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The development of corrosion mechanisms is a major issue that industrial experts are faced with while dealing with all phases of metal exploitation. Damage caused by corrosion affects the increase in both direct and indirect costs of manufacture. With adequate surface protection technology, it is possible to lessen the intensity of corrosion mechanisms' development. In order for the selected surface protection technology to provide its full protective action, it is necessary to be familiar with its process parameters. This paper deals with a surface protection system that creates a barrier between the aggressive environment and the base material. The tested barrier was created on a base material surface by electrostatic powder spraying. In this experiment, three types of base material (carbon steel, aluminum and galvanized steel) were coated by applying different combinations of operating parameters. Operating parameters, i.e., the voltage and strength of the electric current, were taken as numerical input variables in the experiment. Each experiment design was focused on measuring the thickness of the protective layer. Analysis of the obtained results and statistical data processing confirmed that appropriate parameters (input variables) provided the target thickness of the protective coating on each of the tested materials. Optimization of parameters contributes to the efficiency of production, shortens the processing time and ensures that coating thickness stays within the limits defined either by the manufacturer or the end user. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient hydrogenation of 1-butene is an industrially significant reaction for producing fuels and value-added chemicals. However, achieving high catalytic efficiency and stability remains challenging, particularly for cost-effective materials, such as Ni. In this study, we developed a porous Ni-coated Ni foam catalyst by electrostatic spray deposition to address these challenges. The catalyst exhibited a turnover frequency approximately 10 times higher than that of either porous Ni or Ni foam alone. This enhancement was attributed to the formation of interfacial active sites, which facilitated improved reactant adsorption and activation during hydrogenation. The electrostatic spray deposition technique ensured a uniform and controlled coating, enabling precise engineering of the catalyst structure and interface. The post-deposition heat treatment was further optimized to enhance structural integrity and catalytic performance. This study highlights the importance of interface engineering and structural optimization in catalyst design and provides valuable insights into the development of efficient Ni-based catalysts for industrial hydrogenation applications. These findings emphasize the potential of electrostatic spray deposition as a versatile method for fabricating advanced catalytic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Black coatings have emerged as a research focus due to their excellent light absorption performance over a wide wavelength range. They play a crucial role in precision optical devices and solar thermal applications. Among various preparation methods, spray coating has attracted great attention due to its simple preparation process, low cost, scalability, and applicability to complex structures. Herein, the recent progress in spray black coatings is comprehensively presented. Various spray coating methods employed in the preparation of black coatings, including air spraying, ultrasonic spraying, electrostatic spraying, spray pyrolysis, and thermal spraying are summarized and compared. Black spray coatings based on metal sulfide, metal oxide, cermet, polymer, and carbon are then reviewed. In addition to the intrinsic absorption properties of the black coatings, light‐trapping structures are key to achieving high‐efficiency light absorption. Typical structural design strategies for enhancing absorption are highlighted. Moreover, the trade‐off between absorptance and adhesion in the design of robust spray black coatings is indicated. The remaining challenges and outlook for the spray black coatings are discussed. This review is expected to provide valuable guidelines for the future development of spray black coatings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • Ti–O strong ionic bond breaking realized by Fe3+ doping. • Introduction of Feδ+ to activate Fe–Ti active sites. • Establishment of Feδ+–O–Ti bonding conductive pathway between TiO 2 and G to enhance stability. Developing new conductive primers to ensure electrostatic spraying is crucial in response to the call for lightweight production of new energy vehicles. We report a stabilized material, Fe–T/G, of Fe-doped TiO 2 composite graphene synthesized by a simple hydrothermal and electrostatic self-assembly method. The resistivity decreases from 0.9165 Ω·cm to 0.0943 Ω·cm for T/G. XPS and EPR confirm that Fe3+ is doped into the TiO 2 lattice to generate OVs, and Feδ+ is introduced to activate the surrounding Fe–Ti active sites to break the obstruction of the Ti–O bond and build the Ti–O–C and Feδ+–O–C bonds between TiO 2 and graphene to connect the two tightly. Multiple electron transfer channels promote Feδ+ impurity energy levels in the TiO 2 valence and conduction bands to build electron leaping pathways, enhancing the electron transport ability. Based on this, Fe–T/G can be used as a conductive coating material to develop various insulator surfaces. With Fe–T/G powder material and PVDF, a conductive primer coating can be made and overlaid on a plastic plate to simulate actual applications. The resistance can still be maintained below 25 Ω·cm. Through contact angle experiments, it has been confirmed that the superhydrophobic surface has a water contact angle of 142.8°, with self-cleaning potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High energy composite films made from high explosives has important applications in pyrotechnics. In this study, electrostatic spraying was used to prepare energy-containing films based on 1,2,3,4-butanetetrol tetranitrate (ETN). The results show that all energy containing films are made of nanofibres. They have excellent hydrophobicity and combustion properties. In particular, monolayer films in which ETN is the main energy containing substance. Once ignited, the trace monolayer film generates a maximum pressure of 0.85 MPa and an adiabatic flame temperature of 2,855 °C. For single and double layer films, the heat of combustion can reach 9899 J/g and 11975 J/g respectively. The level of combustion heat can also be controlled by adjustment of the ETN content. The results of the thermo-properties performance evaluation show that by optimizing the nanostructure, the ETN-based energy-containing fiber membranes can meet the requirements of advanced pyrotechnic products. In particular, there is great potential in the metastable intermixed composites (MICs) field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spraying is currently one of the main methods of pesticide application worldwide. It converts the pesticide solution into fine droplets through a sprayer, which then deposit onto target plants. Therefore, in the process of pesticide application, improving the effectiveness of spraying while minimizing or preventing crop damage has become a key issue. Combining the advantages of electrostatic spraying technology with the characteristics of ground boom sprayers, a contact-type electrostatic boom spraying system based on a rod–plate electrode structure was designed and tested on a self-propelled boom sprayer. The charging chamber was designed based on the characteristics of the rod–plate electrode and theoretical analysis. The reliability of the device was verified through COMSOL numerical simulations, charge-to-mass ratio, droplet size, and droplet size spectrum measurements, and a droplet size prediction model was established. The deposition characteristics in soybean fields were analyzed using the Box–Behnken experimental design method. The results showed that the rod–plate electrode structure demonstrated its superiority with a maximum spatial electric field of 2.31 × 106 V/m. When the spray pressure was 0.3 MPa and the charging voltage was 8 kV, the droplet size decreased by 26.6%, and the charge-to-mass ratio reached 2.88 mC/kg. Field experiments showed that when the charging voltage was 8 kV, the spray pressure was 0.3 MPa, the traveling speed was 7 km/h, and the number of deposited droplets was 8517. This study provides some basis for the application of electrostatic spraying technology in large-scale field operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we employed electrostatic spray technology to fabricate mesoporous microspheres containing sodium hyaluronate (SHMM). This approach aimed to overcome a significant challenge in the formulation development process, specifically addressing the limited