Improvement Of Wettability Research Articles

Enhancing Oil Recovery and Altering Wettability in Carbonate Reservoir Rocks through (3-Glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxysilane–SiO2 Nanofluid Injection

This study analyzes the impact of injection condition design factors of (3-glycidoxypropyl)trimethoxysilane (GPTMS)–SiO2 nanofluid on improving wettability and oil recovery through flotation and core flooding tests, respectively. Flotation tests were conducted to assess improvements in wettability that resulted from varying nanoparticle concentration, reaction time, and treatment temperature. The test results demonstrated that the hydrophilic sample ratio increased by up to 97.75% based on the nanoparticle reaction, confirming significant wettability improvement in all samples. Additionally, time-dependent fluid-flow experiments were conducted to validate oil recovery and rock–fluid interactions. In these experiments, for a 24-h reaction time, nanofluid injection caused a decrease in the maximum contact angle (43.4° from 166.5°) and a remarkable enhancement in the oil recovery rate by over 25%. Moreover, variations in contact angle and sample permeability were observed as the reaction time increased. Subsequently, the core flooding test revealed a critical reaction time of 24 h, maximizing oil recovery while minimizing permeability. Below this point in time, wettability improvement did not significantly enhance oil recovery. Conversely, beyond this threshold, additional adsorption due to particle aggregation decreased permeability, causing reduced oil recovery. Therefore, GPTMS–SiO2 nanofluid can be utilized as an injection fluid to enhance oil recovery in high-temperature and high-salinity carbonate reservoirs.

The Multi-Hollow Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge Usage for the Seeds' Treatment Aimed to the Dustiness Decrease of Free-Floating Particles from Agrochemicals

The Multi-hollow Surface Dielectric Barrier Discharge (MSDBD) generated in ambient air at atmospheric pressure was used to treat maize, pea, wheat and parsley seeds. Plasma exposure was applied as a pre-treatment before the seeds coating with agrochemicals. The aim of this study was to decrease the dustiness of coated seeds using plasma pre-treatment. The optimization process of plasma treatment parameters for individual seed species consisted of choosing a suitable exposure time (20 s, 60 s) and airflow (10 L/min, 15 L/min). The plasma made the seeds' surface more hydrophilic; therefore, better agrochemicals adhesion was achieved on the seeds' surface. Wettability improvement was demonstrated via water uptake of seeds and apparent contact angle change. Ambient air plasma at a 15 L/min flow rate was measured using optical emission spectroscopy, and the values of vibrational (3000 K) and rotational (347 K) temperatures were obtained from spectra simulation. The surface temperature of the MSDBD ceramics plate was measured with a thermal camera for different gas flow rates and constant input power of 30 W because the temperature is crucial parameter for seed treatment. The surface morphology was not affected due to plasma treatment, even for a longer exposure time. A significant decrease in dustiness measured according to the Heubach method was achieved for pea (57.1%) and parsley (41.4%) seeds. A lower decrease in dustiness was registered in the case of wheat (14.6%) and maize (17%) seeds. The results showed that MSDBD plasma generated in the air at optimized conditions is able to decrease the coated seed dustiness regardless of seed type and size, while seeds germination and surface coverage percentage remained unchanged.

Improving tribological properties of water/glycerol lubricating fluid by the synergy of nanoparticles and protic ionic liquid

Improvement in wettability and lubricity of water/glycerol base fluid by the synergy of nanoparticles (NPs) and protic ionic liquid (PIL) was experimentally investigated. The hybrid additives were made by combining graphene nanoplatelets or silicon oxide nanoparticles with tert-octylamine oleate PIL. A lubricating sample preparation procedure included ultrasonication, centrifugation and magnetic stirring. Kinematic viscosity, pH, and wettability were evaluated. The tribo-tests were performed on a ball-on-plate reciprocating tribometer. It was observed that NPs alone could not improve the lubricity of the base fluid. However, the lubricity was substantially enhanced by using the PIL additive. Furthermore, the combination of NPs and PIL provided an even better tribological response. The hybrid additives improved wettability and facilitated composite tribo-film formation.

