Single Binder Research Articles

Effects of different binder systems on the characteristics of metal-based diamond composites fabricated via fused deposition modeling and sintering technology

In material extrusion of metal-based composites, binder system plays a vital role and its performance directly influences the quality of the final product and process efficiency. Despite different binder systems have been produced, most studies only concentrated on single binder system without comparison between different binder systems. In this work, two different binder systems were used to fabricate metal-based diamond composites by fused deposition modeling and sintering technology. Morphology of printed metal-based composites samples were compared. Thermal properties of composites samples with different binder systems were analyzed via TG-DSC test, and debinding was carried out at heating rate of 5 °C/min and 2 °C/min, respectively. Then the brown samples were densified via hot-pressing sintering, and the sintered samples were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, hardness tester and universal testing machine. During the printing process, the feedstock using TP-based binder system exhibited better printing performance compared with that using the PW-based binder system. The results also revealed that appropriate nozzle temperature should be determined according to the thermal properties of the feedstocks so as to minimize printing defects. The debinded samples with different binder systems can retain structural integrity when the heating rate controlled properly. As for the samples after sintering, it has to be highlighted that the hardness on the top surface of the sintered sample was higher than the hardness on the side because of different deposition characteristics. In addition, the samples using TP-based binder presented a more uniform microstructure and thus obtained better flexural strength and relative density. It can be concluded that the TP-based binder is preferable as it contributes to better performance of the metal-based diamond composites compared with the PW-based binder.

Mechanical properties of concrete with hybrid binder fly ash and thermally activated alum sludge as partial cement replacement

Different binders affect the mechanical properties of the concrete differently. Previous results show that optimum 15% of thermally activated alum sludge (TAASA) replacing cement (C) increase the compressive strength of concrete, and reversed for fly ash (FA) at 45% and more. This paper investigates the optimum binders’ ratio (total binder 25%) to produce highest compressive strength at 7, and 28 days. The ratios of FA: TAASA are S0-Control (0:0), S1-(4:0) S2-(3:1) S3-(2:2) S4-(1:3) and S5-(0:4). The cement used is a CEM II/B-L 32.5 N Portland composite. Results show that the slumps of all mixes decreased, with lowest for S1 (single binder FA). For the compressive strength (7 and 28 days), hybrid FA and TAASA with equal amount of 12.5% (S3) shows the highest, and all mixes’ strengths are above the control (S0). The strength increase of S3 is 58%, that is, from 22 MPa at 7 days to 29 MPa at 28 days. The flexural and split tensile of S3 are also higher than control (S0) at both ages. Hybrid FA and TAASA binders can produce superior mechanical properties concrete when the correct ratios are used compared to single binder replacement or all-cement binder concrete.

Optimizing Si-Dominant Anodes in High-Energy Li-Ion Batteries with a Binary Binder System: Exploring Impacts on Adhesion, Cohesion, and Electrochemical Performance

