Titania Particles Research Articles

Effect of powder and process parameters on in-situ alloying of nitinol during laser powder bed fusion

Powder characteristics such as flow energy, bulk density, compressibility, morphology, particle size distribution (PSD) and laser energy absorbtivity have a significant impact on the Laser Bed Powder Fusion (L-PBF) process. The impact of powder characteristics on in-situ nickel-titanium alloy formation within the L-PBF process is not well understood. In this work, the characteristics of nickel, titanium and two elemental blends of nickel-titanium powder were compared with those of a pre-alloyed nitinol powder. L-PBF solidification tracks were generated using selected powders and characterised for resulting track dimensions and chemical homogeneity. This study demonstrates that the melt homogenisation time and the size of titanium particles relative to nickel particles are critical factors for successful in-situ alloying of nitinol within the L-PBF process. The variation in elemental composition within solidification track cross sections, as measured by EDX point spectra, was found to increase significantly for laser scanning speeds of 400 mm/s and above. Furthermore, the elemental composition inhomogeneity with increasing laser scan speed was found to be significantly more pronounced for a nickel-titanium powder blend of spherical particles with average titanium particle size of 48 μm compared to an otherwise similar blend with an average titanium particle size of 32 μm. There was no significant difference recorded between solidification track widths of in-situ alloyed blends compared to pre-alloyed blends, indicating that optimal hatch spacing for in-situ alloying is likely to be similar to that required for pre-alloyed powders.

Inflammatory Response to Wear Particles: Comparisons Between Zirconia and Titanium In Vitro.

To compare the inflammatory responses of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) subjected to titanium (Ti) and/or zirconia (Zr) particles while growing on Ti or Zr discs. In total, 240 discs were fabricated at a size of 2 mm in height and 5 mm in diameter. Of the 240 discs, 120 discs were made of Ti (commercially pure [CP] grade 4), and 120 discs were made of Zr (3 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia polycrystals [3Y-TZP]). The PBMCs were cultured on the two-disc materials, and particles with a size up to 20 mm Ti (99.5% Ti) and 0.1 to 0.2 mm Zr (3Y-TZP) were added to the cultures. The concentration levels of inflammatory cytokines in culture supernatants were measured through Bio-Plex assay (Bio-Rad Laboratories), and light microscopic analysis was performed to detect cell attachment and characterize particle shape and cell-particle interaction. The inflammatory responses of PBMCs were generally higher when cells were cultured on a Ti surface compared to a Zr surface. In addition, higher cytokine levels were seen when cells were cultured in the presence of Ti particles compared to Zr particles when no discs were used. However, there were only significantly increased levels for three cytokines (MCP-1, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) when particles were added to Ti discs. Higher release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) from neutrophils were seen in presence of Zr particles compared to Ti particles. A reduction in cell death was observed in the presence of Zr particles compared to Ti particles and unstimulated control samples. The type of growth material and presence of particle affects PBMCs in vitro. Cells seeded on Ti discs and together with Ti particles generated higher levels of inflammatory cytokines compared to the Zr counterparts.

Analysis of Cu-decorated Ti particles as a reinforcement for AZ91 alloys prepared using the powder metallurgy method

Magnesium (Mg) matrix composites (Mg-MMCs) with high strength and ductility properties are crucial for the development of lightweight automobiles. In this study, a novel method is proposed for fabricating Mg-MMCs by incorporating nanocopper (Cu) decorated titanium (Ti) particles (Cu@Ti) to reinforce AZ91 alloys. The in-situ generation of the AlCuMg phase at the interface between the Ti particles and the Mg matrix enhances interface integration and promotes the formation of massive twins. The 5.0 wt% Cu@Ti/AZ91 composite exhibits notable mechanical properties, with a yield strength of 238 MPa, ultimate tensile strength of 368 MPa, elongation of 12%, and modulus of elasticity of 46 GPa. These values represent increases of 8.9%, 5.3%, 50.0%, and 2.0%, respectively, compared to those of AZ91 alloys. The strengthening mechanism is mainly attributed to grain refinement strengthening, thermal expansion coefficient mismatch strengthening, Orowan strengthening, and load transfer strengthening. The plasticity improvement benefits from the optimization of the interface structure, grain refinement and twin formation.

