Potential For Use In Applications Research Articles

Chemical Composition of Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) Ethanol Extract and Its Antimicrobial Activities and Free Radical Scavenging Capacities.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is a perennial tuberous plant from the genus Curcuma (Zingiberaceae) and has been widely used in foods for thousands of years. The present study examined the ethanol extract of turmeric for its chemical composition, antimicrobial activity, and free radical scavenging properties. UHPLC-MS/MS analysis tentatively identified eight compounds in the turmeric extract. Potential antimicrobial effects of 0.1, 1.0, and 10 mg turmeric equivalents (TE)/mL were evaluated in vitro against a variety of Gram-negative bacteria (i.e., Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Pseudomonas sp.) and Gram-positive bacteria (i.e., Enterococcus faecalis, Listeria innocua, and Staphylococcus aureus). Concentrations of 0.1 and 1.0 mg TE/mL inhibited the growth of S. aureus and significantly suppressed that of Pseudomonas sp., E. faecalis, and L. innocua. The growth of all strains, including E. coli, was inhibited by 10 mg TE/mL. Moreover, free radical scavenging capacities were determined using HO●, ABTS●+, and DPPH● (HOSC, ABTS, and RDSC, respectively) radicals. The turmeric ethanol extract had a TPC value of 27.12 mg GAE/g, together with HOSC, RDSC, and ABTS values of 1524.59, 56.38, and 1.70 μmol TE/g, respectively. Our results suggest that turmeric extract has potential applications for use in functional foods to reduce microbial burdens and oxidative stress-related health problems.

Screening of Bacillus spp. bacterial endophytes for protease production, and application in feather degradation and bio-detergent additive

Research on proteases and secondary metabolites from endophytes is an area that requires attention from researchers. In this study, proteases from Bacillus sp. strain MHSD16 and Bacillus sp. strain MHSD17 endophytes were characterised, and their potential biotechnological applications were investigated. Optimum protease production was achieved when isolates were grown in media containing (g/L): glucose 10g, casein 5g, yeast extract 5g, KH2PO4 2g, Na2CO3 10g at pH 9. The crude protease extracts were active in alkaline environments, thus referred to as alkaline proteases with optimal pH of 10. Additionally, Bacillus sp. strain MHSD 16 and Bacillus sp. strain MHSD17 proteases were active at high temperatures, with optimum enzyme activity at 50 °C. Thermostability profiles of these proteases showed that the enzymes were highly stable between (40–60 °C), maintaining over 85 % stability after 120 min incubation at 60 °C. Furthermore, the enzymes were stable and compatible with various household and laundry detergents. In the presence of commercial laundry detergent, OMO® 68 % and 72 % activity was retained for Bacillus sp. strain MHSD16 and Bacillus sp. strain MHSD17, respectively, while 67 % and 68 % activity were retained in the presence of Sunlight®. The potential application for use in detergents was investigated through the removal of blood stains with the crude alkaline extracts displaying efficient stain removal abilities. Feather degradation was also investigated and Bacillus sp. MHSD17 exhibited feather keratin degrading properties more effectively than Bacillus sp. MHSD16.

A comprehensive review on walnut protein: Extraction, modification, functional properties and its potential applications

Plant proteins, as sustainable resources with various health benefits, have gradually been widely researched as substitutes for animal proteins. Walnut protein, as a plant-based protein source, is rich in essential amino acids and has a reasonable proportion of eight essential amino acids, making it a potential high-quality protein that has attracted widespread attention. The potential application of walnut protein as a sustainable protein source is summerized in this review. Firstly, the amino acid composition, protein classification, and functional properties of walnut protein were discussed. Secondly, the main limitations of walnut protein utilization were discussed, such as anti-nutritional factors, poor functional properties, and allergenicity were discussed. Finally, commonly used modification methods, including physical methods, chemical methods, biological methods, and backbone hybridization technology to improve the functional characteristics of walnut protein, as well as its potential application for use in the food industry were summarized. This review provides new ideas for its development and utilization.

