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In this study, inorganic-organic coatings composed of titanium dioxide (TiO 2) as the ceramic component and poly(vinylidene fluoride- co -hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) as the polymer matrix, hybridized with nano-TiO 2 particles, were developed for protecting mild steel (MS) from corrosion. Prior to TiO 2 coating deposition, the MS substrates were pretreated with a bioinspired sub-layer of polydopamine to improve the surface coating adhesion, followed by uniform co-deposition of PVDF-HFP with varying concentrations of embedded nano-TiO 2. The inclusion of nano-TiO 2 further reinforces and densifies PVDF-HFP, providing added corrosion protection. The fabricated coatings were characterized by microscopy, spectroscopy, and diffraction technique, while the corrosion protection properties were evaluated by impedance, potentiodynamic polarization, salt spray, and cyclic corrosion tests. Results showed that both the PVDF-HFP matrix and TiO 2 contents had substantial effects on the coatings' thermal stability, hydrophobicity, and surface mechanical properties. The coatings also exhibited satisfactory corrosion resistance, with increased impedance modulus to roughly sixteen orders of magnitude for the TiO 2 -PVDF-HFP coating containing 0.5 g/L TiO 2 , relative to the untreated MS substrate. This result can be attributed to the low surface energy of PVDF-HFP, coupled with the dense structure and added physical barrier of nano-TiO 2. Overall, these hybrid polymer/ceramic coatings are poised to help design other highly resilient and hydrophobic surface coatings with durable protection against corrosion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With isophorone diisocyanate and polytetrahydrofuran as basic raw materials, dimethylolpropionic acid and 2,3‐dihydroxypropanesulfonic acid triethylamine salt (DHPSTEA) as chain extension agents, trimethylolpropane as crosslinking agent, N, N‐dimethylethanolamine as neutralizer, the high‐solid carboxylate/sulfonate waterborne polyurethane (SC‐HWPU) was synthesized. The effect of COO−/SO3− molar ratio on the properties of SC‐HWPU was studied. Fourier transform infrared and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results demonstrated that the SC‐HWPU molecular chain contained carboxylate and sulfonate groups. The results of thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and mechanical properties of SC‐HWPU film indicated that higher DHPSTEA content was favorable for the thermostability and mechanical properties when the total dosage of hydrophilic groups was invariable. When the mole ratio of COO−/SO3− is 8:2, the solid content of the prepared SC‐HWPU3 emulsion can reach to 51.6%, which has excellent storage stability and alkali resistance stability. Subsequently, the application of SC‐HWPU emulsion on the fixed‐island type polyamide/polyethylene terephthalate copolymer superfine fiber non‐woven fabric single‐coating process was analyzed, and the water‐base superfine fiber non‐woven fabric was prepared. Scanning electron microscopy showed that there was still a large amount of SC‐HWPU filled in the superfine fiber gap after alkali‐decrement, indicating that SC‐HWPU has excellent alkali resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The accumulation of ice and snow will have a great impact on industry and people's lives. People usually adopted active deicing method for deicing in the past, which is characterized by high energy consumption, low efficiency, and high cost. Passive anti‐icing materials are the most widely used due to their low icing adhesion strength and energy saving, but passive anti‐icing materials tend to lose anti‐icing performance after mechanical damage or following exposure to harsh environments resembling low temperatures, high humidity. Recently, new anti‐icing materials have been rationally designed through the combination of passive and active anti‐icing, exhibiting high‐efficiency and energy‐saving anti‐icing properties. The design idea is that low surface energy polymers combine photothermal and electrothermal particles to achieve photothermal and electrothermal superhydrophobic anti‐icing. Anti‐icing materials are easily damaged after long‐term outdoor use, so the self‐healing capabilities of the materials are important. This review briefly introduces the ice formation mechanism and anti‐icing methods, focusing on the recent progress in the structural design of superhydrophobic, photothermal, electrothermal, and self‐healing anti‐icing materials. The design of the new generation of anti‐icing materials will be a combination of active and passive anti‐icing, which can achieve ideal all‐weather anti‐icing and deicing and repair the damage during long‐term use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, flexible thermal interface materials (TIMs) containing hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) as thermal conductive fillers become a research hot spot. In this study, PDMS@BN composite films were prepared using spin‐coating technology, providing a facile and efficient method for the preparation of TIMs. The effects of spin‐coating speed and time on the thermal conductivity and the orientation degree of BN within composite films were investigated. Additionally, a theoretical model was established to calculate the thickness and thermal conductivity of PDMS@BN composite films under various spin‐coating conditions. The findings indicate that with an increase of spin‐coating speed and extension of spin‐coating time, the thickness of the composite films gradually decreases, while the in‐plane and through‐plane thermal conductivity gradually increases. When compared to a low spin‐coating speed of 500 rpm, the thermal conductivity of the films produced by a higher speed of 2500 rpm, exhibited an increase of 274%. The film achieves outstanding thermal conductivity (5.79 W m−1 K−1), extremely thin thickness (60 μm), high volume resistivity (1.22 × 1013 Ω cm) and excellent flexibility by incorporating 60 wt % h‐BN flakes. Overall, this study presents an efficiently and eco‐friendly approach for high‐performance TIMs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A material capable of curing due to UV irradiation based on an alkyd oligomer and oligoorganosilsesquioxanes (OOSs) with functional thiol groups was obtained. Using microinterferometry, it was shown that the alkyd oligomer and OOS are completely compatible (mutually soluble). The resulting alkyd‐siloxane composition was cured under the action of UV irradiation due to reaction between double bonds of alkyd oligomer and thiol‐groups of silsesquioxane oligomer. The curing reaction takes 5 min with formation of coating, containing 99% of gel fraction, which is in 30 times faster in comparison with the classical method of alkyd curing in the presence of siccatives. The hydrophobicity of alkyd‐siloxane coatings also increases and varies depending on the content of OOS. The introduction of 50% OOS into the alkyd oligomer makes it possible to increase the water contact angle by 10° relative to the coating based on pure alkyd. A similar dependence is observed when studying the thermal stability of coatings. Thus, even with the introduction of 10% OOS into alkyd oligomer, the temperature at which a loss of 50% of mass occurs increases by 24°C relative to coatings based on a pure alkyd oligomer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) is a climacteric fruit that ripens quickly and is highly perishable, making it difficult to commercialize. This study examined the effect of xanthan gum (Xan) enriched with oleic acid (ol) on chilling injury and postharvest quality of sapodilla fruit during 40 days of storage at 8 ± 1°C and 85%–90% relative humidity. The results showed that the treatments effectively controlled fruit browning, with the least browning observed in