Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
J. A. Lenis, Elbert Contreras Romero, Abel Hurtado Macias, P. Rico, J. L. Gomez Ribelles, M. A. Pacha-Olivenza, M. L. Gonzalez-Martin, F. J. Bolivar
Summary: In this study, the surface of Ti6Al4V alloy, commonly used in implant fabrication, was modified with a novel biocompatible and antibacterial coating composed of multiple layers of hydroxyapatite (HA) and Ag. The coatings were characterized for their chemical and phase compositions, as well as their structural, topographical, and morphological properties. Mechanical properties were determined, and the biological response was evaluated using cell viability tests and bacterial viability tests. The results show excellent chemical and compositional control of the coatings, as well as high antibacterial potential and biocompatibility.
SURFACE & COATINGS TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Elia Zgheib, Akram Alhussein, Mohamed Fares Slim, Khaled Khalil, Manuel Francois
Summary: In this study, a model specifically developed for the Impulse Excitation Technique (IET) was used to determine the elasticity constants of anisotropic thin films deposited by magnetron sputtering. The anisotropic behavior of the films was evaluated for different glancing angles, showing changes in elasticity constants due to the angle variations.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MECHANICAL SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Antia Villamayor, Thomas Pomone, Sergio Perero, Monica Ferraris, Victoria Laura Barrio, Eva G-Berasategui, Peter Kelly
Summary: High photocatalytic activity layers were obtained by combining a TiO2 nanostructured coating support with NiO layers synthesized by direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering. The TiO2 crystallinity was improved through the optimization of sputtering process parameters. The formation of a p-n heterojunction between the TiO2 and NiO layers significantly enhanced the degradation rates of methylene blue under UV light.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
F. A. Orjuela, F. F. Vallejo, H. Hahn, J. J. Olaya, J. E. Alfonso, L. Velasco
Summary: AlCrTiN coatings were deposited on aluminum-silicon alloy substrates using RF magnetron sputtering. The coatings exhibited a hexagonal Wurtzite structure with preferential growth on the (002) direction. Increasing nitrogen flow resulted in a decrease in crystallite size. The coatings showed improved hardness, wear resistance, and fracture toughness compared to the uncoated substrate.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
N. A. Richter, B. Yang, J. P. Barnard, T. Niu, X. Sheng, D. Shaw, M. Watanabe, G. Rane, U. Krause, P. Duerrenfeld, H. Wang, X. Zhang
Summary: In this study, the influence of bipolar pulsed direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering on the microstructure evolution of titanium nitride (TiN) coatings is explored and compared with conventional DC sputtering. The implementation of pulsed DC voltage promotes a drastic texture change from randomly oriented polycrystals to (111) textured TiN coatings across various Si substrates, including amorphous SiO2. Higher pulse frequencies contribute to significant grain size reduction, resulting in increased hardness and wear resistance. The potential mechanism for this microstructural and texture evolution is also investigated.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yongyi Xu, Jingyi Zhang, Fubang Liang, Meng Yin, Meifeng He
Summary: Radio frequency magnetron sputtering was used to deposit nano-silver coating on the surface of pure titanium with micro- and nano- layered structure. The results showed that silver nanoparticles could be successfully deposited on the surface and form micro-nano holes. The wettability and surface roughness of the coating were related to the magnetron sputtering time, and the release rate of silver ions showed time-dependent characteristics.
