Painted Metal Research Articles

Surface Activation of Cotton Fabric with Low-Temperature Air Plasma Treatment for Metallic Printing

In this investigation, air plasma treatment was utilised to activate the surfaces of 100% grey and bleached cotton fabrics in preparation for metallic pigment printing. The study delved into the surface morphology, wettability, and surface chemistry properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed roughness and grooves in the treated samples. The contact angle witnessed a 29% and 41% increase for grey and bleached fabrics, respectively, compared to their untreated counterparts. Surface chemistry analysis using FTIR and XPS provided crucial insights into the functional polar groups, such as OH and C=O, along with significantly elevated O1 peaks in both plasma-treated grey and bleached cotton fabrics. These findings contributed to the enhanced surface free energy of the fabrics, preparing them for the subsequent pigment printing process. The study explores the impact of plasma treatment on the colour fastness of grey and bleached cotton fabrics printed with gold and silver metallic pigments. Untreated fabrics exhibited poor durability, with low colour change and staining-resistance ratings, particularly for gold pigments. Plasma treatment significantly improved colour retention, adhesion, and resistance to staining for both metallic pigments, with silver outperforming gold. Rubbing fastness tests revealed that plasma treatment moderately enhanced durability, though gold remained susceptible to friction damage. Light fastness was excellent for both pigments, and plasma treatment further improved performance. Perspiration tests showed that plasma treatment bolstered resistance, particularly for gold. These findings suggest that plasma treatment enhances the stability of metallic pigments, offering potential applications in the textile industry for improved product quality and durability.

Movable VOC Removal System

In this study, we develop a mobile VOCs gas removal system that can remove volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions from petrochemical facilities, metal painting factories, and surroundings of life, and can efficiently cope with situations occurring in the field. Regular repairs to petrochemical plants and semiconductor plants are carried out for a month every four to five years, and work such as replacing old pipes and repairing aging facilities, cleaning, removing residual gas, checking pipe connections and valves, and improving processes are carried out while the plant is shut down. During regular maintenance, a large-scale accident occurs in which gas remaining in the facility leaks or explodes due to rising pressure, and even after internal gas discharge and purge work is performed, it is scattered by the characteristics of raw materials remaining inside the pipe and reactor and discharged into the atmosphere. Therefore, there is always a possibility of causing safety accidents, and such accidents have a great socioeconomic impact as they are directly connected to the safety of workers as well as the safety of local residents. This system is designed to be adaptable according to the size of a number of outlets, and it is proposed to minimize the impact of VOCs harmful gases on the surroundings by developing it as a mobile type. The efficiency of collecting scattered VOCs gas is more than 90%, and the integrated operating system is demonstrated for 50 CMM class movable VOCs adsorption device, 5 CMM class treatment gas recirculation type non-flame waste heat recovery adsorbent regeneration treatment device, and two or more business sites.

Light-driven soft crawling robots capable of multidirectional locomotion and cargo transport

This work presents a liquid crystal elastomer (LCE)-based light-driven crawling robot capable of rapid multidirectional locomotion and cargo transport. The proposed LCE device consists of two small front legs, two large rear legs, and a concave cargo platform connecting the legs. The device’s locomotion, inspired by the principle of snake-like rectilinear movement, is generated by activating the rear legs with periodic near-infrared (NIR) illumination. The device’s structure was formed monolithically using a lithography-based molding process followed by an LCE stretching process for shape programming. To enhance NIR absorption efficiency, the rear end of the device was coated with a photothermal film consisting of acrylic-based black paint and liquid metal nanoparticles. The device’s speed, which exceeds two body lengths per minute, is among the fastest recorded in published LCE-based, light-driven crawling devices. Furthermore, the device can change the locomotion direction by controlling the actuation sequences of NIR illumination on the rear legs. This research also demonstrated and characterized the device’s load-carrying capability, as it was able to move at about half its maximum speed while carrying a load heavier than itself.