Biomimetic surface functionalization of Ti metal incorporated with Ca-Zn and evaluation of in-vitro biological properties

This study aims at incorporating Ca2+ and Zn2+ions into the nano-structured titania layer over Ti metal by a simple chemical and thermal treatment approach. The incorporation of these ions was controlled by varying the volumetric ratios of calcium nitrate and zinc nitrate solution on the alkali pre-treated Ti metal followed by heat treatment at 600 °C. The elemental incorporation of Ca predominantly forms calcium titanate and rutile TiO2, while the simultaneous incorporation of Ca-Zn developed anatase TiO2. Subsequently, the optimized Ca-Zn ratio with predominant anatase TiO2 over the surface (Ti-Na-2.5Ca:7.5Zn) of Ti metal was subjected to further detailed evaluation of surface properties and in-vitro characteristics. This dual-element incorporated nanonetwork structure has shown significant improvement in surface roughness and wettability which influence the rate of protein adsorption. Further detailed evaluation displayed the existence of incorporated Zn2+ as ZnO, which supported the Zn/ZnO mediated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In-vitro studies also showed the biocompatible efficiency of Ca and Zn ions through their cell adhesion ability, mitochondrial potential, cell viability, and nuclear integrity with minimum effect on single-cell DNA damage towards MG-63 cells. The mRNA expression levels of osteogenic genes such as OSX, RUNX2, OPN, and OCN were analysed using RT-PCR in the MG-63 cells that are cultured over surface-modified Ti metal which further explained the effect of incorporated Ca and Zn ions in regulating their expression. A similar supporting analysis was found during the mineralization process as well, thus this particular surface modification is expected to fasten osteointegration in in-vivo. These promising results suggest our Ca-Zn-incorporated Ti metal as a potential candidate for bone implant applications.

A Novel Diamond/AlSi Composite Coating on Ti-6Al-4V SubStrate Made by Ultrasonic-Assisted Brazing

Ultrasonic-assisted brazing (UAB) technology has been introduced to prepare the diamond/AlSi composite coating on Ti-6Al-4V substrate. The microstructure and wear properties of the coating were studied. The results showed that AlSi filler metal had a certain spreading and climbing phenomenon on the diamond surface, indicating a significant improvement in wettability between AlSi filler metal and diamond by ultrasonic-assisted brazing. Under ultrasound action, the microstructure of AlSi brazing alloy was greatly refined, and the Ti atoms in the Ti-6Al-4V substrate diffused to the interface between diamond and AlSi brazing alloy and formed TiC on diamond particles. There was no thermal damage to diamond particles when the brazing temperature was 750 °C. UAB improved the microhardness of the coating alloy matrix due to the increasing quantity and distribution range of TiAl3 as reinforced particles but had no obvious effect on the microhardness of the Ti-6Al-4V substrate. The wear resistance of Ti-6Al-4V substrate with diamond/AlSi composite coating was promoted due to the dense diamond particles, the formed TiC on diamond particles, and the increase in microhardness of the alloy matrix of diamond/AlSi coating under ultrasound action.

Evaluation of reactive wetting kinetics of carbon fibers by molten Al-Ti alloy and its application to the fabrication of Al/carbon fiber composites

Wetting and interfacial reactions between molten Al and carbon fibers (CFs) are crucial for the fabrication of high-thermal conductive Al/CF composites through liquid-state processes including casting. The formation of Al4C3 which has a low thermal conductivity and high reactivity with water needs to be suppressed while improving wettability. The addition of Ti into molten Al forms TiC and contributes to significant improvement in wettability. To control a thin morphology of TiC, the kinetics of reactive wetting need to be clarified. In the present study, the reactive wetting kinetics between molten Al or Al-Ti alloy and pitch-based CF were investigated using the dipping coverage method combined with microstructural observations. The addition of Ti into molten Al drastically accelerated the wetting and reduced the apparent activation barrier for reactive wetting, which was related to the change in the interfacial products from the Al4C3 phase to the TiC phase. The Al4C3 phase grew while eroding the CFs, whereas the TiC phase formed in a thin-layered morphology around CFs and suppressed the diameter reduction of CF. The reduction in the apparent activation barrier and the morphology of carbides indicated a change in the dominant phenomena for reactive wetting from Al4C3 growth to TiC formation (controlled by diffusion in liquid Al). Based on the kinetics evaluations, CF were hybridized with pure Al and Al-Ti alloy through a casting process, and their thermal conductivities were evaluated. The addition of CF into pure Al degraded the thermal conductivity due to the eroded CF and coarsened Al4C3 phase, whereas the addition of CF into Al-Ti alloy enhanced the thermal conductivity. This study provides new insights into reactive wetting phenomena related to the fabrication of high-thermal conductive metal matrix composites.