SURFACES AND INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Leo Alvarez-Fraga, Raul Gago, Jose de Jesus Araiza, Jon Azpeitia, Ignacio Jimenez, Olga Sanchez
Summary: Un-doped and silver-doped zinc oxide films were prepared using oblique incidence sputtering deposition with different process parameters. The crystalline structure, chemical composition, and surface morphology were found to affect the optical properties and wettability of the films. The wettability of the uZO films varied from hydrophilic to hydrophobic based on the orientation, inclination, and morphology of the columnar structure. The hydrophobic behavior of the SZO films increased with higher silver content, with the most hydrophobic surface observed when the Ag content was above 7 at.%.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Christian J. Ruud, Angela Cleri, Jon-Paul Maria, Noel C. Giebink
Summary: This study introduces a sputtering-based sacrificial porogen process to fabricate multilayer nanoporous SiO2 coatings with tunable refractive index. The results demonstrate outstanding performance in antireflection coatings.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Thangavel Elangovan, Athinarayanan Balasankar, Selvaraj Arokiyaraj, Ramaseshan Rajagopalan, Rani P. George, Tae Hwan Oh, Parasuraman Kuppusami, Subramaniyan Ramasundaram
Summary: Highly durable and antimicrobial tantalum nitride/copper nanocomposite coatings were prepared using pulsed magnetron sputtering. The coatings exhibited excellent antibacterial activity, with the TaN/Cu coating containing 10.46% copper showing the highest antimicrobial effect. The addition of copper also improved the mechanical properties of the coating.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rafael Alvarez, Guillermo Regodon, Hiedra Acosta-Rivera, Victor Rico, German Alcala, Agustin R. Gonzalez-Elipe, Alberto Palmero
Summary: This paper studied the morphology and void connectivity of thin films grown by magnetron sputtering deposition at oblique geometries. A well-tested thin film growth model was used, along with experimental data, to assess the features of these layers. The film morphology and pore topology varied significantly with the growth conditions, which were linked to the different collisional transport of sputtered species in the plasma gas. Four different film morphologies were identified, and their porous network characteristics were described, explaining their potential applications in electrochromic sensors or infiltration with nanoparticles.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rafal Chodun, Marlena Dypa, Bartosz Wicher, Katarzyna Nowakowska - Langier, Sebastian Okrasa, Roman Minikayev, Krzysztof Zdunek
Summary: This study investigated a Gas Injection Magnetron Sputtering technique for target temperature control by using various frequencies of plasma pulse generation to limit heat dissipation. The results showed that target temperature did not affect the chemical and phase composition of coatings, but the thickness of fabricated coatings increased in hot sputtering processes.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chanthawut Jetjamnong, Sutharat Chotikaprakhan, Rattanachai Kowong, Chanunthorn Chananonnawathorn, Atipong Bootchanont, Tossaporn Lertvanithphol, Saksorn Limwichean, Puchong Kijamnajsuk, Annop Klamchuen, Gang Meng, Anucha Watcharapasorn, Hideki Nakajima, Mati Horprathum
Summary: In this study, NiWO nanorod films were prepared using reactive magnetron co-sputtering with oblique angle deposition. The influence of Ni target sputtering power on the microstructural, morphology, and chemical composition of the films was investigated. Results showed that the sputtering power affected the diameter, length, and tilt angle of the nanorods, while surface roughness increased with increasing Ni sputtering power.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Francisco L. G. Marin, G. Gilberto Bejarano, Giovanny Torres Lindarte
Summary: Titanium alloys are commonly used for bone implants due to their high biocompatibility and chemical stability. However, their ability to resist bacteria adhesion and biofilm formation is limited. In this study, a nanocomposite coating made of TiAlVN(Ag)x was deposited on the titanium alloy substrates using magnetron sputtering technique. The coated substrates exhibited significant bactericidal effect without affecting their hardness and cell viability. The coatings showed high inhibition against Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria and good compatibility with human osteoblasts.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
Rohit Kumar Singh Gautam, Hemant Nautiyal, Rajnesh Tyagi, Vinayak Ranjan
Summary: The effect of carbon content on the tribological performance of coatings was investigated. It was found that TiAlC films with a carbon content of 25 at% exhibited the lowest coefficient of friction and wear rate. Increasing the target power improved the resistance to plastic deformation and elastic strain to failure of the coatings.