the Xan 0.1 and Xan 0.1 + Ol coatings. At the end of storage, all treatments except Xan 0.1 reduced lipid peroxidation and electrolyte leakage. Moreover, the fruit treated with Xan 0.1 + Ol also displayed the highest levels of phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and antioxidant activity. Additionally, the Xan 0.1 + Ol and Xan 0.1 treatments had the greatest activity of peroxidase (POD) and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) enzymes. Xan 0.1 + Ol had the lowest activity of the polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme. Overall, the application of the Xan 0.1 + Ol coating proved to be a beneficial edible treatment for minimizing cold-induced damage and improving the quality of stored sapodilla fruit. Generally, the use of oleic acid-enriched xanthan gum in sapodilla fruit has significantly improved preservation and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecular dynamic simulation along with experiments was used to study polycarbonate (PC) molecular conformation on composite interfacial properties. The interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) variations of composites with carbon fiber roughness were quite different between sized and unsized carbon fibers, which seem to conflict with the theory that rougher surface is harder to wet. By the results of molecular dynamic simulation, it was found that the conformation of PC molecules through solvent intervention could be higher, which is conducive to the formation of π–π stacking conformation between PC and carbon fibers and benefits the interface interaction, resultantly affecting the ILSS more when the carbon fiber surface area was low. When the specific surface area was high enough, the ILSS gets to a saturation value, because the fracture area changes from the interface to the matrix. It is concluded that the effects of sizing on ILSS varied with carbon fiber surface roughness, and the molecular conformation of the matrix affected by sizing or processing must be considered. Therefore, it is important to enhance the physical interactions with carbon fiber for thermoplastic resin matrixes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Within this study, the alloy NiAl–2.5Ta–7.5Cr is investigated as a new matrix material for cBN-reinforced abrasive turbine blade tip coatings as currently used NiCoCrAlY matrix alloys suffer from insufficient strength at the high operating temperatures. Laser-based directed energy deposition with blown powder was applied to produce cBN reinforced NiAl-based coatings on monocrystalline CMSX-4 substrates. For this, powdery titanium-coated cBN and NiAl–2.5Ta–7.5Cr material were co-injected into the process zone to achieve an in situ formation of a NiAl–2.5Ta–7.5Cr/cBN composite. In order to overcome challenges such as cracking susceptibility, inductive preheating of the substrate up to 800 °C was used. Optical and scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, as well as electron backscatter diffraction were applied to analyse the fabricated samples' microstructure. Additionally, the mechanical properties were evaluated by means of microhardness mappings. This work demonstrates the feasibility of in situ forming a metal matrix composite with a homogeneous distribution of cBN particles. The results show the beneficial effect of high-temperature preheating on the crack formation. However, the study also reveals challenges such as cracking induced by the injected cBN particles as well as severe intermixing of substrate and coating, which yields spatially resolved deviations in the chemical composition and resulting variations in microstructure and hardness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, graphene nanoplatelets were applied to polyester fabrics using the knife‐coating method at different concentrations (50, 100, and 150 g/kg). SEM, DSC, and TGA/DTG analyses were performed. The influence of graphene coating on hydrophobicity and surface roughness was examined by water contact angle (WCA) measurement and root mean square roughness, respectively. Abrasion resistance and tear strength tests were also performed. The effect of graphene used as a filler on the flammability of polyester fabric was evaluated for the first time according to the BS 5852 standard. No significant weight loss (only in the range of 0.4%–1.5%) was observed in the graphene‐coated samples even after 100,000 cycles. While the WCA value was 0 for the uncoated fabric, the blind coating and maximum graphene‐coated sample measured 86° and 95°, respectively. The coating process reduced the roughness of the base fabric, and the decrease continued with the increasing graphene ratio. The tear strength values that were 45.5 N in the warp and 53.6 N in the weft direction in the blind coating, increased to 52.2 and 59.1 N, respectively, at the maximum graphene concentration. Graphene coating enhanced thermal stability, increased hydrophobicity, and improved flame retardancy in the test using a smoldering cigarette. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a study on thermally sprayed coatings. Coatings produced by high-velocity oxygen–fuel spraying HVOF and plasma spraying deposited on the A03590 aluminum casting alloy are tested. The subject of this research concerns coatings based on tungsten carbide WC, chromium carbide Cr3C2, composite coatings NiCrSiB + 2.5%Fe + 2.5%Cr, mixtures of tungsten and chromium powders WC-CrC-Ni, mixtures of carbide powders with the Cr3C2-NiCr + the composite 5% NiCrBSi and WC-Co + 5% NiCrBSi. The aim of this research is to find a coating most resistant to the erosive impact of particles contained in the medium centrifuged by industrial rotors. The suitability of the coating is determined by its high level of microhardness. The hardest coatings are selected from the coatings tested and subjected to abrasion tests against a sand particle impact jet and the centrifugation of a medium with corundum particles. It is found that the most favorable anti-erosion properties are demonstrated by a coating composed of a mixture of tungsten carbide and chromium carbide WC-CrC-Ni powders. It is concluded that the greatest resistance of this coating to the erosive impact of the particle jet results from the synergistic enhancement of the most favorable features of both cermets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Composite of grape seed oil, epoxy, and nanosilica particles were composed and evaluated for their electrical, thermal, and hydrophobic properties. The characterization of the coatings was executed in accordance with the respective American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards. Here are the results of the experiment, as demonstrated: by adding 5vol.% of nanosilica particles to the(epoxy + grape seed oil + nanosilica) "EGN3" composite, it is observed that the relative permittivity and loss factor are reduced to approximately 3.67 and 0.17. The composite designation "EG2" demonstrates the greatest thermal conductivity values of around 0.382W/mK by adding 20vol.% grape seed oil. The composite designation EGN3 containing 20 vol.% grape seed oil and 5 vol.% nanosilica produces the highest thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)values. With the addition of grape seed oil and nanosilica particles however, the composite designation "E" demonstrates higher contact angle of around 94°. In addition of 20vol.% grape seed oil and 5vol.