Surface Texture Research Articles

Study on the surface texture-microparticles synergistic lubrication mechanism of artificial joint

Abstract After total joint replacement surgery, frequent injection of lubricating substances is required due to lubrication failure caused by the absorption of lubricants by the human body, which will cause serious physiological and psychological burdens on patients. In this study, with the help of surface texture aggregation of particles, gelatin microgel particles with a diameter of about 4 µm were used as lubricating substances to achieve aggregation in the texture, thus improving the friction environment under low-concentration lubricants. The study found that the rectangular cross-section texture demonstrated the most effective anti-friction properties, resulting in a 26% reduction in friction coefficient compared to non-textured surfaces. Additionally, utilizing COMSOL for particle flow simulation, researchers observed the motion behavior of particles within the texture and clarified the mechanism of particle aggregation and the improvement of lubrication on the surface. This article confirms the beneficial effects of combining surface texture and particles on lubrication, thus providing valuable insight for improving lubrication in dilute particle solutions.

Glucono-δ-lactone induced Auricularia auricula polysaccharide-casein composite gels for curcumin loading and delivery

Polysaccharides could be used to form the network structure of casein (CA) gel, and affect its gelling properties. Auricularia auricula polysaccharide (AAP) has good gel properties and activity, however, how the AAP affects gelling properties of CA gels remains unclear. In this study, AAP and CA were acid-induced by glucono-δ-lactone (GDL) to prepare composite gels for curcumin loading. The effects of different AAP additions on the gel structure were emphasized. Water holding capacity, rheology, texture profile analysis, sulfhydryl content, surface hydrophobicity and gel microstructure showed that the composite gels were most structurally stable upon addition of 0.4 % AAP. The composite gels exhibited a higher strength and a more regular network structure compared to the CA gels. The results of turbidity studies showed that CA and AAP formed gels through electrostatic interactions due to pH < pI. The results of FT-IR, X-ray diffraction, fluorescence spectroscopy, and UV–Vis spectroscopy indicated that curcumin interacted with the CA and was successfully encapsulated within the gel. In addition, in vitro simulated digestion experiments demonstrated that the composite gels exhibited better protection against curcumin than the single CA gel. The results suggested that composite gels can be used as a curcumin carrier, which may enhance its wider application in the food and health industries.

Performance analysis of ER fluid-lubricated two-lobe hole-entry hybrid journal bearings with bionic and spherical texture surfaces optimized by genetic algorithm

This study is done into the multifaceted world of ER (Electro-rheological) fluid-lubricated optimized textured hybrid hole-entry journal bearings to improve dynamic performance of the bearing and stability. These innovative techniques harness the dynamic properties of ER fluids in conjunction with optimized textured spherical and bionic textured surfaces to achieve enhanced performance and reliability. This study aims to explore the influence of ER fluid on the tribological behaviour and controllability of hybrid hole-entry journal bearings. Further it proposes the optimized design of bionic and spherical textured surfaces, capitalizing on their ability to influence fluid flow, load-carrying capacity, and friction reduction. The results demonstrate promising improvements in bearing performance metrics, including dynamic stability and fluid film damping, load-carrying capacity, friction reduction, and controllability, facilitated by the integration of ER fluid and the optimization of textured spherical and bionic textured surfaces. This study offers valuable insights into the potential applications of ER fluids and biomimicry-inspired textured surfaces in bearing system engineering. The inclusion of bionic textured hole-entry hybrid bearing lubricated with ER fluid improves the stability by up to 112.57 % and decrease the friction coefficient up to 23.37 %. The findings are expected to inform the design and development of high-performance hole-entry hybrid journal bearings with diverse industrial applications.

Wear and corrosion resistance of textured and functionally particle-enhanced multilayer dual-biomimetic polymer coatings

This study presents a dual-biomimetic polymer coating with improved wear and corrosion resistance, inspired by natural biological structures of shells and superhydrophobic surfaces. The coating is composed of alternating hard epoxy resin layers, modified with benzotriazole-functionalized silica for corrosion protection, and soft fluorocarbon resin layers, enhanced with graphene oxide for improved mechanical properties. Surface textures were added using a soft template method to boost hydrophobicity and reduce wear. The coating demonstrated excellent hardness, impact resistance, and corrosion protection, particularly in simulated seawater. Additionally, surface textures further minimized wear by trapping debris. This design strategy offers a promising approach for advanced polymer coatings in marine, machinery, and chemical applications, combining durability, protection, and self-healing properties.

