Resistance Testing Research Articles

Superhydrophobic Tensile Designability of Silicone Rubber Composites.

Silicone rubber has broad applications in the field of industrial engineering due to its stable physical and chemical properties. However, the superhydrophobic properties, of silicone rubber, especially large deformation superhydrophobic properties, were not satisfactory for many harsh application environments and complex engineering structures. Here, we report the preparation of superhydrophobic tensile designable silicone rubber composites by a mixed deposition process that included powder deposition and smoke deposition. The infrared test showed that the deposited powder from silicone rubber combustion was mainly composed of SiO2 and short chain siloxane. The mixed deposited surface with a rich micro-nanostructure, which was the key to the formation of superhydrophobic properties. The water contact angle (WCA) and sliding angle (SA) of coating surface could reach 157.6° and 5° ± 1°, respectively, and the tensile designability of superhydrophobic surface is closely related to the prestretched process. In addition, bounce tests, high temperature tests, and solvent resistance tests showed the application potential of modified silicone rubber composites in the field of engineering.

Condition Monitoring System: A Flexible Hybrid Electronics Approach for Sealed Container Applications

A comparative study is presented between two advanced flexible hybrid electronics (FHE) systems designed for monitoring temperature within storage containers across various industries, including food, pharmaceuticals, agriculture, automotive, and defense. The first system, a copper-flex system (CFS), employs an 88.9 µm polyimide substrate with 35 µm thick copper traces, coated with a 12.5 µm polyimide solder mask. The second system, a printed-flex system (PFS), utilizes a 127 µm polyimide substrate with high-temperature resistance and tensile strength. Conductive silver ink was screen-printed on the PFS substrate, and electronic components including a temperature sensor were attached. Functional and reliability tests were performed to check the accuracy and durability of the temperature sensor. Further, environmental and mechanical characterizations including moisture and insulation resistance, corrosion, elongation, bending, and terminal bond strength tests were performed based on ASTM and IPC-TM650 standards. Moisture and insulation resistance test on the PFS test coupons without a coating layer indicated stable resistance of approximately 18 MΩ, while permanent color change indicated oxidation of copper on uncoated CFS test coupons. After 72 hours of corrosion test, both the CFS and PFS “meander line” test coupons covered with polyimide showed negligible change in weight and resistance, approximately 0.35%. A Young’s modulus of 7.17 GPa and 2.6 GPa was calculated from the elongation test for the CFS and PFS, respectively. Bending tests on PFS revealed negligible average resistance change (0.1%) during 180° bending cycles, while no impact was recorded on the CFS. During the terminal bond strength test, soldered wires detached from the CFS test coupons at an average force of 43 N, while it was 3.8 N on the PFS test coupons. Both systems with polyimide coating layer demonstrate robustness and reliability for diverse applications in various industries.

Improving stability in hybrid fire testing: Advancements in analysis method and software implementation

In large-scale structural fire resistance tests, the interaction between the individual elements and the surrounding structure causes discrepancies in behaviour compared to single-element fire tests. Large-scale tests of real structures are challenging due to financial and time limitations. To bridge this gap, the concept of “Hybrid Fire Testing (HFT)” emerges, where a portion of the structural system (i.e., physical substructure) is experimentally tested while the remaining structure (i.e., numerical substructure) is analyzed numerically. The primary challenges in HFT involve ensuring stability throughout the analysis by considering the varying stiffness of the fire-exposed element during the test and establishing a versatile communication platform between the physical substructure (PS) and numerical substructure (NS) components. This paper presents a comprehensive HFT framework, implemented within a user-friendly software interface, facilitating both virtual and experimental testing. The software incorporates a new method addressing stability concerns by predicting PS stiffness during the test, achieving convergence within a limited number of iterations. Additionally, the framework includes a communication platform utilizing internet protocols (IP) and COM ports for rapid and easy connection to diverse experimental control systems and finite element software packages. The functionality of the developed software is validated through its successful application in an HFT conducted on a 3-story steel structure within a simulated environment. Both force-controlled and displacement-controlled approaches confirm the method’s adaptivity to the employed test procedures.