Silicon anode stands out as a promising game-changer for Li-ion batteries (LIBs) due to its remarkable gravimetric and volumetric capacities, boasting 4200 mAh/g1 and 2200 mAh/cm3, respectively. In addition, its operating voltage of 0.4 V vs Li/Li+, abundant availability, and environmental friendliness make Si a strong candidate to revolutionize energy densities in the next-generation high-performance LIBs. However, challenges arise during lithiation as silicon undergoes an expansion of ~300% of its initial volume, leading to a cascade of detrimental effects on the electrode.1 The micron-sized silicon particles tend to pulverize, and resulting in fragmented silicon particles that become electrically isolated. Such volume variations compromise the adhesion of the Si electrode to the current collector. Furthermore, the repetitive expansion and shrinkage cycles contribute to cohesive failure within the electrode. Collectively, these factors considerably diminish the electrochemical performance and lifespan of Si anodes. Consequently, these challenges have placed major constraints on the utilization of silicon, making it currently viable only at levels below 10 wt% in LIB anodes, thereby impacting the commercial feasibility of Si-dominant anodes in high-energy LIBs.Such challenges in Si anodes impose strict demands on the binder, requiring it to maintain intimate contact between electrode components and to the current collector and preserve the integrity of ion and electron transport channels during frequent volume changes upon cycling. Obviously, the traditional binders like PVDF or carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)/Styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) are not suitable options for addressing these specific challenges.Many approaches have been explored to address such requirements including increased crosslinking, different binding functionalities, adhesion promoters, etc.2 In this study, we investigate a binder system comprising two key components: (i) an acrylic acid-based polymer enriched with a high concentration of carboxyl groups. This component not only forms effective bonds with the silicon surface but also fosters interactions with other polar species, facilitating the self-healing properties. (ii) Incorporating a styrene-butadiene-based polymer, renowned for its exceptional flexibility, improves adhesion and enhances the tensile properties of the electrode, particularly in response to volume expansion challenges. We evaluated the characteristics of the binders and electrode properties, including adhesion to the current collector, cohesion within the electrode, and binder distribution. These properties were subsequently correlated with the initial columbic efficiencies (IEC) and electrode cycle life in Si-dominant/NMC811 cells. We show that there is an optimal binder ratio that achieves the desired adhesion and significantly enhances cohesive strength, leading to improved cycling stability compared to a single binder system.

Enhanced autogeneous self-healing of MgO blended composites incorporating with silica fume

Many studies have been conducted on the autogeneous self-healing either using pozzolan or MgO approaches. It is well accepted that MgO adversely affects strength development particularly at an early age. Nevertheless, MgO is well accepted mineral admixture that has a promising self-healing ability for cement-based composites. Numerous efforts have been conducted in overcome the shortcoming of the strength of cement composites due to MgO. Various findings and studies have shown that incorporating MgO with pozzolans can be detrimental to the strength of cement composites; this includes any cement-based material that is incorporated with MgO. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate an appropriate blended cements in combination with MgO that possesses a self-healing ability without compromising its strength development. The study evaluated autogenous self-healing of magnesium oxide (MgO) blended mortar containing silica fume. 5% silica fume was applied into 5%MgO blended cements and for systematic analysis, effect of each single binder was also evaluated independently. A single crack was fabricated at 7-day and then, the healing ability was evaluated based on flexural strength test, crack sealing and microstructural analysis. Furthermore, ANOVA was employed to evaluate the significance of enhancement method to the MgO blended cement. The finding indicated that silica fume slightly enhanced self-healing of mortar. Similarly, statistical analysis confirmed that the autogenous self-healing of MgO cement is more pronounced with the addition of silica fume.

Preparation and characterization of carbon block with coal tar pitch and phenolic resin as mixed binder

Here we present a method to prepare carbon block with excellent mechanical strength by using coal tar pitch and thermoplastic phenolic resin as a mixed binder and hexamethylene tetramine as a crosslinker. The effect of phenolic resin content in the mixed binder on properties of carbon blocks was investigated. In addition, the viscosity and fluidity of the mixed binder before and after crosslinking, and the evolution of size and pore structure of the carbon block during carbonization were systematically explored. The results revealed that the mixed binder had both low viscosity in the mixing stage and low fluidity in the carbonization stage. The low viscosity was favorable for its mixing with the pitch coke. Compared to carbon blocks with coal tar pitch binder, those with mixed binder had higher volume shrinkage during carbonization, especially the strong shrinkage at 700 °C which led to the large pore closure. The density, flexural, and compressive strength of the carbon block obtained by the mixed binder reached 1.56 g·cm−3, 34.4 MPa, and 131.3 MPa, while those of carbon blocks with the single binder were only 1.35 g·cm−3, 17.2 MPa, and 33.7 MPa.