Smart, degradable, and eco-friendly carboxymethyl cellulose-CaII hydrogel-like networks gated MIL-101(FeIII) nanoherbicides for paraquat delivery

Nanopesticides have been selected as one of the top 10 chemical innovations for enhancing the efficacy and safety of agrochemicals. Herein, smart, degradable, and eco-friendly metal−organic framework MIL-101(FeIII) nanoherbicides coated with carboxymethyl cellulose-CaII (CMC-CaII) cross-linking hydrogel-like networks are synthesized via a simple strategy. The coating of the CMC-CaII hydrogel-like gatekeepers is oriented by the coordination unsaturated FeIII clusters on the surfaces of the MIL-101(FeIII) nanocarriers to form a dense film network to prevent paraquat (PQ) leakage. Based on the stimuli factors (acid/basic pH, GSH, phosphates, and EDTA) of physiological and natural environments of target plants, the nanoherbicides are combined with five stimuli-responsive properties to attain the various controlled release of packaged PQ by the disassembly of the gatekeepers and/or the degradation of the MOF skeleton structure. More importantly, based on the stimuli-responsive controlled release mechanisms, the eco-friendly nanocarriers are ultimately degraded against bioaccumulation in plants or soil. The coating of natural CMC could promote the spreading of PQ owing to improvement of wettability for aqueous droplets of nanoherbicides on hydrophobic foliage. The PQ trapped in nanocarriers can effectively prevent PQ degradation, which showed that cumulative degradation rate is ca. 2.6 times lower than that of technical PQ under UV irradiation. The prepared nanoherbicides loaded with PQ show good control efficacy against weeds by controlling the release of PQ; good safety on seed germination (germination rate 97.32–99.67 %), seedling emergence (emergence rate 95.53–99.67 %), and are beneficial for the growth of wheat seedling (increase rate of plant height 1.89–6.97 % and 0.54–5.67 % after 7 and 15 days of seedling emergence, respectively) in the greenhouse; good biosafety for honeybees (Apis mellifera L.), which shows that lethal rates were 2.04 and 2.55 times lower than technical PQ for incubation 24 and 48 h, respectively. The nanoherbicides have potential applications in the field for PQ green agriculture.

Simultaneous Improvement of Surface Wettability and UV Resistance of Wood with Lignin-Based Treatments.

Recent advancements in wood modification aim to enhance the inherent qualities of this versatile biological material, which includes renewability, ease of processing, and thermal insulation. This study focuses on evaluating the effectiveness of lignin as a protective agent for less durable wood species, namely, Pinus nigra and Fagus sylvatica L. The impregnation of wood with three various forms of lignin, such as kraft lignin, acetylated kraft lignin, and lignin nanoparticles, was carried out using the vacuum technique at room conditions. The results showed that the treatments significantly improve the hydrophobicity of wood surfaces, particularly in pine wood, and provide protection against UV ageing. Additionally, the treatments contributed to the stabilisation of moisture content at different humidity levels. Although slight colour variations were observed, their impact on the visual appearance was minimal, and the thermal analysis confirmed enhanced thermal properties. Additionally, plasma treatment further enhanced hydrophobicity after treatments, offering potential benefits in terms of moisture resistance and durability. The findings of this study highlight the promising effects of lignin-based treatments on wood properties, providing sustainable solutions for wood protection in various sectors. However, further optimisation is needed to fully explore the potential of lignin and lignin nanoparticles.

