Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lin Pan, Wenbo Gao, Ruitian Bo, Yanpeng Li, Chunfeng Wang, Yongliang Wang, Zhidong Han
Summary: In order to meet the diversified requirements for polymer-based composites in modern electronic devices and electrical systems, the simultaneous enhancement of thermal-electrical-mechanical properties is a great challenge. The gradient structured composites, designed by adjusting the distribution of temperature, electric and stress fields in polyethylene (PE) based composites with different Al2O3 contents, demonstrated superior through-plane thermal conductivity, high breakdown strength, and good tensile strength. Finite element simulation provided evidence for the action mechanism on gradient structure regulating temperature and electric field. The strategy of constructing gradient structure provides a feasible route to meet the comprehensive performance requirements of PE based composites in massive manufacture scenario for practical insulation applications.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Pengyu Shen, Baoyu Zhang, Zizhao Li, Xueqin Pang, Wenjun Deng
Summary: Plastic flow machining (PFM) is a novel severe plastic deformation machining method used to prepare 7075 aluminum alloy sheets with a gradient structure. PFM can control the gradient structure of the aluminum alloy sheets and improve their mechanical properties and corrosion resistance.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jingtan Su, Rucha Arun Bapat, Gayathri Visakan, Janet Moradian-Oldak
Summary: By analyzing Ambn sequences of 53 species, we found that a potential amphipathic helix (AH) within the sequence encoded by Exon 5 of Ambn appeared in species with prismatic enamel. Synthetic peptides derived from mammalian Ambn interacted with liposomes and caused liposome leakage, while peptides from species without prismatic enamel did not show similar effects. Our findings suggest that the AH motif is closely related to the emergence of enamel prismatic structure and is involved in Ambn's regulation of cell morphology and polarization genes.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mate Hegedus, Viktoria K. Kis, Abel Szabo, Ivett Kovacs, Noemi Rozsa, Zsolt Kovacs
Summary: The exceptional mechanical performance and durability of dental enamel can be attributed to its unique hierarchical structure and oriented prisms. This study quantified the orientation of enamel prisms using scanning electron microscopy, and revealed the influence of anisotropic gradient behavior on the elastic modulus of enamel.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Chengxin Lei, Yan Du, Ming Zhu, Wangtu Huo, Hao Wu, Yusheng Zhang
Summary: Novel in situ TiC/Ti composites with laminated microstructure were successfully fabricated using electrophoretic deposition and SPS method. With increasing deposition duration, the strength of the composites continuously increased and a significant improvement in ductility was achieved. Different strengthening mechanisms were discussed and quantitatively evaluated based on microscopy analysis.
MATERIALS SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING A-STRUCTURAL MATERIALS PROPERTIES MICROSTRUCTURE AND PROCESSING
(2021)
Article
Dentistry, Oral Surgery & Medicine
Y. Bai, J. Bonde, K. M. M. Carneiro, Y. Zhang, W. Li, S. Habelitz
Summary: The development of the complex fibrous architecture of human enamel involves the observed amelogenin nanoribbons in in vitro experiments; protein structures matching the nanoribbons were found in enamel lacking the enzyme KLK4; similar structures were described as early as the 1960s, although researchers were unaware of their true function at the time.