% nanosilica particles to composite "EGN3," the lowest recorded contact temperature was approximately 86°. The contact angle of all composites is less than 70°; hence, these composite classifications possess hydrophobic qualities. These biocomposites could be used as coatings for electrical appliances and packaging processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A green method to synthesize self‐matting waterborne polyurethane acrylic hybrid emulsion with hydrophobic function is introduced in this study. A reactive waterborne polyurethane (RWPU) dispersion containing unsaturated CC double bonds was prepared from epoxidized soybean oil. Subsequently, the RWPU dispersion was copolymerized with fluorinated monomers of different carbon chain lengths to prepare polyurethane acrylic hybrid emulsion (PUF). The results revealed the gloss levels of PUF films to be as low as 12.4 gloss units at 60°. The morphology of PUF films was observed by scanning electron microscope and three‐dimensional surface profilometer, and the relationship between surface roughness and gloss was discussed in detail. In addition, thermal gravimetric analysis was conducted to determine the thermal stability of the PUF films, and the results denoted that these PUF films exhibited excellent thermal stability. Comprehensive performance tests indicated that the RWPU dispersion, which was copolymerized with hexafluorobutyl methacrylate at a weight of 10%, exhibited a low gloss, a high contact angle of 120°, and a high elongation percentage of 423%. Furthermore, the dynamic light scattering results showed small average particle size, revealing the excellent storage stabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Weld surfacing is the process of applying a layer of metal to the surface of metal objects by simultaneously melting the substrate. As a result of this process, the metal content of the padding weld can be as high as several tens of percents. It is a method used to regenerate machine parts and improve the properties of the surface layer, increasing its resistance to abrasion, corrosion, erosion, and cavitation. It also supports the repair and creation of permanent protective coatings in the engineering, automotive, energy, and aerospace industries. This makes it possible to repair damaged parts instead of completely replacing them, saving time and production costs. Plasma surfacing technology is used for components that require high hardness and corrosion resistance under various environmental conditions. Plasma wire surfacing is not sufficiently presented and described in the current literature, which creates problems in determining the appropriate process parameters. The influence of variable plasma surfacing parameters on steel C45 significantly affects surfacing weld geometry, the dilution factor, and microhardness. Higher currents can increase the dilution factor, integrating more base metal into the weld pool, which may alter the chemical composition and mechanical properties of the weld. Variations in surfacing speed and heat input also affect the microhardness of the surfaced joint, with higher heat inputs potentially leading to softer welds due to slower cooling rates. Optimizing these parameters is essential to achieving desired surfacing weld characteristics and ensuring the structural integrity of C45 steel joints. This paper presents the influence of varying plasma surfacing parameters on the surfacing geometry, the dilution factor, and microhardness. The tests were carried out on a Panasonic TM-1400 GIII automated surfacing machine with CastoMag 45554S solid wire as the filler material. Flat bars of C45 steel were prepared, and then the variable parameters of the surfacing process were developed. Tests were carried out to determine the dilution factor, followed by microhardness measurements. The results showed a significant dependence of the effect of the parameters on the surfacing geometry and the dilution factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SiBCN films are synthesized by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition at a reduced pressure and 500-600 °C. Organoelement silicon and boron compounds are selected as precursors, namely, hexamethyldisilazane HN(SiMe3)2 and triethylaminoborane Et3N·BH3 that were not used previously in the synthesis of SiBCN films. Vapor flows of initial compounds and additional gas (ammonia) were separately supplied to the reactor without premixing. The chemical bonding structure, elemental composition, surface morphology, and film deposition rate are studied by FTIR, XPS, wave dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, SEM, and Raman spectroscopy techniques. The surface morphology analysis of the samples shows that the films are smooth, homogeneous, and uniform without features. Variation of precursor concentrations in the initial mixture allows changes in the film composition in a wide range. The boron concentration in four-component coatings reaches 45 at.%. The study of chemical bonding structures of the films reveals the occurrence of Si–C, Si–N, B–N, C–H bonds along with the hybrid BCnN3–n bond. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticle formation by Spark Discharge Aerosol Generation offers low‐cost fabrication of nanoparticles, without the use of chemicals or vacuum. It produces aerosol particles of a few nanometers in size with high purity. In this work, copper‐based ‐CuO (tenorite) and Cu‐ nanoparticles are produced, characterized and used to modify face mask air filters, achieving the introduction of antibacterial and antiviral properties. A range of characterization techniques have been employed, down to the atomic level. The majority of the particles are CuO (of a few nanometers in size that agglomerate to form aggregates), the remainder being a small number of larger Cu particles. The particles were deposited on various substrates, mainly fiber filters in order to study them and use them as biocidal agents. On face masks, their antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli (E.coli) results in a 100 % decrease in bacteria cell viability. Their antiviral activity on face masks results in a 90 % reduction of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) viability, 15 minutes post the application of the virus stock solution. This highlights the effectiveness of this approach, its simplicity, its low cost and its excellent environmental credentials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydroxyapatite and copper-doped hydroxyapatite coatings (Ca10−xCux(PO4)6(OH)2; xCu = 0, 0.03; HAp and 3CuHAp) were obtained by the vacuum deposition technique. Then, both coatings were analyzed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and water contact angle techniques. Information regarding the in vitro antibacterial activity and biological evaluation were obtained. The XRD studies confirmed that the obtained thin films consist of a single phase associated with hydroxyapatite (HAp). The obtained 2D and 3D SEM images did not show cracks or other types of surface defects. The FTIR studies' results proved the presence of vibrational bands characteristic of the hydroxyapatite structure in the studied coating. Moreover, information regarding the HAp and 3CuHAp surface wettability was obtained by water contact angle measurements. The biocompatibility of the HAp and 3CuHAp coatings was evaluated using the HeLa and MG63 cell lines. The cytotoxicity evaluation of the coatings was performed by assessing the cell viability through the MTT assay after incubation with the HAp and 3CuHAp coatings for 24, 48, and 72 h. The results proved that the 3CuHAp coatings exhibited good biocompatible activity for all the tested intervals. The ability of Pseudomonas aeruginosa 27853 ATCC (P. aeruginosa) cells to adhere to and develop on the surface of the HAp and 3CuHAp coatings was investigated using AFM studies. The AFM studies revealed that the 3CuHAp coatings inhibited the formation of P. aeruginosa biofilms. The AFM data indicated that P. aeruginosa's attachment and development on the 3CuHAp coatings were significantly inhibited within the first 24 h. Both the 2D and 3D topographies showed a rapid decrease in attached bacterial cells over time, with a significant reduction observed after 72 h of exposure. Our studies suggest that 3CuHAp coatings