Fabrication and characterization of new Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2-CPTS-HBAP (FST-CH) nanoparticles for photocatalytic degradation and adsorption removal of rhodamine B dye in the aquatic environment

In this study, Fe3O4@SiO2@TiO2-CPTS-HBAP (FST-CH) nanoparticle was prepared for the simultaneous adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of aromatic chemical pollutants (Rhodamine B dye) in aqueous solution. FST-CH nanoparticle was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-Ray (EDX) Fluorescence Spectrometer and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity of rhodamine B dye (RhB) was evaluated with a Kerman UV 8/18 vertical roller photoreactor. About 56% of RhB in aqueous medium was adsorbed by FST-CH nanoparticles with only 45 min of stirring in the dark, and about 77.01% was degraded or converted to other structures under the photoreactor for 120 min. The photocatalytic degradation of RhB (apparent rate constant: 0.0026 mg dm−3 min−1) occurred by a pseudo-second order reaction. In addition, the recovery of the prepared magnetic FST-CH nanoparticle by an external magnetic field, exhibiting good magnetic response and reusability, shows that the obtained magnetic FST-CH nanoparticle is stable and maintains high degradation ratio and catalyst recovery even after four cycles. Thus, the prepared FST-CH nanoparticle can be highly recommended for its use in potential applications of water decontamination.

Mechanically strong and fully transparent PMMA composite with greatly improved toughness and impact strength incorporating PEBA nanofibrils

Improving the tensile toughness and impact strength of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) involves a trade-off, the improvements often come at the expense of reduced tensile strength, stiffness, transparency, and other crucial properties. In this article, we report a facile method to enhance the tensile toughness and impact strength of PMMA simultaneously, without sacrificing its tensile strength, stiffness, transparency, glass transition temperature, and scratch resistance. We demonstrate that the inclusion of only 3 wt% of polyether block amide elastomer (PEBA) nanofibrils (diameters ranging from ∼ 20 to 164 nm) in PMMA and ∼ 0.6 wt% of a random ethylene-glycidyl methacrylate copolymer (E-GMA) selectively at the interface resulted in a remarkable increase of ∼ 169 % in its elongation at break, ∼188 % in tensile toughness, and ∼ 87 % in notched Izod impact strength. Importantly, by incorporating such a minimal content of rubbery materials, these improvements were attained without compromising any of its major properties. Herein, we also demonstrate that multiple crazing was the primary toughening mechanism in the composites at a slow deformation speed (i.e., tensile testing), while rubber cavitation and subsequent ductile shear yielding of the surrounding matrix (enabled by the presence of E-GMA at the interface) was the most dominant at a high deformation speed (i.e., notched Izod impact testing). The high-performance composites presented herein possess immense potential for use in applications requiring a unique combination of attributes such as high strength, stiffness, tensile toughness, impact strength, and optical transparency.

Fatigue and durability assessment of PA6-based carbon fiber composites for lightweight applications

The use of lightweight structural elements across various industries has seen significant progress due to the adoption of carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs). Among these, polyamide 6 (PA6) stands out as a prevalent thermoplastic polymer, renowned for its exceptional processability, favorable mechanical attributes, and cost-effectiveness. These qualities position it as a compelling candidate for serving as a matrix material in CFRPs. Nevertheless, as these composites find application in the development of lightweight automotive components, there arises a need for a more comprehensive comprehension of their mechanical characteristics and responses under diverse loading scenarios, encompassing fatigue behavior. So, this study investigated the mechanical behavior of CFRP based on the PA6 matrix under tensile and fatigue loading. The volumetric fractions of CF, PA6 matrix, and voids of the CF/PA6 composites were determined by acid digestion analysis, and the values of 48%, 51.6%, and 0.4%, respectively, indicated the good quality of the studied laminate. Tensile tests showed good repeatability, and the results were used to establish fatigue limits at a ratio (R) of 0.1. Fatigue tests showed that the CFRP had an infinite life of 1 million cycles at a stress level of 75%. Fractographic analysis revealed that specimens tested at lower levels of fatigue had better fracture aspects compared to those tested at higher levels. These findings contribute to the understanding of the fatigue behavior of CFRP with PA6 matrix and provide insights for their potential use in applications for lightweight structures.

Efficient Semitransparent Organic Solar Cells with CRI over 90% Enabled by an Ultralow‐Bandgap A‐DA'D‐A Small Molecule Acceptor

AbstractSemitransparent organic solar cells (ST‐OSCs) can function as power‐generating windows due to their ability to allow visible light go‐through for human eyesight while absorbing low‐energy photons in the near‐infrared region for photocurrent generation. In this regard, effective ST‐OSCs with high light utilization efficiency (LUE) and color rendering index (CRI) can be developed via a synergistic material and device engineering strategy. Herein, an A‐DA'D‐A acceptor BZO‐4Cl is synthesized with an ultralow optical bandgap of 1.26 eV and bathochromically shifted absorption of roughly 60 nm with respect to Y6. Initially, the opaque devices using PTB7‐Th as the donor show a high power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 14.12% , which can be listed as one of the highest efficiencies for the PTB7‐Th‐based OSCs so far. Then, through these efforts of optimizations in the bulk‐heterojunction(BHJ) composition, top electrodes and anti‐reflection layer, the cutting‐edge ST‐OSC demonstrates a high LUE of 4.02%, and a CRI of 90.67%, making it one of the best‐performing ST‐OSCs with both high LUE and CRI values. These results indicate that the ST‐OSCs presented in this study have significant potential for use in applications that possess transparent visible light and energy‐generation functions.

