Improved Interface Properties Research Articles

Barrier height modulation in Amorphous IGZO/Metal interface using Trichlorosilane-Based Self-Assembled monolayers

Amorphous InGaZnO (a-IGZO) has become a key material for thin-film transistors (TFTs) due to its high mobility, low leakage current, and optical transparency. However, the increasing demands for ultra-high-resolution displays, such as those required for virtual and augmented reality applications, pose challenges related to contact resistance and Fermi level pinning at the a-IGZO/metal interface, as TFTs are scaled down. To address these challenges, we investigated trichlorosilane-based self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) as an interfacial layer between a-IGZO and metal contacts (Al, Ag, and Ni). By employing SAMs with varying carbon chain lengths—methyl trichlorosilane (MTS), octyl trichlorosilane (OTS), and octadecyl trichlorosilane (ODTS)—we aimed to improve interface properties and reduce contact resistance. Our study comprehensively analyzed thermionic emission characteristics, including barrier height, saturation current, ideality factor, and contact resistance, across different metal electrodes. The results show that the SAM layers effectively modulate barrier height and Fermi level pinning, depending on the combination of SAM layers (MTS, OTS, and ODTS) and metal electrodes (Al, Ag, and Ni). Additionally, the study provides insights into the influence of SAM carbon chain length on direct tunneling current and interface passivation, and contributes to a deeper understanding of conduction mechanisms at a-IGZO/metal interfaces.

Low-pressure oxidation for improving interface properties and voltage instability of SiO2/4H-SiC MOS capacitor

The impact of high-temperature sub-atmospheric oxidation pressure on the interface properties of n-type 4H-SiC metal–oxide–semiconductor capacitors has been systematically investigated in this report. The bias temperature instability measurement was used to calculate the mobile ions and near-interface trap density that led to device instability at high temperatures. The density of near interface traps decreased from 88.3 × 1011 cm−2 to 10.2 × 1011 cm−2 when the growth pressure of SiO2 was reduced from 1 atm to 0.1 atm, while the mobile ions density decreased from 83.5 × 1011 to 4.18 × 1011 cm−2. The results show that SiO2 growing under lower oxidation pressure has better interfacial quality. The underlying mechanism was explored by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). It is speculated that the SiO2/SiC interface was reconstructed under low-pressure oxidation: the excess Si-related defects near the interface, such as SiOxCy, were released while O atoms were accumulated to promote a complete oxidation reaction, thereby effectively reducing the number of defects in the SiO2 film and improving device performance.

Enhancing the Performance of MoS2 Field-Effect Transistors Using Self-Assembled Monolayers: A Promising Strategy to Alleviate Dielectric Layer Scattering and Improve Device Performance.

Field-effect transistors (FETs) based on two-dimensional molybdenum disulfide (2D-MoS2) have great potential in electronic and optoelectronic applications, but the performances of these devices still face challenges such as scattering at the contact interface, which results in reduced mobility. In this work, we fabricated high-performance MoS2-FETs by inserting self-assembling monolayers (SAMs) between MoS2 and a SiO2 dielectric layer. The interface properties of MoS2/SiO2 were studied after the inductions of three different SAM structures including (perfluorophenyl)methyl phosphonic acid (PFPA), (4-aminobutyl) phosphonic acid (ABPA), and octadecylphosphonic acid (ODPA). The SiO2/ABPA/MoS2-FET exhibited significantly improved performances with the highest mobility of 528.7 cm2 V-1 s-1, which is 7.5 times that of SiO2/MoS2-FET, and an on/off ratio of ~106. Additionally, we investigated the effects of SAM molecular dipole vectors on device performances using density functional theory (DFT). Moreover, the first-principle calculations showed that ABPA SAMs reduced the frequencies of acoustic and optical phonons in the SiO2 dielectric layer, thereby suppressing the phonon scattering to the MoS2 channel and further improving the device's performance. This work provided a strategy for high-performance MoS2-FET fabrication by improving interface properties.

