Uniform Surface Research Articles

Enhancement of Ferroelectric Properties of Ni-Substituted Pb2Fe2O5 Thin Films Synthesized by Reactive Magnetron Sputtering Deposition

Lead ferrite Pb2Fe2O5 (PFO) is a potential multiferroic material due its exhibition of ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties. The effects of the substitution with nickel and synthesis temperature on the structural, morphological, and ferroelectric properties of lead ferrite thin films were investigated through the use of reactive magnetron sputtering deposition. Nickel loading concentrations were systematically varied (3%, 5%, and 10% by wt.%). X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of Ni-substituted distorted PFO lattices, while scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy indicated a uniform elemental distribution and surface morphology. Polarization vs. electrical field (P−E) measurements showed improved remnant polarization (Pr) with increasing Ni content and synthesis temperatures, achieving a maximum Pr of 66.7 µC/cm2 at 5 wt.% The Ni loading and substrate (Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si, Nanoshel Company, Cheshire, UK) temperature were 600 °C. These findings suggest that optimizing the synthesis parameters such as temperature and substitution content is crucial for controlling the ferroelectric properties of PFO thin films.

Transparent OLED displays for selective bidirectional viewing using ZnO/Yb:Ag cathode with highly smooth and low-barrier surface

Transparent organic light-emitting diode (TrOLED) displays represent cutting-edge technology posed to significantly enhance user experience. This study addresses two pivotal challenges in TrOLED development. Firstly, we focus on the innovation of transparent cathodes, a fundamental component in TrOLEDs, by introducing a ZnO/Yb:Ag cathode. This cathode employs a combination of seed layer and metal doping techniques to achieve a highly uniform surface morphology and a low surface energy barrier. The optimized Yb:Ag cathode on ZnO, with a mere thickness of 15 nm, exhibits remarkable properties: an extremely low surface roughness of 0.52 nm, sheet resistance of 11.6 Ω ϒ−1, an optical transmittance of 86.7% at 510 nm, and tunable work function (here, optimized to be 3.86 eV), ensuring superior electron injection capability. Secondly, we propose a novel TrOLED pixel structure that features selective bidirectional viewing, allowing different types of information to be selectively displayed on each side while preserving overall transparency and minimizing pixel complexity. This design innovation distinguishes itself from conventional TrOLEDs that display images on only one side. The bidirectional TrOLED design not only enhances openness and esthetic appeal but also holds promise for diverse applications across various user environments.

Effective repulsive interaction between Janus polymer-grafted nanoparticles adhering to lipid vesicles.

The adhesion of nanoparticles to lipid vesicles causes curvature deformations to the membrane to an extent determined by the competition between the adhesive interaction and the membrane's elasticity. These deformations can extend over length scales larger than the size of a nanoparticle, leading to an effective membrane-curvature-mediated interaction between nanoparticles. Nanoparticles with uniform surfaces tend to aggregate into unidimensionally close-packed clusters at moderate adhesion strengths and endocytose at high adhesion strengths. Here, we show that the suppression of close-packed clustering and endocytosis can be achieved by the surface modification of the nanoparticles into Janus particles where a moiety of their surface is grafted with polymers under a good solvent condition. The osmotic pressure of the polymer brushes prevents membrane wrapping of the nanoparticles' moieties that are grafted with polymers, thus suppressing their endocytosis. Furthermore, a repulsion between polymer brushes belonging to two nearby nanoparticles destabilizes the dimerization of the nanoparticles over a wide range of values of the polymers' molecular weight and grafting density. This surface modification of nanoparticles should allow for reliable, non-close-packed, and tunable self-assemblies of nanoparticles.

Study on the Temperature Uniformity of Sprocket Surface Based on Electromagnetic Guidance

Sprockets, as the most important component of chain drives, are widely used in low‐speed and heavy‐duty engineering equipment. Due to the complex contour shape, it is difficult to obtain a uniform temperature layer before quenching, which limits the strength, hardness, wear resistance, and service life of the sprocket. Therefore, the distribution of the temperature gradient of the sprocket in asynchronous dual‐frequency induction heating is investigated. A bilateral arrangement method of magnetizers is proposed to guide the spatial magnetic field distribution and control the surface temperature uniformity of the sprocket. Reinforced and shielded magnetizers are designed, revealing the characteristic effect of the main structural parameters of these magnetizers on the temperature uniformity of the sprocket. The results indicate that using these magnetizers during the medium‐frequency heating stage can change the heat source distribution characteristics at the top and bottom of the sprocket tooth. The sprocket obtains a more uniform temperature layer during the subsequent high‐frequency heating stage. The method reduces the temperature difference of the sprocket tooth profile by 53.2%. It is proven that the designed magnetizers and the bilateral arrangement method effectively improve the uniformity of the temperature distribution of the sprocket.