could be suitable candidates for biomedical uses such as the development of new antimicrobial agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To further improve the sealing effect of electrochemical polarization (EP) on the CrN coatings, the EP treatment at different cycle numbers was conducted. The microstructure, mechanical, and tribological properties of CrN coatings were investigated. Findings indicated an elevation in oxygen content from 6.32% to 12.35% with increasing cycle number from 10 to 60 times, yet the crystal structure of CrN (111) and CrN (200) persisted. The X-ray photoelectron spectrum (XPS) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) revealed that a minimal quantity of oxides was produced. This led to a decrease in the coatings porosity from 16.79% to 5.83%. For this reason, the hardness of CrN coatings increased with a maximum degree of 18.3%, whilst the wear rate decreased with a maximum degree of 37.5% at the cycle number of 20 times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: This work could be applied for producing self-cleaning solar mirrors. In this study, a low-cost, scalable and robust process is proposed as an innovative method for coating solar mirrors with a self-cleaning, transparent in the full solar range and versatile material based on auxetic aluminum nitrides, previously obtained at the laboratory scale. This work presents the scaling-up of the fabrication process from the laboratory to prototypal scale and the preliminary results of outdoor self-cleaning solar mirror field tests in the demonstrative concentrating solar power (CSP) plant ENEASHIP located in Casaccia (Rome) ENEA Research Center. Prototypes with a size of 50 × 40 cm have shown stability in external conditions: no coating degradation occurred during the test campaign. Their washing restores the initial reflectance affected by soiling and the self-cleaning performance allows for the utilization of a reduced quantity of water for cleaning operations with respect to the uncoated glass of back surface mirrors. A similar self-cleaning AlN coating could be utilized on other solar components affected by soiling, such as the glass envelopes in heat-collecting elements, PV panels and other parts where a self-cleaning performance combined with an optical one is required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc biodegradable implants represent a revolutionary advancement in medical technology, offering a promising alternative to titanium and stainless-steel implants and avoiding the need for secondary surgeries for removal. In this study, we aimed to fulfil the clinical demand for biodegradable implant materials by applying a coating of double-doped strontium and copper resorbable tricalcium phosphate (SrCu-TCP) onto a zinc-lithium (Zn-Li) biodegradable alloy using the Pulsed Laser Deposition method. The coated surfaces were thoroughly characterized using X-ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Atomic Force Microscopy, and Scanning Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray. Microbiology experiments were conducted to assess the inhibitory effects on the growth of various bacteria strains, including gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis, gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, as well as the fungus Candida albicans. The obtained results showed that the roughness of the Zn-Li alloy increased from 91.8 ± 29.4 to 651.0 ± 179.5 nm when coated with SrCu-TCP. The thickness of the coating ranged between 3–3.5 µm. The inhibition of growth for all four bacteria strains and the fungus was in the range of 24–35% when cultured on SrCu-TCP coated Zn-Li samples. These findings suggest that the developed coatings are promising candidates for applications requiring inhibition of microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Al2O3, Al2O3-graphite and Al2O3-ZrO2 coatings were formed on the C45 steel rolls using atmospheric plasma spraying. The influence of graphite and zirconia addition on the surface morphology, phase composition and tribological properties under dry sliding conditions using 30 N load were analyzed. It was found that the addition of graphite or ZrO2 slightly affected the fraction of the α-Al2O3 and γ-Al2O3 phases in the alumina coatings. The highest mass loss rate (~8.84 × 10−4 g/s) was obtained for the friction pair of C45 steel roll and steel plate. The friction coefficient of the Al2O3-graphite coating was slightly lower (up to 7%) compared to the coating of Al2O3-ZrO2. However, the friction pair of Al2O3-ZrO2 coating and steel plate demonstrated the highest wear resistance under dry sliding conditions. The increase in the wear resistance of the Al2O3-graphite and Al2O3-ZrO2 coatings is due to the formation of tribofilm in the sliding contact zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Integration of bioelectronic devices in clinical practice is expanding rapidly, focusing on conditions ranging from sensory to neurological and mental health disorders. While platinum (Pt) electrodes in neuromodulation devices such as cochlear implants and deep brain stimulators have shown promising results, challenges still affect their long‐term performance. Key among these are electrode and device longevity in vivo, and formation of encapsulating fibrous tissue. To overcome these challenges, organic conductors with unique chemical and physical properties are being explored. They hold great promise as coatings for neural interfaces, offering more rapid regulatory pathways and clinical implementation than standalone bioelectronics. This study provides a comprehensive review of the potential benefits of organic coatings in neuromodulation electrodes and the challenges that limit their effective integration into existing devices. It discusses issues related to metallic electrode use and introduces physical, electrical, and biological properties of organic coatings applied in neuromodulation. Furthermore, previously reported challenges related to organic coating stability, durability, manufacturing, and biocompatibility are thoroughly reviewed and proposed coating adhesion mechanisms are summarized. Understanding organic coating properties, modifications, and current challenges of organic coatings in clinical and industrial settings is expected to provide valuable insights for their future development and integration into organic bioelectronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to the intricate and volatile nature of the service environment surrounding prestressing anchoring materials, stress corrosion poses a significant challenge to the sustained stability of underground reinforcement systems. Consequently, it is imperative to identify effective countermeasures against stress corrosion failure in cable bolts within deep underground environments, thereby ensuring the safety of deep resource extraction processes. In this study, the influence of various coatings on the stress corrosion resistance of cable bolts was meticulously examined and evaluated using specifically designed stress-corrosion-testing systems. The specimens were subjected to loading using four-point bending frames and exposed to simulated underground corrosive environments. A detailed analysis and comparison of the failure patterns and mechanisms of specimens coated with different materials were conducted through the meticulous observation of fractographic features. The results revealed stark differences in the stress corrosion behavior of coated and uncoated bolts. Notably, epoxy coatings and chlorinated rubber coatings exhibited superior anti-corrosion capabilities. Conversely, galvanized layers demonstrated the weakest effect due to their sacrificial anti-corrosion mechanism. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the coatings was found to be closely linked to the curing agent and additives used. The findings provide valuable insights for the design and selection of coatings that can enhance the durability and reliability of cable bolts in deep underground environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