High‐Throughput First‐Principles Calculations and Machine Learning of Grain Boundary Segregation in Metals

The segregation of solute elements to defects in metals plays a fundamental role for microstructure evolution and the material performance. However, the available computational data are scattered and inconsistent due to the use of different simulation parameters and methods. A high‐throughput study is presented on grain boundary and surface segregation together with their effect on grain boundary embrittlement using a consistent first‐principles methodology. The data are evaluated for most technologically relevant metals including Al, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mo, Nb, Ni, Ta, Ti, and W with the majority of the elements from the periodic table treated as segregating elements. Trends among the solute elements are analyzed and explained in terms of phenomenological models and the computed data are compared to the available literature data. The computed first‐principles data are used for a machine learning investigation, showing the capabilities for extrapolation from first‐principles calculation to the whole periodic table of solutes. The present work allows for comprehensive screening of new alloys with improved interface properties.

Determination of selective laser melting process parameters of tungsten carbide powders coated with nickel via electroless plating for improved interface properties

Tungsten carbide powders are commonly used at various industrial applications due to their high hardness. However, these powders may exhibit low binding and processing challenges without a binder. Therefore, various binding methods such as electroless Ni coating are used to hold WC powders together, increase their processability and improve the mechanical properties of the final product. Electroless Ni plating plays an important role in the use of WC powders, especially in processes such as selective laser melting. The structural, tribological, and mechanical properties of parts manufactured by SLM method are significantly influenced by the parameters employed in the process. Hence, optimizing process variables is essential to unlock the full potential of this advanced manufacturing technique. The main objective of this study was to identify the optimum process parameters for the SLM method of WC-Ni composite powders, which were prepared by coating WC powder materials with electroless Ni. Experimental investigations focused on analyzing the laser power, scanning speed, and hatch spacing parameters. The effects of these parameters on the mechanical and tribological properties of WC-Ni composite material were investigated using microhardness tester, tribometer device, optical microscope, 3D optical profilometer and scanning electron microscope. Eventually, it was determined that the manufacturing parameters employed in the SLM method had a significant impact on relative density, microstructure, surface roughness, hardness, and tribological properties. Samples exhibited a relative density of nearly 99%, and the highest observed hardness value was 1962 HV. This article supports a specialized SLM manufacturing process developed specifically to enhance durability and performance across a broad spectrum of industrial applications through interface improvement and the optimization of manufacturing parameters.

Oil-water interfacial behavior of soy protein nanoparticles in high internal phase Pickering emulsion

We investigated the interfacial properties of soy protein isolate (SPI) heat aggregation nanoparticles (SPN) at the oil-water (O/W) interface, as well as the preparation and rheological properties of high internal phase Pickering emulsions (HIPPEs). Increasing the concentration of SPN led to a reduction in the dynamic interfacial tension (γ) and facilitated the diffusion and permeation processes. The interface became adsorbed by a multilayer protein film, reaching almost saturation, which hindered further rearrangement processes between SPNs. SPN formed a viscoelastic film at the O/W interface, with the interfacial viscoelastic modulus (E) proportional to the SPN concentration, resulting in thicker and stronger interface films. For SPN films with concentrations of 0.2–1.5 wt%, strain hardening was observed during compression and strain softening during extension under relatively large amplitudes (>20%). Conversely, films with concentrations of 2.0–3.0 wt% exhibited a linearly elastic response. Optical microscopy of SPN-stabilized HIPPEs and droplet surface cryo-scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM) indicated that increasing SPN concentration improved interface properties. Furthermore, rheological results on HIPPEs revealed that higher SPN concentrations enhanced viscoelasticity and emulsion recovery. These findings deepen our understanding of soy protein particle adsorption at the O/W interface and the rheological implications for HIPPEs applications.

Construction of SnO2 buffer layer and analysis of its interface modification for Li and Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3 in solid-state batteries

SnO2 layer between Li1.5Al0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3 (LAGP) and lithium anode was prepared through simple scratch-coating process to improve interface properties. The physical phase, morphology, and electrochemical properties of Li/SnO2/LAGP structure were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrochemical analytical methods. It was found that SnO2 layer effectively improved the interface stability of LAGP and lithium anode. The prepared Li/SnO2/LAGP/SnO2/Li symmetric cell exhibited a large critical current density of 1.8 mA cm−2 and demonstrated excellent cycling characteristics. The polarization voltages of symmetric cell were 0.1 V and 0.8 V after 1000 h of cycling at current densities of 0.04 mA cm−2 and 0.5 mA cm−2, respectively. Li/SnO2@LAGP/LiFePO4 solid-state full cells were also assembled, exhibiting a discharge specific capacity of 150 mAh g−1 after 200 cycles at 0.1C with capacity retention rate of 96 %. The good interface properties of Li/SnO2/LAGP structure are attributed to the transformation of SnO2 layer into a buffer layer containing Li2O, Sn0, and LixSny alloy during cycling process, which effectively inhibits the reduction reaction between LAGP and lithium anode.

