Surface Mechanical Properties Research Articles

Functional textile surface production by analysing the mechanical properties of cotton, bamboo and linen woven surfaces

In the textile industry, it is seen that the use of nanomaterials is increasing to meet the demands for long-lasting and sustainable products. This research aims to improve the mechanical properties of 1×1 plain weave cotton, bamboo and linen surfaces made of natural yarns by coating them with ZnO, TiO2 and SiO2 to provide sustainable natural life and create a sustainable functional textile surface. For this reason, coatings were made with nanoparticles and applied to textile surfaces. The blade (stripping knife) coating method with subsequent dosing was used when the coating agent was liquid with an appropriate viscosity value. The surface morphology of the treated fabric was characterized by SEM, EDS and FT-IR analysis. Mechanical properties were analysed by thickness, weight and tear strength tests and antibacterial activity against S. Aureus and E. Coli bacteria were tested. When the results were examined, it was determined that cotton, linen and bamboo surfaces, which did not have antibacterial properties except for E. Coli (49.56%), showed antibacterial properties (100%) in bamboo and linen after coating with ZnO and TiO2 , and in bamboo after coating with SiO2 . The coating material also caused different effects in terms of thickness, weight and strength change.

In Situ Synthesis of (Mo,Cr)Si2 Composites by Spark Plasma Sintering.

This research investigated the impact of Cr content on the properties of (Mo,Cr)Si2 composites. Composites with CrSi2 molar fractions ranging from 0% to 10% were fabricated using spark plasma sintering (SPS). The study undertook a systematic analysis of the surface morphology, phase composition, mechanical properties, and high-temperature oxidation resistance of the sintered samples across different compositions. Notably, the (Mo95,Cr5)Si2 composite sintered at 1400 °C exhibited enhanced properties, including a Vickers hardness of 11.6 GPa, a fracture toughness of 4.6 MPa·m1/2, and a flexural strength of 397 MPa. Upon oxidation at 1500 °C, the (Mo,Cr)Si2 composites formed a protective oxide layer comprised of SiO2 and Cr2O3. It was found that the generation and thickening of the protective oxide layer was promoted by the addition of moderate amounts of Cr to MoSi2.

Optimization Algorithms and Their Applications and Prospects in Manufacturing Engineering.

In modern manufacturing, optimization algorithms have become a key tool for improving the efficiency and quality of machining technology. As computing technology advances and artificial intelligence evolves, these algorithms are assuming an increasingly vital role in the parameter optimization of machining processes. Currently, the development of the response surface method, genetic algorithm, Taguchi method, and particle swarm optimization algorithm is relatively mature, and their applications in process parameter optimization are quite extensive. They are increasingly used as optimization objectives for surface roughness, subsurface damage, cutting forces, and mechanical properties, both for machining and special machining. This article provides a systematic review of the application and developmental trends of optimization algorithms within the realm of practical engineering production. It delves into the classification, definition, and current state of research concerning process parameter optimization algorithms in engineering manufacturing processes, both domestically and internationally. Furthermore, it offers a detailed exploration of the specific applications of these optimization algorithms in real-world scenarios. The evolution of optimization algorithms is geared towards bolstering the competitiveness of the future manufacturing industry and fostering the advancement of manufacturing technology towards greater efficiency, sustainability, and customization.

Preparation of bacterial cellulose/acrylic acid-based pH-responsive smart dressings by graft copolymerization method

Conventional wound dressings used in trauma treatment have a single function and insufficient adaptability to the wound environment, making it difficult to meet the complex demands of the healing process. Stimuli-responsive hydrogels can respond specifically to the particular environment of the wound area and realize on-demand responsive release by loading active substances, which can effectively promote wound healing. In this paper, BC/PAA-pH responsive hydrogels (BPPRHs) were prepared by graft copolymerization of acrylic acid (AA) to the end of the molecular chain of bacterial cellulose (BC) network structure. Antibacterial pH-responsive ‘smart’ dressings were prepared by loading curcumin (Cur) onto the hydrogels. Surface morphology, chemical groups, crystallinity, rheological, and mechanical properties of BPPRHs were analyzed by different characterization methods. The drug release behavior under different physiological conditions and bacteriostatic properties of BPPRH-Cur dressings were also investigated. The results of structural characterization and performance studies show that the hydrogel has a three-dimensional mesh structure and can respond to wound pH in a ‘smart’ drug release capacity. The drug release behavior of the BPPRH-Cur dressings under different environmental conditions conformed to the logistic and Weibull kinetic models. BPPRH-Cur displayed good antimicrobial activity against common pathogens of wound infections such as E. coli, S. aureus, and P. aeruginosa by destroying the cell membrane and lysing the bacterial cells. This study lays the foundation for the development of new pharmaceutical dressings with positive health, economic and social benefits.