Atomic layer deposited TiO2 nanofilm on titanium implant for reduced the release of particles.

Objective: Titanium implants are widely used in surgeries for their biocompatibility and mechanical properties. However, excessive titanium particle release can cause implant failure. This study explores Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) to coat commercially pure titanium (Cp-Ti) with TiO2, aiming to improve its frictional and corrosion resistance while reducing particle release. By comparing TiO2 films with varying ALD cycle numbers, we assess surface properties, particle release, friction, and corrosion performance, providing insights into mitigating particle release from implants. Methods: Cp-Ti surfaces were prepared and coated with TiO2 films of 100, 300, and 500 ALD cycles. Surface characterization involved SEM, EDX, and XRD. Friction was tested using SEM, nanoindentation, and ICP-MS. Corrosion resistance was evaluated through immersion tests and electrochemical analysis. Cytotoxicity was assessed using BMSCs. Results: Surface characterization revealed smoother surfaces with increased ALD cycles, confirming successful TiO2 deposition. Friction testing showed reduced friction coefficients with higher ALD cycles, supported by nanoindentation results. Corrosion resistance improved with increasing ALD cycles, as evidenced by electrochemical tests and reduced titanium release. Cytotoxicity studies showed no significant cytotoxic effects. Conclusion: ALD-coated TiO2 films significantly enhance frictional and corrosion resistance of titanium implants while reducing particle release. The study underscores the importance of ALD cycle numbers in optimizing film performance, offering insights for designing implants with improved properties.

Angiopoietin 1 Relieves Osteolysis by Promoting Macrophage Mitophagy Through the TBK1-SQSTM1 Pathway to Inhibit AIM2 Inflammasome-Mediated Pyroptosis.

Osteolysis resulting from wear particles and subsequent aseptic loosening is a leading cause of revision surgery of artificial joints. The underlying pathogenesis of particle-induced osteolysis (PPO) has remained largely uncertain. Addressing how to mitigate osteolysis caused by wear particles presents a significant challenge for orthopedic surgeons. This study aimed to explore the molecular mechanism by which Angiopoietin (Ang-1) inhibits osteoclast activation to alleviate osteolysis. RAW264.7 mouse macrophages were stimulated with LPS or RANKL to induce osteoclast formation. Additionally, titanium (Ti) particles (50mg) were subperiosteally implanted around the cranial suture of mice to establish a calvarial osteolysis model. Ang-1, a member of the pro-angiogenic factor protein family and an important inflammatory regulator molecule, was utilized in this model. TRAP staining was utilized to detect osteoclast activation, while a western blot was conducted to identify key proteins associated with mitophagy and pyroptosis. Scanning electron microscopy was employed to observe the morphology and dimensions of Ti particles. Additionally, a combination of micro-CT, H&E, Masson's trichrome, and immunohistochemical staining techniques were applied to analyze the calvarial samples. Results indicated that Ang-1 could inhibit LPS- or RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis and alleviate Ti particle-induced calvarial osteolysis in mice. TBK-1, a key signaling molecule involved in initiating mitophagy, was found to be mechanistically enhanced by Ang-1 through promoting TBK-1 phosphorylation in macrophages. This process inhibited AIM2 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis and impeded osteoclastogenesis. Overall, this research uncovers a novel mechanism by which Ang-1 can attenuate inflammatory osteolysis, potentially offering a new therapeutic approach for PPO.

Quantity and Size of Titanium Particles Released from Different Mechanical Decontamination Procedures on Titanium Discs: An In Vitro Study.