GaN is more stable than most metal oxide semiconductors for the photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in harsh conditions, while its catalytic efficiency has been difficult to be substantially improved. In this study, the tribocatalytic degradation of organic dyes by GaN nanoparticles has been investigated. Stimulated through magnetic stirring using homemade Teflon magnetic rotary disks in glass beakers, the GaN nanoparticles were found to induce negligible degradation in rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO) solutions. Surprisingly, the degradation was greatly enhanced in beakers with Ti and Al2O3 coatings on their bottoms: 99.2% and 99.8% of the 20 mg/L RhB solutions were degraded in 3 h for the Ti and Al2O3 coatings, respectively, and 56% and 60.2% of the 20 mg/L MO solutions were degraded in 24 h for the Ti and Al2O3 coatings, respectively. Moreover, the MO molecules were only broken into smaller organic molecules for the Ti coating, while they were completely degraded for the Al2O3 coating. These findings are important for the catalytic degradation of organic pollutants by GaN in harsh environments and for achieving a better understanding of tribocatalysis as well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silk fibroin was used to enhance the properties of the fireproof coating, ensuring the safe evacuation of occupants in a fire accident. The effects of biomaterial on the properties of the coatings were investigated by fire protection test, thermogravimetric analysis, limited oxygen index, vertical flame test, water resistance test, and mechanical properties test. The carbon layers were characterized after the fire protection test by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to analyze the microstructure and chemical composition. The results show that the coating with 6% SF demonstrated the best fire protection, thermal stability, and water resistance. The temperature on the backside is only 255.9°C, and the residual weight is 37.52%. However, the coating with 4% SF exhibits good mechanical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterborne superhydrophobic coatings have attracted widespread attention. However, organic solvents, fluorine-containing compounds, and complex operational technologies hinder superhydrophobic coatings development severely. Herein, A simple method of preparing water-based superhydrophobic coatings by one-step spraying without organic solvent and fluorine is reported. The particles of silicon dioxide (SiO2) was modified by isobutyltriethoxysilane (IBTS), then combined with waterborne acrylic polyurethane (WPUA) and phenolic resin (PF), baked at 110°C to fabricate superhydrophobic coatings. According to the contact Angle (CA), hardness, adhesion, and other parameters, the ratio of SiO2 and PF of the composite coatings was optimized. Results showed that the superhydrophobicity and physical properties of the coating are the most exceptional at the content of SiO2 is 0.6 g, and the PF is 25%. In addition, related experimental results show that the coatings have good water resistance and self-cleaning ability, the special nano/micro structure of the coatings also endows it excellent abrasion resistance. Exceptional hydrophobicity and physical properties meeting the actual application conditions of superhydrophobic coatings. Therefore, the simple method for preparing superhydrophobic coatings has great application prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to reduce the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), it is of great practical significance to develop water-based self-polishing antifouling coatings instead of traditional acrylic self-polishing antifouling coatings. However, when preparing film forming matrix resin emulsions for water-based antifouling coatings, the use of emulsifiers in large amounts causes filmforming defects and poor adhesion. Herein, soap-free emulsion polymerization is utilized to prepare resin emulsions by copolymerization of hydrophilic monomers, lipophilic monomers and polymerizable hydrophilic ionic monomers. The hydrophilic structure can give the water-based polymer selfemulsification function to maintain the stability of the emulsion and can promote the fusion between the latex particles by forming hydrogen bonds and coordination bonds, and its connection with the pigments and fillers in the coating can also promote the excellent film formation of the coating. The experimental results show that the water-based self-polishing antifouling resin emulsion has good storage stability and compatibility with the pigments and fillers. The coatings formulated using this emulsion as the film-forming matrix firmly adhered to substrates and displayed satisfactory antifouling performance even after being exposed to a real sea environment for 18 months. This study presents a simple approach for the development of water-based resin emulsion with good storage stability and good water-based self-polishing marine antifouling coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess the strength of coatings under multi‐axial stress conditions, a method was developed to evaluate the biaxial strength of thin silicon carbide (SiC) coatings using a ring‐on‐ring test. A graphite substrate was used as an intermediary to transmit stress from the load ring to the coated specimen, and the thin coating was subjected to a uniform equi‐biaxial stress. The strain in the thin film was continuously monitored using digital image correlation, allowing the identification of the time at which and when the initial crack occurred; the stress applied to the loading area at time was determined to be the fracture strength of the thin SiC films. The obtained fracture strength ranged from 209 to 1014 MPa and was dependent on specimen volume. Notably, the thinnest specimen exhibited the highest strength, whereas the strengths of thicker specimens approached previously reported bulk strengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the fabrication, characterization, and environmental impact analysis of a super-oleophobic (under water) and super-hydrophilic mesh membrane for oily water treatment. In order to prepare mesh membrane, Titania nanoparticles (NPs) were spray coated on mesh stainless steel followed by calcination at 500 °C. After that, the Titania-coated mesh membrane was characterized using contact angle goniometry (CA), XRD, FE-SEM, EDX and elemental mapping. The FE-SEM, EDX, elemental mapping and XRD results confirmed that the Titania NPs were successfully coated on the surface of mesh membrane. CA results demonstrated that the prepared mesh membrane is super-hydrophilic and super-oleo phobic under water conditions, making it suitable for oil/water separation. Subsequently, life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to determine the environmental impacts of Titania NPs-coated mesh membrane fabrication process. LCA results indicate that electricity and nitrogen contributed the most toward the eighteen environmental impact categories considered for this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• For the first time, fire occurrence in heritage facilities and the use of fire-retardant and fire-resistant coatings are discussed in a comprehensive approach. • Studies on the development and application of fire-retardant and fire-resistant coatings, addressing the different mechanisms of action and the main formulations, are reviewed. • The leading causes of fires, the factors contributing to their spread, and the fire protection measures applied to heritage facilities are described. • Based on published research, the use of fire-retardant and fire-resistant