Panel Dinding Pracetak dari Limbah Pukat dan Serabut Kelapa Berlapis Resin Polyester dengan Motif Desain Glow in the Dark

Using concrete blocks, light bricks, red bricks, thick plastering, and action affects the cost budget. This encouraged the author to create wall panels that are ready to install and do not require mortar mix in finishing. Along with this, trawl and coconut fiber waste were the main materials used in making wall panels, and an additional M6 wire mesh iron was used as reinforcement for the construction. The outermost layer was coated with SHCP 2668 clear polyester resin and catalyst combined with phosphorus strontium aluminate powder and metallic pigment coloring. The method used in this research is the experimental method by making four compositional comparisons for each test with three test objects each. The results of this study are the most optimum composition in a mixture of 1.5: 2.75: 1.5, which has a compressive strength of 13.5 N/mm2 and flexural strength of 2.49 N/mm2 by SNI 03-3122-1992, is ductile, reflective, has a sound absorption of 0.290 dB by ISO10534-2 testing: 1998, water absorption (DSA) of 0.91% by SNI 03-0349-1989, fire resistance at a rate of 0.22 mm/second by modified SNI 1741-2008 testing, able to emit light for 2-3 hours from a 20-minute lighting source by JIS Z 9107 and JIS Z 9095 testing, and has a lower price than other wall panels.

Metal Painting by Plasma Jet

AbstractConducting metal interconnections are essential to link electronic components or multiple circuits for electronic device fabrication. Scalable, rapid, and sustainable methods for printing adherent metal interconnections on dielectric materials are lacking, which stifles the development of new electronic consumer devices. Here a breakthrough single‐step and rapid process to deposit highly conducting metal tracks is introduced, using an atmospheric pressure plasma jet. The deposition process used a rudimentary aqueous solution of metal salts as ink, that was introduced as a mist into a helium plasma gas. The metal salt was reduced and deposited with spatiotemporal control using a plasma jet generated at radio frequency with 15 W power at room temperature and pressure. The conductive metal layers were highly adhesive on glass, ceramics, polymeric materials, even biological surfaces such as plant leaves and animal skin, depostedwith little damage to the substrate. The conductivity of deposited tracks on glass shows 50.8 ± 8.6% and 5.2 ± 1.6% of bulk silver and copper metal conductivity respectively.

Identification of the pigments used in permanent makeup and their ability to elicit allergic contact dermatitis

Decorative tattoos are known to contain ingredients that may elicit allergic contact dermatitis; it is less well-known if permanent makeup pigments carry the same risk. Identify pigments used in permanent makeup inks sold in the United States and review cases of allergic contact dermatitis to these pigments. Using internet searches, permanent makeup inks sold in the United States were identified. Safety data sheets were used to catalog pigments used in permanent makeup. A subsequent literature search was performed to identify cases of allergic contact dermatitis to these pigments. A total of 974 permanent makeup inks were reviewed, and 79 unique pigments were identified. The average product contained 4 pigments. Twenty of the pigments were inorganic metals, including carbon, iron, chromium, manganese, and molybdenum. Fifty-nine pigments were organic, of which most were azo, quinacridone, or anthraquinone dyes. A literature search revealed that 10 of the 79 pigments were associated with allergic contact dermatitis. Permanent makeup primarily uses organic pigments, although some metallic pigments are still used. Physicians should also be aware that some of these pigments-both organic and inorganic-are known causes of allergic contact dermatitis. Of note, patch testing to these ingredients can be negative.

Development of Glaze Compositions to Increase the Durability of Decorative Paints Used in Glazed Porcelain

Colorful paint works are carried out to highlight the visuality of ornamental and tableware products, such as cups and plates. As these products come into contact with detergents, food products or grime, erosion and abrasion occur in paint and patterns over time. In this study, transparent glaze compositions that can be applied on patterned products have been developed in order to minimize wear and damage to the paint on ornamental and tableware products such as porcelain cups and plates. It is aimed to have a compatibility with the glaze layer and the porcelain body, to have high transparency and brightness. Different glaze compositions have been implemented to porcelain wares containing precious metallic paints. Then the glazed products were coducted to final firing between 870˚C-900˚C. Colours values of porcelain wares were determined with L-a-b spectrophotometer colours measurment devices and ΔE values was found to be lower than 0.50. Erosion and abrasion resistance were determined by staining test and washing test. According the results, the mass loss values are in the range of 2.7-3.4 mg (24h washing) and 7.9-8.3 mg (168 h washing). The morphology of the samples and the analysis of the phases formed during sintering were determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique and scanning electron miscroscopy (SEM and EDX). Quartz-SiO2 and Albite-Na (AlSi3O8) phases were observed in the structure of the glazes. The results showed that glaze compositions with high transparency and wear resistance can be obtained with only 30% frit content.