Complications such as peri-implantitis could ultimately affect the survival of a dental implant. The prevention and treatment of peri-implant diseases require managing bacterial biofilm and controlling environmental risks, including the presence of pro-inflammatory titanium (Ti) particles in the peri-implant niche. Objectives included the evaluation of the size and quantity of Ti particles released from moderately roughened Ti surfaces during common mechanical surface decontamination methods. One hundred and forty moderately roughened Ti discs were divided into seven groups (n = 20 per group); six groups received mechanical decontamination procedures (ultrasonic scaling (US) with a metal tip and poly-ether-ketone (PEEK) under low and medium power settings, air-polishing with erythritol powder, and Ti brush), and the control group underwent air-water spray using a dental triplex. The rinsing solution was collected for Ti mass analysis using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS), as well as for Ti particle size and count analysis under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). US metal tip instrumentation generated 34.00 ± 12.54 μg and 34.44 ± 6.08 μg of Ti under low and medium power settings, respectively. This amount of Ti generation was significantly higher than other instrumentation methods. The mean Ti particle size of the US groups ranged from 0.89 ± 0.27 μm to 1.25 ± 0.24 μm. No statistically significant difference was found in the particle size among US groups and Ti brush group (1.05 ± 0.11 μm), except for US with the PEEK tip, where a significantly smaller mean particle diameter was found at the low power setting (0.89 ± 0.27 μm). Mechanical instrumentation can produce Ti particulates and modify the implant surfaces. US using a metal tip generated the highest amount of Ti with smaller Ti size particles compared to all other commonly used mechanical surface instrumentations. The EDS analysis confirmed Ti in PEEK US tips. It can be suggested that deterioration from the PEEK US tip and Ti brush, as observed under SEM, is an additional source of Ti release during Ti surface decontamination.

Apatite-Forming Ability and Visible Light-Enhanced Antibacterial Activity of CuO-Supported TiO2 Formed on Titanium by Chemical and Thermal Treatments.

Titanium with apatite-forming ability as well as antibacterial activity is useful as a component of antibacterial dental implants. When Ti was subjected to hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), copper acetate (Cu(OAc)2), and heat (H2O2-Cu(OAc)2-heat) treatments, a network structure of anatase and rutile titanium dioxide (TiO2) and fine copper oxide (CuO) particles was formed on the Ti surface. The resulting samples accumulated a dense and uniform apatite layer on the surface when incubated in simulated body fluid and showed enhanced antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus under visible-light irradiation. Electron spin resonance spectra of H2O2-Cu(OAc)2-heat-treated samples showed that hydroxyl radicals (·OH) were generated from the samples, and the concentration of ·OH increased with increasing Cu concentration of the Cu(OAc)2 solution. The enhanced antibacterial activity of these samples under visible-light irradiation may be attributable to the generation of ·OH from samples. These results suggest that Ti implants obtained using H2O2-Cu(OAc)2-heat treatments and subjected to regular or on-demand visible-light irradiation may provide a decreased risk of peri-implantitis.

Investigating foliar application of bulk and nanoparticles titanium dioxide on fennel productivity to mitigate the negative effects of saline irrigation water

BackgroundFennel essential oils are fragrance compounds used in food and pharmaceutical sectors. One of the major impediments to expansion of fennel farming in Egypt's reclamation areas is saline water. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) or TiO2 nano particles (TiO2NP) can be utilized to boost the yield of aromatic plants cultivated under saline irrigation water. Saline water, particularly which contains sodium chloride can harm fennel plant; consequently, it was predicted that fennel production would fail in Egypt's reclaimed area, where the primary source of irrigation is groundwater consisting sodium chloride. This study sought to help fennel respond to sodium chloride by applying Ti forms to their leaves in order to reduce the detrimental effects of sodium chloride on them for expanding their production in the newly reclamation areas as a natural source of essential oil. Ti forms were applied as foliar application at 0, 0.1, 0.2 TiO2, 0.1 TiO2NP, and 0.2 TiO2NP, mM under irrigation with fresh water (0.4 dS m−1), or saline water (51.3 mM or 4.7 dS m−1).ResultsPlants exposed to 0.1 mM TiO2NP under fresh water resulted in the maximum values of morphological characters, estragole, oxygenated monoterpenes and photosynthetic pigments; while those subjected to 0.1 mM TiO2NP under saline water gave the greatest values of essential oil, proline, antioxidant enzymes and phenols. The greatest amounts of soluble sugars were recorded with 0.2 mM TiO2NP irrigated with saline water. Plants subjected to 0 mM TiO2 under saline water produced the greatest values of flavonoids, hydrogen peroxide and malondialdehyde.ConclusionTo mitigate the negative effects of salty irrigation water on fennel plant production, TiO2NP application is suggested as a potential strategy.