coatings in museum and storage environments is addressed, and an overview of the limited research on the application of these coatings in heritage environments is provided. • The value of fire-protective coatings is recognised as an additional measure to collections in fire-prone locations or for facilities more susceptible to fire-related events. Fire is one of the most damaging deterioration agents in a short time of action. It can cause considerable damage, leading to the loss of lives and possessions. Concerning fire safety recommendations, buildings must be protected by an integrated system of passive and active measures. Two passive measures widely used in many industries are fire-retardant and fire-resistant coatings. These systems provide a fire-protective layer to the surfaces of flammable and non-flammable materials, delaying or preventing their ignition, reducing the heat transfer from the source to the substrate and decreasing the flame spread and the release of smoke and toxic gases. When exposed to fire, according to the different mechanisms of action, fire-protective coatings (FPC) can be classified as non-intumescent and intumescent. Despite being widely mentioned in heritage fire safety guidelines, studies on their application in the field are still scarce. Namely, research on the safety and efficacy of their application near collections (in support materials) and systematic studies comparing different formulations. Therefore, this research assembles interdisciplinary studies on the use of FPC to deepen knowledge and theoretically identify the feasibility of their application in collection support/storage materials or exhibition furniture (bookshelves, cabinets, plinths) in heritage environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work aims at studying the interfacial behavior of functionally graded coatings (FGCs) on different substrates, here modeled as asymmetric double cantilever beams, in line with the experimental tests. An enhanced beam theory (EBT) is proposed to treat the mixed-mode phenomena in such specimens, whose interface is considered as an assembly of two components of the coating/substrate system bonded together partially by an elastic interface. This last one is modeled as a continuous distribution of elastic–brittle springs acting along the tangential and/or normal direction depending on the interfacial mixed-mode condition. Starting with the Timoshenko beam theory, we determine the differential equations of the problem directly expressed in terms of the unknown interfacial stresses, both in the normal and tangential directions. Different distribution laws are implemented to define the functional graduation of the material in the thickness direction of the specimens, whose variation is demonstrated numerically to affect both the local and global response in terms of interfacial stresses, internal actions, energy quantities and load–displacement curves. The good accuracy of the proposed method is verified against predictions by a classical single beam theory (SBT), with interesting results that could serve as reference solutions for more expensive experimental investigations on the topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the impact of combined texturing by micromachining and chemical functionalization on the wetting behavior and water condensation on stainless steel 304. The transition from Wenzel to Cassie-Baxter or impregnated Cassie-Baxter regimes is investigated. Understanding this transition is critical for advancing surface engineering, as it enables precise control over wetting behavior for various applications. Herein, we report on the wire EDM (wEDM) machining on stainless steel 304 to produce two distinct microstructure patterns with directional canals or pyramidal structure, and their performance in water condensation. These patterns significantly impact water condensation performance. wEDM is employed to create surface roughness, followed by phosphoric acid treatment and chemical functionalization with trichloro-1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl silane. Contact angle measurements reveal a synergistic effect between groove direction and silane coating, leading to hydrophobic surfaces and dropwise water condensation. Specimens with directional canals exhibit a contact angle of 150°, while specimens with pyramidal structures exhibit 151o. Roll-off angle experiments showcased distinct behavior among specimens featuring canals or pyramidal structures. Specimens with canals exhibit notably lower roll-off angles compared to both flat surfaces and those with pyramidal patterns, leading to a dependence of roll-off angles on the orientation of canals. In humid environments, micromachined specimens exhibit superior water condensation capability compared to untreated SS304 surfaces. Chemically functionalized grooved specimens present larger condensate droplet diameters than flat surfaces. An enhancement in water condensation and a sevenfold higher latent heat transfer coefficient is reported. Specimens with chemical functionalization achieve corrosion protection with an efficiency reaching 82.9%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Functionalized nano‐SiO2 is an inorganic compound that exhibits hydrophobic properties upon the addition of a silane group through a chemical reaction. This property is highly effective in surface modification for various substrates, including glass, metal, and ceramics. These surface modifications find applications in self‐cleaning, anti‐fogging coatings, and water‐repellent materials. In this work, the role of nano‐SiO2 and Hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (HDTMS) functionalized nano‐SiO2 has been synthesized successfully by the sol–gel method for coating applications. The outcomes of water contact angle (WCA), analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations revealed the successful grafting of hydrophobic long‐chain alkyl groups from HDTMS onto the surface of SiO2 nanoparticles. Notably, when the ratio of SiO2 nanoparticles to HDTMS is 0.25:1, the WCA of the functionalized SiO2 nanoparticles is enhanced significantly. This value is 5.35 times greater than the initial angle of contact before the modification, leading to the achievement of a super hydrophobic property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Coatings & Protection / Tuceng yu Fanghu is the property of Coating & Protection Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Coatings & Protection / Tuceng yu Fanghu is the property of Coating & Protection Editorial Office and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

With the increasing use of invasive, interventional, indwelling, and implanted medical devices, healthcare-associated infections caused by pathogenic biofilms have become a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Herein, we present the fabrication, characterization, and in vitro evaluation of biocompatibility and anti-biofilm properties of new coatings based on Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with usnic acid (UA) and ceftriaxone (CEF). Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) was employed as a stabilizer and modulator of the polarity, dispersibility, shape, and anti-biofilm properties of the magnetite nanoparticles. The resulting Fe3O4 functionalized NPs, namely Fe3O4@SLS, Fe3O4@SLS/UA, and Fe3O4@SLS/CEF, respectively, were prepared by co-precipitation method and fully characterized by XRD, TEM, SAED, SEM, FTIR, and TGA. They were further used to produce nanostructured coatings by matrix-assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) technique. The biocompatibility of the coatings was assessed by measuring the cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase release, and nitric oxide level in the culture medium and by evaluating the actin cytoskeleton morphology of murine pre-osteoblasts. All prepared nanostructured coatings exhibited good biocompatibility. Biofilm growth inhibition ability was tested at 24 h and 48 h against Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa as representative models for Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The coatings demonstrated good biocompatibility, promoting osteoblast adhesion, migration, and growth without significant impact on cell viability or morphology, highlighting their potential for developing safe and effective antibacterial surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current era of widespread antimicrobial resistance, the utilization of essential oils (EOs) derived from plants has emerged as a promising alternative in combating pathogens that have developed resistance to antibiotics. This review explores the therapeutic potential of essential oils as valuable tools in restoring the efficacy of antibiotics, highlighting their unique ability to affect bacteria in multiple ways and target various cellular systems. Despite the challenge of elucidating their precise mode of action, EOs have shown remarkable results in rigorous testing against a diverse range of bacteria. This review explores the multifaceted role of EOs in combating bacterial microorganisms, emphasizing their extraction methods, mechanisms of action, and comparative efficacy against synthetic antibiotics. Key findings underscore the unique strategies EOs deploy to counter bacteria, highlighting significant differences from conventional antibiotics. The review extends to advanced coating solutions for medical devices, exploring the integration of EO formulations into these coatings. Challenges in developing effective EO coatings are addressed, along with various innovative approaches for their implementation. An evaluation of these EO coatings reveals their potential as formidable alternatives to traditional antibacterial agents in medical device applications. This renaissance in exploring natural remedies emphasizes the need to combine traditional wisdom with modern scientific advancements to address the urgent need for effective antimicrobial solutions in the post-antibiotic era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) is a valuable crop cultivated worldwide. This fruit is mainly consumed fresh and is an important source of vitamin C, fat‐soluble vitamins and carotenoids. However, fresh strawberries (FS) have a limited shelf life. Conventionally, the shelf life of FS has been extended using refrigeration coupled with modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) technology in traditional petroleum‐based polymeric films. Nonetheless, other packaging technologies such as biopolymeric packaging films and edible coatings can also be used to preserve FS with the advantage of presenting similar shelf‐life extension with lower environmental impact. This review article focused on the analysis of the main factors limiting FS' shelf life, as well as a critical discussion about the use of different packaging technologies as alternatives to increasing FS' shelf life. The revised literature revealed that FS are susceptible to microbial deterioration, weight loss and sensory quality decay. Traditional MAP technology can extend the shelf life of FS to 15 days, depending on the gas composition and storage temperature. Meanwhile, active biopolymeric films and edible coatings can be used as emerging alternatives to extend the shelf life of FS. In general, most studies have produced active films and coatings with the objective of reducing microbial growth, weight loss and sensory quality decay of strawberries during storage. Biopolymeric films and edible coatings applied in strawberries can increase the shelf life of these fruits to a similar extent as traditional MAP. The combination of MAP with biopolymeric films and edible coatings could be explored as an alternative to increase the shelf life of FS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Marine biofouling, caused by the deposition and accumulation of marine organisms on submerged surfaces, represents a huge concern for the maritime industries and also contributes to environmental pollution and health concerns. The most effective way to prevent this phenomenon is the use of biocide-based coatings which have proven to cause serious damage to marine ecosystems. Several research groups have focused on the search for new environmentally friendly antifoulants, including marine and terrestrial natural products and synthetic analogues. Some of these compounds have been incorporated into marine coatings and display interesting antifouling activities caused by the interference with the biofilm-forming species as well as by the inhibition of the settlement of macroorganisms. This review highlights the proof-of-concept studies of emerging natural or synthetic antifouling compounds in coatings, from lab-made to commercial ones, performed between 2019 and 2023 and their results in the field or in in vivo laboratorial tests. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycelium-based composites are a promising avenue for innovating sustainable materials from the hyphae of fungi. This study focuses on the use of fibers from four local fungal species, namely, Pleurotus ostreatus, Pleurotus sajor-caju (Fr. Singer), Auricularia auricula-judae, and Schizophyllum commune Fr., to produce mycelium-based composites from water hyacinth. An inoculum of each of the mushroom species was cultivated on PDA medium at 25 and 30 °C to determine the optimal temperature based on the growth rate. The obtained optimal condition was used to grow the fungi on water hyacinth (WH) mixed with rice bran in different proportions (100% WH, 70% WH, and 50% WH) with various numbers of fungal inocula (10, 20, and 30 plugs). The obtained composites were coated with a solution of either starch, chitosan, or epoxy resin. Schizophyllum commune Fr. exhibited the highest growth rate and fiber density, with a growth rate of 1.45 ± 1.92 mm/day at 30 °C. Ten inocula of Schizophyllum commune Fr. incubated at 30 °C for seven days on a mixture of 50% WH and 50% rice bran gave the optimal composite. Coating the obtained composite with chitosan improved its mechanical properties, but coating it with epoxy resin improved its water absorbency. Buried in soil, the composite coated with a chitosan solution decomposed within 30 days. The results indicate that Schizophyllum commune Fr. can be used as a binder to produce mycelial composites on a substrate of WH mixed with rice bran. The implications of these results will enable the further development and tuning of mushroom-based materials, especially for the production of sustainable bio-construction materials derived from local mushrooms and bio-waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study delves into the use of the thiol-yne click reaction to enhance (bio)conjugation methodologies, particularly focusing on immobilizing biomolecules onto PLLA surfaces. The thiol-yne click reaction, known for its efficiency, selectivity, and versatility in forming carbon-sulfur bonds under mild conditions without transition metal catalysts, is explored for conjugating the fluorophore dansyl onto PLLA surfaces. This approach aims to broaden bioconjugation strategies beyond traditional methods like the Michael-type reaction, expanding their applicability to diverse biomolecules. Utilizing a photoinitiator and specific light for photo-immobilization, the thiol-yne click reaction offers spatial and temporal control, with the absence of transition metal catalysts mitigating concerns of cytotoxicity and metal contamination, rendering it suitable for biomedical applications. The objectives of this research encompass demonstrating the feasibility of the thiol-yne click reaction for surface functionalization and enriching bioconjugation strategies for tailoring PLLA surfaces, ultimately