Effect of pectin-modified dust suppressant with different methoxy levels on wetting and agglomeration of coal: Experimental and theoretical discussion

Low methoxy level pectin (LM-PC) and high methoxy level pectin (HM-PC) were utilized as materials to produce environmentally friendly dust suppressants, and the impact of pectin modification with different methoxy levels on wetting and agglomeration of coal was investigated. The results of contact angle and settling experiments reveal that the low methoxy level pectin-modified dust suppressant (LAT) can effectively wet coal, and the optimum modification conditions are determined. FTIR spectra of coal samples treated with LAT and high methoxy level pectin-modified dust suppressant (HAT) demonstrate that the absorption peak area ratios of hydrophilic functional groups increase by 4.00 % and 2.61 % compared to the original coal. XPS spectra indicate that the increases in carboxyl and hydroxyl functional groups are the reason for the improvement of wettability in bituminous coal. Compared to the coal samples treated with HAT, the increase of hydrophilic functional groups is higher in LAT treated coal samples. Through the dust suppression performance characterization experiments, it is concluded that LAT is more effective than HAT in reducing coal dust. The mechanism of dust suppressants on the wetting properties of coal was revealed at the molecular level. Experimental and mechanistic analyses show that LAT can effectively wet and agglomerate coal dust while remaining environmentally friendly and economical.

Remarkable improvement of wettability of Cu-coated carbon nanotubes by molten aluminum

The wettability plays a decisive role in the mechanical performances of the aluminum matrix composites reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNTs). In this paper, novel Cu nanoparticles-coated CNTs (Cu@CNTs) were prepared successfully by the liquid phase reduction method to enhance the wettability of CNTs in aluminum melt. The microstructure, contact angle, and interfacial structure of aluminum liquid on Cu@CNTs substrate at high temperature were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and sessile drop method in detail. By incorporating Cu nanoparticles on the surface of CNTs, the contact angle was reduced from 133° to 91°, indicating a significant improvement in the wettability of CNTs in aluminum melt. The atomic diffusion of Cu and Al elements leads to a remarkable improvement of wettability for Al-Cu@CNTs model. The coating of CNTs provides a new insight for strong wettability in high-performance aluminum matrix composites.

Studies of physio-chemical changes of dielectric barrier discharge plasma treated aramid fibers

Present work deals with the DBD plasma-induced surface modifications of aramid fabric for different exposure times and at atmospheric pressure using various characterization techniques such as XPS, ATR-FTIR spectroscopy and water contact angle measurements. Surface morphology using SEM reveals that, plasma treatment roughened the surface of the fabric. XPS results indicate that plasma treatment can successfully introduce polar functional groups onto the aramid fabric surface, improving its wettability and chemical reactivity. However, exceeding the optimal treatment time can result in the destruction of these functional groups and an increase in the C–C content, this can be attributed to the excessive etching of the surface and the destruction of the functional groups that were initially introduced during the plasma treatment. The ATR-FTIR spectra of plasma-treated aramid fabric show significant improvement in the intensities of CO and C–O stretching vibrations which relate to the wettability improvement. The results are discussed in the light of physical and chemical changes that occur due to DBD plasma treatment.

Rock wettability and interfacial tension improvement by exposure time effect in modified water injection process coupled with silica nanoparticles

New approaches to low salinity water (LSW) injection methods, such as LSW/surfactant, LSW/polymer, and LSW/nanofluid flooding, have been studied for oil reservoirs. Numerous researchers discussed the mechanisms related to enhanced oil recovery (EOR) efficiency and highlighted the significant impact of the wettability alteration and interfacial tension (IFT) reduction. This work studied the effect of exposure time on the wettability alteration and IFT in the LSW/nanoparticle (LSWN) flooding. Contact angle tests investigated rock wettability over a series of different times. A pendant drop tensiometer was used to measure the IFT. By coreflood apparatus, waterflood tests were also conducted, considering the effect of soaking time. Laboratory results showed that the involved mechanisms are time-dependent. More water-wet conditions and higher oil recovery were obtained under longer soaking time. In addition, the positive effect of LSWN was observed in tertiary flooding tests. The results also indicate that the effect of water-soluble oil compounds should be considered in measuring wettability and IFT.