Inflammatory tissue response in human soft tissue is caused by a higher particle load near carbon fiber-reinforced PEEK compared to titanium plates

Titanium as the leading implant material in locked plating is challenged by polymers such as carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK), which became the focus of interest of researchers and manufacturers in recent years. However, data on human tissue response to these new implant materials are rare.Osteosynthesis plates and peri‑implant soft tissue samples of 16 healed proximal humerus fractures were examined (n = 8 CFR-PEEK, n = 8 titanium). Soft tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and µCT. The entrapped foreign bodies were further examined for their material composition by FTIR. To gain insight into their origin and formation mechanism, explanted and new plates were evaluated by SEM, EDX, profilometry and HR-CT.In the peri‑implant soft tissue of the CFR-PEEK plates, an inflammatory tissue reaction was detected. Tissues contained foreign bodies, which could be identified as tantalum wires, carbon fiber fragments and PEEK particles. Titanium particles were also found in the peri‑implant soft tissue of the titanium plates but showed a less intense surrounding tissue inflammation in immunohistochemistry. The surface of explanted CFR-PEEK plates was rougher and showed exposed and broken carbon fibers as well as protruding and deformed tantalum wires, especially in used screw holes, whereas scratches were identified on the titanium plate surfaces.Particles were present in the peri‑implant soft tissue neighboring both implant materials and could be clearly assigned to the plate material. Particles from both plate materials caused detectable tissue inflammation, with more inflammatory cells found in soft tissue over CFR-PEEK plates than over titanium plates. Statement of significanceOsteosynthesis plates are ubiquitously used in various medical specialties for the reconstruction of bone fractures and defects and are therefore indispensable for trauma surgeons, ENT specialists and many others. The leading implant material are metals such as titanium, but recently implants made of polymers such as carbon fiber-reinforced polyetheretherketone (CFR-PEEK) have become increasingly popular. However, little is known about human tissue reaction and particle generation related to these new implant types. To clarify this question, 16 osteosynthesis plates (n = 8 titanium and n = 8 CFR-PEEK) and the overlying soft tissue were analyzed regarding particle occurrence and tissue inflammation. Tissue inflammation is clinically relevant for the development of scar tissue, which is discussed to cause movement restrictions and thus contributes significantly to patient outcome.

Effect of Heating Power on The Synthesis of Titanium Dioxide Particles by Direct Heating Method for Photodegradation of Methylene Blue Solution

Dyes are extensively used in the textile industry. Untreated dye-containing wastewater is hazardous to humans and the environment. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) based on heterogeneous TiO2photocatalyst is a technology that has been proven successful for effluent treatment. Nevertheless, use of TiO2 photocatalyst in particles form could result in loss of TiO2 photocatalyst over time during effluent treatment. Immobilization of TiO2 photocatalyst on substrates could address this problem. In this study, a method called direct heating (DH) was devised to deposit TiO2 particles on kanthal wires to prevent the particles from being washed away during effluent treatment. This method has low equipment cost and short synthesis duration when compared to others. The TiO2 particles synthesized at 50 W in 15 min gave the best photodegradation efficiency, which was 36.3 % under 90 mins of UV light irradiation. It contained a mixture of anatase (22.5 %) and brookite (77.5 %), with an average particle size of 139.34 ± 15.89 nm. The TiO2 particles had high surface coverage on kanthal wire with little agglomeration. The current work presents a captivating and low-cost setup, providing easy control over synthesis conditions and scaling potential for immobilizing TiO2 particles on the kanthal wires.