water-locking ability inherent to the double-helix structure of sodium hyaluronate (SH). Various parameters were systematically investigated, including the solvent employed, concentrations of SH and poly (ethylene oxide), electrospray flow rate, voltage settings, and needle diameter. Through systematic single-factor testing, we identified the optimal formulation process for generating SH microspheres characterized by favorable morphology and particle size. Additionally, a similar single-factor examination focused on the concentration of the pore-forming agent and the drying temperature, leading to the successful production of mesoporous microspheres with discernible pores. The porosity of the three distinct batches of mesoporous microspheres was consistently measured at 20.30% ± 1.51%. Moreover, all these microspheres displayed a negative surface potential when suspended in water, affirming their strong capacity to bind with positively charged protein drugs. These findings underscored the feasibility of drug loading through ion exchange in subsequent stages. Notably, the successful preparation of recombinant human interferon α-2b crosslinked mesoporous microspheres (rhIFN α-2b-SHCMM) was achieved, demonstrating both high entrapment efficiency and an enhanced drug loading capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• The composite coatings were successfully prepared onto the Mg alloy surface in a short time by sequentially spraying Schiff base and S-HA nanoparticles. • The Schiff bases/S-HA nanoparticle composite coatings can enhance the corrosion resistance of the Mg alloy. • The composite coatings can promote surface endothelialization of the Mg alloy, not only by improving EC growth, but also by regulating phenotypes of SMC and MA. • The composite coatings significantly enhance the hemocompatibility of the Mg alloy. In order to prolong the service time and enhance the biocompatibility of magnesium (Mg) alloys used for cardiovascular scaffolds, the composite coatings of Schiff base (corrosion inhibitor) and sulfonated hyaluronic acid (S-HA) nanoparticles (NP@S-HA) with different sulfur content (10.02 wt% and 11.55wt%) were prepared on ZE21B alloy by means of electrostatic spraying with spraying time of 0.5 min, 1.0 min and 1.5 min in this paper. Through a series of representations including corrosion experiments and biological characterization, the composite coatings with a sulfur content of 11.55wt% and a spray time of 1.0 min were finally picked due to its better comprehensive performances, which provides a new possibility for the surface modification of degradable Mg alloy cardiovascular scaffolds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In densely planted solar greenhouses, tomato crops face increasing challenges with pest and disease control due to high temperature and humidity conditions. The existing spraying equipment often suffers from low mechanization and inadequate foliar deposition coverage. This study presents the design of a vertical spray bar electrostatic sprayer, which combines a multi-nozzle vertical spray bar with electrostatic spraying technology, making it suitable for greenhouse applications. In order to obtain the best working parameters of the sprayer, the coverage rate of the front and back sides of the tomato leaves was taken as the performance target. Key influencing factors, including electrostatic voltage, spray pressure, and target distance, were investigated using a multi-factor response surface methodology. Field experiments were conducted in a greenhouse environment based on the optimized parameters to validate the performance. The results indicate that: (1) The factors influencing droplet adherence on the upper surface of tomato leaves ranked in the order of target distance, spray pressure, and electrostatic voltage, while for the underside, the order was electrostatic voltage, target distance, and spray pressure. (2) Under the conditions of electrostatic voltage of 10 kV, spray pressure of 0.7 MPa, and target distance of 35 cm, the sprayer achieves the optimal operation of leaf comprehensive coverage. (3) Compared to non-electrostatic spraying, the greenhouse electrostatic sprayer significantly improved the coverage on both sides of the leaves, enhancing pesticide utilization efficiency. This novel electrostatic sprayer meets the operational requirements for greenhouse crop protection in the Xinjiang region of China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrostatic spraying is considered an effective means to improve the efficacy of pesticide application and reduce pesticide consumption. However, the effectiveness of electrostatic spraying needs further validation in greenhouse environments, especially in long-range air-assisted spraying scenarios. A waist-shaped charging device has been improved to obtain a maximum charge-to-mass ratio of 4.4 mC/kg at an applied voltage of 6 kV in a laboratory setting, representing an increase of approximately 84.9% compared to a commercial circular charging electrode with a fan-shaped nozzle. A comparative air-assisted spray test between electrostatic deactivation (EDAS) and electrostatic activation (EAAS) was conducted on greenhouse tomato crops using a single hanging track autonomous sprayer equipped with a pair of waist-shaped charging devices. The results showed that EAAS yielded an overall average coverage of 28.4%, representing a significant 10.9% improvement over the 25.6% coverage achieved with EDAS. The overall coefficient of variation (CV) for EDAS and EAAS was 62.0% and 48.0%, respectively. Within these, the CV for the average coverage of the sample set reflecting axial distribution uniformity was 33.4% and 31.4%, respectively. Conversely, the CV for the average coverage of the sample group reflecting radial distribution uniformity was 33.7% and 17.9%, respectively. The results indicate that the waist-shaped charging device possesses remarkable charging capabilities, presenting favorable application prospects for long-range air-assisted spraying in greenhouses. The electrostatic application has a positive effect on enhancing the average coverage and improving the overall distribution uniformity. Notably, it significantly improves the radial distribution uniformity of the air-assisted spray at long range, albeit with limited improvement in the axial distribution uniformity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While spray-drying has been widely utilized to improve the bioavailability of poorly water-soluble drugs, the outcomes often exhibit suboptimal particle size distribution and large particle sizes, limiting their effectiveness. In this study, we introduce electrostatic spraying as an advanced technology tailored for poorly water-soluble drugs, enabling the fabrication of nanoparticles with fine and uniform particle size distribution. Regorafenib (1 g), as a model drug, copovidone (5 g), and sodium dodecyl sulfate (0.1 g) were dissolved in 200 ml ethanol and subjected to conventional-spray-dryer and electrostatic spray dryer. The electrostatic spray-dried nanoparticles (ESDN) showed smaller particle sizes with better uniformity compared to conventional spray-dried nanoparticles (CSDN). ESDN demonstrated significantly enhanced solubility and rapid release in water. In vitro studies revealed that ESDN induced apoptosis in HCT-116 cells to a greater extent, exhibiting superior cytotoxicity compared to CSDN. Furthermore, ESDN substantially improved oral bioavailability and antitumor efficacy compared to CSDN. These findings suggest that ESD shows potential in developing enhanced drug delivery systems for poorly water-soluble drugs, effectively addressing the limitations associated with CSD methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Chinese Journal of Explosives & Propellants is the property of Chinese Journal of Explosives & Propellants 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.)

Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) caused by multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs) represent a global threat to human health and well-being. Because transmission of MDROs to patients often occurs via transiently contaminated hands of healthcare personnel (HCP), hand hygiene is considered the most important measure for preventing HAIs. Environmental surfaces contaminated with MDROs from colonized or infected patients represent an important source of HCP hand contamination and contribute to transmission of pathogens. Accordingly, facilities are encouraged to adopt and implement recommendations included in the World Health Organization hand hygiene guidelines and those from the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America/Infectious Diseases Society of America/Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology. Alcohol-based hand rubs are efficacious against MDROs with the exception of Clostridiodes difficile, for which soap and water handwashing is indicated. Monitoring hand hygiene adherence and providing HCP with feedback are of paramount importance. Environmental hygiene measures to curtail MDROs include disinfecting high-touch surfaces in rooms of patients with C. difficile infection daily with a sporicidal agent such as sodium hypochlorite. Some experts recommend also using a sporicidal agent in rooms of patients colonized with C. difficile, and for patients with multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Sodium hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, or peracetic acid solutions are often used for daily and/or terminal disinfection of rooms housing patients with Candida auris or other MDROs. Products containing only a quaternary ammonium agent are not as effective as other agents against C. auris. Portable medical equipment should be cleaned and disinfected between use on different patients. Detergents are not recommended for cleaning high-touch surfaces in MDRO patient rooms, unless their use is followed by using a disinfectant. Facilities should consider using a disinfectant instead of detergents for terminal cleaning of floors in MDRO patient rooms. Education and training of environmental services employees is essential in assuring effective disinfection practices. Monitoring disinfection practices and providing personnel with performance feedback using fluorescent markers, adenosine triphosphate assays, or less commonly cultures of surfaces, can help reduce MDRO transmission. No-touch disinfection methods such as electrostatic spraying, hydrogen peroxide vapor, or ultraviolet light devices should be considered for terminal disinfection of MDRO patient rooms. Bundles with additional measures are usually necessary to reduce MDRO transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The microwave ignition holds potential in the ignition of weapons due to its simple structure, non-contact property, and simultaneous ignitions of large area. However, the long ignition delay time of the current ignition agents cannot meet the microwave weaponry advancements. To address the issues, a microwave sensitive oxide-CuFe 2 O 4 (CUFO) which was firstly discovered to be easily ignited by microwaves compared many ferrites, was coupled with Ti nanoparticles (n-Ti) to form Ti/CUFO microwave ignition agents by electrostatic spray granulation. The characterization of microwave ignition, volumetric combustion, burning rate and DSC were used to determine its ignition delay time and the energy release properties. It indicates that the microwave sensitivity, maximum peak pressure and pressure pressurization rate of Ti/CUFO first increases and then decreases with the promoting content of n-Ti. The Ti/CUFO at Φ = 3.5 exhibits the lowest ignition delay time by 79.24 ms compared to the 98.7 ms of n-Ti, meanwhile, its maximum peak pressure and pressurization rate reach the highest by 338.54 kPa and 8.57 kPa/ms, respectively. The DSC results indicate that Ti/CUFO exhibits much lower reaction peak temperature by 320–335 °C compared to 488 °C of n-Ti, which suggests Ti-CUFO reaction maybe much easier be activated. The dielectric loss of n-Ti and CUFO under strong electric field transfer the energy of microwaves to heat, reaching to its reaction temperature. The XPS and XRD results of CUFO after microwave radiation disclosing the crystal transition, formation of divalent iron and oxygen vacancies, as well as the released bright light under microwave radiation, suggest the thermal breakdown mechanism of CUFO. When Ti/CUFO exposes into microwaves, CUFO generates oxygen vacancies due to heat loss and n-Ti is dielectric heated, followed by the generated oxygen reacting with n-Ti, improving the combustion performance of n-Ti. This result provides new insight for the designing of microwave ignition. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Automobile Technology & Material is the property of Automobile Technology & Material 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.)

Textured surfaces contribute to enhancing the cooling effectiveness of electrostatic spray, while the droplet impacting dynamics on such substrates under the influence of electric field are crucial for cooling efficiency. This study utilized a multiphase lattice Boltzmann method combined with the leaky dielectric model to systematically examine the dynamics of droplet impingement on textured surfaces when exposed to electric field. The impact of Weber number, microstructural surface parameters, and electric field strength on droplet impact behavior was discussed in detail. Simulation outcomes reveal that, without the presence of an electric field, the impingement of droplets on textured surfaces results in three distinct deposition states: the Cassie state, partial penetration state, and Wenzel state, primarily contingent upon the surface solid fraction and the droplet impingement velocity. In the Cassie impact regime influenced by an applied electric field, the droplet spreading behaviors exhibit minimal sensitivity to the electric field, with surface tension and inertia primarily governing the spreading dynamics. Throughout the retraction stage, the droplet elongated the direction of the electric field as a result of electric field forces, and eventually, as the electric field strength grows, it bounces off the surface. In the Wenzel impact regime, as the strength of the electric field escalates, the droplet undergoes upward stretching and splits into satellite droplets during the retraction phase, attributed to the dynamic pressure and electrostatic pressure at the apex exceeding the capillary pressure and gravity. These findings could aid in advancing electrostatic spray cooling technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nickel-based high-temperature alloy GH4169 is the material of choice for manufacturing critical components in aeroengines, and electrostatic atomization minimum quantity lubrication (EMQL) milling represents a fundamental machining process for GH4169. However, the effects of electric field parameters, jet parameters, nozzle position, and milling parameters on milling performance remain unclear, which constrains the broad application of EMQL in aerospace manufacturing. This study evaluated the milling performance of EMQL on nickel-based alloys using soybean oil as the lubrication medium. Results revealed that compared with conventional pneumatic atomization MQL milling, EMQL reduced the milling force by 15.2%–15.9%, lowered the surface roughness by 30.9%–54.2%, decreased the average roughness spacing by 47.4%–58.3%, and decreased the coefficient of friction and the specific energy of cutting by 55% and 19.6%, respectively. Subsequent optimization experiments using orthogonal arrays demonstrated that air pressure most significantly affected the milling force and specific energy of cutting, with a contribution rate of 22%, whereas voltage had the greatest effect on workpiece surface roughness, contributing 36.71%. Considering the workpiece surface morphology and the potential impact of droplet drift on environmental and health safety, the optimal parameter combination identified were a flow rate of 80 mL/h, an air pressure of 0.1 MPa, a voltage of 30 kV, a nozzle incidence angle of 35°, an elevation angle of 30°, and a target distance of 40 mm. This research aimed to provide technical insights for improving the surface integrity of aerospace materials that are difficult to machine during cutting operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Science Edition) is the property of Editorial Board of Journal of Sichuan University (Medical Sciences) 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.)

The large water demand, insufficient deposition on the back of the leaf and the uneven distribution of droplets are the problems of traditional agricultural ground plant protection machinery, which leads to low agricultural control efficiency. Combined with the advantages of electrostatic spray technology and the characteristics of high working efficiency and low probability of droplets drift of ground sprayer, an inductive electrostatic boom spray system based on embedded electrode structure is designed and mounted on a large self-propelled boom sprayer for field testing. Based on the working characteristics of the fan nozzle and the analysis of the theory of charge, the inductive electrostatic spray device is designed. The performance of the device is tested and the rationality of the system design is verified by COMSOL numerical simulations, charge-to-mass ratio, and particle size distribution measurements. The spray deposition scanning software and the BoxBehnken experimental design method are used to analyze the spray droplet deposition rate and coverage density of the sprayer on the front and back of the target leaves. The results show that the embedded closed electrode structure designed in this paper can avoid the problem of electrode wetting, and the electric field generated by it is mainly concentrated in the spray liquid film area, and the intensity reaches 6~7 V/m. At the conventional application height (500 mm), the maximum charge-to-mass ratio is 2.91 mC/kg, and the average particle size is 168.22 mm, which is 12.87% lower than that of ordinary spray, when the spray pressure is 0.3 MPa and the electrostatic voltage is 12 kV. The results of field experiments show that the optimum combination of the working parameters with the spray speed is 8.40 m/s, the spray pressure is 0.35 MPa, the charging voltage is 11.50 kV, the amount of droplet deposition in the lower dorsal area of the blade is 1.44 µL·cm-2. This study can provide a certain basis for the application of electrostatic spray technology in ground sprayers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of the current work is to prepare coated layers of polymer-based bio composite onto a commercially pure titanium substrate utilizing an electrostatic spray approach. To obtain the coating made of bio composite Different percentages of (2.5,5,7.5, and 10) wt.