Rotary barrel tumbling as a method of surface preparation for pin-on-disc wear testing samples

Surface preparation is essential to ensure sample homogeneity in terms of surface roughness and mechanical properties, as these factors can significantly affect wear behavior and test repeatability. Although conventional semi-automatic and automatic grinding and polishing processes are efficient and well established, limitations arise for the preparation of large numbers of samples of a hard material such as high-carbon steel, including issues with sample geometry, the need for on-demand sample holders, cost-related limitations, and even considerable human workload and expertise. This study aims to evaluate the use of rotary barrel tumbling—a polishing method that relies on the sliding of abrasive media over the samples’ surface inside a rotating barrel—as an alternative method to prepare the surface of wheel and rail steel samples for pin-on-disc wear testing. A 4-stage tumbling procedure was employed, using different compositions of tumbling media in each stage. Surface roughness and hardness were evaluated throughout the process via 2D and 3D profilometry, microhardness Vickers measurements, and optical microscopy. The proposed method resulted in significant reductions in the surface roughness and hardness of the samples, along with improved homogeneity between samples of different materials and within the same material. These findings suggest that rotary barrel tumbling is an effective alternative method for the surface preparation of pins and discs made of high-carbon steel, enhancing the samples’ suitability for subsequent wear tests.

Enhanced specific surface area and mechanical property of silk nanofibers aerogel for potential hemostasis applications

Biopolymer aerogel is a new type of material with potential applications in the biomedical field. Silk fibroin is of particular interest as a raw material with good biocompatibility and degradable. However, the low mechanical strength and small specific surface area of silk fibroin aerogels limit its further development. Herein, a fast water absorption, highly specific surface area and mechanically strong of aerogels were prepared using low crystal silk fibroin nanofibers (SNF), sol-gel process, solvent exchange and supercritical carbon dioxide (CO2) drying method. The resulting Aero-Sc displayed highly specific surface area (251 m2/g), porosity (97.6 %) and water absorption capacity (1200 %). Furthermore, with rapid water absorption and stronger erythrocyte adhesion, the Aero-Sc showed highly effective hemostasis in vitro. In vivo, animal experiments on rat liver hemorrhage model confirmed that SNF aerogels have a less blood loss (312 ± 29 mg) and faster hemostatic time (92 ± 13 s) than commercially gelatin sponge (p < 0.05). The unique properties of silk fibroin nanofibers aerogel developed in this study has great potential to be a safe and effective hemostatic medical device.

Enhancing the Tribological Properties of Bearing Surfaces in Hip Arthroplasty by Shot-Peening the Metal Surface

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a surgical procedure for patients with pain and difficulty walking due to hip osteoarthritis. In primary THA, the acetabulum and femoral head are replaced by a prosthesis where the modular femoral head and inner liner of the acetabulum form the bearing surface. The most popular bearing surface used in the United States, metal-on-polyethylene, consists of a cobalt–chromium molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloy femoral head that articulates with a polyethylene acetabular liner, typically made of highly cross-linked polyethylene. While successful in most cases, THA sometimes fails, commonly from aseptic loosening due to the wear debris of polyethylene. Fine-particle shot peening (FPSP) is a simple method for enhancing the mechanical properties and surface properties of metal, including reducing friction and enhancing the lubrication properties of the metal surface. In this study, we applied FPSP to the CoCr in the femoral head of a hip prosthesis to improve its surface properties and conducted experiments with pin-on-disc tribometers using CoCr as a pin and highly cross-linked polyethylene as a disc to mimic the THA implant. The results show that FPSP significantly enhances the tribological properties of the CoCr surface, including lubrication; decreases the friction coefficient; and decreases the polyethylene wear volume.