Study on the Effect of Fly Ash on Mechanical Properties and Seawater Freeze–Thaw Resistance of Seawater Sea Sand Concrete

When using seawater and sea sand as mixes, the mechanical properties and durability of concrete are adversely affected because the raw materials themselves contain harmful ions. Fly ash is the tailings formed in the process of industrial production, the use of which does not require the burning of clinker, reducing CO2 emissions. Moreover, it belongs to a new type of cementitious materials with low emissions and high environmental protection. Fly ash enhances the properties of concrete and reduces the effect of harmful ions on concrete. Based on the above considerations, the corresponding specimens were prepared and subjected to cubic compressive strength, flexural strength, and seawater freezing and thawing resistance tests by using fly ash admixture as the main variable. A combination of macro-analysis and micro-analysis was used to investigate the effect of fly ash on the performance of seawater sea sand concrete. The results showed that fly ash significantly enhanced the mechanical properties and resistance to seawater freezing and thawing of seawater sea sand concrete. The best improvement in compressive strength and resistance to seawater freezing and thawing was achieved at a substitution rate of 20%. The maximum increase in compressive strength was 13.22%. The maximum reduction in mass loss rate was 57.26% and the strength loss rate was 43.14% after the specimens were subjected to seawater freezing and thawing 75 times. The maximum enhancement in flexural strength was 17.06% for a substitution rate of 10%. Through microanalysis, it can be seen that the incorporation of coal ash can enhance the compactness of concrete through the microaggregate effect as well as the volcanic ash reaction to promote the secondary hydration reaction, so as to strengthen the seawater freeze–thaw resistance of seawater sea sand concrete. Finally, the damage prediction model established using the mean GM (1, 1) model of gray system theory meets the requirements of the first level of prediction accuracy and can accurately predict the damage of seawater sea sand concrete under seawater freezing and thawing.

Prevalence And Pattern Sensitivity Multidrug Antibiotics Resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in the High Care Unit at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital Period 2022-2023

The prevalence of Multidrug antibiotic-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MDRPA) has been increasing during the decade And has become attention in hospital patients. This retrospective descriptive descriptive aimed to determine the prevalence of MDRPA and its sensitivity patterns. Data were taken from results of bacterial culture and antibiotic resistance tests from various clinical specimens from patients at Dr. Soetomo General Academic Hospital throughout 2022-2023. The resistance test was carried out using a Vitek 2 compact instrument. MDRPA is defined as Pseudomonas aeruginosa that is not sensitive to three or more of the following classes of antibiotics: meropenem or imipenem, ciprofloxacin, gentamicin or amikacin, ceftazidime or cefepime, and piperacillin/ tazobactam. The prevalence of MDRPA was 57.0%. MDRPA isolates were also the most common origin from the burn unit and HCU A (high care unit A), mostly from pus specimens and sputum. Pseudomonas aeruginosa sensitivity was best with piperacillin/tazobactam (55.5%), meropenem (54.8%), amikacin (47.5%), gentamicin (46.5%), cefepime (46.3%), ceftazidime (45.0%), ciprofloxacin (44.7%) and aztreonam (43.2%). The sensitivity of MDRPA to antibiotics is much lower than that of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. This study showed high number of MDRPA specifically in Surabaya and the pattern sensitivity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa can become guidelines in choosing antibiotics treatment for patients.

Use of next-generation sequencing on HIV-1 DNA to assess archived resistance in highly treatment-experienced people with multidrug-resistant HIV under virological control: data from the PRESTIGIO Registry.