Enhancing corrosion resistance in HCl environments: Comparative efficacy of a conjugated 3ph-Schiff base versus benzotriazole

This research addresses the need for effective corrosion inhibitors in industrial applications, evaluating the performance of 4-nitro-2-(((1E,2E)-3-phenylallylidene)amino)aniline (noted as 3ph-Schiff base) as a corrosion inhibitor in comparison to benzotriazole (BTA) in a high-concentration 3 M HCl environment. Unlike studies conducted in lower concentrations (e.g. 0.1 and 1 M), this study aims to assess inhibitor performance under more aggressive conditions. Rigorous methods, including Tafel polarisation, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and mass loss measurements, revealed variations in inhibition efficiency (IE). Polarisation data indicated that 3ph-Schiff base at 0.3% (approximately 8.96 mM) achieved a maximum IE of 99.5%, surpassing BTA at the same concentration (approximately 25.2 mM), which recorded an IE of 96.9%. Meanwhile, EIS analysis yielded slightly lower IE values, with 3ph-Schiff base reaching 90.21% and BTA 67.39%, reflecting the complementary nature of these methods. The corrosion inhibition mechanism of 3ph-Schiff base is attributed to strong adsorption on the metal surface, where amino (NH2) and nitro (NO2) groups promote stable complex formation with metal ions, enhancing electron donation and forming a protective layer that blocks corrosive agents. Scanning electron microscopy and elemental mapping confirm uniform nitrogen and carbon surface coverage, integral to the protective layer. This layer acts as both a physical barrier and an electrochemical passivator, effectively reducing anodic and cathodic reactions. The combined effects of adsorption, physical blocking and passivation underscore the 3ph-Schiff base's superior performance as a corrosion inhibitor in acidic environments.

Superhydrophobic Coatings Based on PMMA-Siloxane-Silica and Modified Silica Nanoparticles Deposited on AA2024-T3.

The study aimed to develop a superhydrophobic coating on the aluminium alloy 2024-T3 surface. The desired surface roughness and low surface energy were achieved with SiO2 nanoparticles, synthesised via the Stöber method and modified with alkyl silane (AS) or perfluoroalkyl silane (FAS). To enhance particle adhesion to the alloy substrate, nanoparticles were incorporated into a hybrid sol-gel coating composed of tetraethyl orthosilicate, methyl methacrylate, and 3-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane. The coated substrates were characterised using field emission scanning and transmission electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectroscopy for surface topography, nanoparticle size distribution, composition, and coating thickness. The corrosion resistance of the coatings on AA2024-T3 was evaluated in a 0.1 M NaCl solution using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The synthesised SiO2 nanoparticles had an average size between 25 and 35 nm. The water contact angles on coated aluminium surfaces reached 135° for SiO2 + AS and 151° for SiO2 + FAS. SiO2 + FAS, indicating superhydrophobic properties, showed the most uniform surface with the most consistent size distribution of the SiO2 nanoparticles. Incorporation of nanoparticles into the hybrid sol-gel coating further improved particle adhesion. The ~2 µm-thick coating also demonstrated efficient barrier properties, significantly enhancing corrosion resistance for over two months under the test conditions.

Modulating Perovskite Surface Energetics Through Tuneable Ferrocene Interlayers for High-Performance Perovskite Solar Cells.

Achieving rational control over chemical and energetic properties at the perovskite/electron transport layer (ETL) interface is crucial for realizing highly efficient and stable next-generation inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). To address this, we developed multifunctional ferrocene (Fc)-based interlayers engineered to exhibit adjustable passivating and electrochemical characteristics. These interlayers are designed to minimize non-radiative recombination and, to modulate the work function (WF) and uniformity of the perovskite surface, thereby enhancing device performance. The key role played by the highest occupied molecular orbital energies (EHOMO) of the Fc compounds relative to the perovskite valance band maximum (EVBM) is revealed. This relationship is pivotal in controlling band bending and optimizing charge extraction. Notably, the conformationally flexible and more easily oxidized ferrocenyl-bis-furyl-2-carboxylate (2) is found to more effectively bind with undercoordinated Pb2+ surface sites and modulate interfacial energetics, resulting in inverted PSCs achieving champion efficiencies of 25.16%. These cells also displayed excellent stability, retaining >92% of the initial efficiency after 1,000 h of maximum power point operation at 65 °C. By correlating the broadly tunable Fc-EHOMO with a decreased and homogenized perovskite surface WF, our work advances our understanding of Fc-based interlayers and opens new pathways for their application in high-efficiency solar technologies.