Particle analysis of surgical lung biopsies from deployed and non-deployed US service members during the Global War on Terrorism.

The role that inhaled particulate matter plays in the development of post-deployment lung disease among US service members deployed to Southwest Asia during the Global War on Terrorism has been difficult to define. There is a persistent gap in data addressing the relationship between relatively short-term (months to a few years) exposures to high levels of particulate matter during deployment and the subsequent development of adverse pulmonary outcomes. Surgical lung biopsies from deployed service members and veterans (DSMs) and non-deployed service members and veterans (NDSMs) who develop lung diseases can be analyzed to potentially identify residual deployment-specific particles and develop associations with pulmonary pathological diagnoses. We examined 52 surgical lung biopsies from 25 DSMs and 27 NDSMs using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) to identify any between-group differences in the number and composition of retained inorganic particles, then compared the particle analysis results with the original histopathologic diagnoses. We recorded a higher number of total particles in biopsies from DSMs than from NDSMs, and this difference was mainly accounted for by geologic clays (illite, kaolinite), feldspars, quartz/silica, and titanium-rich silicate mixtures. Biopsies from DSMs deployed to other Southwest Asia regions (SWA-Other) had higher particle counts than those from DSMs primarily deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan, due mainly to illite. Distinct deployment-specific particles were not identified. Particles did not qualitatively associate with country of deployment. The individual diagnoses of the DSMs and NDSMs were not associated with elevated levels of total particles, metals, cerium oxide, or titanium dioxide particles. These results support the examination of particle-related lung disease in DSMs in the context of comparison groups, such as NDSMs, to assist in determining the strength of associations between specific pulmonary pathology diagnoses and deployment-specific inorganic particulate matter exposure.

Improving Interfacial and Compressive Properties of Polyimide Fiber by Constructing Inorganic Layers on Fiber Surface.

The compressive performance of organic fiber has always been a key problem, limiting its development. In this paper, silicon oxide, alumina, and titanium oxide particles were separately deposited on the surface of high-strength and high-modulus polyimide (PI) fibers to form a structural supporting shell by using a magnetron sputtering method. The theoretical thickness was calculated by thermogravimetric analysis in good agreement with the actual thickness determined from scanning electron microscopy. The mechanics, surface, and interface properties of the measured fibers were analyzed mainly from the aspects of surface energy, interfacial shear strength (IFSS), and compression strength. The results showed that after magnetron sputtering, the inorganic shells were uniformly deposited on the surface of PI fiber, resulting in an increase in the content of inorganic elements as well as the roughness. As a result, the surface energy and IFSS of silica-coated fiber was increased by 174 and 85.6%, respectively, and compression strength was increased by 45.7%. This study provides a new approach for improving the interface property and compression strength of high-strength and high-modulus PI-fiber-reinforced composites.

Tantalum Particles Promote M2 Macrophage Polarization and Regulate Local Bone Metabolism via Macrophage-Derived Exosomes Influencing the Fates of BMSCs.

In this study, the regulatory role and mechanisms of tantalum (Ta) particles in the bone tissue microenvironment are explored. Ta particle deposition occurs in both clinical samples and animal tissues following porous Ta implantation. Unlike titanium (Ti) particles promoting M1 macrophage (Mϕ) polarization, Ta particles regulating calcium signaling pathways and promoting M2 Mϕ polarization. Ta-induced M2 Mϕ enhances bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation through exosomes (Exo) by upregulating miR-378a-3p/miR-221-5p and downregulating miR-155-5p/miR-212-5p. Ta particles suppress the pro-inflammatory and bone resorption effects of Ti particles in vivo and in vitro. In a rat femoral condyle bone defect model, artificial bone loaded with Ta particles promotes endogenous Mϕ polarization toward M2 differentiation at the defect site, accelerating bone repair. In conclusion, Ta particles modulate Mϕ polarization toward M2 and influence BMSCs osteogenic capacity through Exo secreted by M2 Mϕ, providing insights for potential bone repair applications.