Ionic Liquids Microenvironment Modulates the Interface Properties of g-C3N4 for Boosting the Performance of Photodegradation and Infected Wound-Healing Therapy.

The improvement of photocatalytic activity of g-C3N4 is expected for its advanced applications but remains a challenge due to the limitations of current strategies, such as single function, inefficiency, and uneconomical. Herein, a modified g-C3N4 with improved interface properties is constructed through the modulation of the ionic microenvironment affected by ionic liquids (ILs) and exhibits a 2.3-fold enhanced photodegradation efficiency and a 3.5-fold enhanced reaction rate relative to pristine g-C3N4. It has demonstrated excellent performance in photo-therapy bacterial-infected wounds. Theoretical calculation indicated that the precursor can be regulated by designing the specific ILs microenvironment to form "ILs-Mel" clusters due to the diversity of interaction energy and electrostatic potential. The cluster results in uneven stress on the 2D plane, further inducing the reconstruction of the microstructure. The synergistic effect of cations and anions of ILs on regulating the interface properties of g-C3N4 due to the change of skeleton structure during thermolysis of ILs. The microstructure, surface, and optical-electrical properties can be adjusted by selecting different cations of ILs, and the custom-made band structure and wettability can be obtained by selecting different anions. This work provides a facile strategy to modulate the interface properties of g-C3N4 by building specific a microenvironment of precursor.

Enhancing strength and ductility of CrCoNi medium-entropy alloy through the 9R phase and doping

The 9R phase model based on experimental orientation relationship are constructed, the mechanical moduli of the face-centered cubic (FCC) and 9R phases in CrCoNi medium-entropy alloy (MEA) are investigated by first-principles calculations with the meta-generalized gradient approximation (meta-GGA) functional. This functional accurately describes CrCoNi MEA, captures localized electronic states, and overcomes the challenge of DFT + U parameters in special quasi-random structure (SQS) based transition metal atom models. Results indicate that the 9R phase exhibits higher mechanical moduli than the FCC phase, with a 12% increase in bulk modulus and a 7% increase in Poisson's ratio. Consequently, the strength and toughness of CrCoNi MEA are significantly enhanced. Doping Mo, Ta, and W in the MEA structures improves strength by promoting the formation of the 9R phase compared to the doped single FCC phase. Calculations of the work of adhesion and fracture toughness for the 9R/FCC interface reveal improved interface properties with Mo and W doping. These enhancements are attributed to the hybridization of electronic orbitals in the doped CrCoNi MEA, resulting in changes in bond types between neighboring atoms and subsequent modifications of mechanical properties in the 9R phase. Comparative computational values strongly support an alloy design strategy involving Mo doping and the construction of the 9R phase to achieve superior mechanical properties in MEA.

Interface Resistance Analysis in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

A sophisticated design of the interface structure between the cathode and the electrolyte is essential to improve the performance of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). It is because the interface is the place where it directly affects both the ohmic resistance and the polarization resistance as interface contact and interface reaction, respectively. To improve interface properties, electrolyte surface treatment or inserting interface functional layer between the cathode and the electrolyte have been applied. They improved cell performance by effectively enhancing the interfacial characteristics such as interface bonding and interface reaction area. However, although both ohmic and polarization resistance greatly contributed to the improved cell performance, a detailed analysis related to ohmic resistance compared to polarization resistance is insufficient. Unlike polarization resistance which can quantify interface reaction related resistance using distribution of relaxation time (DRT) model, there is no proper methodology to quantify interface resistance in the case of ohmic resistance. The interface resistance has been analyzed to the extent that it belongs to the remaining resistance except for the electrolyte resistance from total ohmic resistance in consideration of the ionic conductivity and thickness of the electrolyte, which still not completely separate the interface resistance from the total ohmic resistance. Furthermore, in recent years, the electrolyte thickness has gradually decreased to less than 5 μm for high-performance and the electrolyte resistance has been significantly reduced, increasing proportion of interface resistance in total ohmic resistance. Therefore, we need to reduce the interface resistance for further cell improvement. Also, quantifying the interface resistance and having a deeper understanding of the correlation between interface resistance and interface structure should be supported.Here, to realize the interface resistance from the ohmic resistance, we designed several types of interface structure using electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) which can precisely control the particle size and be used to fabricate a thin functional layer. Using the different interface properties and equivalent circuit models, we separate the interface resistance from the ohmic resistance quantitatively. Our results can suggest a simple and effective interface analysis method for achieving high performance SOFCs. Figure 1