To clarify whether next-generation sequencing (NGS) can be useful for resistance assessment in virologically suppressed highly treatment-experienced (HTE) individuals with MDR HIV. Ninety-one participants from the PRESTIGIO Registry were included. NGS was performed on HIV-DNA at 1%, 5% and 20% cut-offs; major drug resistance mutations (DRMs) were evaluated and compared with those detected in historical plasma genotypic resistance testing (h-GRT). APOBEC editing was also characterized. Participants had a complex and long treatment history [median 23 (IQR 21-25) years of ART exposure) and had been virologically suppressed since a median of 3 (IQR 2-5) years. Among all major DRMs detected by HIV-DNA NGS and/or h-GRT, 30% were exclusively found through NGS. The highest detection rate of historical major DRMs was reached with NGS set at 1%, but unusual substitutions and extensive APOBEC hypermutations suggest technical issues and poor clinical relevance in the 1%-5% interval. At NGS set at 5%, 67.2% of historical major DRMs were detected. The number of major DRMs detected exclusively by DNA-NGS as minority variants (frequency 5%-20%) was significantly higher in individuals who later experienced virological rebound compared with those who maintained virological control [median 2 (IQR 1-3) versus 1 (0-2), P = 0.030] and positively correlated with viraemia levels at rebound (rho = 0.474, P = 0.030). In non-viraemic people with an MDR virus, HIV-1 DNA NGS set at 5% is an acceptable technical cut-off that might help to reveal mutations with a potential clinical relevance. Moreover, the number of minority resistance mutations additionally detected by NGS might be associated with loss of virological control.

A device for dynamic testing of the refractory ceramic resistance to biomass ash

The corrosive effects of biomass ash on refractory materials in combustion chambers pose challenges. Development of new castable refractory materials which are more resistant to corrosion requires tests that accurately reflect the conditions occurring in real devices. This article describes the Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) design and construction of a device for evaluating the corrosion of refractory materials in dynamic regime. The device allows to simulate combustion chamber conditions accurately, to regulate an injection of corrosive medium on the tested material surface under the specified conditions (temperature, time, and flow). In the present investigation the conventional refractory material was exposed to attack of biomass ash at the temperature of 1300 °C for 3 h to test the functionality of the device. A burner with technology oxygen–enriched combustion was used to heat the device. The corrosion tests were conducted in accordance with the standard P CEN/TS 15,418 and the standard STN EN ISO 21404. The operational state required for corrosion tests at 1300 °C was achieved within 1.12 h. The extent of refractory material degradation in the dynamic corrosion regime was evaluated using electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (EM-EDS) and compared with the results of a static crucible test (3 h at 1300 °C). The dynamic test provided sufficient information on the interactions of corrosion medium with the refractories. Its main advantages are the maintenance of non-equilibrium conditions by controlled deposition of the corrosion medium in quantity from 1 to −100 g/h, fast heating rate to operating temperature (20 °C/min), and the possibility of conditions variability during tests (temperature, ox-red. atmosphere, fuel gas flow etc.).

СРЕДСТВА ПОЛУЧЕНИЯ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ ПРИМЕНЕНИЯ КОМПРЕССИОННОЙ ПЕНЫ В ПОЖАРОТУШЕНИИ

The subject of the article is modern fire extinguishing technologies based on compression foam. The purpose of the study is to study the means of obtaining and the prospects for using compression foam in fire fighting. Methods: analysis and synthesis, modeling. The results obtained indicate that compression foam has a number of advantages compared to water and conventional air-aspirated foam, so it can be used to extinguish fires in many industries and areas. A diagram of the production of compression foam is presented (the foam concentrate acts as a foaming agent) and a diagram of an autonomous installation for the production of compression foam. It is noted that one of the significant advantages of CAFS is the ability to create a finished product that matches a specific type of fuel or a specific situation. The characteristics of the SmartCAFS product have been defined. A typology of the use of compression foam depending on the type of incident is presented. The results of fire resistance tests of various foams are presented. It is concluded that fire suppression systems using compression foam have significant advantages, such as minimizing the spread of fire, the volume of water required to cover large areas, costs and placement, and the integration of CAFS with digital technologies.