JOURNAL OF TRIBOLOGY-TRANSACTIONS OF THE ASME
(2022)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Hicham Larhlimi, Anas Ghailane, Mohammed Makha, Jones Alami
Summary: This article introduces the applications and the structural, mechanical, and tribological properties of titanium carbide (TiC) coatings. The key technological approaches for the development of binary and ternary TiC-based coatings are discussed, along with the relationship between the deposition parameters and the coating properties. It is found that steering towards ternary TiC-based system can improve the coating properties. Lastly, the potential applications of TiC coatings are explored.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jaime del Moral, Laura Montes, Victor Joaquin Rico-Gavira, Carmen Lopez-Santos, Stefan Jacob, Manuel Oliva-Ramirez, Jorge Gil-Rostra, Armaghan Fakhfouri, Shilpi Pandey, Miguel Gonzalez del Val, Julio Mora, Paloma Garcia-Gallego, Pablo Francisco Ibanez-Ibanez, Miguel Angel Rodriguez-Valverde, Andreas Winkler, Ana Borras, Agustin Rodriguez Gonzalez-Elipe
Summary: The use of acoustic waves for de-icing and anti-icing purposes shows promising potential, as it provides a synergistic effect when combined with surface modifications. Experiments conducted in laboratory and icing wind tunnel settings demonstrate the real-time monitoring capabilities of acoustic wave devices in icing processes.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Veer Shah, David Medina-Cruz, Ada Vernet-Crua, Linh B. Truong, Eduardo Sotelo, Ebrahim Mostafavi, Maria Ujue Gonzalez, Jose Miguel Garcia-Martin, Jorge L. Cholula-Diaz, Thomas J. Webster
Summary: The conventional physicochemical approaches for producing nanoparticles for biomedical applications have limitations in terms of biocompatibility, requiring additional functionalization. In contrast, green nanotechnology and environmentally friendly nanomaterial synthesis using natural sources have gained attention. This study synthesized selenium and tellurium nanoparticles using extracts from jalapeno and habanero peppers and evaluated their antimicrobial and anticancer properties. The nanoparticles showed different antimicrobial profiles, with tellurium nanoparticles exhibiting a significant antibacterial effect. The nanoparticles also demonstrated cytocompatibility and dose-dependent anticancer effects, with tellurium nanoparticles being biocompatible but having a powerful anti-cancer effect.
JOURNAL OF FUNCTIONAL BIOMATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jorge Gil-Rostra, Javier Castillo-Seoane, Qian Guo, Ana Belen Jorge Sobrido, Agustin R. Gonzalez-Elipe, Ana Borras
Summary: This work proposes a new architecture of photoelectrodes consisting of supported multishell nanotubes fabricated by a soft-template approach. The obtained NT electrodes have a large electrochemically active surface and outperform the efficiency of equivalent planar-layered electrodes by more than one order of magnitude. The characteristics of the WO3/BiVO4 Schottky barrier heterojunction control the NT electrode efficiency, which depends on the BiVO4 outer layer thickness and the incorporation of the CoPi electrocatalyst, as demonstrated by thorough electrochemical analysis.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gerardo Asensio, Ana M. Hernandez-Arriaga, Marcela Martin-del-Campo, M. Auxiliadora Prieto, Agustin R. Gonzalez-Elipe, Luis Rojo, Blanca Vazquez-Lasa
Summary: The accumulation of bacteria over implant surfaces is the main cause of failure, and the development of antimicrobial surfaces is crucial. Additionally, the durability and mechanical performance of implants are determined by their osseointegration capacity and infection prevention. Therefore, bioactive surfaces are being researched to improve implant osseointegration and infection prophylaxis.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Arcos
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
A. M. Alcaide, G. Regodon, F. J. Ferrer, V Rico, R. Alvarez, T. C. Rojas, A. R. Gonzalez-Elipe, A. Palmero
Summary: The formation of monoclinic VO2 crystal domains at low temperatures in nanocolumnar vanadium/oxygen thin films deposited via magnetron sputtering is analyzed. The synthesis involved depositing amorphous nanocolumnar VO1.9 thin films at room temperature and annealing them at temperatures between 250 - 330 ? in an oxygen atmosphere. The nanocolumnar structures exhibited a thermochromic transition at 47 ? (for annealing at 270 ?) and 58 ? (for annealing at 280 and 290 ?), resulting in a significant drop in optical transmittance in the infrared region.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Rafael Alvarez, Guillermo Regodon, Hiedra Acosta-Rivera, Victor Rico, German Alcala, Agustin R. Gonzalez-Elipe, Alberto Palmero