3D-printed Zirconia and Lithium Disilicate in Dentistry and Their Clinical Applications.

The review focuses on the progressive role of 3D-printing in dentistry, particularly emphasizing the use of zirconia-based and lithium disilicate (LS2) -based ceramic materials. Celebrated for their biocompatibility and esthetic resemblance to natural teeth, these materials have shown promising results with high success rates. Digital light processing (DLP) and stereolithography (SLA) have been noted for producing superior 3D-printed ceramic products. Despite facing challenges such as surface defects, mechanical strength limitations, and esthetic inconsistencies, active research is dedicated to refining the quality and esthetics of 3D-printed zirconia-based and LS2-based ceramics. The review acknowledges the need to mitigate the steep costs of this manufacturing form and recognizes the current shortfall in clinician and technician awareness of these advanced techniques. Addressing these issues through focused research on improving surface quality, dimensional accuracy, and mechanical properties of 3D-printed dental prostheses is crucial, as is enhancing the dental community's understanding and acceptance of this innovative technology.

Electrolyte-Electrocatalyst Interfacial Effects of Polymeric Materials for Tandem CO2 Capture and Conversion Elucidated Using In Situ Electrochemical AFM.

Integrating CO2 capture and electrochemical conversion has been proposed as a strategy to reduce the net energy required for CO2 regeneration in traditional CO2 capture and conversion schemes and can be coupled with carbon-free renewable electricity. Polyethylenimine (PEI)-based materials have been previously studied as CO2 capture materials and can be integrated in these reactive capture processes. PEI-based electrolytes have been found to significantly increase the CO2 loading, and impact selectivity and rate of product formation when compared to the conventional aqueous electrolytes. However, the influence of these materials at the catalyst-electrode interface is currently not well understood. In this study, PEI-based electrolytes were prepared and their impact on the morphology of a silver electrode performing electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2R) was studied using in situ electrochemical atomic force microscopy (EC-AFM). The presence of PEI on the electrode surface could be distinguished based on nanomechanical properties (DMT modulus), and changes were observed as negative polarization was applied, revealing a reorganization of the PEI chains due to electrostatic interactions. These changes were impacted by the electrolyte composition, including the addition of supporting electrolyte KHCO3 salt, as well as CO2 captured by the PEI-based electrolyte, which minimized the change in surface mechanical properties and degree of PEI alignment on the electrode surface. The changes in surface mechanical properties were also dependent on the PEI polymer length, with higher molecular weight PEI showing different reconfiguration than the shorter polymer brushes. The study highlights that the choice of polymer material, the electrolyte composition, and CO2 captured impact the near-electrode environment, which has implications for CO2R, and presents EC-AFM as a new tool that can be used to probe the dynamic behavior of these interfaces during electrocatalysis.

Effect of post-processing treatments on surface roughness and mechanical properties of laser powder bed fusion of Ti-6Al-4V

This study focuses on enhancing the surface characteristics of Ti-6Al-4V alloy fabricated through laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), a prominent additive manufacturing technique. The primary objective is to assess the impact of post-processing surface treatments on the surface roughness, microstructure, and mechanical properties of LPBF Ti-6Al-4V. As-built specimens with fully dense structures underwent sandblasting (SB), chemical etching (CE), and a combination of sandblasting and chemical etching (SB+CE). The investigation reveals significant variation in the surface morphology of as-built samples, primarily influenced by factors such as spattered particles, powder adhesion, and the stair-step effect. In the as-built condition, the down-skin exhibited the highest particle adhesion, covering 11.9% of the surface. Sandblasting proved particularly effective in removing adhered particles, reducing surface roughness to 5.1 μm from an initial value of 17.8 μm for the down-skin surface. Furthermore, combining sandblasting and chemical etching was more effective than chemical etching alone in achieving uniform surface profiles. Tensile testing indicated that while the ultimate tensile strength remained unchanged, the strain at break significantly improved from 4.8% to 11.5%, representing a 139% increase in ductility in post-processed samples compared to as-built conditions. These findings underscore the influence of post-processing treatments in mitigating surface roughness and enhancing ductility without compromising mechanical strength.