% of bioactive glass (BG) with (97.5,95,92.5, and100) wt.% of PMMA powder. The coated layers' surface morphology was assessed using FTIR, XRD, and SEM techniques. The coated samples exhibited distinct biological behavior examined using the contact angle test, which demonstrated their good wetting properties the percentage of (10% BG) percent was the lowest angle, which is 18.643, and the percentage of (2.5%BG). was the highest angle 77.697. It was possible to create homogenous, uniform, and crack-free coating layers in addition to a high surface wettability. When the mechanical qualities were assessed using Vickers microhardness, it became clear that the polymeric coating's hardness had increased due to the ceramic particle addition which is 246 HV. Furthermore, the evaluation of scratch hardness was carried out to evaluate the coating's adherence. Where with increasing percentage of BG THE Hardness increased to (14.8835) MPa (10%BG). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two-spotted spider mite (Tetranychus urticae) is a constant threat to greenhouse strawberry production. The application of synthetic acaricides is the main method of controlling T. urticae. However, resistance development to traditional acaricides reduces their efficacy and eventually leads to control failure. It is important for strawberry growers to look for new acaricides and application technologies that can limit the harmfulness of T. urticae in environmentally friendly ways. In the current study, laboratory toxicity tests and field trials were performed to screen high-efficiency acaricides, and then application technologies were improved to enhance the management of T. urticae. In the laboratory toxicity tests, the results showed that the LC50 (median lethal concentration) value of cyetpyrafen, cyenopyrafen, cyflumetofen, bifenazate, abamectin, azocyclotin, pyridaben, spirodiclofen, and etoxazole against adult T. urticae was 0.226, 0.240, 0.415, 3.583, 5.531, 25.58, 39.69, 140.3, and 267.7 mg/L, respectively. In addition, the LC50 value of the nine acaricides against eggs of T. urticae was 0.082, 0.097, 0.931, 18.56, 25.52, 45.61, 36.32, 1.954, and 0.040 mg/L, respectively. The field trial results showed that the best control effect was obtained in cyetpyrafen at 300 mL/ha treatment. Cyetpyrafen was chosen for further application technology tests. In the spray volume tests, the results showed that increasing the spray volume from 900 to 1050 L/ha significantly improved the control of T. urticae. In addition, the results from the spray instrument tests demonstrated that the control effects on T. urticae in the ozone spray treatments were significantly higher than those of the conventional and electrostatic sprays 1 and 3 days after treatment (DAT). Therefore, this study suggested that cyetpyrafen effectively controlled T. urticae both in the laboratory tests and in the field trials. Increasing the spray volume and application of ozone spray significantly improved T. urticae management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to investigate the effects of various factors (charging voltage, spray distance and spray pattern) on the deposition coverage of tomato leaves, the Box–Behnken surface response methodology was used to design an outdoor air-assisted electrostatic spraying experiment with three factors and three levels. The deposition coverage of tomato leaves in the upper, middle and lower layers was collected under different polarity charging voltages (0, +10 kV, −10 kV), spray distances (1, 3, 5 m) and spray patterns (ascending spray, descending spray, fixed height spray). Regression analysis and variance analysis were performed on the experimental data to determine the optimal working parameters. The results showed that (1) spray distance is the most important factor affecting the droplet coverage rate in the process of air-assisted electrostatic spraying; (2) the droplet coverage rate of air-assisted electrostatic spraying is optimal when the charging voltage polarity is negative voltage, the spray distance is 2.75 m, and the spray pattern is descending spray. The following conclusions were obtained. (1) In air-assisted electrostatic spraying, the distribution of air flow had the greatest effect on droplet deposition on tomato leaf surface. (2) Compared with air-assisted non-electrostatic spray, air-assisted electrostatic spray had a better deposition effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The potential application of recombinant human interleukin-2 (rhIL-2) in promoting immune cell proliferation and differentiation for the treatment of lung cancer is acknowledged. However, the inherent challenges associated with the short half-life and instability of rhIL-2 necessitate its encapsulation into microspheres for sustained release administration. In this study, the coaxial electrostatic spray technique was employed to fabricate rhIL-2-loaded core-shell microspheres. Quantum dots served as tracer materials, and the core-shell composite microspheres were fashioned with chitosan coating the rhIL-2 and quantum dots conjugates in the core layer and hyaluronic acid in the shell layer. A systematic exploration of factors such as carrier concentration, positive voltage, pinhole diameter, and spray flow rate was conducted using a single-factor method. The coaxial electrostatic spray process parameters for core-shell microsphere preparation were also meticulously optimized. The results indicated that the developed core-shell microspheres exhibited a favorable particle size ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 μm, accompanied by encapsulation efficiency and drug loading values of 78.39% ± 1.96% and 19.58 ± 2.76 μg/mg, respectively. In vitro release studies demonstrated a sustained release effect without any discernible burst release phenomenon. Biological activity assessments revealed that rhIL-2 within the core-shell microspheres mirrored the efficacy of the free protein drug. Additionally, in vivo imaging analysis attested to the active targeting properties of the microspheres. These findings robustly supported the successful development of sustained -release targeted rhIL-2-loaded microspheres, providing a theoretical foundation for protein-microsphere formulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency of air assistance associated with electrostatic spraying in terms of spray deposition and yield (Experiment 1), and the coverage and droplet density on soybean crops at different working speeds (Experiment 2). The treatments in Experiment 1 corresponded to combinations of electrostatic systems associated with air assistance at three airspeeds (21, 25, and 30 m·s−1) plus a conventional treatment without electrostatic or air assistance. The treatments in Experiment 2 corresponded to three working speeds (3.3, 4.2, and 5.0 m·s−1) with or without the use of an electrostatic system. All applications were performed with a self-propelled sprayer, delivering 75 L·ha−1 with ATR 2.0 nozzles. A blue tracer, detectable as absorbance with a spectrophotometer, was added to the spray solution to evaluate deposition. The results indicate that an air assistance at 21 m·s−1 plus electrostatic system increased the amount of spray deposited on the middle and top leaves of the plants in relation to the conventional system, with yield increments of up to 621 kg·ha−1. The slowest working speed (3.3 m·s−1) combined with air assistance and an electrostatic system provided the greatest spray deposition, droplet coverage, and density on the bottom leaves of soybean crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since droplet collision with walls has become a research hotspot, scholars have conducted a large number of studies on the dynamic behavior of electrically neutral droplets colliding with dry walls. However, with the rapid development of electrostatic spray technology, there is an increasingly urgent need to study the dynamic process of collision between charged droplets and walls. In