Investigation into the Profitability Strategies of Shared Sheet Metal Spray Centers

With the introduction of regulations such as the "Decision of the Ministry of Transport on Amending the Regulations on the Administration of Motor Vehicle Maintenance" in China, the government's environmental requirements for the traditional automotive repair industry have been continuously increasing. The spray painting and sheet metal repair business, which has a significant environmental impact, has gradually evolved into modern, intensive, and specialized shared sheet metal spray centers. While domestic scholars have paid some attention to the social and environmental benefits of shared sheet metal spray centers, there is a lack of systematic research on their profit models. This paper investigates the current state of shared sheet metal spray centers by analyzing the development of the spray painting and sheet metal repair industry, comparing the profit models of other sharing economy sectors vertically, and integrating the value chain theory to sort out the profit strategies of shared sheet metal spray centers. The aim is to provide theoretical reference for spray and sheet metal repair operators to promote the healthy development of shared sheet metal spray centers.

Rapid Market Screening to assess lead concentrations in consumer products across 25 low- and middle-income countries

Lead exposure can have serious consequences for health and development. The neurological and behavioral effects of lead are considered irreversible. Young children are particularly vulnerable to lead poisoning. In 2020, Pure Earth and UNICEF estimated that one in three children had elevated blood lead levels above 5 µg/dL. The sources of lead exposure vary around the world and can range from household products, such as spices or foodware, to environmental pollution from nearby industries. The aim of this study was to analyze common products from markets in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) for their lead content to determine whether they are plausible sources of exposure. In 25 LMICs, the research teams systematically collected consumer products (metal foodware, ceramics, cosmetics, paints, toys, spices and other foods). The items were analyzed on site for detectable lead above 2 ppm using an X-ray fluorescence analyzer. For quality control purposes, a subset of the samples was analyzed in the USA using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The lead concentrations of the individual product types were compared with established regulatory thresholds. Out of 5007 analyzed products, threshold values (TV) were surpassed in 51% for metal foodware (TV 100 ppm), 45% for ceramics (TV 100 ppm), and 41% for paints (TV 90 ppm). Sources of exposure in LMICs can be diverse, and consumers in LMICs lack adequate protection from preventable sources of lead exposure. Rapid Market Screening is an innovative, simple, and useful tool to identify risky products that could be sources of lead exposure.

Understanding the extent of detectability and heat transfer characteristics of hidden defects on metal-based envelopes

Metal hidden defects can either be due to corrosion or voids. The extent of their detectability and heat transfer characteristics, particularly with light-colored surface paints and assembly configurations, have been less explored. Observing surface thermal contrast and rate of temperature change (RTC) during “long-pulse” excitation can detect hidden defects regardless of the metal type, paint color, and assembly configuration. However, results from the active thermography approach only indicate their presence and not their location and type. Corroded layers have a lower surface temperature and RTC due to faster heat transfer, while pitted layers have a higher surface temperature and RTC.

Oriental beech decline caused by Brenneria alni

AbstractHyrcanian forests comprise a long strip along the southern coast of the Caspian Sea in northern Iran. Oriental beech (Fagus orientalis) is one of the most valuable forest tree species in the Hyrcanian forests. Bark necrosis and bleeding spots of oriental beech were observed in Savadkuh forests in Mazandaran province during summer 2021. Ten samples were collected from symptomatic oriental beech trees. The bark canker symptoms included stem tissue necrosis, dark brown to black spots on the trunk, bleeding with dark exudates and dark lesions in the inner bark. Twenty‐six strains of culturable bacteria were isolated from the samples which in culture were predominantly round, convex, smooth with entire margins on nutrient agar and a metallic green sheen pigment on eosin‐methylene blue (EMB) agar. Fourteen strains induced necrosis and browning of the tissues around the inoculation sites on acorns after 2 weeks. Five representative strains also caused dieback in twigs of oriental beech 3 weeks after inoculation. These bacteria were Gram‐negative, catalase positive and oxidase negative. All strains produced colonies with a green metallic sheen on EMB agar. Strains were negative in tests for starch and gelatine hydrolysis or production of levan. A phylogenetic tree based on concatenated sequences of gyrB and infB genes, of representative strains well as in each of the single gene‐based phylogenetic trees, indicated that these strains clustered with Brenneria alni NCPPB 3934T with high bootstrap values. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of B. alni associated with bark necrosis and bleeding spots on oriental beech.

