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Silicon (Si) is recognized as a promising candidate for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its high theoretical specific capacity (~4200 mAh g−1), low working potential (<0.4 V vs. Li/Li+), and abundant reserves. However, several challenges, such as severe volumetric changes (>300%) during lithiation/delithiation, unstable solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, and inherently low electrical and ionic conductivity, impede its practical application. To mitigate these challenges, direct contact between the surface of the Si particle and the electrolyte must be prevented. In this review, we elucidated the surface coating strategies to enhance the electro–chemical performance of Si-based materials. We identified the impact of various coating methods and materials on the performance of Si electrodes. Furthermore, the integration of coating strategies with nanostructure design can effectively buffer Si electrode volume expansion and prevent direct contact with the electrolyte, thereby synergistically enhancing electrochemical performance. We highlight opportunities and perspectives for future research on Si-negative electrodes in LIBs, drawing on insights from previous studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the efficiency of brushing (Br), dipping (Di), spraying (S), and enrobing (En) methods was compared in three concentrations of 10%, 15%, and 20% of corn zein (Z) edible coating containing 0.5% of Heracleum persicum essential oil (HEO) in the shelf‐life improvement of whey‐less cheese during 56 days of cold storage. The results of the photography and colorimetric (L*, a*, and b* parameters) of the samples showed that the En method in 20% of Z created a uniform, brilliant, and attractive surface on the cheese pieces compared to the other groups during the storage period, and the S, Br, and Di methods were in the next categories, respectively. The findings of the texture analysis of the samples showed that all of the treatments significantly (p ≤.05) preserved the hardness of the cheese samples compared to the control group, and the En method containing Z 20% and HEO was the most effective treatment in preventing the hardness loss of the samples during the 56‐day storage period. In all treatments, the growth of aerobic mesophilic bacteria, psychrotrophic bacteria, enterobacteriaceae, molds, and yeasts was significantly (p ≤.05) reduced in comparison with the control sample, and the En method containing HEO and Z 20% was the most efficient in preventing the microbial growth. The rate of moisture loss, fat oxidation, and pH values of the studied samples significantly (p ≤.05) decreased in the coated treatments containing a higher concentration of Z and HEO compared with other treatments during the storage period. According to the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the En technique containing Z20% and HEO0.5% was the most effective treatment in the shelf‐life improvement of whey‐less cheese during 56 days of the refrigerated storage period, and the S, Br, and Di methods were in the next ranks, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a growing interest in using Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensors for the detection of humidity and water content due to their high sensitivity, ease of installation, multiplexing capability, reliability, and resistance to electromagnetic interference. Although, several studies and papers have been published on FBG sensors and their applications in various fields such as construction, geophysical, there is a lack of a consolidated review that specifically focuses on recent developments in agriculture with particular reference soil humidity and water content. Therefore, a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the advances, detection mechanisms, challenges, and potential future directions in this field is needed. This paper provides an in-depth analysis and summarizes the fundamental principles, advancements, methodologies, and recent research findings, highlighting the potential application in agriculture, development, challenges, and prospects for FBG-based humidity and water content detection. By utilizing the changes in FBG wavelength or amplitude caused by the presence of humidity, they provide an effective means for real-time monitoring and control of water content. However, challenges remain to be addressed, such as the need for accurate calibration and the potential for drift over time. In this review, we further discuss the strategies and techniques proposed to overcome the highlighted challenges, such as sensor packaging, signal processing algorithms, and calibration procedures, and suggest that further studies could be done to investigates the novel materials with enhanced sensitivity and selectivity, development of miniaturized and wireless FBG sensor system, as well as investigating multiplexing techniques for simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding how to manage the hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity of a surface has been the focus of a lot of research in recent years. The surface's energy often controls its hydrophobic state. There are numerous techniques to realize a change in the surface energy. Smart nano-based materials are being used to create super hydrophobic coatings that will serve as layers of defence against mechanical abrasion, corrosion, and fouling agents on the surface of metallic components. These coatings, which have recently gained popularity, have shown to be excellent choices for protecting steel pipelines. The recently created super hydrophobic coatings for glass surfaces, papers, cotton, steel pipes, etc., are examined in-depth and critically in this review study, emphasizing their use in different industries. It explains how to create super hydrophobic coatings on glass substrates using various techniques and the most recent research results on various coating production techniques. An in-depth discussion is also given to the recent applications of these created super hydrophobic coatings for treatments, including anti-bio fouling, dicing, and corrosion prevention over the past five years. According to the literature, spraying is the most adaptable and popular technique for creating super hydrophobic coatings for any substrate.