Performance enhancement of solution-processed p-type CuI TFTs by self-assembled monolayer treatment

Self-assembled monolayer (SAM) treatment of gate dielectrics plays a key role in the improvement of the electrical performance of organic thin-film transistors (TFTs) by reducing the interface traps. However, it is rarely explored in inorganic TFTs owing to possible irreversible damage to very thin SAMs during the sputtering and high-temperature annealing processes that are often used to deposit inorganic materials. Here, the feasibility of performance enhancement of inorganic p-type Zn-doped CuI TFTs is explored by a SAM treatment using 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) on the gate dielectric. Our result shows that the TFT performance is significantly enhanced with a 50% reduction in the interface trap density, a 326% increase in the hole mobility from 0.38 to 1.24 cm2V-1s-1and a 5-fold increase in the current on/off ratio from 2.6 × 106 to 1.1 × 107. In addition, the bias stress stability of the TFTs after the treatment is dramatically enhanced by a factor of 10 due to the improved interface properties. The threshold voltage shift is reduced from +19.6 to +1.8 V after 3600 s positive bias stress. The simple yet effective interface treatment approach may have great potential in the fabrication of high-performance inorganic p-type electronic devices.

Bio‐based compatibiliser enhancing the interface properties of CaCO3/recycled high‐density polyethylene composites

AbstractThe fabrication of composites of two or more materials with different polarities requires the use of compatibilisers to improve interface properties. However, most compatibilisers used for industrial production are derived from the cracking products of petroleum, which is a limited resource susceptible to price fluctuations and pollutes the environment. In this study, a new compatibiliser derived from renewable plant‐oil‐based products, ESO–G–OA, was designed and synthesized using epoxy soybean oil, oleic acid, and glycerol. Scanning electron microscopy results showed that ESO–G–OA can effectively improve the dispersion of CaCO3 in a recycled high‐density polyethylene (reHDPE) matrix and reduce the interfacial gap between the two phases. The analysis of the mechanical properties showed that the ESO–G–OA‐modified composite has higher tensile and impact strength than unmodified samples. The ESO–G–OA modification improved the thermal stability and melt flow of the composite and reduced the energy consumption during processing. Moreover, the excellent compatibility of ESO–G–OA can improve the comprehensive properties of CaCO3/reHDPE composites, compensating for the performance reduction caused by the multiple processing steps necessary to obtain reHDPE. This confirmed that ESO–G–OA has promising application prospects in the production of composites requiring compatibilisers.

SnO2 promoted carrier separation in superior thin g-C3N4 nanosheets for enhanced photocatalytic degradation and H2 generation

The construction of heterostructures is an efficient approach to improve the photocatalystic performance of semiconductors. In this paper, SnO2-g-C3N4 (SnO2–CN) nanocomposites were created via thermal polymerization using SnO2 nanoparticles and layered g-C3N4 nanosheets. A mechano-chemical pre-reaction and the second thermal polymerization of bulk g-C3N4 play important roles for the formation of SnO2/g-C3N4 heterostructures with improved interface nature. The heterostructures with an optimized SnO2 weight ratio of 10% was obtained by adjusting parameters for enhanced photocatalytic reactions in visible light region. Hydrogen generation and the degradation of rhodamine B (Rh B) were tested to characterize the photocatalytic performance of the SnO2–CN nanocomposites. The degradation of a 20 mg/L Rh B solution was finished within 15 min, in which the degradation rate was about twice compared with superior thin g-C3N4 nanosheets prepared by a two-step polymerization procedure. The SnO2–CN nanocomposite with 10% SnO2 revealed a H2 generation rate of 2569.5 μmol g−1L−1. The enhanced photocatalytic performance is ascribed to a type II heterostructure formed and improved interface properties between g-C3N4 and SnO2. In addition, the improved conductivity of SnO2 promoted the photogenerated carrier separation and transfer. The result provided a new idea for the construction of g-C3N4 heterostructures with improved interface characterization and the improvement of photocatalytic properties.