Modulating Perovskite Surface Energetics Through Tuneable Ferrocene Interlayers for High‐Performance Perovskite Solar Cells

Achieving rational control over chemical and energetic properties at the perovskite/electron transport layer (ETL) interface is crucial for realizing highly efficient and stable next‐generation inverted perovskite solar cells (PSCs). To address this, we developed multifunctional ferrocene (Fc)‐based interlayers engineered to exhibit adjustable passivating and electrochemical characteristics. These interlayers are designed to minimize non‐radiative recombination and, to modulate the work function (WF) and uniformity of the perovskite surface, thereby enhancing device performance. The key role played by the highest occupied molecular orbital energies (EHOMO) of the Fc compounds relative to the perovskite valance band maximum (EVBM) is revealed. This relationship is pivotal in controlling band bending and optimizing charge extraction. Notably, the conformationally flexible and more easily oxidized ferrocenyl‐bis‐furyl‐2‐carboxylate (2) is found to more effectively bind with undercoordinated Pb2+ surface sites and modulate interfacial energetics, resulting in inverted PSCs achieving champion efficiencies of 25.16%. These cells also displayed excellent stability, retaining >92% of the initial efficiency after 1,000 h of maximum power point operation at 65 °C. By correlating the broadly tunable Fc‐EHOMO with a decreased and homogenized perovskite surface WF, our work advances our understanding of Fc‐based interlayers and opens new pathways for their application in high‐efficiency solar technologies.

Performance of Orthotropic Steel Plate under Combined Fire Load and Axial Compression

The orthotropic steel plate systems have been used widely in decks of long span bridges because of their large capacity and economic advantages. Early experimental and analytical research on orthotropic steel plate systems has mainly focused on their behaviors during ambient conditions. This paper presents a detailed investigation on the axial capacity of the orthotropic steel plates under fire using a sequential thermal stress analysis framework. Temperature-dependent stress-strain relationship and thermal properties of steel have been taken into consideration in the finite element modeling. Different models and parameters such as fire model, material model, geometric imperfection, residual stress and rib wall thickness have been discussed, and their effects on the axial strength of the plate have been studied and compared. Simulation results indicate that fire has significant deteriorating effects on the plate’s axial capacity. Conventional simple fire models which assume uniform surface fire loads don’t represent the real fire scenarios, and tend to overestimate the axial capacity of the plate compared that during realistic fire scenarios. Initial imperfection and residual stress in the orthotropic steel plate has negligible effect on the axial capacity of the orthotropic steel plate system under fire conditions. Increasing the thickness of rib wall could improve the fire resistance of the plate.

Unlocking Consumer Preferences: Sensory Descriptors Driving Greek Yogurt Acceptance and Innovation.

Greek yogurt, a traditional food with roots in Ancient Greece, Mesopotamia, and Central Asia, has become a dietary staple worldwide due to its creamy texture, distinct flavor, and rich nutritional profile. The contemporary emphasis on health and wellness has elevated Greek yogurt as a functional food, recognized for its high protein content and bioavailable probiotics that support overall health. This study investigates the sensory attributes evaluated by a panel of 22 trained assessors and the consumer preferences driving the acceptance of Greek yogurt formulations. Samples with higher consumer acceptance were characterized by sensory attributes such as "high texture in the mouth, surface uniformity, creaminess, apparent homogeneity, mouth-filling, grip in the mouth, ease of pick-up with a spoon, milk cream flavor, sweetness, and dairy flavor" (Tukey's test, p < 0.05). These attributes strongly correlated with consumer preferences, underscoring their importance in product optimization. The findings provide a framework for refining Greek yogurt formulations to address diverse market demands, achieving a balance between sensory excellence and practical formulation strategies. This research reinforces the significance of Greek yogurt as a culturally adaptable, health-promoting dietary component and a promising market segment for ongoing innovation.

Electrospinning zein with theaflavin: Production, characterization, and application in active packaging for cold-fresh pork.