Silicon (Si) is recognized as a promising candidate for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) owing to its high theoretical specific capacity (~4200 mAh g−1), low working potential (+), and abundant reserves. However, several challenges, such as severe volumetric changes (>300%) during lithiation/delithiation, unstable solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, and inherently low electrical and ionic conductivity, impede its practical application. To mitigate these challenges, direct contact between the surface of the Si particle and the electrolyte must be prevented. In this review, we elucidated the surface coating strategies to enhance the electro–chemical performance of Si-based materials. We identified the impact of various coating methods and materials on the performance of Si electrodes. Furthermore, the integration of coating strategies with nanostructure design can effectively buffer Si electrode volume expansion and prevent direct contact with the electrolyte, thereby synergistically enhancing electrochemical performance. We highlight opportunities and perspectives for future research on Si-negative electrodes in LIBs, drawing on insights from previous studies.

The goal of this work was to improve the barrier properties of selected papers against water, grease and oil or gases (water vapor and oxygen) by covering them with biodegradable commercial coating carriers based on cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH). The aim was also to obtain cellulose recyclable packaging materials with improved barrier characteristics. The properties of paper coatings based on CNCs and PVOH were characterized. Various paper coating techniques (flexographic printing, rotogravure printing and blade printing) were evaluated with respect to the final properties of the surface-modified paper with different starting grammages (40 g/m2, 70 g/m2, 100 g/m2). Functional properties, such as the barrier against oxygen, water vapor, water and grease; mechanical properties; and seal characterization of coated paper were examined. The results of this study demonstrated that the covering of the paper may improve the water, grease and oil barrier and that the best results were obtained for Gerstar 70 g/m2 coated with J12 coatings using the flexographic technique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Textile‐reinforced cementitious composites (TRCCs) have recently received significant attention in structural engineering as promising retrofitting materials as well as reinforcements for thin and slender structural components. For applicability in the precast industry, the weight of the structural components made of TRCCs is a major concern. In this study, lightweight (LW) TRCC materials were developed and their flexural and direct shear performances were investigated. Carbon fabric is used as the textile reinforcement of the LW TRCCs, and expanded glass aggregates made from industrial refractory materials with fine particle sizes of 0.25–0.5 mm incorporating the mineral admixture (silica fume) are used to develop the LW cement‐based matrix. The main test series in this study include the expanded glass‐to‐binder (EG/B) ratio, surface coating methods used for textile fabrics, and volume dosages of short polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers used to modify the cement‐based matrix. Three main series, including a total of 30 flexural test specimens and 30 shear test specimens, are fabricated and tested. The flexural behavior of LW TRCCs is investigated via four‐point bending tests and the direct shear behavior of LW TRCCs is investigated based on the FIP standard using one shear failure plane. The experimental results indicate that the EG/B ratio significantly affects the overall flexural and shear performances of LW TRCCs, wherein the use of higher EG/B ratios might lead to greater reduction in flexural properties as well as shear properties in the pre‐peak stage. The coating methods employed for fabric surface treatment via epoxy impregnation combined with rough layers are effective in enhancing flexural properties in terms of load and deformation capacity and shear properties in terms of peak stress compared with the counterpart using only the epoxy coating method. Additionally, incorporating short discrete PVA fibers within the LW cement‐based matrix results in outstanding performance due to improvement in bonding quality at the textile/matrix interface, which can be applied as a potential solution for fabricating LW, high‐performance TRCCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Modern high-performance photodetector research is driven by the need to simultaneously improve multiple parameters, but also fit the decreasing size of electronics and maintain low production price. Here, we demonstrated how our synthesized ZnO tetrapod (ZnO-T) nanostructure was deposited on electrodes with variating gap by four coating methods including drop casting, microdrop casting, spray coating and slot-die coating with the same thickness. Optimizing the inter-electrode gap and coating method the record IUV/IDark ratio per unit area value of 8.73 × 106 was obtained. The fastest rise time 0.78 s and fastest decay time 0.94 s were obtained by slot-die coated sensors. High photoresponse of ZnO-Ts, the inter-electrode gap size influences formation of ZnO-T microstructure during coating process and morphology influence on photoresponse was explained. We demonstrate that even with the same optimized ZnO-T nanostructures photoresponse can be improved by 2 orders of magnitude. Our work shows the importance of coating morphology and inter-electrode gap optimization.