Models for Estimating the Cold Hardiness of Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium cv. Sweetheart and Lapins) in Cold Climate Regions

Plant cold hardiness is a dynamic process, and seasonal changes occur through cold acclimation and deacclimation to help prevent lethal injury from the cold. Cold weather injury resulting from inadequate plant cold hardiness can result in significant economic losses to growers of perennial crops in temperate climates. The objective of the current study was to develop models that estimate the lethal temperature that causes 10%, 50%, and 90% mortality (LT10, LT50, LT90) to two cultivars of sweet cherry (Prunus avium) flower buds from the early fall through to spring. We parameterized regression models using lethal temperature data collected in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada, over six seasons (2013–17, 2019–20, 2021–22) for ‘Sweetheart’ sweet cherry and three seasons (2013–15, 2016–17) for ‘Lapins’ sweet cherry. These models incorporate parameters that are based on equations that describe chill and heat accumulation that rely on measures of hourly air temperature. Model evaluation and validation using several seasons of lethal temperature data not included in model development were completed. Models for estimating the cold hardiness of sweet cherry showed good agreement between model lethal temperature predictions and observed values for both sweet cherry cultivars. In addition, an open-access, interactive, web-based application was developed to access the outputs of these models in real time for use by growers, researchers, and extension workers. These current models of sweet cherry cold hardiness have potential application for use as a decision support tool for cold damage management as well as crop site suitability modeling.

Exploring multivalent protein-glycosensitizer interaction with phenalenone derivatives in mixed micelles

Carbohydrates are involved in several biological processes, and they have been widely used in several technological applications. Carbohydrate-based surfactants have low toxicity, and they are environmental friendly, however, their physicochemical properties restrict their use in potential applications. Mixed micelles are an attractive model system to use for carbohydrate–based surfactants since their physical properties may be easily modulated with simple changes in the surfactants mixture ratio.In this study, we design a mixed micelle system composed by new synthesized glycolipids bearing a photosensitizer in their hydrophobic moiety. We hypothesize that this system would have two main functions a) singlet oxygen generation and b) multivalent capability to interact with lectins. These combined capabilities will permit the generation of the short-lived excited oxygen neighboring the targets to be oxidized.In this design, non-ionic mixed micelles were used to modify the interfacial properties and to improve the solubility in water of the synthesized glycosensitizers.In summary, our results show that both glycolipids retain their capability to generate singlet oxygen in homogeneous media and the mixed micelles behave as an adequate multivalent system to interact with Con A. We provide a promising system to be successfully employed in antibacterial photodynamic therapy.

Polycaprolactone—Eugenol systems: Interactions, retention and diffusion of the bioactive compound

AbstractThe retention ability of polycaprolactone (PCL) films and their potential use for applications that require controlled release, were evaluated using eugenol, an aroma compound as a model active substance. The PCL‐eugenol samples were prepared by means of a low‐temperature extrusion process that resulted in minimum losses of eugenol and a final proportion close to nominal content. The release kinetics of eugenol were monitored for different conditions of temperature and relative humidity, both by an usual gas chromatography analysis but also by spectroscopy method that revealed sufficient. The release kinetics were compared to the numerical results obtained by the resolution of Fickian and a power‐law models. Results showed that the temperature had an influence on the release rate, and that the release kinetics were mostly Fickian. Moreover, the determination of the Arrhenius parameters will allow the use of the Fickian model to dimension PCL samples for other applications requiring controlled release.