Single vs. dual-binder surface design of spray-dried Si–Al-sol-bound kaolin-matrixed SAPO-34 nanocatalyst for conversion of methanol to light-olefins in fluidized bed reactor

This study investigates shaping and characterization of fluidizable methanol to olefins catalysts using single-binder or dual-binder. Physicochemical and mechanical properties were investigated with different methods likewise FESEM, XRD, TGA, FTIR, TPD-NH3 and BET-BJH. Furthermore, MTO process tests were accomplished to investigate the catalytic activity in the fluidized bed and fixed bed reactor and revealed that the sample shaped using dual-binder has larger surface area than the shaped one using single-binder (alumina sol or silica sol). Catalysts with silica sol and alumina-silica sol binder show relatively lower attrition resistance than the catalysts with alumina sol binder. Furthermore, implementation of alumina-silica sol provides increased acidity of the MTO catalyst which led to the increased selectivity and life time in fluidized bed reactor compared to alumina sol and silica sol binder. In addition, the MTO catalyst shaped with alumina-silica sol exhibited slightly lower coke deposition compared to the one made with single binder.

Formulation, adsorption performance, and mechanical integrity of triamine grafted binder-based mesoporous silica pellets for CO2 capture

This work explored the formation of mesoporous silicas pellets using a range of bentonite and colloidal silica (LUDOX) fractions, aiming to optimise the binder composition that minimises any deteriorating effects on adsorption performance, while providing adequate mechanical integrity. Thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis were used to structurally characterise the pellets. Further, CO2 adsorption isotherms of synthesised pellets, pre and post triamine grafting, were measured. Bentonite was found to be an effective single binder that forms mechanically strong pellets and retains up to 85% of CO2 capacity of the base adsorbent. In the presence of LUDOX, pellet hardness was lower, and led to the largest decrease in CO2 capacity. Formulation with 25% bentonite was found to provide pellets with post triamine functionalisation CO2 capacity equivalent to powder SBA-15, at an amine efficiency of 0.41 mol CO2/mol, while minimising pore blockage and maintaining a compressive strength of 1.5 MPa.

Valorisation of marine sediments with novel eco-friendly OPC-CSA composite binder

As an eco-friendly binder, ordinary Portland and calcium sulfoaluminate (OPC-CSA) composite binder are innovatively introduced in the Stabilization/solidification (S/S) of dredged marine sediments waste from Dunkirk harbour in France. This study scrutinizes the feasibility of using OPC-CSA composite binder for the S/S treatment of marine sediments waste as road construction materials, in terms of a series of modified Proctor compaction, immediate Californian Bearing Ratio (I-CBR) index, unconfined compressive strength, splitting tensile strength, and elastic modulus tests. The obtained experimental results show that the compaction, bearing capacity and mechanical performance of the OPC-CSA composite binder solidified sediments is significantly improved, as compared with the raw sediments and OPC/CSA single binder treated sediments. These parameters are highly dependent on the ratio of OPC/CSA, binder content and curing time. Especially, OPC played a significant role in developing the final mechanic performance, while CSA mainly promotes early- mechanical properties development. Therefore, the lab-scale experiment demonstrates that OPC-CSA composite binder could be considered as a green and high-performance binder for the S/S treatment of marine sediments waste in comparison to OPC.

A simple route for additive manufacturing of 316L stainless steel via Fused Filament Fabrication

• Feedstock made of 65 % volume fraction 361L stainless steel with 35 % LDPE was developed. • 3D printing of metal feedstock was carried out by fused filament fabrication (FFF). • 3D printed parts were thermally debound and sintered into 91–93% densified steel parts. The low-cost material extrusion (MEX) additive manufacturing technology can offer an economical alternative to manufacture metal parts with complex geometry over traditional manufacturing or the more expensive powder bed fusion (PBF) techniques. In this work, a feedstock made of 316L stainless steel powder (65 % by volume) and a single component binder (LDPE) system was developed. The use of a single binder rather than two or more components, commonly used in metal MEX, introduces a novel and more sustainable solution in terms of costs and less use of chemicals. The rheology and processability of the feedstocks were studied, and samples were 3D printed. Debinding and sintering under a hydrogen atmosphere at 1380 °C were performed, and the resulting metallic parts have been characterized by a mechanical and microstructural point of view. The results show a sintered steel having 93 % of the theoretical density and an austenitic phase confirming that the post-processing under reductive atmosphere protected the samples from oxidation and other contamination. The sintered 3D parts show a grain size of ∼ 45 μm, a yield point of 250 MPa, a tensile strength of 520 MPa, and a Vickers microhardness of 285 HV typical of annealed steel.