Fast and Balanced Charge Transport Enabled by Solution‐Processed Metal Oxide Layers for Efficient and Stable Inverted Perovskite Solar Cells

Metal oxide charge transport materials are preferable for realizing long‐term stable and potentially low‐cost perovskite solar cells (PSCs). However, due to some technical difficulties (e.g., intricate fabrication protocols, high‐temperature heating process, incompatible solvents, etc.), it is still challenging to achieve efficient and reliable all‐metal‐oxide‐based devices. Here, we developed efficient inverted PSCs (IPSCs) based on solution‐processed nickel oxide (NiOx) and tin oxide (SnO2) nanoparticles, working as hole and electron transport materials respectively, enabling a fast and balanced charge transfer for photogenerated charge carriers. Through further understanding and optimizing the perovskite/metal oxide interfaces, we have realized an outstanding power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 23.5% (the bandgap of the perovskite is 1.62 eV), which is the highest efficiency among IPSCs based on all‐metal‐oxide charge transport materials. Thanks to these stable metal oxides and improved interface properties, ambient stability (retaining 95% of initial PCE after 1 month), thermal stability (retaining 80% of initial PCE after 2 weeks) and light stability (retaining 90% of initial PCE after 1000 hours aging) of resultant devices are enhanced significantly. In addition, owing to the low‐temperature fabrication procedures of the entire device, we have obtained a PCE of over 21% for flexible IPSCs with enhanced operational stability.

Reliability and Stability Improvement of MOS Capacitors via Nitrogen-Hydrogen Mixed Plasma Pretreatment for SiC Surfaces.

We investigated the effect of nitrogen-hydrogen (NH) mixed plasma pretreatment of 4H-SiC surfaces on SiC surface properties, SiO2/SiC interface quality, and the reliability and voltage stability of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitors. The NH plasma pretreatment decreased the incomplete oxide and contaminants on the SiC surface and reduced the density of SiO2/SiC interface traps. Compared with the untreated sample, the dielectric insulating characteristics and reliability of samples pretreated by NH plasma were improved. We also demonstrated that the shift/hysteresis of the flat band voltage (Vfb) and the midgap voltage (Vmg) induced by bias temperature stress for SiC MOS capacitors after NH plasma pretreatment was significantly decreased. Furthermore, the mechanisms of NH plasma pretreatment to improve interface properties and device performances were determined by combining secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and first-principles calculations. The result indicates that the excessive oxidation at the SiO2/SiC interface was limited due to the reduction in the diffusion of oxygen atoms into SiC caused by the surface Si-H and Si-N; NH plasma pretreatment suppressed the generation of interfacial traps by reducing surface pollutants and passivating surface defects, and some N atoms introduced into the SiO2/SiC interface effectively passivated the interfacial electroactive traps.

Mechanical behavior and physicochemical modifications in lignosulfonate-treated fique (Furcraea Andina) fibers

One of the most frequent problems in biocomposites is the physical/chemical incompatibility between natural lignocellulosic fibers (NLF) and the matrix. Physical and/or chemical treatments are the most common approach to improve interface properties. Seeking for environmentally friendly treatments, lignosulfonates (LSs) have been considered for surface modification of NLF due to their amphiphilic properties. Thus, the objective of the present work is to evaluate the influence of sodium LS (SLS) treatment protocols in the properties and mechanical behavior of fique (Furcraea Andina) fibers. X-ray diffraction (XRD), Thermogravimetric (TGA) and spectroscopic (FTIR) analyzes were performed, as well as optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), fiber-diameter measurements and tensile tests. The results showed efficient surface cleaning from extractives and absorption of saline and aromatic components from SLS. Partial removal of lignin and hemicellulose was observed as well, manifested by an increasing in fiber crystallinity, decreasing in the intensity of the characteristic bands of C=O (acetyl and ester) and p-hydroxy-phenyl, and displacement in the temperature of cellulose pyrolysis to lower temperatures. These phenomena were stronger in the fibers with longer exposures to SLS. The SLS treatment protocols produce a narrower strength distribution, improving the reliability of the fibers relative to its mechanical behavior.