this paper, considering the actual working conditions of electrostatic spray, an electric field model is introduced based on the two-phase flow field. Through the coupling of a multiphase flow field and electric field and a multiphysics field, the dynamic numerical calculation method is used to explore the collision electrodynamic behavior of charged droplets and liquid film. The dynamic evolution process of the formation and development of the liquid crown in the collision zone was clarified, and the critical velocity and critical Weber number of the rebound, spreading, and splashing of charged droplets were tracked. The distribution characteristics of electrostatic field, pressure field, and velocity field under different working conditions are analyzed, and the dynamic mechanism of the charged droplet collision liquid film under multi-physics coupling is revealed based on the electro-viscous effect. It is confirmed that the external electric field can increase the critical velocity of droplet splashing and fragmentation and promote the spreading and fusion behavior of droplets and liquid films. The influence of the impact angle of charged droplets on the collision behavior was further explored. It was found that the charged droplets not only have a smaller critical angle for fragmentation and splashing, but also have a faster settling and fusion speed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sr x Ba 1 − x BiO 3 (0 ≤ x < 0.5) films were fabricated from solution-phase precursors using flow-limited field-injection electrostatic spraying to investigate the predicted topological properties of BaBiO 3 , an oxide perovskite. The films were analyzed via x-ray diffraction, optical conductivity, and Raman spectroscopy. The bandgaps measured by optical absorption spectroscopy were in line with the predicted value of Sr x Ba 1 − x BiO 3 for x < 0.25 , decreasing with an increase in x to reach zero at x = 0.348. This suggests that BaBiO 3 may have topological order and that, upon appropriate doping, it may be used as a topological insulator or superconductor in quantum-computing devices. This work may open up new avenues toward engineering of topological insulators with precise and reproducible control of stoichiometry, obviating extreme deposition temperatures or vacuum processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sr x Ba 1 − x BiO 3 (0 ≤ x < 0.5) films were fabricated from solution-phase precursors using flow-limited field-injection electrostatic spraying to investigate the predicted topological properties of BaBiO 3 , an oxide perovskite. The films were analyzed via x-ray diffraction, optical conductivity, and Raman spectroscopy. The bandgaps measured by optical absorption spectroscopy were in line with the predicted value of Sr x Ba 1 − x BiO 3 for x < 0.25 , decreasing with an increase in x to reach zero at x = 0.348. This suggests that BaBiO 3 may have topological order and that, upon appropriate doping, it may be used as a topological insulator or superconductor in quantum-computing devices. This work may open up new avenues toward engineering of topological insulators with precise and reproducible control of stoichiometry, obviating extreme deposition temperatures or vacuum processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vancomycin in sustained release still needs to be investigated. Polylactic acid (PLA) was widely used in the biomedical field for its good biocompatibility, especially in the field of controlled drug release. In this study, polyethylene glycol (PEG) was used to modify PLA to improve the hydrophilicity of the material. The synthesis of the block copolymers was proven by infrared and nuclear magnetic characterization and the hydrophilicity was tested. Vancomycin was immobilized by coaxial electrospray, and PLA-PEG6000-PLA was used as the shell layer. The parameters of coaxial electrospray under this material were explored, and the effects of concentration, voltage and temperature on the formation of microspheres were systematically studied. The optimum parameters were determined as follows: concentration 20 wt%, temperature 35 °C and voltage 14 kV. The maximum encapsulation rate and drug loading were calculated to be 89.54 ± 1.22 % and 15.33 ± 0.97 %, respectively, and the cumulative release of drug-loaded microspheres was less than 45 % in 24 h with a slow releasing time of more than one month. The drug loaded microspheres showed good sustained release and good control of burst release. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers are excited about the latest advances in the long needle electrospinning and the bubble electrospinning, which have triggered widespread concern. This paper offers a new angle for modifying both methods, the former is developed into a modified one with an auxiliary helix needle, which is used for fabrication of super-hydrophobic polyvinylidene difluoride-copolypolyhexafluoropropylene nanofiber membrane (PH-E membrane for short), and the latter is extended to a bubble electrostatic spaying, which is used for spraying PDMS microspheres on the PH-E membrane surface, and the resultant membrane is called as the PDMSPH-E membrane. Both membranes hydrophobicity, surface roughness, porosity, and wetting property are measured and compared, and the drop impact dynamical property of the PDMS-PH-E membrane has opened the path for a new way to design of self-clearing and anti-fouling and antiwetting surfaces. Far-reaching applications of the membranes include energy harvesting devices and sensors. We anticipate this article to be a starting point for more sophisticated study of the bubble electrostatic spaying and PDMS-PH-E membrane advanced applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrostatic spraying technology can improve the efficiency of pesticide deposition on the surface of leaves and reduce the environmental pollution caused by pesticide drift, which has an important prospect in agricultural pesticide application. To improve the deposition and penetration of droplets in the crop canopy, we designed and optimized an air-assisted electrostatic nozzle and conducted the spraying performance experiment. Parameters, such as charge-to-mass ratio (CMR) and particle size, were tested and analyzed to obtain the suitable operating parameters of nozzle. The results proved that the improved air-assisted electrostatic nozzle has good atomization and chargeability. There is a good charging effect with a charging voltage of 3,000-5,000 V, the CMR increased 127.8% from 0.86 to 1.97 mC/kg as the charge voltage increases from 1,000 to 4,000 V, at an air pressure of 1.0 bar and liquid flow rate of 200 ml/min. Furthermore, we designed a multi-factor orthogonal experiment, which was conducted using a four-factor, three-level design to investigate the effects of operational parameters and canopy characteristics on droplet deposition and penetration. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and F-test were performed on the experiment results. The results showed that the factor effect on droplet penetration, in descending order, was as follows: spray distance, leaf area index, air pressure, and air pressure × spray distance. The factor effect on abaxial leaf deposition, in descending order, was as follows: air pressure, spray distance, air pressure × charge voltage, spray distance × charge voltage, and charge voltage. For optimal droplet penetration and abaxial leaf deposition, option A3B1D2 (air pressure 1.5 bar, spray distance 0.2 m, charge voltage 2,500 V) is recommend. The spray nozzle atomization performance and deposition regulation were studied by experimental methods to determine the optimal values of operating parameters to provide a reference for electrostatic spray system development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nickel-based alloys have great application value in aerospace, biomedical industry, chemical industry, and other fields. However, nickel-based alloys are known to be difficult to process, which will generate a lot of heat and friction during processing, which limits the application range of nickel-based alloys. Therefore, a large amount of cutting fluid needs to be used during processing, and the cutting fluid will cause harm to human health and the environment. In order to solve these problems, scholars proposed to use the minimum quantity lubrication (MQL) to replace the conventional flood cooling lubrication technique. Recently, many papers have proposed to use MQL for lubrication /cooling in the processing of nickel-based alloys. However, few studies have approached this topic comprehensively. To bridge this gap, this study conducts a comprehensive literature review of the progress made in the processing of nickel-based alloys using various MQL methods. It should be noted that these studies are divided into four categories: vegetable oil-based MQL, cryogenic cooling-based MQL, solid lubricant-based MQL, and electrostatic atomization-based MQL. It is crucial