TiO2/Multi-walled carbon nanotube electrospun nanofibers mats for enhanced Cr(VI) photoreduction

Industrial processes, including metal plating and paint production, generate substantial wastewater with hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), necessitating the development of efficient photocatalysts for its reduction. In this study, we fabricated curly hybrid nanofiber composites (TiO2/Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)) with varying MWCNT contents (0.1, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7, and 1.0 w/w) via electrospinning and subsequent calcination process for Cr(VI) photoreduction efficiency. Our experimental results indicated an initial rise in specific surface areas and micropore volumes with increasing the MWCNT content up to TiO2/MWCNT-7, followed by a decrease, attributed to the development of a curly structure with the introduction of MWCNTs. This improved TiO2 dispersion, reduced the band gap, and densified the composites, enhancing mass transfer properties and visible light utilization. As a result, TiO2/MWCNT-7 exhibited a significant redshift in wavelength along with a 2.93 eV band gap, resulting in 97.5% Cr(VI) photoreduction efficiency within 120 min and sustained 92% efficiency over 6 cycles. This study offers insights for catalyst design and optimization in Cr(VI) photoreduction for water treatment applications.

Дослідження методів випробування лакофарбового покриття на стійкість до корозії

This scientific work is aimed at researching the testing methods of paint coatings used for protecting the metal parts of automobiles in order to determine their resistance to corrosion processes. Paint coatings are used to protect the metal surfaces of automobiles from corrosion in various climatic conditions and under the influence of aggressive factors such as atmospheric conditions, chemical substances on the road, polluted air, and other corrosive environments, making their quality and effectiveness of great significance.
 Different methods of testing paint and varnish coatings are considered, such as neutral salt spray test, acetic acid salt spray test (with and without copper acceleration), and cyclic corrosion testing. Attention is also given to parameters such as test duration, temperature regimes, and chemical aggressiveness of the environment to establish the effectiveness of these methods. The analysis of the tests allows determining which methods best meet the requirements for assessing the corrosion resistance of paint coatings. The work also investigates the impact of various factors, such as the type of paint coating, surface preparation, and operating conditions, on the test results. It was determined that the proper selection of test methods and adequate assessment of their effectiveness help in improving the corrosion resistance of the paint coating in various operating conditions.
 The work has important practical applications in the automotive industry by enhancing the quality of protection for automotive coatings against corrosion and extending their service life in various operating conditions. The obtained results will help improve the quality and durability of paint coatings, metal structures, and other products against corrosion by choosing the optimal method for testing paint coatings. This scientific work has practical significance for engineers and manufacturers involved in the development and application of corrosion-resistant coatings.

Clinical Issues - February 2024.

Retaining count sheets in the patient's medical record Key words: count sheet, medical record, procedural risk factor, retained surgical item, surgical count. Counting instruments during cavity closure Key words: uterine cavity, abdominal cavity, fetal procedure, cesarean delivery, instrument count. Surgical wound classification of procedures involving cancer removal Key words: cancer, contamination, infection, surgical wound classification, decision making. Placing an electrosurgical unit dispersive electrode over a tattoo Key words: dispersive electrode placement, metallic pigment, burn, tattoo, electrosurgical unit (ESU).

Finding the Sublime

My intention for this body of work was to evoke the concept of the sublime to make us consider our place in relation to the natural world and the importance of mature mother trees in healthy ecosystems. The use of dark colours and warm tones, along with layering and highly detailed mark-making, give an ethereal and occasionally slightly unnerving sense. The use of chine collé with Japanese tissues can give a faintly shiny or almost glowing effect, along with the use of earth tones and metallic pigments to enhance and add depth

A Study of Color Palettes and Painting Techniques of Prayat Pongdam: Oil on Board Painting “Cats and Birds (1957)” Using Micro-XRF Scanning Technique

This work presents the characterization of the pigments in the painting by Prayat Pongdam, one of the most essential artists in the history of Thai contemporary art. The painting that was studied is named “Cats and Birds (1957),” oil on board, from the collection of a private collector. XRF measurements were carried out utilizing a portable system and mapping scanning. XRF revealed substantial information about the pigments in the painting and the artist’s technique. Lead white (Pb) was presented in or near the ground layer. A mixture of barium (Ba) and titanium (Ti) was applied in almost all areas but less in the blue areas, presumably because these two pigments were used on top of the ground layer. Zinc (Zn) white was mixed with the cerulean blue (Co, Sn) for the blue regions. Chromium-based green (Cr) and red ochre (Fe) were in the palette in green and red areas, respectively. A layer of gold was applied to some areas, assuming the artist wanted to make it a highlight. Metallic pigments containing copper (Cu) were also revealed.