Asymmetric Supercapacitors: Optical and Thermal Effects When Active Carbon Electrodes Are Embedded with Nano-Scale Semiconductor Dots

Optical and thermal effects in asymmetric supercapacitors, whose active-carbon (AC) electrodes were embedded with nano-Si (n-Si) quantum dots (QD), are reported. We describe two structures: (1) p-n-like, obtained by using a polyethylimine (PEI) binder for the “n” electrode and a polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) binder for the “p” electrode; (2) a single component binder—poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). In general, AC appears black to the naked eye and one may assume that it indiscriminately absorbs all light spectra. However, on top of a flat lossy spectrum, AC (from two manufacturers) exhibited two distinct absorption bands: one in the blue (~400 nm) and the other one in the near IR (~840 nm). The n-Si material accentuated the absorption in the blue and bleached the IR absorption. Both bands contributed to capacitance increase: (a) when using aqueous solution and a PMMA binder, the optical-related increased capacitance was 20% for low n-Si concentration and more than 100% for a high-concentration dose; (b) when using ion liquid (IL) electrolyte, the large, thermal capacitance increase (of ca. 40%) was comparable to the optical effect (of ca. 42%) and hence was assigned as an optically induced thermal effect. The experimental data point to an optically induced capacitance increase even in the absence of the n-Si dots. Overall, the experimental data suggest intriguing possibilities for optically controlled supercapacitors.

Chemo-mechanical response of composite electrode systems with multiple binder connections

In Li-ion batteries, the feature of inter-particle connection of a non-active binder can affect lithium diffusion inside the particle and stress development due to the diffusion–stress coupling effect, leading to change in the failure mechanisms of the electrode. In this study, to investigate the effect of binder connection feature on mechanical response, a series of simulations is carried out by changing the particle radius for three cases of single, double, and triple binder connections. The effects of C-rates, lithium flux at the particle–binder interface, level of mechanical constraint, and binder content on the stress development in the particle, binder, and interface domains are explored. We find that two effects of binder confinement and concentration gradients compete in the stress development. For small particles, the binder confinement effect is dominant; while for large particles, the concentration gradients effect is dominant. In addition, the single binder model shows a different stress trend, compared to the multiple binder models, due to asymmetric constraint from the binder. The insights obtained from this study help in the design of composite electrode materials for enhanced battery performance by optimizing parameters.

Comparison of reactive magnesia, quick lime, and ordinary Portland cement for stabilization/solidification of heavy metal-contaminated soils

Stabilization/solidification (S/S) is commonly applied to treat heavy metal-contaminated soils through the use of lime and ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Recently, reactive magnesia (MgO) has emerged as a novel binder for S/S of heavy metal-contaminated soils; however, a comprehensive comparison between MgO, lime (CaO), and OPC for S/S application is still missing. This study compares the S/S efficiency of MgO, CaO, and OPC for soils contaminated by six individual heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, and Mn) through unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test, one stage batch leaching test, and microstructural analysis. The addition of binders can transform soluble heavy metal salts to insoluble hydroxides and their complexes, and hence the leachability of heavy metals decreases. However, the level, to which the leachability can be reduced, is highly pH dependent. Contaminated soils treated with MgO have pH of 9–10.5, at which the leachability of Pb and Zn is much lower than that of OPC- or CaO-treated soils with pH of 10.5–13; for example, the leached Pb and Zn from MgO-treated soils are only 0.1%–3.3% and 0.1%–9.4% of those from OPC-treated soils, respectively. On the other hand, the leached Cd and Mn from OPC-treated soils are 0.1%–28.5% and 0.1–10.7% of those from MgO-treated soils, respectively, due to the high pH and the formation of calcium silicate hydrate (CSH) in OPC-treated soils. OPC and CaO are more effective than MgO in decreasing the Ni leachability at high original concentrations, but less effective at low original concentrations. For all soils except those contaminated by Zn, the OPC generally produces a much higher UCS, up to two orders of magnitude, than the CaO and MgO. The results of study indicate that no single binder can treat all types of heavy metal-contaminated soils perfectly, and the selection of binder is a site-specific problem.