The interest and demand for active food packaging made from all natural materials have increased significantly, driven by the intent to minimize the ecological impact. Green electrospinning from biopolymers with antimicrobial compounds is considered an ideal candidate for constructing ultrathin, excellent performance, and effective antibacterial fibrous films (FFs). Here, a green electrospinning from zein (Z) ethanol-aqueous solution with varied theaflavin (TF) concentrations (0.6-4%) was utilized as active packaging for cold-fresh pork. All the Z/TF composite fibrous films (ZTF-FFs) exhibited smooth and uniform surfaces, and their average fiber diameter increased from 484nm to 705nm with higher TF concentration. TF addition altered the secondary and crystalline structure of Z-FF, evidenced by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. At 1% TF addition, ZTF1-FF displayed enhanced thermodynamic stability, with a decomposition residue of 13.88% and a maximum mass loss rate temperature of 313.45°C. ZTF1-FF also exhibited excellent hydrophobicity, superior mechanical properties, and significant antibacterial activity against S. aureus and S. paratyphi B. When used for active packaging of cold-fresh pork, ZTF1-FF significantly delayed the increases in total volatile basic nitrogen, total viable count, pH, weight loss, and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances of the pork. Overall, ZTF1-FF showed the most promising potential as an active food packaging material, particularly for preserving cold-fresh meat.

Properties, Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activity of Southern Meagre Fish (Argyrosomus hololepidotus) Skin Gelatin Reinforced with Clove Bud Extract.

The properties of biopolymer films prepared using Southern meagre fish (Argyrosomus hololepidotus) skin gelatin blends, both with and without clove bud extract (CE) at concentrations of 0.3% and 0.7%, were investigated. The addition of CE enhanced the light barrier properties and decreased water vapor permeability from 1.68 to 0.85 (×10-13 g s-1m-1Pa-1) (p < 0.05) in the films that contained CE. Additionally, the films' water solubility diminished as the concentration of CE increased (89.20 to 69.04%) (p < 0.05). SEM images revealed a smooth, uniform surface without cracks in the samples both with and without CE, whereas the films that included CE displayed a rougher and denser cross-section. FTIR spectra revealed variations in peaks between the films containing CE and those without it. The incorporation of CE raised the glass transition temperature (51.04 to 58.80 °C) and the melting temperature (124.65 to 141.92 °C) of the films. Additionally, the antioxidant activities, assessed through DPPH free radical scavenging activity (86.97%) and reduction power (λ of 0.85), along with moderate antibacterial activities against four distinct foodborne pathogens, improved with increased concentrations of CE. It can be concluded that phenolic compounds, such as eugenol in the clove extract, facilitated the formation of additional bonds between the peptide helixes of the gelatin, thereby enhancing the properties of the CE-incorporated films. Thus, Southern meagre fish gelatin film containing CE is an effective active packaging biomaterial for seafood products, exhibiting satisfactory properties.

Erosion characteristics of pulsed waterjets issuing from a novel ultrasonic nozzle

By taking advantage of the stress wave effect, pulsed waterjet has higher working efficiency when used in mining, cleaning, and surface treatment. To clarify the erosion performance of our newly designed ultrasonic pulsed waterjet (UPWJ), effects of the ultrasonic power and erosion time were experimentally studied and compared with a continuous waterjet (CWJ). Homogeneous material 6061 aluminum alloy suitable for evaluating the erosion performance of waterjet was used as specimen. The erosion morphology, surface parameters, and material removal rate were used to evaluate the performance. Results show that ultrasonic power and erosion time have a positive effect on the erosion capacity of UPWJ, and the erosion edge was more rounded, with the center showing an erosive layer owing to the water hammer effect. Compared with CWJ, the erosion depth of UPWJ was significantly increased by 34% at 450 W and 3 min, while the erosion area is hardly enlarged, meaning that UPWJ has a higher energy density. Moreover, the roughness of erosion pit of UPWJ is generally larger, and the uniformity of the erosion surface is better. The material removal rate of UPWJ is pronouncedly larger than that of CWJ, with a maximum enhancement of 76% at 450 W and 2 min. Besides, the specific energy consumption of UPWJ is up to 20% lower, showing that UPWJ has a higher energy efficiency.