advancing biomedical technologies through precise control over surface properties and functionality. For this purpose, PLLA surfaces were activated through hydrolysis and amidation to introduce the activated alkyne moiety (PLLA-Alkyne), followed by photo-induced dansyl immobilization (PLLA-Dns) with Irgacure 651. Various surface characterization techniques, including SEM, WCA, XPS, ATR-FTIR, and fluorescence microscopy and spectroscopy, validated the successful conjugation. This metal-free method preserves the material's bulk properties while enabling thiol-containing molecule immobilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymer–ceramic composites (PCCs) are promising functional materials with applications in energy technology, microelectronics, sensor technology, protective coatings, wastewater treatment or for biomedical purposes. Unfortunately, ceramics require high‐temperature sintering, while polymers only have a limited thermal stability. Therefore, PCC fabrication is quite complex and requires strict process control. This severely limits the efficiency and economy of the process and the reproducibility of the desired materials properties. Powder aerosol deposition (PAD) is a spray‐coating process in which ceramic powders are accelerated by a pressure difference using a carrier gas. They are then deposited as nanocrystalline, dense coatings onto a substrate without the need for additional sintering. In the current PAD research, the focus is ceramic powders. Yet there are also examples of polymer and ceramic particles that have been codeposited. Much of this works is trial‐and‐error, and a general concept for deposition of PCCs by PAD is not yet available. This review revisits the fundamentals of PAD and the most important process parameters that were studied experimentally and in silico. It connects these with recent work on the combination of polymers and ceramics in the PAD process to highlight and evaluate the future of this field from a polymer science perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) coating is a widely used thermal spray technique for applying wear-resistant coatings on metallic surfaces. The primary objective of this review is to provide an overview of the tribological properties of HVOF coatings. The review starts with a brief introduction to HVOF coatings, followed by a discussion of the various types of HVOF coatings and their microstructural characteristics. The tribological properties of HVOF coatings, including hardness, wear resistance, friction coefficient, and adhesion, are then discussed in detail. The influence of various parameters, such as coating material, substrate material, and testing conditions, on the tribological behaviour of HVOF coatings is also reviewed. A review of HVOF coatings tribology would cover the latest research on the subject, including the types of coatings available, their properties, and the methods used to evaluate their performance. It would also examine the challenges and opportunities in the field, such as developing new coatings for extreme environments or improving the coating-substrate adhesion. Finally, the review concludes with a summary of the key findings and suggestions for future research directions. Overall, this review highlights the potential of HVOF coatings to improve the tribological performance of metallic components in various industrial applications.

The interfaces between medical implants and living tissues are of great complexity because of the simultaneous occurrence of a wide variety of phenomena. The engineering of implant surfaces represents a crucial challenge in material science, but the further improvement of implant properties remains a critical task. It can be achieved through several processes. Among them, the production of specialized coatings based on carbon-based materials stands very promising. The use of carbon coatings allows one to simultaneously fine-tune tribological, mechanical, and chemical properties. Here, we review applications of nanostructured carbon coatings (nanodiamonds, carbon nanotubes, and graphene-related materials) for the improvement of the overall properties of medical implants. We are focusing on biological interactions, improved corrosion resistance, and overall mechanical properties, trying to provide a complete overview within the field.

The sapodilla fruit has a limited shelf life due to its perishability and rapid moisture loss. The application of edible coatings has attracted much interest because they are effective in prolonging the shelf life of fruits. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of an edible coating made from xanthan gum (XG) (0.1% and 0.2%) combined with oleic acid (Ol) (1%) in prolonging the shelf life of sapodilla fruit at 8 ± 1 οc and a relative humidity (RH) of 85-90%. Weight loss was significantly reduced in the treated fruits, with the minimum weight loss observed in the Xan 0.2% + Ol treatment. Except for the Ol treatment, the other treatments showed a higher level of firmness compared to the control. At the end of the experiment, the treatments significantly reduced fruit respiration. The treated fruits also showed significantly increased antioxidant capacity and higher levels of ascorbic acid compared to the control. The lowest TSS (22.8%) level was noted in the Xan 0.2 + Ol treatment. Moreover, the results showed that fruit treated with Xan 0.1% + Ol coating exhibited higher activity in the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) enzymes compared to the fruit treated with Xan 0.2 + Ol coating and the control samples. In general, fruits treated with Xan 0.2 + Ol and Xan 0.1% + Ol demonstrated the highest overall quality compared to the control and other treatments. Therefore, the application of these treatments is recommended for maintaining the quality of sapodilla fruit.

The fire performance durability of products containing flame retardants may be significantly affected after aging and mechanical recycling. Publications of the last ten years show that even under severe conditions simulating outdoor applications, progress has been made in using halogenated and halogenfree flame retardants with high temperature stability, stabilizers acting as flame retardants, improved coating formulations for wood and steel less sensible to hydrolysis by using topcoats and layer by layer approaches. Mechanical recycling is possible for halogenated and non-halogenated flame retardant systems, but has only been studied for virgin thermoplastics which may be available from post-industrial waste. Post-consumer waste is still unsuitable due to its mixed contents. Examples from practice show that the lifetime of products containing flame retardants may be durable for decades in indoor and probably for a much shorter time in outdoor applications.

Abstract This paper reports the fabrication, characterization, and environmental impact analysis of a super-oleophobic (under water) and super-hydrophilic mesh membrane for oily water treatment. In order to prepare mesh membrane, Titania nanoparticles (NPs) were spray coated on mesh stainless steel followed by calcination at 500 °C. After that, the Titania-coated mesh membrane was characterized using contact angle goniometry (CA), XRD, FE-SEM, EDX and elemental mapping. The FE-SEM, EDX, elemental mapping and XRD results confirmed that the Titania NPs were successfully coated on the surface of mesh membrane. CA results demonstrated that the prepared mesh membrane is super-hydrophilic and super-oleo phobic under water conditions, making it suitable for oil/water separation. Subsequently, life cycle assessment (LCA) was performed to determine the environmental impacts of Titania NPs-coated mesh membrane fabrication process. LCA results indicate that electricity and nitrogen contributed the most toward the eighteen environmental impact categories considered for this study.