Evaluation of latent heat storage in mortars containing microencapsulated paraffin waxes \u2013 a selection of optimal composition and binders

The application of phase change materials (PCMs) in mortars have been extensively researched, however, most studies are focused in one single binder. Conducting comparative assessments using different binders can facilitate the development of compositions with adequate heat storage and suitable mechanical properties. In this work, several PCM-mortars using cement, lime and gypsum as binders, have been studied using a laboratory simulation that mimicked the day/night temperature changes that the material will be subject during service applications. It has been demonstrated that the addition of PCMs in mortars allows the material to retain heat, indicating that these mortars can have a positive impact on the overall energy demand of buildings. There is a combined effect of delay and lowering of temperature peaks, triggered by the heat released from the capsules. The cells with PCMs showed not only a smaller temperature gradient between night and day, but it also exhibited lower peaks. The tests conducted with this laboratory setup prove that PCMs can be successfully mixed into mortars without compromising its durability, hence their applicability as wall renderings.

In situ analysis of PCBN cutting tool materials during thermo-mechanical loading using synchrotron radiation

Polycrystalline cubic boron nitride (PCBN) has outstanding properties in terms of hardness and chemical stability at elevated temperatures. Therefore, PCBN is used in cutting tool materials for hard machining applications e.g. hard turning of hardened steels. Due to the hardness of the workpiece, high forces act on a low contact area between tool and workpiece. Hence, severe thermo-mechanical loadings occur in such applications causing enhanced tool wear. Fundamental knowledge about the material behavior of PCBN-cutting-materials under thermo-mechanical loading is valuable as a basis for a better understanding of tool wear and finally for improvement of tool wear behavior. PCBN-materials are polycrystalline multi-phase compounds with strongly deviating material properties. In order to investigate the phase selective thermo-mechanical behavior of such materials lattice strain measurements are conducted under thermo-mechanical load using in situ X-ray diffraction with high energy synchrotron radiation. A four point bending test set-up and ceramic thermal heaters are used for the application of thermo-mechanical loading. Three different materials are investigated: a solid low PCBN-content material, a low PCBN-content material on a cemented carbide (CC) substrate and a high PCBN-content material on a CC-substrate. The low PCBN-content material exhibits a single phase binder material whereas the high PCBN-content material exhibits a multi-phase binder with up to five phases. Residual stresses are found in the samples with CC-substrate, only. Different phases of one material show different strains but nearly same stresses upon loading. Thus, thermo-mechanical loading can be seen as superposition of the respective mechanical and thermal loads. The space-resolved experimental data is used to validate an analytical model for the calculation of macroscopic stresses. The phase selective space-resolved strain and stress analysis presented in this paper provides a valuable method for the investigation and optimization of hard cutting tool materials and coatings under real cutting conditions.

Quantification of Circulating Cancer Biomarkers via Sensitive Topographic Measurements on Single Binder Nanoarrays.

