Innovative Fabrication Research Articles

One‐Step Preparation of Biocompatible Gold Nanoplates with Controlled Thickness and Adjustable Optical Properties for Plasmon‐Based Applications

AbstractThe ability to synthesize plasmonic nanomaterials with well‐defined structures and tailorable size is crucial for exploring their potential applications. Gold nanoplates (AuNPLs) exhibit appealing structural and optical properties, yet their applications are limited by difficulties in thickness control. Other challenges include a narrow range of tunability in size and surface plasmon resonance, combined with a synthesis conventionally involving cytotoxic cetyltrimethylammonium (CTA) halide surfactant. Here, a one‐step, high‐yield synthesis of single‐crystalline AuNPLs is developed, based on the combined use of two structure‐directing agents, methyl orange and FeBr3, which undergo preferential adsorption onto different crystalline facets of gold. The obtained AuNPLs feature high shape homogeneity that enables mesoscopic self‐assembly, broad‐range tunability of dimensions (controlled thickness from ≈7 to ≈20 nm, accompanied by modulation of the edge length from ≈150 nm to ≈2 µm) and plasmonic properties. These merits, coupled with a preparation free of CTA‐halide surfactants, have facilitated the exploration of various uses, especially in bio‐related areas. For example, they are demonstrated as biocompatible photothermal agents for cell ablation in NIR I and NIR II windows. This work paves the way to the innovative fabrication of anisotropic plasmonic nanomaterials with desired attributes for wide‐ranging practical applications.

Advances in Tissue Engineering and Innovative Fabrication Techniques for 3-D-Structures: Translational Applications in Neurodegenerative Diseases.

In the field of regenerative medicine applied to neurodegenerative diseases, one of the most important challenges is the obtainment of innovative scaffolds aimed at improving the development of new frontiers in stem-cell therapy. In recent years, additive manufacturing techniques have gained more and more relevance proving the great potential of the fabrication of precision 3-D scaffolds. In this review, recent advances in additive manufacturing techniques are presented and discussed, with an overview on stimulus-triggered approaches, such as 3-D Printing and laser-based techniques, and deposition-based approaches. Innovative 3-D bioprinting techniques, which allow the production of cell/molecule-laden scaffolds, are becoming a promising frontier in disease modelling and therapy. In this context, the specific biomaterial, stiffness, precise geometrical patterns, and structural properties are to be considered of great relevance for their subsequent translational applications. Moreover, this work reports numerous recent advances in neural diseases modelling and specifically focuses on pre-clinical and clinical translation for scaffolding technology in multiple neurodegenerative diseases.

Perspectives on Synthetic Materials to Guide Tissue Regeneration for Osteochondral Defect Repair.

Regenerative engineering holds the potential to treat clinically pervasive osteochondral defects (OCDs). In a synthetic materials-guided approach, the scaffold's chemical and physical properties alone instruct cellular behavior in order to effect regeneration, referred to herein as "instructive" properties. While this alleviates the costs and off-target risks associated with exogenous growth factors, the scaffold must be potently instructive to achieve tissue growth. Moreover, toward achieving functionality, such a scaffold should also recapitulate the spatial complexity of the osteochondral tissues. Thus, in addition to the regeneration of the articular cartilage and underlying cancellous bone, the complex osteochondral interface, composed of calcified cartilage and subchondral bone, should also be restored. In this Perspective, we highlight recent synthetic-based, instructive osteochondral scaffolds that have leveraged new material chemistries as well as innovative fabrication strategies. In particular, scaffolds with spatially complex chemical and morphological features have been prepared with electrospinning, solvent-casting-particulate-leaching, freeze-drying, and additive manufacturing. While few synthetic scaffolds have advanced to clinical studies to treat OCDs, these recent efforts point to the promising use of the chemical and physical properties of synthetic materials for regeneration of osteochondral tissues.

Hybrid Embroidery: Exploring Interactive Fabrication in Handcrafts

This paper presents Hybrid Embroidery, a framework for interactive fabrication that leverages computational methods to broaden the possibilities of the craft of embroidery. Combining embroidery techniques, generative design methods, computer vision and a computerized embroidery machine, we show how this framework elicits a variety of innovative fabrication experiences that emphasize open-ended exploration, improvisation and play. The paper documents this framework, a series of sample results, challenges and next steps. It further outlines some of its implications for supporting creative exploration through real-time and direct manipulation of materials and close human-machine interaction.

