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Limitations in the intrinsic mechanical characteristics of a pure hydroxyapatite (HA) coating layer render it ill-suited for numerous orthopaedic implants designed to bear heavy loads. In this research, a coating composed of poly ε-caprolactone (PCL) and HA was developed and applied to stainless steel 316L using dip-coating techniques. To enhance the surface, ultrasonic processing was utilised at various temperatures. Various PCL/HA mixtures were prepared for application onto the stainless steel 316L substrate. In order to optimise the PCL/HA composite coating for enhanced bond strength and corrosion resistance, an empirical model was created using the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). A comprehensive analysis of the coated samples was conducted using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were employed. Furthermore, experiments involving potentiodynamic polarisation and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) were conducted within a simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. The models derived from the RSM were compared with the experimental results, revealing the close agreement between them. These models underscore the significance of the quantity of the PCL as a more critical factor than the ultrasonic temperature in improving the bond strength and corrosion resistance of the coated substrates. An optimal PCL/HA composite coating layer, with favourable mechanical and electrochemical properties, was achieved with an ultrasonic temperature of approximately 54.7 °C and a PCL/HA ratio of about 39.97% (wt.) following a drying process lasting approximately 10.68 hours.

Cellular Lightweight Concrete (CLC) with the addition of Few Layers Graphene (FLG) has been fabricated and characterized for canal blocks application. The CLC-FLG composite was made by mixing fine agregate (sand), cement, fly ash, water, and FLG. The compressive strength properties of the composite was tested using a digital compressive strength test to determine the effects of FLG addition, sand size gradations, and environmental acidity on the compressive strength of the composite. Meanwhile, the composite morphology was examined using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). The increase in FLG content and concentrations increased the compressive strength. The highest compressive strength was shown by the composite with the highest FLG addition (15%) and without sand size gradation, namely 5.19 Mpa or there was an increase of 15.6% compared to CLC without the addition of FLG. The level of water acidity relatively did not affected the compressive strength of CLC-FLG composite. Morphological analysis showed that the addition of FLG resulted in a denser structure and reduced porosity of CLC. The CLC-FLG composite can be used as canal blocks materials for peatland restoration.

Titania nanotube (TNT)-carbon nanotube (CNT) composite had been successfully synthesized using simple mixing under acidic conditions and ultrasonic treatment. The samples were further characterized via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance UV-vis spectroscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis. The TNT-CNT composite's ability to degrade phenol, a model of industrial waste, was tested. The effects of CNT composition and calcination temperature on the phenol degradation performance of TNT-CNT composite were investigated. The results show that the TNT-CNT composite exhibits higher photocatalytic activity than TNT or CNT alone. The crystallinity of the catalyst is not the only parameter affecting the photocatalytic activity. Rather, the specific surface area, bandgap, and morphology of the catalyst must also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]