Optimizing laser surface texturing effect via synergy of Burst-mode and advanced scanning paths

Optimizing laser surface texturing effect via synergy of Burst-mode and advanced scanning paths

Enhancing tribological performance of AISI 52100: the role of laser surface texturing in dry and lubricated conditions

Abstract Laser surface texturing (LST) is a valuable technique in surface engineering that offers significant improvements in the tribological behavior of metals and alloys. This study investigates the synergistic effect of incorporating hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) as a solid lubricant with laser surface texturing on the tribological performance of AISI 52100. Dimple textures with varying pitch distances (100, 150, and 200 μm) were created on the surfaces of the mentioned materials using LST. The friction coefficient and wear behavior of both non-textured surface (NTS) and textured surfaces (TS) were analyzed under dry sliding (DS) and lubricating sliding (LS) conditions. Wear tests were conducted using a universal tribometer under a load of 10 N, a sliding frequency of 10 Hz, and a sliding time of 1250 s. The results demonstrate that the presence of dimple textures significantly influences the tribological behavior of the materials. In DS, the wear coefficient exhibits a significant reduction compared to NTS, with decreases of 88.1% for TSP-100, 28.5% for TSP-150, and 76.1% for TSP-200. In LS, the TSP-L-100 (h-BN NPS) surface demonstrates the lowest average wear coefficient among all textured surfaces. Specifically, the TSP-L-100 surface shows a remarkable 97.61% reduction in average wear coefficient compared to NTS. This study demonstrates the potential of LST combined with h-BN as a solid lubricant in improving the tribological properties of metals, offering valuable insights for surface engineering applications in various industries.

Investigation on the performances of thrust ball bearing with a novel oil self-transportation biomimetic composite guiding surface

Improving the lubrication condition of oil-starved rolling bearings is a proven method to improve their reliability and service life. In this study, a composite surface texture was designed inspired by the microscopic structure of cactus spine, pitcher plant and blood clam. Superhydrophobic surface coating technology was also employed. An oil self-transportation biomimetic composite surface was developed on the guiding surface of a thrust ball bearing. Experimental results show that the biomimetic composite surface effectively drives oil for high-speed directional transport. The biomimetic composite guiding surface bearing demonstrated excellent best vibration and friction torque performance. Compared to conventional bearing, it has an overall vibration performance improvement of 37.4 %, as well as a significant reduction in friction torque of 43.3 % and wear of 72.2 %. We conclude that oil self-transportation biomimetic composite surfaces on rolling bearings can significantly improve the lubrication condition.

Influence of the Traverse Speed of the Stylus Tip on Changes in the Areal Texture Parameters of Machined Surfaces

Measurements of areal (3D) surface texture using optical methods are very popular because of the short measurement time compared to the stylus tip technique. However, they are very sensitive to measurement errors. In some cases, optical measurements are not recommended. The stylus measurement method is well known and can be the reference technique for surface texture measurement. The main disadvantage is the long measuring time. This time can be shortened using higher speeds of measurement. The effect of the speed of the measurement of stylus profilometer on changes in surface texture parameters was studied. Fifty surface topographies were measured using the stylus profilometer at speeds 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mm/s in the same places. Surfaces after lapping, polishing, grinding, milling, laser texturing, and two-process random surfaces were measured and analyzed. Changes in parameters caused by the increase in the traverse speed depend on the characteristics and parameters of the surfaces. The random surfaces changed more than the deterministic ones. The increase in the traverse speed from 0.5 to 1 mm/s caused small changes in the parameters.

Hydrophobic surface texture air-liquid phase composite assisted laser processing and tribological properties

In order to improve the surface hydrophobicity and tribological properties of 304 stainless steel, this study used laser processing technology to prepare three types of surface textures (CSA, CM2, CM5) in an air and air–liquid composite environment. By testing the surface quality, wettability and tribological properties of the texture, it was found that the surface quality and interfacial friction control ability of CSA were poor due to the influence of the processing environment. However, due to the air–liquid composite assisted laser preparation, while using the air medium laser processing technology to ensure the texture depth, the scattering effect of bubbles and the influence of negative pressure on the solid–liquid interface during the liquid phase assisted laser processing remove the oxide recast layer and burr on the surface of the sample, and improve the surface quality of the texture, thereby improving the surface friction behavior of the sample. This study promotes the development of surface texture laser processing technology and broadens the application field of 304 stainless steel.