X-ray Based in Situ Investigation of Silicon Growth Mechanism Dynamics—Application to Grain and Defect Formation

To control the final grain structure and the density of structural crystalline defects in silicon (Si) ingots is still a main issue for Si used in photovoltaic solar cells. It concerns both innovative and conventional fabrication processes. Due to the dynamic essence of the phenomena and to the coupling of mechanisms at different scales, the post-mortem study of the solidified ingots gives limited results. In the past years, we developed an original system named GaTSBI for Growth at high Temperature observed by Synchrotron Beam Imaging, to investigate in situ the mechanisms involved during solidification. X-ray radiography and X-ray Bragg diffraction imaging (topography) are combined and implemented together with the running of a high temperature (up to 2073 K) solidification furnace. The experiments are conducted at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). Both imaging techniques provide in situ and real time information during growth on the morphology and kinetics of the solid/liquid (S/L) interface, as well as on the deformation of the crystal structure and on the dynamics of structural defects including dislocations. Essential features of twinning, grain nucleation, competition, strain building, and dislocations during Si solidification are characterized and allow a deeper understanding of the fundamental mechanisms of its growth.

Facile Route for Synthesis of Novel Flame Retardant, Reinforcement and Antibacterial Textile Fabrics Coatings

New and innovative textile fabrics coatings were facilely developed. The coating was developed based on synthesis of novel charring and antibacterial organic agent in conjunction with chitosan. N-[2,3-dibromo-4-(4-methoxy-3-methylphenyl)-4-oxobutanoyl]anthranilic acid was synthesized as organic antibacterial, reinforcement, and charring agent (OA) and then, dispersed in chitosan solution followed by coating on textile fabrics using immersion route forming new flame retardant coating layer. The developed organic molecule structure was elucidated using spectroscopic techniques. The mass loadings of developed organic agent dispersed in chitosan solution were varied between 20–60 wt.%. The coated textile fabrics have special surface morphology of fiber shape aligned on textile fibers surface. The thermal stability and charring residues of the coated textile fabrics were enhanced when compared to blank and organic agent free coated samples. Furthermore, the flammability properties were evaluated using LOI (limiting oxygen index) and UL94 tests. Therefore, the coated textile fabrics record significant enhancement in flame retardancy achieving first class flame retardant textile of zero mm/min rate of burning and 23.8% of LOI value compared to 118 mm/min. rate of burning and 18.2% for blank textile, respectively. The tensile strength of the coated textile fabrics was enhanced, achieving 51% improvement as compared to blank sample. Additionally, the developed coating layer significantly inhibited the bacterial growth, recording 18 mm of clear inhibition zone for coated sample when compared to zero for blank and chitosan coated ones.

Core–Shell Dendritic Superstructural Catalysts by Design for Highly Efficient and Stable Electrochemical Oxygen Evolution Reaction

AbstractEfficient, stable, and low‐cost oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts are in great demand for the practical application of electrochemical water splitting for energy conversion and storage. This work reports a rationally designed and innovatively fabricated 3D core–shell dendritically porous OER catalyst that exhibits outstanding and highly reproducible performance. The porous superstructure provides not only substantially enhanced loading capacity of electrochemical catalysts, but also easy access of electrolyte to active catalysts. With a facile and designed sulfurization process followed by anodization, core–shell (FeCoNi)OOH@dendritic foam can be obtained and exhibits a remarkably low overpotential of 204.4 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, which are among the best of the reported FeCoNi OER catalysts. Such value is also highly reproducible and stable with over 18 h operation time. This excellent performance could be attributed to the synergism of trimetal chemistry, the unique structure with metal/metal sulfide as the conductive core and (oxy)hydroxide catalysts as the active shell, and the enhanced superstructural surface area. This work points toward a synergistic way based on rational design and innovative fabrication for creating scalable, stable, low‐cost, and high‐performance OER catalysts.