Effect of Heterostructure-Modified Separator in Lithium-Sulfur Batteries.

Lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries with high energy density and low cost are the most promising competitor in the next generation of new energy reserve devices. However, there are still many problems that hinder its commercialization, mainly including shuttle of soluble polysulfides, slow reaction kinetics, and growth of Li dendrites. In order to solve above issues, various explorations have been carried out for various configurations, such as electrodes, separators, and electrolytes. Among them, the separator in contact with both anode and cathode is in a particularly special position. Reasonable design-modified material of separator can solve above key problems. Heterostructure engineering as a promising modification method can combine characteristics of different materials to generate synergistic effect at heterogeneous interface that is conducive to Li-S electrochemical behavior. This review not only elaborates the role of heterostructure-modified separators in dealing with above problems, but also analyzes the improvement of wettability and thermal stability of separators by modification of heterostructure materials, systematically clarifies its advantages, and summarizes some related progress in recent years. Finally, future development direction of heterostructure-based separator in Li-S batteries is given.

The Influence of the Carbide-Forming Metallic Additives (W, Mo, Cr, Ti) on the Microstructure and Thermal Conductivity of Copper–Diamond Composites

In this study, carbide-forming metallic additives (W, Mo, Cr, Ti) were introduced into the copper matrix to improve the wettability of diamond particles in the copper–diamond composites. The samples were prepared by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) and Hot Pressing (HP) at 920 °C. The phase composition, microstructure and thermal conductivity of the samples were investigated. The influence of the carbide-forming additive concentration, the sintering method as well as the nature of the metal introduced into the copper matrix on the thermal conductivity of copper–diamond composites was determined. Titanium ensured a more significant wettability improvement at the copper–diamond interface. This is due to its higher solubility in copper in comparison with other metals (W, Mo, Cr) and the possibility of its diffusion through the copper matrix to the diamond surface resulting in the formation of a closer contact at the copper–diamond interface.

Hybrid Nanocomposites of Tenoxicam: Layered Double Hydroxides (LDHs) vs. Hydroxyapatite (HAP) Inorganic Carriers.

The search for effective systems to facilitate the release of poorly bioavailable drugs is a forefront topic for the pharmaceutical market. Materials constituted by inorganic matrices and drugs represent one of the latest research strategies in the development of new drug alternatives. Our aim was to obtain hybrid nanocomposites of Tenoxicam, an insoluble nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug, with both layered double hydroxides (LDHs) and hydroxyapatite (HAP). The physicochemical characterization on the base of X-ray powder diffraction, SEM/EDS, DSC and FT-IR measurements was useful to verify the possible hybrids formation. In both cases, the hybrids formed, but it seemed that the drug intercalation in LDH was low and, in fact, the hybrid was not effective in improving the pharmacokinetic properties of the drug alone. On the contrary, the HAP-Tenoxicam hybrid, compared to the drug alone and to a simple physical mixture, showed an excellent improvement in wettability and solubility and a very significant increase in the release rate in all the tested biorelevant fluids. It delivers the entire daily dose of 20 mg in about 10 min.

Cerium Ion-Incorporated Titanium Metal Implants of Enhanced Bioactivity for Biomedical Applications.