The world's first homojunction UV light‐emitting diode (LED) based on both p‐type and n‐type ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) is demonstrated. Nitrogen‐doped ZnO and gallium‐doped ZnO NPs are provided to fabricate p‐type and n‐type NP layers, respectively. The LEDs with the structures of p‐ZnO/GZO and p‐ZnO/n‐ZnO/GZO are fabricated. These devices show near UV electroluminescence (EL) at room temperature and emission power doubled by inserting the n‐ZnO NP layer. By comparing the results of I–V, EL and photoluminescence for LEDs, it can be confirmed that the holes inject from p‐ZnO NP layer to n‐ZnO NP layer and the mechanism of these devices are that of p‐n junction LEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This systematic review was aimed to test the null hypothesis that coating of orthodontic wires with nanoparticles does not affect the frictional properties at bracket--wire interface. Electronic database searches were performed up to September 2020. In vitro studies were considered for reviewing process. Study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment was performed during reviewing process. Only qualitative analyses of included literature were done due to the presence of heterogeneity among the studies. Out of 1,068 retrieved records, nine studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and included in this review. Studies were assessed at low risk to high risk of bias according to certain parameters. Wide variety of nanoparticles were used for surface coating of orthodontic wires of variable sizes, shapes, and materials like stainless steel, NiTi, and TMA and placed into the slots of different types of orthodontic brackets to evaluate the alteration in frictional and other mechanical properties. Most of the studies clearly indicate that coating with nanoparticles decreases the friction between wire and bracket interface under specified in vitro conditions. Furthermore, among the nine included studies, only two considered evaluation of effect of coated brackets on frictional and other mechanical properties and results were heterogeneous. The null hypothesis is rejected and it is concluded that the wires coated with nanoparticles might offer a novel opportunity to substantially reduce frictional resistance at bracket--wire interface during tooth movement. Further studies are necessary to strengthen the evidence regarding effect of coated brackets on frictional properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The materials used for the fabrication of solid‐phase microextraction fiber coatings in the past five years are summarized in the current review, including carbon, metal‐organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, aerogel, polymer, ionic liquids/poly (ionic liquids), metal oxides, and natural materials. The preparation approaches of different coatings, such as sol‐gel technique, in‐situ growth, electrodeposition, and glue methods, are briefly reviewed together with the evolution of the supporting substrates. In addition, the limitations of the current coatings and the future development directions of solid‐phase microextraction are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the luminescence and durability properties of SrAl 2 O 4 : Eu/Dy phosphor (SP) coated bricks incorporating different coating materials, such as glaze powders (Fx200 and TranspG) and epoxy resin. The luminescent brick specimens were differentiated by materials and methods used for coating, including only SP (S1), SP with low content of glaze powders (S2), SP with high content of glaze powder (S3), and SP with epoxy resin (S4). The performance of specimens was evaluated through surface brightness, spectral analysis, decay characteristics, UV-VIS diffuse absorbance spectral (DAS) analysis, solar light aging resistance, and freeze-thaw resistance. The results revealed that S1, S2, and S4 exhibit the highest surface brightness and radiate slowly for more than 45 s after exciting specimens for 2 min. The peak excitation spectra of S1, S2, S3, and S4 exist between 517.5 nm and 519.5 nm, representing the electron transition between 4d and 5f in Eu2+. The decay characteristics and UV-VIS DAS analysis revealed that all specimens can absorb incident light energy and emit it for a longer time, and the capability of absorbing light energy and afterglow duration of S1 and S4 outperformed that of S2 and S3. Moreover, S1 and S4 exhibit high resistance against solar light aging and freeze-thaw cycles. However, such bricks may lead to a cost increase of 38–75 % compared to conventional bricks, which can be offset by energy conservation. This study suggests that luminescent bricks can be used as a multi-functional building material and contribute towards sustainable development goals. [Display omitted] • SP-coated bricks were prepared via different coating materials and methods. • Afterglow duration of specimens was 90 min after excitation them for 2 min. • Bare SP-coated specimen exhibited the highest surface brightness. • Samples radiated