Innovative catalyst integration on transparent silicone microreactors for photocatalytic applications

Reproducible and controllable incorporation and immobilization of catalysts and other active particles onto silicone microreactor channels is still challenging. In this work, we present an innovative fabrication protocol to attain affordable, custom-designed photocatalytic microreactors in a fast and simple manner. In this protocol, a 3D-printed ABS microreactor mold is first dip-coated with the photocatalyst, and subsequently, the catalytic layer is transferred onto the microchannel walls by indirect immobilization during the silicone casting and scaffold removal step. Serpentine-shaped microreactors have been satisfactorily fabricated with Au@POM-impregnated TiO2 nanoparticles (Au@POM/TiO2; Au 0.18 % w/w, POM: H3PW12O40) as the integrated photocatalytic layer. The suitability of our fabrication method has been validated on the basis of the excellent photocatalytic performance shown by the microreactors in a model test reaction such as the continuous-flow photoreduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol with NaBH4 and monitored by UV–vis spectroscopy.

Computer-Aided Design of Microfluidic Circuits.

Microfluidic devices developed over the past decade feature greater intricacy, increased performance requirements, new materials, and innovative fabrication methods. Consequentially, new algorithmic and design approaches have been developed to introduce optimization and computer-aided design to microfluidic circuits: from conceptualization to specification, synthesis, realization, and refinement. The field includes the development of new description languages, optimization methods, benchmarks, and integrated design tools. Here, recent advancements are reviewed in the computer-aided design of flow-, droplet-, and paper-based microfluidics. A case study of the design of resistive microfluidic networks is discussed in detail. The review concludes with perspectives on the future of computer-aided microfluidics design, including the introduction of cloud computing, machine learning, new ideation processes, and hybrid optimization.

Dyeing of Innovative Bicomponent Filament Fabrics (PET/PTT) by Disperse Dyestuffs: Characterization and Optimization Process

PET/PTT bicomponent filaments yarn is produced by two polymers: the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the polytrimethylene terephtalate (PTT) extruded side by side. This yarn is known for its high mechanical properties in particular elasticity and elastic recovery. However, differences between physical and chemical properties of the two components make the dyeing step of this yarn complicated. The aim of this work is the development of a dyeing process for bicomponent filaments without altering their physical and chemical properties. Different techniques such as SEM, FTIR, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were used to characterize the studied yarn. For dyeing, three different disperse dyes CI Disperse Red 167.1, CI Disperse Yellow 211, and CI Disperse Red 60 with different energy classes were studied. The influence of dyeing conditions in particular dyeing temperature, pH of dye bath, dyeing time, and carrier concentration in the dye bath was evaluated. Responses analyzed are color strength (K/S), colorimetric coordinates and color fastness of samples dyed with studied dyes. In addition, the stability of elasticity and elastic recovery of bicomponent filament fabrics after the dyeing process has been also verified and proved.

A 3D polydimethylsiloxane microhourglass-shaped channel array made by reflowing photoresist structures for engineering a blood capillary network.

This paper describes an innovative yet straightforward fabrication technique to create three-dimensional microstructures with controllable tapered geometries by combining conventional photolithography and thermal reflow of photoresist. Positive photoresist-based microchannel structures with varying width-to-length ratios were reflowed after their fabrication to generate three-dimensional funnel structures with varying curvatures. A polydimethylsiloxane hourglass-shaped microchannel array was next cast on these photoresist structures, and primary human lung microvascular endothelial cells were cultured in the device to engineer an artificial capillary network. Our work demonstrates that this cost-effective and straightforward fabrication technique has great potential in engineering three-dimensional microstructures for biomedical and biotechnological applications such as blood vessel regeneration strategies, drug screening for vascular diseases, microcolumns for bioseparation, and other fluid dynamic studies at microscale.

Physical-mechanical properties of thermal protective fabric subjected to textile care

Today, it is increasingly demanding, more complex and harder to achieve certain properties of fabric which are prescribed by standards for a particular purpose, and it is even more difficult to achieve the sustainability of these properties during use. In this paper, the most relevant physical-mechanical properties of thermal protective woven fabrics, made from meta-aramide yarns, after subjection to textile care, are investigated. This research is related to the objectives of the scientific project MF-WCOMPROTECET, which is based on the development of innovative multifunctional woven fabrics and composites for thermal protective clothing that will overcome the properties of the previous fabrics in the application.