Analysis of Tribological Properties of Hardfaced High-Chromium Layers Subjected to Wear in Abrasive Soil Mass

This article presents the results of abrasion wear resistance tests of wear-resistant steel and surfacing under laboratory conditions and natural operation. Abrasion wear resistance determined on the basis of the study by determining geometrical characteristics of the alloying additives using computer image analysis methods, as well as examining the changes occurring on the surface of the workpieces and their wear intensity. Based on the results obtained from laboratory tests, it was noted that AR steel exhibited 14 times greater wear than the padding weld. This wear is affected by alloy additives, which, for the padding weld, are chromium additives. The microstructure image shows that soil mass had a destructive effect mainly on the matrix of the material, whereas in the areas with high concentrations of chromium precipitates, this effect was significantly weaker. The operational test results showed that within the area of the tine subjected to hardfacing, the material loss was lower than that for the same area of the tine in the as-delivered state. For the hardfaced tine, a 7% loss of volume was noted in relation to the operating part before testing and following the friction process. However, for the operating part in the as-delivered state, this difference amounted to 12%.

Twenty Years in EUCAST Anti-Fungal Susceptibility Testing: Progress & Remaining Challenges.

Since its inception in 2002, the EUCAST Antifungal Susceptibility Testing Subcommittee (AFST) has developed and refined susceptibility testing methods for yeast, moulds and dermatophytes, and established epidemiological cut-off values and breakpoints for antifungals. For yeast, three challenges have been addressed. Interpretation of trailing growth in fluconazole susceptibility testing, which has been proven without impact on efficacy if below the 50% endpoint. Variability in rezafungin MIC testing due to laboratory conditions, which has been solved by the addition of Tween 20 to the growth medium in E.Def 7.4. And third, interpretation of MICs for rare yeast with no breakpoints, where recommendations have been established for MIC-based clinical advice. For moulds, refinements include the validation of spectrophotometer reading for A. fumigatus to facilitate objective MIC determination, and for dermatophytes the establishment of a microdilution method with automated reading and a selective medium to minimise the risk of contaminations. Recent initiatives involve development and validation of agar-based screening assays for detection of potential azole and echinocandin resistance in A. fumigatus and Aspergillus species, respectively, and of terbinafine resistance in Trichophyton species. Moreover, the development of a EUCAST guidance document for molecular resistance testing represents an advancement, particularly for identifying target gene alterations associated with resistance. In summary, EUCAST AFST continues to play a pivotal role in standardizing AFST and facilitating accurate interpretation of susceptibility data for clinical decision-making. Adoption of EUCAST breakpoints for commercial test methods, however, requires thorough validation to ensure concordance with EUCAST reference testing species-specific MIC distributions.

The morphological diagnosis of 2 economically important subterranean termites in Western Indonesia, Coptotermes curvignathus and Coptotermes gestroi (Blattodea, Rhinotermitidae).

In Indonesia, the control of Coptotermes curvignathus populations as living tree termite pests has been carried out since the early 20th century. Recently, C. curvignathus has been considered the main termite pest and designated as the only species model for wood and wood products resistance tests against subterranean termite attack testing protocol in the Indonesian National Standard (SNI). However, the species distribution range of C. curvignathus has been long questioned as Coptotermes gestroi is commonly reported as a species found in urban areas of Southeast Asian region, particularly in Indonesia. One of the reasons for the species distribution discrepancies is the lack of morphological markers to distinguish both species in the field. Thus, limiting the field inspection effectiveness in termite pest management in Indonesia. This study reexamined and clarified the morphological differences between C. curvignathus and C. gestroi, based on soldier caste. The head shape, mandible shape, and distribution of genal setae on the ventro-anterior head part and pronotum marked the difference between the 2 species. These current results support previous findings of C. curvignathus as the forest dweller while clarifying C. gestroi as the common urban dweller in Indonesia. The putative benefit of morphological features related to the head, mandible, and setae distribution to the defensive adaptation in their common habitat was discussed. Ultimately, the inclusion of C. gestroi into the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) as an alternative species for efficacy tests against subterranean termites is highly recommended.