Atmospheric-pressure air plasma sources for cleaning and activation of float soda-lime glass: Effects and comparison

The effects of atmospheric-pressure air plasma treatment on the surface properties of common float soda-lime glass were studied using four different plasma sources. The purpose of the studied treatment was to remove contamination and activate the surface with hydrophilic functional groups, without affecting the surface morphology, by balancing the involved mechanisms. The in-depth chemical XPS analysis, based on the achieved hydrophilic effects and ageing recovery evaluated by WCA measurement, revealed a proportional distribution of the various processes involved, which were complemented by AFM measurements. An exposure time of 1 s caused significant modification of the glass surface with all tested plasma sources, while the specific properties of the obtained effects varied due to individual physical plasma parameters. The effects of the treatment with gliding arc, plasma torch, and multi-hollow surface dielectric barrier discharge exhibited some undesirable properties such as non-uniformity, rapid hydrophobic recovery, thermal damage or unbalanced removal of surface material. Only the treatment with diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge plasma achieved optimal results that met all the investigated parameters and requirements of conditioning the float glass as an interface for bonding of additional materials. Comparing four plasma sources with different physical characteristics provided valuable information about their potential use for applications that involve adding materials to glass surfaces in the form of thin films, coatings, and layers.

Magneto-viscoelasticity of hard-magnetic soft-elastomers: Application to modeling the dynamic snap-through behavior of a bistable arch

Hard-magnetic soft-elastomeric materials show great potential for use in applications where the ability of remote actuation, together with high-flexibility and low-weight are important. One promising type of magnetic-actuator made from such a material is a bistable arch which can harness snap-through instabilities for short response times and high actuation forces. In this paper we formulate a continuum finite-deformation theory for magneto-viscoelasticity of hard-magnetic soft-elastomeric materials. We have numerically implemented the theory in a finite element program. We show that our theory, when suitably calibrated, can reproduce the results from several magnetically-induced snap-through experiments on a bistable arch reported recently by Tan et al. (2022). Finally, we demonstrate the broader usefulness of our theory and its numerical implementation by successfully simulating the complex and reversible magnetically-induced snap-through eversion of a hemispherical shell.

Ultralight and flexible electrospun PMIA/AgNW/Ni composite membrane with thermostability and excellent electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness

In order to deal with the more complex electromagnetic radiation environment, there is highly desirable to manufacture a high-performance electromagnetic shielding material with excellent electromagnetic shielding efficiency, flexibility, thermal properties, fatigue resistance, and other qualities. In this paper, we fabricated an ultralight, flexible, and heat-resistant poly-m-phenylene isophthalamide (PMIA)/Ag nanowires(AgNWs)/Ni composite nanofiber film via electrospinning, spray coating, and electroless plating. Compared with different AgNWs spraying contents, the highest electromagnetic shielding effectiveness, about 96 dB with a thickness of ∼150 µm, is generated by spraying 33.333 mg/cm2 AgNWs suspension. Additionally, because of the benefit of the PMIA, this PMIA/AgNW/Ni composite membrane maintains a constant EMI SE value (over 90 dB) after a high-temperature process under 200 °C, which only decreases by 3.33 %. The excellent performance of the material is due to its large porosity and sandwich structure, which can dissipate electromagnetic waves within the material, with only a very small portion of the electromagnetic waves passing through it. Therefore, this material has a potential application for use in diverse harsh settings.

Calcium oxide decorated graphene oxide nanocomposite as energy storage medium: synthesis and characterization

Abstract The article presents research on the synthesis and characterization of a nanocomposite material consisting of graphene oxide (GO) decorated with calcium oxide (CaO), for the use in energy storage. The co-precipitation method was used to prepare the nanocomposite. The presence of CaO and GO in the sample was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), which revealed a crystallite size of 18 nm for CaO and 9 nm of CaO/GO. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed a well-dispersed nanocomposite structure, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) confirmed the presence of Ca, C, and O elements in the sample. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to analyze the chemical composition and structural properties of the nanocomposite. UV-visible spectroscopy revealed a direct band gap of 3.78 eV for the nanocomposite, indicating its potential application for use in electrochemical energy storage and photoconductive devices. Zeta potential measurement indicated good physical stability of the nanocomposite. These results suggest that the CaO/GO nanocomposite has promising properties for various technological applications, particularly in the field of thermal energy storage.

Slippery Alkoxysilane Coatings for Antifouling Applications.