slowly for 90 min after exciting them for 2 min. • Bare SP and SP-mixed epoxy resin coated samples exhibited the highest durability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogels—natural or synthetic polymer networks that swell in water—can be made mechanically, chemically and electrically compatible with living tissues. There has been intense research and development of hydrogels for medical applications since the invention of hydrogel contact lenses in 1960. More recently, functional hydrogel coatings with controlled thickness and tough adhesion have been achieved on various substrates. Hydrogel-coated substrates combine the advantages of hydrogels, such as lubricity, biocompatibility and anti-biofouling properties, with the advantages of substrates, such as stiffness, toughness and strength. In this review, we focus on three aspects of functional hydrogel coatings: (i) applications and functions enabled by hydrogel coatings, (ii) methods of coating various substrates with different functional hydrogels with tough adhesion, and (iii) tests to evaluate the adhesion between functional hydrogel coatings and substrates. Conclusions and outlook are given at the end of this review. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The movement of moving devices or machines in terms of safety perspective must be controlled. In modern vehicle applications, braking is closely related to safety. Slowing or breaking the movements of vehicles safely is the task of braking mechanisms. The most important components of these mechanisms are the disc and brake lining pairs. Brake discs are made of lamella graphite cast iron. During the braking, the kinetic energy of the vehicle is converted into the heat energy through friction. The braking elements are subject to very heavy thermo mechanical conditions under heat, speed and load. The friction and wear properties of the brake disc must be thermally more stable against the heat energy generated on it in order to maintain stability. In this study, mechanical properties of the brake discs, which the disc surface was coated with flame spraying and melting, were improved. In addition, microstructure, abrasion, hardness and surface roughness tests of the brake disc were conducted. As a result, the coated disc showed superior mechanical properties compared to the original disc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) devices has significantly increased in the last decades. Despite medical and technological advancements, a main challenge in the ECLS field remains the complex interaction between the human body, blood, and artificial materials. Indeed, blood exposure to artificial surfaces generates an unbalanced activation of the coagulation cascade, leading to hemorrhagic and thrombotic events. Over time, several anticoagulation and coatings methods have been introduced to address this problem. This narrative review summarizes trends, advantages, and disadvantages of anticoagulation and coating methods used in the ECLS field. Evidence was collected through a PubMed search and reference scanning. A group of experts was convened to openly discuss the retrieved references. Clinical practice in ECLS is still based on the large use of unfractionated heparin and, as an alternative in case of contraindications, nafamostat mesilate, bivalirudin, and argatroban. Other anticoagulation methods are under investigation, but none is about to enter the clinical routine. From an engineering point of view, material modifications have focused on commercially available biomimetic and biopassive surfaces and on the development of endothelialized surfaces. Biocompatible and bio-hybrid materials not requiring combined systemic anticoagulation should be the future goal, but intense efforts are still required to fulfill this purpose.

Microbial contamination of medical devices and treatment rooms leads to several detrimental hospital and device-associated infections. Antimicrobial copper coatings are a new approach to control healthcare-associated infections (HAI’s). This review paper focuses on the efficient methods for depositing highly adherent copper-based antimicrobial coatings onto a variety of metal surfaces. Antimicrobial properties of the copper coatings produced by various deposition methods including thermal spray technique, electrodeposition, electroless plating, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), and sputtering techniques are compared. The coating produced using different processes did not produce similar properties. Also, process parameters often could be varied for any given coating process to impart a change in structure, topography, wettability, hardness, surface roughness, and adhesion strength. In turn, all of them affect antimicrobial activity. Fundamental concepts of the coating process are described in detail by highlighting the influence of process parameters to increase antimicrobial activity. The strategies for developing antimicrobial surfaces could help in understanding the mechanism of killing the microbes.