JOURNAL OF DENTAL RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Jijie Yang, Chenglei Wang, Laichang Zhang, Zhijun Wang, Mulin Liang, Chong Liu, Weijie Liu, Xin Li, Shengfeng Zhou, Hong Tan
Summary: The objective of this study is to develop a new type of high-entropy alloy (HEA) coating with high temperature oxidation resistance. The Fe-Ni-Cr-Co-Mo-W HEA coatings were prepared by plasma surface alloying technology with different holding temperatures and their microstructure morphology evolution and properties were systematically studied. The results showed that the coatings had a gradient structure, excellent metallurgical bonding, and improved resistance to abrasion and high temperature oxidation.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Antoni G. Wrobel, Donald J. Benton, Pengqi Xu, Lesley J. Calder, Annabel Borg, Chloe Roustan, Stephen R. Martin, Peter B. Rosenthal, John J. Skehel, Steven J. Gamblin
Summary: The study suggests that coronaviruses from bats and pangolins may be implicated in the origin and evolution of SARS-CoV-2, with spikes from a pangolin coronavirus closely related to SARS-CoV-2 showing strong binding to human and pangolin ACE2 receptors. The structural and binding similarities between the pangolin coronavirus spike and the closed form of SARS-CoV-2 spike indicate a potential connection between the two viruses.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Yu Luan, Yuting Yang, Lin Chen, Yifan Ma, Menghong Jiang, Benhua Fei, Huanrong Liu, Xinxin Ma, Xiubiao Zhang, Fengbo Sun, Changhua Fang
Summary: This study proposes an effective and environmentally friendly method that combines flattening and densification to modify the heterogenous structure and enhance the properties of natural bamboo. After modification, the density and mechanical properties of bamboo were significantly improved, and the weaker section was reinforced and possessed a strength equivalent to the sturdy part of natural bamboo. Furthermore, the tensile and bending properties of full-thickness bamboo splits were improved, and the structure became more stable.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Desong Chen, Xiqin Mao, Meigui Ou, Yu Liang
Summary: In this study, the gradient structure of copper obtained by ultrasonic surface rolling process was investigated for its effect on the mechanical properties. The results showed that the samples with gradient structure exhibited significantly improved yield strength and tensile strength, which can be attributed to the combined strengthening effect of fine grains, dislocations, and textures of the gradient structure.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Sanja Vujkov, Livija Cveticanin
Summary: Dental cavity is a common illness that can be treated by drilling and filling, but this process causes tooth vibration and discomfort for patients. This paper provides a theoretical explanation for the vibration phenomenon and suggests ways to reduce it.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Zehui Fang, Mengxi Guo, Qingli Zhou, Quanli Li, Hai Ming Wong, Chris Ying Cao
Summary: This study proposed an innovative strategy to regenerate enamel-like tissue using biomimetic enamel matrix proteins on etched enamel surface, producing prismatic structures with similar mechanical properties to natural enamel. Analysis through XRD and FTIR confirmed the regenerated crystal as hydroxyapatite. Molecular dynamics simulation showed that the binding energy between mLRAP and NAA were primarily electrostatic forces and Van der Walls. These results present a promising approach for inducing crystal growth of enamel-like hydroxyapatite for biomimetic reproduction of materials with complex hierarchical microstructures.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
P. F. Jiang, X. R. Li, X. M. Zong, X. B. Wang, Z. K. Chen, C. Z. Liu, N. K. Gao, Z. H. Zhang
Summary: Inspired by biological gradient structure, Ti basic gradient heterogeneous alloy component from TC11 alloy to TC4 alloy was successfully fabricated using multi-wire arc additive manufacturing (MWAAM). The chemical mixing, phase and microstructure evolution, microhardness distribution, and tensile property of the Ti basic gradient heterogeneous alloy were investigated. The results showed that the alloy elements formed a long-distance gradient concentration distribution during the transition between two different titanium alloys. The diffraction peak intensity of the Ti basic gradient heterogeneous alloy in the gradient region remained unchanged. The microstructure of the alloy mainly consisted of lamellar alpha(P), acicular alpha(S), equiaxed alpha(S), and beta matrix. The morphology of the alpha(S) phase varied due to the wetting state of the second solid phase and grain boundary. Moreover, the microstructure of the alpha phase was significantly influenced by the gradient distribution of alloy composition. The gradient heterogeneous alloy component exhibited high bonding strength, with an average ultimate tensile strength close to TC4 alloy and approximately 85% of TC11 alloy.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yu Yuan Zhang, Quan Li Li, Hai Ming Wong
Summary: This study successfully synthesized a biomaterial with an enamel-like structure and antibacterial ability using a non-cell biomimetic method combined with a layer-by-layer technique. The material can effectively address dental restoration issues and offers new prospects for the synthesis of other enamel-inspired biomaterials.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Manufacturing
Jing Zhang, Yaoming Zhang, Liming Tao, Tingmei Wang, Qihua Wan
Summary: This paper investigates the incorporation of nanofillers into the polyimide matrix using 3D printing technology for improved tribological properties. The study focuses on the development of a highly soluble polyimide precursor suitable for direct ink writing (DIW) printers. The 3D printed PI exhibits excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability. The addition of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) as a solid lubricant further improves the wear resistance of the printed PI.
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
(2023)