The structural, optical, topographical, and H2 sensing characteristics of a Zn-doped Fe2O3 thin layer deposited via DC & RF magnetron co-sputtering method

In this study, a Zn-doped iron oxide layer was deposited onto a microscope slide using the magnetron co-sputtering technique with direct current (DC) and radio frequency (RF) sources. We comprehensively characterized the resulting Zn-doped Fe2O3 thin layer, employing techniques such as XRD, Raman spectroscopy, UV–VIS spectrophotometry, SEM, EDX, & AFM. XRD examination showed the nanocrystalline structure in the thin layer under investigation. Based on recorded absorption data, the band gap energy value calculation resulted in a value of 2.23 eV for the thin film. Raman spectroscopy identified peaks possessing Raman shifts from 100 to 1400 cm−1. SEM investigation illustrated a consistently uniform thin film surface characteristic throughout the substrate. Additionally, the AFM study disclosed a small RMS roughness value, indicative of an unrough surface for the Zn: Fe2O3 thin layer. The Fe2O3 thin film doped with Zn employing a 30 W DC voltage demonstrated effective hydrogen sensing capability at 300 °C, achieving notable response and recovery time. This work presents a novel application of Zn-doped Fe2O3 thin films as highly sensitive and stable hydrogen sensors, tailored for high-temperature environments. The unique combination of nanocrystalline structure and Zn doping optimizes the material’s electronic properties, enhancing its responsiveness to hydrogen gas. This approach offers a scalable, cost-effective pathway for developing advanced sensor technologies suited to environmental monitoring, industrial safety, and hazardous gas detection, making it a valuable addition to the field of gas-sensing materials.

Water fraction of Schizochytrium sp. protein: A functional ingredient with superior gelation properties for sustainable food applications

In order to assess the potential of fractionated Schizochytrium sp. protein as functional proteins, the proteins were fractionally extracted. The structure, thermal characteristic and cross-linking interaction of proteins, along with the gel properties of heat-induced gels were analyzed and compared to those of albumin from chicken egg white (ACEW). Water fraction of Schizochytrium sp. protein (WFSP) was identified as the dominant fractionated protein. Classified as globular proteins, WFSP exhibited a molecular weight range of 30–250 kDa. Compared to ACEW, WFSP displayed a significantly lower denaturation temperature, indicating reduced energy consumption during food processing. Moreover, at a concentration of 50 g/L, WFSP gels displayed superior strength and stability by higher G' (114.7 kPa) and fracture strain (2.38 %) compared to ACEW gels (92.2 kPa and 1.33 %). Besides, WFSP gels had lower hardness, chewiness and water holding capacity, but higher springiness and cohesiveness than ACEW gels. WFSP formed porous particulate stranded three-dimensional gel network structures with uniform pore size, flat surface and complete sheet. The temperature sweeps and protein-protein interactions results suggested that hydrogen bonds played a dominant role in the formation of WFSP gel network. Overall, WFSP exhibits excellent gelation properties and holds promise as a functional protein for food production.

Enhancing Iota Carrageenan Soft Capsules with Modified Starch

Due to the increasing demand for gelatin alternatives, iota carrageenan, a polymer derived from seaweed, is being explored as a potential base material for soft capsule production. However, the rheological properties of iota carrageenan alone are insufficient for commercial manufacturing, necessitating the addition of fillers such as modified starches. This study evaluates the performance of iota carrageenan-based soft capsule shells using modified cassava, potato, and sago starches as fillers. Various mechanical and rheological properties were assessed, including elongation, stickiness, tensile strength, and viscosity. The results demonstrated that modified cassava starch provided the best overall balance of mechanical properties, exhibiting superior moldability (47.56 mm elongation), flexibility, and moderate stickiness (567.45 gf). Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis revealed that cassava starch capsules had a more uniform outer surface with smoother internal morphology than other starches. These findings suggest that modified cassava starch is a promising candidate for large-scale production of high-quality soft capsules.

Heteroatom number-dependent cluster frameworks in structurally comparable Pd-Au nanoclusters.

Investigating the impact of heteroatom alloying extents on regulating the cluster structures is crucial for the fabrication of cluster-based nanomaterials with customized properties. Herein, two structurally comparable PdxAu12 (x = 1, 2) nanoclusters with a uniform surface environment but completely distinct kernel configurations were controllably synthesized and structurally determined. The single Pd-alloyed Pd1Au12 nanocluster retained an icosahedral metal framework, while the Pd2Au12 nanocluster with two Pd heteroatoms exhibited a unique toroidal configuration. The additional Pd heteroatom not only led to significant changes in the cluster frameworks but also profoundly affected their electrocatalytic CO2 reduction performance. The Pd1Au12 nanocluster demonstrated enhanced catalytic performance, exhibiting a higher current density, a lower onset potential, and greater CO faradaic efficiency compared to the Pd2Au12 nanocluster. This work offers new insights into the customization of the structures and properties of gold nanoclusters by regulating the doping degree of Pd heteroatoms.