Optimizing Surface Texture Through Ion Induction for High Areal Capacitance and Enhanced Stability in MXene Electrodes

AbstractTo make supercapacitors a viable commercial product, it is necessary to increase the mass loading (ML) of the electrodes. However, current research on high ML MXene electrodes mainly focuses on internal structure optimization, often neglecting the importance of surface texture in the electrodes, which plays a crucial role in mediating interactions between the internal structure and the electrolyte. This study reports on a simple ion‐intercalation process that can reduce charge transfer resistance and improve cycling stability. Through the integration of 3D visualization models and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering techniques, a comprehensive investigation of the electrode's surface structure and MXene flake arrangement is conducted. The results showed that pre‐oriented aggregates induced by ion‐intercalation create a sophisticated surface structure with rich hills and valleys, promoting electrolyte permeation and ion exchange. This work highlights the significance of surface texture in films and electrodes, guiding the design of high‐performance materials.

Finite Element Simulations and Statistical Analysis for the Tribological Design of Mutually Textured Surfaces and Related Experimental Validation

Abstract In the last few decades, micro-texturing has become a widely studied technique to modify the frictional behavior between surfaces in both dry and lubricated regimes. Among all the available techniques, the laser surface texturing appears to be fast, clean, and flexible, and thus a good candidate in realizing surface micro-patterns, also for the improvement of the tribological performance of automotive components when subjected to dry friction. For this reason, in the present work, the tribological response of four different patterns of micro-holes on two contrasting materials, specifically silicon carbide and carbon black have been investigated with a coupled experimental–numerical approach. The static and the dynamic friction coefficients have been extracted from the 25 different combinations of these surface textures including the flat counterparts. Then, the influence of the holes diameter, their density, and the material has been studied thanks to a multivariate linear regression. Specifically, it emerged that, in a dry regime, the most emerging parameter is the micro-holes diameter, for both static and dynamic frictions. Moreover, for both static and dynamic frictions, the material which more influences the effects of patterns to the overall frictional behavior is here the stiffest one. These insights for the design of micro-patterned surfaces with controlled frictional properties could be useful for those applications in which a dry friction regime is present.

Bionic Strategies for Pump Anti-Cavitation: A Comprehensive Review

The cavitation phenomenon presents a significant challenge in pump operation since the losses incurred by cavitation adversely impact pump performance. The many constraints of conventional anti-cavitation techniques have compelled researchers to explore biological processes for innovative alternatives. Consequently, the use of bionanotechnology for anti-cavitation pumping has emerged as a prominent study domain. Despite the extensive publication of publications on biomimetic technology, research concerning the use of anti-cavitation in pumps remains scarce. This review comprehensively summarizes, for the first time, the advancements and applications of bionic structures, bionic surface texture design, and bionic materials in pump anti-cavitation, addressing critical aspects such as blade leading-edge bionic structures, bionic worm shells, microscopic bionic textures, and innovative bionic coatings. Bionic technology may significantly reduce cavitation erosion and improve pump performance by emulating natural biological structures. This research elucidates the creative contributions of biomimetic designs and their anti-cavitation effects, hence boosting the anti-cavitation performance of pumps. This work integrates practical requirements and anticipates future applications of bionic technology in pump anti-cavitation, offering a significant research direction and reference for scholars in this domain.

Sustainable synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Azadirachta indica: antimicrobial, antioxidant and in silico analysis for periodontal treatment

IntroductionThis study explores potential application of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) to treat periodontal infection using Azadirachta indica leaf extract. The eco-friendly green synthesis process uses Azadirachta indica as a natural stabilizer and reducer, allowing AgNPs to be formed.MethodsExperimental AgNPs were characterized through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Zeta potential, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-Vis) etc. The antimicrobial, antioxidant potential of AgNPs was tested to identify its efficacy against periodontal infections.Results and discussionAgNPs were found spherical, nanosized (86 nm), with negative surface charge (−26.9 mV). TEM study depicted clear formation of discrete nanosize particles with smooth surface texture. Results showed strong antibacterial and anti-oxidant action of experimental AgNPs, preventing biofilm growth and bacterial viability. A higher binding affinity was observed between Quercetin and the selected protein, which is implicated in bacterial growth and biofilm formation on teeth. The study suggests that Azadirachta indica derived AgNPs could be a safe, efficacious, and eco-friendly alternative in place of conventional therapies to treat periodontal infection. Future in vivo studies are however warranted.

Corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of magnesium alloy with bioactive glass-reinforced hydrogel composite coatings

Magnesium (Mg) alloy is a promising candidate for biodegradable implants; however, its rapid degradation can create an unstable physiological environment that hampers tissue regeneration. To address this challenge, a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel composite reinforced with bioactive glass (BG) particles was developed as a coating for Mg alloy pellets, which underwent laser surface texturing (LST) and salting-out processes. results demonstrate that these treatments significantly enhance both the adhesiveness and swelling of the hydrogel coating. Notably, electrochemical corrosion assessments reveal a marked improvement in corrosion resistance, with the Mg–B1-L-S specimen exhibiting the highest performance after salting-out treatment. Electrochemical corrosion assessments revealed a significant enhancement in corrosion resistance for Mg alloy with the hydrogel coating, with the Mg–B1-L-S specimen showing superior performance following salting-out treatment. Immersion tests in simulated body fluid (SBF) confirmed the protective effect of the coatings, indicating that the addition of BG particles and salting-out treatment reduced mass loss and maintained pH stability. Biocompatibility evaluations through in vitro viability tests and osteogenic differentiation assays indicate that the Mg–B1-L and Mg–B1-L-S specimens exhibit superior cell activity, surface adhesion, and osteogenic potential. These findings highlight the effectiveness of PVA-BG hydrogel composite coatings in enhancing the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of Mg alloy implants, positioning this approach as a significant advancement in the development of biodegradable materials for biomedical applications.

A Review on the Effect of Wood Surface Modification on Paint Film Adhesion Properties

Wood surface treatment aims to improve or reduce the surface activity of wood by physical treatment, chemical treatment, biological activation treatment or other methods to achieve the purpose of surface modification. After wood surface modification, the paint film adhesion performance, gluing performance, surface wettability, surface free energy and surface visual properties would be affected. This article aims to explore the effects of different modification methods on the adhesion of wood coating films. Modification of the wood surface significantly improves the adhesion properties of the paint film, thereby extending the service life of the coating. Research showed that physical external force modification improved the hydrophilicity and wettability of wood by changing its surface structure and texture, thus enhancing the adhesion of the coating. Additionally, high-temperature heat treatment modification reduced the risk of coating cracking and peeling by eliminating stress and moisture within the wood. Chemical impregnation modification utilized the different properties of organic and inorganic substances to improve the stability and durability of wood. Organic impregnation effectively filled the wood cell wall and increased its density, while inorganic impregnation enhanced the adhesion of the coating by forming stable chemical bonds. Composite modification methods combined the advantages of the above technologies and significantly improved the comprehensive properties of wood through multiple modification treatments, showing superior adhesion and durability. Comprehensive analysis indicated that selecting the appropriate modification method was key for different wood types and application environments.

Macroscopic perspective on phase transition behavior of natural single-crystal graphite under different pressure environments

Comprehensive understanding of the direct transformation pathway from graphite to diamond under high temperature and high pressure has long been one of the fundamental goals in materials science. Despite considerable experimental and theoretical progress, current experimental studies have mainly focused on the local microstructural characterizations of recovered samples, which has certain limitations for high-temperature and high-pressure products, which often exhibit diversity. Here, we report on the pressure-induced phase transition behavior of natural single-crystal graphite under three distinct pressure-transmitting media from a macroscopic perspective using in situ two-dimensional Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The surface evolution process of graphite before and after the phase transition is captured, revealing that pressure-induced surface textures can impede the continuity of the phase transition process across the entire single crystal. Our results provide a fresh perspective for studying the phase transition behavior of graphite and greatly deepen our understanding of this behavior, which will be helpful in guiding further high-temperature and high-pressure syntheses of carbon allotropes.

Experimental characterisation and visualisation of a novel two-phase flexible heat transfer device

The importance of passive Flexible Heat Transfer Device (FHTD) in electronic cooling or space applications lies in their ability to provide efficient, reliable, and adaptable thermal management solutions. Heat transfer enhancement studies pertaining to FHTD developed to meet the thermal management demands of futuristic flexible electronic devices are presented in the current work. The possibility of extending the heat transport limit of FHTD beyond 24 W by limiting the maximum operating temperature to 60 °C is discussed. The superior performance of FHTD at varying heat loads from 5 W to 40 W at 45°and 90°bending angles is brought out compared with existing heat transfer devices like Flexible Heat Pipe (FHP) and copper thermal straps. The performance is reported in thermal resistance and equivalent thermal conductivity. A commercial dielectric liquid is used as a working fluid in FHTD to enhance the heat transfer limit employing phase change. The evaporator and condenser sections of the flexible section are made transparent to visualise the boiling and condensation phenomenon. Under steady-state operation at a 45°bending angle, The FHTD demonstrates a minimum thermal resistance of 0.73 K/W and a peak effective thermal conductivity of 8172 W/m K. The heat transfer coefficient ranges from 200 to 700 W/m2 K, consistent with values reported for heat pipes in the literature. Additionally, the study explores the impact of modifying the external surface texture to create more nucleation sites, thereby enhancing the performance of the FHTD. The results show that the laser-textured surface on the heat pipe condenser effectively reduces the onset of nucleate boiling for dielectric fluid by 3.5 °C and decreases the maximum temperature of the evaporator by 4.5 °C. The present work dictates the fundamental baseline for possible design choices of futuristic passive flexible heat transfer devices.