Abstract Enrichments of emerging pollutants and drugs from various samples with complex matrices make it urgent and challenging to develop novel SPME coatings, and the flourishing materials with high enrichment capabilities provide good opportunities for it. This review summarizes the used materials for the fabrication of SPME coatings in the past five years, including carbon, polymer, metal organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), ionic liquids (ILs), metal/metal oxide nanoparticles and silica. To obtain SPME coatings with excellent physical performance, anti-interference ability and high enrichment capability, suitable coating methods and supports are selected according to the properties of coating materials. In addition, the factors of coating materials and analytes influencing the enrichment effect are summarized and illustrated preliminarily, benefiting for further design of advanced coating materials with enhanced performance. Highlights • A variety of new materials employed as novel fiber coatings have been summarized. • The coating methods have been reviewed according to the property of selected material. • The enrichment mechanisms of coating materials have been illustrated preliminarily. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon membranes have emerged in the 70's and have been presenting promising results for application in processes involving gas separation because of their sieving effects. The carbon membranes are obtained by pyrolysis of a precursor polymer beyond its initial decomposition temperature under essentially inert conditions. Supported and unsupported carbon membranes can be produced, but the former are distinguished for the industrial separation of gases due to the improved mechanical strength and high chemical and thermal stability. In this context, different types of support, coating methods and pyrolysis conditions for supported carbon membranes have been reported in the literature, in order to improve the separation capability of gas mixtures in respect to permeability and selectivity. The aim of this review article is to report and discuss the evolution of supported carbon membrane in the last 10 years in respect to configuration, transport mechanisms, manufacturing processes and its main applications, highlighting the main challenges still to be overcome for this technology to be applied industrially. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface modification is one of several techniques on improving the characteristic of certain elements. The surface of material can be modified by coating it with certain coating material. In this study Aluminium Oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) is used and its coating material are Oleic Acid and Silica Dioxide. The main objectives of this study are to observe the properties of Al2O3 NPs after being coated with OA and SiO2 at paraffin oil and brine water interface and to investigate the changes of NPs structure and chemical properties using three analysis which are Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and X-Ray Powder Diffraction (XRD). Al2O3 NPs was coated with OA and then followed by SiO2 coating. After that, the modified NPs was analyzed by these analysis (SEM, FTIR and XRD). The modified Al2O3 NPs then were injected into mixture of paraffin oil and brine water. Al2O3 NPs coated with OA inhibit hydrophobic tails which prevent the molecules of NPs to mix with water. While for NPs coated with SiO2, its aggregate well at the interface and most of it sticking to test tube wall. However, some of the NPs dissolve in water. SEM analysis images of before and after coating show different in thickness indicate the successfulness in coating. OA and SiO2 can be seen attach to Al2O3 NPs quasi-spherical surface. While FTIR and XRD peaks show that there are changes in chemical properties and existence of contaminant at Al2O3 NPs crystallite structure. These analysis and observation of NPs confirming the successful of coating. Thus, can help in detection of crude oil production and improve the performance of Al2O3 NPs.

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are considered the culprit of secondary air pollution such as ozone, secondary organic aerosols, and photochemical smog. Among various technologies, catalytic oxidation is considered a promising method for the post-treatment of VOCs. Researchers are sparing no effort to develop novel catalysts to meet the requirements of the catalytic process. Compared with the powdered or granular catalysts, the monolithic catalysts have the advantages of low pressure drop, high utilization of active phases, and excellent mechanical properties. This review summarized the new design of monolithic catalysts (including new preparation methods, new supports, and new energy supply methods) for the post-treatment of VOCs. It addressed the advantages of the new designs in detail, and the scope of applicability for each new monolithic catalyst was also highlighted. Finally, the highly required future development trends of monolithic catalysts for VOCs catalytic oxidation are recommended. We expect this work can inspire and guide researchers from both academic and industrial communities, and help pave the way for breakthroughs in fundamental research and industrial applications in this field. The latest research progress of monolithic catalysts is divided into three parts: new preparation methods, new supports, and new energy supply methods. This manuscript addressed the advantages of these new designs in detail, and the scope of applicability for each new monolithic catalyst was also highlighted. [Display omitted] • The characteristics of the novel monolithic catalysts for VOCs are summarized. • High activity, low cost, and rapid preheating are the targets for the novel monolithic catalysts. • This review focuses on the beneficial effects of every new monolithic catalyst. • The perspectives and future challenges for the monolithic catalysts are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deposition of TiO2-P25 on Pyrex glass is studied in order to propose a procedure for obtaining uniform and adherent thin films with a controlled thickness in the range between fractions of micrometer to a few tens of micrometers. Different deposition methods such as spray-coating, dip-coating, and drop-coating of liquid suspensions of TiO2-P25 powder are considered. The effects of pretreatment of the glass support, as well as postdeposition steps such as drying condition and thermal treatment, are also reported. A basic glass pretreatment and an acidic TiO2suspension are chosen for an optimized adherence of the film. Drop-coating, associated with a slow drying under 55% relative humidity and a high-temperature thermal treatment is the method of choice to prepare coated glass slides in a large range of film thicknesses. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This systematic review was aimed to test the null hypothesis that coating of orthodontic wires with nanoparticles does not affect the frictional properties at bracket--wire interface. Electronic database searches were performed up to September 2020. In vitro studies were considered for reviewing process. Study selection, data extraction, risk of bias assessment was performed during reviewing process. Only qualitative analyses of included literature were done due to the presence of heterogeneity among the studies. Out of 1,068 retrieved records, nine studies satisfied the inclusion criteria and included in this review. Studies were assessed at low risk to high risk of bias according to certain parameters. Wide variety of nanoparticles were used for surface coating of orthodontic wires of variable sizes, shapes, and materials like stainless steel, NiTi, and TMA and placed into the slots of different types of orthodontic brackets to evaluate the alteration in frictional and other mechanical properties. Most of the studies clearly indicate that coating with nanoparticles decreases the friction between wire and bracket interface under specified in vitro conditions. Furthermore, among the nine included studies, only two considered evaluation of effect of coated brackets on frictional and other mechanical properties and results were heterogeneous. The null hypothesis is rejected and it is concluded that the wires coated with nanoparticles might offer a novel opportunity to substantially reduce frictional resistance at bracket--wire interface during tooth movement. Further studies are necessary to strengthen the evidence regarding effect of coated brackets on frictional properties., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2022 Journal of Orthodontic Science.)

Cavitation erosion is a frequently observed phenomenon in underwater engineering materials and is the primary reason for component failure. The damage due to cavitation erosion is not yet fully understood, as it is influenced by several parameters, such as hydrodynamics, component design, environment, and material chemistry. This article gives an overview of the current state of understanding of cavitation erosion of materials used in hydroturbines, coatings and coating methodologies for combating cavitation erosion, and methods to characterize cavitation erosion. No single material property fully characterizes the resistance to cavitation erosion. The combination of ultimate resilience, hardness, and toughness rather may be useful to estimate the cavitation erosion resistance of material. Improved hydrodynamic design and appropriate surface engineering practices reduce damage due to cavitation erosion. The coatings suggested for combating the cavitation erosion encompasses carbides (WC CrC, CrC, 20CrC-80WC), cermets of different compositions (e.g., 56WC/Ni/Cr, 41WC/Ni/Cr/Co), intermetallic composites, intermetallic matrix composites with TiC reinforcement, composite nitrides such as TiAlN and elastomers. A few of them have also been used commercially. Thermal spraying, arc plasma spraying, and high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) processes have been used commercially to apply the coatings. Boronizing, laser surface hardening and cladding, chemical vapor deposition, physical vapor deposition, and plasma nitriding have been tried for surface treatments at laboratory levels and have shown promise to be used on actual components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of different plasticizer types (glycerol, propylene glycol, and sorbitol) and coating methods (brushing, dipping, and spraying) on the internal quality and shelf life of chitosan-coated eggs were evaluated during 5 wk of storage at 25 °C. The Haugh unit and yolk index values suggested that chitosan coating, irrespective of the plasticizer types, extended the shelf life of eggs by almost 3 wk at 25 °C compared with noncoated eggs. After 5 wk of storage, plasticizer types did not significantly affect the quality (weight loss, Haugh unit, and yolk index) of chitosan-coated eggs. However, there was an observable trend indicating that use of sorbitol rather than propylene glycol and glycerol as a plasticizer was better in reducing weight loss (whole egg) of chitosan-coated eggs during a 5-wk storage. After a 5-wk storage, there were no significant differences in weight loss and weight of albumen and yolk among chitosan-coated eggs, regardless of the coating methods. However, both brushing and dipping methods yielded chitosan-coated eggs with better yolk (higher yolk index values) and albumen (lower pH) qualities than did the spraying method. During 3 to 5 wk of storage, the Haugh unit values of chitosan-coated eggs by the brushing method were higher than or comparable to those by dipping or spraying. Therefore, coating of eggs with chitosan using sorbitol as a plasticizer and by the brushing method may offer a protective barrier in preserving the internal quality and thus extending shelf life of eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focuses on the processes involved in coating. Mechanisms of thin-film flows; Contact angle in dynamic wetting; Information on the self-metered flow elements.