Early detection of cancer plays a crucial role in disease prognosis. It requires the recognition and quantification of low amounts of specific molecular biomarkers, either free or transported inside nanovesicles, through the development of novel sensitive diagnostic technologies. In this context, we have developed a nanoarray platform for the noninvasive quantification of cancer biomarkers circulating in the bloodstream. The assay is based on molecular manipulation to create functional spots of surface-immobilized binders and differential topography measurements. It is label-free and requires just a single binder per antigen, and when it is implemented with fluorescence labeling/readout, it can be used for epitope mapping. As a benchmark, we focused on the plasma release of Her2 extracellular domain (ECD), a proposed biomarker for the progression of Her2-positive tumors and response to anticancer therapies. By employing robust, easily engineered camelid nanobodies as binders, we measured ECD-Her2 concentrations in the range of the actual clinical cutoff value for Her2-positive breast cancer. The specificity for Her2 detection was preserved when it was measured in parallel with other potential biomarkers, demonstrating a forthcoming implementation of this approach for multiplexing analysis. Prospectively, this nanorarray platform may be customized to allow for the detection of promising new classes of circulating biomarkers, such as exosomes and microvesicles.

Tribology study of hydroxyapatite (HAp) scaffold blended single based binder via rheology and mechanical properties

PurposeThis paper aims to investigate the vital characteristic of an innovative ceramic injection molding (CIM) process for orthopedic application with controlled porosity and improved tribological and mechanical properties which were affected by complex tribological interactions, whether lubricated like hip implants and other artificial prostheses. The main objective is to maximize the usage of palm stearin as a single based binder as the function of flow properties during injection molding process.Design/methodology/approachThe binder used in this present study consists of 100 per cent palm stearin manufactured by Kempas Oil Sdn Bhd and supplied by Vistec Technology Sdn Bhd. The feedstock was prepared by using a Z-blade mixer (Thermo Haake Rheomix OS) and Brabender mixer model R2400. The feedstock prepared was injection molded using a manually operated vertical benchtop machine with an average pressure of about 5-7 bars. The firing step included the temporary holds at intermediate temperatures to burn out organic binders. At this stage, the green molded specimen was de-bound using a single-step wick-debinding method.FindingsThe maximum content of ceramic material is applied to investigate the efficiencies of net formulation that can be achieved by ceramic materials. The longer the viscosity will change with shear rate, the higher the value of n obtained instead. From the slope of the curves obtained in Figure 3, the value of n for the feedstock was determined to be less than 1, which indicates a pseudoplastic behavior and suitability for the molding process. Moreover, high shear sensitivity is important in producing complex and intrinsic specimens which are leading products in the CIM industry.Originality/valueThe feedstock containing HAp powder and palm stearin binder was successfully prepared at very low temperature of 70°C, which promoting a required pseudo-plastic behavior during rheological test. The single binder palm stearin should be optimized in other research works carried out, as palm stearin is most preferred compared to other polymeric materials that provided high energy consumption when subjected to the sintering process. Besides the binder is widely available in Malaysia, low cost and harmless effect during debinding process.

Bead-Based and Multiplexed Immunoassays for Protein Profiling via Sequential Affinity Capture.

Antibody microarrays offer high-throughput immunoassays for multiplexed analyses of clinical samples. For such approaches, samples are either labeled in solution to enable a direct readout on the single binder assay format or detected by matched pairs of capture and detection antibodies in dual binder assay format, also known as sandwich assays. Aiming to benefit from the flexibility and capacity offered by single binder assay readout and the specificity and sensitivity of dual binder assays, we developed a multiplexed dual binder procedure that is based on a sequential,rather than combined, antigen binding. The method, entitled dual capture assay (DCA), is composed of an initial antigen capture by antibodies on beads, followed by labeling of captured protein targets on beads, combinatorial elution steps at high and low pH, and a readout using a secondary bead array. Compared to classical single binder assays, the described method demonstrated several advantages such as reduced contribution of off-target binding, lower noise levels, and improved correlation when comparing with clinical reference values. This procedure describes a novel and versatile immunoassay strategy for proteome profiling in body fluids.