Improving the surface characteristics of metallic glass thin ribbons by laser gas nitriding

The single-roll cooling method excels in producing metallic glass ribbons (MGRs), offering rapid cooling rates and exceptional thickness consistency. Nevertheless, a large number of defects including micro-pits and micro-gaps usually appear on the surface of MGRs after the roll forming process, significantly impacting their service life and performance. Laser gas nitriding is a cutting-edge surface modification technology that has been extensively used to improve the comprehensive performance of various metal components. Herein, an attempt was made to simultaneously improve the surface quality and mechanical properties of Zr41.2Ti13.8Cu12.5Ni10Be22.5 MGRs by nanosecond pulsed laser irradiation in a flowing nitrogen atmosphere. The effects of laser irradiation parameters on the surface characteristics of the laser gas nitrided regions were systematically investigated. The experimental results showed that the surface quality of MGRs after laser gas nitriding was enhanced, accompanied by a simultaneous improvement in hardness and scratch resistance. This study underscores laser gas nitriding as a potent strategy to augment the comprehensive surface characteristics of MGRs. This enhancement is poised to significantly extend their service life and reinforce their reliability when utilized as structural and functional materials in sectors such as machinery, national defense, and aerospace.

A Comprehensive Review of the Surface and Chromatic Properties of Monolithic Zirconia: Evaluating the Impact of Polishing and Finishing Methods on Aesthetics and Performance.

Monolithic zirconia is widely used in dentistry due to its outstanding mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and aesthetic qualities. This review examines how different polishing and finishing methods impact the performance and appearance of monolithic zirconia restorations. Derived from zirconium, zirconia is a robust ceramic that exists in monoclinic, tetragonal, and cubic forms, with properties that prevent crack propagation. Monolithic zirconia, preferred over porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns, offers better aesthetics and avoids chipping. Various surface treatments, such as polishing and glazing, enhance zirconia's smoothness and wear characteristics. Polished zirconia is less abrasive to enamel than glazed zirconia, making it more suitable for opposing teeth. Research indicates that polished zirconia has a smoother surface and higher fracture resistance compared to other dental ceramics. Surface roughness, which is influenced by the treatment method, is crucial in minimizing wear on opposing teeth. Polished monolithic zirconia also shows high flexural strength, chipping resistance, and translucency. While both polishing and glazing reduce brightness, polishing better preserves translucency. The literature identifies polishing as the best post-processing method for enhancing zirconia's surface quality and mechanical properties without compromising its load-bearing capacity. In conclusion, polishing and finishing significantly improve the aesthetic and clinical performance of monolithic zirconia, confirming its effectiveness for durable and visually appealing dental restorations.

Effect of laser remelting on surface morphology and mechanical properties of laser deposition manufactured thin-walled Ti-6Al-4V alloy

PurposeThis paper aims to systematically investigate the effect of laser remelting on the surface morphology and mechanical properties of laser deposition manufactured thin-walled Ti-6Al-4V alloy.Design/methodology/approachThin-walled Ti-6Al-4V samples were prepared by laser deposition manufacturing (LDM) method and subsequently surface-treated by laser remelting in a controlled environment. By experiments, the surface qualities and mechanical properties of LDM Ti-6Al-4V alloy before and after laser remelting were investigated.FindingsAfter laser remelting, the surface roughness of LDM Ti-6Al-4V alloy decreases from 15.316 to 1.813 µm, hard and brittle martensite presents in the microstructure of the remelted layer, and the microhardness of the laser remelted layer increases by 11.39%. Compared with the machined LDM specimen, the strength of the specimen including the remelted layer improves by about 5%, while the elongation and fatigue life decrease by about 72.17% and 64.60%, respectively.Originality/valueThe results establish foundational data for the application of laser remelting to LDM thin-walled Ti-6Al-4V parts, and may provide an opportunity for laser remelting to process the nonfitting surfaces of LDM parts.