Development of a multi-scale nanofiber scaffold platform for structurally and functionally replicated artificial perforating arteries.

Experimental models for exploring abnormal brain blood vessels, including ischemic stroke, are crucial in neuroscience; recently, significant attention has been paid to artificial tissues through tissue engineering. Nanofibers, although commonly used as tissue engineering scaffolds, undergo structural deformations easily, making it challenging to create uniform tissue, especially for the smallest-diameter ones such as perforating arteries. This study focused on the development of a platform capable of reconstructing structurally and functionally replicated perforating arteries. To ensure structural consistency, 3D-printed modules were developed to minimize the structural deformation of nanofibrous scaffolds when integrated into a 3D-printed vessel culture dish. Surface structures and physical characteristics of the nanofibers before and after installation were compared using scanning electron microscopy, contact angle analysis, surface area analysis, and universal testing machine (UTM) analysis. The results showed a uniform thickness distribution, topography, maximum load, tensile strain, tensile strength, surface area, pore size, and pore volume of the nanofibers. For consistency in tissue culture, smooth muscle, endothelial, and astrocyte cells were co-cultured by continuously measuring the pH of the medium and replenishing the depleted glucose using the Kalman filter control system. The functional efficacy and consistency of the artificial perforating vessels were confirmed under oxidative stress induced by exposure to hydrogen peroxide. Transcriptional mRNA expression trends were similar to those in vivo for antioxidant enzymes, neurotrophic factors, inflammatory factors, and endothelial cell activation factors, with very low variation between tissues. This study provides a research platform for studying the oxidative stress environments related to stroke by mass-producing perforating arteries with consistent structures and functions.

Efficient Charge Generation Assistant Layer for Tandem Organic Light Emitting Diodes Using Ytterbium–Silver Alloy

AbstractTandem organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) are an innovative and promising technology aimed at enhancing the luminance and extending the lifespan of OLED applications. A significant challenge in their development lies in achieving high‐performance charge‐generation layers (CGLs). In this study, the use of a yetterbium‐silver (Yb:Ag) alloy is proposed as an assistant layer within the CGL to improve the injection of generated electrons into the electron transport layer (ETL). This enhancement is confirmed through capacitance–voltage measurements and work function analysis. Moreover, the Yb:Ag layer exhibits exceptional optical transmittance and surface uniformity. Tandem devices fabricated with the Yb:Ag alloy assistant layer exhibited a significant reduction in operating voltage, approximately halving it compared to tandem devices without a metal assistant layer. This resulted in a 2.13‐fold increase in luminous efficiency and a 1.07‐fold improvement in power efficiency compared to a single‐unit device. Thus, the integration of a Yb–Ag alloy as a CGL assistant layer is a promising strategy for improving the performance and viability of tandem OLED technologies, underscoring its potential impact on next‐generation displays and lighting applications.

MODIFYING SURFACE CHARACTERISTICS OF POLYAMIDE6.6 BY USING LST TECHNIQUE

Surface texturing is a highly effective method for enhancing the tribological performance of engineering materials. Laser surface texturing (LST) has generated significant interest owing to its exceptional flexibility, excellent texturing precision, and effective controllability. This study examines the surface characteristics of two polymers, PA66 and PA66 reinforced with glass microspheres, after the laser surface texturing. The samples to be textured were obtained by injection moulding. According to microscopic surface analysis, the laser texturing technique produces uniform and controllable surfaces characterized by well-defined patterns, and the material behavior is influenced by factors such as the number of passes and the thermal distribution during the process. Microindentation analysis reveals that material structure, pattern type and number of passes significantly influence surface hardness and penetration depth. The addition of glass microspheres improves the hardness, and the tests demonstrate the reliability of the methodology and its relevance for optimizing the texturization of polymer surfaces. Scratch tests highlight variations in A-COF depending on material, pattern and number of passes. PA6.6 and reinforced PA6.6 react differently, indicating influences on roughness and hardness. The results emphasize the need to adjust texturing parameters to optimize material properties.