Herein, we report the wettability and antifouling behavior of a range of different siloxane coatings on plastic and glass substrates. The films investigated are prepared using trimethoxysilane precursors with different alkyl chain lengths (1-18 C atoms) in order to study how the nature of the hydrophobic group affects the different parameters used to characterize wettability (contact angles, sliding angles, and contact angle hysteresis). Atomic force microscopy analysis shows that the coatings possess low surface topography [root mean squared roughness (rms) < 50 nm] and are highly transparent as studied using UV-vis spectroscopy. The sliding properties of H2O, CH2I2, methanol, and ethylene glycol were observed to be strongly influenced by the chain length of the alkoxysilane precursor used. The coatings formed from the longer chain analogues show comparable water sliding angles to superhydrophobic surfaces. These coatings show similar performance to analogous alkoxysilane coating-bearing fluorinated groups, indicating that they could act as viable environmentally friendly alternatives to some of the fluorinated films that have been widely adopted. Furthermore, these surfaces are highly durable toward common forms of abrasion and are observed to show low adhesion toward synthetic feces, indicating that their utility extends further than repelling liquids alone. Consequently, these coatings could show promise for potential use in applications in the medical sector where fouling by biological mixtures leads to an unsustainable use of materials.

Evaluation of the Antibacterial Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol-Pullulan Scaffolds Loaded with Nepeta racemosa Lam. Essential Oil and Perspectives for Possible Applications.

Essential oil of Nepeta racemosa Lam. was extracted and characterized to determine its antimicrobial activity and potential use in applications. The essential oil was loaded on polyvinyl alcohol-pullulan films and gels and characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and UV-Vis spectroscopy before having its antimicrobial capacities assessed. The essential oil extracted from Nepeta racemosa Lam. was characterized using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy, which indicated that the most abundant component was nepetalic acid (55.5%), followed by eucalyptol (10.7%) and other compounds with concentrations of about 5% or less. The essential oil, as well as the loaded films and gels, exhibited good antibacterial activity on both gram-positive and gram-negative strains, with growth inhibition zones larger in some cases than for gentamicin, indicating excellent premises for using these essential-oil-loaded materials for applications in the food industry or biomedicine.

Evaluation of a New Mordant Based Haematoxylin Dye (Haematoxylin X) for Use in Clinical Pathology.

Recently, St John's Dermatopathology Laboratory and CellPath Ltd have developed a new patented haematoxylin dye (Haematoxylin X) that utilises a chromium-based mordant (Chromium Sulphate). In this study, the performance of this new haematoxylin (Haematoxylin X) was compared against some commonly utilised alum-based haematoxylins (Carazzi's, Harris' and Mayer's) when used as a part of formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue, special stains, immunohistochemical counterstaining and frozen section (Mohs procedure) staining procedures. FFPE sections of different tissue types and frozen skin tissues were sectioned and stained with each haematoxylin subtype to allow for a direct comparison of staining quality. The slides were independently evaluated microscopically by two assessors. A combined score was generated to determine the sensitivity (defined as the intensity of haematoxylin staining being too weak or too strong and the colour of the haematoxylin staining not being blue/black) and specificity (defined as the presence of haematoxylin background staining, uneven staining, and staining deposits) for each of the four haematoxylin subtypes. The scoring criteria were based on the UKNEQAS Cellular pathology techniques assessment criteria. In FFPE tissue, the results for specificity identified Harris haematoxylin scoring the highest (91.2%) followed by Haematoxylin X (88.0%) and Mayer's (87.0%). The sensitivity scores again identified Harris haematoxylin as scoring the highest (95.1%) followed by Haematoxylin X (90.0%) and Mayer's (88.0%). In frozen tissue, the results for specificity identified Haematoxylin X as scoring the highest (85.5%) followed by Carazzi's (80.7%) and Harris' (77.4%). The sensitivity scores again identified Haematoxylin X as scoring the highest (86.8%) followed by Carazzi's (82.0%) and Harris' (81.0%). The results achieved with all four haematoxylins showed a high degree of comparability, with Harris' haematoxylin scoring high scores overall compared to the other four when assessing FFPE sections. This may have been due to familiarity with the use of Harris' haematoxylin in-house. There was also evidence of more pronounced staining of extracellular mucin proteins with Haematoxylin X compared to the other alum haematoxylins that were assessed. Haematoxylin X scored highest when used in frozen section staining. In addition, Haematoxylin X has a potential applications for use in IHC and special stains procedures as a counterstain.

