Hair-Reinforced Elastomer Matrix Composites: Formulation, Mechanical Testing, and Advanced Microstructural Characterization.

Epoxy matrix composites reinforced with high-performance fibers, such as carbon, Kevlar, and glass, exhibit excellent specific stiffness and strength in many mechanical applications. However, these composites are disappointingly non-recyclable and are usually disposed of in landfill sites, with no realistic prospect for biodegradation in a reasonable time. In contrast, moldable composites with carbonized elastomeric matrices developed in the last decades possess attractive mechanical properties in final net-shape products and can also be incinerated or recycled.

Autologous bone implant for reconstructive surgery after decompressive craniectomy in children.

Unlabelled: The concept of post-traumatic skull defect closure is based on restoration of anatomical relationships for the maximum possible recovery of brain function, i.e. it is considered as a stage of surgical rehabilitation.

Hydrogel-Inducing Graphene-Oxide-Derived Core-Shell Fiber Composite for Antibacterial Wound Dressing.

The study reveals the polymer-crosslinker interactions and functionality of hydrophilic nanofibers for antibacterial wound coatings. Coaxial electrospinning leverages a drug encapsulation protocol for a core-shell fiber composite with a core derived from polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene glycol with amorphous silica (PVA-PEG-SiO), and a shell originating from polyvinyl alcohol and graphene oxide (PVA-GO). Crosslinking with GO and SiO initiates the hydrogel transition for the fiber composite upon contact with moisture, which aims to optimize the drug release.

Revealing the static and dynamic nanomechanical properties of diatom frustules-Nature's glass lace.

Diatoms are single cell microalgae enclosed in silica exoskeletons (frustules) that provide inspiration for advanced hybrid nanostructure designs mimicking multi-scale porosity to achieve outstanding mechanical and optical properties. Interrogating the structure and properties of diatoms down to nanometer scale leads to breakthrough advances reported here in the nanomechanical characterization of Coscinodiscus oculus-iridis diatom pure silica frustules, as well as of air-dried and wet cells with organic content. Static and dynamic mode Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and in-SEM nanoindentation revealed the peculiarities of diatom response with separate contributions from material nanoscale behavior and membrane deformation of the entire valve.

An In Vivo Rat Study of Bioresorbable Mg-2Zn-2Ga Alloy Implants.

In the present study, pins made from the novel Mg-2Zn-2Ga alloy were installed within the femoral bones of six Wistar rats. The level of bioresorption was assessed after 1, 3, and 6 months by radiography, histology, SEM, and EDX. Significant bioresorption was evident after 3 months, and complete dissolution of the pins occurred at 6 months after the installation.