The use of extracorporeal life support (ECLS) devices has significantly increased in the last decades. Despite medical and technological advancements, a main challenge in the ECLS field remains the complex interaction between the human body, blood, and artificial materials. Indeed, blood exposure to artificial surfaces generates an unbalanced activation of the coagulation cascade, leading to hemorrhagic and thrombotic events. Over time, several anticoagulation and coatings methods have been introduced to address this problem. This narrative review summarizes trends, advantages, and disadvantages of anticoagulation and coating methods used in the ECLS field. Evidence was collected through a PubMed search and reference scanning. A group of experts was convened to openly discuss the retrieved references. Clinical practice in ECLS is still based on the large use of unfractionated heparin and, as an alternative in case of contraindications, nafamostat mesilate, bivalirudin, and argatroban. Other anticoagulation methods are under investigation, but none is about to enter the clinical routine. From an engineering point of view, material modifications have focused on commercially available biomimetic and biopassive surfaces and on the development of endothelialized surfaces. Biocompatible and bio-hybrid materials not requiring combined systemic anticoagulation should be the future goal, but intense efforts are still required to fulfill this purpose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial contamination of medical devices and treatment rooms leads to several detrimental hospital and device-associated infections. Antimicrobial copper coatings are a new approach to control healthcare-associated infections (HAI's). This review paper focuses on the efficient methods for depositing highly adherent copper-based antimicrobial coatings onto a variety of metal surfaces. Antimicrobial properties of the copper coatings produced by various deposition methods including thermal spray technique, electrodeposition, electroless plating, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), and sputtering techniques are compared. The coating produced using different processes did not produce similar properties. Also, process parameters often could be varied for any given coating process to impart a change in structure, topography, wettability, hardness, surface roughness, and adhesion strength. In turn, all of them affect antimicrobial activity. Fundamental concepts of the coating process are described in detail by highlighting the influence of process parameters to increase antimicrobial activity. The strategies for developing antimicrobial surfaces could help in understanding the mechanism of killing the microbes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the first two articles in this series, the influence of fabric construction and of coating characteristics on the mechanical properties of coated cotton fabrics were discussed. All of the coating described in these articles was applied by a knife over blanket technique. In the work described herein, other application techniques were used, including floating knife, re verse roll, and transfer coating. Tearing strengths were measured, and pene tration studied by the stereo technique described previously. High tearing strengths could be obtained by all of the coating techniques, but no simple relationship existed between tearing strength and degree of penetration. Certain of the techniques created a porosity in the penetrated coating which is believed to be responsible for the high tearing strengths obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Hydrogels-natural or synthetic polymer networks that swell in water-can be made mechanically, chemically and electrically compatible with living tissues. There has been intense research and development of hydrogels for medical applications since the invention of hydrogel contact lenses in 1960. More recently, functional hydrogel coatings with controlled thickness and tough adhesion have been achieved on various substrates. Hydrogel-coated substrates combine the advantages of hydrogels, such as lubricity, biocompatibility and anti-biofouling properties, with the advantages of substrates, such as stiffness, toughness and strength. In this review, we focus on three aspects of functional hydrogel coatings: (i) applications and functions enabled by hydrogel coatings, (ii) methods of coating various substrates with different functional hydrogels with tough adhesion, and (iii) tests to evaluate the adhesion between functional hydrogel coatings and substrates. Conclusions and outlook are given at the end of this review., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of China Science Publishing & Media Ltd.)