Design and Produce Innovative Textile Wall Hangings by Integrating Different Production Techniques

The art of textile hangings is considered one of the most important fine arts that the people with fine artistic thinking realize its real value. It is one of the richest, oldest and most famous types of visual arts which are value increased over time because of their artistic and aesthetic values ​​to complete the design of interior architecture and beautify public buildings and homes. It adds the aesthetic touch to the place and showcases and reflect the ideology of the era which the internal architecture is based on to design the place (1) .. Thus we can say that the textile hanging is one of the visual arts which by observing its development we can discover more about the era when it is created and so we can say that the hanging is an era mirror. The research deals with the possibility of combining more than one technique for the creation of textile hanging with a contemporary modern design, in order to enrich the art of textile hangings with the era spirit. The combination between the gobelin technique using mechanical jacquard and the semi-hand tuft technique by incorporating more than one yarn material with different colors and thickness In one gun blow, which gives millions of different results with simple changes, to take advantage of the potentials of both techniques to clarify the researcher's vision.

Innovative design and fabrication of generation IV nuclear fuel embedded with carbon nanotube

The generation IV nuclear reactors Tri-structural isotropic (TRISO) fuel suffer failure due to internal pressure generation, corrosion by fission products and kernel migration under temperature gradient. An innovative fuel particle design was conceptualized and realized for the first time in literature by embedding multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) into porous buffer pyrolytic carbon layer (B.PyC) of TRISO particle to address above issues. MWCNT embedded in B.PyC was obtained by sequential coating using novel chemical vapor deposition reactor. Scanning electron microscopy shows ~15 μm uniformly dispersed MWCNT into B.PyC layer. Transmission electron microscopy and Raman Spectroscopy analysis of the deposited CNT revealed to be multi walled with good crystalline. Results of small angle scattering technique of the composite layer using X-ray and neutrons (SAXS/SANS) reveal better pore structure and could pave new vistas for TRISO fuel development. Intrinsic MWCNT features offer immense potential to mitigate various shortcoming of TRISO particle during actual Generation IV nuclear reactor operation.

Microstructure and properties of 6111Al matrix composites reinforced by the cooperation of in situ ZrB2 particles and Y

In this research work, the new kind of 6111Al matrix composites reinforced by nanosized ZrB2 particles and rare earth element Y have been successfully prepared via the Al-KBF4-K2ZrF6-Y in situ reaction system in the melt. Compared to the traditional particle reinforced aluminum matrix composite, this innovative fabrication system broke through the limit in the content of reinforcing phases and helped to modify the morphology and distribution of in situ ZrB2 particles with assistance of Y addition. The results of tensile testing on 6111Al-3 wt%ZrB2-0.3 wt%Y composites revealed that the YS, UTS and elongation reached to 295 MPa, 325 MPa and 13.2%, which have been increased by 28.2%, 19.5% and 83.3% respectively compared to the matrix alloy. The distribution state and morphology of reinforcing phases including in situ ZrB2 particles, Al3Y and Y5Si3 precipitates were analyzed by the latest equipments like X-ray diffraction (XRD), Optical microscope (OM), Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and High resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM) equipped with Energy dispersive spectroscope (EDS).

Investigations on europium aluminum incorporated polymer composite optical waveguide amplifier

The gain performance of 50-iun core diameter graded-index (GI) multimode europium aluminum benzyl methacrylate (Eu-Al/BzMA) waveguide was investigated by numerically solving rate and propagation equations using MATLAB. At a fixed waveguide length of 10 cm and gain medium concentration of 13 wt.%, optical gain was found to be dependent on pump power and input signal power. This paper utilized a 532 nm wavelength pump with power varied from 100 mW to 500 mW, together with low (-30 dBm) and high (0 dBm) input signal powers, within the amplification range of 580 to 640 nm wavelength. With the highest pumping power of 500 mW and the lowest input signal power of -30 dBm, a 29-dB optical gain with wavelength of 617 nm was observed from forward pumping amplification. For comparison, an identical waveguide in terms of properties was fabricated through an innovative fabrication method for polymer waveguide—the Mosquito method. The fabricated waveguide was then experimentally tested for -30 dBm input signal power with 200 mW pump power in the attempt to realize future real-world applications of short reach networks such as in Local Area Network (LAN) and in-vehicle optical interconnects.