Effects of silica aerogel particles on performance of the coatings for new energy vehicle battery packs

In order to reach the fire protection standard for new energy vehicle battery packs, the incorporation of SiO2 aerogel particles as a functional filler in the nitrogen and phosphorus fire-retardant system is necessary due to the inadequate mechanical properties. The effects of SiO2 aerogel on the properties of the coatings for the electric car battery pack were investigated by fire protection test, thermogravimetric analysis, limited oxygen index, UL-94 vertical test, combustion test, mechanical properties test, and weathering resistance test. The backside temperature fireproof coatings containing 1.5% SiO2 aerogel was effectively reduced to 250.2 ± 0.1 °C and the residual weight of the coating reached 32.61 ± 0.01%. The composition and structure of the carbon layer were analyzed further. Especially, the weight loss percentage of the fireproof coating is only 5.87 ± 0.02% in the water resistance test. However, excessive SiO2 aerogel decreased the performances of fireproof coatings.

Population structure and antibiotic resistance of swine extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli from China

Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) pose a significant threat to human and animal health. However, the diversity and antibiotic resistance of animal ExPEC, and their connection to human infections, remain largely unexplored. The study performs large-scale genome sequencing and antibiotic resistance testing of 499 swine-derived ExPEC isolates from China. Results show swine ExPEC are phylogenetically diverse, with over 80% belonging to phylogroups B1 and A. Importantly, 15 swine ExPEC isolates exhibit genetic relatedness to human-origin E. coli strains. Additionally, 49 strains harbor toxins typical of enteric E. coli pathotypes, implying hybrid pathotypes. Notably, 97% of the total strains are multidrug resistant, including resistance to critical human drugs like third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins. Correspondingly, genomic analysis unveils prevalent antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), often associated with co-transfer mechanisms. Furthermore, analysis of 20 complete genomes illuminates the transmission pathways of ARGs within swine ExPEC and to human pathogens. For example, the transmission of plasmids co-harboring fosA3, blaCTX-M-14, and mcr-1 genes between swine ExPEC and human-origin Salmonella enterica is observed. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring and controlling ExPEC infections in animals, as they can serve as a reservoir of ARGs with the potential to affect human health or even be the origin of pathogens infecting humans.

Population structure and antibiotic resistance of swine extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli from China

Extraintestinal Pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) pose a significant threat to human and animal health. However, the diversity and antibiotic resistance of animal ExPEC, and their connection to human infections, remain largely unexplored. The study performs large-scale genome sequencing and antibiotic resistance testing of 499 swine-derived ExPEC isolates from China. Results show swine ExPEC are phylogenetically diverse, with over 80% belonging to phylogroups B1 and A. Importantly, 15 swine ExPEC isolates exhibit genetic relatedness to human-origin E. coli strains. Additionally, 49 strains harbor toxins typical of enteric E. coli pathotypes, implying hybrid pathotypes. Notably, 97% of the total strains are multidrug resistant, including resistance to critical human drugs like third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins. Correspondingly, genomic analysis unveils prevalent antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), often associated with co-transfer mechanisms. Furthermore, analysis of 20 complete genomes illuminates the transmission pathways of ARGs within swine ExPEC and to human pathogens. For example, the transmission of plasmids co-harboring fosA3, blaCTX-M-14, and mcr-1 genes between swine ExPEC and human-origin Salmonella enterica is observed. These findings underscore the importance of monitoring and controlling ExPEC infections in animals, as they can serve as a reservoir of ARGs with the potential to affect human health or even be the origin of pathogens infecting humans.

Exploring access cavity through non-carious cervical lesions: Impacts on instrumentation, obturation, and fracture resistance in mandibular incisors.