to compare the advantages of these cooling and lubricating technologies in machining nickel-based alloys, analyze their experimental results, and assess their impact on machining quality and tool wear. This review reveals that compared to traditional MQL, vegetable oil-based MQL is more energy-saving and environmentally friendly, resulting in approximately 30% improvement in surface quality and a 50% reduction in tool wear. The addition of solid lubricants to vegetable oil further enhances its lubrication performance. Cryogenic cooling-based MQL enables the attainment of finer grains and smaller sawtooth chips. Electrostatic atomization MQL, by altering the atomization process of traditional MQL, produces more uniform droplets, leading to a 42.4% reduction in tool wear and a 47% improvement in machined surface quality. The purpose of this paper is to help researchers identify existing gaps and to enable MQL to improve the processing quality and application range of nickel-based alloys. Finally, the present technical challenges and future research directions are put forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spray drying (SD) and freeze drying (FD) represent common methods utilized across various industries to achieve powdered final products. Electrostatic spray drying (ESD) is an emerging alternative as a continuous process to dry sensitive products without degradation, challenging the established drying techniques. This study aims to explore the efficacy of this process (ESD) in preserving the integrity of active components like oils, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and enzymes. Additionally, a life cycle assessment (LCA) of these three drying technologies was conducted for a comprehensive evaluation. In oil encapsulation, the study showed that oxidation was significantly influenced by the formulation and the drying processes employed, where higher encapsulation efficiency resulted in lower degradation. This was observed, for instance, in the saponin composition dried with ESD. For LAB encapsulation, the results demonstrated higher preservation using FD and ESD. However, the impact of climate change using FD is twice superior to the ESD process. Finally, for enzyme application, β-gal activity was retained maximally while encapsulating using skim milk or maltodextrin. Specifically, regardless of drying technique, maltodextrin exhibited a maximum retention of β-gal activity, exceeding 30%. In all the case studies, ESD proved to excel in encapsulating thermosensitive actives, highlighting superior retention of native viability and properties compared to SD. Additionally, ESD generated results comparable to those achieved with FD. Therefore, ESD appears to be a promising method for high powder quality and a more sustainable process than FD and SD. [Display omitted] • Introduction of ESD compared to SD & FD was performed. • Effects of formulation and scales were studied. • LCA was conducted to evaluate powder production scenarios. • ESD was the most efficient to encapsulate thermosensitive active. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The high-speed digital camera was used to visualize the evolution of electrostatic atomization, where the capillary was considered as spraying nozzle. The morphology of electrostatic atomization pattern and the transformation of the instability breakup pattern at high flow rates were investigated, and the effects of physical parameters, applied voltage and liquid flow rate on the instability breakup of electrified jets in electrostatic atomization were explored. The evolution from cone-jet to simple-jet was studied using hemispherical capillary, and simple-jet atomization of deionized water and ethanol was conducted using common capillary. The results indicate that cone-jet mode can be gradually transfered into simple-jet mode with the increasing of flow rate at specific voltage. For the initial state of jetting, with the increasing of external potential, the instability breakup modes of simple-jet for deionized water at high flow rates are mainly varicose instability breakup and kink instability breakup. Anhydrous ethanol with low surface tension is easy to be overcome by electric force and easier to break, and the whipping assisted bifurcation and ramified modes also appear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a room-temperature ammonia gas sensor using a ZnO and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) composite is developed. The sensor fabrication involved the innovative application of reverse offset and electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) techniques to create a ZnO/rGO sensing platform. The structural and chemical characteristics of the resulting material were comprehensively analyzed using XRD, FT-IR, FESEM, EDS, and XPS, and rGO reduction was achieved via UV–ozone treatment. Electrical properties were assessed through I–V curves, demonstrating enhanced conductivity due to UV–ozone treatment and improved charge mobility from the formation of a ZnO–rGO heterojunction. Exposure to ammonia gas resulted in increased sensor responsiveness, with longer UV–ozone treatment durations yielding superior sensitivity. Furthermore, response and recovery times were measured, with the 10 min UV–ozone-treated sensor displaying optimal responsiveness. Performance evaluation revealed linear responsiveness to ammonia concentration with a high R2 value. The sensor also exhibited exceptional selectivity for ammonia compared to acetone and CO gases, making it a promising candidate for ammonia gas detection. This study shows the outstanding performance and potential applications of the ZnO/rGO-based ammonia gas sensor, promising significant contributions to the field of gas detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Utilizing agricultural UAVs for pesticide and insecticide spraying is an effective measure for plant protection. However, achieving effective coverage on the back side of target is often challenging. To address this issue, this study combined a contact-charging spraying system with a UAV to develop an electrostatic plant protection UAV system. Upon activating the electrostatic component, strong electrostatic effects were observed at the nozzle, altering the distribution of the liquid flow; the distribution within the liquid flow became more homogeneous, while the edge regions experienced electrostatic repulsion, leading to changes in droplet size and an increase in droplet density. In the central area, droplet size reduced from 159 μm to 135 μm, while in the edge area, it changed from no value to 120 μm. During field tests using the UAV, the results showed an increase of 1.0 m in effective spray width (at a flight height of 4.0 m), indicating that the charges and propellor wind field contributed to the diffusion of droplets towards the edges. Additionally, the droplet density increased by an average of 19.7 droplets/cm2, and the overall deposition increased by 0.12 μL/cm2, resulting in an approximate three-fold increase compared to conventional spray, which aids in insect control and reduces pesticide usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atherosclerosis, a disease that mainly affects human blood vessels, can cause various cerebral ischaemic diseases such as coronary heart disease and peripheral arterial disease. However, conventional drugs for the treatment of atherosclerosis have the disadvantages of low bioavailability and high toxicity. Bowl-shaped particles not only have the excellent properties of traditional spherical particles, such as improved drug distribution, increased drug absorption, reduced drug toxicity and side effects, but also are easier to circulate in the blood for a long time, have reduced immune rejection and have a larger specific surface area. Chitosan/polycaprolactone bowl-shaped particles were prepared via electrostatic spraying, and the effects of precursor solution concentration and polymer ratio on particle morphology were investigated. Chitosan/polycaprolactone composite bowl-shaped particles containing hirudin were prepared under optimal parameters for sustained anticoagulation. The anticoagulant molecules of hirudin could be continuously released from the composite scaffold as the bowl particles degraded. The biocompatibility and haemocompatibility of the composite particles were assessed using mouse glial cells and rabbit blood, and the results showed that the cell viability of the drug-loaded particles was overall above 90% and the haemolysis rate was below 2%. By controlling the release rate of hirudin, bowl-shaped particles can achieve a long-term anticoagulant drug delivery system and have wider application potential as a novel blood contact material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Facile and ecofriendly loading of micro/nano function-specific substances to create functional materials is a trend being pursued by researchers. However, current micro/nano particles loading approaches