Investigation into Innovative Fabrication of Fiber Metal Laminated Pipe and Application

Fiber reinforced metal laminated tube (FMLT) is a kind of multi-layer super-hybrid material which is cured at a fixed pressure and temperature after alternately laying metal laminated tube and fiber composite material. The development of GLARE composite pipe hydroforming technology and performance testing is of great significance to the development of aviation industry and automotive industry in terms of lightweight and safety.

Three-Dimensional ZnInS Nanoflakes@Carbon Fiber Frameworks for Biocatalytic Precipitation-Based Photoelectrochemical Immunoassay

Three-dimensional (3D) nanostructured materials have recently attracted intensive research interest in various fields. For the photoelectrochemical (PEC) bioanalysis, unique 3D nanostructured semiconductors are also of special appeal because they allow direct mass transport and offer large surface areas for biomolecular immobilization. Currently, two-dimensional and 3D metal-sulfide semiconductor materials have drawn tremendous interest because of their different chemophysical features. This work presents the innovative fabrication of 3D ZnInS nanoflakes (NFs)@carbon fiber (CF) frameworks and its validation as a unique 3D platform for the biocatalytic precipitation (BCP)-based PEC immunoassay. Experimental results revealed that the as-developed 3D framework photoelectrode was advantageous for the accommodation of biomolecules and in situ deposition of BCP. The corresponding BCP growth process on the photoelectrode was also systematically characterized. Exemplified by lipoprotein-associated phosPhohPaseA2 (LpPLA2), the as-derived PEC immunoassay exhibits good analytical performance. This study features the first fabrication of 3D ZnInS NFs@CF frameworks for advanced BCP-based PEC bioanalysis and is expected to inspire more interest in the development of 3D nanoframework photoelectrodes for future PEC bioanalysis development.

Microfluidics in Haemostasis: A Review.

Haemostatic disorders are both complex and costly in relation to both their treatment and subsequent management. As leading causes of mortality worldwide, there is an ever-increasing drive to improve the diagnosis and prevention of haemostatic disorders. The field of microfluidic and Lab on a Chip (LOC) technologies is rapidly advancing and the important role of miniaturised diagnostics is becoming more evident in the healthcare system, with particular importance in near patient testing (NPT) and point of care (POC) settings. Microfluidic technologies present innovative solutions to diagnostic and clinical challenges which have the knock-on effect of improving health care and quality of life. In this review, both advanced microfluidic devices (R&D) and commercially available devices for the diagnosis and monitoring of haemostasis-related disorders and antithrombotic therapies, respectively, are discussed. Innovative design specifications, fabrication techniques, and modes of detection in addition to the materials used in developing micro-channels are reviewed in the context of application to the field of haemostasis.

Application of sustainable phase change materials in motorcycle helmet for heat-stress reduction

In tropical regions and hot climates, heat-stress due to wearing helmet while riding a motorcycle is a phenomenon that is commonly experienced by the motorcyclist. The interior of the motorcyclist’s head with a helmet can quickly rise to a temperature of 37 to 38 °C, which leads to substantial discomfort due to heat-stress. Approaches such as putting extra perforations on the helmet to increase ventilation can be incorporated. However, this affects the integrity and the safety aspects of the helmet. This research has investigated the novel application of innovative fabrics consisting of paraffinic Phase Change Materials (PCMs) in the design of an interlayer between the scalp and the helmet lining of a motorcycle helmet to control the temperature inside the helmet. The materials used in this research were nontoxic, low cost, lightweight and easy to use, hence, sustainable. It has been established that there is a scope to reduce the temperature by 3.8 °C inside the helmet using PCM materials as a textile liner. The PCM nonwoven material absorbed 17.8 W of heat, which is enough to reduce the heat-stress within the helmet.