To compare the effects of Cervical Access Cavity (CervAC) and Traditional Access Cavity (TradAC) on root canal preparation, root canal filling, and fracture resistance in mandibular incisors. Twenty recently extracted and intact mandibular incisors were initially scanned using a micro-CT device. The specimens were anatomically matched to create two groups (n = 10). A wedge-shaped non-carious cervical lesion (NCCL) was created on the buccal aspect of all teeth using a double-faced segmented diamond disc. In group 1, a TradAC was prepared, whilst in group 2, access was created through the simulated NCCL using a round diamond bur 1012. After root canal preparation with Rotate instruments sizes 15/0.04, 20/0.04, and 25/0.04, the teeth were scanned again and evaluated for root canal volume and surface area, static voxels, volume of removed dental tissue, and dentine thickness. After that, the root canals were filled using the single-cone technique, teeth were restored with composite resin, and subsequently rescanned to calculate the volume of filling materials and voids. Then, the restored teeth were subjected to fracture resistance tests using a universal testing machine. Statistical comparisons between groups were performed with the Mann-Whitney test or the Student's t-test, with a statistical significance level of 5%. Statistical comparisons indicated no significant differences between groups in terms of root canal volume, surface area, static voxels, removed root dentine, root canal filling volume, percentage of voids, or fracture resistance load (p > .05). Conversely, teeth prepared with TradAC showed a significantly higher percentage of dental tissue removed from the crown (p = .001) and a greater volume of filling material remnants in the pulp chamber (p < .001) compared to the CervAC group. A significantly lower percentage reduction in dentine thickness was observed only on the mesial aspect of root at Level 1 in TradAC group (p = .008). CervAC can be considered a viable alternative approach in the presence of NCCL in mandibular incisors.

Exploring access cavity through non-carious cervical lesions: Impacts on instrumentation, obturation, and fracture resistance in mandibular incisors.

To compare the effects of Cervical Access Cavity (CervAC) and Traditional Access Cavity (TradAC) on root canal preparation, root canal filling, and fracture resistance in mandibular incisors. Twenty recently extracted and intact mandibular incisors were initially scanned using a micro-CT device. The specimens were anatomically matched to create two groups (n = 10). A wedge-shaped non-carious cervical lesion (NCCL) was created on the buccal aspect of all teeth using a double-faced segmented diamond disc. In group 1, a TradAC was prepared, whilst in group 2, access was created through the simulated NCCL using a round diamond bur 1012. After root canal preparation with Rotate instruments sizes 15/0.04, 20/0.04, and 25/0.04, the teeth were scanned again and evaluated for root canal volume and surface area, static voxels, volume of removed dental tissue, and dentine thickness. After that, the root canals were filled using the single-cone technique, teeth were restored with composite resin, and subsequently rescanned to calculate the volume of filling materials and voids. Then, the restored teeth were subjected to fracture resistance tests using a universal testing machine. Statistical comparisons between groups were performed with the Mann-Whitney test or the Student's t-test, with a statistical significance level of 5%. Statistical comparisons indicated no significant differences between groups in terms of root canal volume, surface area, static voxels, removed root dentine, root canal filling volume, percentage of voids, or fracture resistance load (p > .05). Conversely, teeth prepared with TradAC showed a significantly higher percentage of dental tissue removed from the crown (p = .001) and a greater volume of filling material remnants in the pulp chamber (p < .001) compared to the CervAC group. A significantly lower percentage reduction in dentine thickness was observed only on the mesial aspect of root at Level 1 in TradAC group (p = .008). CervAC can be considered a viable alternative approach in the presence of NCCL in mandibular incisors.