Effect of process temperatures on joining aluminum alloy (AA5052) to polypropylene (PP) by friction lap welding

The joining of aluminum alloy 5052 (AA5052) and polypropylene (PP) by friction lap welding (FLW) was investigated under different process temperature conditions. Welding experiments were conducted at different tool rotational speeds, and the process temperatures were monitored using an infrared camera and thermocouples. The temperature distribution at the cross-section was determined using a validated numerical model. The joint quality was assessed by measuring tensile shear strength and examining the joint morphology. It was found that interfacial temperatures in the range of 156 °C–316 °C were optimal for achieving effective mechanical interlocking, attributed to the appropriate flow of molten PP into the textured aluminum alloy surface. Temperatures below 130 °C resulted in inadequate PP flow, leading to poor joint formation, while temperatures above 316 °C caused over-melting of PP, bubble formation, and approached the PP initial decomposition limit. Raman spectroscopy showed that the process temperatures did not cause significant chemical bonding and that mechanical interlocking was the main contributing joining mechanism. The results showed that dissimilar welding of metals and non-polar polymers can be optimized by the precise monitor and control of the temperature of the process.

Enhanced tribological properties and cyto-biocompatibility of dental Ti6Al4V alloy via laser surface texturing

Currently, the application of titanium-based implants is hindered by challenges such as inadequate wear resistance and limited osseointegration. Surface texturing technique has been recognized as an effective strategy to improve the surface performances of metallic material. The present work adopts a nanosecond laser texturing technique to fabricate micro textures on the titanium substrate. Firstly, the influence of laser parameters on the texture morphology and quality were investigated. Subsequently, both isotropic and anisotropic surface textures were fabricated to examine the impacts of texture form on wettability, tribological behavior, and cell adhesion and proliferation. The obtained results reveal that both the two textures promote the surface wettability of Ti6Al4V alloy towards a hydrophobic direction. Furthermore, the anisotropic micro-groove texture and the isotropic micro-grid texture can reduce the wear rate of titanium alloy by 42.02% and 73.64%, respectively. However, from the perspective of cyto-biocompatibility, the anisotropic micro-groove texture is capable of triggering an excellent cell contact guidance phenomenon, leading to a dramatically accelerated proliferation rate and facilitating the bone tissue growth in a specific direction.

Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity in Photocatalytic Concrete: Synthesis, Characterization, and Comprehensive Performance Assessment of Nano-TiO2-Modified Recycled Aggregates

This study presents an exhaustive exploration into the development and rigorous evaluation of nano-TiO2-modified recycled aggregates (NT@RAs) as an environmentally sustainable substitute for natural aggregates in concrete applications. A methodical framework was devised for the synthesis and thorough characterization of NT@RAs, emphasizing the optimization of nano-TiO2 loading onto the RA surface and within its intricate porous structure. The investigation encompassed three distinct types of recycled aggregates: recycled glass sands (RGSs), recycled clay brick sands (RCBSs), and recycled concrete sands (RCSs). Of particular interest, NT@RGS, with its properties of an inherently smooth surface texture and low water absorption, was found to exert a favorable influence on the rheological behavior of concrete, manifested in reduced yield stress, thereby underscoring the potential for fine-tuning mix designs to enhance workability. As the substitution levels of NT@RGS and NT@RCBS escalated, an initial decrement in compressive strength was discernible, which subsequently reversed to strength restoration at optimized substitution ratios. This phenomenon is attributed to the synergistic interplay among NT@RA components. Remarkably, NT@RA-incorporated concrete demonstrated unparalleled self-cleaning abilities, surpassing the performance of concrete with direct nano-TiO2 powder incorporation. This comprehensive research contributes significantly to the advancement in sustainable, high-performance photocatalytic construction materials within the realm of concrete technology. It underscores the potential for enhancing not only the rheological and mechanical properties but also the environmental responsiveness of concrete through the innovative utilization of NT@RAs.