A Modeled High-Density Fed-Batch Culture Improves Biomass Growth and β-Glucans Accumulation in Microchloropsis salina

Algae and microalgae are used as a source of different biomolecules, such as lipids and carbohydrates. Among carbohydrates, polysaccharides, such as β-glucans, are important for their application as antioxidants, antisepsis, and immunomodulators. In the present work, the β-glucans production potential of Microchloropsis salina was assessed using two different culture conditions: a high-density batch and a modeled high-density fed-batch. From the biochemical parameters determined from these two cultures conditions, it was possible to establish that the modeled high-density fed-batch culture improves the biomass growth. It was possible to obtain a biomass productivity equal to 8.00 × 10-2 ± 2.00 × 10-3 g/(L × day), while the batch condition reached 5.13 × 10-2 ± 4.00 × 10-4 g/(L × day). The same phenomenon was observed when analyzing the β-glucans accumulation, reaching volumetric productivity equal to 5.96 × 10-3 ± 2.00 × 10-4 g of product/(L × day) against the 4.10 × 10-3 ± 2.00 × 10-4 g of product/(L × day) obtained in batch conditions. These data establish a baseline condition to optimize and significantly increase β-glucan productivity, as well as biomass, adding a new and productive source of this polymer, and integrating its use in potential applications in the human and animal nutraceutical industry.

Thermally Insulating, Thermal Shock Resistant Calcium Aluminate Phosphate Cement Composites for Reservoir Thermal Energy Storage.

This paper presents the use of hydrophobic silica aerogel (HSA) and hydrophilic fly ash cenosphere (FCS) aggregates for improvements in the thermal insulating and mechanical properties of 100- and 250 °C-autoclaved calcium aluminate phosphate (CaP) cement composites reinforced with micro-glass (MGF) and micro-carbon (MCF) fibers for deployment in medium- (100 °C) and high-temperature (250 °C) reservoir thermal energy storage systems. The following six factors were assessed: (1) Hydrothermal stability of HSA; (2) Pozzolanic activity of the two aggregates and MGF in an alkali cement environment; (3) CaP cement slurry heat release during hydration and chemical reactions; (4) Composite phase compositions and phase transitions; (5) Mechanical behavior; (6) Thermal shock (TS) resistance at temperature gradients of 150 and 225 °C. The results showed that hydrophobic trimethylsilyl groups in trimethylsiloxy-linked silica aerogel structure were susceptible to hydrothermal degradation at 250 °C. This degradation was followed by pozzolanic reactions (PR) of HSA, its dissolution, and the formation of a porous microstructure that caused a major loss in the compressive strength of the composites at 250 °C. The pozzolanic activities of FCS and MGF were moderate, and they offered improved interfacial bonding at cement-FCS and cement-MGF joints through a bridging effect by PR products. Despite the PR of MGF, both MGF and MCF played an essential role in minimizing the considerable losses in compressive strength, particularly in toughness, engendered by incorporating weak HSA. As a result, a FCS/HSA ratio of 90/10 in the CaP composite system was identified as the most effective hybrid insulating aggregate composition, with a persistent compressive strength of more than 7 MPa after three TS tests at a 150 °C temperature gradient. This composite displayed thermal conductivity of 0.28 and 0.35 W/mK after TS with 225 and 150 °C thermal gradients, respectively. These values, below the TC of water (TC water = 0.6 W/mK), were measured under water-saturated conditions for applications in underground reservoirs. However, considering the hydrothermal disintegration of HSA at 250 °C, these CaP composites have potential applications for use in thermally insulating, thermal shock-resistant well cement in a mid-temperature range (100 to 175 °C) reservoir thermal energy storage system.

Development of non-equiatomic Bio-HEAs based on TiZrNbTa-(Mo and Mn)

This study produced non-equiatomic TiNbZrTaMn and TiNbZrTaMo high entropy alloy (HEAs) by argon arc-melting and heat-treated for microstructural homogenization. The phase composition, microstructure, and selected mechanical properties were measured and compared with theoretical predictions. Additionally, electrochemical and cytotoxicity tests evaluated their potential applicability for use as biomaterials. X-ray diffraction measurements patterns showed a single BCC phase for the TiNbZrTaMn and a secondary HCP phase for the TiNbZrTaMo sample. The microstructural analysis revealed the formation of irregular grain boundaries and some lamellae formation, with chemical segregation of the alloying elements at the sub-micro-scale. The samples exhibited elastic modulus (80–110 GPa) closer to CP-Ti grade 2 (100 GPa) and higher Vickers microhardness (450–550 HV) than Ti–6Al–4V alloy (400 HV). The electrochemical and biological tests indicated a superior corrosion resistance against 0.9% NaCl solution compared with commercial metallic biomaterials, with proper cell adhesion and viability of pre-osteoblastic cells and hydrophilic behavior. Altogether, the data indicate that TiNbZrTaMn depicts better applicability potential for being used as a biomaterial in biomedical applications than some commercial materials (SS 316L, CP-Ti grade 2, and Ti–6Al–4V), mainly considering load-bearing orthopedical implants.