Durability of metal oxide nanostructures synthesized by hot water treatment

AbstractMetal oxide nanostructures (MONSTRs) have become popular in various fields. This study investigates the durability of MONSTRs synthesized through hot water treatment (HWT) using copper, aluminum, and zinc as the source metals of choice. The physical durability tests include pressure, scratch, and scotch tape adhesion tests, and chemical durability tests such as corrosion resistance tests, heat resistance, and solar exposure tests. Results showed that MONSTRs synthesized from HWT are highly durable under the tested conditions except for NaOH and HCl immersion tests for copper oxide and zinc oxide. The study concluded that HWT is a sustainable synthesis method for MONSTRs. Graphical Abstract

Exploiting Turmeric’s Coloring Capability to Develop a Functional Pigment for Wood Paints: Sustainable Coloring Process of Polyamide 11 Powders and Their Strengthening Performance

Currently, the wood coatings industry is focusing on creating unique, vibrant finishes using new functional pigments. Simultaneously, there is a growing adoption of eco-friendly bio-based materials, reflecting trends in other sectors and supporting the circular economy. Thus, the aim of this study is to unveil a straightforward, cost-effective, and notably sustainable process for exploiting the coloring potential of turmeric powder and coloring polyamide 11-based fillers, employed as multifunctional pigments for wood coatings. Through the incorporation of this additive into a wood paint, the study demonstrates its dual effect of enhancing the aesthetics of the final composite layer while leveraging the beneficial protective properties inherent to polyamide 11. The impact of these additives on sample aesthetics is assessed through optical observations, as well as measurements of color, gloss, and surface roughness. The strengthening contribution of the functional pigment is evaluated using the Taber abrasion resistance test, static friction coefficient measurements, and Buchholz surface hardness test. Finally, the aesthetic consistency of the bio-based filler and the coloring efficiency of the sustainable process are tested by subjecting the samples to aggressive conditions, including the UV-B chamber exposure test, cold liquids resistance tests, and water uptake test. Ultimately, the study illustrates how this functional bio-based pigment not only provides sufficient protection but also meets current eco-requirements, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the wood coatings industry.

Durability of metal oxide nanostructures synthesized by hot water treatment

AbstractMetal oxide nanostructures (MONSTRs) have become popular in various fields. This study investigates the durability of MONSTRs synthesized through hot water treatment (HWT) using copper, aluminum, and zinc as the source metals of choice. The physical durability tests include pressure, scratch, and scotch tape adhesion tests, and chemical durability tests such as corrosion resistance tests, heat resistance, and solar exposure tests. Results showed that MONSTRs synthesized from HWT are highly durable under the tested conditions except for NaOH and HCl immersion tests for copper oxide and zinc oxide. The study concluded that HWT is a sustainable synthesis method for MONSTRs. Graphical Abstract

Exploiting Turmeric’s Coloring Capability to Develop a Functional Pigment for Wood Paints: Sustainable Coloring Process of Polyamide 11 Powders and Their Strengthening Performance

Currently, the wood coatings industry is focusing on creating unique, vibrant finishes using new functional pigments. Simultaneously, there is a growing adoption of eco-friendly bio-based materials, reflecting trends in other sectors and supporting the circular economy. Thus, the aim of this study is to unveil a straightforward, cost-effective, and notably sustainable process for exploiting the coloring potential of turmeric powder and coloring polyamide 11-based fillers, employed as multifunctional pigments for wood coatings. Through the incorporation of this additive into a wood paint, the study demonstrates its dual effect of enhancing the aesthetics of the final composite layer while leveraging the beneficial protective properties inherent to polyamide 11. The impact of these additives on sample aesthetics is assessed through optical observations, as well as measurements of color, gloss, and surface roughness. The strengthening contribution of the functional pigment is evaluated using the Taber abrasion resistance test, static friction coefficient measurements, and Buchholz surface hardness test. Finally, the aesthetic consistency of the bio-based filler and the coloring efficiency of the sustainable process are tested by subjecting the samples to aggressive conditions, including the UV-B chamber exposure test, cold liquids resistance tests, and water uptake test. Ultimately, the study illustrates how this functional bio-based pigment not only provides sufficient protection but also meets current eco-requirements, thereby contributing to the sustainability of the wood coatings industry.