Microstructure of Deposits Sprayed by a High Power Torch with Flash Boiling Atomization of High-Concentration Suspensions.

The main objective of this study was to use flash boiling atomization as a new method to inject suspensions with high solid content into the high-power plasma flow. The water-based suspension was prepared with submicron titanium oxide particles with an average size of 500 nm. The investigated solid concentrations were 20, 40, 55 and 70 wt%. Two plasma torches operated at 33, 70 and 110 kW were used to investigate the effect of increasing power on the deposited microstructure and deposition efficiency. At low torch power, the deposition efficiency decreased with increasing solid concentration, and deposits with a high number of unmelted particles were obtained with 70 wt% suspensions. At high torch power, the deposition efficiency increased with increasing solid concentration, and dense deposits were obtained with 70 wt% suspensions. XRD analysis was performed on all deposits to determine the distribution of rutile and anatase phases. The percentage of the anatase phase varied from 35.7% to 66.9%, depending on the power input and solid concentration.

Effect of alkali metal salt addition on disintegration of titania particles precipitated from tetraethyl orthotitanate in ethanol

AbstractInline (or in situ) photon density wave spectroscopy was used to monitor the disintegration of secondary titania particles into their primary particles. Photon density wave spectroscopy can be applied to determine the reduced scattering coefficient of a dispersion without dilution or calibration, and thus enables process analysis in materials that are usually unsuitable for established particle characterization techniques. In this work, amorphous titania particles were precipitated from tetraethyl orthotitanate in ethanol by addition of water in presence of different alkali metal salts (NaCl, KCl, CsCl, K2SO4) with concentrations between 0 and 1.6 mM. The present results suggest that the synthesized titania secondary particles disintegrate into their primary particles if the electrostatic repulsion between the primary particles is promoted. This can be achieved by an increased alkali chloride concentration in the synthesis or by addition of larger alkali metal ions. In contrast, the particles are only weakly charged upon addition of sulfate ions, and the disintegration stops. The conclusions drawn from photon density wave spectroscopy results are supported by gravimetric determination of the particle yield, dynamic light scattering measurements, zeta‐potential measurements, and electron micrographs. Additionally, the disintegration was driven to completion by addition of hydrochloric acid to create a transparent suspension of titania primary particles as small as 4.7 nm.

Titanium a novel catalyst and high energy dense material: an opportunity for composite propellants with enhanced performance

ABSTRACT Whereas aluminum with combustion enthalpy of 32 KJ/g is the universal reactive metal particles, its passive protective oxide layer could encounter its efficient combustion. While titanium can offer low combustion enthalpy (20 KJ/g), it does not expose passive oxide layer. The impact of both reactive particles on ammonium perchlorate (AP) decomposition enthalpy was investigated via DSC. Aluminum and titanium particles secured an increase in AP decomposition enthalpy by 46.9%, and 80.7% respectively. This significant impact of titanium particles was ascribed to full exploitation of metal energy content. The impact of titanium particles on AP decomposition kinetics was assessed via Kissinger, KAS, and FWO models using TGA. Whereas virgin AP demonstrated average apparent activation energy of 155 KJ/mol, Ti/AP demonstrated average apparent activation energy of 141.2 KJ/mol. Solid rocket propellant formulations based on 17 wt % metal (Al or Ti) were developed via mixing and vacuum casting. Ballistic performance was investigated using small-scale ballistic evaluation rocket motor. Ti-based formulation offered an increase in propellant burning rate, average operating pressure, average thrust by 18.2%, 26.5%, and 19.7% respectively. It was concluded that titanium particles have a dual effect as efficient high energy dense material and as a catalyst.