Pre-demolition audit as a tool for appropriate CDW management – a case study of a public building

The identification of hazardous construction and demolition waste (CDW) is crucial for the appropriate and safe waste management. The pre-demolition audit is not compulsory in all EU member states, so if the control is not strict the hazardous CDW might pollute the inert fraction and create risks for human health and environment. In Bulgaria, only some industrial sites are considered as a potential source of hazardous CDW. Classification of hazards can be difficult also because the European Waste Catalogue is not specific on the hazardous CDW (with some exceptions). For example, heavy metals are among the most dangerous substances but very often remain undiscovered or underestimated. A case study of an abandoned 100-year-old public building has been performed to illustrate the importance of the pre-demolition audit. A handheld XRF analyser is used to identify contaminated materials. Samples were taken from those materials for doing leaching tests. It was proven that there was a high content of heavy metals in different paints, on internal and external walls, and fenestration. In addition to the discussion of results, some measures to separate the hazardous coatings from the recyclable masonry and wooden waste are discussed to provide higher recovery rates for the CDW.

Performance Evaluation of a Low-Cost Semitransparent 3D-Printed Mesh Patch Antenna for Urban Communication Applications

This study explores the possibility of designing simple semitransparent antennas that allow for the passage of most visible light while maintaining good electromagnetic performance. We propose a substrateless metal mesh patch antenna manufactured using low-cost 3D printing and silver conductive paint. Our goal is to integrate numerous such radiators onto office building windows, preserving natural lighting with minimal visual impact, aiming to alleviate infrastructure congestion or improve antenna placement in sub-6 GHz frequency bands. In this paper, we conduct an analysis of the primary parameters influencing patches constructed with substrateless metal mesh wires, focusing on the grid topology and the width of the metallic wires, as well as their effects on antenna transparency and back radiation. Owing to the absence of a substrate, the antenna demonstrates minimal losses. Furthermore, in this study, we thoroughly investigate the effects of conductivity and roughness on surfaces printed with metallic paint. A prototype at 2.6 GHz is presented, achieving over 60% transparency, a 2.7% impedance-matching bandwidth, and a realized peak gain of 5.4 dBi. The antenna is easy to manufacture and cost-effective and considers sustainability. Its large-scale implementation can alleviate building infrastructure, enhancing radio connectivity in urban environments and offering new cost-effective and energy-efficient wireless solutions.

Analyzing the effect of flooring material type on the performance of an active greenhouse dryer

In this work, the impact of flooring (bottom) material selection on the performance of an active greenhouse dryer (AGD) has been empirically surveyed. In this regard, four AGD configurations with different flooring materials including soil, gravel, sheet metal with conventional black paint and sheet metal with iron (Fe) nano-enhanced black paint have been designed, manufactured, and experimented at same fixed air flow rate. According to experimentally obtained findings, utilizing nano-enhanced black-painted sheet metal in the AGD instead of soil has a potential to almost double the average air temperature difference. Also, using sheet metal with nano-enhanced black paint reduced the drying periods as 41.17 %, 33.33 % and 20 %, respectively in comparison to the configurations that used soil, gravel and sheet metal with conventional matt black paint as bottom material. Average exergetic efficiencies for the tested configurations were obtained between the range of 3.22–11.14 %. Also, using sheet metal with Fe nano-enhanced absorber coating as a bottom material in the system reduced the carbon footprint as 32.66 % (from 1.50 to 1.01 kgCO2eq) in comparison to the system with soil bottom.

Review on Moringa oleifera, a green adsorbent for contaminants removal: characterization, prediction, modelling and optimization using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN)

Moringa oleifera utilization in water treatment to eliminate emerging pollutants such as heavy metal ions, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and pigments has been extensively evaluated. The efficacy of Moringa oleifera biosorbent has been investigated in diverse research work using various techniques, including its adsorption capacity kinetic, thermodynamic evaluation, adsorbent modifications, and mechanism behind the adsorption process. The Langmuir isotherm provided the most remarkable experimental data fit for batch adsorption investigations, whereas the best fit was obtained with the pseudo-second order kinetic model. Furthermore, only a few papers that combined batch adsorption with fixed-bed column investigations were examined. In the latter articles, the scientists modified the adsorbent to increase the material’s adsorption capacity as determined by analytical methods, including IR spectroscopy, scanning electronic microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). However, the raw material can show appreciable adsorption capacity values, proving moringa’s potency as a biosorbent. Hydrogen bonds, electrostatic interaction, and van der Waals forces were the main processes in the found and reported adsorbent-adsorbate interactions. These mechanisms could change depending on the physiochemical nature of adsorption. Although frequently employed for heavy metal ions and dye adsorption, Moringa oleifera can still be explored in pesticide and medication adsorption investigations due to the few publications in this comprehensive review. This study, therefore, examined different Adsorbents from the Moringa oleifera plant, as well as parameters and models for enhancing the adsorption process.