Summary: This paper studied the morphology and void connectivity of thin films grown by magnetron sputtering deposition at oblique geometries. A well-tested thin film growth model was used, along with experimental data, to assess the features of these layers. The film morphology and pore topology varied significantly with the growth conditions, which were linked to the different collisional transport of sputtered species in the plasma gas. Four different film morphologies were identified, and their porous network characteristics were described, explaining their potential applications in electrochromic sensors or infiltration with nanoparticles.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Stefan Jacob, Shilpi Pandey, Jaime Del Moral, Atefeh Karimzadeh, Jorge Gil-Rostra, Agustin R. Gonzalez-Elipe, Ana Borras, Andreas Winkler
Summary: This study successfully demonstrates the de-icing functionality of large areas covered with thick layers of glaze ice using nanoscale activation by surface acoustic waves. The method shows potential for practical applications in various industries.
ADVANCED MATERIALS TECHNOLOGIES
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
V. Rico, G. F. Regodon, A. Garcia-Valenzuela, A. M. Alcaide, M. Oliva-Ramirez, T. C. Rojas, R. Alvarez, F. J. Palomares, A. Palmero, A. R. Gonzalez-Elipe
Summary: In this study, a novel methodology of plasma-assisted thin film structuration was proposed by combining piezoelectric AWs and plasmas during the growth of a thin film. SiO2 and SiOx (x<2) thin films were deposited by magnetron sputtering at oblique angles (MS-OAD) on an electro-acoustically excited LiNbO3 piezoelectric substrate under resonant conditions. The resulting films exhibited 2D patterned microstructure with submillimeter size intermingled zones, which replicated the distribution of polarization potential on the AW activated substrate immersed in the plasma. The main mechanism responsible for the appearance of domains with different morphology and chemical composition was found to be the focused impingement of Ar+ plasma ions on certain regions of the substrate. The discussed the general character of this patterning process, the underlying physics, and its possibilities to tailor the composition and microstructure of dielectric thin film materials.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daniel Arcos, Maria Teresa Portoles
Summary: Research on nanomaterials for bone regeneration has made significant progress with the development of bioactive mesoporous nanoparticles (MBNPs). These nanoparticles, consisting of small spherical particles with chemical properties and porous structures, stimulate bone tissue regeneration by mimicking the composition of conventional sol-gel bioactive glasses and possessing high specific surface area and porosity. With their controllable mesoporosity and drug incorporation capabilities, MBNPs have emerged as excellent tools for treating bone defects and related pathologies such as osteoporosis, bone cancer, and infection. The small size of MBNPs allows them to penetrate cells and elicit specific cellular responses that conventional bone grafts cannot. This review comprehensively discusses various aspects of MBNPs, including synthesis strategies, drug delivery behavior, therapeutic ion incorporation, composite formation, specific cellular response, and in vivo studies conducted to date.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Meike Bielfeldt, Kai Budde-Sagert, Nikolai Weis, Maren Buenning, Susanne Staehlke, Julius Zimmermann, Nils Arbeiter, Sahba Mobini, Maria Ujue Gonzalez, Henrike Rebl, Adelinde Uhrmacher, Ursula van Rienen, Barbara Nebe
Summary: This study aimed to distinguish between the electrochemical and electric field effects on osteoblast-like cells. It was found that only direct stimulation enhanced intracellular calcium ions and reactive oxygen species. Detailed characterization and monitoring of the stimulation setup and electrochemical reactions are necessary to ensure safe electrical stimulation protocols.
JOURNAL OF BIOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)