Investigation on selective laser-melted AlSi10Mg micro-struts: influence of processing parameters on dimensional accuracy, molten pool morphology and microhardness

PurposeThis study aims to address the limited understanding of the complex correlations among strut size, structural orientation and process parameters in selective laser melting (SLM)-fabricated lattice structures. By investigating the effects of crucial process parameters, strut diameter and angle on the microstructure and mechanical performance of AlSi10Mg struts, the research seeks to enhance the surface morphologies, microstructures and mechanical properties of AM lattice structures, enabling their application in various engineering fields, including medical science and space technologies.Design/methodology/approachThis comprehensive study investigates SLM-fabricated AlSi10Mg strut structures, examining the effects of process parameters, strut diameter and angle on densification behavior and microstructural characteristics. By analyzing microstructure, geometrical properties, melt pool morphology and mechanical properties using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and microhardness tests, the research addresses existing gaps in knowledge on fine lattice strut elements and their impact on surface morphology and microstructure.FindingsThe study revealed that laser energy, power density and strut inclination angle significantly impact the microstructure, geometrical properties and mechanical performance of SLM-produced AlSi10Mg struts. Findings insight enable the optimization of SLM process parameters to produce lattice structures with enhanced surface morphologies, microstructures and mechanical properties, paving the way for applications in medical science and space technologies.Originality/valueThis study uniquely investigates the effects of processing parameters, strut diameter and inclination angle on SLM-fabricated AlSi10Mg struts, focusing on fine lattice strut elements with diameters as small as 200 µm. Unlike existing literature, it delves into the complex correlations among strut size, structural orientation and process parameters to understand their impact on microstructure, geometrical imperfections and mechanical properties. The study provides novel insights that contribute to the optimization of SLM process parameters, moving beyond the typically recommended guidelines from powder or machine suppliers.

Biodegradable chitosan hydrogel film incorporated with polyvinyl alcohol, chitooligosaccharides, and gallic acid for potential application in food packaging

AbstractThe food and beverage industry worldwide is trying to switch to using environment-friendly and bio-degradable materials in food packaging to avoid environmental concerns of using petroleum-derived plastic (synthetic polymers) materials. In this study, chitosan (CH) hydrogel films were fabricated by using its derivative chitooligosaccharides (COS) as an additive, polyvinyl alcohol as a plasticiser, and bioactive gallic acid as a cross-linker. The physical, mechanical, structural, barrier (e.g., moisture, water vapour permeability (WVP), and UV-barrier property), thermal properties, and biodegradation patterns of fabricated films were investigated. The use of bio–composite in CH films exhibited a synergistic effect. A film with a homogenous/smooth surface and excellent mechanical and thermal properties was obtained. Additionally, incorporating COS and gallic acid reduced the moisture content, WVP, and transparency. Moreover, the films exhibited good colour, strong UV-barrier properties, and good biodegradable capacity in soil. The results suggest that eco-friendly CH hydrogel films have promising potential to be used in food packaging.

Modification of Microstructural and Surface-Mechanical Properties of Nickel-Coated Copper by Ultrasonic Shot Peening with Emphasis on Scratch Response

Modification of Microstructural and Surface-Mechanical Properties of Nickel-Coated Copper by Ultrasonic Shot Peening with Emphasis on Scratch Response

Aerogels based on Bacterial Nanocellulose and their Applications.

Microbial cellulose stands out for its exceptional characteristics in the form of biofilms formed by highly interlocked fibrils, namely, bacterial nanocellulose (BNC). Concurrently, bio-based aerogels are finding uses in innovative materials owing to their lightweight, high surface area, physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. In particular, bio-based aerogels based on BNC offer significant opportunities as alternatives to synthetic or mineral counterparts. BNC aerogels are proposed for diverse applications, ranging from sensors to medical devices, as well as thermal and electroactive systems. Due to the fibrous nanostructure of BNC and the micro-porosity of BNC aerogels, these materials enable the creation of tailored and specialized designs. Herein, a comprehensive review of BNC-based aerogels, their attributes, hierarchical, and multiscale features are provided. Their potential across various disciplines is highlighted, emphasizing their biocompatibility and suitability for physical and chemical modification. BNC aerogels are shown as feasible options to advance material science and foster sustainable solutions through biotechnology.