are often hindered by issues such as uneven distribution, unsatisfactory stability and complicate procedure. In this work, we present an aqueous phase reshaping method that only utilizes the moisture to fabricate the "bubble particles", which could perfectly cater to the topography of the substrate. The green preparation of bubble particles adopts an absolutely zero-pollution method, realizing the firm loading of particles on the substrate. Integrating the preparation and loading of particles overcomes the traditional complicate process, while the aqueous phase reshaping ensures uniform and firm loading of the "bubble particles" onto the substrate. Our mechanism demonstrates a significant enhancement in the interface relation after aqueous phase reshaping, with a 121-fold increase in contact surface area achieved by reducing the height by 1 µm. Furthermore, we explore for the first time the influence of the nature of the receiving substrate on the interface morphology of particles during electrostatic spraying, which has important guiding significance for the interface relationship of electrostatic spraying and even electrostatic spinning materials. We also screen out the natural antibacterial essential oil linalool as the effective specialized antibacterial agent, which can specifically inhibit the odor-producing Proteus in urine, with an antibacterial rate of up to 100%. Taken together, this simple, ecofriendly method for fabricating functional materials with optimal interface stability appears highly promising for use in various products formed by electrostatic spraying/spinning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The SiC/Si composites were prepared via selective laser sintering (SLS) combined with reactive melt infiltration (RMI) of liquid Si, using fine SiC particles with original particle sizes of 0.05, 0.8 and 5 μm. A novel electrostatic spraying combined with phase inversion (ES-PI) method was developed to assemble SiC particles into spherical powders (40–60 μm in diameter) before SLS, enabling SiC with excellent flowability. Commercial coarse SiC microparticles (∼40 μm) were also adopted to prepare the SiC/Si reference composite for comparison. Then the effects of the fine original particle sizes of SiC on the microstructures, as well as mechanical performance of composites were studied. Compared to commercial SiC microparticles, the ES-PI SiC microspheres show superior sphericity and fluidity but a relatively high porosity. However, the pores in ES-PI SiC microspheres, which are potentially detrimental to mechanical properties of composites, will be totally filled and eliminated in the SiC/Si composites after RMI. The mechanical performance of the SiC/Si composites printed using the fine nano (0.05 μm) and submicron (0.8 μm) original particles was effectively improved than the reference composite. When printed using the ES-PI SiC microspheres with 0.05 μm original particles, the flexural strength of the SiC/Si composite was enhanced by 25 %. This is attributed to the cracks deflection as well as the fracture mode transition from transgranular to intergranular rupture by the use of nano- or submicro-sized original SiC particles. This work provides an effective solution for preparing high strength SiC/Si composites with fine nano- or submirco particle sizes for space-based lightweight optical mirror using SLS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an environment-friendly and less toxic approach to electrostatic spraying using novel water-based resin paints enhanced with SiO2 nanoparticles. Addressing the environmental and health concerns of traditional toxic solvent-based coatings, our research emphasizes the development and application of these paints on anodized aluminum substrates. Our experimental procedure involves formulating water-based paints; applying them via electrostatic spraying; and analyzing their stability, coverage, and adhesion properties. The findings demonstrated that the paints maintained stability and showed improved adhesion and uniformity without using a toxic solvent-based resin, particularly on substrates with extended anodizing treatment. This study highlights the potential of using water-based resin paints in industrial applications, offering a sustainable, efficient, and high-performance alternative to conventional coatings, paving the way for future research into their broader application and environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local chemotherapy is an alternative therapeutic strategy that involves direct delivery of drugs to the tumor site. This approach avoids adverse reactions caused by the systemic distribution of drugs and enhances the tumor-suppressing effect by concentrating the drugs at the tumor site. Drug-loaded microspheres are injectable sustained-release drug carriers that are highly suitable for local chemotherapy. However, a complex preparation process is one of the main technical difficulties limiting the development of microsphere formulations. In this study, core-shell structured microspheres loaded with paclitaxel (PTX; with a core-shell structure, calcium alginate outer layer, and a poly (lactic acid-co-glycolic acid) copolymer inner layer, denoted as PTX-CA/PLGA-MS) were prepared using coaxial electrostatic spray technology and evaluated in vitro and in vivo. PTX-CA/PLGA-MS exhibited a two-stage drug release profile and enhanced anti-tumor effect in animal tumor models. Importantly, the preparation method reported in this study is simple and reduces the amount of organic solvent(s) used substantially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient and simple separation of oil–water mixtures has been a global challenge due to the growing problem of oily wastewater. To address this issue, various materials with special wetting properties and functionality have been developed in the past decades for oil–water separation. In this study, a superhydrophobic cellulose acetate (CA) functional coating was prepared by electrostatic spraying of CA and chemical vapor deposition of methyltrichlorosilane (MTCS) on a stainless steel mesh (SSM). Water contact angle in air (WCA) of the resulting coating is154° or more, and oil under water contact angle (UWOCA) is 0°. Simultaneously, the separation flux of the resulting coating for oil–water mixtures is as high as 23977.77 L·m−2·h−1, with separation efficiencies exceeding 99%. Due to its excellent water repellency, the CA functional coating can effectively separate oil and water, and can be easily dried for continuous use. Furthermore, the CA functional coating exhibits good stability in salt solutions and acidic environments, making it an ideal material for addressing oily wastewater challenges. Highlights: The coating obtained by electrostatic spraying and CVD was superhydrophobic.The separation flux and separation efficiencies of coatings is 23977.77 L·m−2·h−1 and 99%.Coatings remain stable under polar environment conditions (pH = 2–12 and NaCl = 1–3 mol/L). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing textiles with rapid moisture‐wicking capability is a potential and effective solution to the poor comfort of medical and health‐protective clothing. However, designing protective clothing that combines safety and comfort remains a crucial and formidable task. Herein, a moisture‐wicking protective fibrous membrane (MWPFM) with a dual‐gradient structure manufactured by electrospinning and electrostatic spraying techniques is proposed. Interestingly, the protective layer with a small pore structure and an extremely hydrophobic effect can block water, blood, and ethanol. Additionally, the textile is designed in a multilayer configuration with a wetting gradient and pore structure gradient, ensuring comfort. The MWPFM exhibits excellent protective properties (ethanol contact angle of 115°, hydrostatic pressure of 14.8 kPa) and comfort (breathability of 46.8 mm s−1, water vapor transmission rate of 5.9 kg m−2 d−1). In addition, compared with the commercially available high‐density polyethylene protective membrane, MWPFM displays a distinct comfort advantage. This work provides a fresh avenue to improve the thermal‐moisture comfort of medical and health‐protective clothing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper deals with the mathematical modelling of the electrostatic spraying process in an industrial electrostatic oiling machine (EOM) for steel strips. Measurements from an industrial EOM show that the thickness and inhomogeneity of the oil film on the strips frequently exceed specified tolerance limits whereby the reasons were previously unknown. A numerical model of the spraying process is developed in ANSYS Fluent, which serves as the basis for a root-cause analysis of the erroneous oil film thickness. In contrast to other works in this area, a droplet break-up model, which describes the break-up of the oil droplets due to the charge they carry, is included to get more accurate results. The model is