The enhancement in the performance of metallic bone implants based on commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) by incorporation of cerium (Ce) ions onto the surface was evaluated. The incorporation of Ce ions onto the CP-Ti surface was carried out by a simple two-step chemical treatment method, where an initial NaOH treatment and then a subsequent treatment with different molar concentrations of ceric nitrate solution followed by heat treatment at 600 °C were carried out. The modified surfaces were observed using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), the laser Raman spectroscopic technique, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The formation of a nanonetwork structure by the initial NaOH treatment and the replacement of Na ions with Ce ions along with different phases of TiO2 was evident from the surface characterization results. The transition of rutile TiO2 to anatase TiO2 in the modified surface is evident from the Raman spectra with respect to the treatment of higher to lower concentrations of ceric nitrate solution. The presence of two different oxidation states of Ce (Ce3+ and Ce4+) and improvement in the surface wettability were also distinct in the modified samples. Thus, the incorporated Ce ions over the nanostructured titania network showed low cytotoxicity, good cell adhesion, and enhanced extracellular mineralization on MG-63 cells with better protein adsorption in BSA medium. Taken together, the thus-improved nanostructured surface morphology with the anatase TiO2 phase and distinct extracellular mineralization in the Ce-incorporated Ti metal with good biocompatibility make it a promising candidate for bone implant applications.

Surface modification of PVA/Chitosan/PEG/HAp nanofiber scaffolds by plasma treatment and studies of their morphology, wettability, and biodegradation rate

Nanofiber scaffold has been widely developed as a tissue engineering material because it can imitate the ECM of bones. In this study, nanofiber scaffold is composed of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chitosan, polyethylene glycol (PEG), and hydroxyapatite (HAp) which have superior characteristics for tissue engineering applications. The nanofiber scaffold is synthesized using electrospinning. Experimental results show that dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma treatment causes increased surface roughness, contributing to the improvement of surface wettability. This is indicated by a decrease in this contact angle from 9.92° to 1.74°. In addition, DBD plasma treatment also increased biodegradation as well as increased treatment time.

Surface structuring of β-TCP and transition to α-TCP induced by femtosecond laser processing

Tricalcium phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2, TCP), is one of the most studied and used as material for bioresorbable implants. The β phase has a slower dissolution dynamic and ensures mechanical support for a longer time in biological environment, while a faster release of ions characterize the α phase that trigger a stronger biological response. In this work a femtosecond laser system was used to process β-TCP pellets surface. The femtosecond laser processing results in surface morphology modification, by turning the flat mirror polished surface into a rough and opaque one. The morphological and phisycochemical characteristics of material surface were studied by means of SEM, AFM, Raman, XRD and contact angle measurement. The processed surface showed the formation of micro and nano roughness alongside, furthermore a partial phase transformation from β-TCP to α-TCP was detected. A significant improvement in surface wettability for three different liquids (i.e.water, ethylene glycol and diiodo-methane) is reported. This implies an increase in surface free energy as well. The combination of α and β phase, together with the increased roughness obtained by laser processing, could positively affect the cell adhesion and metabolic activity.

Improvement of wettability of Te-modified lead-free glass frit and its effect to front side silver paste in crystalline silicon solar cells

Improvement of wettability of Te-modified lead-free glass frit and its effect to front side silver paste in crystalline silicon solar cells

Electrically driven wetting of high-entropy (Zr1/3Hf1/3Ce1/3)1-x(Y1/2Gd1/2)xO2-δ ceramics by molten Cu

For the first time, the wettability of fluorite-type high-entropy (Zr1/3Hf1/3Ce1/3)1-x(Y1/2Gd1/2)xO2-δ (δ = 0.05‒0.3) ceramics by molten Cu under a direct current (DC) was investigated. The wetting behavior depended noticeably on the stoichiometry (x = 0.1‒0.6) of the metal components in (Zr1/3Hf1/3Ce1/3)1-x(Y1/2Gd1/2)xO2-δ. The initial contact angle increased with x. For x ≥ 0.4, DC application improved the wettability, and the final contact angle decreased with increasing x. The wettability improvement was mainly attributed to the diffusion of high-entropy metal components into the Cu melt and the formation of an interfacial product. The relatively weak Ce‒O and Gd‒O bonds were dissociated more easily, and Ce and Gd diffused more rapidly than Zr, Hf and Y and thereby influenced the wettability more prominently. This work is expected to advance the understanding of interfacial physicochemical interactions between metal melts and high-entropy oxides and provide a reference for joining high-entropy oxides with metals under an electric field.