Surface integrity improvement of the ground surface of Inconel 718 fabricated by forging and additive manufacturing using a robotic rotational burnishing method

Given that the surface acts as the primary interface with the surrounding environment, the surface integrity of a component significantly influences its operational effectiveness. In the aerospace industry, materials like Inconel 718 are often utilized for their high-temperature strength despite their poor thermal conductivity and machinability, resulting in inferior surface integrity during grinding procedures. This research proposes an innovative robotic rotational burnishing method that leverages self-generated heat to aid in the post-grinding burnishing process, eliminating the need for an external heat source. The surface integrity achieved through this method undergoes a comprehensive evaluation, encompassing surface topological features, microstructure, and mechanical properties, and is compared with surfaces treated by grinding and slide burnishing. The findings demonstrate that during the rotational burnishing process, the friction between the high-speed rotating burnishing tip and the workpiece surface induces circumferential flow of the surface material, thereby enhancing surface anisotropy. Additionally, this process generates significant heat, further encouraging plastic deformation of the material surface under high burnishing forces. As a result, the surface acquires a compressive residual stress exceeding 1000 MPa and develops a microhardness-strengthened layer with a thickness exceeding 500 μm. Both forging and additive manufacturing techniques for preparing Inconel 718 raw materials yield consistent outcomes. This study not only achieves a fusion of additive, subtractive, and equivalent manufacturing but also validates the applicability of the proposed robotic rotational burnishing method in enhancing surface integrity across materials manufactured by various techniques.

Unveiling microstructure effect on nanoscratch behavior of gold-platinum alloys

The microstructural effect on the mechanical behaviors of gold-platinum alloys during nanoscratch is revealed. By adjusting the microstructures (crystallographic orientation, interface type, grain size, twinning thickness), the hardness, plasticity, removal rate and surface roughness of the alloys are significantly improved. The nanoscratch is performed by molecular dynamics (MD). For the single-crystal (SC) alloys, the [11¯0](111)-oriented SC alloy shows the high hardness, wear resistance and low roughness. The high dislocation density induces the strong work hardening while the horizontal twinning boundaries (HTBs) effectively improve the surface quality by hindering the elastic recovery. For the bi-crystal (BC) alloys, the BC alloy with TB exhibits the excellent plasticity and low roughness. TB can uniformly limit the dislocation slip and promote the dislocation nucleation to strengthen the plasticity and surface quality. For the polycrystal (PC) and nanotwinned-polycrystal (NTPC) alloys, the alloys with small grain size or small twinning thickness show the high removal rate and low roughness. The reduction in grain size or twinning thickness inhibits the dislocation motion and promotes the GB or TB migration to improve the surface quality and atomic removal. These results provide an important theoretical basis for the microstructural design and nanofabrication of gold-platinum alloys with smooth surface and remarkable mechanical property, expanding the application for the bimetallic materials.

A Perspective of Fabrication and Applications of MXene–Metal Hybrids

Abstract2D materials with ultrathin structure, high specific areas, and excellent mechanical properties provide potentials to enhance the electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties of metals. In particular, MXene with different compositions, abundant surface terminations, high electrical conductivity has good affinity with some metals such as Al, Li, Na as well as can be uniformly dispersed in the metals. Moreover, the above unique features enable the MXene–metal hybrids with diversified functions. In this review, the current advanced studies in the topic of MXene–metal hybrids are summarized. The properties of MXenes such as mechanical properties, electrical conductivity, wettability, and surface properties of MXenes are first reviewed. Subsequently, different synthetic approaches including physical, metallurgy, electrochemical, and wet‐chemical routes are screened. By harnessing the above unique features, MXene could enhance the electrical, mechanical, and chemical properties of the hybrids, and their application such as energy storage devices, anticorrosion coating, functional structural materials, electromagnetic wave absorption are highlighted. Finally, an outlook on the in‐operando characterization techniques is provided to clarify the strengthening mechanism of MXenes in metals, tailoration of interface between MXenes and metals, and urgent need for industrial‐scale manufacture of MXene–metal hybrids.