validated based on measurement data from an industrial oiling machine. It is demonstrated that the model yields a better understanding of the spraying process and it is successfully used to improve the oiling process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: A critical assessment was carried out to investigate the impact of electrostatic spray coatings as compared to dip coatings on tomatoes which were conducted at 30 ± 2 °C and 60% RH for a period of 30 days. In this paper, the impact of developed polysaccharide‐based coatings (alginate and cellulose coatings with clove oil) and commercially available wax‐based coatings (VMW50+) was compared to that of uncoated tomatoes. The application of alginate‐ and cellulose‐based electrostatically charged sprays was found to significantly (P < 0.05) reduce the weight loss, firmness, colour and bioactive compound degradation and overall flavour loss as compared to uncoated and dip‐based coating during the storage period of 30 days. Moreover, alginate‐ and cellulose‐based electrostatically charged spray coating were more efficient in delaying the spoilage of tomatoes by 20 days as compared to the uncoated one. A significant level of charge‐to‐mass ratio has been achieved, which confirmed the chargeability of coating materials. These findings confirmed the capability of electrostatically charged sprays to extend the shelf life and preserve the overall quality of tomatoes during storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrostatic spray deposition was applied to prepare pH sensing with spinel ZnCO2O4 thin films based on the measurement of extended-gate field-effect transistors (EGFET). The influence of annealing temperatures on the characteristics of the prepared films was analyzed. The structural and morphological properties of the annealed ZnCo2O4 films were assessed by x-ray diffraction, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and contact angle measurement. The effect of the ZnCo2O4 annealing temperature on the characteristics of pH sensing for the prepared ZnCo2O4 films in EGFET measurement were examined with pH buffer solutions in a pH range of 2–12 at room temperature. The sensing films annealed at 550°C demonstrated a high voltage and current sensitivity at 67.6 mV/pH and 1.033 (µA)½/pH, with linearity values of 0.9968 and 0.9991, respectively. Moreover, the annealed 550°C ZnCo2O4 film exhibited low hysteresis at 4.99 mV and high retention stability. The results revealed that the pH sensing of the ZnCo2O4 EGFET device showed a super-Nernstian sensitivity, which indicated the influence of the surface properties of the annealed film. Therefore, the ZnCo2O4 film should be considered a potential option for the pH sensing layer in EGFET applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, pure ZnO and Al-doped ZnO(AZO) thin films were coated onto a SiO2 wafer using the electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) process for acetone gas detection under laboratory conditions. Voltage levels were varied to determine the optimal conditions for producing thin films with the highest uniformity. The results indicate that the optimal coating voltage for achieving the highest uniformity of the coated films is 2.9 kV for ZnO and 2.6 kV for AZO. The thin films were produced under these optimal ESD conditions by adjusting the coating time, and gas sensors were fabricated by printing electrodes using a reverse offset process on top of the thin films. Analysis of the sensing response revealed that the AZO-coated gas sensor with a 200 s deposition exhibited the best acetone-sensing ability at 300 °C, with a maximum response of 13.41 at 10 ppm. Furthermore, the fabricated gas sensors effectively detected acetone gas even at a low concentration of 2 ppm, demonstrating high selectivity in comparison to other gases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electrostatic spray (ES) of liquids is a simple way to generate microdroplets with a high surface-to-volume ratio. The ES generated by electrical discharges enables a fast transfer of reactive species from plasma into the liquid for an efficient generation of plasma-activated water. Here, we present a relatively simple, versatile, and cost-effective diagnostic technique for online monitoring of ES microdroplets which enables simultaneous and synchronized electrical and optical diagnostics of an electrical discharge. This technique is based on planar laser light attenuation monitored by a large area photo-detector covered by a slit. Two variants were tested and compared—one with two lasers and another with one laser and a broadband LED lamp. This technique enables estimations of the speed and size of microdroplets (down to ∼10 μm) and allows for monitoring the dripping frequency or studying fragmentation of microdroplets and water filaments. The ES characteristics obtained by this technique were successfully verified by ultra-high-speed camer:a imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Advances in bone tissue engineering offer novel options for the regeneration of bone tissue. In the current clinical treatment, the method of accelerating bone tissue regeneration rate by promoting early angiogenesis has been widely accepted. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to develop a long-acting slow-release system using the pro-angiogenic drug tetramethylpyrazine (TMPZ) and pro-osteogenic drug icariin (ICA), which can be administered locally to achieve the sequential release of TMPZ and ICA for better clinically efficiency in the treatment of bone defects. METHODS: This study aimed to prepare microspheres with a core-shell structure using two polymers, poly lactic-co-glycolic acid and silk fibroin, by coaxial electrostatic spraying. Based on the therapeutic model for bone defects, the pro-angiogenic drug TMPZ and pro-osteogenic drug ICA were encapsulated in the shell and core layers of the microspheres, respectively. Subsequently, TMPZ and ICA were released sequentially to promote early angiogenesis and late osteogenesis, respectively, at the site of the bone defect. The optimal preparation parameters for preparing the drug-loaded microspheres were identified using the univariate controlled variable method. Additionally, microsphere morphology and core-shell structure, such as physical properties, drug-loading properties, in vitro degradation and drug release patterns, were characterised using scanning electron microscope and laser scanning confocal microscopy. RESULTS: The microspheres prepared in this study were well-defined and had a core-shell structure. The hydrophilicity of the drug-loaded microspheres changed compared to the no-load microspheres. Furthermore, in vitro results indicated that the drug-loaded microspheres with high encapsulation and loading efficiencies exhibited good biodegradability and cytocompatibility, slowly releasing the drug for up to three months. CONCLUSION: The development of the drug delivery system with a dual-step release mechanism has potential clinical applications and implications in the treatment of bone defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pesticide spray drift, which is the movement of pesticide by wind to any location other than the intended area, is hazardous to human, animal, food safety and environmental health. It is not possible to completely eliminate spray drift during spraying with field crop sprayers, but spray drift can be reduced by developing new technologies. The most common methods to reduce spray drift are carrying the droplets to the target with air‐assisted spraying, electrostatic spraying, preferring air induction nozzles and boom shields. With these methods, it is not possible to make a change on the sprayer depending on the wind intensity during spraying. In this study, a novel servo‐controlled spraying system was designed and developed to change the nozzle orientation angle in the reverse direction of the wind current to reduce the ground spray drift in real time and automatically in a wind tunnel. The displacement in the spray pattern (Dc) was used as a ground drift indicator for each nozzle to evaluate the spray drift. Results: The developed system, operated by LabVIEW software, calculated different nozzle orientation angles depending on nozzle types, wind velocities and spraying pressures. Orientation angles calculated for different test conditions achieved in reduction were up to 49.01% for XR11002 nozzle, 32.82% for AIXR11002 nozzle and 32.31% for TTJ6011002 nozzle at 400 kPa spray pressure and 2.5 m s−1 wind velocity. Conclusion: The developed system, which has a self‐decision mechanism, calculated the nozzle orientation angle instantaneously according to the wind velocity. It has been observed that the adjustable spraying nozzle system, sprayed with high precision towards the wind in the wind tunnel, and the developed system have advantages compared to conventional spraying systems. © 2023 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]