Patterns of Synthesis of TiC–NiCr Cermets from Powder Mixtures: Influence of Nichrome Content and Titanium Particles Size

Patterns of Synthesis of TiC–NiCr Cermets from Powder Mixtures: Influence of Nichrome Content and Titanium Particles Size

Experimental Study on Mechanical Characteristics of Aluminium Metal Matrix Composite Reinforced with Titanium Oxide (TiO2) and Graphite (Gr) Particles Processed by Stir Casting Method

Abstract: In recent trend Aluminium based metal matrix composites are most used in mechanical and automobile component design applications because of their excellent mechanical, Tribological and its physical properties. Also, Aluminium metal matrix composites are used for a variety of applications such as military, aerospace, electrical industries, and automotive purposes. The present work concentrates on the experimental study on the effects of TiO2 and Gr on aluminium alloy. During this investigation, Titanium oxide (TiO2) and Graphite (Gr) particles was reinforced with aluminium and it was prepared using stir casting technique with various weight percentage combinations of TiO2 particles 2% by wt., 4% by wt., and 6% by wt. and 3% of Gr constant for all trials. Mechanical parameters were estimated by selecting the standard test methods.

Spontaneous room temperature reaction of titanium and its alloys with hydrogen during self-shearing reactive milling

Surface wear-activated spontaneous reactions of titanium and its alloys with hydrogen at room temperature are shown in this work. Titanium powder, intensively mixed under hydrogen pressure in a planetary mill, without any grinding media, reacts readily with hydrogen gas with the formation of stoichiometric titanium dihydride. The reaction, once initiated, proceeds spontaneously even without movement of the milling vial with a similar reaction rate. The moment of initiation of the reaction seems to be related to the removal of oxide impurities from the surface of the titanium particles and is strongly correlated with milling velocity. According to thermogravimetric measurements and X-ray diffraction (XRD) phase analysis, titanium is fully converted to TiH2. Titanium alloys were found to react in the same manner. Ti-5553 (β) reacts more easily than grade 5 Ti (Ti-Gd5) (α’), which is more reactive than grade 2 Ti (Ti-Gd2). The titanium alloy particles maintain their shape and coherency after hydrogenation. The method seems to be extremely cost-effective in the synthesis of titanium hydride and also allows the production of hydrogenated alloyed powders in spherical form, which can potentially be applied in the additive manufacturing of titanium foams. The results also show a significant risk of using titanium alloys in a hydrogen atmosphere at room temperature. It seems that after losing the protective oxide layer, parts made of pure titanium or its alloys may undergo catastrophic destruction after losing strength and ductility upon full conversion to hydride.

Enhanced ignition and combustion performance of boron-based energetic materials through surface modification and titanium dioxides coating

The present study focuses on the removal of ineffective hydroxyl surface (B–OH) of the shell of pristine boron (B) particles, followed by its modification using a low-cost, eco-friendly, and non-hazardous ethylene glycol (EG). Subsequently, very small-sized titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles are coated onto the boron surface by adding titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) precursors at room temperature. Characterization techniques were employed to investigate the structure and morphology of these materials. FTIR, XPS, and TEM analysis reveal that EG effectively removes ineffective boron hydroxyl surfaces and modifies the surface through passivation by its surface functionalities. Furthermore, EG assists in the coating very small-sized TiO2 particles on the boron surface. Thermal stability tests show that the modified boron surface and TiO2-coated boron surface exhibit earlier oxidation of the core boron compared to pristine boron. This enhanced capability for earlier oxidation of core boron was further investigated in the shock tube and bomb calorimeter for measurement of ignition delay time and heat of combustion. The findings demonstrate that room temperature synthesized TiO2-coated B particles (ignition delay time of ∼181 μs and heat of combustion of ∼17.3 kJ/g) outperform pristine B particles (ignition delay time of ∼284 μs and heat of combustion of ∼13.2 kJ/g). This improvement is attributed to the removal of ineffective boron hydroxyl surfaces, surface modification, uniform coating with very small TiO2 particles, the catalytic effect of TiO2 on oxygen diffusion, and effective oxidation of core boron. This study suggests that efficient energetic material can be achieved at room temperature with no potential harm to the environment.