average roughness (Sa), while the maximum height (Sz) was higher for all composites than that of the unmixed PCL, regardless of their ATZ content. Surface free energy was significantly lower on PCL/ATZ 80/20 and PCL/ATZ 60/40, compared to PCL and PCL/ATZ 90/10. The contact angle was inversely related to the quantity of ATZ in the material. PF grew without variations among the different specimens at 1 and 3 days. After 7 days, PF grew significantly less on PCL/ATZ 60/40 and PCL/ATZ 80/20 compared to unmixed PCL and PCL 90/10. Conversely, ATZ affected and improved the growth of SG. By increasing the filler amount, PF cell adhesion and spreading augmented, while PCL/ATZ 80/20 was the best for SG adhesion. Overall, PCL/ATZ 80/20 emerged as the best composite for both cell types; hence, it is a promising candidate for the manufacture of custom made transmucosal dental implant components.

Kinetic of Light Transmission during Setting and Aging of Modern Flowable Bulk-Fill Composites.

The current development of dental materials aims to improve their properties and expand their clinical application. New flowable bulk-fill composites have been released which, unlike what was previously common in this material category, are intended to be used alone and without a top layer, in various cavities. The study compares their kinetic of light transmission during monomer-to-polymer conversion on a laboratory-grade spectrometer, as well as their elastoplastic and aging behavior under simulated clinical conditions. Major differences in the kinetic of light transmission was observed, which is related to the degree of mismatch between the refractive indices of filler and polymer matrix during polymerization and/or the type of initiator used. Compared to the literature data, the kinetic of light transmission do not always correlate with the kinetic of functional group conversion, and therefore should not be used to assess polymerization quality or to determine an appropriate exposure time. Furthermore, the initial mechanical properties are directly related to the volumetric amount of filler, but degradation during aging must be considered as a multifactorial event.

Preparation and performance control of ultra-low near-infrared reflectivity coatings with super-hydrophobic and outstanding mechanical properties

The development of ultra-low near-infrared reflectivity coatings with outstanding engineering properties remains a challenge in laser stealth materials research. Herein, we reported a laser stealth coating with outstanding mechanical properties, super-hydrophobicity, and an ultra-low near-infrared reflectivity for 1.06 μm wavelength. The effects of the mass ratio of graphene to nano-SiO2, the proportion of total filler, the addition of KH560, the mass ratio of Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) to acrylic-modified polyurethane (APU), and the addition of dioctyl phthalate (DOP) on the coating properties were thoroughly discussed. The coating can achieve a low reflectivity of 9.3% at 1.06 μm and a high water contact angle of 152° at a mass ratio of 7:3 for PDMS to APU and 6:4 for graphene to nano-SiO2 with a total filler amount of 40 wt%. KH560 can play a bridging role between the blended resin matrix and nano-SiO2, which can significantly improve the impact strength of the coating. The DOP, which contains a polar ester group and a non-polar carbon chain structure, can be inserted between the molecular chains of the resin to weaken the intermolecular force of the resin, so that the flexibility of the coating can be significantly improved. Adding KH560 at 4 wt% and DOP at 1 wt%, resulted in a coating with ultra-low near-infrared reflectivity of 1.06 μm (9.3%), super-hydrophobic properties, outstanding adhesion strength (grade 2), flexibility (2 mm), and impact strength (50 kg cm). The above super-hydrophobic ultra-low near-infrared reflectivity coating has significant potential for use in the field of laser stealth equipment, and it can serve as a useful reference for optimizing the mechanical properties of super-hydrophobic functional coatings.

The Effect of Rubber-Metal Interactions on the Mechanical, Magneto-Mechanical, and Electrical Properties of Iron, Aluminum, and Hybrid Filler-Based Styrene-Butadiene Rubber Composites.