Chloride interaction with concretes subjected to a permanent splitting tensile stress level of 65%

Penetration of chloride ions into concrete is a complex topic. These ions together with other dissolved chemical species can penetrate into cementitious materials by convection through capillary pores or cracks. Prolonged periods of drying followed by re-wetting can provoke a similar transport mechanism. Saturated cement based materials experience diffusion of water dissolved ions. Ions in the diffusing solution experience chemical interaction with a hydrated cement paste. Some ions are physically adsorbed, others react chemically and part remain free in the solution. This turns the transport into a reactive form of diffusion. The nano-pores which are part of the cement gel, act as sinks for the intruding aggressive chlorides. When concrete is subjected to splitting tensile stresses and a critical stress ratio is surpassed the presence of micro-cracks modifies the transport of chlorides within this material. It was noticed that the chloride content of concrete decreased in zones close to the surface specially where the main pattern of micro-cracks follows the loading plane. It was also observed a secondary micro-crack system which develops perpendicularly to the main splitting-crack system and is connected to it. It was found that this secondary system was also responsible of lowering the level of the chloride content in regions close to the surface even at unexpected distances located far away from the direct influence of the splitting plane. The presence of an inner peak of chloride was also observed, which represents the extent of the damaged or altered zone. This region will be called in this paper as the convection zone. It is believed that the form of the obtained chloride profiles are influenced by the type and amount of binder utilized. Thus, some similarities were found in all the studied concretes such as the formation of a convection zone. On the other hand the level of chloride content and the shape of the profile seem to vary depending on BFS replacement of OPC or when high sulfate resistant cement (HSR) is used as a single binder.

Multiplexed protein profiling by sequential affinity capture.

Antibody microarrays enable parallelized and miniaturized analysis of clinical samples, and have proven to provide novel insights for the analysis of different proteomes. However, there are concerns that the performance of such direct labeling and single antibody assays are prone to off‐target binding due to the sample context. To improve selectivity and sensitivity while maintaining the possibility to conduct multiplexed protein profiling, we developed a multiplexed and semi‐automated sequential capture assay. This novel bead‐based procedure encompasses a first antigen capture, labeling of captured protein targets on magnetic particles, combinatorial target elution and a read‐out by a secondary capture bead array. We demonstrate in a proof‐of‐concept setting that target detection via two sequential affinity interactions reduced off‐target contribution, while lowered background and noise levels, improved correlation to clinical values compared to single binder assays. We also compared sensitivity levels with single binder and classical sandwich assays, explored the possibility for DNA‐based signal amplification, and demonstrate the applicability of the dual capture bead‐based antibody microarray for biomarker analysis. Hence, the described concept enhances the possibilities for antibody array assays to be utilized for protein profiling in body fluids and beyond.

Application and artificial weathering performance of translucent coatings on resin-treated and dye-stained beech-wood

Abstract Beech wood boards ( Fagus sylvatica L.) modified with thermosetting N -methylol melamine (NMM) and phenol-formaldehyde (PF), partly with a dye added (NMM-dye, PF-dye), were coated solely with a translucent water-borne acrylic binder and a formulation containing the same binder and UV-protective agents (UV-PA: UV absorbers, HALS). The aim was to improve the weathering performance and to maintain the colour stability of the modified wood. The applicability of the coating on the modified boards was similar to that of untreated control boards, but the drying times were prolonged. Capillary water uptake of modified, uncoated and coated boards was clearly lower than that of respective controls. Dry and wet adhesion of the coating film and the proportion of wood fracture were higher on the modified substrates than on the controls, but no clear difference was observed among the modified boards. The colour stability during weathering depended in the modification and coating. Untreated and NMM modified samples became lighter, while PF-modified boards turned darker. The weathered coating on the modified boards, particularly with PF resin, showed less blistering, flaking and cracking than that on the controls. The coating on all resin-modified boards maintained higher adhesion during weathering than the controls. UV-PA stabilised the colour and adhesion on all boards compared to the single binder formulation. The study shows that wood modification with NMM and PF improves the weathering performance of wood coated with acrylic coatings. Combined modification with staining can diversify the optical appearance of wood coated with translucent finishes.