Enabling high-rate discharge capability and stable cycling for Ni-rich layered cathodes via multi-functional modification strategy

Nickel-rich layered cathodes have received extensive attention because of their relatively high energy density. However, the poor rate performance and inadequate cycling stability severely hinder its large-scale applications. Herein, a multi-functional modification strategy combining dual-site Mg/Nb co-doping with in-situ derived LiNbO3 coating layer is proposed. Mg2+ doped as pillar ions at Li sites can reduce the disorder of Li+/Ni2+, while Nb5+ doped at transition metal sites can improve structural stability due to its stronger Nb-O binding energy. Moreover, LiNbO3 ionically conductive nano-scale coating layer can effectively improve interface properties of the material. Benefitting from the synergistic effect of multi-functional modification strategy, the LiNi0.83Co0.12Mn0.05O2 cathode material co-modified with 2 mol% Mg and 1.4 mol% Nb exhibits extraordinarily enhanced electrochemical performance, which can display an excellent capacity retention of 84.1% after 200 cycles at 1 C and a high specific capacity of 132.9 mAh g−1 at the ultra-high rate of 30 C. Furthermore, the multi-functional modification strategy can also effectively alleviate grain-level intergranular cracks and structural degradation during long-term cycling. These results demonstrate that simultaneously using two types of doping cations together with in situ derived coating layer is an efficient and feasible modification strategy for Ni-rich layered cathodes.

Improving interface properties of zein hydrolysis and its application in salad dressing through dispersion improvement assisted by potassium oleate aqueous solution

Zein hydrolysis is difficult to achieve due to a high content of hydrophobic amino acids and poor solubility, which limits its application in the food industry. Potassium oleate, an anionic surfactant, can interact with globular proteins to improve properties. In this paper, potassium oleate was used to construct a new reaction system to improve the solubility of zein and to improve the interfacial properties of zein by enzymatic hydrolysis. Results showed that zein solubility increased by 65.48% at potassium oleate concentration of 10 g/L. The surface hydrophobicity of zein decreases with the increase of enzymolysis time. Compared to zein without enzyme treatment, the emulsification activity and emulsification stability of zein increased by 3.57 and 4.63 times, and the foaming capacity and foaming stability increased by 73.45% and 44.65% when the enzymatic hydrolysis time is 10 min. The static and dynamic rheological results show that the rheological properties of enzymatically hydrolyzed zein solution as a fat substitute when replacing 10% of oil are most similar to those of full-fat salad dressing. This study may offer a facile approach to develop novel food-grade material, which are beneficial for the better application of zein in the food industry.

Establishment of a novel hierarchical structure based on metal-organic framework on the surface of carbon fibers for improving interfacial properties

The performance of carbon fiber reinforced composites (CFRC) is positively correlated with the interphase properties between resin and carbon fiber (CF). With purpose of improving interface properties of the CFRC, a novel hierarchical reinforcement structure (ZnO-MOF) containing zinc oxide (ZnO) and metal-organic framework (MOF) was built on the surface of CFs. The sheet-like ZnO-MOF structure can strengthen the mechanical interlocking between CFs and epoxy, and introduced a dual-platform modulus transition layer to the composite interfacial region which can deliver load from resin to CFs efficaciously. Compared with the commercial CFs, the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and transverse fiber bundle tensile (TFBT) strength of the modified T700 CF was increased by 64.70% and 51.81%, respectively. These results indicate that the construction of the ZnO-MOF structure is a promising design solution with practical value in endowing CF composites more excellent interfacial properties.

3D-Printed Tubular Scaffolds Decorated with Air-Jet-Spun Fibers for Bone Tissue Applications.

The fabrication of instructive materials to engineer bone substitute scaffolds is still a relevant challenge. Current advances in additive manufacturing techniques make possible the fabrication of 3D scaffolds with even more controlled architecture at micro- and submicrometric levels, satisfying the relevant biological and mechanical requirements for tissue engineering. In this view, integrated use of additive manufacturing techniques is proposed, by combining 3D printing and air-jet spinning techniques, to optimize the fabrication of PLA tubes with nanostructured fibrous coatings for long bone defects. The physicochemical characterization of the 3D tubular scaffolds was performed by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, profilometry, and mechanical properties. In vitro biocompatibility was evaluated in terms of cell adhesion, proliferation, and cell–material interactions, by using human fetal osteoblasts to validate their use as a bone growth guide. The results showed that 3D-printed scaffolds provide a 3D architecture with highly reproducible properties in terms of mechanical and thermal properties. Moreover, nanofibers are collected onto the surface, which allows forming an intricate and interconnected network that provides microretentive cues able to improve adhesion and cell growth response. Therefore, the proposed approach could be suggested to design innovative scaffolds with improved interface properties to support regeneration mechanisms in long bone treatment.