Multifunctional stretchable rubber composites are gaining attention due to their unique electrical, mechanical, and magnetic properties. However, their high production costs pose economic challenges. This study explores the use of cost-effective metal powders-iron, aluminum, and their 1:1 (vol/vol) hybrid filler-in styrene-butadiene rubber composites, varying from 10 to 20 vol%. The effects of these metal particles on the mechanical, electrical, morphological, and swelling properties were investigated. Metal particles generally act as non-reinforcing fillers but can significantly enhance the mechanical modulus, electrical, and magnetic properties based on the filler structure and the filler-rubber interactions. Iron-based composites exhibit significant electrical conductivity and excellent magnetic properties. Aluminum enhances the modulus, while the combination yields average mechanical properties with added magnetic characteristics. Iron demonstrates higher reactivity with sulfur-based crosslinking ingredients, adversely affecting the rubber matrix's crosslinks, as shown by swelling tests. This reactivity is attributed to iron's transition metal characteristics. At 20 vol%, iron-filled composites display the highest magnetic anisotropic effect on toughness (~25%) under a magnetic field by permanent magnets and excellent electrical conductivity (1.5 × 10-2 S/m). While iron significantly boosts the electrical and magnetic properties, higher filler amounts degrade the mechanical properties. These composites are currently suitable for electrical and smart mechanical applications, but incorporating reinforcing fillers could enhance their robustness for broader applications.

A negatively charged polyethersulfone nanofiltration membrane enriched with Ag-functionalized titanium silicon carbide for the removal of organic pollutants from water

Developing high-performance nanofiltration membranes for treating wastewater contaminated with organic pollutants requires special attention. The toxic nature and side effects of organic pollutants, such as dyes and antibiotics, make them hazardous. Therefore, wastewater containing organic pollutants must be treated properly before entering water environments. Herein, we synthesized the Ti3SiC2 MAX phase via the reactive sintering technique. To make the Ti3SiC2 more hydrophilic and compatible with the polyethersulfone (PES) membrane, its surface was modified in one step with Ag NPs/polyvinyl alcohol (Ag-MAX). Different quantities (0–1 wt%) of Ag-MAX filler were embedded into the PES membrane via the phase inversion process. The presence of 0.75 wt% Ag-MAX filler enhanced hydrophilicity, porosity, surface roughness, pore size, and negative charge of PES membrane, which are beneficial for permeance and antifouling features of Ag-MAX mixed matrix membranes (MMMs). The optimized membrane containing 0.75 wt% of Ag-MAX demonstrated the uppermost pure water flux of 72.5 L/m2 h with a flux recovery ratio of 82.8 %. The optimized membrane showed rejection efficiency of 99.4, 99.6, and 99.7 % for Direct Black 38, Acid Blue 113, and Disperse Red 153 dye solutions, along with a satisfactory rejection of 70.7, 65.9, and 58.5 % for Basic Violet 1, Alizarin Red S, and Ceftriaxone solutions, respectively. Furthermore, the effects of various pH values, various salt types, and cyclic filtration experiments on the separation performance of 0.75 wt% Ag-MAX MMM were investigated. The rejection efficiency of 0.75 wt% Ag-MAX MMM toward Acid Blue 113 is almost constant and higher than 98.5 % in different conditions, demonstrating that the Ag-MAX MMM could be a suitable candidate for the treatment of wastewater contaminated with organic pollutants.

Jowl Improvement With Injectable Fillers: Jawline Injections Alone Versus Jawline and Cheek Injections.

Jowling is a common aesthetic complaint in aging individuals. Injectable filler placed at the lateral jawline will improve the appearance of jowls, as defined by the Merz Aesthetic Jawline Grading Scale (MAJGS). This improvement will be independent of concomitant injection of filler into the lateral cheek. Fifteen female subjects with grade 2 to 3 jowls on a scale of 0 to 4 were enrolled to receive either VYC-20L in the mandibular angle/ramus (Group 1) or the mandibular angle/ramus and lateral cheek (Group 2). The subjects were evaluated by a blinded cosmetic dermatologist and themselves at 4 weeks after the last injection. A statistically significant improvement was noted in Group 1 by all blinded reviewers and subjects. Group 2 did not reach statistical significance as evaluated by the blinded dermatologist although did by the subject's rating. The average amount of filler injected per subject was 3.36 mL for group 1 and 8.38 mL for group 2. A novel adverse event was tenderness when chewing lasting for 2 to 3 days. Injection of VYC-20L showed statistical improvement in a validated jowl scale when injected at the angle of the mandible and the mandibular ramus, independent of concomitant lateral cheek injections.